//------------------------------// // Training // Story: Keys of Harmony // by BioQuillFiction //------------------------------// I woke up in the middle of the night. Something wasn’t feeling right. Something happened. ”Oh Dear it happened again.” Oath said. ”Yup. Well shit.” ‘What’s going on?” I said, shooting straight up much to the groans of the hubbies. ”If we heard right, Trixie, Zeke’s, is now like him. A living X-blade.” ”I know. How exciting!” Oath said. ‘Then why doesnt it feel right. When Zeke became a X-Blade I barely felt it, but it never filled me with so much… dread.’ I said to them, my heart telling me, no, screaming at me that something is wrong. ”Maybe because you didn’t have this much power before? As for why you feel it is bad, I don’t know. We just got word from the grape vines. It’s fascinating, two! Two living X-blades. Never imagined such a thing could happen twice, and so soon from the first.” ‘Well we also never imagined that you two working together for the first time in eons would help forge a different X-Blade.’ I pointed out, still unable to shake the feeling. ”Well whatever the case, we will learn more about it later on.” ‘I guess… I just hope my gut feeling is wrong for once…’ I said before slithering downstairs to make breakfast. ‘You two want to eat or wanna pass?’ ”Pass.” ”Hard Pass. Food is good, but digesting and shitting ain’t worth it.” ‘Fine fine. Heh, You know, I never got to tell you two thank you.’ I thought to them, dancing around the kitchen as I started up cooking a naga styled meal, using some of the offerings as well as the ingredients we already had. ”For?” ‘Being family to me.’ I smiled ‘You two may have been bonded to me outside of your choice, but I have known you two from the moment I could walk on my own. You two are just as much a brother and sister to me as Shining, Spike and Twilight are. Thank you.’ ”Why, thank you Eclipse. But you do forget, Keyblades choose their wielders.” ”Yeah. And we chose you no more nuts. God may have handed us to you, but if we didn’t want you, we would not have appeared.” ‘Thanks you two. I… heh… I almost wish I was a keyblade, just so I wouldn't have to leave you two one day. But hey, this makes our time just the sweeter, and all the more special.’ I sighed in content, humming Simple and Clean as I cooked. When everyone got up, hours later, the food I kept warm with some simple spells and we all ate. The kids went off to school and I got to go with them. Today was my first day of work after- “Hold it!” We all looked up, seeing Cloud Chaser flying above us. “Hey Cloud, Whats up?” I asked with a giggle. “You all have to go back home. Got a late update that Ponyville is late for bringing winter...again. So we’re gonna make a snow storm for the next three days. You got five hours to get what you’ll need before then then lock up your homes. So school’s out foals!” She announced, the kids cheering as they bolted back home, leaving me alone… but...but… this was meant to be my first day... I couldn't stop the small pout and single tear, mood swings hitting hard again . “Awe… on my first day too… I had so much planned…. sniff.” “Oh, thank goodness!” I turned, seeing Cheerilee run up to me. “Eclipsa. I take it you got the news about the three day snow storms?” I sighed, whipping away the tear. “Y-yeah, though it’s affecting me more than it should.” “Heh, yeah. I was surprised when it came out. I figured since it will be a bit longer till you’ll have time to read these.” She said, reaching around in her saddle bags and pulling out some papers. “Some class planners and the District Guidelines for Physical Education classes. You’ll need to read and follow them before teaching. This will at least give you time to plan your first classes.” “Alright… I just hope the first day I had planed fits the guidelines.” I giggled weakly before giving Cheerilee a small hug. “Thanks Cheer.” “You’re welcome. Uh...Eclipsa, did your teats grow?” She asked, face buried between my now bigger knockers… I blushed before pulling her away a bit. “Heh heh… yeah… When Naga shead our tails grow longer as well as grow our height and teats...heh… I did it for two reasons, the first to talk to someone privately, the other to try it out for myself… not like I needed it.” I blushed, hiding behind my lightning blue hair. “Heh, well that definitely works. So, that was all I came over for.” She said, taking my arms off her. “I gotta do some shopping now to prepare.” She said, trotting off. I sighed to myself, deciding to take a small look at the papers as I headed home, knowing that, if Blitz replaced the window properly, the house was already good, and its not like we have a shortage of food. As I headed back I saw Tiara getting swallowed by Scootaloo… eh. Sweetie Belle was watching… classic Spider Man? Cool… why does this TV only pick up old cartoons? Silver Spoon was here two, watching tv with Sweetie Belle as they shared a large bowl of popcorn. I smiled before heading over to the kitchen to fill out and read these papers. I need to know what I can and can not do before I cause any legal problems for Cheer. Ponyville School District Physical Education Guidelines. Under no circumstances can any of the activities to cause physical harm to the foals under the teachers supervision. If harm is to come to a student, the teacher is held responsible and will be given a two week suspension from teaching while they attend required court dates and District required re-evaluation and foal safety classes. P.E. (Physical Education) Classes are to be graded based on three factors. Participation. Performance. And Teamwork. Participation in activities is the most, being a total of 50% of their class grade. Performance is worth 15% of their total grade, unless District mandated activities say otherwise. The remaining 35% falls on their Teamwork ability when in planned activities. “Hmm… Looks like a lot of wards will need to be placed… but how to teach them to fear the pain without pain present…” I muttered to myself, writing notes on the side, one for lesson plans, the other magic structures, runes, and equations of how to complete what plan is coming to mind. As time passed I didn’t even realize what time it was till I felt a nudge, looking down and seeing Pura there. “Hi.” She said sweetly. I smiled, stretching before ruffling her mane. “And Hi to you to.” I chuckled. “What is it Pura?” “You’ve been working for a longtime.” I sighed. “I know hunny. I got a job as a teacher at the school for those who dont have keyblades, so they can learn how to protect themselves just as well as those with keyblades. Guess I sort of got carried away, huh?” I said, smiling as I used my tail to lift her and set her on my lap. “I’ll say.” I saw Scootaloo, closing the fridge as she took an Apple Pie from the fridge. “It’s already ten… in the morning… you worked all night.” She said, slithering back up the stairs, the bulge in her tail told me Tiara was still in there. I blinked. “I… Did?” Pura simply nodded. “The moms-now dads tried a screaming contest last night too. Don’t know why.” She said, hopping off my lap and getting herself some cereal. My eyes went wide. “Do you remember what they were screaming about?” I asked, being careful in my wording. “They weren’t arguing screaming, just more like, loud yelps, like when you stub your hoof into a rock or something.” She said. “I’ll talk to them.” I said, piling up my now full planers and… HOLY CRAP?! Did I just complete an entire arch, world class spell in a single night?! … Huh,Twilight rubbed off on me more than expected… Shaking my head, I headed up to our Bedroom. Upon opening the door I saw… why do they all look like they are in pain? “Alright, what did you lump heads do?” I asked, leaning against the door frame with my arms crossed under my breasts. “... We tried anal together.” They all said at once. “.... and none of you bought Lube, did you?” I chuckled. They didn’t bother answering. I sighed and snapped my fingers, summoning a bottle of Lube and putting it in the drawer with our other toys. “There, for next time you all decided to do something blindly.” I smiled before wrapping myself around them all gently. “Eh, could have been worse.” Blitz said. “So, done with your papers then?” “Heh, mostly. I was kinda going crazy until Pura broke me out of it not long ago.” I chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of my head. “Even made a Archworld class spell for the kids safety while still allowing them to know the dangers of what I am teaching them. “Neat. So, gonna be snowed in for three days… what are we gonna do?” “Well, We could take the kids on a road trip through my realm. I haven't gone around to explore it myself yet, only creating three races before letting life work itself out.” I said. “Hmm… Maybe something less… big.” Star said. “Why not a little game night?” “Sure, its been a while… Besides, I got a message from the authors-I mean one of my family members saying of how the latest Smash Bros is finally out.” I said “The what?” They all asked. I gasped in horror. “The others I could understand but you Star… and you claim to be a gamer… NO MORE!” I shouted. “KIDS! TO THE GAMING ROOM! WE ARE HAVING OURSELVES A FIGHTING GAME TOURNAMENT!” I said before snapping, teleporting all of us in the room to the gaming room as I quickly insta-ordered what the message called a Switch and got the game… sweet, all characters unlocked already if I put on Family night mode. The next nine hours Everyone was playing. Finally sore eyes and hunger made us stop as we took a long needed break...dang, my neck is sore. I went into the bathroom, splashing my face with cold water. That was fun… I dried myself, looking up and double taking… huh, thought I saw someone? Damn, must be the lack of sleep getting to me… one way to check. ‘Did you two see anything through my eyes just now?” ”Nope.” ”I didn’t.” Shrugging, I decided a good nap is what I needed. I was really tired, cause as soon as I hit the pillow I was out cold. My Dream was different. I was human, again. Male, wearing a white shirt, brown shorts and black shoes. I was in Traverse town, right in front of the ‘world exit’ as the game referred those huge doors to. “Weird, haven't dreamed being human in a while… heh, it’s almost strange being male now.” I chuckled before putting my hands in my pockets. “Now, lets see why BIo decided to make me dream about Traverse town.” As I walked around I decided to head into Cid’s shop… I didn’t see Cid… I saw Zeke. He was sitting on one of the couches near the fireplace. “Hey Zeke, long time to see.” I said, smiling as I pulled out a hand to give a small wave. He didn’t show any sign of emotion, but he did speak. “What is it you truly fear?” Weird. “Well, I guess I fear that I won't be there when those I care about need me, or worse, I will be there, but be unable to even make a difference to keep them safe.” I said honestly. No reply, but he did vanish almost like a vine trop… okay… I jumped back the ladder to the moogle shop opening up and dropping. Okay… guess someone or thing wants me to go there. I casually climbed it, chuckling of how I was finding it harder with legs than a tail before glancing around the moogle shop. “Alright, anyone?” Looking around I saw Ben, leaning against the door out. I climbed up and walked over. “Yo Ben, Any idea of what is going on here? Cause I’m getting flashbacks to KH one, the prologue.” “Who do you hate most in your life?” He asked… oh… OH this is like that then… okay... “To be honest, I can't truly find it in me to hate anyone. Life is finite. People make mistakes and everyone, Even Insanity and Psychopaths I would bet, Have a reason to be who they are. We are never born evil, it is how we handle actions that make us so. Besides, why waste energy on hatred when you can love?” He vanished, the doors opening. I walked out and headed out to the next district. On the other side… The Foretellers were there. “Alright, let’s get the next question done with. Ask away kiddos.” I chuckled. “What would you kill a beloved for?” They all asked at once… creepy. “That question depends.” I said, careful with my wording. “However, I would rather give up everything, and fall upon my own blade than kill my own. My family, my people, all those who hold a place in my weak, determined heart have earned their place, and I would gladly die if it meant they wouldn't have to. However… If they have become a danger to themselves and to others…. If I had to and there was no other possible choice… I would put them to rest for THEIR peace, no one else's.” They vanished, and I saw the doors to the Gizmo Shop open up down the way. I ran over, finding...Twilight… Twilight was at the Gizmo place’s doors. “Who do you consider yourself to be?” She asked. I paused… Who am I really? “I guess… I guess I’m just me. I am A glitch, an Anomaly, something that has such a low chance of existing it shouldn't be really possible. I am a lover, a father and soon mother. I am a beloved Deity to those who worship me, as weird as it sounds coming out of my mouth. I am a brother/sister, a son/daughter, I guess You could say I consider myself Gray. I am Everything, because I am Me.” She vanished. I entered. Walking to the exit door on the other side… I was met by Core… “What do you treasure most in life?” He asked. God I feel like a dick hating him way back when. “I treasure all those whom I consider to be a part of my life. You, Unum, Zeke, Ben, My family, Most of Ponyville, My extended family with Cript, Oblivion and Oathkeeper, I would give up all mo power, all my being, everything, If it meant that all them can be free from the fate that they have been tied to. If it meant that they could live THEIR lives instead of lives forced by others. Heh, Hell, if I was erased from existence, even my very memory erased, I wouldn't mind, so long as all of them can live fulfilling lives.” I spoke, my hand hovering over where I know my heart rests. He vanished. I exited, and to my left, I saw John there, leaning against the ladder up. “What do you seek in life?” I chuckled. “If you had asked me that years ago, I would have no answer for you, But now I have one. I seek to make a world where my family can be happy, where we don't have to worry day after day on if my kids will be attacked on their way home from school. One where no one has to fear power, because everyone has it. Where people are the masters of their own fate, gods of destiny be damned.” He vanished. Figuring where I need to go next, I climbed the ladder, and at the top, sitting on the edge were three people… Sora, Riku, and Kairi? “Man, haven't seen you three since the games. Well, lay your deep Psychological question on me explaining my every motive to the puppet master here.” I chuckled. I first walked up to Riku. “Why did you lie?” He asked me. Huh? “Which lie? The lie about me being reborn from a human?” I asked “About hating no one. You hate yourself. Because you were always too late, or not there, trying to get stronger and missing so much. You hate yourself, for not being what you THINK your loved ones wanted. You already were what they needed.” I sighed. “To be fair, I wasn't thinking about myself… a common trend I guess. You’re right. I do hate myself for having too much focus on my training. I hate myself for never being there for my family before recent events forced it. I was always out, helping others and growing stronger, but never spending time with those who made getting stronger important. I may already be what they need, you’re right, but I am striving to be what they DESERVE.” I told him. He smiled, giving me a nod as he summoned Way to Dawn. He then gave me the handle, offering it to me. I looked at him quizzically before reaching down and taking the blade, holding it in my hand as I looked it over. “Always did enjoy the symbolism of your keyblade.” As I finished looking it over, I saw Riku was gone… I looked over at Sora and Kairi. I walked over to Kairi. “Alright Kairi, Lay it on me princess.” I smiled softly. “Could you live on, knowing someone you cared for died for you? Pointlessly in the end?” She asked. I held my free hand, gripping my shirt over my heart. “It would hurt…. Gods, I would be in a funk for who knows how long… however… I would carry on… They would have died so that I can go on. If that is what they died for then it wasn't pointless until I make it so… Besides, If I gave up and took my life after someone did that for me, I would be leaving behind too many, and two graves would have to be dug instead of one. I won't put people I love through that pain, through that hopelessness and despair… what kind of parent would I be if I leave that kind off impression on my kids…” She smiled, taking out her Keyblade, Destiny's Embrace, and gave it to me. I took it in my other hand. “Heh… wish we ever got the chance to see the properties of your keyblade. Rest safe Kairi… If I can, I’ll make sure any with your heart are protected rather than experimented on. Same for your friends.” I said, smiling at her as she faded and vanished. Lastly Sora. I walked over to him. Rather than just standing, I took a seat next to him. “Why… do you exist?” Sora asked. “Heh, why do any of us… but with me?.... I don't know. I mean, I could blame the authors…. But even they have limited control on the world and how it works. I’m a random chance. In all reality I shouldn't exist. My mom said she was steril before she had me, and never had a kid since. I should have died many times as a child and teen, then the one dime I do die, I am reborn as a pony, being the twin that shouldn't exist in any possible reflection. I’m a glitch. There are apparently countless number of me, but I’m the only me born naturally and with my fate in my hands. I wield a X-Blade, I brought back Grey, I even married three of the most caring mates I have ever had the pleasure of being with, let alone having a chance with. I don’t know why I exist… but I’ll be damned if I waste it like I did my last life.” He nodded, smiling as he handed me… a familiar blue ice cream pop. I placed the two keyblades beside me before taking the Sea salt Ice cream. “Thank you Sora… be safe, you deserve it.” He vanished too, leaving his Kingdom Key embedded in the brick of where he sat. I sat there, eating the Ice Cream before getting up, and taking his Kingdom Key also. Once up, I saw someone down out by the fountain/mural where this worlds Keyhole is. “Alright, lets see if you still got it.” I said, activating my flow motion to hop down, the three keyblades following me before landing by the fountain. “So who is it this time?” As I landed… I knew who this was… Kexez… “Good dreams?” He asked. “Alright, you know, for cryptic mind games to learn all you can about a person. So, let's cut to the chase. I don't think you are here for a booty call.” I chuckled “Woah, woah woah!” He said,... out of character for him. “Look, I don’t got a lot of time. Just, listen. Alright?” I sighed. “Fine, what is it. Your acting out of character.” “Actually, I am acting in character. Look, when Kexez awoke from Purgatory, I am the one who greeted the world. I’m the imprint of Zeke’s thoughts and personality on our body. The Kexez you know is… like a new being. He is filled with hatred and wants justice for how Zeke wronged him. At least, that’s how he sees it.” “That's… a little weird. So why tell me. Why set up all this?” I asked, the keyblades still floating beside me. “I didn’t. They did.” He said, pointing at the three Keyblades behind me. “Look, I’m telling you because you were the only one I could locate after I escaped. The Kexez you know rarely let’s himself sleep, cause he knows it’s the only way I can escape his control. Without a soul, at first I was in control because the original mind was missing, so the imprint, me, was used as a replacement. That is, until the bodies natural instincts and functions mixed with our returning Psychopath blood. Then He was made, and quickly took over.” “So, deep in Kexez, there is still Zeke, he just suppressed you?” “Yes. Think of it like Terranort, or when Vanitas was possessing Ventus. It’s why he keeps self experimenting, tormenting his allies, filling his empty insides with darkness. I can’t control our Physical body anymore with all he has done, only our soul can now. This brings me back to why I am here. You know he turned the Trixie our soul is working with into like how we were/are. A living X-blade, right?” “Yeah, felt it and Oath and Oblivion said it… it didn't feel me with anything but dread though.” “And that feeling is right. Kexez is planning on making more like we are, and now Trixie is.” “Why? I mean, he already has some of Zeke’s kids, why make more human X-Blades?” I asked “It’s not about just making them. He doen’t want an army, he wants the power. Not for himself, but for Zeke.” “Why, Zeke hates his power, even if he constantly gains more.” I asked then it clicked. “Zeke is Cript’s reflection… he is ment to house as much power as possible.” “Exactly. Kexez wants to make Zeke powerful enough to-” He stopped talking, the both of us noticing the world was getting darker. “Shit, he found me. Look, don’t let Kexez find our heart! It’s the key to his plan. Now go!” He shouted, pushing me away with a blast of wind as I was suddenly being tossed around in an ocean. ‘Yup, Kh one opening movie vibes now.” I mentally groaned as I tried to look around before swimming up. As I emerged above the water I looked around, finding myself surrounded by water all over. Slowly, I saw a statue begin to rise from the waters… that’s no statue. It was Zeke, bound by chains all over with his hands barely keeping a crown off his head. “NO!” I roared, trying to go over to try and break the chains, or at least help keep the grown away. I… I know that crown. I’ve seen it in my dreams since I was a kid and ever since I created gray again, its become much more common. And all I know, is right know Zeke needs help. “You can fight it Zeke!” I shouted, my eyes flickering, unable to flash….thats a first. I saw the chains tighten. Trying to pull his hands down and make that crown rest atop his head. Zeke was fighting… but it’s a losing battle. The chains, I saw, were being pulled by hands, hands I saw held those small blue dots Zeke’s DT told me mark Nexus… They forced this path on him. Well then… My eyes burst with gray as dived at the hands, the keyblades still flowing around me as I swear, many more started to appear, a army of keyblades around me. “If Zeke’s fate is out of his hands, we’ll cut off the hands of those who hold him! For family!” I said preparing to attack the hands. I know I can't win against Nexus… but I’m not aiming to win, I’m aiming to distract and annoy long enough for the keyblades to free Zeke. As I rushed in, from the water countless arms reached up, wrapped around me and dragging me back under the water. I struggled, shooting off grey everywhere… it did nothing. I reached up, trying to grab at Zeke, but I was too far under… I gasped, waking up… I think… in a white void… Behind me was… a framilier door. “Well now, what do we have here.” That voice… I turned around… Truth... “I don't remember doing Human Alchemy.” I said as I looked at him. “You didn’t. The Nexus binds of fate threw you here, cause you were trying to break them away from their post.” He said, that wide, all teeth smile on his… ‘face’. “Fate… hehehehe.” I started to laugh. “Even the Authors can’t control my fate, as much as Lancerot tries.” It was Truth’s turn to laugh. “Hahaha. Nieve. Authors don’t controle fate, they write what happens, imagination is just the passing energy through the multiverse, and what they ‘see’ and ‘think of’ is all just imprints across the multiverse the brain picks up and thinks it’s it’s own invention. Nothing can be made up when everything is possibility and is in fact reality within another reality.” “Oh that I know. 4th wall is a bitch.” I said, flipping off the monitor typing the words. “Still, I make my own fate, and no being who isn't content with the randomness that is life is ever going to control me.” I said, my eyes turning silver as once again the ethereal wings flowed out of my back. “Heheheheh. And that is why I like you. So let me give you one bit of truth, something free of charge. Hehehehe.” “You? Giving something free?... Honestly I’m the most surprising thing in this...room? Whatever, not that surprised. Lay it on me.” “Heheheheheheh. You will bleed. You will feel agony. You will feel despair. You will taste failure. All for the sake of your friend Zeke to break him from his fated place. Hehehehehe. You can’t save him. Try, and try, and try… his and those like him, are beyond your help. Hehehehehe. That game of chess was won before you were even conceived my friend. Hehehehehe. Disagree all you want… I only speak truth, for it’s what I am.” “Then I’ll make a new game, and this game, all the pieces on my side move for themselves, and forge their own moves. The knight will charge forward, not make an L. The Bishop will keep the soldiers who would normally die alive. The rooks will defend everyone, the king will not be defenceless and the queen will forge her own destiny. I will be the pawn, charging forward so that no one else will have to suffer.” Truth laughed, and laughed. “Pitty. I guess ignorance is bliss after all. Listen well, lord of Grey. By this second Keyblade war’s end, you will learn, everything you do, for the others you so care for, can only go so far.” “If I can’t save Zeke, Then I’ll be there to catch him when he falls. He is family. And I’m sure you've already learned much about family, and not just from a certain pair of brothers.” I said. “Hehehe. Don’t go soft on me yet.” He said, suddenly those black tiny arms wrapped all around me. “I said I’d give you one bit of truth free of charge, and I just told you another. I’ll be taking my payment now.” He said. I began screaming in pain, a blue card like from Castle Oblivion began emerging from my heart. When it came out, it fell to the ground, and one of those tiny hands took it over to Truth, who laughed. “W-What did you take…” I said, feeling everything burning as my eyes started flashing like mad. “I figured you wouldn’t mind much. You don’t even use this name anymore. I took you true name, as far as you, and those connected to you will ever recall, you were always Eclipse. ____ _____ is a different being entirely to you.” He said, laughing as the arms dragged me into the now open door. N-No...NO! I … I looked directly at truth… and smiled at him…. “You know Truth…. You just made a big mistake…. Because I will come for you. Family is everything to me… and You just fucked with their memories…. Tell me…. Ever Dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?” “Hehehehe. Of course. Of course, my Devil made me dance… in their dungeon.” He said, the door closing with me in it. All went black. I woke up, feeling drained. Fuck… how long was I out… Strange… I feel like… I forgot something… Shit, that other Kexez’s warning… fuck where even is Zeke’s heart? I banged my head, trying to remember. It… it was something important… I feel it in my heart that it was important… but why can't I remember. “Gods, of course I would have mindrape dreams.” I groaned… wait, did I dream of rape? Nope, bedsheets clean… good, that’s one kink I don’t think I’d like that much… unless it was role play. I layed there before idly checking my assistant over my stats… wait why under Alias is there a line that is just straight up blank…. Weird…. I shook my head before continuing to abilities. There has got to be something to explain my eye flashes, maybe why Sora, Riku and Kairi wanted to help me out. Why had Kingdom Key, Way to Dawn and Destiny’s Embrace come for me? Why did the topic of fate… always spark a rage inside of me? I shook my head… right now I want to figure out about Zeke’s heart… where is it.. And how to hide it, if it’s the key to Kexez’s plan... “And all while planning a war on a changeling empress, carrying children and a wounded mare, and a planed recon and espionage plan for after my recovery from birth… Stars…. Truth is a bitch.” And why did that bring Insanity to have a silent rage? Too many questions that I’m not sure I want all the answers to. So much going on. I’ll need help, no doubt in my mind about that… I know Cript could help me out in some form or way. But is that cheating? Well, it might help me more if I do it, but will it be riskey? Well, likely. I Sighed and hit him up on my assistant, sending a message. Better the devil you know. He replied, saying he’d be over in a bit. I waited for a bit before he arrived, actually exiting the bathroom door, which was closed. I got a brief peek and I did not see my bathroom through the bathroom door. Rather it looked like a large hallway. He closed the door behind him. “You called?” “Alright, besides a trippy dream where not only was I questioned by all my companions, and Kingdom key, Way to Dawn, and Destiny’s embrace, But something just feels wrong. And to make matters worse, Zeke was able to contact me. We CAN’T let him become whole, not yet.” “Woah. Talk about lighting the candle at both ends. So, what doesn’t feel right then? Anything specific?” “I feel like I can’t remember something, and my assistant as this weird blank space in my aliases for some god knows reason that is driving Insanity into a rage for some reason.” “Ah… Hmm.” Cript said, looking me over, waving a hand over me as I felt him cast some spell over me. “Huh, yeah… I know what happened.” “What was it? The last thing in the dream I remember was fighting these hands that were holding a chained Zeke, trying to force the crown on them when my eyes… their flashing started to go weird. I Don’t know what it means when they flash to begin with but that was just… strange.” “Well, while I can tell you what happened I won’t. Sorry, but this is something you’ll have to remember on your own. As for those hands, that I can tell you about.” “Of course.” I mutter “Alright, what were those hands, and why did the keyblades want me, and what for?” “Those hands were the hands of Fate, specifically the ones Nexus controles. It’s how they make sure their ‘experiments’ turn out how they want them to. I imagine Zeke was covered with them, right?” “Yeah… at first, when I looked at them, a few back off, one even turned to dust, but then they just… so many….” I said, clutching my head as my eyes went haywire again. “What is going on…” “Everyone, well, actually just Most people have a single hand or two of fates to guide them. Typically it’s to ensure specific time-space related events take place, even finding one's true love. Nexus though made their own, and those hands force whoever they are grasping down their path Nexus planned for them. I myself have over thirty seven attached to me. Even though I did break away from what I was destined for, I did still become what I was built to be. All powerful. So the hands that keep that in check, stayed, while the others that would have made me a Nexus Puppet died off when that path was no longer available to me.” “Then what is with my look… and why are my eyes going crazy right now? And what about my hands?” “You don’t have any, well, none that are permanent. You might have had one or two just to ensure things like your marriage and life went along well, but nothing like what I and Zeke have to deal with. As for your eyes, your body is… adjusting. No, not to your pregnancy, to something else but it’s something you have to remember on your own. Certain trama, events, words or even noise might trigger it.” “Of course.” I groaned. “I can’t catch a break… What about Zeke’s heart? We need to keep him from becoming whole, or he will become something he hates, the very thing that Nexus built him for.” “True, but Remember, Zeke and I are reflections. We were built with two goals in mind, first off, becoming all powerful, which I am and Zeke can be. Secondly, we were built to end life, in untold amounts. However, that path is also no longer available to him.” “Still, he will be forced to take the crown if we don’t stop it and find a work around first.” “Hmm… Look, I’m not gonna sit and say you can do it, in fact, I hate the fact I’m gonna say that even if you pull it off, it won’t matter. Zeke would either take the crown soon as Kexez wants him to, or later on of his own volition. He and I are too much alike, if he has too, he’ll take the crown and all that come with it, for the safety of others.” “So… it’s hopeless.. I… I can't accept that… I can't.” I said, taking a seat. “Look, While the fact is, Zeke will take this Crown, what he hates about the power he will get is something he and I have in common. Pure Depression. Something he doesn’t want. He and I take thrills from combat, but taking that power, well, he and I could give a trilling fight, the end result might be… risky just for some excitement. While in the end you can’t stop him from taking the crown, you can keep him positive. Remind him of his family, his kids, you guys, and when this is all over a whole literal infinite world of exploration and I won’t even really know. Imagine SaO met Minecraft then throw in season two into that mix while you are at it.” “That's… kinda crazy.” I admitted “Just my style I suppose.” “That’s my point. You see, a fundamental problem with each race having it’s own world, even multiple races sharing a world, is that despite they share it, they are so fucking self centered. The only times these things didn’t matter was before the world became so complicated. I don’t expect things to change and happen overnight, but I know it will be a step in the right path if the world is made big for all inhabitants, so stupid things like borders, race, ideology and culture become secondary compared to the vast, interesting in fanit world of mystery.” “True… but that won’t stop bad  apples from ruining the paradise you are imagining.” “True, but that’s what the kids, you, your kids, will be doing. This world while amazing and endless will have many evils and bad people in it, so in the early years I imagine Heros will popping up to battle the bad, while Evil can never really be destroyed it can be evened out. Eventually those who are bad will realize that an endless world is just far too big for one person, or even a mass group of them to conquer, so most likely they will end up with their own cities they will rule where someday a hero will come along and end them or it just becomes like any other city.” “I hope it works out…” I sighed. “Anyways, any clue about why Kingdom Key, Way to dawn, and Destiny’s embrace in the forms of Sora, Riku, and Kairi came to me and asked questions?” “It’s a means for them to determine the kind of person you are.” “But… why? What would warrant them coming before me, let alone my friends?” “Those weren’t your friends, just illusions crafted by your heart. You see, there is much more to being a Keyblade Master that has been lost knowledge for far longer than you can imagine. Let’s just call that step one. As for why those three, well, Way to Dawn and Kingdom Key hold close ties to Kingdom Hearts, and Destiny's Embrace is heavily tied to fate. Those three only ever are together if there’s a big tragedy in your future… well then that explains it I guess.” “.....Well fuck me sideways.” I groaned. “At least they had the courtesy to befriend me before I got this news.” “Yeah… Well then, since you need the help and have little means to do what you need to do, care for some of my own self made life hacks?” “Sure, why not?” I sighed “All this stress can’t be good for the kids.” “Perfect. Now, first off I’ll be giving you an ability I gave to Ben already. He’s made great use of it. Starfish Clones.” “So… Judging from the name… cut a piece off and it makes a clone?” “Yes. The higher rank you make it, the less DNA is needed. I’ll be giving you the Maxed version so you don’t have to lose and regrow a limb, just drip some blood.” Cript said, holding out a hand for me. With a tired sigh i took his hand, knowing the feeling to come  with the transfer of ability. Thankfully it didn’t hurt, but did leave my arm numb for a bit. “The Starfish clones are Omnipresent with you. This means everything they do, see, say, and experience you govern, remember, and feel as they did. You can also basically take full control of them since they are you and you all share the same mind regardless. Anything you can do, they will also be able to do.” “Please tell me they wont be pregnant as well..” I said, not wanting clones of nine kids. “No, that’s all in/on you. I will be making you two clones. One you will be in control of and come with me for special training and work, you. Or your primary/pregnant body will stay here, enjoy housewife stuff and such, and the second copy will World Travel, gain experiences and such you don’t have. Normally I’d make one's for all your… spouses but given you don’t want more kids at the moment you’ll stay here while also piloting your copies who will be training, their bodies while expendable you will still feel the pain, so be careful, you can cut your connection to them if needed to not feel what they do, just in case they are gonna.. Kick the bucket painfully. Since they won’t be bearing kids or keeping a damaged mare safe within them, you don’t have to worry too much about unleashing.” I nodded before pricking my finger and trying to make three clones, trying to focus on the ability. The drop of blood that came out split into two, and they hit the floor, and from them grew two of me. “Good. Welp, send one off, the other trains with me. This will also give you an edge for when something comes up and now, you can send the one out and traveling to deal with it.” “Actually I was going to have one monitor and perform my active duties as a god while the other goes with you, leaving me to focus on my personal life.” I said, the other two nodding along… creepy. “Well that works too. If something comes up tell me with the copy so I can send them off then get them back after, kay?” “Got it… and you’re going to use that one to be used for your sabotage mission, aren't you?” I asked. “No, training. You’ll be facing a very evil Keyblade Master, you wanna win, right?” “Well duh.” I said. “I don't want to lose and end up leaving my family behind.” “Then no time for Suicide missions. Come on, your hell begins now.” Cript said, opening up a portal that a clone of mine followed. Poor sod… me…. Whatever. I turned to the other me. “You know what to do… and try not to break the fourth wall too much around them. Don't want them all to break.” “I’m you. No promises.” I told myself, opening up a Grey portal and entering it. “And yet I know they would say that, damn it I’ve gotted predictable.” I groaned. My clone, er, me? Wow, feels like I am here, but I’m also home… and in my realm… woah this is metta as all fuck. “Focus.” Cript said, gaining my attention. We were in a desert. “You ready?” “Yeah, just getting used to focusing on multiple perceptions at once.” I replied. “It will all become second nature to you in no time. Now, first order of business. I need you to summon Oath and Oblivion for me.” I nodded and summoned the two “You two ready for some training?” “Now then, first things first. You’ve summoned Oath and Oblivion for a large portion of your life, right?” “Well yeah. From the moment my magic was strong enough to hold them I’ve had them and been using them. They are like family to me.”I replied. “Right, but have you use them properly?” “I couldn’t tell you. I’ve used them to play off their respective strengths, and combining them to create one solid unit, but other than that I have no clue.” “You know what they can do together, on the surface. To understand them truly, you have to use one or the other only at a time. Your fighting style is solely based on dual wielder, but in your up and coming fight you can only use Oath, so you’ll be at a disadvantage.” “Yeah, yeah you’re right as usual.” I sighed, looking down at my two lifetime companions. “Since Oath is who you will be fighting with, use her first.” Cript said, summoning his Soulblade/Keyblade. “Come at me. I’ll just be blocking, not countering. You’ll need to learn what stance of single blade fighting suits you.” I nodded, unsummoning Oblivion before trying different grip styles, trying to find one that feels comfortable. I ended up trying out a one handed style, though it felt weird not having another blade in my free hand. “Now then, try and strike.” I nodded before swinging oath as I would normally because fuck muscle memory. Cript blocked with ease. “Remember, one handed. You’ll have to retrain your body so it doesn't immediately follow muscle memory.” I groaned and nodded. “This is going to be a bitch and a half, isnt it?” “Yup.” Cript said, blocking another strike of mine. “If it helps, hold Oath with both hands, you’ll deliver more power in your swings and it should help transition you if you have it in both hands then.” I looked at Oath long and hard before getting and idea, and grinning. “Oh I think i have a plan of how to do it now. And the best part? So crazy it just might work.” I said before tossing oath up and catching her in my tail, the tip wrapping tightly around the handle as my dominate hand summoned the shield Momma Gleaming gave me. “Why break my muscle memory when I can just make a new one?” “Eh, whatever helps.” Crips said, preparing to block. “Just remember, it’s up to you what you want to learn.” I nodded before preparing and attempting to do a swift uppercut strike with oath before following through with another downward strike. Cript blocked the Uppercut, and when I tried to hit with my shield he moved, making me hit my own tail… OUCH!!!! “Damn, gonna be one of those training sessions.” I mumbled to myself. “Remember, this is to teach you how to one handed/one weapon fight. Stray from what I’m trying to teach and you will be suffering more than you have to.” I took a breath and nodded, getting into my self made stance again, my shield ready to block or strike as needed and my now bladed tail ready to crack like a whip. “Not going to learn if we talk all day.” Sighing, Cript raised his blade. I raised my shield and… collapsed. A deep, long pain went from my neck to the tip of my tail. When I looked… I was almost sliced open, a deep cut going from just below my neck to the end of my tail. “I told you, don’t stray.” Cript said, walking up to me. He kicked me on my back, placing the tip of his Keyblade to my neck as he kneeled down, applying pressure. “You’ll be training with only a Keyblade. No shields, no trying your own style. Maybe your military could never break you, but if you don’t obey what I am teaching, I’ll break you, both mentally, and Physically.” He said, the look in his eyes… terrified me. I’ve never seen him like this… serious… I hid my fear, but still unsummoned the shield and held oath in my hand. “Fine fine, Don’t want the backlash to affect the other clones and in turn affect the kids.” I said, playing it off despite Oath feeling my fear. “Don’t bother playing tough. You forget, I’m in control of my Psychopath blood. I can feel you fear. It’s understandably deep right now. I don’t like being tough, but if you don’t take what I’m teaching you as serious as I am, I can guarantee you, you’ll lose this coming fight, and war. Not all your Grey could even save you. Understood?” “Fine… But if I’m going to train like this, should I also hone my Insanity? I haven't even tapped into it beyond the fourth wall since I tamed it. Or should that wait for later?” “In time. For now, the basics.” Cript said, taking his Keyblade off my neck as the pain vanished. Looking again… the wound was gone. “As punishment, ten shouldn't cross slashes, both hands on Oath, and you’re just hitting the air.” I sighed and griped Oath with two hands. It felt… wrong. Like I was bastardizing the style that made me me… but I can’t complain really. Cript is teaching me something that I would have never had the chance to learn, something I need to know if I want to take down that bitch who tormented Chisy and Oblivion. So I began my cross slashes, knowing I’m not doing them fully right but trying again and again. By the time it was over, two full days had passed, at least I think. Two days back home anyway, sun here never set at all. When I finished I dropped Oath and fell. Crap, I’m more sore than I imagined. “Up and atem Eclipse.” Cript said. He watched me the whole time. I grunted and forced myself up. I found out about halfway through I was unconsciously boosting myself and sealed off all powers boosting me from this clone. And had been forced to restart from the beginning…. fun. “Now, raise your dominant hand.” “Well.. I’m ambidextrous… sooo.” I said, raising my right hand. “Good, that makes this easier.” Cript said, snapping his fingers as I changed… I was a pony again. Male too, given the,er, feel I was missing for a while already. “You, born as a unicorn relies heavily on your magic to swing and block, but you might not have that option. For this exercise, you’ll be in your pony form to start. Take Oath in your teeth, and you’ll practice attacking with it in your teeths grip.” I sighed. “I promise to clean you later Oath.” I said before using my tail to place and hold her in my mouth. “Now, this will make your neck sore, more so than your arms since these will be muscles you’ve never used. To start, fifteen basic swings across.” I nodded and started to swing and- OH FUCKING GOD! This… is gonna suck. “Wow… not even one and you had a cramp. Come on, your Aj does three hundred before she breaks a sweat. You wanna have her gloat on you for that?” I sent him a glare before calming myself, Insanity being one thing I couldn't suppress its making me more agitated. Once I had calmed down I started again, ignoring the cramp, simply gripping Oath harder through the pain. When the fifteen were done my head was bobbing like a bobble head. “Good. Fifteen more.” I continued, keeping my Insanity under wraps through keeping in mind why I am doing this, keeping the goal in mind. “Good.” Cript said when I finished the other- Yeah! Oath got… heavy. I looked, and Cript hung a twenty pound weight to her tip by a rope. “Fifteen more.” Fan fucking tastic. I Grunted and continued, the extra weight making the attacks slower and the recovery from said attack harder. “Keep going.” I continued, and continued for I don’t know how long. Let me tell you, being a normal unicorn again, with none of my natural or given powers enhancing me…. It sucks. I remember flowing on the battlefield, now here i was struggling to swing a barely weighted keyblade. “Stop.” Cript said, and I did. “Now, change direction, wide swing leading to an upward cut. Go.” I grunted in acknowledgment before listening, the insanity trying to talk ’Master, heh, come on. You never play with me any more. And now here you are, un able to be rid of me, but refusing to use the tool at your disposal.’ ‘Shut up. I need to do this.’ ’Oh now where was it I heard that before… oh right! When you abandoned your family for your training’ ‘I haven't abandoned them, I’m still with them right now.’ ’Yet you continue to work, and try, but not go full out… oh come one master… you can't keep a animal caged forever~’ ‘I’ll find a way if you don't shut up.’ I mentally growled, my eyes fierce as I took my swings. “Arguing?” Cript asked. “You could say that.” I said through the grip as I kept up my swings. “Always have that much trouble?” “Nope. Sealed everything so I am actually training, not relying on powers. Notices weakness. Trying to be tempting.” I said, keeping it short and simple so to focus more on training. “So oblivious aren’t you.” Cript said, walking over in front of me and kneeling down to my eye level. “Eclipse, through all your training, through all your past, what is the one, single thing you are doing here, you never did before?” “Be uptight and serious?” I said, thinking back. “Close. You’re taking orders for a superior.” He stated. “You never learned DIscipline, and as such, deprived yourself of the ability to learn to control your Insanity, your power levels, and your effectiveness in combat. Your strong, your tactical, but you lack discipline. If you can’t control your own actions and learn to obey, how can you hope to control those demons inside you?” “I did fine before now. Hell, I was able to collar Insanity, and while not nearly as potent as Psychopath, it is basically a little brother looking for recognition, through any means possible.” “Yes, but if you had the discipline you still lack, you wouldn't have to collar it back into submission, it would listen to you, obey you. Until you yourself learn discipline, you can never utilize that power. While dark, it has its benefits.” I sighed. “How? You are literally the only being I can take seriously… hell I bet even if fucking Nexus was in front of me, I’d laugh in their face just in spite of them. Even when Zeke becomes almighty, I still won't take him 100 % seriously. You are the only one that can do that to me, make it so I ditch the jokes and realize its game time.” “Yes. But there inlies the issue. You can’t take anyone seriously, save for me. Know why that is?” “Because I’m a powerful 4th wall breaker that honestly before and even during the beginning of my rebirth didn't really care?” I guessed “And why did you never care?” “Because In my past life, nothing gave me a reason to. I was just a drone, maybe even less than that, and in this life, it was Twilight that made me start to care, but by then I was already so powerful that I was bored. How many ten year olds do you know can take out an entire army of guards alone, who aren't a part of your or Zeke’s family?” Sighing, Cript snatched Oath from me, and swing it, the blade missing me, but the weight slamming my jaw broken. I hit the floor. “You never cared because you never gave yourself a reason to care. Think Eclipse, how many like you were there in that Orphanage when you left? How many moved around through the forstercare systems, put into the care of irresponsible people only in it for the money? You know that suffering, and yet what did you do? Nothing. You kept to yourself, you had choices! You had chances to help them time, and time again and you did nothing, by choice! All because of your past, losing your mother. You were not the only one in those homes who lost your mother, you knew that, but you did not care. Why? Because you were Selfish! “And when the Mayan event came and your God took you away, you got the family you never had, and what did you do? You learned to care, for them only! You saw it in Canterlot, but you still did nothing! You were given a second chance at childhood and life, and you wasted it, keeping your selfish mentality. When you came out with your powers, what did you do? You devoted yourself to being you sisters Body Guard, when you should have been better honing your skills, taking out the real threats you KNEW existed, but you didn’t care. And when REAL danger came it way, what happened? You got your ass kicked over, and over, and OVER! And when you finally stopped keeping your head up your ass only recently, then did you finally achieve victories. You never gave yourself a greater purpose. Well let me tell you Eclipse, do you know how many times when I lost my ability to die I tried! I began fighting just to hope I’d die! But when I met Lyra, when I learned to love, I learned I wanted to fight to protect. To save. Not just her, not just those I cared for, but for everyone. Strangers, random people. Background, creed, color, whatever does not matter. I wanted to save them all, even the bad guys, and damn it I did! I carry the weight of every living thing in Creation on my shoulders Eclipse, how many do you claim to carry?! Now are you gonna lay there and wallow in your own missed opportunities and potential, or are you gonna take Oath from me, and man up, and fight for EVERYONE.” He finished, raising Oath at me. I looked up to him. “You can’t save everyone.” But then I grinned despite my broken jaw and wounded pride, my eye flashing as I heard a distant, faint scream. “But we can damn well try.” I said, taking the blade. Cript smiled at me, that look… I’d never seen it before, but I knew what it was… Pride. “And even those who have fallen, I’ve brought them home. Save everyone, even the dead. That is my moto. Now then, are you a renegade, or a soldier!” I chuckled, my eyes flashing again. “Why not both?” Cript laughed. “Now that’s what I want to hear. Are you a ready to relearn, everything you thought you knew about yourself? Learn to hate yourself so much, you want to hang yourself before you even start rebuilding yourself?” “Well, you are your own worst enemy after all. Besides, I’ve prided myself in my adaptability. And sometimes, to adapt, you must ditch, everything.” One, last bright flash before my eyes straight up glowed, hundreds of faint screams filling my ears. “I am ready, if you are willing to guide me.” “I am. And when we are done here, you won’t need a leash for you Insanity, you’ll be ordering it, and it will listen without hesitation. You ready?” “Heh, I think we both know I was created ready, weak, fragile heart be damned.” I said, allowing my heart to shine with its gray before sealing it back up. “Heh, we’ll see how long it takes before you opinion on that changes.”