//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 - The Savior Explains. // Story: Embrace your Destiny // by Ocelot the Devil //------------------------------// “I’ll be sure to pick you up at eight… stay out of trouble, kay? Love you, Mi--!” “My, my – I never thought that I would see a cosplay of Kairi at a Kingdom Hearts convention – it’s so rare to see one… usually we mostly see a Sora or Riku one… but you being Kairi is a first, young lady…” “Indeed it is – a complete replica of Destiny’s Embrace – I guarantee you that your eyes don’t lie… and the best part is very cheap – only for 5 dollars. Do you wish to wield it?” “Pleasure doing business, young miss! Enjoy your purchase… it definitely is worth it.” “Miss, are you alright?” “Someone get a doctor! We have a fallen girl!” “Miss!” “MISS! WAKE UP!” “MISS! MISS!” “WAKE UP!!!” “WAKE UP!!!” “WAKE UP!!!!!!” My eyes snapped opened completely as I sat up with sweat covering my entire face. Wiping it away, I took a look around and realized that I was in somekind of house – a cottage maybe? Weird… How did I get here and whose voices were those? Rubbing the back of my head, I wondered what the hell was- Now I remember… I woke up in somekind of forest, wooden-like wolf creatures attempted to attack only to be stopped by a mysterious yellow pegasus… and then I ended up being unconscious. Alright, so we’ve solved the mystery of what happened… yet more questions remain in my mind – where am I and whose voices were those? From the looks of things, the pegasus or anyone could have brought me to this house (might be hers) – who knows? Now for the voices… who exactly where they and why did they seem so familiar? I know I’ve heard them before but… I can’t really remember where… my memories are still on the fritz. Hmmm… I wonder if there’s anything around to make me remember even though it’s a one to a million chance. Standing up more and removing the blanket that was covering my body on a couch that I was resting (make a mental note to thank whoever cover me after bringing me), I got off and stretched myself… right, now let’s see where I am exactly. Walking around, I began to see that this placed look like something resembling a pet veterinarian or a zoo (mainly due to me seeing birdhouses and mouseholes) – what a strange way for someone to be living like this… must be an animal lover or something. Won’t complain though… From the looks of things, there was ordinary furniture like a fireplace or bookcase but like I said – no complains whatsoever. I had to admit – it was unique. Combining an animal-like habitat with an ordinary house-like was very interesting… wonder if I should do anything like that one day if I get my very own house. I continued to look around for anything out of the ordinary but there was nothing suspicious – books sitting on the cases and not being read; fireplace being calm without any fire whatsoever; pillows resting on different sofas; seeing somekind of red-head in the mirror in front of me; the blanket lying on- Wait… what did I just see!? I rushed over to the mirror and immediately gasped when I saw a reflection of a red-haired teen staring at me. Turning around, I tried searching for her but there was no sign… Weird. Staring at the mirror once again, I made some poses with my hand and to my surprise the reflection did the same… then I came to a shocking discovery: “T-that’s my reflection!” I stated with shock in my voice as I touched my hair and cheeks to confirm – my reflection in the mirror did the same! What was going exactly… and why do I look like someone that seems very familiar to me for some reason? I think I know this girl… but where have I seen her? Hmmm… from the looks of things, my hair was very long with bangs while the color was dark red (auburn, if I’m not mistaken) while my eyes were blue and skin was a pale complexion – honest truth, I feel like play doll yet I won’t judge. As for clothes, they were all pink… pink like a doll: A pink strapless mini-dress made up of three zippers as well as a white halter top underneath with a black hood. The three bracelets that I saw on my left wrist were still there along with a black belt reminiscent of suspenders with a notebook shaped bag attachment and lilac sneakers. Around my neck, I wore a simple necklace with a silver bead – I had to admit that it was a beautiful piece of jewelry… which looked familiar. Not just that, this entire person looked familiar to me. But where…? Is anyone even remotely gonna attempt to help me? “Oh, my! You’re awake, thank goodness!” A familiar voice startled as I jumped up in the air before hiding behind a sofa – when did someone get in here and why didn’t I sense them? “No, no, no! Don’t hide please! I wasn’t trying to scare you – I just wanted to check up and see how you were doing! Please don’t hide… I won’t hurt you.” The familiar voice reassured me yet I felt like not coming out – what if it did something that would hurt me? I stayed behind the sofa for a few more seconds as the voice spoke once more. “Please… I won’t hurt you. I just want to make sure you’re okay… can you come out please? I just need to see if you aren’t hurt or anything like that.” Although, I still had no idea who the voice belonged – it felt so sweet… and motherly. Against my better judgement, I decided to trust it… but was still on guard in case anything bad happened. Raising my head slowly, I spotted the source of the voice which turned out to be the exact same yellow-colored pegasus that saved me from those wooden-like wolves. I arose completely from behind the couch but remained on the offensive – just because the voice was that of a caring mother didn’t mean that I shouldn’t be suspicious. Like the old saying goes ‘never judge a book by its cover’… yet I shouldn’t act rude towards my savior: “H-hello.” I said with a shy tone as I walked away from the couch and closer to her. In the meantime, she just made a small gasp and flapped her wings – she then flew close to much to my surprise. How did she do that? “Oh, you poor thing! You are still scared after those bad mean Timberwolves attacked you for no reason… but don’t worry. I’m here and I’ll make sure you’re healed up to full health.” She assured before hugging me completely which made me feel somewhat embarrassed and weirded out. From her tone, it seems like she was acting like a ‘mom’ towards me even though at this point I kinda of felt embarrassed. A lot if I’m being honest right… I wasn’t that hurt… only just surprised at my situation and my savior especially. I pulled her gently away from me. “It’s alright, I’m not really in any danger or that heavily injured. I’m fine… don’t worry.” She was continuing to fly in the air due to her pegasus nature but still had a worried face. “O-oh… are you sure? I should still check up to make you are feeling okay.” She told me. This pegasus really has the personality of a caring mother – still if it will get her to drop this feeling of insecurity… “Well… alright. I guess it couldn’t hurt… ummm…?” I just realized that I haven’t gotten her name yet. Ugh, I’m such an idiot… “Oh… oh, my – I never got around to introduce… I can be so forgetful sometimes. My name is… F-fluttershy.” She introduced her with a hint of shyness in her tone. Guess she does live up to her name… so innocent yet shy. But close to a caring mother… in a way, it was cute to hear what Fluttershy’s name is. “Nice to meet you, Fluttershy… I’m… ummm… umm…” Great, I still can’t remember what my name is. “Oh, you don’t know what your name is?” Fluttershy asked me as I sighed heavily and responded. “Seems so… I can’t really remember anything before I woke up in that forest earlier.” “Oh, my! That’s terrible… I’m so sorry…” She apologized even though I didn’t blame her at all since it wasn’t her fault that I couldn’t remember my name. Looking down in sadness, I immediately panicked and grinned awkwardly. “No, no, no! It’s not your fault! Don’t be sad… please.” I pleaded but she still look sad. Poor thing… no wonder that Fluttershy has a name so related to shyness… plus she’s extremely caring in that mother-like way… reminds me a lot about my mother… if I can remember a damn thing before waking up in the forest… speaking of that… “Say, Fluttershy… if you don’t mind terribly, would you please answer a couple of my questions?” I asked her. Raising her head slowly, she nodded but with the look of worry still there. “Of course. I don’t mind – anything to help you in this situation. Please, have a seat on my couch.” She offered me as I nodded and sat down on one of the couches. Flapping her wings, she flew a little bit and sat right next to me. “So, what would you like to know?” She asked. First things first, a location. “Fluttershy, can you please tell me where am I and the name of the forest that you found me?” “Oh, course – it’s called the Everfree Forest. But the land you are in right now is called Equestria… we’re very close to Ponyville.” She explained. My mind immediately blocked as I began to process the words that were told to me… let’s see if I get this right: “So… basically I’m here in this ‘Equestria’ which has a town called ‘Ponyville’ and its population is…?” I didn’t need to finish since Fluttershy nodded her head immediately and answered instead of me. “Yes. The population is made of ponies – pegasus, unicorn and earth ponies.” Oh, boy… keeps getting better and better… hopefully the populace is just like dear sweet Fluttershy. At least I found myself in a land filled with ponies so I can count my blessings for that. Alright, let’s see what else we can learn about the ponies living here… “Alright, location and the name of the forest you found me are memorized in my head… now can you please explain more about the local populace?” I asked with a curious expression since I wanted to know more about the place I’m in right now. “Of course… let’s start with the pegasi…” She began to explain to me everything there was to know about the ponies and I immediately memorized the following details: - Pegasi had the ability to control the weather, fly and walk on clouds. Some are considered to be very fast; - Earth ponies can be considered as workers of sorts – mostly trading, farming, etc.; - Unicorns are very important in the land of Equestria – they have the ability to use magic (manipulate objects and whatnot). “…and that covers everything there is to know about the local populace. Did you understand?” She asked me after explaining everything – one word could describe my entire being: impressed. “I think so… so to recap: This is Equestria and the forest you found me is called Everfree. The populace is made of three races which are pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies – all three have their special traits.” Upon explaining it yet again, Fluttershy nodded gently. “Yep. You’ve got it… of course, not everyone in our land cherishes peace and harmony… whenever a person with bad intentions attempts to disturb the ordinary lifestyle in Equestria it falls to myself and my friends to stop him/her – mainly with the Elements of Harmony.” She explained as my mind blocked once again. “Ummm… I’m sorry… the Elements of Harmony? What are those exact?” I asked with the curious trait still there inside me. “The Elements of Harmony are the very artifacts that keep Equestria safe and alive… without them, chaos would arise and who knows what kind of bad guys might threaten the ordinary lives of every pony. I’m one of the ponies that bears an Element of Harmony – Kindness.” She explained as I became impressed a lot. So, the Elements of Harmony are labeled as somekind of peacekeeping weapons that ensure that peace around these parts go on without any disturbing whatsoever… make a mental note to study more on these ‘Elements’ and keep them from falling into the wrong hands. “Memorized everything so far… but you mentioned other friends that also bear other elements, right? Who are they?” I asked as Fluttershy was ready to answer yet again: “My other friends Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rarity – they represent Magic, Loyalty, Generosity, Honestly and Laughter. Also, I forgot to mention that the Elements are non-lethal and the effects are temporary… but we only use them when someone with bad intentions attempt to disrupt the peace in Equestria. The result is banishment or imprisonment.” She explained. The end result is banishment or imprisonment, huh? Well, at least they aren’t non-lethal… plus only used on people that are bad guys or have chaotic intentions. I’ve memorized the details… everything about the elements. Might have to meet the ponies that embody the rest of the artifacts though… if Fluttershy introduces me sooner or later. “So far, I’ve memorized everything… by the way, about those wooden-like wolves that attempted to do me harm… you called them Timberwolves?” I asked as Fluttershy nodded. “Yes… you are extremely lucky that it was only Timberwolves… if it were any creatures such as a Manticore or Hydra… it would be very bad for you.” She told me but I was confused and a little scared at the creatures she mentioned – what the hell was a Manticore or Hydra? “Ummm… what’s a Hydra or a Manticore?” I asked even though the answer was going to be something that I didn’t want to hear. Fluttershy’s face turned into one of worry as she looked away. “Well, I don’t want to alarm or scare you… but let’s just say that you should really be careful when dealing with a manticore or hydra… both creatures are dangerous if you don’t have an expert to subdue them. In fact, the entire Everfree Forest is filled with creatures you don’t want to be dealing with. Trust me on this…” She told me as I slowly nodded with an uneasy look on my face. “I see… I haven’t really run into any other creatures besides those Timberwolves… but I’ll be extremely careful. Thanks for the warning…” I thanked her as she smiled gently. “Don’t mention it. So, any luck in recovering some of your memories? Anything at all…?” She asked me as I closed my eyes and attempted to think – yet there was nothing… I still couldn’t remember a damn thing. Along with my name and where I can from… The attempting was giving me a headache so I sighed in frustration and rubbed the bridge of my nose. “Nothing, Fluttershy… my memory state is as empty as finished cup.” I explained as Fluttershy rubbed her… hoof? Guess its understandable since she is a pegasus after all. “Hmmm…” The pegasus spoke as she no doubting starting thinking of any good idea for solving the memory situation. A good couple of seconds later along with being quiet and she spoke once more: “Before I came to check up on your, do you remember anything in particular? Like early memories or thoughts…?” Fluttershy had actually suggested a good idea – hmmm… now that she mentions it… “Hmm… I do remember that before I woke up a while ago – I heard a couple of voices in my head: a mysterious woman saying that she’ll pick me up later; a merchant complimenting a costume at some kind of convention; me buying a copy of a toy weapon or something called ‘Destiny’s Embrace’; people yelling at me to wake up…” I explained it to her as Fluttershy went ‘hmm’ once again and became silent. This silence went on for another couple of seconds until my yellow-colored friend spoke once more: “You mentioned buying a toy weapon or something called ‘Destiny’s Embrace’ along with a merchant… you no doubt bought it from him/her… this particular merchant also complimented a costume that you wore… what kind of costume was it exactly?” Fluttershy asked me as I scratched my head and tried to think – hmmm… what kind was it exactly? This form I’ve taken… it looks familiar… but where- “Oh, wait! I remember something else – when he complimented this costume, he told me that it was a well-made cosplay of a girl called… K-kai-something… Ummm…” I stopped speaking as I concentrated in order to guess the name. “Don’t rush, please… take your time.” She assured me as I thankfully nodded for her kind and patient nature. Hmm… Kai-something… Kaichi… nah… Kaity… nope… Kaizi… nada… Kairi? Yeah, that’s it! That’s the name! “Got it… he told me that my well-made cosplay was related to a girl called Kairi… strange thing is that the name feels very familiar to me. Can’t quite put my finger on it though…” I told Fluttershy who just sat there and nodded. “Hmmm… maybe this character that you ‘cosplayed’ as is related to something famous?” Fluttershy suggested as I nodded. “It’s a possibility…” I agreed her – now that I think about it, the name ‘Kairi’ is definitely related to something famous… but why can’t I remember? “Hmmm… say, if the name ‘Kairi’ is stored away in your memories… maybe that’s the name you were born with?” Fluttershy suggested as I crossed my arms and sighed once more. “Truth be told, I don’t have a clue as to why my memories are on the fritz… so in a sense you might have a point – maybe my name is Kairi.” I half-agreed with her theory. “Here’s my suggestion – until you get your memory back along with your true name, why not stick with Kairi? For some reason, the name fits you.” She complimented as I chuckled a little bit. “Dunno… with these clothes, I kind of look like a doll.” I told her but she shook her head and smiled gently. “That’s not true… you don’t like a doll. If anything, you are your own person.” “I guess… thanks Fluttershy.” I thanked her just as my stomach began to growl – when was the last time I had some food? Smiling sheepishly to Fluttershy, I apologized to her. “Sorry…” In response to that, she shook her head: “No need to apologize… I just realized that I never offered you anything to eat. I’m so sorry.” Fluttershy apologized but I raised a hand for her to hold her words. “Don’t worry about it… you don’t mind if I join you, right?” I asked her as she nodded with a smile. “I don’t mind the company. Although, I have to find something that’s safe and edible for you… say, Kairi – what exactly are you? You aren’t a pony… and definitely not a gorilla… No offense.” She apologized. “None taken… I’m a human. It’s very close to a gorilla – the correct term though is ape. Less hair on my body and a lack of craving for bugs. Fruit though… I like.” I explained to my savior who has a look of confusion on her face. “A… human? I’ve never heard or seen that kind of race on Equestria before… O-oh my! You’re like an alien!” She came to the realization before she gasped in shock. I was thinking that she might get scared and then have a heart attack or something so I had to act fast before it was too late. “Somewhat like an alien… but I’m not hostile though! Promise!” I assured her. Her shock was gone as she quickly calmed down and smiled gently. “I know you aren’t. So far you’ve been acting like a kind person… plus, as a close friend of mine said: Never judge a book by its cover.” Fluttershy replied. I nodded at the saying. “Yep… so, shall we-” I stopped speaking as I felt someone jumping up-and-down on my sneakers. Looking down, I saw a small white rabbit glaring at me. What exactly did I do to this little guy? “Angel!” Fluttershy who developed a stern look glared at the little rabbit who was sitting on my sneakers. “Don’t be rude! She’s our guest… can you please not act rude towards her?” She pleaded as the rabbit jumped off my sneaker and climbed onto the table. He examined very close with a serious expression on his face as I looked at Fluttershy with a confused look. “Is this normal for your rabbit?” I asked my savior who just shrugged. Said rabbit was finished examining me before jumping away to who-knows-where. “Was… he examining me to determine if I’m hostile or something?” I questioned my savior – wasn’t mad or anything. Just confused. “Somewhat… Angel is very protective towards me and has this amazing ability of detecting who has good or bad intentions… though at times it can be a little frustrating. Hope you aren’t that mad at him.” I shook my head in response to that sentence. “Nope… just confused.” I answered. At this time, my stomach growled and I sheepishly smiled once more. “Sorry…” “Oh, I never forgot! We should get something to eat – come on, the kitchen is close by.” She told me after getting off the couch. “Right behind you.” I replied as I got off and followed suit. Hopefully a nice meal would be able to help me remember where I came from and how I ended up in Equestria. Plus, who knows… Maybe this little journey won’t be so bad after all… I guess I should just ‘expect the unexpected’. Still, better keep a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary… Fluttershy might be a kind and caring pony but it doesn’t mean that the rest of Equestria might not be hostile towards me or my future actions. Like the old saying goes: Never judge a book by its cover – We’ll see what happens… (Meanwhile…) “Oh, indeed you will ‘Kairi’ – we will definitely see what your actions in Equestria will be… I look forward to our first meeting Kairi or should I say… Mina.” The figure that spoke these words were a young female that was wearing a mysterious darkish red-purple bodysuit while their entire face was covered by a biker-like helmet with a black visor. The female was currently sitting on a throne somewhere hold up in cave deep within the mountains and was watching Fluttershy and Kairi on somekind of mirror projector. The masked female chuckled as she got from the throne and shut off the projector. Soon, she snapped her fingers as several ant-like creatures arose from the ground – its antennas on their heads twitched whilst their cold yellow eyes held nothing but a search for their preys. Said figure chuckled once more as she took another look at the deactivated mirror. “And now… let the games begins. Let’s see how precious little cosplayer Mina handles a bunch of familiar enemies from her favorite game as Kairi…”