Embrace your Destiny

by Ocelot the Devil

Chapter 7 - Interview with the Element of Magic

“How do you feel this morning, Kairi?” Fluttershy inquired in a motherly tone while enjoying a nice healthy breakfast alongside me.

After taking a bite from the freshly warm slice of apple pie that was displayed on my plate along with drinking a glass of milk, I answered her question. “Pretty good so far, Fluttershy. That party made me so tired last night. Glad that’s over…”

Fluttershy nodded. “Yes, I agree... Did you find the party to your liking, by the way?” she asked me with a curious look.

“In a way, but I still don’t feel like it was necessary. I mean, I saved the town and that’s a reward itself… no offense to Pinkie, though,” I told her the honest truth as she gave me another nod.

“None taken.” She stopped for a minute to drink her milk before continuing with a smile on her face. “You should get used to it, Kairi. Pinkie Pie is the most random pony that you’ll ever meet in Equestria, but she means well and will always cheer you up, no matter how down you feel.”

“Really?” I asked with a surprised yet curious look on my face and Fluttershy responded, “Yep. Though the parties can get… a bit repetitive at times. You’ll just have to get used to it. So, anything you’ve got planned for today?” She asked me as I took another bite from my pie and chewed it.

Afterwards, I wiped the outside of my lips clean with the tissue and answered her question. “I plan to head over to Twilight’s so we can discuss some things about my appearance and whatnot. I did promise to answer some of her questions yesterday, but that party didn’t give me a chance.”

“Ah, I understand. You aren’t in any sort of trouble, are you?” she asked me, but I shook my head. “Nah, I just have to tell her about myself – get some things off my chest - mainly about my apparel and whatnot. Plus, the Keyblade too… Remember that I’m not from Equestria, Fluttershy.” I reminded her as she just realized it.

“Oh, yes… I forgot. I’m so sorry, Kairi… I hope you aren’t mad at me.” She felt really bad from the looks of it and I can’t help but sympathize with her.

Fluttershy doesn’t do anything wrong, but she takes things way too seriously at times. I’m not mad or anything, though. If she was my mother, then she fit the role perfectly. In any case, I just sighed and smiled at my savior.

“Relax, Fluttershy… I’m not mad at you. You’ve only forgotten. Won’t yell at you or anything like that. Promise.” I assured her as she replied immediately. “O-oh… okay.”

Giving her a nod, we continued to enjoy our breakfast and drink our milk glasses. The talk didn’t continue onward since peace and quiet was on the agenda right now. It gave me time to think about what Twilight was going to ask me. We couldn’t really have our chat yesterday, but today was different.

Oh, speaking of the party - the rest of the evening went rather well, though I had to hold a speech I was totally unprepared for. Had to adlib most of the things I said, though it seems it went well. The weirdest thing is, it feels like I’ve experienced it before… but how and when?

Actually, speaking of that, I’ve got to make a mental note to ask Twilight if she can help me with recovering my lost memory if possible. Perhaps one of her spells would be useful since she is a unicorn? We’ll see…

Meanwhile, I’ve got to finish this yummy slice of apple pie and then ask Fluttershy for a shower. I don’t want to show up smelling awful in front of Twilight. I am a hygienic person, after all… I think.

Minutes later, we had finished up our morning meal as I felt my body recharging completely from the food I ate. “My compliments to the chef. Thanks, Fluttershy,” I told her with a satisfied look as I rubbed my belly.

She smiled at me gratefully. “Anytime, Kairi. It’s the least I can do for you since you saved Ponyville from the monsters. Do you need something else?” the pegasus inquired and I gave her a nod. “Yeah… I don’t want to be rude or anything, but would it be possible for me to use your bathroom to take a shower? I don’t want to go and see Twilight while smelling badly.”

I could use a cleaning after the fight yesterday…

“You don’t smell that bad, but if you really need a shower, go ahead. My bathroom may be a bit small for you, however. Mind your head,” she warned me as I gave a nod.

“I will. Upstairs, right?” I asked and she nodded before replying, “Give me a minute to put the dishes in the sink and I’ll lead you.”

It didn’t take long – she placed the dirty dishes and glass cups in the sink before spreading her wings. Fluttershy ushered for me to follow and I did, going up the stairs until we eventually arrived at the bathroom.

“I’ll get you a clean bath towel and leave it outside on the laundry basket over there. Also, I’ll have a look at your clothes and check to see if they are dirty as well,” Fluttershy told me.

We both departed afterwards – she went downstairs while I entered the bathroom and took of my temporal pajamas. Time for me to take a shower. I have to be quick.

My hair needs a good washing, too…

Once I had finished cleaning myself up, Fluttershy offered me a temporary toothbrush and some paste to clean my teeth. The pegasus had managed to completely make my clothes sparkling clean, much to my surprise. When I asked how she did that, all she said was that it was a trade secret with a smile on her face.

Being a pegasus, she dried up my hair rather quickly using her wings, and soon, I placed on my outfit that I arrived in Equestria with. Now I was ready for my meeting with Twilight. Saying my farewells to Fluttershy, I departed from her house and began making my way towards the place where I would be questioned - or interrogated, more like it.

Also, as much as I owe Fluttershy for taking me and letting me bunk, I can’t just continue staying with her. I appreciate the company, but I don’t want to take up her valuable space and time. I wonder if I should get my own place to stay? Only problem is with money and whatnot…

(An hour later…)

(Walking down the streets of Ponyville towards Twilight’s home, I couldn’t help but give out an uneasy shudder at the fact that every pony that I’ve seen so far is wishing me a friendly ‘Hello’ or giving me a look like they’ve never seen a creature like me before.)

The walk was awkward. I just wanted to get to Twilight’s and get on with the questioning. I could swear that I’m definitely being followed by someone, yet I don’t sense anyone at all.

Ugh, I’m so lost, and - Okay, seriously! I know someone is stalking me! Whoever it is, it’s not funny anymore!

Turning around, I looked in every direction for my stalker, yet I didn’t see anyone at all. Weird… I could swear that someone is tailing me. Oh, well. Back to heading straight for Twilight’s.

Walking away, I still couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed. Sure hope there’s no more of those black creatures again. Not really eager to start another fight...

“Hey, Kairi!” a familiar voice called out to me – it was Twilight Sparkle, who was currently approaching me.

“Morning, Twilight,” I told her with a smile on my face and waved while she just nodded. “Morning to you as well, Kairi. Sleep well?” she asked.

I nodded in return and answered, “Yep. Still feeling the effects from the party last night, but otherwise rested and ready. What are you doing here, by the way?” I inquired, tilting my head a bit.

“Well, I was heading towards Fluttershy’s cottage to come and get you, but you managed to beat me to it first. How is she doing so far?” Twilight asked. I answered, “So far, she’s doing well – though, honest truth is, she acts way too much like a worrying mother.”

Twilight giggled. “That’s our Fluttershy – always ready to help out those in need and eager to assist, so long as there aren’t any scary monsters like those black creatures from yesterday,” she told me as I looked back on the battle that took place yesterday.

“Yeah, good point. Hopefully, we won’t be having a situation like that anytime soon... In any case, shall we get on with what I have to answer?” I asked and Twilight gave me a nod.

“Already have things set up for us in my house. Let’s go!”

“Right!”

(With our mind and butts in gear, we proceed forward towards Twilight’s house which, surprisingly enough, was inside a tree! Interestingly, the unicorn also informed me that it was also a laboratory/library. I was in awe. A first time for everything, I suppose.)

While walking, I still couldn’t help but feel like was being stalked by someone… definitely very closeby, yet I see no one. It’s getting on my nerves. 

Just a few more seconds, Kairi… Just hold on until we get to the library…

Once we made it inside her room, Twilight grabbed a notebook using her magical horn along with a pencil for the interrogation. Both of us sat down and the questioning had begun.

“Alright, this shouldn’t take long – nothing too personal. Some things to clear up and that’s all. I would be appreciative if you are truthful with me.”

“Depends of the questions, Twilight.”

“Yeah… right. Ready to get started?”

“Yep. So, what do you want to know?”

“Fluttershy already explained the situation to me a bit, yet I’m really curious about the whole story – how you came to Equestria and such. Actually, first off… what are you, exactly? You look kind of like a hairless ape, but at the same time, you’re different… Uh, no offense about the ‘ape’ thing.”

“None taken… I’m actually a human. it’s kinda like how you described it - an ‘ape’ without hair, but one that can speak. Another term would be alien, I guess.”

“Whoa! Amazing! I… I don’t know what to say! This is amazing! You are definitely fitting the role of an alien since you aren’t from Equestria! Oh, I’m so excited – An actual lifeform from another world! I’m so happy!”

“You sure are easily excited, Twilight.”

“Well… y-yeah… sorry… It’s just so intriguing to be talking to a new type of lifeform from another world! You don’t get that every day, mind you.”

“I get it. Weird things happen at times.”

“Oh, definitely right about that. So, how exactly did you find yourself in Equestria - or, rather, how did you end up in my world?”

“Not gonna lie… I don’t have a clue. Honestly, Twilight – I can’t remember anything about how I found myself here. All I can remember is some voices calling me by my taken name, ‘Kairi’. When I came to, I found myself in the Everfree Forest with no clue on how I got there or why my memory is on the fritz.”

“Oh, dear… that is serious. Memory loss, huh…? Hmmm… Nothing at all?”

“Nothing… I was actually hoping that I could ask you if there are some types of spells that would be able to help me recover my memories or at least a small fragment of them.”

“Hmmm, it is possible. It might take a while for me to find the spell and check if I’ve mastered it, though. I’ll get back to you about this in another time. For now, let’s continue. How did you come across Fluttershy?”

“Well, it wasn’t me that met her. She actually saved me from becoming food for some Timberwolves, but I passed out after I injured my ankle. Once I woke, I found myself in Fluttershy’s house, where she and I briefly discussed where I was and the name of this world.”

“I see… No doubt that she explained to you what kinds of ponies there are in Equestria, right?”

“Yep. Unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies – all three races have separate abilities and jobs to do. She also explained about the Elements of Harmony and its wielders.”

“Huh, good job, Fluttershy. Well, then it won’t be too hard at all to explain to you, Kairi. If my friend told you the most important details, then there shouldn’t be any repercussions in the near future.”

“I hope you have a point, Twilight… Say, I was curious – since the Elements are used to protect your home, is it possible that they’re able to-”

“Be used against those black creatures? I was actually thinking about that, yet I’m not sure if that theory is ruled off or not… I might have to test it out one of these days.”

“Right. That’s basically all there is as to how I ended up in Equestria.”

“Wow… I don’t know what to say, Kairi… I’m truly sorry that you got wrapped up in all of this. I promise I’ll do my best to help you with that memory loss of yours. If we’re lucky, we might be able to get some results. But as I said – it will take a while since I’m not sure if the spell is there somewhere or not.”

“Understood. Thanks for this, Twilight. I appreciate it.”

“Anytime. Another question that I have is about your key-shaped weapon. Never seen anything like it before… Do you know what it is, exactly?”

“I don’t really know... Just before the battle started, it appeared in my hands and protected me from getting destroyed by those creatures. I’m not sure how and why, but it must be important for some reason. Interestingly, it looks… familiar. I can’t place my finger though.”

“Hmmm… Maybe it’s part of the character?”

“Maybe… Should I give it to you to examine?”

“I would love to, but not now. Maybe later, once things quiet down. You never know when those mysterious creatures could come back.”

“Good point. It’s a weird weapon, though – a cross between a blade and a key.”

“Kind of like a Keyblade!”

“A Keyblade…? Huh… That name is familiar, but where did I hear it from, exactly?”

“Very interesting. Kairi, I noticed something: whenever you mentioned that you heard a familiar name and voice… I have a hunch - actually, call it a theory - someone possibly messed with your memories very badly, hence why you can’t remember much of your old life before you came to Equestria.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah. It’s just a theory, mind you. We’ll get to the bottom of this, don’t worry. I’ll check and see if there’s a spell to help with the short-term memory wipe.”

“Right. Anything else you need to know?”

“Hmmm… Nothing else for now… Actually, wait - it’s about the black creatures, but I doubt you know what they are.”

“If I did, you’d be the first to know.”

“Figured as much… Well, I chalked down most the things I asked and I’m satisfied. Anything you’d like to know?”

“Not really… actually, is it possible for me to get a house of my own around Ponyville? Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the company and gestures that Fluttershy has granted me, but I don’t want to be a bother to her…”

“You aren’t actually a bother to anyone, Kairi. If anything, we owe you our gratitude. But if you do need a place of your own, I’ll see what I can do. Are you sure you don’t want to stay with Fluttershy, though? She’s one of the sweetest and most caring ponies around – plus, it doesn’t look like she minds your company.”

“Yeah, I know that. Don’t get me wrong, Twilight – I’m grateful towards Fluttershy, yet I shouldn’t lounge in her house forever like a freeloader. I wanna see if I can take care of myself.”

“Well, alright… I’m not really sure how much I’ll be able to help you out, but I’ll see if I can find some means of securing a place you can call your own while living in Ponyville.”

“Right. Say, what are the rest of the citizens like besides your friends?”

“Kairi… let me level with you – this place is the center of attention and fun, but there are some crazy ponies out there. You’ll have to learn to get used to it over time. Anyway, anything else?”

“Nope, that’s everything. If I have any more questions, I’ll ask.”

The questioning was finished as Twilight levitated her notepad and pencil onto a nearby stand while I got up and stretched my arms. “This was… an interesting round of questions, Twilight,” I commented.

“Yeah, it was. Hope my questions weren’t considered too personal for you, Kairi.” In response to that sentence, I just shook my head. “Nah… I just hope they were to your satisfaction.”

She gave me a nod with an exciting smile. “They definitely were! Oh, I can’t wait to do some research on your race! It’s so exciting! And the Keyblade as well - I’m excited!” she cheered.

Man… She certainly takes research and learning to a serious level - not that there is anything wrong with that. It might be better that she slows down a bit, though. Never know who could be listening in.

Just then, we both heard a shrill scream coming from the outside, much to our shock. What was that!?

“Who in Equestria was that?” Twilight inquired, but I just shrugged. I had no idea who-

A couple more screams came out. What’s going on, exactly!?

“Kairi?” Twilight looked at me with a determined look as I gave her a nod back.

Both of us rushed from Twilight’s room, speeding down the stairs towards the doorway. I had a feeling that this wasn’t a coincidence. Something is happening - something bad!

Hold on, Ponyville! We’re coming to the rescue!