Embrace your Destiny

by Ocelot the Devil

Chapter 12 - Training, Training... and More Training! Also, Fluttershy is here again!

Chapter 12 – Training, Training… and more Training! Also, Fluttershy is here again!

So… fast-forwarding the events since most of you don’t want to hear my thoughts over the morning meal. Twilight and I had our breakfast which was pretzels with apple juice and some buttered toast. I won’t lie right now – the food was really good and I didn’t stop until I had cleared up the plates with my breakfast. Twilight was surprised by how I was really hungry… being honest right now, the omelet last night hadn’t filled my tummy to the full.

After breakfast, we both cleaned up and were ready to head on for my first training session in the use of a Keyblade. The question that remained on my head since yesterday was still in my mind – where we would train exactly?

When I asked Twilight, she already had the answer. “I picked out the ruins of my mentor’s old castle in the Everfree Forest. It’s very spacious and empty for the occasion – we shouldn’t be interrupted… for the time being at least.”

I nodded before posing my own question. “What kind of methods will we handle exactly? I don’t know much about the Keyblade truth be told.”

Twilight went silent and placed a hoof on her chin to think. “Hmmm… we’ll practice with training dummies. Plus, I want to try out a little method involving your Keyblade – magic.” She answered.

Wait… what?

“Magic… as in – actual magic spells or just in general?” I asked before summoning my Keyblade while Twilight nodded.

“Exactly… I wish to see if your Keyblade can handle some basic spells such as fire, water, ice, etc. – You get the picture. If the masked figure can use magic in her attacks, whose to say we can up our arsenal and give you a much better fighting chance?” Twilight questioned – a slight grin on her face.

A good point – though I do wonder if the Keyblade can handle magic that would be useful besides fancy heavy attacks and whatnot. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

“Right… are we ready to head onward towards the Castle?”

“Just two things to gather and then we’re ready to get a move on. Be right back.” Twilight told me before heading back upstairs to her room.

I wonder what she’s going to get – maybe a book to pass the time while I trained? Or a timer to count the hours of my training? I’m not sure exactly but we’re going to find out once she comes back down.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. A guest at this hour? I wonder if it was Rainbow Dash who wanted to come and check on me. Or Pinkie Pie with another party? Only one way to find out.

Upon opening the door, I was immediately completely embraced in a hug by none other than a crying Fluttershy who was worried sick about me. “KAIRI! Oh, my gosh! Thank goodness you were alright!” She declared and held me closer… very close as I began to lose my oxygen supply fast.

“F-fluttershy… I… c-can’t… br-breathe!” I told her in a hazy voice before she realized what was happening and immediately released me from her ‘motherly’ death hug.

I breathed slowly and cackled my hazy throat before looking at her. “T-thanks… and I’m sorry for worrying you.” I apologized yet she just cried once again.

“Do you have any idea how worried I was about you…? I nearly had a heart attack when I saw your state! Kairi, do you want me to kill myself with worry!? Do you!? Never… ever… again! Please… I don’t think I could handle having another panic attack like that… Please… don’t worry me like that.” Fluttershy pleaded and hugged me once more.

Damn it… I made her worry a lot. I should have gone and visited her yesterday evening to tell her that I’m fine and well yet Twilight handle that. She told her that I would be staying in her library for the evening but I knew that I should have went to her house to explain. Oof, I’m such a bad roommate… or daughter-figure to her? Can’t really tell her age, if I’m being honest.

None the less, I let go off her and placed a hand on her hoof. “I’m sorry Fluttershy… I should have gone to your house to tell you that I’m fine… yet I didn’t. I apologize for that. I guess I wasn’t thinking straight last night?” This question came with a sheepish sad grin on my face.

Fluttershy frowned while wiping the tears away. “Clearly you weren’t…” She stopped, sighed and then continued. “Just… please be careful. I can’t handle it, Kairi… not now, not ever. You’re more than a friend and roommate to me – you’re like a daughter. If something were to happen to you, I’d be devastated. Promise me that you’ll be careful.”

Her words surprised me – like a daughter to Fluttershy? I… don’t know what to say, to be honest. She did save me from those wolves in the forest, took me into her home, feeds and shelters me… I guess she really is like a mother to me.

I wonder if my real mother is still alive somewhere on my world – probably. No doubt she’s grieving about her lost child who is on this world of ponies. I hope we can get a happy reunion soon… I miss her so much even if I can’t remember who she really is anymore.

Damn this fate along with the guy who sent me to Equestria. Ugh, this is the worst!

“Kairi… are you okay?” Fluttershy asked as she snapped me from my thoughts.

“W-wha… Oh, y-yeah. Just thinking some things. Sorry for worrying you, Mo- I mean, Fluttershy… y-yeah, Fluttershy.” I quickly corrected myself before Fluttershy could notice the mistake I accidentally made.

I can’t believe I nearly called her ‘Mom’. What an awkward situation that would have been if I had indeed said it. That was close – far too close if you ask me. Though Fluttershy is like a mother to me so…

What I failed to notice was the surprised look on Fluttershy’s face before it resumed a normal one. “O-okay, Kairi… I’m glad to hear it. Please, just be more careful. Alright?” She asked me and I nodded.

“Good… so, do you want to come and have breakfast with me? I could use the company.” She told me yet I shook my head.

“Sorry but I have some plans for today – plus, I already had breakfast. Twilight and I plan to head onto the old castle in the Everfree Forest for some training with my Keyblade in case the masked figure comes back. Plus, our librarian also wants to test out something involving my weapon.” I explained to Fluttershy.

“The old castle in the forest? Isn’t that… a little dangerous for you, Kairi? You’ve only just woken up last night from your little ‘encounter’ with those monsters and whoever is leading them. Maybe you should get some more rest?” She suggested.

I could tell that she was still worried about me getting involved in another life-threatening situation and while I did appreciate the concerning advice from my mother-like pegasus, I had to prepare. No choice in the matter since the masked figure could come back and attack us again with her damned Heartless. That meant no rest for the wicked.

“I appreciate the concern, Fluttershy. Yet I can’t afford to rest… this is a training day and I have to prepare in case the Heartless return to Ponyville.” I replied as Fluttershy felt a little sad at hearing me say that.

“B-but, you could get hurt… again. I can’t let that happen… I’m sorry, Kairi – but as your caretaker I’m coming with you.” Fluttershy told me in a stern yet motherly voice.

One. That… took a turn for the worse and Two. When on Earth did you consider yourself as my caretaker exactly, Fluttershy? Oh, wait… never mind that second thing.

“Umm… Fluttershy, no offense by that sounds like a bad idea if I’m being honest. If you come with me, then… umm… then you would be… in danger?” I told her with a sheepish look but she pulled out an unamused face.

“Really, Kairi? That’s the best you can do?” Fluttershy asked with a raised eyebrow.

Damn it… seriously cannot lie to this pegasus no matter how much I try. She really is acting like a stern mother right now – overprotective as well.

“Okay, okay… I admit it was dumb to say that. But Fluttershy, I really need to do this… only with Twilight. If you come then you things wouldn’t work out. I get injured or worse and you’ll demand that the training stops.” I explained as Fluttershy sighed.

“Only because I’m worried about you, Kairi. You have to understand that since I’m taking care of you temporarily, I’m responsible for your needs and safety. I just don’t feel like training right now is such a good idea. I know that those creatures could come back… but you still need to rest.” Fluttershy said – her concern tone completely hearable.

I sighed before replying. “I know, I know… but I’m the only one that can do this, Fluttershy. I have the Keyblade and only I can defeat those creatures.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Hence why I have to watch over you so that you don’t do anything stupid. No exceptions, little missy.” She warned me with a stern tone.

Her words made me chuckle a bit. “I don’t really have any say in the matter, don’t I?” Was my question while Fluttershy smiled gently and ruffled my hair.

“Nope. None at all. Think of this as a sort of class – besides Twilight being your teacher, I’ll be there for moral support.” She said.

Well, she does have a point there…

Before I could answer, Twilight came back down with some saddle backs and… Spike on her back? Judging by his closed eyes and tired look, he was still asleep. Why was Twilight bringing along exactly?

“Okay… I’m done. Sorry for the long wait, Kairi. Had to drag sleeping bones over here to chart down scores for your training sessions and- Oh, hi Fluttershy. Is there something I can help you with?” Twilight questioned upon noticing that Fluttershy was in the library as well.

“Morning to you as well, Twilight. I’m here to join you both on your little ‘training’ session.” Fluttershy answered.

Needless to say, Twilight was surprised. “Wait… are you serious? You realize that we’ll be in the Castle of the Royal Sisters in the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy? Why do you want to come?” She asked.

“Well… it’s simply to give Kairi moral support. I am her caretaker after all – for the time being, of course.” Fluttershy answered.

“Oh, yeah… I forgot about you being Kairi’s caretaker. Shoot, that reminds me – when we get back from the Everfree, we’ll ask Mayor Mare about that whole ‘house’ thing, Kairi.” Twilight answered but Fluttershy became confused upon hearing ‘house’.

“House? What are you talking about, Twi?” Fluttershy questioned.

Twilight opened her mouth and was about to speak when I took over to explain. “Oh… that’s all on me. I wanted to get my own house here in Ponyville since I feel like I’m invading your hospitality, Fluttershy… but I changed my mind on it.”

“Ah, I understand… but Kairi – you aren’t invading my hospitality. I enjoy having company and plus you’re like a daughter to me. If there’s something that isn’t to your standards in my place, just tell me and I’ll do my best to change it.” She answered.

I felt kind of bad about explaining that to Fluttershy – so far, she’s been a gracious host and I don’t really feel like moving into a new house in Ponyville. Oof, I should have never come up with that stupid idea of mine. Bet she is angry at me right now… don’t really blame her.

“T-thanks. Sorry about my idea… it was kind of dumb, to be honest. Mad at me?” I asked her but she shook her head.

“I’m confused and a little mad… but its all water under the bridge. Like I said if you need a change, then tell me and I’ll do my best. No more secrets, Kairi – alright?” She asked and I nodded.

Twilight took over for me. “Glad we got that out of the way… Kairi, since you’re living with Fluttershy… permanently, right?” She stopped to see that my answer was a nod before continuing. “We’ll have to go down to Mayor Mare so we can get some adoption forms for Fluttershy to fill out. She is your legal guardian for the time being. Until we can find your real parents or information about them.” The librarian finished explaining.

“Right… so, are we ready to get a move on?” I asked with Twilight nodding.

Using one of her teleportation spells, we immediately zipped away from the library in the blink of an eye…

(An hour later at the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters – Everfree Forest…)

The Keyblade sliced another training dummy in half before it dissipated into black smoke. Turning my attention towards another one, I took care of it quickly before tackling yet a third one.

So far, the training consisted of me taking down training dummies with different moves and abilities – using jumping attacks, sliding abilities, from behind, etc. It was fairly easy since the dummies were made out of wooden or straw – kind of a bummer that they weren’t alive but whatever.

After finishing another one, Twilight yelled. “Stop! That’s enough!” She had turned off the timer with her magic as I breathed slowly while wiping the sweat off my face.

“How’d I do this time?” I questioned her.

This current lesson was to learn how fast I would be able to take down opponents in under 5 minutes. For the last hour, I was focused on movement and quick reflexes which were pretty easy. But for this one though…

“Hmmm… 2 minutes and 15 seconds. It’s an improvement but not much… we’ll have to see if we can get you to take all targets out in under 2 minutes – if you can, of course.” Twilight answered.

“Oh…” I slumped in disappointment.

“But don’t feel bad! You’re quickly learning the ropes and taking out your opponents much faster than when we began in the last hour. Just a couple more and you’ll reach 2 minutes in no time.” Twilight said in an attempt to cheer me up.

Fluttershy flew with her wings towards my location and placed a hoof on my shoulders. “You’re doing good so far, Kairi. I’m very proud of you.” She admitted with a smile.

Despite me being in sweat and somewhat tiring, I couldn’t keep my lips from twisting into a gentle smile as well. “Thanks, Fluttershy… I appreciate it.” I told her.

“Spike, how are we doing on the scores?” Twilight asked her assistant but he didn’t answer as his face was fulling covered by the notebook.

“Spike? Are you listening to me? Spike!” Twilight went to shake up her assistant only for her to realize that he had fallen asleep again and was using the notebook as cover to avoid getting into trouble.

Poor kid… I pity him since it's still too early for him to stay awake at this hour. Twilight did explain that he was a baby dragon after all and needed the extra sleep.

Twilight groaned as she turned away from the sleeping Spike to where we were. “Guess we won’t be reading those scores anytime soon…” She told us.

“Don’t feel too bad about him, Twilight. He needs the extra sleep since he is a baby dragon after all.” Fluttershy said.

Twilight nodded. “Yeah… I guess that’s true. Well, we’ll just have to continue on without the scores. Now, I wanted to try out that theory about the Keyblade and magic. If we’re lucky, then Kairi will be on par with our little masked figure… if not, well… I don’t know.” She answered.

“You… don’t know?” I questioned with a raised eyebrow before she responded. “It’s still just a theory… keep it in mind. We’ll start with a simple ‘Fire’ spell.” Twilight said before she concentrated and conjured an orb with fire in it.

Alright, now that only question that remains is how do I use this- Whoa! The orb automatically got sucked by the tip of my Keyblade!

Needless to say, Twilight and Fluttershy were both astonished and surprised. “Wow! That was… unexpected.” The librarian stated.

“Y-yeah… so, does it work though?” I asked with a curious expression.

Twilight was on the same mind as she conjured more dummies for me to practice. “Only one way to find out. See if you can cast fire at those dummies.” She ordered me and I nodded.

Concentrating, I aimed the Keyblade at the dummies but nothing happened… well, except for smoke that filled the area. “Oof, damn… *cough* T-that didn’t go so w*cough*well.” I said while shaking my body and removing the smoke.

Twilight and Fluttershy also shook their bodies and coughed as well. “Y-yeah… *cough-cough* That didn’t go so well. Are you alright though, Kairi?” Fluttershy asked in a motherly tone while flying up and examining me.

I nodded and assured her that was alright. “It’s just a little smoke, Fluttershy… I’m fine.”

“Well, that was a bust. *cough-cough*” Twilight told us while coughing yet I shrugged. “I’ll give it another shot – we’ve got all day after all.”

It was true… the morning was still here and we were in no hurry to return back to the library. Plus, we wanted to see if the theory of using magic is true or not.

Concentrating once again, I pointed my Keyblade at the dummies and waited… and waited… until I noticed some spark at the tip which made me grin… only for black smoke to happen once again.

Damn it… there we go again. Ugh, this sucks…

Fluttershy ended up in mother mode again and examined me yet I assured her that I was fine. It’s… kind of cute in a way. She really is like a mother to me…

Third time's the charm and I concentrated once more. However, this time I had an idea on how the spell may or may not work. Let’s hope that I don’t screw the pooch on this one.

Concentrating with all my might, I took a deep breath before yelling. “Fire!” A fireball was formed and it was launched at one of the dummies.

Oh, my god! It worked! So I have to say the words in order to cast the spell properly? Sounds weird… but alright.

Concentrating again and yelling the words, I casted two more fireballs at the dummies which destroyed them along with the first one. Needless to say, Twilight’s theory proved to be true.

“K-kairi, that was amazing! So, magic can be used besides fighting techniques! Wow… so much to learn and study!” Twilight stated with a grin on her face while Fluttershy hugged me.

I could tell that she was proud of me.

Afterwards, we tried out the ‘Water’ and ‘Ice’ magic – needless to say, it was very easy since I had to yell the words for the magic to take effect. A few mistakes here-and-there but I had improved…

The next hour was spent in trying out the spells yet again as to get a handle on things along with combining them with fighting techniques. Jumping in the air while casting either an ice or fire spell; sliding underneath and appearing behind my opponent… the training session was hard but it wasn’t anything back-breaking.

By lunchtime, I was bent and completely exhausted as I laid on the ground and released deep breaths with sweat all over my body. Twilight walked over to me and had a happy look on her face. “You did a good job today, Kairi – the fighting techniques and magic are improved… there’s still some mistakes you need to fix but that’s enough for today. We’ll pick it up tomorrow or another time.” She told me and I gave her a thumbs up.

Fluttershy hugged me and told me how proud she was of me. She showered me with hugs and kisses which made me a little embarrassed, not gonna lie… but I kept silent since it was nice of her. Mama Fluttershy is active… no one can escape her.

After a little rest, we went to check up on Spike who was surprisingly still asleep… wow, he is such a lazy bum. No need to admit that in front of Twilight though.

She levitated Spike with her horn onto her back just as we heard our stomachs growl. Huh, what time is it exactly and how long have we been training?

Twilight pulled out a watch and looked at the time. “Oh, my! We’ve been here for 6 hours… ouch! Time flies a lot.” She said to us as we nodded.

I can’t believe it's been over six hours since we started the training session. In a sense, Twilight has a point – time does fly a lot. Our stomachs growled once again.

“Ooh, I could really use a bite or two… anyone up for lunch?” I asked with the two ponies nodding.

“I could go for something.” Twilight agreed with Fluttershy nodding.

Twilight packed all of the items in her saddle backs, levitated Spike to the ground before placing everything in a proper order. “Right… time to get back to the library." She declared before Fluttershy and I nodded.

We took off as Fluttershy and Twilight were discussing some things that I didn't bother to listen or hear since my mind was on other things currently - like the other training sessions I'll be having in the near future. I'm eager to learn all I know about the Keyblade and its abilities.

If we're lucky, next time the masked figure arrives to assault Ponyville or myself, we'll be ready and-

Huh... did I just bump my foot into something? I looked down and saw... a star charm of sorts? Hmmm... interesting.

"Something the matter, Kairi?" Fluttershy wondered as I kneeled to pick up the small charm and examine it more clearly.

Brushing off the dust from it, it had a symbol of what looked like to be... a familiar Keyblade design - mine. This is a weird coincidence. Maybe Twilight knows something about this?

"Hey, Twilight - you know what this is?" I asked and showed the charm to her but she was stunned and confused as well.

Using her horn, she levitated it towards her face to examine it more clearly yet shook her head. "Truth be told, I'm just as confused as you are... The design on it - it looks like your Keyblade though. Wonder if there's a connection..." She told herself and gave me back the charm.

I examined it again and wondered again if there was a clue on how to solve this little mystery-

Just then, an interesting song begins to play in my head - kind of like a creed or something like that. It went as followed:

This is my heart, my strength, full of color, full of life. If I am who you seek, speak 'light,' and I shall come. However, if your intent is evil... ash to ash, dust to dust, fade to black.

Whoa! Trippy as hell - what the fuck was that all about!?

"Kairi, are you okay? You kind of disappeared on us for a little bit." Twilight spoke - concern in her tone of voice. I shook my head and nodded. "Y-yeah... just fine. I'm not sure what happened though... It's probably someone playing a prank of us." I told them before throwing the medallion away a bit.

Twilight looked surprised that I would throw that medallion away. "Why did you throw that charm away? It could be related to this mystery! Kairi, we don't throw suspicious stuff away - we examine them more clearly!" She scolded me.

Just as I was about to open my mouth to retort, the charm in question dissolved and ripped open a portal to which too individuals came out much to our surprise... Not nearly surprised as when we saw their appearance and attire.

The first one was... surprisingly resembling Princess Luna - albeit younger and smaller... almost shaped like a human. She wore a White top underneath her black one along with a pair of purple biker shorts that were hidden by a purple skirt while her footwear consisted of slip-on shoes. Lastly, two yellow wristbands resided on both her wrists as the only accessories that came with the outfit.

As for the second one, it was truly a sight to behold – red auburn hair that was reaching slightly to her shoulders while the outfit was a unique hooded pink-and-black dress with two small black cat ears. There are black ruffles on one side of her skirt and plaid on the other. She wore thick belted black boots along with thin white bracelets on her left wrist and a thick wristband on her right wrist. There was a necklace with a bead as well.

My face morphed into shock at the second figure… it was… it was… ME! – But my appearances and features were very different! Holy mother of god!

Both figures were wondering where they were exactly when their eyes fell onto us. Upon looking more closely, they both gasped when they saw us – mainly me!

“You’re… ME!?” The other Kairi yelled in shock.

“You’re… ME!?” Now it was my turn to yell in shock.

What the hell is going on here exactly!?