//------------------------------//
// The End of the World 
// Story: Kingdom Hearts: Chronicles Throughout Equestria and Beyond 
// by snivygamer97 
//------------------------------//

“Oh no... Nightmare Moon!” Much to Twilight’s horror as her brother Spike fainted, Nightmare Moon had returned. She had hoped that, like Celestia said, it was nothing more than an old pony’s tale. However, here she was. As real as could be, and there was no telling what she was going to do now.
“Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces,” Nightmare Moon greeted the ponies of Ponyville spitefully, who were all confused and scared.
“What did you do with our Princess?!” Rainbow Dash demanded as she was about to rush the ancient alicorn, only for Applejack to grab her by the tail.
“Whoa there, Nelly…,” Applejack said, muffled.
Nightmare Moon proceeded to chuckle evilly, “Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?”
“Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty—,” Pinkie Pie guessed before Applejack put a snack into Pinkie’s mouth to silence her and avoid enraging the threatening alicorn.
“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” Nightmare Moon questioned in annoyance as she got close to the terrified Fluttershy. Almost as quickly, Nightmare Moon changed gears and went over to Rarity. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”
“I did. And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!” Twilight revealed her knowledge of the threat, causing the ponies present to gasp as they realized who she was.
“You mean to tell me that this is that same jerk that Nightmare Night is centered around?” Rainbow Dash was confused.
“Apparently,” Applejack noted, muffled.
“Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here,” Nightmare Moon responded to Twilight’s apparent knowledge.
“You're here to... to…,” Twilight gulped as she lost her nerve, remembering that Nightmare Moon was overpowering compared to her.
“Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!” Nightmare Moon confidently laughed evilly as she summoned a bunch of thunder. Suddenly, before Nightmare Moon could continue, a bunch of strange shadow creatures suddenly appeared on the scene. “Wait a second. What are these strange creatures?”
“You’re telling me you don’t know? Aren’t they part of your evil army or something?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
“It looks like things may be getting worse, Spike,” Twilight nervously whispered.
“Why, of course they’re mine,” Nightmare Moon lied. 
“Really? For a moment I believed you were a solo act,” Rainbow Dash taunted.
“Don’t get on her bad side!” Applejack muffled.
“Grr! Why I’ll get you for that, you fool!” Nightmare Moon cried out. In an instant, the shadow beings began to rush at Rainbow Dash, who proceeded to break free from Applejack’s hold and punched some of them. It took a few hits, but some of them were able to be destroyed. 
“Ha! Take that you evil shadow thingies!” Rainbow yelled out, not realizing that some more had popped up behind her. Before they could attack Rainbow, Applejack got in some kicks that destroyed them.
“First of all, thingies is kinda a weak term fer these monsters. Second, I’d rather we save every innocent pony before they get killed or eaten or whatever is these creature’s deal.” At this, Applejack kicked another creature.
As Rainbow Dash punched and destroyed another of the creatures, Pinkie Pie suddenly noted, “Whoa! These mean old guests of Nightmare Moon’s just keep coming, don’t they?” 
“You know, helping us fight them would be nice!” Rainbow yelled out in annoyance as she created a mini tornado around a few of the creatures.
“Oh, I got it! Party cannon, fire!” Pinkie cried out as she shot a bunch of high pressure confetti at some of the creatures, causing them to disappear… only for more to replace them immediately.
“Hmm… Just what are these creatures anyway?” Nightmare Moon wondered.
“You mean the Heartless, my dear little girl’s toy?” A strange sickly green pony asked as they appeared from darkness.
“So, you are the one who summoned these new minions for me to control. Also, I’d suggest you pick your next words carefully unless you wanna end up a black mark on the floor,” Nightmare Moon warned the pony with a murderous glare.
“Oh, I’m sorry my dear princess. I didn’t realize that I was dealing with the Princess of the new world,” The pony apologizes.
“Hmm… So, I have to ask, who are you and what are you doing here? I can deal with these pathetic ponies on my own,” Nightmare Moon boasted.
“The name’s Maleficent. And I’m here to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”
“Go on.”
“Why rule just this pathetic world when you can rule over multiple kingdoms with me and my council. We plan on ruling over this and many other worlds once we locate the ultimate power. Kingdom Hearts! All I need is your help and we can make that dream a reality.”
Nightmare Moon looked interested for a moment before her eyes glared as sharp as knives. “I don’t like working with others. But, the idea of ruling over more than just Equestria does interest me. And I can make my glorious night last forever everywhere. I’m in. Where do we start?”
At this point Maleficent smiled. “Perfect! You don’t know this yet, but this world’s heart has been found by the Heartless and is currently being devoured. We only have a few minutes left before all is lost. Come. We have much to do and to discuss.” At this point, she opened up another Corridor of Darkness. Maleficent walked in, with Nightmare Moon following shortly after. She was somewhat disappointed that Equestria had to fall so soon, but the thought of all the other worlds she could conquer made her smile.
Meanwhile, Twilight was stuck in a state of shock and fear over Nightmare Moon’s return. “She came back. And she won already. If only I found out about the Elements of Harmony. Maybe I could have stopped her.”
Rarity had just gotten back down to the ground floor and was ready to join the fight. She quickly noticed that Twilight was looking scared. She wanted to believe the best in Twilight. After all, she seemed to be a very nice pony. But she also seemed to know more than anyone else present. She was about to ask Twilight why and hopefully help her out as well when suddenly, a dark tornado formed and started to suck in everyone and everything.
Twilight tried to form a small barrier around herself only to be sucked in almost immediately.
Rainbow Dash found herself to be the last remaining pony, having used her speed to try and get away from the tornado. Eventually, however, her speed failed her and she was absorbed like everyone and everything else.
______________________________________________________________________________
On a bright sandy beach, the sun shines warmly on a spiky-haired boy, who opens his sleepy eyes and sits up. He yawns, starting to lay back down again, when suddenly a girl’s face appears in his line of sight.
“Whoa!” The boy jumps back up and turns around, kneeling in the sand. The girl giggles, hovering over him. “Gimme a break, Kairi.”
“Sora, you lazy bum. I knew that I'd find you snoozing down here,” Kairi teasingly commented.
“No! This huge, black THING swallowed me up! I couldn't breathe! I couldn't--,” Before Sora could continue, Kairi proceeded to smack him. “Ow!”
“Are you still dreaming?” Kairi jokingly asked.
“It wasn't a dream! Or was it? I don't know,” Sora was uncertainly pondering. He looks off toward the ocean, seeing the clouds billow in the sky. “What was that place? So bizarre…”
“Yeah, sure,” Kairi sarcastically jokes as she walks past him toward the water.
“Say, Kairi, what was your hometown like? You know, where you grew up,” Sora asked out of curiosity as Kairi stared out into the sea.
“I've told you before, I don't remember.”
“Nothing at all?”
“Nothing.”
“You ever want to go back?”
Kairi thinks for a second before responding, “Hmm. Well, I'm happy here.”
“Really…”
“But you know... I wouldn't mind going to see it.”
“I'd like to see it too. Along with any other worlds out there. I wanna see 'em all!”
Kairi faces Sora as she asks, “So what're we waiting for?”
“Hey!” They turn to see a silver-haired boy wearing a blue and yellow outfit named Riku, carrying a log. “Aren't you guys forgetting about me? So, I guess I'm the only one working on the raft.” He tosses the log to Sora, who falls over with a yelp, and walks over to Kairi. “And you're just as lazy as he is!”
“So you noticed. Okay, we'll finish it together,” Kairi decides with a giggle. She jumps up and down as Riku sits down next to Sora. “I'll race you!”
“Huh?” Sora is confused.
Riku replies, “What, are you kidding?” Riku knows that his friend Kairi isn’t the fastest. After all, she hasn’t spent time trying to get stronger like Sora and especially himself. However, he does like proving his strength to Sora, so he decided to agree to race.
Kairi giggles, “Ready? Go!”
Sora and Riku glance at each other before leaping up and racing across the beach. They smile at each other as Kairi follows them, still giggling, even as she is a fair distance behind the two.
And so, the trio began to look for pieces to build their raft. Kairi began by looking for logs on the smaller island that could be accessed by a wooden bridge. She found a few logs, but she also saw a strange blue pony with wings and and a rainbow lightning bolt mark on her flank as well as a purple unicorn with several stars on her flank. Concerned for the strange creatures, Kairi shook the blue pony to try and wake her up. After a minute of shaking, she heard the pony mutter, “Five more minutes.” Kairi was surprised to hear the pony talk, but she didn’t have time to think about that as the pony woke up. “Man. I just had the strangest and craziest dream. Some dark creatures showed up with that Nightmare Moon and attacked me, my friends, and some other innocent ponies before a dark tornado sucked us all up.” The pony then turned her head and noticed Kairi and was left surprised to see her, but also fearful though she hid it well. “Who in the world are you?” 
“My name is Kairi,” Kairi responded. “I must say, I haven’t seen anything like you before. Are you a horse?”
Rainbow grew a little irritated at this remark. “Hey! I’m not a horse! I’m a pony! A pegasus to be specific!”
“Oh, sorry. I’ve read about some strange creatures before but I haven’t seen everything yet. So, what kind of world did you come from?” Kairi asked curiously.
“What world? There is more than just Equestria? Well, I come from the land of Equestria. There are many different creatures that live where I am from, but the main species of where I come from are ponies like me. But that’s not important right now,” Rainbow Dash explained. 
It was at this point that Twilight was starting to wake up as well. “Spike? I just had the worst nightmare. Nightmare Moon turned out to be real and destroyed everything with these dark creatures and…,” Twilight said as she opened her eyes and saw Kairi, much to her shock. “Aaaaah! What are you supposed to be?! Well, no offense,” Twilight apologized.
“Uh…I’m a human being named Kairi,” Kairi answered a bit awkwardly yet with no annoyance.
“Okay? Never heard of a human before. I mean, I’ve read many books about countless different creatures but never did I see anything like you,” Twilight was amazed before she went back to looking stressed. “Listen, what do you know about Nightmare Moon? How did she not manage to get rid of the sun here while she did so back in Equestria?”
“I don’t know who this Nightmare Moon is, but I have a feeling she is bad news,” Kairi admitted.
“She is! She did something to our princess and said she was going to make the night last forever! If she doesn’t get stopped, who knows what will happen?!” Rainbow Dash said. “But, tell me this, Miss Sparkle. Why should we trust you? I mean, I thought you were cool at first, but you also knew more than you were letting on and was the only one to recognize Nightmare Moon on sight! What are you?! A spy sent by Nightmare Moon to stop us from defeating her?!” Rainbow demanded before Kairi pushed her aside.
“Listen, Rainbow Dash, I know you are concerned. But I believe that Twilight is innocent. Am I right?” Kairi asked Twilight.
“Yes. Honestly, I was planning to look for a way to put a stop to Nightmare Moon. There’s a book back at my home in Canterlot that said that she was defeated once before by Princess Celestia. However, she had to use something called the Elements of Harmony to do it. But… I don’t know what they are or where to find them,” Twilight admitted.
“Oh…sorry to misjudge you, Twi. So, Elements of Harmony, huh? You think this place has any of that egghead knowhow so you can tell us what to do?” Rainbow Dash wondered.
“Again, the book on it is back in Equestria, and I don’t know if there even is an Equestria after what happened with those shadow creatures,” Twilight responded, a bit snippy.
“Well, looks like there is a lot going on. I’m sorry for all that happened to you. Is there anything I can do to help you?” Kairi asked politely.
“I don’t think so. But, thanks anyway. Maybe there is a way to get back to Equestria, though,” Twilight said.
“So, anyway, since we haven’t asked yet, where did we end up? Like, what is this place?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“You’re in the Destiny Islands. It’s a pretty nice place to live. However, me and my friends are trying to find a way to visit new worlds like the world I came from. Anyway, I have to get going. I have to help finish our raft,” Kairi said as she turned to leave. 
“Wait! Will this raft be able to help me get back to Equestria?” Twilight asked.
“Maybe?” Kairi asked a bit confused.
“Why? So, are you planning on going back to Equestria too then?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I guess. I need to save Spike, the Princess, and everyone else from that tyrant Nightmare Moon!” Twilight answered. “Wait, too?”
“Listen here, Twilight, it’s like I said before. I’d never leave Ponyville or any part of Equestria hanging! Especially in such a bad time as this. You don’t have to do this alone. Let me help you,” Rainbow asked as she held out her hoof.
Twilight stood there for a good while, not sure what to think of Rainbow’s drive and courage. On the one hand, she wasn’t keen on making any new friends like Celestia and Spike seemed to think she should. Besides, she also didn’t want to endanger anyone else on what was clearly her journey. However, she may be in need of all the help she could get in order to stop Nightmare Moon and get back home. So, it was with these conflicted feelings that Twilight decided to bump Rainbow’s hoof. “Okay. You can help. But just until we get back to Equestria.”
“Perfect! So, Kairi, can we ride on your guys’s raft and find our way home?” Rainbow Dash casually asked.
“Well…Sure! I just need to tell Riku and Sora that we’ll have some additional pe-er-ponies on our trip. I’m pretty sure that when I tell them you come from another world they’ll be ecstatic and let you come with us,” Kairi said as she picked back up her logs and started to walk off the platform and find her friends. “Let’s get going, girls.”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As it turned out, both Riku and Sora were indeed happy to meet Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. They weren’t able to do much talking at first because everyone was busy working on the raft. However, soon when everyone was able to get more work done on the raft to the point that it was pretty much finished apart from obtaining the food and water for the trip, everyone met up on the small island across the bridge and stared at the ocean. Sora, Twilight, and Kairi sat on the paopu tree as Riku leaned against it, his arms folded. Rainbow, meanwhile, flew in the air right across from them.
“Whoa! So you’re really from another world?” Riku asked Rainbow, amazed upon seeing the foreign creature. “So, Rainbow Dash was it? How are things like…”
“What types of creatures are there in your world?” Sora bluntly asked Rainbow.
“Sora…,” Riku scolded, wanting to have asked his question.
“Um…so…what are these other creatures? I know we have other animals like dogs, cats, bunnies, fish…,” Rainbow Dash said as she struggled to come up with the names of creatures.
“I’ve read about many creatures. Apparently, Equestria and beyond are rich with life, from ponies of all types to majestic dragons and the rare zebra,” Twilight explained.
“Hey! I could have given an answer!” Rainbow yelled out, annoyed.
“No offense, but you were a bit slow on the answering,” Twilight said, much to Rainbow’s annoyance.
“Interesting. Maybe we can visit your world on our raft,” Riku said.
“Maybe. We need to get back soon. When we left, our world was under attack by some strange dark creatures. I can’t just abandon my home. Equestria needs me!” Rainbow Dash explained.
“You mean us, right?” Twilight reminded Rainbow.
“Right…us,” Rainbow awkwardly accepted.
“Are you a hero where you two come from?” Kairi and Sora curiously asked.
“To be perfectly honest…,” Rainbow began.
“Not really. We are just ordinary ponies where we come from. But hopefully we can still do something to save Equestria and these other worlds. I just hope everyone else is okay,” Twilight wished, worriedly.
“Hopefully, they are. So, Kairi's home is out there somewhere, right? Just like Rainbow’s and Twilight’s?” Sora asked as looks over at Riku. Kairi places her hands on her knees.
“Could be. We'll never know by staying here,” Riku answered. 
“But how far could a raft take us?” Sora wondered.
“I don’t know. Hopefully it will take us back to Equestria somehow,” Rainbow Dash hoped.
“Or at least somewhere near Equestria. Still, I am confused how the sun is about to set. Back at home, the princess controls the sun and moon. Yet, here we are with the sun setting,” Twilight noted.
“You think that means the princess is alright and Nightmare Moon is sent back into the moon where she belongs?” Rainbow asked, pumped up.
“I don’t think so. Where we come from, the sun and moon aren’t controlled by magic. Though, I have to admit that sounds cool,” Sora admitted.
“Agreed! It’s like a fairytale,” Kairi agreed.
“Maybe. However, even if we don’t find Equestria or other worlds on the raft, we'll think of something else if we have to,” Riku said.
“So, suppose we get to another world,” Kairi began to ask as she giggled. “What would you do there?”
“Well, I haven't really thought about it,” Riku admitted. Sora rocks back and forth on the trunk of the tree.
“Wait, you haven’t? And you’re still trying to head off to other worlds? That sounds very reckless, even careless,” Twilight pointed out.
“I know. I know. Maybe I am being reckless. It's just... I've always wondered why we're here on this island. If there are any other worlds out there, which I guess is the case considering Rainbow Dash and Twilight are here, why did we end up on this one? And suppose there are other worlds... Then ours is just a little piece of something much greater. So we could've just as easily ended up somewhere else, right?” Riku revealed his reasoning to the group.
“I don't know,” Sora said.
“Exactly. That's why we need to go out there and find out. Just sitting here won't change a thing. It's the same old stuff. So let's go,” Riku told his friends.
“So that is why you are wanting to go to another world. Well, one way or another you’ll be sure to find your answer while we’re on the open sea,” Rainbow Dash said supportively.
“Maybe we should plan things out a bit more first…,” Twilight warned.
“What? And allow Nightmare Moon to do more damage?” Rainbow argued, which silenced Twilight.
“Thanks,” Riku accepted the thumbs up from Rainbow Dash.
“You've been thinking a lot lately, haven't you?” Kairi asked Riku.
“Thanks to you. If you hadn't come here, I probably would've never thought of any of this. Kairi, thanks,” Riku thanked Kairi.
“You're welcome,” Kairi accepted the thanks.
“Wait. Kairi is from another world too? That sounds awesome,” Rainbow was amazed.
“Well, it’s getting late. We should head on back home. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, you can sleep somewhere here on this island, right?” Kairi asked. “I’d like to invite you back home, but I’d rather not risk any big trouble happening if everyone back home reacts poorly to you both.”
“Hey, I can sleep like a filly just about anywhere. I can get a good night’s sleep with ease,” Rainbow said, proving herself right away by landing on the paopu fruit tree and falling asleep on the tree.
“I guess I can try managing sleeping somewhere on this island…,” Twilight awkwardly accepted as she left to find a place to sleep.
“Well, see you guys later,” Sora said goodbye. The trio starts walking back to the dock. Kairi leads the way.
“Sora,” Riku called to his friend. Sora turns around and catches a star-shaped fruit that Riku threw to him. “You wanted one, didn't you?”
“A paopu fruit…,” Sora realized.
“If two people share one, their destinies become intertwined. They'll remain a part of each other's lives no matter what,” Riku reminded Sora of the legend as he walks past Sora. “C'mon, I know you want to try it.”
“What are you talking--,” Sora asked as Riku laughs and Sora tosses the fruit away. They all run back to the dock and head for home.
______________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, in another world known as Disney Castle, Donald Duck the court wizard walks proudly through the Colonnade of Disney Castle, looking for the king’s throne room and passing a group of brooms carrying buckets. Donald stops in front of two enormous double doors that lead to the throne room. He clears his throat and knocks on the doors three times. A smaller door just his size opens and he walks through. “Good morning, Your Majesty,” Donald greets King Mickey. He walks down the long red carpet of the Audience Chamber toward a golden throne. “It's nice to see you this morn--.” Finally, Donald sees that the throne is empty. “What!”
All of a sudden, Pluto walks out from behind the throne, carrying an envelope in his mouth. Donald opens it and reads the letter. He blinks for a second, then suddenly speeds back out into the Colonnade. He races across the courtyard to where Goofy, Captain of the Royal Knights, is sleeping.
“Wake up, Goofy, wake up! This is serious!!” Donald yells, only for Goofy to not respond. Goofy continues to snore and Donald’s temper gets the better of him. He points his finger into the air, yelling, and summons a lightning bolt, which swoops down and strikes Goofy in the side, jolting him awake. He sits up sleepily and looks around.
“Hey there, Donald. G'morning,” Goofy goodnaturedly greets his friend.
“We've got a problem, Goofy! But don't tell anyone…,” Donald warned.
“Queen Minnie?” Goofy asked, seemingly in response to Donald.
“Not even the queen,” Donald confirmed.
“Daisy?” Goofy asked, once again seemingly in response to Donald.
“No, it's top secret!” Donald yelled, shaking his head furiously.
“G'morning, ladies,” Goofy called over Donald’s shoulder.
“What?” Donald turns to see a cross Daisy, hands on her hips, and Queen Minnie. Daisy clears her throat and Donald laughs sheepishly.
“We were just looking for you two. We found a purple dragon unconscious just outside the castle,” Queen Minnie explained as she moved a little to show that Spike was with the duo. “He doesn’t know how he got here, but from what he could remember it seems like he went through a lot.”
“Trust me, I did. I don’t know where Twilight or the others ended up. I just hope that they are all okay. And Equestria as well,” Spike said.
“Anyways, what is it that you wanted us to be left in the dark about, Donald?” Daisy demanded from her special someone.
“Um, well…” Donald began.
______________________________________________________________________________
Rainbow Dash was sleeping like a filly on the paopu tree when suddenly she heard a voice.
“Well, well, well. What have we here? Looks like we’ve gotten one of the heroes to be of Equestria sleeping soundly on a tree on a foreign little island,” The cheerful voice said, making his appearance unknown to the pegasus.
“Huh? Who are you and what do you want?” Rainbow asked as she opened her eyes, annoyed at having been woken up. However, for some reason that she couldn’t explain, the area around here was muted gray with no color in anything around her. “Wait! Why is everything gray?! How do you know about Equestria?!”
“First off, I’d rather stay in the dark right now, so I’ll leave who I am up to your imagination. Second, it’s very simple, Skittles. With me, just about everything is common knowledge. As for the greyness, I can only appear in someone’s dreams like that Luna princess used to do. So, how else to show that you aren’t awake?” The voice explained.
“I’m… asleep still? Wait, Skittles? And who is Luna?”
“Correctamundo, Rainbow Dash. It’s a nickname for someone as awesome as you.”
“Um, thanks? Hold on a second. What are you doing here, and what do you want with me?”
“Isn’t it obvious, Skittles? I want to help you get back home and protect your home. How’s about you let me help you, huh? I only ask for a small favor in return,” The voice offered, his voice darkening and deepening for a brief moment as he said favor.
“You’d really be able to do that?” Rainbow Dash asked the voice.
“Sure! And, as a show of good faith I’ll even give you a gift. Here, have some fish scales.” In an instant, some scales were plucked off of the fish swimming in the water and placed in Rainbow Dash’s hoof.
“What the?! What is wrong with you?!” Rainbow Dash demanded the voice.
“Isn’t that the question of this century,” The voice responded. “So, go ahead and tell me yes already. I have things to do and people to see.”
“Look, I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather go and find help with Kairi, Sora, Twilight, and Riku. Together, we’ll find our way to Equestria,” Rainbow said.
“You really are loyal, aren’t you?”
“To the bitter end.”
“Well, fine. Have it your way. However, if you ever change your mind or want help with something else I’ll be here for you, Skittles,” The voice said before the grayness disappeared and the color returned to the island. It was now daytime and Rainbow could see Sora, Riku, and Kairi rowing over to the island. She considered telling them about her strange dream, but decided against it. After all, it wasn’t that important to let them in on this encounter, at least not yet.