“Good morning you guys! So, how’s it hanging?” Rainbow Dash asked the trio as they walked back to the back of the island to head to the raft.
“We’re doing great, Rainbow!” Sora exclaimed. “What about you? Did you have a good night’s sleep?”
“Of course! Like there was ever any doubt!” Rainbow Dash answered.
“What about Twilight? Did she sleep well last night or…?” Kairi asked the pegasus.
“I don’t really know. To be honest, I pretty much stayed asleep until morning after I dropped off last evening. Should one of us go check on her?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I can go look for her while I get my portion of the provisions for our trip,” Riku suggested as he was about to walk to the back half of the island. Before Riku could get there, however, Twilight walked up to the group, looking as though she had a poor night’s sleep. “Man, are you doing okay, Twilight? You look like you had a terrible night of sleep.”
“It’s fine. I’m just more used to having a good bed to sleep in. Roughing it out wasn’t as good as I’ve heard in books,” Twilight explained.
“Just give it some time and you’ll get used to sleeping out under the stars,” Rainbow suggested.
“Yeah! You’ll feel better about this as soon as you get more used to it. Heck, I’ve taken naps on the sand before,” Sora agreed.
“Yeah, and made building the raft take longer than it should have,” Riku teased.
“Hey!” Sora good-naturedly protested.
“So, what else do we need before we can take the raft and go?” Twilight asked.
“We’re almost ready. We just need to gather up provisions for the trip, which if we get done today means we can sail off tomorrow,” Riku answered.
“Awesome! With all of us working together we should have it done in no time flat!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as the group arrived at the raft.
“Perfect! Rainbow Dash, you can help Sora with gathering his provisions. Let’s see. Sora and Rainbow, you’re looking for... Five Seagull Eggs, Twelve Mushrooms, Eight Coconuts, Nine Fish, and fill this up with Drinking Water. But not from the ocean!” Kairi reminded the duo as Kairi handed Sora the canteen. “Bring everything back here. If you need help, just ask.”
“Will do! So, obviously she was reminding us about getting fresh water because of you, right?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“How do you know it wasn’t you she was reminding? After all, brains haven’t been exactly your strongest trait so far,” Sora teased.
“What?! But I-,” Rainbow Dash cried out, only to begin chuckling after a good few seconds. “Nice one, Sora. Anyways, we should gather up everything and report back to Kairi.”
“You have a deal there, Rainbow,” Sora agreed as he shook her hoof.
And so, the duo went off to find the provisions they would need for their trip.
“Well, I guess I should go off and collect my provisions. Just tell me what I should get and I’ll…,” Twilight said as she began to walk off only for Riku to stop her.
“Look, Twilight, I can tell you’re pretty capable. But you obviously don’t know this island as well as we do, seeing as how you just got here yesterday,” Riku pointed out.
“Hey! That’s…true. So, what do you suggest?” Twilight asked.
“Come with me and I’ll get you your provisions. I’m mostly done with my own to be honest,” Riku said.
“Thanks, but no thanks. I can take care of myself,” Twilight denied the help only for Riku to step in front of her.
“Okay! But when you fail and need some help, don’t come crying to me,” Riku teased as he began to walk away, giving Twilight her list before he left.
Twilight looked away from Riku, ready to look for her own provisions without help. She started by going to a nearby coconut tree and wondered what she should do. She quickly decided to use her magic telekinesis to grab the coconuts. She had some trouble getting the coconuts down from the tree at first as she either underestimated the magic she needed and had trouble getting it down or used too much power and broke them. Eventually, however, she got enough power to get a coconut down safely. “Finally! Twilight one, tree zero!”
At this point, Riku, who was watching the scene from afar, finally decided to talk to Twilight. “You know, Twilight, that coconut you have there isn’t going to be good to eat,” Riku pointed out with a chuckle.
Twilight’s joy quickly turned to irritation.” Aw, come on! This is going to take forever!”
“Not if you accept my help,” Riku suggested.
“What happened to the “don’t come crying to me” bit?” Twilight asked.
“To be honest, I was joking. You’re starting to become my friend, and I would still give you my help. Besides, you kinda need it,” Riku said.
Twilight thought things over for a moment. To be honest, Twilight knew she needed help if she was to get the food she needed for the trip. However, she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea of becoming friends with Riku. After all, she didn’t need friends to help her out before and she didn’t need it now. But, she was desperate to get her provisions so she decided to accept the help she needed. “Okay. We’ll work together. But that means I’m gonna help too, understand?” Twilight agreed as she held out her hoof.
“Understood,” Riku said as he shook her hoof.
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It took Rainbow and Sora about an hour, but they were able to find most of what they needed.
The duo brought most of the starting provisions back to Kairi, who was impressed with how quickly they were able to bring together all their provisions. “Great job you guys! Now all we need is another mushroom and we’ll be ready for our trip tomorrow! You even got fresh water instead of sea water!” Kairi teased.
“Thanks, Kairi. Anyways, I’ve looked over the entire island and I haven’t been able to find any more mushrooms,” Rainbow Dash explained.
“Well, to be fair, Twilight also needed some of the mushrooms seeing as how she is a vegetarian like you, Rainbow,” Kairi reminded.
“Fair enough. But this bites! Where are we gonna come up with another mushroom at?!” Rainbow demanded.
“Well, maybe we can do fine with what we have,” Kairi said.
“Hold on, Kairi! I don’t want my friend going hungry. Rainbow, there is the Secret Spot. We can always look there. I remember seeing signs of a mushroom growing a little while ago,” Sora pointed out.
“Perfect! You guys go look there!” Kairi said as she went back to a personal project.
Just as the two were about to head back to the Secret Spot, they ran into Riku and Twilight. “Hey, Sora, Rainbow Dash. How are you two doing with this whole provision collecting thing?” Riku asked.
“We’re almost done! We just need to find one more mushroom and we’ll be all good,” Sora answered.
“What about you guys? How are the both of you doing with collecting pro- food?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“It took the princess a while to accept help, but I think that we managed to get everything we needed,” Riku answered.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m sorry I didn’t accept the help earlier. But, just because I’m new to this place and a bunch of other stuff doesn’t mean I’m incapable. I’ve taken care of myself on my own mostly for years now,” Twilight said.
“Well, anyway, our raft still needs a name. Let's see... How about Highwind? What would you guys call it?”
“Me? Well...hm... Excalibur!” Sora exclaimed as he came up with a name.
“Yeah! I agree with Sora! We should call it Excalibur!” Rainbow Dash agreed.
“Well, Kairi was fine with the name I picked out, so I’d say we have a tie. We just need a tie breaker for the ship’s name. So, Twilight, what do you think?” Riku asked, much to the unicorn’s shock.
“Me? Well…to be perfectly honest, I don’t know what the name should be. You figure it out on your own,” Twilight decided.
“Okay then… Hey, how about…” Riku said.
“The usual?” Sora asked, realizing what Riku was thinking.
“Let's do it!”
Meanwhile, Kairi appears on the wooden bridge nearby. “You guys at it again? All right, I'll be the judge. The usual rules apply. Take any route you want... First one to tag that tree and make it back here wins,” Kairi reminded the duo of their race.
“Oh, a race?! Can I race too?” Rainbow Dash asked the pair.
“Sure thing! So, if I win, I'm captain! And if you win Riku…” Sora was deciding.
“I get to share the paopu with Kairi,” Riku suddenly said.
“Huh?” Sora was confused.
“Deal? The winner gets to share a paopu with Kairi,” Riku explained.
“Wha... Wait a minute…,” Sora was caught off guard.
“Hold on. What is the paopu fruit anyway?” Twilight asked curiously on the sidelines.
“I have no idea to be honest. Kairi?” Rainbow asked the red-head.
“It’s a special fruit that can bind the hearts of others if they share it. Okay, now! On my count!” Riku, Rainbow Dash, and Sora were ready to race “Three! Two! One! Go!” She slices through the air with her hand and both Sora and Riku race across the bridge. The two are neck and neck until one of the boards on the bridge collapses, sending Riku into the water. Sora takes this chance to run past the lookout tower and across the bridge. He runs up the hill towards the star tree, seeing Riku catching up to him, by jumping across the tops of the palm trees nearby. Sora quickly tags the tree and races back to the starting line. Sora throws a fist into the air in success.
“Now the score’s 1 to 1!” Sora cheered until he noticed that Rainbow Dash was already there before him. “Wait. How did…”
“Simple. I can fly really fast. In fact, there isn’t really many if any ponies or any other creatures that can outspeed me!” Rainbow Dash explained.
“Well, I still won against Riku, so yeah!” Sora was happy at the results in spite of being in second.
“Man, lighten up. It’s just a name, after all.” Riku teased, much to Sora’s frustration.
“Hey, Sora, if you don’t mind I would like to go with Rainbow Dash instead if you don’t mind,” Kairi decided, having changed her mind.
“Really? Well, okay. I’ll meet you guys back at the raft,” Sora agreed as he headed for the raft.
“Any particular reason you want to do that, Kairi?” Twilight politely asked.
“I just want to have the chance to talk to one of my new friends about stuff, that’s all. Besides, I’m pretty much done with getting my provisions and another project of mine, so why not?” Kairi answered.
“Okay…so what is this other project?” Twilight questioned.
“Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt. See this? I’m making a necklace of thalassa shells. In the old days, sailors always wore thalassa shells. They were supposed to ensure a safe voyage,” Kairi answered as she holds the finished star-shaped charm out to the duo." I made one for our journey so that regardless of what happens, we’ll always find our way back to each other.”
“Well…That sounds pretty interesting. If we had more time I’d definitely like to learn more about the traditions of this island. But, for now I’ll settle for just this little bit,” Twilight said. “Good luck on finding your last mushroom!” Twilight then walked away back to the raft for the time being.
“So, Rainbow, how are things going with you?” Kairi curiously asked the blue pegasus as she began to lead them both to the Secret Spot.
“Things are going fine, I guess. I just want to find my friends and the other ponies of Ponyville is all. I’m kinda worried. I know they can take care of themselves, but these shadow creatures are something else. I don’t know if they’ll be okay or not when we find them,” Rainbow admitted.
“I wouldn’t worry. After all, between the five of us, we’ll find them and they’ll be fine,” Kairi comforted.
“Thanks, Kairi. I can’t believe we’re about to set sail out on the open sea. I hope you three will find it to your liking,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Don’t worry. We will.”
“So, are you just friends with Sora and Riku, or do you have feelings for one of them?” Rainbow bluntly asked.
At this, Kairi stopped before saying with a blush on her face. “Well… Both Sora and Riku are my best friends, but I’ve always had a bit of a crush on Sora for as long as I can remember. He can be a bit of a hassle and I do like to mess with him at times, but I do love him. I just don’t know if he returns these feelings. What about you? Do you have any crushes back at home?"
“Well, don’t tell her I said so, but I do have a crush on Applejack from back at home. I don’t know when I started to feel this way, but I do,” Rainbow Dash answered.
“So we both have a crush, huh? Well, I wish you luck for it working out,” Kairi said.
“Thanks, you too,” Rainbow Dash said.
Kairi and Rainbow Dash enter the Secret Place and walk through an underground tunnel, with roots lining the walls. They two girls reached a room made of walled boulders with chalk drawings scrawled on them. The only light is from a small hole in the ceiling. Kairi sees the last mushroom Sora commented on near a wooden board in the wall and plucks it from the ground. Behind the mushroom is an old drawing of Kairi and Sora that brings memories flooding back to her. She kneels on the ground, placing a hand on the drawing of Sora with a soft smile. Her mind flashes back to the two of them as 5 year olds when they drew each other on the walls. Kairi sits, picking up a rock and begins carving. She stops and stares at her work. She is giving Sora a paopu fruit. Suddenly, she hears a noise behind her and stands up swiftly.
“Wh-who’s there?” Rainbow Dash demands.
“Yeah, and if you don’t mind, why are you here?” Kairi asked.
A mysterious figure in a brown cloak answers, “I’ve come to see the door to this world.”
“Huh?” Kairi and Rainbow were confused, both by what was said and who was saying it as they haven’t noticed the figure yet..
“This world has been connected,” The figure vaguely explains.
“Wh-What are you talking about?” Kairi asks, confused.
“Tied to the darkness... Soon to be completely eclipsed,” The figure refuses to answer clearly.
“Well, whoever you are, stop freaking me out like this!” Rainbow shoots back.
“Yeah! Who are you anyway? You don’t sound like anyone I’ve met on the islands,” Kairi wonders as she turns and sees where the voice came from.She notices a hooded figure standing in the shadows. An X is emblazoned upon its chest.
“Wh-Where did you come from? If you aren’t from the islands like Kairi said, then where did you come from?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
“You do not yet know what lies beyond the door,” The figure says, still refusing to answer.
“Wait, if you aren’t from the islands, then you must be from another world, just like Rainbow Dash! Am I right?” Kairi asks.
“There is so very much to learn. You understand so little,” The figure mocks coolly.
“Can you stop with the cryptic talk and just talk to us like people?!” Rainbow Dash demands as the figure remains quiet.”Oh, yeah? Well, you’ll see. We’re gonna get out and learn what’s out there!”
“A meaningless effort. One who knows nothing can understand nothing,” The figure says before disappearing.
“Well, yeah! Fine! We didn’t wanna know who you were anyway!” Rainbow yells as she sticks out her tongue.
“Um, Rainbow Dash? Maybe we shouldn’t be so mean. I know he wasn’t the nicest, but it isn’t like he was trying to hurt anyone,” Kairi warned.
“I know. But what do you think he meant by what he was saying?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I’m not sure. I doubt the others will believe us if we told them. Maybe we should just remain quiet for the time being. After all, if that man wanted to harm us, he would have done so already. So I doubt anything bad will happen if we keep things a secret,” Kairi suggested.
“Um, okay. But if that guy comes back and proves to be trouble, then I’ll clobber him!” Rainbow Dash said, much to Kairi’s discomfort.
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Later during the sunset, Sora and Kairi sit at the edge of the dock.
“You know, Riku has changed,” Kairi pointed out.
“What do you mean?” Sora asked.
“Well…,” Kairi begins before she grows silent.
“You okay?” Sora asks in concern.
“Sora, let’s take the raft and go—just the two of us!” Kairi jokingly suggests.
“Huh?” Sora asks, confused at the request.
“Just kidding,” Kairi says.
“What’s gotten into you? You’re the one that’s changed, Kairi,” Sora points out.
“Maybe... You know, I was a little afraid at first, but now I’m ready. No matter where I go or what I see, I know I can always come back here,” Kairi says as she turns to face Sora. “Right?”
“Yeah, of course!” Sora reassures.
“That’s good,” Kairi sighs in relief. She pauses for a moment, considering revealing her feelings to Sora. However, she changes her mind and instead says, “Sora, don’t ever change.”
“Huh?” Sora is confused.
Kairi stands up and takes a final look over the ocean. Sora stares up at her as she ends their conversation by saying, “I just can’t wait. Once we set sail, it’ll be great.”
Sora follows her gaze as the sun sets, with Rainbow finding the scene to be fairly sweet, even though she doesn’t want to admit it. Before she could leave, Twilight turned out to have been watching as well.
“That was such a sweet display of love. You know, I thought that outside of my brother and Cadence, this type of love would only ever appear in fairy tales,” Twilight sweetly commented.
“Oh, really?” Rainbow asked, not wanting to show any softness.
“And from the look on your face, I’d say you found it sweet too,” Twilight noted with a smile.
“W-What?! No way!” Rainbow yelled out with a blush.
“That’s a bit rude, don’t you think?” Twilight commented, though she quickly realized Rainbow was lying but decided not to do anything further as she went back to watching the sunset.
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Meanwhile in the Library of Disney Castle, Donald reads the letter aloud to Daisy and Queen Minnie as well as to Spike and Goofy.
“Donald, Sorry to rush off without sayin’ goodbye, but there’s big trouble brewin’. Not sure why, but the stars have been blinkin’ out, one by one. And that means disaster can’t be far behind. I hate to leave you all but I’ve gotta go check into it. There’s someone with a “key”—the Kingdom Key Keyblade to our survival. So I need you and Goofy to find him, and stick with him. Got it? We need that key or we’re doomed! So go to Traverse Town and find Leon. He’ll point you in the right direction.
P.S. Would ya apologize to Minnie for me? Thanks, pal.”
The letter is signed with the King’s seal. Pluto sleeps in his bed as the group muses over the King’s words.
“Oh, dear! What could this mean?” Daisy asks in concern.
“It means we’ll just have to trust the king,” Minnie calmly decides.
“Gawrsh, I sure hope he’s all right,” Goofy is worried.
“I know. If he’s anything like Twilight then hopefully he’ll be fine. I do wonder, though. If the stars are worlds… Do you think those shadow creatures are responsible for the worlds vanishing?” Spike wondered.
“It could be. This isn’t the only tale I’ve heard like that. But regardless, I’d be careful out there,” Queen Minnie said to Donald and Goofy.
“Your Highness. Don’t worry. We’ll find the king and this “key,”” Donald reassured.
“Thank you, both of you,” Minnie was grateful for the assistance.
“Daisy, can you take care of the—” Donald began to ask.
“Of course. You be careful, now, both of you,” Daisy wished them well.
“Wait! I know it may be a lot to ask, but can I come with you? I have a very powerful fire breath and can be of much help on your journey. Please! I want to find Twilight. She’s my family,” Spike pleaded, his voice hitching as he said the last part.
Donald thought for a moment before deciding. “Fine. You can come. But don’t get in the way,” Donald decided, not wanting to see the kid hurt on his watch.
“That’s very nice of you, Donald. Oh, and to chronicle your travels, he will accompany you,” Minnie says as she points toward the desk. Donald peers closer, seeing a small bug jumping on the table.
“Over here!” The bug yells out. The cricket stops jumping once he has Donald’s attention. “Cricket’s the name. Jiminy Cricket, at your service.” He bows with his top hat in his hand.
“We hope for your safe return. Please help the king,” Minnie gratefully says.
Donald stands at attention. Joining Minnie and Daisy, Goofy salutes him, before Donald yanks him out the door, with Donald yelling, “You’re coming, too!”
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They walk down the stairs under the courtyard to the Gummi Ship Control Room. The mouse-eared lights on the wall are dim in the dark hallway. Donald walks ahead as Jiminy hangs on to Goofy’s helmet.
“Gawrsh, Jiminy, your world disappeared, too?” Goofy asked Jiminy.
“It was terrible. We were scattered. And as far as I can see, I’m the only one who made it to this castle,” Jiminy revealed.
“So, I’m really not the only one to have to deal with these shadows,” Spike realized.
“Goofy?” Donald remarks sternly.
“Oh, right… I gotcha. Ya mean, while we’re in other worlds, we can’t let on where we’re from. We’ve gotta protect the world border,” Goofy explains.
““Order.”” Donald corrects.
“Right. World order,” Goofy laughs as Donald sighs.
“So, is there any reason we can’t break the world order? After all, it would probably do more harm than good to keep it a secret,” Spike suggested.
“Look, the last thing we want is for the residents of other worlds to panic or for threats exclusive to that world to become bigger threats. So, for those reasons we need to keep the worlds a secret,” Donald explained.
“Okay then. You do make a good point. Let’s just hope that we can find everyone with that restriction,” Spike said as the group walked through a crown shaped door.
“I guess we’ll need new duds when we get there,” Goofy said.
“So, where is the portal to get us to the other worlds?” Spike asked.
“Where we’re going, we won’t need a portal!” Donald said. They enter the Gummi Ship Control Room, walking across the tiled floor. The whirring of machines fills the air as giant gears spin along the walls. Mechanical arms hang down from the ceiling around a small orange spaceship. The dome of the cockpit reveals three seats. Donald walks toward a large golden tube and puts a hand to his mouth. “Hello up there? Donald Duck to launch crew! Anytime you’re ready.”
In a hanging control booth, Donald’s voice echoes out of the other end of the tube into the ears of a black-nosed chipmunk wearing an apron. Chip salutes and a second chipmunk, this time with a red nose, runs toward a control panel. Dale jumps up to turn a blue lever. Steam billows out of pipes in the ceiling as more gears spin on the walls. Dale leaps to the window and the two chipmunks watch a mechanical hand move across the room. The hand picks up Goofy, carrying him upside down with his arms outstretched. Donald, at his annoyance of being lifted the same way, crosses his arms and frowns. Spike tries to jump into the ship only to be lifted upside down just like Donald and Goofy. As the cockpit opens, Pluto runs into the room and jumps into the Gummi Ship. A light spins on the wall as an interstellar runway opens, lights blinking along the path. A lift moves the rocket ship, aiming it at the tunnel, as Daisy and Queen Minnie enter the room to see their departure. Donald gives Daisy a thumbs-up and a wink as the rockets engines start up with a shower of flames. Donald points forward to the tunnel. “Blast off!!”
In the tunnel, a large neon arrow blinks on, pointing downward. The shaft below the Gummi Ship opens, and the ship falls through it, Donald, Spike, and Goofy all screaming in fear at the sudden dive. The ship drops out of the world and the engine bursts on, sending them into space.
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As Rainbow Dash was snoozing on the ship near the port of the island, she dreamed of the shadow creatures that she and the others encountered. Freaked out by her dream, she woke up to the sight of a storm raging, one not to dissimilar to the one she recalls that endangered her world.
“Oh no! It can’t be happening again! Sora, Twilight, and the others might be in trouble! I gotta find them! Quickly!” Just before she could fly off to the other island, Rainbow was stopped by a large number of the shadow creatures that swarmed her and tried to grab and slash at her. “Hey! Knock it off! Why are you attacking other worlds, anyway?!” Rainbow Dash was able to, with some difficulty, shake them off and hit a number of the shadow creatures, making them disappear in a puff of smoke. With the creature’s numbers lessened for now, Rainbow tried to look for the trio only to not see them anywhere. Just as she was about to give up, she heard a yell come from the docks. Upon getting there, she found Kairi being surrounded by numerous shadows, helpless in terms of dealing with the creatures. “Kairi!” Rainbow proceeded to generate a whirlwind that proceeded to send the shadow creatures flying before they could hurt Kairi. “Come on! This way!” Rainbow yelled as she led Kairi to the Secret Spot. “Are you okay?”
“I-I think so. Man, that was close. So, were those the same creatures that separated you from your friends?” Kairi curiously asked the pegasus.
“Yeah, they are! What are these creatures’ deal anyway?!” Rainbow groaned.
“I don’t know. We have got to do something! We can’t just let these dangerous creatures hurt the people of the Destiny Islands! Especially not Riku and Sora!” Kairi yelled in worry.
“I know! But I don’t think we can! These creatures just kept coming and coming back home! I know this isn’t something I’m used to, but we’re gonna need a plan!” Rainbow Dash decided.
“Well, lucky for you two, coming up with plans is my specialty,” Twilight said as she walked up to them, looking a bit frazzled over having fought the shadow creatures to get here.
“You made it here?? Thank goodness! But how? I mean, no offense, but fighting doesn’t seem to be your strong suit,” Rainbow bluntly pointed out, much to Twilight’s annoyance.
“Well… magic happens to be my specialty back at home. The Princess always said that I was destined for great things with my level of power. But… she’s probably just being nice. I’m sure there are other unicorns that can do what I can do,” Twilight humbly said with a blush.
“Okay? So, about that plan…,” Rainbow Dash began.
“Well, we might have to wait on that because while we were talking, the creatures surrounded us,” Kairi pointed out as Rainbow and Twilight turned to see that the teen was right.
Rainbow might not have liked to admit it, but she was scared. However, she wasn’t one to keep her friends hanging, and she wasn’t going to start now. So, she decided to try and fight to the end, and hopefully give Kairi and Twilight a chance to escape. As she punched a shadow, she cried out, “Kairi, Twilight, run while still can! I’ll hold them off!”
Instead of trying to escape, Kairi joined Rainbow Dash and picked up a nearby stick to try and fight with her. “I appreciate you trying to help me, but I’m not going to let you fight alone! Besides, maybe if I help we can beat them this time.”
“But-,” Rainbow started to interrupt only for Twilight to blast two of the shadow creatures.
“Look, I can handle myself. I mean, dangerous situations are new to me, but I’m not helpless. Kairi is right. If we fight together, we may stand a chance,” Twilight suggested.
Rainbow stood there for a moment before smiling. “Thanks. Alright, let’s take down these shadow creatures right now!” Rainbow cried out as she prepared to rush the creatures. However, before she made contact, the duo were suddenly surrounded by an orb of light. When the orb vanished, both Rainbow and Kairi were holding strange, massive keys in their hands/hooves (Rainbow’s was colored red, blue, and yellow while the handle was cloud-like and Kairi’s was pink and covered with flowers). Not only that, but the shadow creatures had apparently disappeared for the time being. “What was that?”
“I’m not sure, but it looks like we somehow found a way to fight off the shadow creatures!” Kairi cheered.
“Maybe. What are these things that you are holding, anyway? They look like fancy giant keys,” Twilight wondered.
“I have no idea. But Kairi has a point. Maybe with these keys and your magic we may be able to stop these creatures this time!” Rainbow cried out hopefully.
“Well…I suppose that may be possible. Let’s go!” Twilight decided confidently.
“Now, let’s go find the others!” Kairi said as she prepared to leave the Secret Spot. However, before the duo could leave, Sora came rushing into the cave, also holding a massive silver key with a golden handle.
“Kairi! Rainbow Dash! Twilight! You guys are okay!” Sora cried out in relief as he rushed to the duo and gave them a hug.
“Sora! You’re okay! Wait. Where’s Riku?” Kairi questioned her friend/crush.
“He was on the smaller island, but he disappeared in a bunch of darkness. He was also talking all strange about some door being open and that the five of us would be able to visit other worlds. Then after Riku disappeared, this strange key appeared in my hands and I heard some voice call it a Keyblade,” Sora explained as Rainbow, Twilight, and Kairi looked confused, glad to see Sora was fine and that they had a weapon to fight the shadows, but also sad that Riku apparently vanished and could potentially be in trouble.
“So Riku is in danger. Do you think he managed to find a way to a different world?” Twilight wondered.
“Maybe…But hopefully we can save him, wherever he ended up! So, these things we have are called Keyblades, huh?” Kairi guessed.
“I…suppose…so. I don’t know why I don’t have one,” Twilight said looking a bit disappointed.
Sora was quick to notice this and tried to comfort the mare. “Well, you still have your own type of magic, right?”
“Well…I guess so. Still, these keys are very strange. When we get the time I’d really like to look into them,” Twilight said, feeling conflicted.
“Well, at least we have these Keyblades to fight off the darkness now! Though one question remains; who is responsible for all this?” Rainbow asked.
“I’m not sure about that. Hopefully it’s not too late to put a stop to the shadows,” Sora said.
“I know! We should get going and stop them before it’s too late!” Kairi exclaimed as the trio began to rush over to leave this place only to feel intense wind come from behind them. Upon turning, they saw that the door inside the Secret Spot was open with an intense dark wind rushing in, blowing the group out of the Secret Spot and into the air.
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When Sora woke up, he saw that he, Kairi, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash were on a floating island in the darkened sky, energy flowing from an orb as black as night.
“Kairi! Twilight! Rainbow Dash! Are you two okay?!” Sora cried out in concern for his friends. Thankfully, all three of them woke up and got back on their feet, and Rainbow returning to the air after getting up.
“I think so. Man, things up here are looking bad! Do you think we can save everyone else you guys?” Kairi nervously commented upon seeing that there were dark beings covering the near entirety of the two islands below.
“I’d rather not say this, but we may not even be able to save ourselves at this point, you guys,” Rainbow Dash admitted to the two teens. “Still, I’d rather go down trying to save this world than let the dark creatures take over! So, who’s with me?”
“But…this situation looks hopeless at this point!” Twilight argued, starting to lose hope.
“Maybe, but I’d rather know I gave it my all rather than sit back and do nothing!” Rainbow yelled out as she lifted her Keyblade.
“Well… alright. I’d rather not have others suffer if we can help it. Let’s go!” Twilight agreed as she lit up her horn.
“I’m game to help fight! What about you, Kairi?” Sora asked his friend.
“Um, sure! But we may be in trouble ourselves,” Kairi commented.
“Why is that?” Sora asked, confused.
“Because we are not alone up here,” Kairi said as she pointed to a large humanoid shadow creature that was ready to fight the group for who knows what purpose.
“Well, we can’t just give up! Let’s try and fight him off!” Sora said as he summoned his Keyblade.
“Good to see that you agree with me, Sora! Let’s beat this chump!” Rainbow yelled out as she, Sora, and Kairi rushed at the shadow monster. Twilight, meanwhile, decided to stay afar and shot magic at the monster.
Rainbow flew into the sky and used her Keyblade to hit the creature in the head, with Twilight shooting at his head as well. While it did knock him back, the shadow recovered quickly and punched the ground with his right fist. Sora and Kairi dodged the fist, only to notice that he left his fist on the ground, creating a shadow pool around the fist. Seeing an opportunity, Sora and Kairi constantly hit his hand, causing much damage to the creature.
However, while they were distracted attacking the fist, Rainbow noticed that the smaller creatures were forming and ready to attack the distracted teens. Rainbow quickly descended and sliced at and destroyed the shadow creatures and Twilight blasted the few that remained with magic, receiving a thank you from the teens. The larger creature, meanwhile, having sustained a large amount of damage from Sora and Kairi’s attacks, lifted his fist up away from them.
Running out of steam, the larger creature proceeded to launch many energy attacks from his opened chest, trying to hit the group. Twilight created a barrier around herself and deflected some attacks with her magical blasts, with Kairi and Rainbow using their Keyblades to deflect the remaining attacks while Sora got in one last blow to the larger creature’s head. The creature looks ready to fall. However, the creature suddenly rises once more before disappearing, the dark orb above turning into a tornado that proceeds to suck in the group as the world around them starts to vanish.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile in a quiet village, Goofy, Donald, Spike, and Pluto walk through town. Something in the sky catches Goofy’s attention and he stops, gazing upward. Donald turns around as Goofy points upward. Donald follows his gaze and gasps.
“Wait. What is going on you gu- oh no!” Spike yells worriedly as he looks up into the sky.
“Look, a star’s goin’ out!” Goofy cries out in shock. A bright star in the night sky twinkles and blinks out of existence.
“That means another world has vanished! If this keeps up, there may not be any more worlds to save! We gotta do something and fast!” Spike decides.
Donald’s face turns serious as he nods in agreement. “You’re right, Spike! Come on. Let’s hurry.” Goofy nods and they walk through the center of the main district toward a flight of steps. The neon letters of the various shops blink in the night air while a few townsfolk inhabit the picturesque town square. Pluto runs ahead of the two. “Where’s that key…”
“Hey, ya know, maybe we ought to go find Leon,” Goofy suggests. They reach the top of the steps in front of an accessory shop. Pluto sniffs around a dark alleyway, while Donald walks off to the right on his own course. Goofy notices Pluto and stops, with Spike also stopping right behind him. “Uh, Donald. Ya know, I betcha that…”
“Aw, what do you know, you big palooka?” Donald rudely responds as he continues walking by.
“What do I know? Hmm…,” Goofy ponders for a second before following Donald. He calls out, “Come on, Pluto.”
“Do you think it’s best we just go on?” Spike asks, though realizing he isn’t getting an answer, Spike just follows the duo, shaking his head as he does so.
Pluto continues his search down the alley, turning a corner at a pile of wooden crates. He comes across a sleeping Sora, Rainbow, Twilight, and Kairi. Pluto is quick to lick Sora’s face. Sora’s eyes blink open slowly and he peers around sleepily, seeing the dog, who happily wags his tail at the sight of him.
“What a dream…,” Sora mutters as he starts nodding off again and Pluto pounces on him. He gives off a startled yell in response. “This isn’t a dream!”
He squints at the dog, his eyes focusing for a moment, before standing up. He searches his surroundings. Several notices are pinned up on a wall nearby, but even in the dimness of the alleyway, what he sees is not familiar. “Where are we?” Sora questions as he sees Kairi, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash are still asleep. “Hey, wake up you guys!” Sora says as he shakes the three of them.
“Give me a few more minutes, mom,” Rainbow Dash mutters to herself as she wakes up.
“Sora…? Sora! Did we… end up in another world after all?” Kairi asks as she gets up with Sora’s help, amazed but confused by the surrounding alley.
“I guess so. I know that there aren’t places like this back at home,” Sora answers.
“You mean you guys don’t have alleys? Curious,” Twilight noted.
“Man, you really need to spend more time in other worlds, you guys,” Rainbow comments as she is now fully awake and has gotten back into the air.
“Well, we do. Just not one that looks like this. What happened? Where do you think we ended up, Sora?” Kairi asks, feeling excited and nervous all at once.
“I don’t know, you guys,” Sora responds uncertainly.
“I don’t know either. But, at least this place doesn't seem to be covered in dark creatures. That means the people of this world are currently safe,” Twilight sighed in relief.
“Maybe” Remembering Pluto, Sora turns to him and bends down to address Pluto. “Do you know where we are?” Pluto, however, hears a voice calling him and runs back the way he came.
“Hey! Get on back here little buddy!” Kairi calls out to the adorable dog as she, Twilight, Rainbow, and Sora follow the dog to the main part of town, where they can finally see in the brightness of the streetlights.
“Looks like we’ve ended up in another world after all, huh you guys?” Rainbow asked upon seeing the small town.
“I guess we really have. But the question is where are we? And where is Riku and everyone else from the islands?” Sora asked, concerned.
“I don’t know. But look! There is a shop nearby. We should head on in to see if anyone has seen our friends,” Kairi suggested.
“And maybe we’ll learn more about those monsters and the Keyblade,” Twilight agreed.
“Great idea! And while we’re in there maybe we can find something to help us on our quest!” Rainbow Dash cried out.
“Maybe… But, okay! Let's go on in!” Sora finally agreed.
And so, the trio entered the Accessory Shop, with a blond man standing behind the counter who turns to face them. “Hey there, how can I... Aw, it’s only two kids and their pets,” The man states in disappointment.
“We’re not kids! And the name’s Sora!” Sora complains.
“Yeah! And I’m nobody’s pet! I’m a soon to be member of the Wonderbolts from the land of Equestria!” Rainbow stated with pride.
“Yeah! I’m not a pet either! I’m a respectful Equestrian denizen like anypony else!” Twilight argued.
“Can’t quite understand that, but yeah!” Rainbow agreed.
Suddenly, Kairi interrupted the trio by saying, “Okay, let’s all just calm down and talk like reasonable people here.”
“Okay, okay, I get it. The girl is right. Let’s just simmer down. So why the long face, Sora? You all lost or somethin’?” The man asked Sora.
“No! Well, maybe. Where are we?” Sora questions the older man.
“Huh? So, you three don’t know where you are then, do ya?” The man asks.
“Not really sir, we don’t. Maybe you can tell us where we’ve ended up,” Kairi asks politely.
“I guess I can. But first, maybe you all should explain what brought you here to begin with. I may be able to help you three more with some perspective,” The man offered.
“Well, okay then. I guess we can do that. You see, it all started when…,” Rainbow Dash began to explain everything, with Sora and Kairi filling in the blanks.
“Traverse Town... So, that is where we’ve all ended up,” Kairi thought things over.
“I know. This strange place is another world. Do you think Riku or anyone else we know is here?” Twilight wondered.
“Maybe…,” Rainbow said uncertainly.
“So, gramps, is this really another world?” Sora asks the man curiously.
“And where do you think we are relative to Equestria?” Rainbow Dash asked as well.
“Hey, don’t call me gramps! The name’s Cid!” The man yells annoyed as he grits his teeth, nearly breaking the piece of straw in his mouth.
“Sorry about that, sir! We just wanted to know where we are,” Kairi apologized with a bow.
“I apologize too. We didn’t mean to be disrespectful to you,” Twilight bowed as well.
“That’s okay, little ladies. Just please don’t call me that again. Anyway... Not sure what you’re talkin’ about, but this sure ain’t your island or your kingdom,” Cid explained sadly.
“Hold on! Did you happen to see any other ponies or a dragon by any chance, Cid?” Rainbow Dash asked Cid.
“I’m afraid not. I also haven’t seen your silver haired pal either,” Cid answered.
“Hmm... Guess we’d better start looking for Riku and Rainbow and Twilight’s friends then,” Sora decided as the trio began to leave the store.
“Technically, they aren’t my friends,” Twilight admitted.
“Hey, you may be friends with them soon,” Rainbow reminded.
“Maybe…,” Twilight considered.
“Well, good luck with whatever it is you’re doing. If you ever run into trouble, you come to me,” Cid said as the trio left.
“We’ll be sure to do that, Cid!” Kairi said before leaving, bowing as she did so.
As the trio left the store, they were all unsure of where to begin looking for their friends. However, after going up the steps and seeing a large door, the trio decided to leave the First District and go to the Second District.
Upon getting there, the group saw a man running while being surrounded by darkness. He fell right in front of them and what appeared to be his heart left him and formed a slightly larger armored version of one of those shadows.
“Oh no! That poor man!” Kairi was worried.
“I know! But… why did he become one of those creatures?” Sora wondered.
“Maybe it was… because of his heart?” Twilight considered.
“Um, not to interrupt, but looks like we have trouble!” Rainbow Dash said as many shadow creatures surrounded the group.
“Not them again!” Sora yelled out.
“Why do these creatures keep on hurting people?” Kairi questioned.
“I don’t know. But we can’t just let others lose their hearts to these creatures! Let’s stop them!” Twilight said with determination in spite of her fear.
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s beat some dark monsters!” Rainbow Dash cried out.
And so, the group fought off the shadow creatures until they were all gone for the time being. Wanting to warn everyone else about the creatures, Twilight and Kairi decided to head on back to the Accessory Shop, with Sora and Rainbow following after.
“Still haven’t found ‘em? Keep your chin up. Take another look around town,” Cid suggested as soon as the group made it back into the shop.
“But…what about the shadow creatures?! We need to stop them!” Sora yelled out.
“Yeah! The citizens are in trouble!” Rainbow agreed.
“Guys…,” Kairi and Twilight warned.
“Look, I have friends that are more than capable of helping take on the creatures. If you’re worried, you can look for them while you search for yer friends,” Cid suggested.
“Well…okay. I just hope no one gets hurt,” Kairi wished.
“Me too, Kairi,” Sora agreed.
“I wonder how cool these guys will be?” Rainbow wondered.
“Let’s just focus on finding them for now,” Twilight said as she dragged Rainbow out of the store with her telekinesis.
Just as the group had made it back onto the streets, they heard a voice say, “They’ll come at you out of nowhere.”
“Who are you?” Sora was confused.
“Are you here to help us?” Kairi wondered.
“Or are you an enemy?” Rainbow demanded as she looked around for the source of the voice..
The man didn’t answer, and instead continued, "And they’ll keep on coming at you, as long as you three continue to wield the Keyblade.” They all found the source of the voice; A tall man in a leather outfit, with a lion necklace swinging against his chest. He raises a gloved hand and points at the Keyblade, his blue eyes gazing at Sora through his long dark hair. There is a large scar above his nose. “But why? Why would it choose a bunch of kids like you?” He places a hand to his forehead.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sora demanded.
“Yeah! Are you hear to help us?” Twilight asked.
“Never mind. I’ll explain later. Now, let’s see that Keyblade, boy,” The man says as he walks slowly towards Sora, his arm reaching out. Sora takes a defensive stance.
“What? There’s no way you’re getting this!” Sora refused.
“Yeah! These Keyblades are going to help us fight those monsters!” Rainbow yelled out.
“Um, maybe we shouldn’t pick a fight with him,” Kairi warned.
“ All right, then have it your way,” The man said as he prepared a sword with a gun barrel on it.
“Well… looks like we have no choice but to fight,” Twilight gulped.
“Perfect! Let’s go!” Rainbow yelled as she rushed to hit Leon with her Keyblade. However, he quickly countered with a slash of his sword. “What the…?”
“Listen her, young lady, I’m not so easily bested,” the man warned.
“Well, neither am I!” Rainbow countered as she sliced at him multiple times, only for him to block each one.
Kairi snuck up behind the man and tried to hit him without causing too much pain. The blow hit, but didn’t do much. “Sorry!” Kairi apologized.
Sora was quick to land a combo on the distracted man, stunning him long enough for Rainbow and Kairi to land another hit each and for Twilight to hit him with a magic blast.
“Nice hit there, Kairi!” Rainbow congratulated the new Keyblade wielder.
“Um, thanks?” Kairi awkwardly accepted the praise.
“Hold on! We’re not done yet!” Twilight warned as the man hit Sora and Kairi, knocking them both out.
“So, still wanna fight me?” The man questioned.
Rainbow looked on in shock at how the man defeated them so easily. However, she decided not to give up and to continue fighting. “Of course!” Rainbow was quick to rush from a distance at the man, who shot multiple fireballs from a distance. Twilight used her magic to freeze the man in place, hoping to stop the man. However, he fought it enough to fire a fireball at Twilight, knocking her out as well. “Twilight! You’re gonna pay now!” Rainbow rushed and hit the man, only to be hit by a sword slash herself. The man, however, was looking exhausted and like he was about to lose. “N-now y-you’re g-gonna-,” Rainbow muttered as she too finally fell unconscious.
“Hey, you found it. Nice going, Leon. Aw! And it looks like you’re slipping too!” A girl in a ninja outfit and black hair teased.
“I took it easy on them, Yuffie. Still... It looks like things are worse than we thought. A lot worse,” The man, named Leon, noted to his friend as he looks toward the Keyblade in Sora’s hands, along with the ones Kairi and Rainbow Dash have.
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile in another world,
Riku awakes on a cold stone platform. His fingers twitch and he opens his eyes, seeing a large waterfall and crystalline rock platforms floating in the air. The sounds of the Rising Falls fill his ears, and he slowly gets to his feet. “Where...am I?” He looks around at the area. The waterfalls flow upwards rather than downwards, filling his vision on nearly every side. He sees no one else around. Riku calls out, “Sora! Kairi! Rainbow Dash! Twilight!” Getting no response, he stares at the tiled ground. Unbeknownst to him, his arrival is noticed by a tall figure in a black cloak, who walks toward him on a much higher platform. The figure’s greenish-gray hand and long violet fingernails are revealed. Next to her, invisible to Riku, is a strange yellow and black triangle figure with a single eye.