(Before I begin, I wanted to state that any text in blue indicates a light side action and anything in red indicates a dark side action. Music is added for effect, you may choose not to use it if you desire to, however it is recommended you do use it. If you do want it, then open the links in a new tab.)
(Kingdom Hearts is owned by Square Enix and the A New Home series is owned by APoeticHeart.)
“I’ll miss you...Alex.”
“Have fun in your new life…”
“Don’t...make the same mistake…”
Alex didn’t know what was going on. The eerie silence surrounded him and seemed to choke the air of any source of light . He scanned his environment...it was a forest, however it looked off. The sense of something evil lurking around him made Alex worry and start to panic. He started to run, not knowing which way was which. The once dead forest seemed to only echo with the rustling of Alex running through the trees blindly hoping to find himself out of the despairing woods. His heart pounded as he continued to navigate the darkness with his hands and little of what he could see. However, his run came to a sudden stop as he rammed into something furry and large. It didn't seem happy at all as it gave a menacing growl and turned to him with a leer that pierced the blackness surrounding it. Alex was frightened at what was in front of him. He curled himself up, knowing that this may be his final moments of life.
Then everything shined bright around him. Squinting, he rose his hand up to block the overwhelming light in his eyes. The creature came into view and the young human noticed that it was of some kind of lion that retreated from the strange glow. When the light cleared, he noticed a golden sword in his risen hand. A smile crossed his face as his memory recollected what the blade was. “Eternal Harmony” a voice spoke, “A blade of remarkable strength...you are it’s chosen wielder...Use it to spread your light to the world and change the face of darkness.” Just looking at it gave him the courage and strength to keep going. He held the sword tightly as trekked through the forest. After what seemed to be a long walk, Alex started to finally see that the forest around him slowly started to change. The bark was lighter and the sound of life filled the air as he could hear birds in the trees. Eventually the forest thinned out to where it finally stopped and opened up to a clear field. The sun’s rays hit him as it started to lower itself towards the western horizon. His appearance could be made out now too. He had bright blue eyes with spiky dark windswept hair, a familiar looking jacket of white on the right and black on the left with a cyan colored collar and a piece of platinum armor on his left shoulder.
On looking towards the star, he spotted something that caused him to take a bit of caution. Perhaps it was another dangerous creature like before. Alex knew he had to be brave so he kept going. As he got closer, the figure he saw got clearer. He was ready for anything now. But what he thought was a monster turned out to be something unexpected...it was a blue pony with a brown mane and tail sitting. Alex was relieved at the sight and put his sword away. He decided to only bring it out if he felt as if he were in an uncomfortable situation or if some explaining needed to be done.
He decided to go ahead and see this pony’s reaction toward him. The pony noticed him as he was walking toward him and was shocked at his sudden appearance. Alex took a step back at how the pony’s face was full of shock. After a bit, the pony finally broke the silence and began to speak. This startled Alex since he wasn't used to talking creatures other than humans.
“Hello there. Name’s Shutter Flash. What's yours?” The blue pony asked him. Alex decided to play it safe and not show any surprise.
He replied, “Well...My name is Christian Alex Gomez...but please, just Alex is alright.” He preferred Alex to begin with but decided to tell him his full name anyway.
Shutter thought he seemed friendly, so he extends a hoof to greet him. "It’s great to meet you!” Alex smiled at his kindness. He took the hoof and shook it.
"Likewise." He replies with a smile on his face.
“Have you seen the other human here in town?” Shutter asked. This gave surprise yet hope for Alex knowing that there was civilization near and, more importantly, another human here.
“Really?” He began. “I thought I would be the only one...is my kind here a common species or am I just lucky to be here?” Alex finished with a question.
“You're very unique...May I take your picture?” Shutter asked. Alex found this to be quite cute. He knew that he was in a peaceful environment now.
Alex gave a small chuckle, “Sure...so what’s the other like?” He asked as Shutter took Alex’s picture. Shutter then pulled his camera bag close and started to put his camera away.
“He's small and very kind. Fluttershy's just recently adopted him actually.” Shutter explained to Alex.
“Wow, sounds like a nice kid!” He commented. “Not really sure how I managed to get here...but I wouldn't mind staying here for the time being. So...what's his name?” Alex asked curiously as Shutter finished putting his camera away.
“His name is Toby.” He answered, “Funny though, because I just had to handle a kid that was abandoned recently. His name was Daniel. Humans confuse me personally.” Shutter replied and commented, answering his question.
So...some humans already have experiences here...it’s a good thing they were taken care of as well. He thought before speaking. “I see...Well, you have my thanks.” Alex began, “I do not come across people, err...ponies, very often that would take someone in if they're lost. I would personally help them, but strange things have been happening to me lately and it’s been messing with my head. From what I recall, I've been chosen to wield this.” He then brought out his ever so graceful golden sword and continued, “...This is the Eternal Harmony...When I found this, I blacked out and found myself here.” He points in the direction of the forest then continues, “These voices in my head say that I am foolish to call myself a hero. They say I'm too young to be one. But that doesn't matter, just because I'm 16 doesn't mean I can't make a difference in the world.” He finishes confidently.
Shutter was touched by his thoughts about what he can accomplish. "You seem to have a good heart." He complemented his spirit.
“However, what troubles me is who I really am.” Alex began again, “...My name and the reason why I have this sword is all I have left…” An idea then popped inside of his head, “Tell me Shutter, has there been any trouble going on around here that I should know about?” He finished by asking a question.
Shutter then taps his chin with his blue hoof. "To be honest with you...Yes." He replies.
"Really? Oh, well then please do tell!" Alex says in a thrilled tone.
Shutter responds by saying, “Yeah...if you follow me, I'll lead you to something I discovered the other day." He was about to turn to go but then looked back at Alex. "Would you like a ride?" He asks.
Alex smiled at his request. "Yes, a ride sounds nice."
Shutter lowered himself to offer his back. "Please hop on."
Alex then got on Shutter’s back and told him, "Thank you...we should get going. The sooner I know where I am, how I got here, and how I can help, the easier it will be to regain my thoughts."
Shutter looked back and nodded. "Right! Here we go!" He kicked off with a small snort and got into a moderate gallop. "I’ve never seen anything like it...I found Daniel there and sent him to the princesses, but something about the area seemed...off." The land stretched out far in front of them and the sight of Ponyville could be seen off in the distance. The quiet town was at peace with its colorful homes and hay rooftops shining off with golden rays. Tiny multi-colored figures moved about here and there as they neared it.
Alex looks in awe at the sight of Ponyville. "Wow..." he says, "It looks amazing...So, where exactly am I? Now that I know I'm a very rare species to this world, this can’t possibly be my place of origin." Alex asks as he continues to stare at the sight of Ponyville with wonder in his eyes.
"You're very rare, to say the least." Shutter replied as he came up to a fork in the road. The left sign read 'Ponyville' and the other road said 'Sweet Apple Acres'. Leaning right, Shutter looked back at Alex. "You happen to be in the country of Equestria, home of all species of ponies, horses, and other equine types." Shutter then glanced at Alex’ golden sword. "What kind of blade is that?" Alex gave out a stressed sigh
(Stop Song)
"From what the voices have told me before hand,” Alex began as he held it up, “This blade is called the Eternal Harmony. A blade that was forged out of the purest of light and was meant for someone who would change the way we look at darkness...I'm still not sure why it change how we would look at darkness rather than just destroying it...Even further, I'm not sure why it chose me...I'm just your regular everyday 15 year old kid living a normal life...at least I think it was…" He said to himself as he finished his explanation.
"Well, it looks like you're more than that to have such a special blade at your beckoning call.” Shutter began, “Most likely, it can sense something greater deeper inside of you, something that hasn't come to light just yet. Don't you worry Alex. I’m sure that it will reveal itself sooner or later." The orchard soon was rising from over the hill along of the sweet smell of the apples cooking. Shutter quickened the pace as he began to pant lightly. "I'll be here to help you out, Alright?" As they rapidly neared the homestead, an orange pony with a beautiful mane came into view as she sat by the wooden fence and smiled to the evening air. "Evening Applejack!" Shutter yelled.
Alex grew uneasy at the sight of someone new. He hesitates a bit. Not so sure how this is gonna work out...wait, they shouldn't know who I am. It’s too early and probably too risky. Alex thought quickly and told Shutter, "Hey Shutter, please promise me not to reveal myself to anyone else yet...I feel uneasy carrying a sword in such a peaceful environment. Some people may find it odd or see me as a threat or maybe even an invader...I'll try to make up a story from what I know if things start to turn bad." Alex finished explaining.
Shutter felt Alex shift on his back and seemed to understand that Alex didn't wish to be fully known just yet. Applejack looked up and stared at them as suddenly Shutter turned sharply into the trees. "I'm sorry Alex... I should've thought more about that." He slowed his pace a little to regain his bearings. "Okay...We are getting close."
"Shutter Flash! Where did you go!?" The yell of the aforementioned Applejack could be heard giving them pursuit.
"She won't find us as long as we reach the spot I was talking about." He kicked off and ran through woods as trees flew by them. "Anyway Alex, its very funny that you mentioned something about darkness..."
Alex grew worried, "S-So...how long will you have to be running for?...And what is this place you're speaking of?" Alex could feel the sweat running down his face. "I'm starting to wonder if me coming here wasn't an accident after all..."
"It's a waterfall I go to every other day... I felt something strange and found Daniel covered in some black-colored tar." Shutter started to slow down as the rushing of water neared. "I'm sorry Alex if I'm scaring you..." Shutter says.
Alex gave a relieved sigh at the sound of the water. "I see...It's alright, at least from I can tell, we're getting close...ugh, this is a lot to take in." Alex lowered his head in sadness.
Shutter stopped and turned back to give Alex a light nuzzle. "Hey there... come on now. I'm here to help you my friend."
Alex lifts his head back up and gives a slight chuckle, "Yeah...and I appreciate greatly." He looks up ahead, "I think we're about there."
With a smile, Shutter agreed with a small nod. He turned his head forward and trotted a little more as the sound of rushing water was very close by. "We are here, Alex." With a hoof, Shutter pulled back on a large leaf and revealed a pale blue waterfall, the size of a story building. At the base of the water there was a dark ominous liquid.
Alex then looked up at just how tall this waterfall was and he was stunned. "I've never seen such a nice and peaceful sight." He thought out loud. He then looked down to see the dark ominous liquid. "Shutter, what is that at the base of this enormous waterfall?" Alex asked as he got off of Shutter’s back and slowly started to walk towards it.
Shutter followed after him and felt his hairs stand up on the back of his neck. "A-Alex... I'm starting to feel something is wrong here." Shutter says in a worried tone.
Alex stopped walking and looks back to see a worried look on Shutter's face, "Huh? What do you mean? What's going on?" He asks.
“I don't know, Alex." He steps closer and looks at the water. "I can sense something off... almost unnatural. Like from a terrifying dream." He says.
Alex feels a cold wind pass by him and shivers "Now that you’ve mentioned it...something doesn't seem right about this place...it's almost as if- URG!" He is cut off by a terrible ache in his head. Accept the darkness...embrace it... A voice similar to his own calls out in his head. Unfortunately, it was just too much for him. He became wobbly and soon fell to the ground with a very audible THUMP!
“Alex!" Shutter ran to his side and nuzzled his cheek in worry. "Alex can you hear me!?"
It was nothing back pitch black in the eyes of Alex. All that could heard was the same voices as before. He's powerless. Nothing like the other heroes were. He's just a kid. LEAVE HIM ALONE! I sense that there is great potential in Alex! He then could hear his name being called out and was soon jumped back into reality. He weakly opened his eyes and spoke while waking up. "Ugh...What...just happened?" He asked.
Shutter looked at him with great relief, he would've even smiled if he wasn't feeling the ominous evil around them. "Alex! I'm so happy you're okay. I better get you back to town so we can see if you're hurt in any way. Don't worry... I will only consult my family and a personal friend to help us.” Shutter began to wrap his hooves around him to help him up.
Alex then got back up and responded, "I thank you for your aid Shutter, but I'm gonna have to refuse that offer...I can't ri-urk!" He stumbles a bit, but gets up. "I can't risk being seen by anyone else...who knows...maybe even that one pony we saw earlier may be still looking for us..."
"Why? Alex... Don't you trust me?" Shutter brought his hoof up and lightly rested it on the young humans shoulders. "Alex you like it or not I feel responsible for you. I'm not going to leave you in the state you are." Shutter then looks at him straight in the eyes. "Let me help you."
Alex gave a defeated sigh "...Alright...I suppose we can work with that...it's just that I can't help but feel that the darkness is all around us...I don't want to put more in danger because of my presence...that is if they will accept me...I mean...how will the others react to me? ANOTHER human here, but older and is carrying a sword...I hope they don't see me as a threat...Shutter, if they do, I won't hesitate to defend myself. I am not one to kill, but if I am pushed, expect to be pushed back...I'm sorry if I seem like too much trouble..." Tears started to form in Alex's eyes.
Shutter took him in a hug. "You're still young and you’re scared. I'll protect you... when the darkness comes we'll face it together," Shutter then let him go in time to notice the dark liquid moving. "Alex?"
Alex then noticed the liquid and closed his eyes What's going on? He thought to himself. Leave the other to save yourself..... A voice called in his head. Almost as if he was being controlled, Alex opened his eyes and started to run off on his own without Shutter.
Shutter stood his ground and faced the black liquid. "What's going on here?"
Alex was now running, but he felt hesitant...Damnit...what am I doing?! I should be helping Shutter! He thought to himself as he kept going, but the voice in his head didn’t seem to agree. No! Alex, Even if you do survive, what will the others think of you?! Alex then slowed down and thought for a bit, then said in his head, It's something I'm gonna find out then. Alex then made a U-Turn and started heading back with his sword gripped tightly in his hand. Alex! Turn Back! Nice try, voice...but I'm not!
Shutter saw that suddenly the black liquid had soft glowing neon yellow eyes. "What the...?!"
Little black creatures, that appeared to be no more than imp looking shadows, surrounded Shutter and started to close in. "Shutter... Stay calm..." He sighed out and focused on not panicking. "What are these things!?” He yelled out
Alex eventually came back to the area of the waterfall and noticed the scene. "Oh no! He needs my help!" He said to himself as he rushed to the scene. "Back off!" Alex yells as he starts slashing the shadows. Shutter watched as Alex's sword sliced through three of them. Immediately, the creatures looked at the human and their antennas started to go crazy.
Seeing that fighting was the best chance, Shutter swung a hoof and tried to strike at one, only to see that his powerful throw only knocked it back lightly. "Alex what are these!?"
"I'm not sure!" He yelled as he struck down another shadow. He observed them, "...But for some reason, they look familiar to me!" He then gave another hard hit to a shadow, "It’s over!" he yelled. The shadows were now only targeting him. They seemed to notice that the boy was more powerful than they expected. "What's the deal with these things anyway?!" He question as he blocked an incoming attack and quickly countered it, "Gotcha!" He said while countering.
Shutter looked on, feeling almost utterly helpless. His eye fell on Alex’s sword and as if a spark of revelation hit him he widened his brown irises. He widened his stance and started to focus everything into collecting the light around him. In a few seconds he had formed light around his hooves. "Lets see if this helps." Alex kept on attacking the shadows, but to avail, they kept on appearing.
He gave an annoyed sigh and said "C'mon, gimme a break!" He looks back to see Shutter with light around his hooves, "Well, aren't you in top shape." Alex said to Shutter. He charged at few collecting behind Alex. He kicked at two of them and almost immediately they vanished.
"Alright! Alex. I got your back." He got into a fighting stance. Alex smiled and gave him a nod as he went back to the fighting off more shadows.
After many combos, counters and kills, Alex began to grow tired of this never ending wave of enemies. "Shutter! I think we should make a break for it...there just doesn't seem to be an end to this barrage!" He yelled as he blocked another incoming attack. Shutter looked at him as he stomped two in a row. Sweating, he panted from the nonstop battle.
"Okay..." He galloped to Alex and picked him up on his back. "Let's get out of here!" The shadows were now desperate than ever to get their hold on Alex. They all jumped into the air aimed at Shutter. In a quick reaction Shutter, let out a brilliant little flash of light and dashed out just as they crashed into a pile of misty black mess. "Alex...This...needs to be told to Celestia."
Alex felt slightly nervous about meeting another and telling his whereabouts...but what other choice does he have? He was stressed. "...Ok...if you believe that this "Celestia" pony will help us in my time of need, then go ahead." He said. A shadow attempted to grab onto him, he gave a quick slash to shake it off. "And we need to get there fast!"