The train had soon made it's way to Canterlot Station. The group of friends exitted their compartments and headed into the station itself, discussing amongst themselves why Princess Celestia had summoned them to the capital of Equestria.
Sora was by himself, and could only think of one reason that the world's ruler could want him there. Heartless. And by the urgency of the letter, probably lots of them.
The group made their way through the glorious streets of the capital city, oohing and aahing over just about everything in sight. But the most glorius thing was that which Sora was staring at. Canterlot Castle.
The group made their way through the garden of the castle, following their escorts, two knights, directly to Princess Celestia's throne room.
As they entered the throne chamber, everypony bowed low to the ground. Even Sora knew when to bow in presence of royalty, thanks to Donald and Goofy. He looked at the princess. She was pure white, with a large sun imprinted on her flank, and a tail and mane of eretheral material, with magestic colors, and a large horn upon her head.
"Princess Celestia, to what do we owe the honor of basking in your glorious presence?" Rarity asked.
"Well, my little ponies, I think first you should introduce me to your friend."
"Of course, Princess!" Twilight chimed in, "this is Sora. Sora, this is her highness, Princess Celestia."
"It's an honor, Princess." Sora replied.
"Now, my little ponies, I must tell you of a frightening event that has surfaced in Equestria. An old enemy of myself and Princess Luna, Discord, is believed to have escaped his imprisonment. Long ago, Discord ruled Equestria in unending sorrow and chaos. But Luna and I wielded the Elements of Harmony, and imprisoned him as a statue in the castle gardens. Discord is chaos, and he wanted chaos to live around him. But, I know that Discord can be defeated by the elements you now represent."
Princess Celestia walked down a hall, 7 ponies and a dragon in tow. She placed her horn in what looked like a lock, and opened it, revealing a chest inside the newly created door.
"Now, my little ponies, take your elements and -"
The elements were gone.
"No! How could this be? Only I am able to-"
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"
In the stained glass windows, a strange creature came to life. He had the head of a pony, but a lion's paw, goat's horn, snake's tail, among other things.
"My dear Princess Celestia. Do you really think I would let you defeat me that easily?"
"Discord! Show yourself!"
"As you wish."
He slithered from window to window, recanting the story of his own ruling from his point of view.
"Give Princess Celestia back the elements!" Applejack yelled.
"Honestly, Applejack, do you really think I should do that? Of course, hearing it from the Element of Honesty does make it seem likely that it is what you meant."
"Hey Mr. Meaniepants! How do you know Applejack's name?!" Pinkie jumped in.
"Oh, Pinkie Pie. I know all of you. And what you represent. The famous 6 ponies who defeated Nightmare Moon. Pinkie Pie, my favorite element is yours, laughter. Rainbow Dash, all about loyalty. Applejack the Honest, Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness, and dear Rarity, the most generous in the land. And of course Twilight, the most powerful element of all: Magic."
"We used the elements before, and we can use them again!" Twilight yelled, pointing at the beast.
"You'll have to find them first. Oh, and let's not forget Sora. You're not an element, but you could be. I think Harry, and Link, and Ralph, and the others would agree."
"Shut it, Discord! Or do I need to pull out a few keyblade tricks from my bag?"
"Ha. You really think a mere keyblade can defeat me? Well, I'll let you believe that. But first, I'll give you all a chance to get the elements back."
Discord recited a poem, telling about twists and turns, and going back where they began, where they would find the elements, before disappearing.
"Twists and turns? The Castle's Hedge Maze!" Twilight shouted, "Come on, everypony!"