//------------------------------// // 28 A Smashing Explanation // Story: Ponies & Keyblades // by GoneGuy //------------------------------// Kairi and the Crusaders followed Smashing Light to his home in the outskirts of Ponyville. They entered his small house and saw Candy Something resting on the couch. Smashing beckoned for the Crusaders to enter his dining room, and he poured them some lemonade as he began his story. "As you know, I am Smashing Light. I was born here in Ponyville, and attended school where you three now attend. When I was no older than you three, I discovered my special talent and got my cutie mark. I then went to my high school where I met my sweetheart, Candy Something. About 4 years ago, I got my first glimpse of the dark beings known as Heartless. I did not know what to do. I was scared. I blacked out, but not before a being known as King Mickey was able to save me from the Heartless. I awoke on what appeared to be a platform of stained glass bearing my image, Candy's image, the King's image, and the images of 6 of my friends; Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. In my maw was a magnificent blade, it's hilt made of sapphire and it's blade of bronze. I heard a voice but saw no one, and three things appeared - a sword, a shield, and a staff. The voice asked me which I chose to possess, for each of the three represented something different; Strength, Courage, and Magic. I chose the sword. Then it asked me what I was to give up. Being an earth pony, I have very little knowledge of magic, so I gave that up. I then fought a legion of Heartless within this endless expanse. Then I awoke from a sleep I did not remember falling into, home safe. From that day, I wielded the Keyblade. I have learned to use it's strength and my own. I now have a rather extensive knowledge of magic, despite not being a unicorn. I had very few encounters with the Heartless - they are not normal here. At least they weren't... until about 2 weeks ago, when that new pony, Sora, came to town. Since then, I've been busy beyond a shadow of a doubt. They always come after me and Candy. I can't stop them. After my first encounter with Heartless, King Mickey visited me. He told me of the existence of other worlds, and he trained me in the ways of a Keyblade Wielder. But rather than visit other worlds, I chose to stay here, to help protect Equestria from the chaos of the Heartless. Sure, I was called to Hollow Bastion and Disney Town on occassion, but nothing major. Strangely, I always changed forms when I visited these worlds. Now I know why." He finished his story, and the 5 pony guests all discussed it amongst themselves. "Now, if there's nothing more I can help you with, I must ask that you leave. One Keyblade Wielder in a house is enough to attract a few dozen Heartless, but two... it is an avoidable risk. I apologize for the inconvienence." The group got up to leave, before he spoke one last time to them. "Oh, and when you see Sora and Riku... tell them King Mickey is safe." Kairi smiled. "Will do." Smashing nodded. "Best of luck to you in your endeavours. May Celestia keep you safe." And with that, he shut the door. Smashing walked over to Candy, still lying there resting. "Soon. Soon everything will be alright." Then he cast a spell of protection over her and his home, and left through the backdoor. The Ponyville Express made it's way down the tracks, racing towards it's destination. Twilight, Shining Armor, Cadance, and Discord had gotten off when it stopped in Canterlot to warn Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of the Changelings' return, and the others remained on the train. As the train pulled into Ponyville Station. Sora, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash took off straight for Cloudsdale on their wings, as part of the swarm was heading there. Riku and the others dashed off in several directions, determined to stop the monstrous beasts from devouring Ponyville. Kairi saw a familiar black pony with a silvery mane run past her. She knew instantly who he was. "Riku! Riku!" "Huh? ...K-Kairi...." The two shared a brief hug, before he began to run back off. "Wait! Where are you going?" "No time... Monsters... attacking Ponyville..." "Wait! I'm coming with you! "FIne. Sora will be happy to see you when he gets back." "Sora's here too?!" "Yes, but there will be time for that later. Kairi rushed off to follow Riku and shouted back at the Crusaders. "Get to Sweet Apple Acres and don't leave until we come and get you! Then it'll be safe!" "But Kairi... Crusaders always stick togeth-" "I know! But this is far too dangerous for you girls!" And with that, Kairi was gone with Riku. "Ya know, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Babs.... Ah think Kairi might be one of those people things Sora told us about... she certainly seemed to know Riku..." "Yeah... a bit suspicious... but we should probably do what she says." Sweetie Belle replied. The Crusaders made their trip to Sweet Apple Acres. "Wait girls!" Scootaloo cried as they entered the barn, where Big McIntosh and Granny Smith were already hunkered down for the battle. "What Scootaloo?" "Maybe we can earn our cutie marks in Heartless Battling!" "Yeah!" Babs replied. The four prepared to go and fight for Ponyville, but they felt a large red hoof pull them in towards the pony it was attached to. "Eenope. Sorry, little fillies, but Ah can't letcha do that. It's too dangerous."