//------------------------------// // Early Days, Epilogue: The Story // Story: The Key to the Light // by KingJoltik //------------------------------// WARNING!!! This chapter is a bit dark and hopefully the darkest I'll have to go with this story. The Darkness. No matter how much I even remotely look at it...it seems to be dangerous. Perhaps Clover was right, perhaps it is something best left untouched. And yet, I feel it is a necessary component in the scheme of things. The Darkness seems to be a type of entity that will always be there, regardless of it's unpredictable nature. That being said, I think I'll listen to Clover for now and leave the Darkness well alone. -Starswirl Report 3 "Your Majesty, please reconsider!" a certain guard exclaimed as he pointed to the laying blue unicorn filly. "She attacked the royal guards with those dark creatures and-" "Enough!" Celestia yelled, her hooves slamming the ground. "You will either be silent or leave my presence at once! I will not let you take a tiny filly to the dungeons! She will stay here in the medical wing of the castle!" "Yes your majesty..." the guard squeaked, trying to shrink into the floor. His hooves rubbed the ground as he slowly paced out of the room. "Sorry..." "Good." Celestia turned her head to the laying filly, "Now...what shall we do with you, little one?" It had been only a day since the sudden attack of Heartless on Canterlot. It had taken quite a toll on the city and it's ruler. The creatures had taken several hearts as they had destroyed parts of the glorious city of the sun. Thankfully, the majority of the attack was on the castle which Celestia had made sure was evacuated. Despite this, Celestia knew she would soon have to arrange a meeting with the ponies who were related to the one's who had lost their hearts, especially the many guards that had been lost to the Heartless. She had hoped to avoid such things happening in her city, but it seemed inevitable now. Just a few hours ago, she received a report stating that seventeen citizens hearts were gone along with the hearts of twenty-four guards. The numbers were small compared to what she had read about the Heartless from Starswirl's reports though. She could only come to one conclusion from that report. The attack was nothing but a distraction so they could attack Twilight. And yet...she could not feel true anger towards the leader of the attack. The small blue filly that wielded a slick demonic blade. The one that she could easily tell was being manipulated by somepony else. That fact alone put Celestia on edge. There was something out there, ready to do harm to her kingdom and her subjects. Somepony that would manipulate such a young tiny filly. The very thought began to stir a small brim of rage in the alicorn's mind. She would make the ponies behind this attack pay. They would pay for the pain and misery they had caused to her ponies. But for now, she sat in the medical wing of the castle, standing over the once possessed filly. The small pony's body slowly stretched as her hooves tapped the covers of the bed. She's so young...there's no way this filly did this on her own. She's being manipulated...but who in Equestria knows about the Heartless? The only one I can think of hasn't been seen in centuries and- Celestia's thoughts were interrupted as she saw the filly beginning to stir from her slumber. She's waking up. Let's hope I can get some answers... "Oh...Trixie...Trixie does not feel good..." the filly moaned, her hooves twitching in pain. Her tiny eyes creaked open as she began to look around. Her brain soon caught up as she saw the flowing rainbow-colored mane that covered half the ceiling above her. "Ack! W-w-w-what the?!" "Be calm little one. I mean you no harm." Celestia said with a soft smile as she put her hoof on Trixie's chin. "Do not worry, you're safe here." Trixie's eyes began to bulge as she just stared at Celestia. The alicorn's words barely reached her ears as she just laid there, slightly twitching. She was like a statue, completely frozen in fear of the being before her. Holy magic! That's Princess Celestia! The Princess and everything! Oh no oh no oh no oh no- "Are you alright?" Celestia asked, leaning down to the filly's level, her usual kind smile still shining. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Trixie shrieked, her yell piercing Celestia's ears. The princess's hooves quickly plugged her ears as Trixie continued to scream. The filly scampered under the covers as she started yelling, "Please don't kill Trixie! Please don't put Trixie in a dungeon! Trixie is too youn-mmph!" A small aura clamped Trixie's mouth shut as Celestia rubbed her ears in discomfort. She shook her head for a second and then placed her hoof on Trixie's head. Celestia's usual kind smile showed itself as she leaned back down. "Please calm down. I'm not going to hurt you, alright?" Trixie just sat there, shivering at the alicorn's presence. A minute of silence later, Celestia leaned down again. "Now, if I stop my magic, will you promise not to scream?" Trixie slowly nodded, her eyes beginning to show tears. "Don't be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you or put you in a dungeon. You're going to be okay. No yelling, alright?" Trixie nodded again. "Okay." Her horn stopping shining as the magic dissipated in an instant. Trixie let out a small breath before doing a huge gulp. "Y-y-you really mean it? Trixie's not gonna be p-p-punished?" "Yes." Celestia nodded. "Everything's going to be alright." Trixie just sat there in amazement, unable to comprehend what was happening to her. She knew what she had done yesterday. She knew she had led a small army of Heartless into Canterlot under the Servant's orders. Why isn't she angry at me? was the thought that kept replaying in her mind. Didn't I attack her and the city?! "Let me guess, you think you're in trouble, don't you little filly?" "Um...yes." Trixie squeaked. "Trixie knows she attacked the castle and uh...yeah." "Yes." Celestia's smile slightly faded. "I was wondering about that. How does a little filly like yourself know about the Heartless? I would especially like to know since they haven't been seen in Equestria for almost thousand years." "What do you mean?" "I am no fool my little pony." Celestia shook her head as she continued. "There's no way a filly like yourself would just have the power to control the Heartless like that. It is something that must be taught." Hearing those words, Trixie shut her mouth completely. She sucked in her lips as Celestia continued to stand there, unmoving. "Don't worry Trixie, I mean you no harm. I am merely seeking answers." "And...and how is Trixie supposed to know you aren't lying?!" Trixie blurted out before slamming her hooves into her mouth. Oh no. I just messed up and yelled at her! Now she's gonna kill me! Celestia merely sighed as she responded. "You know I'm not. Just as I know that this attack was not your doing." "B-b-b-but-" Trixie's mouth was shut by Celestia's hoof. "No buts little filly. I told you, I'm not going to harm you. Just..." Celestia shined her warm smile again. "Please tell me how and why you did this." "Um...Trixie uh...Trixie is..." she stuttered, trying to form a sentence. Seeing this, Celestia quickly figured that whoever gave her this power had definitely frightened her enough to not talk about it. Makes sense. I mean, whoever controlled this filly was probably very cruel... Celestia only shook her head as she spoke up again. "Listen Trixie, whatever pony that taught you this power and controlled you...they can't hurt you here. I'll make sure of that, understand?" "But-but-but-but...T-T-T-Trixie is...Trixie is..." the blue filly's eyes began to form tears as she tried to speak. Celestia's hoof covered the filly's mouth again. This isn't working. If only I could make her see that I don't mean her any harm... Celestia took a deep breath as a small idea popped inside her head. "Tell you what little filly, I'm going to make you a promise." "A promise?" "Yes. A promise." Celestia put her hoof onto her chest. "I, Celestia, the Princess of the Sun and ruler of Equestria promise you, Trixie...uh...what is your last name?" "Lulamoon." "Trixie Lulamoon, I promise that I will do everything in my power to make sure no harm comes to you from this day forward." Celestia's grin showed a beam of confidence as she leaned down to the filly's level. "I will make sure that whoever did this to you will be punished for manipulating a filly and attacking a city full of ponies." "Oh...okay." Trixie squeaked, trying to raise her voice. "Um...thank you Princess Celestia." "Now...could you tell me who manipulated you?" "Well..." Trixie looked down at her hooves, tears trying to appear in her eyes. "Trixie still doesn't-" "It was the Master, wasn't it?" The statement made the filly instantly freeze. Her body turned stiff as she slowly looked at the ruler with a confused expression. Celestia saw the expression and arched her eyebrow, confirming her earlier thought. Trixie could only stutter. "H-h-h-how..." "That pony has not been seen for almost a thousand years little one...and it is the only pony ever recorded that controlled the Heartless." Celestia stated with a straight face. "Am I right? Is the Master behind this?" Trixie gulped. "Yes...and no." "No?" "Trixie was...Trixie um..." the blue filly fiddled with her hooves as she looked down, tears dropping from her eyes. "Trixie guesses Trixie should start at the beginning." Celestia sat down on the bed, her wings covering the small weeping filly. "Take your time my little pony. There's nothing to be afraid of, I'm not going to hurt you." Celestia's smile glowed in Trixie's eyes, the very sight of the calm smile soothed the filly. The filly felt...calm at the sight. Like a warm light embracing her. "Okay." Trixie let out a deep breath. "It all started when Trixie was traveling with her parents." "Alright..." Celestia replied as she prepared herself for the filly's tale. I was wondering where her parents were...I hope they aren't the monsters behind this. Trixie on the other hoof, continued her story. "Trixie was in our wagon when..." The Past... It began on a small dusty road. Most ponies no longer traveled this road, especially since trains are available. But not the trio currently going down the trail. These three ponies were walking down this path, one in the front, pulling a wagon. The other two were inside the wagon, making small giggling noises. "So...who are you my little cutie?" said a short blue coated mare inside the wagon. "Tell me your name." "Trixie is..." a small light blue filly tapped her chest with a big goofy grin. "Trixie is the cute and adorable Trixie!" "That's what I thought." the mare said as she rubbed Trixie's belly. The filly let out a box of giggles as she struggled to stop the rubbing. "Aw, what's wrong my little pony?" "Hehehe! Stop that mommy!" "I don't think so! I think the cute and adorable Trixie needs more tickling!" "No!" Trixie cried out, small tears appearing under her eyes. "Trixie doesn't-hehehehe!" "There we go!" the mare said as she played with her daughter. The mare's name is Tricky Moon. She sported a long silver colored mane with a deep light purple coat to accompany it. Her dark purple eyes went well with her coat as she hugged her daughter in a loving embrace. Trixie giggled as she hugged her mother back, the duo laughing at their fun. In front of the wagon the duo were riding was a tall light blue coated stallion. He pulled the wagon with his magic, an aura pulling the wagon with relative ease. He looked back, seeing his wife and daughter playing and shined a small smile. His name is Comet Hat, a traveling magician looking for the next big break. Tricky Moon is his assistant and lover who he knew would keep playing with their daughter all the way to the next town. There, he believed he could put on a magnificent show at the city of Trottingham. However, fate had other plans. As the days passed on the road, the trio found themselves passing by the White Tail Woods, a long stretch of forest in Equestria. Though they were on the outskirts of the wooden land, they decided to take refuge inside for the coming night. "Are you sure about this honey?" asked Tricky Moon as she put Trixie to bed, the filly already fast asleep. "We'll be fine. Nopony goes into these woods. Besides, it's not the Everfree Forest so we'll be okay." "Alright." Tricky said as she made a makeshift bed outside the wagon. The duo had decided to let Trixie sleep inside since not all three could fit inside for now. "We need money. She can't live like this...she's so young Comet." "I know." Comet said as he cuddled with his wife as they both laid down. "After my next show, we can try to get a bigger wagon." "Yeah...my little Trixie needs...zzzz" Tricky mumbled, her body already in dream land. Comet could only chuckle at his sleeping lover, quickly trying to join her in peaceful slumber. But that wouldn't happen tonight. It began with a twitch of the ear. As Comet tried to fall asleep, the drums inside his head alerted him of a presence. His eyes creaked open as he lifted his head, slowly glancing around. Did I hear something? There shouldn't be- His ear twitched again as he heard a rustling of some leaves. He looked at his sleeping lover, a stiff expression on his face. Hmm...let's see if I can scare whatever's out there without waking Tricky. Comet slowly shifted out of the blankets, being quick with his movements. His eyes darted back and forth, trying to find out what was out there. His nose snorted as his horn shined a small light. Something's here...I should check on Trixie. The stallion slowly paced to the wagon, his eyes shifting left to right. He tiphoofed to the vehicle as he creaked open the door. Comet let out a sigh of relief as he saw his tiny daughter laying there, a small smile on her sleeping face. Thank the-huh?! His ears twitched as he heard a brush of leaves. He pulled his head out of the wagon and looked around, trying to find the source of the noise. Hmm...I don't like this. he thought as his horn began to shine. A small light spell shined around him, uncovering some of his surroundings. "Is somepony out there?" he said, his voice in a slightly quiet pace. "If you are, come out now!" But he would soon regret his command. At the start, it was only one pair of eyes. A pair of glowing, bright yellow eyes, shifting through the dark. Then another. And another. Soon, ten pairs were in front of him as their bodies slowly appeared. Ten shadow Heartless. The very sight of the creatures made a shiver crawl down Comet's spine. What in the name of- "Well well, to think a whole pony family would be out here." said a certain cloaked figure, a menacing smile under it's hood. "Bad timing on your part." "What the-who are you?!" Comet asked, a grim tone hiding in the back of his voice. He watched the cloaked one walk right beside the Heartless, the shadows not even touching it's cloak. Comet backpedaled for a second as he looked back at his wife. She was still sleeping, her lithe mare form under a blanket. Tricky....what do I do? I have a bad feeling about this... His bad feeling was accurate as the cloaked pony pulled out a small clock. The hidden pony stared at the clock and gave out a chuckle. "Huh. Looks like I'm out of days. Guess you'll be my last shot at finding a suitable apprentice." "Apprentice?" "Yes, an apprentice." the cloaked pony scoffed as the Heartless faded into the ground, slowly disappearing. "I have been looking for one before I have to return home. I can only be out in this disgusting light filled world for so long after all." "What are you-" "But I can already tell you aren't the one." The other pony interrupted as it clapped it's hooves. "Heartless, take his heart." The Heartless immediately shifted from the ground, completely surrounding Comet. His horn quickly shined a bright light, causing the shadows to stop. That is, till a solider Heartless appeared beside the cloaked pony. "I would give up if I were you." The cloaked one said as it petted the solider. "You should know by the very sight of these creatures that you don't stand a chance. You and your families' hearts now belong to the Heartless." "Who-what are you?!" Comet said as he grit his teeth, ready to put up a fight. "I am my Master's Servant. That is all you need to know." "Is that so? If that's the case..." Comet cricked his head and stared deep into the cloaked pony's eyes. "I'll tear you apart before you touch my family!" "Tch...you shouldn't make such idiotic claims. It only makes a worm like you wriggle even less than usual." "Shut up!" Comet said as he blasted a beam of magic at the Servant. The solider Heartless quickly jumped into the blast, it's body disappearing from the blow. The other shadows all hopped into the air at once, quickly trying to strike the stallion down. Comet's horn shined as several blasts of magic surrounded the area. But it wasn't enough. Though the sounds woke his family. Though the light from the magic illuminated the forest. Though he tried everything he could to protect his family from this random deadly threat. It meant nothing. The stallion didn't even feel the finishing blow. Before Comet could react, he found his knees shaking. His legs gave out as he collapsed to the ground, his eyes turning white. His wife, who had just woke up from the noise, saw the sight. A scream soon followed as the yell pierced the ears of a certain sleeping filly. The Servant had struck him down. The blow was so fast, Comet Hat never saw it coming. Before his heart began to fly away, ready to enter a Heartless's gullet, he saw his last sight. There, he saw the cloaked figure now behind his body. The Servant had struck him down instantly as darkness covered the cloaked pony, a small grin appearing on it's face. "COMET!!!" Tricky Moon yelled as she saw her husband fall to the ground. She glanced at the cloaked pony before a pillar of light engulfed her horn. Tears burst out from under her eyes as she began to scream. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY HUSBAND?!?!" "Nothing. His fate was already sealed." The Servant replied in a monotone voice, it's very tone gripped with the feeling of no regrets. Tricky rushed the Servant, only for the pony to vanish before her eyes. "Why you little-" was all she say before she fell to the ground as well. The Servant had effortlessly struck her down as well. It was as if the grip of death had touched her as she embraced the ground. Her vision began to fade as she felt the ground cover her body. She looked at the wagon, seeing the little now-awakened filly walking out of it. "T-Trixie..." she tried to say, her hoof barely moving as it pointed to her daughter. "What the...." Trixie could only stutter as she watched her parents turn into nothing but floating hearts. The floating pink objects quickly moved into the mouths of the monsters as the filly could only sit there, shivering. As they finished their meal, they stared at the filly with cold dead glowing eyes. Trixie tried to backpedal, only to get caught in the rubble of the wagon. "M-m-m-mommy?! Daddy?!" "They are gone child. They're hearts are nothing but fodder." the cloaked pony said with a grim smile. However, the cloaked schemer did not see the next reaction coming as the filly stood there, trembling. Her frightened stance would only last for a few seconds as the Heartless began to get closer to her. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" the filly screamed, her eyes filling with tears. A blast of magic soon followed as random beams flew out, striking down half of the Heartless there. A magic shield appeared around the Servant as fires began to appear in the forest from the outburst of magic. Then, the outburst was over. Trixie fell over as the magic she had unleashed had destroyed the wagon. Her body became wobbly as she tried to look around, seeing the Heartless now turn into new forms. They were no longer shadows, but Air Soldiers and Large Body Heartless. Energy slowly disappeared from the filly as she laid there, her body twitching. Then, a long dark claw unsheathed itself as a solider Heartless glared at the pony. As the weapon began to get closer, Trixie could sit there, her whole body frozen in unending fear. But before the claw could get any closer, the cloaked pony stood before the Heartless. Waving it's hoof, the Heartless stepped back. "Well well well...what do we have here?" Trixie could only shiver as she watched the cloaked pony get closer to her. The filly tried to move, only to freeze up again. Her eyes widened as she saw a certain grin appeared under the dark hood. The pony extended it's hoof and placed it under Trixie's shaking chin. "You...you have heart. Just barely, but you have some." "H-h-h-heart?" Trixie stuttered. "Yes." The pony nodded. Trixie replied as she looked at him with tear-covered eyes. "Why? Why did you do this?!" "Because that is what I am. Allow me to introduce myself little pony, I am the Servant." "The Servant?" "Indeed." The Servant clapped it's hooves, quickly summoning several large Heartless. The creatures surrounded the two in a circle, their soulless eyes staring down the ponies. The Servant merely chuckled as tears of fear fell down Trixie's eyes. The poor filly couldn't even speak in the circumstances, the grip of fear had overtaken every bit of her. The Servant merely tapped her chin, quickly getting the foal's attention. As Trixie just sat there like a statue, the Servant only spoke a few words. "Join me or have your heart taken by the Heartless just like your pathetic parents." The Present... "And then..." Trixie gulped as tears streamed down her cheeks. "And then the Servant-mmph!" A long white hoof covered the filly's mouth as a pair of wings embraced her. A small bit of tears went down Celestia's face as she hugged the little filly. "I'm so so sorry that happened to you." "Wha-" Trixie stuttered, trying to find words. The tears continued to flow as she felt Celestia's warm fur embrace her. "You poor little pony. I'm so sorry all these horrible things happened to you." Trixie didn't know what to say. She hadn't felt this kind of kindness for some time. She had spent the last six months with the Servant. Months of violence and fear, nothing but terror. But here, she felt warm. So warm, something she hadn't felt in a long time. Trixie hugged Celestia back as her frown tried to change to a smile. But it still couldn't change. Trixie just couldn't smile just yet. After a few minutes, the filly raised a question to the still hugging alicorn. "Is...is Trixie in trouble?" Celestia exited the embrace with a look of confusion. "What do you mean?" "Trixie just..." the filly twiddled with her hooves. "You heard Trixie's story right?" "Yes." Celestia nodded. "Then...aren't you going to ask what happened next?" "No." Celestia shook her head, shocking the filly. "Really?! Why not?" "Because I know I've heard enough my little pony." "But-" Trixie's mouth was covered by a white colored hoof. "But nothing my little pony." Celestia shined her usual kind smile. "I have a good idea about what happened next anyways." "You do?" "Oh yes, I'm quite smart my little pony." Celestia said as she sat down on the bed with a small thud. "I'm guessing you joined this Servant individual to avenge your parents, didn't you? And this Servant serves the Master, am I right?" "Uh..." Trixie stuttered, her face slightly blushing. Celestia gave her another small hug. "It will be alright my little pony. I will help you." "You'll help Trixie? After all Trixie did?!" "I will." Celestia back off and gave her a stern serious look. "I can't help you with revenge...but I can help you find a better way my little pony. I can help save you from the darkness." "From...the darkness..." Trixie couldn't believe her ears. She didn't think such a thing was possible. "Is that true?" "Yes." Celestia nodded again. "I will help you little one." Celestia gave the filly another hug as she could feel the tears drop down the filly's face touch her fur. This poor filly, she reminds of Luna. This Servant individual is obviously related to the Master. That monster...so it's finally returned after all this time. She looked at the crying filly again and let out a small sigh. I'll deal with that later, for now...I need to help this little one and figure out what that monster's next move will be. That and get some cake inside me. Meanwhile... "So Servant, how are our four new prospects? Will they be able to join the other nine?" asked a certain sitting cloaked pony as Heartless shifted around the room, their soulless eyes glancing at the scene between the two cloaked schemers. "No." The Servant bluntly said, "Unfortunately, they don't posses the heart to do so. One of them is close...but no." "I see. Starlight seemed pretty determined they could make it. Oh well..." The Master scratched it's chin in response, it's nose slightly twitching. "Still...are they good for basic pawns?" "Oh yes." The Servant said with a vile grin. "I can get all four possessed and everything. They'll be good foot solider fodder for the light wielders." "I see." The Master ascended from it's chair and let out a yawn. "I forgot to ask, what are the names of our new pawns?" "Ah yes, I wrote it down here..." The Servant pulled out a small scroll. "Here we go, their names are Night Glider, Party Favor, Double Diamond and Sugar Belle." "Alright." The Master clapped it's hooves as four large objects appeared into the room. The objects were large, almost door like in their appearance. The pony then pointed at the four with a sinister glare, "Prep them to use these. I want those pawns to find us more pawns. In the meantime, I will continue my apprentice's training." The Servant did a small bow as the cloaked pony began to leave the room. "I understand Master. I wish you good luck with her training." "Luck has nothing to do with it. Only Darkness matters." "True." and with that, the Servant left the room, leaving only the Master who shined a devilish smile. Some time later... Celestia stood at the door of Twilight's room, her ear listening in on the filly that had just woken up and was reading a book to Spike. "Okay Spike, this next part is my favorite. It's about quantum indeterminacy. Now, quantum indeterminacy is about the necessary incompleteness of a-oh! Princess Celestia!" "Hello my faithful student." Celestia said as she walked into the room. "It is good to see you awake and able." "Oh um...okay." Twilight said as she closed the book, Spike still cuddling up to her. Celestia's face slowly showed a frown, her edges going down as she readied herself. She could tell Twilight was trying to not think about what she had just gone through. Celestia took a deep breath and walked up to the filly. She covered the filly with her wings, hugging her tightly. "My loyal student, I am glad you are okay." "Princess..." Twilight gasped before hugging back. "Don't worry, I'm fine." "I know. I'm just...glad." "Okay." Celestia stood back up and showed a stiff, semi-broken stance. She gulped as she began to ask her student question. "Now, may I say admit something to you my student?" Twilight blinked at the sight, not sure what to say. She still didn't understand what was going on. "Um...sure." Celestia fell to her knees as small tears began to form in her eyes. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry this happened to you my student!" she yelled as Twilight slowly scooted back from the sight, her jaw dropping. "I never meant for this to happen to you!" "Wh-uh...um..." Twilight stuttered, unsure of what to say. "I don't..." "I am so sorry the Heartless attacked you like that! I thought for sure they would not appear for another three years but-" The statement caused Twilight's ears to flare up. "Wait...you knew those things would appear and attack me? And they're called the Heartless?" Celestia's hung low as she continued. "Yes. When you summoned the keyblade, I...I had planned to train you over it for the next few years. I believed the Heartless would not appear until a...certain event happens." Celestia said as her eyes darted away. I thought for sure they would come crawling back when Luna-no! Now's not the time to think about that! "Huh..." Twilight rubbed her chin as she thought back to those monsters, the shadows creepily watching her in both her dream and reality. Her mind drifted through the past few days, remembering every moment. She looked back at the princess with a worried expression. "So...what do I do now?" "Huh?" Celestia replied, knocking her out of her thinking mode. "Oh um...I hate to say this Twilight but...I need you to choose." "Choose?" "Yes." Celestia nodded as she stood back up, her face covered in a hot stream of tears. "You see, I never wanted this to happen. I wanted you to fully study the keyblade and all of it's effects along with your own magic. I believed I could have you trained you in certain ways that would help you control your incredible talent in magic." Her head hung low again. "But...that's no longer possible. Somepony is controlling these Heartless and...the Heartless have great fear of the keyblade. That is why they were after you." "They want to get rid of it, don't they?" "You catch on quickly my little pony. Therefore..." a long sigh followed as the alicorn continued. "I need you to make a choice. Since I have now fought the Heartless up close and personal...I know I can defeat them. But...that is no where near enough. They will endlessly attack you my faithful student." Celestia gave a sad smile as she looked at Twilight with dour expression. "So, I want you to choose one of two choices." Twilight could only blink as she watched her depressed mentor stare at the filly with almost emotionless eyes. "Um...okay. What are the choices?" I don't have a choice, do I? Celestia thought as she sat down on the bed with Twilight. "The two choices are as follows: One, you can stay as my student and keeping going to the School of Gifted Unicorns. There, you will study and learn how to keep your magic under control or...you can begin training on how to use the keyblade properly in terms of combat and magic. Now, regularly, I wouldn't have you study how to use the keyblade for at least another year and a half at most. I honestly thought you wouldn't be able to summon it till then but-" "I want to do the keyblade training." Twilight interrupted, causing Celestia to stop in her tracks, her mouth gaping open. "Wh-what did you just say?" "I want to do the training." "But...why?" "Well..." Twilight began to fiddle with her hooves as she spoke up, "Before I got trapped in that book that you told me about earlier, I...I was planning on meeting you princess." "What do you mean?" "I...I had a dream two nights ago. And in that dream, all sorts of crazy things happened to me. I saw those Heartless creatures and pictures of different ponies and...and there was a voice that told me that I would be the one who would open something called the door to the light." "The door...to the light?" Celestia gasped, her ears burning from the words. Her hoof covered her mouth as she blinked several times. That's...she did a 'dive to the heart'?! Already?! her mouth slightly opened. "You..." "You know what that means?" "I...yes. Well, somewhat." Celestia scratched the side of her head in response. "It's in Starswirl's reports. Supposedly it is the key to something that connects all hearts. That or something similar to that effect." "All hearts?" Twilight gave a confused response in return. "Yes. Don't ask me to know what that means. I honestly have no idea and...let's just say Starswirl probably didn't either." Celestia snorted as she remembered the report about the door to the light. And all the other vague reports. "Starswirl was never the best writer. Especially when it came to...nevermind. Anyways, could you tell me more about your dream Twilight?" "Oh...well, the dream told me to pick a path. It showed me the paths of the warrior, guardian, and the mystic." Twilight shined a cheeky grin. "You can probably guess what I picked." "The mystic?" "Yeah, and it said I would have to fight in the future. It said I was destined to fight and..." Twilight looked at Spike, now sleeping with his head curled up into her side. His pom-pom swayed back and forth as tiny snores came out. "I've been thinking since then. I spent all day yesterday thinking about why I had that dream and asking you about it. Then, when I went into that book and that other filly attacked me with her monsters and I...I...I don't know." Twilight stared at her hooves, remembering the sensation of the keyblade when it was gripped into her purple palms. "At that moment, I didn't mind what was happening to me. I don't even know why. I just...I just knew I had to fight." Celestia's wing covered the filly as she sat on the bed. "I believe I know why." "You do?" "Yes." Celestia nodded. "I think...I think you were just following your heart." "Really?" "Yes. To be fair, I don't want you to train for the keyblade." Celestia said as she patted the filly's head. "Remember, I wasn't planning to have you train for it until a year and a half from now. I only had you summon it because I wanted to make sure you could actually do it. But...I understand. You and your heart want this." "Wow...I guess I do." Twilight said as Celestia hugged the filly. She soon hugged her back until a certain click went off in her brain. "Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you princess! The keyblade can cast it's own magic! I cast this awesome ice spell and-" Twilight soon began to rant about how she used the keyblade's magic and how her horn didn't react to it. Celestia chuckled at the sight, her hoof covering her mouth. Oh Twilight...thank you. I'm so glad you're like this. I was afraid that the Heartless would scare you from ever using the keyblade and...stop Celestia. You need to think about the future now. Celestia giggled again as Twilight summoned the keyblade and tried to replicate the spell. No. I should just enjoy this moment for now. Later...I will prepare Twilight onto the path of the Light. "Twilight?" "Hmm? Yes princess?" Celestia gave her one last hug. "Thank you, my faithful student." Twilight returned the hug, still slightly confused by Celestia's sudden embrace. The alicorn could only smile at the exchange. I will do whatever I can to help you and your destiny Twilight. Celestia ended the hug as Twilight began to cuddle back up to Spike. Celestia could only smile at the sight as her mind began to calm down. It's fine. Everything will work out. I just hope there are no more surprises before I get today's second helping of coffee and cake... Meanwhile, in another part of Equestria, quite far away from Canterlot... "I don't like this cat. Are you really sure the keybearer is on this backwater world?" asked a small unicorn colt with white hair. He wore a orange with a light green and black cloth around his neck. His clothes had a small pocket in the back holding a folded orange and blue colored boomerang. "Ah, it'll be fine." replied a tiny bipedal black cat walking beside the colt. The cat wore nothing but a flimsy red cape and a small gold crown. "We'll find this keybearer here. My boss's instruments don't lie." "They seriously picked up the signal here? In this bizarre world filled with colorful ponies?" "Yep." the feline said with a nod. "We'll find this 'key' and be home for fish before you know it!" "Yeah...I don't care for tuna. That and your boss is not a cook. At all." the colt let out a sigh as he scratched his chin. "Why did I join WRO again?" "Because you're the best and WRO hires the best my friend!" the cat said with a pat on the back. "Isn't that right mister-" "Shut up." the unicorn said with hoof covering the cat's mouth. "Let's just get going, alright? We're supposed to meet up with that moogle bard or whatever before we find this keybearer, right?" "Yep. I just hope 'the key' isn't going to be too much of a hassle to find..."