I recently pined over the book I found the other day. Even now, there just seems to be too many mysteries concerning 'The Key'! I just can't stand it! Maybe I'm just reading into things a little too much but...I just wish I had some more clues. Perhaps that's fate though, things don't always go my way. Regardless, I can't change what is happening right now. I must find 'The Key' or one of it's bearers. This alone unlocks the ways to many paths beyond even my sight.
-Starswirl, Report 11
CLANG!
The sound of two blades clashing rang out through the yard, the ponies wielding the blades spinning from the recoil of the clash. On one side was Flash, his blade spinning like a wind mill as he flew backward into the air. The other was Twilight as her hooves spun her around on the floor, her horn shining as she shot two beams of magic. Both were quickly blocked by Flash's shield with fit snuggly into his other hoof. The two stared at each other for only a second till the duo charged at each other again, their blades hitting each other again.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
The two young ponies stood there, their blades grinding sparks. Their hooves held their swords tightly as both became interlocked in an unmoving struggle, sparks still flying around. Neither could move an inch as both of them grew big grins on their faces. Twilight especially grinned, knowing how much stronger she had become.
"That's enough you two!" Radiant yelled, quickly stopping the two from standing in a fighting lock. The crystal unicorn quickly walked up with an sly smile on her face. "I think both of you have proven that Twilight's sword training is nearly complete."
It had been six months since Twilight and Trixie's training had started. It had been a long and grueling affair for the two of them. Though Trixie had already gotten a ton of combat training from the Servant, she still trained along with Twilight. She was always there to help Twilight when she couldn't keep up with Flash's rigorous training regiment, showing her how to block with just a sword since Flash would use a sword and shield. The training had helped Trixie accept Flash as well, though mainly through respect of their sword skills.
Twilight had changed as well. No longer did she swing her blade around randomly like an amateur. Flash had taught her how to hold the blade properly, though he couldn't fully teach her his sword and shield style. Instead, the unicorn filly had taught herself a hybrid of sword and magic style combat. Flash didn't mind this despite teaching her basically everything in terms of sword and shield combat. After all, he knew she was more adapt to using magic anyways.
Radiant had spent the past six months teaching the two the basics of light magic as well. Trixie learned basic Fire, Blizzard and Thunder while Twilight learned Fira, Blizzara, and Thunder as well. She taught the duo Cure as well, believing it to be the most handy spell of the bunch. However, despite trying to teach this valuable spell to both, only Twilight fully learned it. Trixie could not use the healing spell completely, believing it was part of her dark nature holding her back from the using the light spell. Despite this, Radiant showed her how to use her darkness as well, helping her use the Darkness without injuring her heart. Thanks to this, Trixie felt better that she could use both sides of the coin now.
The two fillies and colt had also changed in size and personality. Flash had found himself a bit less cocky as he finally started to listen to Radiant's lessons over humility. Twilight still freaked out over knowledge but to a lesser degree. It helped that Radiant would bonk her on the head anytime the bookworm got too focused into something that made her brain to go 50 miles a minute.
Trixie had also changed. No longer was she constantly frowning and sitting in a corner, depressed. Instead, she wore a confident grin and had become a bit more arrogant. Radiant found this to be a bit troubling but deemed it better than her being constantly sad. She did find Trixie refreshing though, seeing her as the 'straightpony' of the group. She would consistently point out the absurdity of Twilight's freak-outs and chuckle at Flash's inability to understand the basics of magic and constant 'meathead' attitude, which involved him slicing and slashing anything in his way.
Spike had changed the least. He had only gained a few millimeters in size along with a slightly bigger pom-pom. His wings had grown the most, making it so he could fully fly. However, thanks to the changes being minimal, he still wore his favorite purple and green coat.
But that was the past six months. Now, Radiant walked in front of the three with a large encompassing smile. She let out a small 'Ahem' before starting with what she believed would be the beginning of something new.
"Alright you three, I have some very special news." Radiant's horn shined as a letter floated in front of her. "I just received a letter from Princess Celestia."
"Princess Celestia?" Twilight perked up as she heard those words. "What does it say?!"
"Give me a second and I'll read it to you." Radiant said as she pulled out a pair of glasses. "Here we go...ah! Let's see...
Dear Radiant Hope,
I wish I was writing this because I am wishing to know the condition of my student and her friend. After all, they have been gone for several months and I believe that they will have changed quite a bit when they return to Canterlot. Even now, I wonder how much my protégé has changed.
That being said, I regret to say that I need to cut their training short. A certain...event has happened and the problem can only be solved by the keybearer. I honestly hate this fact, but I have no choice. My protégé must return to Canterlot. I apologize for the suddenness of this request, but there a is danger approaching and the keybearer is needed.
-Princess Celestia
P.S. Could you have my protégé bring back some of those crystal cupcakes you used to make? I'd love a dozen of those tasty morsels!
"The Princess needs me?" Twilight replied with shining eyes, her whole mood elevated to another level. "Oh wow..."
"Indeed." Radiant said as she folded the letter. "Seems our training is going to have to be put on hold for now."
"Yeah...Trixie guesses it's time to head back to Canterlot."
"Yep..." Twilight said before jerking her head towards Trixie. "Wait a minute! What did you just say?"
"Trixie said it's time to return to Canterlot."
"Wait, you're coming with me? But what about your training over controlling the darkness?"
Trixie shook her head. "Trixie isn't going to leave Trixie's best friend alone. Even if she does have Spike, and Trixie knows you'll take him, Trixie will be there for Trixie's best friend."
"Trixie..." Twilight gave a small goofy smile at the sentiment.
"I'm coming too." Flash said as he walked up to the purple filly.
"You too? But what about-"
"We've already discussed it Twilight." Radiant interrupted. "Flash believes he still owes you that life debt and he plans to pay it as long as possible."
"But aren't you his mother? Do you really approve of this? I thought you couldn't leave this castle...won't you be alone if Flash is gone?"
"I can't leave, that much is true." Radiant shook her head. "But that doesn't matter to me. I left the affairs of the outside world a long time ago, but I don't mind helping others who will help keep the balance of this world." Radiant walked up to Twilight, her hoof on the filly's shoulder. "Celestia needs you and you need your friends Twilight. Let them help you. Besides, you'll need Flash's extra muscle if what Celestia wants is what I think it is."
"Yeah kupo!" Spike said as he raised his furry paws into the air as he sat on Twilight's head. He had learned a few basic words over the past few months, though he could only say one of them at a time. "Friends kupo!"
Hearing these words, small tears of joy went down Twilight's face as she shined a glorious smile. "Thank you, all of you." She summoned the keyblade into her hoof as she spun it and placed the end on her back in epic style. "Let's go my friends. To Canterlot!"
"To Canterlot!"
Meanwhile...
"Hmm...so this is the amount they can spread Servant?" The Master asked as the pony scratched it's chin, the pony maintaining it's usual stance. "I'm not sure this is enough."
"I know Master. Despite the...lack of power of the four, I believe they can find the suspects we are looking for." The Servant said as the two watched the four objects shine in front of them. "They have the potential to spread true darkness...even though they can't wield it completely, spreading it is just as good."
"True." The Master stretched it's hooves as Starlight entered the room. "Ah, my apprentice. Are you ready for the last step of your training?"
"Yes Master." Starlight said with a bow. "I am always ready." The Master gestured her to go to her room, in which she quickly obeyed. A few minutes later, the Servant spoke up.
"Ready? You mean..." The Servant gasped. The pony had been constantly working with the four ponies for the past few months and had barely been around Starlight's new training. "She's ready Master? Isn't it too soon?!"
"Perhaps...but it is possible for her to train to wield it now." The Master replied as the pony pointed to the wall. There, a blade hung like a decoration on a long hook. But it was no ordinary weapon. The sword was shaped like a key. A key with a long black colored shaft with black teeth shaped like the outline of a heart. It's guard with colored dark red with a black handle. "Even I can't wield it Servant...but she could."
"I see..." The Servant began to shine a malicious grin as the pony began to rub it's hooves in glee. "That's good, very very good." The Servant then turned to The Master and asked, "So, may I send one of them? Surely Celesita would have noticed what were up to by now."
"Go ahead." The Master said as one of the four objects began to shine a magnificent light until a small object appeared into it's hoof. "Give this to the one you choose. But make sure you only send one at a time. We need to delay Celestia as much as possible."
"Of course. Thank you master."
The Master rubbed it's chin and replied one last time. "Everything is going as planned. With this, we'll make sure Celestia's keybearer is devoured by the darkness and light will finally vanish."
"Indeed master. I will try everyway possible to plan for anything random...like those otherworlders." Servant bowed again. "After all, we will destroy anything that worships the Light."
"Good."
Several million miles away...
"Alright...bring her in." Reeve said as he scratched his head in frustration. He leaned back in his chair, his suit slightly ruffled by the curve of the seat. "Can't believe I'm doing this..."
In walked a small girl in a large purple coat. Her hair was tied in knots for a single ponytail, complete with a square ribbon at the end of the strands of hair. The top of her coat had a large white poofy ball attached, along with a white line outlining the hood and middle of the coat. The white outline was also on the end of the sleeves and the girl had padded brown gloves on. Her coat had a small belt around it with two bells attached to each side.
"Hello Maud."
"Greetings sir." Maud replied back, her tone still showing no emotion.
Reeve, still not fully used to her non expressiveness, decided to continue anyways. "Despite my original...protests to you becoming a junior agent for us..." Reeve grit his teeth as he got up from his chair. "I have to admit that you have completed your training in a spectacular fashion. Due to this, Refia has told me that you have successfully achieved the title of 'Novice Geomancer' and your ability to use geo magic is quite impressive. Is this correct?"
"Yes." Maud replied, her body completely still as if she was a statue.
"Good." Reeve nodded. "If that's the case..." He snapped his fingers as several screens appeared behind him. There, it showed two different agents, both with the word 'Missing' over their heads. "I have a mission for you."
"Okay."
"Six months ago, I sent four agents to your homeworld of Equestria. As you know, two of them accidentally brought you back and are now currently scanning desert worlds for life instead of seeing action now. Though I plan to get them back on the field soon, I decided to use you instead for this mission."
"You need me to find the other two agents that went to Equestria?"
"Yes. We lost contact with them about two days ago. Regularly, we would've already sent a team but..." Reeve groaned as he snapped his fingers again, the screen switching in response. This time, it showed several profiles, all with 'Assigned' or 'In Recovery'. "No one is currently on standby. The closest agents are Hope and Cait...but even they're too far away. If I ask them to come in now, I fear they would arrive too late. That's why I want to send you."
"Okay."
"Also, I want to send you because it's your homeworld and..."
"You want me to visit Princess Celestia, don't you?" Maud interrupted, her tone still unchanging.
"Yes." Reeve growled, trying to hide his frustration. "I'm hoping you can...show her that I mean no harm. Granted, I honestly wish I could just get a basic conversation going with her but...that's how it works."
"Okay. I'm ready."
"Good." Reeve said with a salute. "You leave as soon as possible. Make sure you say goodbye to Refia and the others before you go though. They'll never forgive me if I don't let you do that."
"Understood." Maud replied with a salute back.
Canterlot...
Twilight and her three companions had just entered Canterlot Castle, their saddlebags already heavy on them from the load of stuff they had brought from Radiant's castle. Well, with the exception of Spike, who was just wearing his usual purple and green coat. The foals were given entrance immediately, which caused them to let out a sigh of relief due to the scary guards. Trixie felt especially nervous from the guards, knowing she had struck down a few six months ago. Flash found himself enamored by the building, his eyes constantly shifting as he kept looking around, watching every sight around him. Spike had to keep pulling his ear, trying to remind him that he needed to follow the girls. A few minutes inside, they entered the throne room. There, they found a different sight than they were expecting.
"Cadance?!" Twilight gasped as she saw the pony standing in front of Celestia's throne. Trixie and Flash just looked at her and then at Twilight in confusion.
"Who?" Trixie asked.
"She's my old foalsitter!" Twilight replied in a cheerful tone. She quickly ran up and hugged the pink alicorn. "It's so good to see you!"
"It's good to see you as well Twilight." Cadance said as the two started to do a little dance. Trixie and Flash giggled at the sight, finding the happy dance refreshing. After this, Cadance then walked up to the other foals. "Greetings you two. I am Cadance, the Princess of Love."
Flash quickly bowed. "I am Flash Sentry, it is an honor to meet you Princess Cadance."
"Trixie is Trixie Lulamoon." Trixie replied as she did a slight bow, her hoof tipping her purple sparkled hat.
"It is an honor to meet you two as well." Cadance nodded. Her eyes widened a little as she saw Spike sitting on top of Flash's head. Cadance's eyes shined at the moogle as a big goofy grin covered her face. "Oh my goodness, it's so cute! Is this Spike?"
"Hello kupo." Spike waved, not knowing what was about to happen.
"Awwww!" Cadance squealed as she grabbed and hugged the moogle in a vice grip.
"Aaaaaah! Help kupo!" Spike cried as he flailed his tiny paws around. "Flash kupo! Help!"
"Uh..." Flash replied as a shiver went down his spine. Him and Spike had become good friends over the past six months. He had helped the moogle with his stamina, making sure that when he grew into his wings, he could then fly. Soon, the little guy could start flying as his wings formed and the two had bonded quite well from the experience. It also helped when Radiant showed Flash some food called: 'Kupo nuts'. She had an extra reserve of them and showed them that they were a treat that moogles always loved. However, this situation was a bit different for the two friends. As soon as Flash tried to reach for the moogle, Cadance gave him a death stare, causing him to shrink into the floor. "Sorry buddy. I don't know if I can help you."
"Cadance. Please stop torturing the little guy." said another voice. They all turned to see a white unicorn with a jet blue mane. Twilight's eyes started shining at the sight while Trixie started to now shrink into the floor.
"Shining!" Twilight exclaimed as she ran up and hugged her brother. "It's so good to see BBBFF!"
"BBBFF?"
"Big brother best friend forever." Shining replied as he patted Twilight's head. "Good to see ya sis."
"You too..."
As the siblings continued to hug, Trixie's eyes kept wanting to shrink. She felt like the world was about to end in front of her as she stared at Twilight's brother. That's Twilight's...oh no. He'll kill me! I took his captain's heart and-
"You okay Trixie?" Twilight said, snapping Trixie out of her panicked trance. "You're looking a bit pale there."
"Uh, er, well...Trixie is fine!"
"Well you don't-" Twilight stopped as her brother put his hoof on her shoulder. He gave the blue filly a slight glare as he began to speak up.
"It's because of me, isn't it? You're afraid of me, aren't you?"
"Uh..." Trixie muttered as she began to backpedal. Twilight could see her shivering form, looking like she was about to sprint out of the room. As Twilight was about to say something to stop Shining, Cadance spoke up as she released Spike.
"Shining. I don't know what this is, but you're scaring that filly."
"Well-"
"Stop it right now." Cadance said as she went up to her coltfriend, glaring. She then turned to Trixie and gave a calm kind smile. "Don't worry, this wimp isn't gonna hurt you. I won't let him."
"But-"
"Quiet you!" Cadance said as she stuffed her hoof into his mouth. "Now...you're probably wondering why I'm here instead of Princess Celestia."
"Oh! That's right!" Twilight replied as she walked to Trixie's side, her hoof around Trixie's shoulder. "Why are you here Cadance? Miss Hope's letter said Princess Celestia needed my help."
"She's currently in a meeting with the local city council." Cadance explained as she turned and began walking to a door. She motioned them to follow her. "So...she asked me to instruct you on why you're here and show you as well."
"Oh. That's different." Twilight replied with an expression of surprise. Cadance then signaled them to follow her. They soon left the throne room and proceeded to another hallway. There, they met a dead end. "Um Cadance...there's nothing here."
"Not quite." Cadance said with a wink. She then tapped a part of the wall three times, causing a hidden door to appear. The trio jumped at the sight while Spike just floated up Flash. Cadance could only giggle at their surprise, also earning a chuckle from Shining Armor. "I know, it surprised me the first time too."
They soon went inside the hidden door which lead to long dark staircase. As they went down the winding stairs, Cadance spoke up, "This hidden entrance leads directly inside the mountain that Canterlot sits on. Several centuries ago, Starswirl and Clover had a team of ponies carve out several hidden areas back here with Aunt Celestia's approval."
"Wow..." Twilight gasped as the words 'Starswirl' and 'Clover' entered her ears. "Is this...a secret study of theirs?!"
"You could call it that. Auntie said it was a bit more of a...hidden lab of sorts." Cadance replied as they reached a large stone door. Shining's horn began to glow as he opened the door in one swift magical motion.
There, the foals' eyes shined at the next sight. Inside was a giant library of books, more than anything Twilight had ever seen. There were also several walls made of pure steel along with several non-functioning machines beside them. The sight confused Trixie and Flash, unable to comprehend just what they were looking at. Twilight on the other hoof, knew what most of it was at first glance.
"Incredible!" she exclaimed as she pointed to several devices inside. "Is that a electric turbine over there? I thought those were theoretical... and is that a generator prototype? Amazing! They truly were far beyond their time!"
Flash and Trixie looked at each other in skepticism as they watched Twilight nerd out from the sights. Flash then said, "You getting any of this?"
"No. Trixie is only interested in magic, not science mumbo jumbo."
"Ah. Makes sense."
Twilight freaked out for just a small while until her attention was caught by a new sight. In the middle of the room was one thing she didn't understand. At least, she thought she did...but once she looked at, she knew it was unnatural. However, it wasn't just one thing. It was six things.
In the middle of the first room they had walked into stood six large mirrors. They seemed...bizarre in nature to Twilight. They were tall, and had a silver crystal-like material outlining around them. Also, four of them had an odd shaped hole on top.
"What is this?" Twilight asked as she slowly walked in, her brain barely able to process the sight in front of her. "These mirrors...they aren't normal. I can feel a strange magic flowing from them."
"Good call." Cadance said with an approving grin. "You are my aunt's protégé."
"What do you mean Cadance?"
"Simple." Cadance then clapped her hooves. With that signal, Shining pulled out a small block and inserted it into one of the mirrors, causing it light up. "These mirrors are going take you to where your mission is."
"Mission?"
"That's right. Beyond this mirror is some place that the Heartless are tormenting." Cadance then stood in front of the mirror as her horn began to shine. After this, her and Shining's magic fully activated the mirror. "It's time for you and your friends to hunt some Heartless."