> Kingdom Hearts of Harmony > by steel soul > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Every story has a Start (EDITED) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul Every Story has a Start (Edited) Green to start music and Red to stop music Two years. It had been two whole years since Sora had seen any of his friends proper. Two years since he had failed that Keyblade exam. The very one, his best friend, Riku had passed. He had congratulated him that day, and Sora had meant every word of praise he had given his longtime bestfriend. He was proud of him and he would always be proud of him no matter what. But... So...Why does it still hurt so much? His hand combed through his spiky brown hair in silent frustration as he laid upon the sandy shore of the island he and his friends would always frequent when they were oh so young, feeling the cooling breeze of the night air whistle gently across his face as he closed his eyes in contemplation. Wait. Night air? It was night? The boy quickly arose from the comfortable spot he had chosen for himself, propping himself on one arm as he took stock of his surroundings, and more importantly, the sky above him . A groan escaped Sora as he noticed that it was indeed becoming darker and darker as the seconds gradually ticked by. The soft hue of the sun slowly dipping behind the horizon just west of his position, taking with it, its soothing warmth. “Have I really been here all day?” He asked the question, though he already knew the answer. Just like he was yesterday. And the day before. He couldn’t help but notice that he had been coming to the old island a lot lately. Another sigh escaped the boy’s lips as he lifted himself off the cooling sand, dusting the particles off his back shorts and jacket. “Better question is… What else can I do but stay here and train?” He asked himself before looking down at his palm. He summoned his keyblade, holding it out in front of himself. He swung back in forth before himself before releasing, letting it dissipate in a shower of light. Sora soon turned his attention to a set of boats lying along the beach's edge, just out of reach of the water's embrace. He had to get home. He took a single step toward the landlocked boats, but then hesitated, looking up at the sky as he did so. A few stars began to sparkle in the encroaching twilight. It was getting late. The sea would be a little more dangerous at night. He found that out the hard way when he was just a young one. Shuddering at the long forgotten memory, he turned away and looked back inland, his mind already made up. “I guess got no choice but to sleep here for the night then...Hope mom won't be too mad with me.” He chuckled lightly as he shook his head, imagining the talking to he would get soon as he got home. He knew It wasn’t the first time he had to sleep on the island, having done it all the time when he was growing up with Riku, Kairi, and the others. A sigh escaped Sora once again as he remembered his childhood friends, a frown forming on his features ever so slightly. He knew he didn’t like the feelings he was getting each time he remembered the two of them, especially after all that the they had been through together...But... Shaking the thoughts from his head, he turned his attention to a large tree, holding a simple house in between its branches. It wasn’t anything spectacular, but to him and his friends, it was a home away from home. The boy trekked slowly through the sand before finally making it to the rickety ladder that led to the floor of the one-room tree house. As he climbed up the ladder, his mind began to wander as it tends to do when he's alone. I hope that everyone is doing okay? Donald and Goofy? Are they doing well? They better not be in any serious trouble helping out with King Mickey. I'm sure Axel is getting along with training? He laughed lightly. Hard to believe that he was a Keybearer just like him, and… “Riku…Kairi…” Before he knew it, he had reached the top of the ladder and was sitting comfortably against a wall, the elements of the night air barely affecting him as he leaned his head against the wall. As he closed his eyes, his mind began to wander once again. Riku was strong. Maybe even stronger than himself. Sora shook his head. “I had grown strong too. I even defeated Riku more times then I can count, even when he had all that dark power at his command. I defeated Ansem and his Heartless.” He sighed softly. “I saved countless worlds and defeated most of Organization XIII.” He furrows his brow. “I even sacrificed myself to release Kairi’s heart…” A head shake. “I… should be happy… but…Then why did they...” Sora...help... Blue eyes shot open upon hearing the words echo around his being. It sounded so close, and yet… so far away. Getting to his feet, he gave the room a quick scan before calling the voice out. “Who’s there?” Follow me... Behind him? He quickly turned to find… nothing. No one at all. Someone was playing with him, and he didn’t like it. He jumped out the door leading to the now thoroughly cooled sandy beach below. As he did, the voice sounded again, this time far from where he was before, yet still so close. Here...help… Sora shuddered a bit, rather it was from the cold air...or the excitement of something other then his normal routine happing he wasn't quite sure. Turning, the boy could see a pale glow escaping the small hole within the rocks leading to the Secret Place, a small cave that held a most peculiar door within. As quick as he feet would carry him, the boy ran straight for the opening in the side of the cliffs. He navigated the small crevice that was the opening for a few feet before coming to a moderately large cave. His eyes turned to the wall, eyeing childhood doodles he remembered drawing with his friends oh so long ago. His eyes softened a bit, seeing his two friends in so many of the markings. Sora… The voice startled him once again, quickly making him remember the reason he was there. Steeling himself, he gave the room a quick scan, only to find two doors against either side of the wall. Visions of the first day he gained his Keyblade flooded his mind. That door… and that man… They were the start of his adventures. How he had encountered so many wonderful worlds. Sora paused. Wait, two doors? There were never two doors before. His gaze drifted toward the new portal, taking in its shape. It was wooden; that much he could tell, but instead of deep brown, the door glistened with pure white, almost as if the wood had been white to begin with. Beautifully crafted, the door stood at least six feet in height and upon its center was a symbol of a bright orange sun. It seemed to glow with its own natural light, drawing him to look closer. A sense of awe washed over his being as his bright blue eyes looked upon the bright white door. Open it… “What?” his eyes widened as he pulled away from the door a bit. Please...Open it... He gave the door an apprehensive look. Whoever or what ever was this voice was, he was sure it needed him. But why. Why him? Sora bit his lower lip, his hand clenching tight as he got ready to summon his key-shaped weapon. "I...Should I?" Sora...Please... The boy's gaze drifted back towards the white door, a steely glint formed in the depths of his eyes. He knew what he was doing was stupid, especially since no one knows what he was about to do, but the need to heed this call was just too much for him to pass up, Master of the Keyblade or not. "If you are going to do something stupid then do it without thinking." The boy summoned his Keyblade, and pointed the tip at the door, a soft light emanating from the tip towards the new door. The was a soft click before the door shot opened violently, pure light illuminating the whole of the cave and engulfing Sora with its brilliance. It lasted for only a second before fading out, leaving nothing but an empty room with one lone brown door left in its wake. ~~~ Equestira: Ponyville SPIIIIIIIKE! Wheres that book!? A lavender unicorn bounded from one book case to the other, quickly glancing over the binder of each within her collection as fast as her eyes would allow. A soft growl emanated from her as she turned to a pile of books on the floor. “I promise to Celestia, Spike, if you’ve burnt it like the last one...I...I...I don't Know what I will do but it won't be nice.“ she warned, several strands of her normally straight deep purple and pink mane coming out of place as she glared at the with a noticeable twitch in her eye. “GOT IT!” Purple claws raised up high out of the book jumble. Within them lay an old thick tome. It wasn’t too long before a purple aura enveloped the book completely, lifting both the book and what could only be described as a purple reptile with green spines and eyes high into the air. Both the creature and the book levitated toward the unicorn, the former being placed onto her back, while the latter went into an open pocket of her saddle bag. “Thank goodness you found it, Spike, I was about to suspect the worst there for a second,” the unicorn said with a relieved look, gaining a roll of the eyes from the purple dragon. "Yeah, yeah, whatever, Twilight. Can we just get going? We don't want to be late to the party, do we?" "In a minute, Spike. First things first." A checklist appeared in front of her in a spark of purple energy, accompanied by a quill held within the same aura. “Right then, let me see... Book on nighttime constellations? Check. Plenty of paper on which to take notes? Check. Annoyed purple and green dragon?” She looked behind her towards said dragon, who, by the way, had an extremely unamused expression upon his face. “Annnnnnd Check! Alright, Spike, I do believe we are ready for the Star Gazing Celebration!” “Finally!” the dragon sighed. “I can’t believe that we’re going to be the first ponies to see the first annual Star Gazing Celebration. We get to stay up late and watch as the stars dance in the night sky and everything! It’s going to be so epic!” “YEPYEPYEP! And I get to be the first to create a whole bunch of nighttime party games! Like Star Dance Revolution! Or Star Light Tennis! OH! OH! I Know! Constellation Shuffle! Isn't that going to be fun, Twilight! Huh!? Huh!? HUH!?” Both the unicorn and the dragon were way too busy clasping a hoof/claw to their hearts to listen to the insane ramblings of the new pony that had randomly popped of another pile of books beside them. “PINKIE!” Twilight yelled in a threatening tone, a hoof stomping on the floor as she addressed the pink pony . “Yes, Twilight~?” replied said pink mare innocently, her eyelids fluttering at her lavender friend. Though Twilight tried her best to give her silly friend a stare hard enough to cut though diamonds, all she received was an unrelenting smile. Sighing deeply in defeat, Twilight turned away from the happy-go-lucky pink mare and made her way to the door. “Okay...Sure. Let’s just get going.” ~~~ It took Twilight, Pinkie and Spike little to no time to find the set meeting place to gaze at the sky. Upon doing so, they were greeted by two other ponies; one a pure pure and pristine white unicorn, her soft curly locks bouncing every so often as she was conversing with another pony, a butter-yellow pegasus gently sipping her hot coco, being careful not to get her long soft pink mane in the way. Both ponies would smiled as they turned to face the encroaching trio. The white unicorn waved a hoof as they neared, doing so with lady like grace. “Yoo-Hoo! Over here, Twilight, Pinkie, Spikey-Wikey!” Her voice, while difficult to pinpoint in accent, was very eloquent and posh. “We saved seats for just for you darlings!” Spike, hopping off the lavender mare's back, plopped himself right next to the white unicorn, doing (and maybe failing) his best to not steal glances toward her every time he believed she was not looking. Twilight set her bag down and sat down beside of the yellow pegasus. Pinkie was too excited to just sit still and opted to bounce around in a circle around the pile of ponies. “Can you believe it?" the pink mare began. "I know I can’t! We get to attend the Bar Hazing Collaboration!" “Star Gazing Celebration, Pinkie! How in Equestria-?” The lavender unicorn was cut off as Pinkie continued her rant, unfazed. “I can’t believe we’re gonna be one of the first of hundreds of ponies to see the dancing of the stars! They’re gonna be all bright and shiny and sparkly, and Twilighty!" Pinkie Gasped as a new relization seemingly dawned upon her. "Hey! Oh my gosh!  I totally get your name now, Twilight!” She giggled. “Twilight Sparkle! Twilight Sparkle! Twi-mumph!” A hoof forcefully stuffed an apple fritter into the pink pony’s mouth, semi-ceasing her ranting. “Ah think they get it, sugarcube,” said the culprit, an orange wingless and hornless pony said with a downhome country girl accent. Turning her head to the others the dirty blond mare tipped her stetson in greeting. "Howdy, Twi. Howdy, Rarity. Spike. Fluttershy.” She let everypony (and dragon) greet her in turn before speaking again, addressing the butter yellow pegasus. “Hey Fluttershy, have ya seen Rainbow anywhere? Ah can’t find her for the life of me.” Fluttershy nodded shyly as she set her cup down upon the blanket. “W-well… yes. That is… I did see her. Not too long ago in fact. She said she would be here shortly. She had to clear some clouds in the northeastern part of Ponyville so the ponies could have a clear view of the show.” Applejack facehoofed. “Wasn’t she supposed to do that this morning? Ah swear, that pegasus is lazier than a sack o’ potatoes.” “Hey! I resent that!” All heads turned to find a cyan pegasus hovering a few feet away, her rainbow mane flowing behind her and a small smug smile on her face. Applejack jumped to the forefront glaring at her her pegasus. She was fully prepared to give her the full force of a verbal beatdown on how one should do the work that was given to them in a timely matter, but, to her dismay, the pegasus dashed past her, plopping herself on the other side of Rarity and comfortably resting her back against a tree. Giving up, Applejack rolled her eyes as the farm mare sat beside Twilight. “So Twi, what’s all that there paper for?” “Well,” Twilight began, beaming brightly. “I’m going to take notes on the various dance formations of the stars. I’m hoping that with said data I can ascertain the perc-“ “Oh geeze Twilight, you’re the only pony I know that would take their homework to a party.” The glare Twilight gave Rainbow could cut steel. “Come now, Rainbow dear. How Twilight chooses to spend the celebration is up to her,” Rarity proclaimed with conviction. "The important thing is that we are here together, is that not right?" Twilight smiled at Rarity in thanks as Rainbow eye rolled. “Oh! Oh! Look! It’s starting!” Everypony turned their gazes skyward as the pink pony pointed a hoof upward towards the starlit sky. The beautiful bright lights slowly began to flicker at various degrees. As they did so, they steadily began to sway ever so slightly looking as if the sky itself was dancing to its own beat. Soon, the stars changed color. Some red. Others blue. Green as well. Almost every color imaginable burned in the dark sky, creating a cascade of rainbow color. And then… Black. Only the soft glow of the moon was shining on Ponyville and other cities and towns. “Hey! Is that it?” A voice called out somewhere nearby. The answer came as the night sky exploded with stars; some glowing like a rainbow, others darting across the sky. All looking like fireworks in motion. “Wow…” Applejack whistled. “Just… wow.” Rainbow was equally as impressed as the others, their eyes never leaving the night sky. Twilight alternated between watching the spectacle and taking notes on every detail of the dance. “It seems Luna has been recovering nicely. It looks like she hasn’t even been gone for over a thousand years at all.” She leaned over to pick up a cupcake when something strange caught her eye. A star, or what looked like a star, was steadily growing bigger, edging closer to the ground. Her eyebrow cocked and her head tilted at the strange sight. It wasn’t long before she realized that the star was in fact hurtling towards the earth...in fact, if her calculations were correct…It would land not too far away within White Tail Woods She turned to call to the others, but they had their eyes glued to the sky, the sounds of star burst drowning out the unicorn’s voice. Cursing inwardly, she turned her head back to the falling star just in time for it to silently hit the ground. That didn’t sound right. She squinted her eyes. Where was the boom? There had to be at least a rumble. She rose, watching the light around the area it landed slowly flicker and then dim until it disappeared altogether. She looked back at her friends, before looking back at the point of impact. Something… urged her to take a step forward. She hestated for only a moment before taking the first step...and then another... Go... Twilight bit her lip. If she was going to do something stupid, she had best do it right. It wasn't long before the mare was in full gallop, not knowing what awaited her in her destination. ~~~ Sora slowly started to come to, his senses returning to him. And he fervently wished they hadn't. His whole body burned, as though it was on fire. He could feel every aspect of his being alight with an internal flame that he couldn't escape. His eyes closed tightly as he doubled over, gripping his stomach in an attempt to pacify the pain. Needless to say, it was all in vain. He cursed the door. He cursed himself. He cursed his weakness. If it was Riku that was in his position, then... “Hello? Is anypony out there?” A voice? A voice! Someone was close by! He tried to call out, his voice catching in his throat. A fit of coughing and a fresh wave of pain erupted all over him. His strength began to fail him little by little, and he slowly began to slip into unconsciousness. With one last desperate heave, he raised his arm and called at the top of his lungs. “Help! P-Please!” As the darkness of fatigue began to overtake him, the boy's gaze would shift towards a purple object quickly making its way towards him. “Is that...A horse?" was all he could say before nothing but darkness filled his vision. ~~~ Equestira: Canterlot Castle The summer night sky that had festively been dancing before slowly died down to that of its normal twinkles, ending the first annual Star Gazing Celebration. A deep blue pony, one normally of majesty and grace, panted heavily as her horn began to slowly dimmer before dying down completely. Sweat trickled down her brow, adding an undignified look to her normally regal form.  Even her usually flowing mane and tail hung limply behind her in her tired state, alongside her limp wings. The sound of hoofsteps from behind her caused her ears to perk and her head to turn slightly to her right, knowing all too well who was before they even addressed her. "Do...not even think...about..." “I do believe… you overdid it, Luna.” The pony named Luna growled before turning to see a slightly taller white unicorn with wings, much like her. Her mane, an ever-flowing green, blue and pink, gave her just as much, if not more, of an exotic feel. “Thou said, Celestia, to make sure they did not see him coming,” Luna spat out, though not too maliciously. "I was only doing as thou told me, dear sister." “Be that as it may,” Celestia began, almost in a lecturing tone. “You overextended too much power, leaving me to make sure the night lasts.” She pouted a little. “I rather began to enjoy my extra sleep, Lulu.” “Cry thyself a river, Tia,” Luna scoffed before she looked in the direction of Ponyville. A look of concern began to play across her features. “Art thou sure he can do it, sister? He seems so much younger than I expected a 'Hero of Light' to be.” “And so is Twilight.” She slowly trotted up to Luna, draping a wing over her. “My dearest sister, we have to believe. He has been recommended, and I trust my friend’s judgment.” Luna scoffed. "Yes well... I have yet to trust the same pony you won't even let me talk to." "One day, Luna, I'll show you, but for now..." A yawn from Luna caused Celestia to smirk lightly. “Off to bed with you. Come on.” Luna grumbled slightly at being treated like a child, though she relented nonetheless. As both sisters made their way inside, Celestia hesitated, turning her eyes to the night sky. “I just hope we can help him before he is lost as well… and pray that it’s not too late to keep this world safe.” > "Awakening" (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul "Awakening" (Edited) Green to start music and red to stop music Sora slowly regained awareness, only to be overwhelmed by a concoction of strange sensations to every one of his senses. After a long time of trying to regain composer, he opened his eyes to find nothing but darkness surrounding him. The odd feeling of falling filling his being. Or was it sinking? He really couldn’t tell the difference. He closed his eyes once again and allowed himself to be pulled by the strange sensation. It wasn't long before his body gently landed against a hard surface, the feeling of the warm floor welcoming him despite the emptiness of his surroundings. It almost felt like an embrace, like someone had been waiting for him all this time. Sora... Sora's eyes instantly snapped open at the sound of someone calling out to him. Was it the same voice from before, the one that had led him here? He could not tell. He slowly stood up on his four legs and took stock of his surroundings. He was surprised to find that what he stood upon was like a glass window of some kind. Displayed upon it was something akin to that of a purple star. Surrounding said star, were five different pictures.. Diamonds and Butterflies...apples and balloons. And last one was a lighting bolt. Each one was simple in design and yet...He couldn’t shake the feeling of power coming from each and every one of them. Taking his eyes off the ground, he inspected the rest of the world he was in, finding nothing but the darkness surrounding him on all sides. Sora raised a hoof and ran it through his spiky… brown… mane...in confusion? “W...what the?” The boy frantically tried to raise both of his arms to see what was wrong with his limbs but would soon regret it wholeheartedly as he tumbled face first into the glass floor below. With a groan, Sora lifted himself up and sat on rump, steadying himself to get to a better look at his fingerless limbs. He ran a hoof along his newly acquired foreleg, allowing it to ripple the fur underneath, its light caramel tint shining lightly under an unknown source of light. He only stopped rubbing his fur when he reached his jacket, finding that it had somehow changed to fit his new body as well. As he continued to examine his being he discovered, along his side, a pair of feathery wings, folded neatly against him. A spiky tail swished back and forth under him, greeting its new master happily. the really weird thing was that upon each side of his butt was a tattoo of what looked like a crown, yellow in color and neatly created. He frowned, gave his hoof a quick lick, and began rubbing at one of the marks harshly. To his surprise, the picture did not even look like it was affected in the slightest.. Giving up of his new body art, the boy folded his forehooves across his chest and closed his eyes in deep thought. Just what the heck was going on? Where I'm I? Why am I some kind of horse? Who brought me here? Sora paused at the last inquiry. No. He knew who brought him here. That voice that came out of the Secret Place on Destiny Islands. But to what end? Sooora… The boy raised an eyebrow as the voice sounded again, but for some reason it was distorted, and fading fast. Sooooooraaa… He stood on all four hooves and looked around, trying to ascertain where it was coming from. In his quest to do so, he found something else. Something familiar. Some kind of puddle of darkness was slowly inching its way towards him. The fact that he failed to see it was not lost on him, the boy inwardly cursing to himself. Run! Sora turned to do just that, but found his way impeded by more of the inky blackness. To his horror, the puddle seemed to double its efforts to capture him when it saw that the boy had taken notice of it, eating up the inches faster and faster. Sora tried to call out for the Keyblade, but found his efforts were in vain when it did not, or could not, heed his call. Feeling fear at being so vulnerable the stallion flailed at the darkness encroaching on his position, though as soon as he touched it, the darkness would start to drag him into the abyss, slowly but surely coving every inch of his body. A small whimper could be heard coming from the trapped boy as his space diminished under the form of the shadows. As they closed in, a chilling voice filled Sora’s every sense, shaking every fiber of his being. He looked up in time to see a set of piercing red eyes fill the once-void darkness. Eyes he was familiar with. He had seen a pair like them on nearly every world he had visited. Eyes of everlasting evil. Black tentacles could be seen coming from the black ooze that surrounded the boy, each one pointed threateningly at him. Sora’s ears folded to the back of his head as maniacal laughter filled the air around him and the tentacles came crashing down onto him without remorse. ~ A loud thump filled the air as Sora fell out of the bed with a yelp. Blue blankets falling on top of him from above and obscuring his view of his surroundings completely. He wrestled and fought with the offending clovers, grunting in frustration as he tried to rid himself of the entrapment he had found himself in. Footsteps could be heard coming from somewhere close by, followed by the opening of a door, more than likely to the room he was held within. “What’s going…? Oh my gosh! Are you okay? Here, let me help you.” That voice. Have I heard that voice before? Before he could think any further on it, the blanket that had him within its submission grasp was tugged from around his being. Freed from the dark clutches of the cloth, Sora found his vision obscured by the sudden onslaught of sun beams pouring in through an open window nearby. His eyes closed tight in defiance at the light raising a arm the help in his defense. “Are you OK? Did you hurt yourself?” The one who had came to his aid asked in concern and, if he was correct, slight amusement. “Yes...I mean no! I’m fine. It’ll take a lot more then a heavy blanket to take me down.” he answered. His eyes slowly started to adjust to the light as he turned to face his savior. “But thanks for the...ah...help?” What he thought he would find was a human female, one that sounded at least around his range of age, was instead the figure of a lavender horse-looking thing with a horn sticking out of her head, bright and vibrant, purple eyes stared down on him, though a smile seemed to grace her kindhearted features. The sight of her caused him to, in reflex, look at his own body. What he found was that his dream had become reality. His body was the same as the girl's in front of him, complete with whipping tail and side butt tattoo. Keeping his tone light despite his slight unease at the situation, he looked back toward the purple horse girl. “I guess you’re the one who brought me,” he gestured around the room he was in,” here, Ah...?” The horse girl giggled softly in embarrassment. “I guess I haven’t introduced myself yet, have I? Of course, that’s a given since you did just wake up. Hello. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and you are?” She held a hoof out, offering it to the stallion to help him up. The boy looked down at the lavender creature’s appendage, before reaching out and wrapping hers within his own, gripping it surprisingly well for a hoof. After letting her pull himself up to his hooves, he would beam a kind smile right back at her in return. “I’m Sora. Just Sora.” When he released her hoof, he tilted his head as he actually started to really examined the one before him. Her lavender fur. And deep purple mane. That cute little pink stripe running down the middle of it. He couldn’t help but think that this was the most adorable creature he had ever seen in all of his travels, and that includes the Dream Eaters back during the mark of mastery exam. Forgoing that thought for the moment though, he began to really ponder his predicament now, now that he had time to come to grips with where he was and why he was like this. He really should have expected things like this in his line of work. How could he forget about the time he changed into a lion? Or a mermaid- merman? The boy smiled. Of course. It made sense now. He changed to match the environment of these creatures. Since Donald was nowhere to be seen, he could only surmise that it was his clothes own power that- A revelation hit him so hard that a baseball bat would have been jealous. He looked down at his body to find that he was completely and utterly naked. A deep blush formed on his face as he scrambled to jump across the bed to hide his shame. “My- My clothes!!” he sputtered. “Where’s my jacket?!!” Twilight raised an eyebrow at the brown stallion’s strange actions before answering. “Hey calm down, Sora. They’re at Rarity’s. They had gotten pretty messed up when we had found you and I took them to her to fix. If you are worried about them then don't be. I promise they are in good hooves. But enough about that.” Sora watched as the horned horse moved to the side of the bed and sat down upon it. As she did so he could clearly see that she, like himself at the moment, wasn’t wearing any clothes whatsoever. His eyes strayed over her lavender body, taking in the sight that was her. He stopped upon her rump and saw something familiar and yet he couldn’t quite place where he had seen it. It was a purple star with five white stars surrounding it. He was about to say something when a hoof waved for him to come over. Hesitantly, he did as she asked, feeling only slightly better that if she was okay going around that way, he should be too. Not like it is the first time. Just as he sat down beside her, he felt hot fur press lightly against his body. The poor boy went rigid as he felt her head rest gently against his chest, her ear flicking ever so slightly, tickling him somewhat. A gentle “hmmm” vibrated against his being, followed by the words “Only one.” She removed her head from his body, and he released a breath he had no idea he had been holding up until now. The girl gently placed a hoof to her chin and gave Sora a thoughtful expression. A moment or two had passed before she moved again, raising the same hoof to tap the top of his head none too pleasantly. “Ow.” He raised a hoof of his own to rub at the spot she hit. It didn’t hurt, but it wasn’t welcomed at least. “Hey, Twilight, mind telling me why I’m getting checked up like I’m at the doctor’s office?” He paused for a second before adding, “And where am I, anyway?” A blush of sudden embarrassment formed on Twilight’s cheeks as she smiled sheepishly. “Oh! Heheh. Sorry, I was just making sure that you weren’t an alien or a changeling.” Her embarrassment peaked as the boy tilted his head questioningly. Looking away from him to hide her redden cheeks, she continued. “As to where you are, you are currently in Golden Oak Library, which is in Ponyville.” “Pony… ville?” Sora’s eyes widened. “So...does that make you a...pony?” Twilight blinked, slightly confused at the question. “Well… yeah.” “Then if that’s the case, that makes me a pony as well… right?” “Yeeeees? Sora? Are you okay? did you hit your head?” Ignoring her questions for the moment, Sora went about folding his forelimbs about his chest and closing his eyes in deep thought. He was a pony now. OK, he could live with that. He would have much rather been a lion like before, but at least he wasn’t a mermaid-Gah!-merman. The question now was, how did he change if it wasn’t the work of his clothes or Donald? Sora rubbed at his temples. He really wished that crazy duck was here now so he could explain. “Hello? Equestira to Sora?” The boy-turned-pony blushed, finding he had completely forgotten that Twilight was still there with him in the room. He rubbed the back of his head apologetically as he responded. “Hehe...yeah. Sorry about that. Just thinking.” Then a question hit him. “Wait...Are you the one who found me… wherever I was. You never did tell me.” When she nodded, he continued. "Do you remember seeing anything strange around before you found me? Like anything odd? For that matter, where was I when you did find me?” It was Twilight’s turn to be surprised, slightly overwhelmed by the onslaught of questions for the young stallion. It didn’t deter her long, however, as she recovered quickly and gave the stallion a glare that could melt ice. “Now hold on a minute; I’m the one that should be asking you questions. Where did you come from? How did you survive that fall from the sky? What’s with that giant key?” “Giant key?” Twilight sighed, exasperated but still nodding at his question. “The key that was lying beside you. Yellow and silver. Little circles on the end of it. Ring any bells?” Sora’s eyes went wide. His keyblade was out beside him. Why had it been out? Usually it vanishes when he doesn't need it. The boy frowned as before holding out his hoof towards her, which Twilight flinched from. She would have said something in response to his actions, but a yelp from downstairs caused her to look toward the door in surprise. She turned to face Sora just in time to see that very same giant key that she had been looking over down in her study, appearing instantly in his mouth. “What the!? How did you do that?! Where did it come from?! Is that magic?! That’s impossible!” The poor mare stuttered as her eyes nearly bugged out of her eye sockets at Sora's sudden display of magic. The sound of thumping on the stairs caused both Twilight and Sora to turn just in time to see Spike bursting through the open door, a frantic look in his eyes. "Twilight! That key thing just up and disappeared!” And for good measure, he added, “Also, I wasn’t touching it! I swear!” Spike’s well thought-out and planned explanation stopped as his eyes took in the scene in front of him. In reality, Sora had his hoof held out due to his belief that the giant key would appear there. This was not the case, however, as said key instead appeared in the pony boy’s maw, and if he was being honest with himself, quite comfortably. Spike-o-Vision held a different scene. What he saw was his friend/sister about to be ravaged by a malicious and strange stallion they had not too long ago taken in out the kindness of their hearts. Needless to say, Spike-o-Vision is a great anger inducer. “Twilight! Watch out! I got ‘im!” Spike leapt forward, claws stretched out and ready to defend his sister to the bitter death. So unprepared was the poor stallion that an easily dodged attack of this magnitude was, instead, just looked upon by the one getting attacked. With wide eyes and pinprick pupils, only one thought crossed Sora’s mind. This was going to hurt… a lot. ~ “I’m sooo sorry, Sora,” Spike said for the tenth time tears brimming in his eyes as he begged on his knees for the young stallion to forgive him “I said it's alright Spike. Geeze.” Sora replied for the tenth time, though he couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him. Twilight, Spike and Sora had taken up residence in the downstairs library, the former dabbing the latter with a cotton ball soaked with alcohol as she tended to the scratches the former had acquired. He had received one good scratch across his forehead before Twilight used her magic to pry the raging dragon off of the flailing stallion. Explanations were made and apologies ensued. Before Spike could follow through with an eleventh one however, Twilight interjected with a simple question. “Alright, Sora, now's the time for you to explain. Who are you and what is that thing?” She ended the question by pointing to the giant key sitting on the table beside them. Sora was never one to worry about the world order before, it was something that Donald and Goofy had to remind him off constantly, Still, now that he was alone, in a world that had never seen a keyblade before, he really thought that he couldn’t mess this up. Only the bare minimal. Nothing else. ”I am a Keybearer, and that,” He pointed to the giant key. “Is a Keyblade.” “A key… blade?” both Twilight and Spike said in unison. Sora nodded. “It’s a weapon I use to… well… fight monsters, basically.” “Oh! So… Are you some kind of royal guard or something?” Spike asked as his eyes slowly began to shimmer with excitement. The boy changed pony tapped a hoof to his chin. “Never really thought about it before. I thought I was more like an adventure.” Twilight tilted her head as she looked the stallion up and down in contemplation. “I don’t think that's the case anyway, Spike. He doesn't look any older then Rainbow Dash.” Her brow furrowed. “And I don’t think Celestia allowed ponies into the royal guard that young. You have to be at least seventeen. Maybe eighteen at the very least.” Sora raised an eyebrow at the new name she had said. “Ce-les-tia? Is she some kind of leader of those royal guard guys?” The lavender unicorn gasped, “You do know who Celestia is, right? The monarch of Equestria. Princess to all of ponykind. Has been so for over one thousand years." Sora's eyes widened at that. "A thousand years...Wow...But...how can she lived that long?" Twilight had to reframe her eye from twitching wildly at the pony’s lack of understanding of basic pony knowledge. Sensing the oncoming storm that was "Lecturelight", it was then that Spike decided it was his job to save Sora, if only because he still felt guilty about attacking the poor stallion. “So, Sora. How did you make that key thingy teleport? From what I’m told, pegasi can only use wind magic, and that’s only to fly and move clouds. Teleportation is something that only unicorns can learn.” Sora turned to look at both of the wings he had recently acquired. It was true, he was a pegasus. Just like that one that he rode on back in Hercules's world. As if in response to his looking, his wings gave an involuntary twitch. He shivered at the sensation. “I’m not sure. I think It's magic but I never really thought about it till now." Turning back to face the duo, he gave both of them a smile. "Never needed to. I just know that...well...” He placed a hoof on his chest. “I guess you could say that it's part of me. Or...It’s part of my heart...I think. Wherever I call for it, it comes.” the young stallion shrugged his shoulders. “I guess that's the best way I can explain it. I'm not the best when it comes to all that technical stuff.” Twilight processed the information carefully before picking up the conversation. “That is...weird...But I have seen magic do strange things before. Going off that topic though, do you remember anything about last night? You just fell from the sky without so much as a warning.” Sora shook his head, remembering to tell as little as possible about outside worlds, if only for world order protection, just like Donald taught him. “Sorry but I don’t know if I can help you with that. I'm just as confused as you are. I do remember hearing a voice in my dreams but other then that, the only thing I remember about what happened before I woke up was that I was in a cave on a beach, and the next time I woke up, I was here.” A loud gurgling sound interrupted the conversation after that, and a caramel hoof was placed on a caramel belly. Was I really that hungry? How long has it been since I ate? All three were silent for a while before Sora started to chuckle, Twilight and Spike joining him as all tension was broken with the sound of a hungry pony’s belly. Twilight was the first to recover as she gave Sora a smile once again. “How about we can continue this later. You must be famished, and I too could use a bite to eat. Plus telling the other girls you are awake would be a good idea too.” She made her way to her saddlebags, levitating them onto her back along with a book and a bag of what he believed to be coins. Once ready, she turned to the baby dragon. “Spike, do you want to join us?” “Would I ever,” he smiled brightly and hopped onto Twilight’s back, setting himself at the base of her neck. With the strange pony in tow, Twilight led him out of the library, closing the door behind her with her magic. Which was unfortunate, because just as they left, a black tentacle could be seen reaching out toward the Keyblade, insignificantly small and unnoticeable to an untrained eye. As it touched the blade’s smooth surface, it instantly dissipated, destroyed effortlessly by the ancient weapon light. ~ Sora was very apprehensive about walking… no… trotting in public with no clothes. This, to him at least was strange due to the fact that he did it all the time back in the Pride Lands with Simba. It wasn’t until he saw that most of the town folk, if not all of them, were indeed naked as well. It made him feel a little better about being so too. He still wished he had his jacket, though. The caramel stallion could see more than a few ponies looking toward their little group, though he felt that most of the looks were directed toward him. They all bore curious but friendly smiles every time he caught their eyes, which he returned with one of his own. Ponies of every color and size filled the dirt road of Ponyville, each one seemingly as friendly as the last. He could see that quite a few of them, if not all, had a butt tattoo that was different from Twilight’s and his own, and others, mostly the little ponies, didn’t. This realization led to a question. “Hey, Twilight, what’s with that mark on everyone’s butt?” Said lavender mare would almost trip over her own four hooves as the “innocent” question left the boy’s lips. “W-What? Don’t tell me you don’t know what a Cutie Mark is? Also its not on their but per say but their flank, Sora.” “Cutie Mark? That’s what you call it?” “Of course. You should know that. You have one.” Before he could respond, his answer was interrupted as the stallion’s gaze would catch sight of a trio of little ponies on the other side of the road. Two of them, one being an orange-coated pegasus with a magenta mane and the other being an off-white unicorn with a two-tone purple mane, were talking animatedly with each other. It was the third, however, that had given him pause. A sun-yellow regular pony, with a mane as red as an apple and a bright pink bow tied expertly behind her head, had been looking in his direction. Her amber eyes were wide, and, he could have sworn, sparkling. He tilted his head to the side which caused the yellow filly’s cheeks to flush bright red. She quickly turned away from him, busying herself with listening to the other conversation. “Sora? Hey, you okay?” Sora nodded as he looked forward, finding Twilight waiting for him a bit of a ways off. “Yeah. Let's get going. Food is waiting right?” He trotted up to Twilight, following after her. He took a quick look back over his shoulder to see the gaggle of fillies once more, huddling close together. ~ Applebloom’s heart was fluttering faster than a hummingbird in spring as she watched the stallion follow Twilight and Spike. The poor filly could not stop the blush that had hit her freckled face as her gaze never left his retreating form. And when she saw his face, she couldn’t even explain the feelings that she had gotten. No… That's not true… She knew exactly what it was. “Girls…” she said, barely above a whisper, but they stopped talking all the same, giving her their full attention. “Ah… Ah think I’m in love.” > Of Cake and Memories (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul Green to start music and red to stop music To say that both of the ponies Applebloom confessed her heart out to were more than a little surprised would have been the understatement of the century. In fact, they could only think of one word that could ascertain the amount of shock and awe that the pegasus and unicorn were feeling at that very moment. One simple four letter word that, with enough volume, could properly portray their flabbergastery. “What?!” The little white unicorn turned towards her orange pegasus friend and began to “whisper” into the filly’s ear. “Tell me we didn’t just hear what I thought we heard, Scootaloo.” The purple maned orange pegasus nodded grimly, “whispering” back with a serious frown. “I do believe we did, Sweetie Belle. I do believe we did...” “Which means…” Sweetie Belle’s face grew into a devilish smirk as she let the statement hang in the air. “Oh, I concur…” Scootaloo confirmed with a sly grin of her own. Both fillies, in a blur of orange and white delight, began bouncing in a circle around Applebloom, both repeating the words passed on from one foal to the next. “Applebloom’s in loOve! Applebloom’s in loOve! Applebloom’s in loOve!” The sun yellow filly’s face flushed crimson as her so-called friends, now mortal enemies, picked on her. “Come on, ya’ll! Cut it out!!” she said, lashing out at them with a hoof in a desperate plea for them to stop the madness. Sweetie Belle avoided the half hearted swipes and stuck her tongue out before asking, “So who is it, huh?” She gasped lightly. “I bet you it’s Featherweight!” Applebloom shook her head. Scootaloo bounded in between her friends and grinned widely. “Don’t tell me it’s Lickity Split. He may not be as cool as Rainbow Dash but the way he bounces that ball does make my wings flutter.” Once again, the head said no, though Applebloom and Sweetie Belle made a mental note to save that bit of infomation of Scootaloo’s admiration for Lickity Split for ammunition. Still that left both pegasus and unicorn stuck on to who it actually was. Both friends looked toward each other for a moment before turning their attention back to Applebloom. They surprisingly spoke in unison with confused looks on their face “Sni-“ "No way!!" Applebloom snapped. “Why in tarnation would ya even suggest that!?” “Well, who is it?” Sweetie Belle pleaded. "Yeah, come on! Tell us!" Scootaloo added. “Okay but ya’ll gotta promise to keep it a secret okay?” When both friends agreed with a customary Pinky Promise, the yellow hoof raised, pointing down the dirt path. “It’s him…” Her friends followed the hoof until they caught sight of a tall caramel stallion with an impossibly spiky chocolate mane and tail. From what they could tell from where they were, it appeared that he was in a conversation with Twilight. Sweetie Belle was quick to point out the obvious from the get go. “He looks twice your age.” “That and I’ve never seen that pegasus before," Scootaloo added. "Must be new to Ponyville.” The love-struck filly pouted as she stomped her hoof hard on the ground. “So what? You don’t think he looks cute?” Her friends both looked toward the retreating form of Applebloom’s love interest. “Well…” Sweetie began, “I guess he does have a nice mane and all.” “And,” Scootaloo continued, “He doesn’t look that much older than us. Maybe sixteen or seventeen?” Sweetie Belle gave her friend an apprehensive look. “Still… I don’t know, Applebloom…” The southern filly slid on her knees in front of them, grabbing them by their forehooves. Tears threatened to fall from her face as she stared up at her two shocked friends. “Pl-leeeeaase? Ya’ll just gotta help me! Hes the first colt that that ah ever had feelings like this for!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked upon the teary-eyed expression that accompanied their friend’ pleading form. After the third or fourth ‘please’, and mentioning possibly getting their cutie marks in matchmaking, the girls finally relented. “Fine!” they both said together before Scootaloo picked up the conversation. “We’ll help, but only because you are our best friend.” Applebloom beamed a brightly lit smile as she hopped around them repeating “Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!” Before either of her friends could respond, she leapt high into the air and raised a hoof over her head, proclaiming loudly, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS: MATCHMAKERS! YAY!” With her battle cry announced, she sped off, leaving her two friends to follow in her wake. Scootaloo sighed inwardly. “This can’t end well…” “Gonna be fun though!” Sweetie squeaked. ~ The doors to the confectionery shop known as Sugarcube Corner swung open with a jingle of a bell, allowing Twilight, Spike and Sora to enter into Ponyville’s famous pastry store. To Sora’s credit, he held himself in check as soon as he saw the oversized sugary-looking building. He knew that it was more than likely just for show and constructing a cute building out of real gingerbread was downright stupid. Still, somewhere in the back of his mind he really wanted to rush headlong toward the house with mouth wide to see if he was wrong. He was quite happy that he held out because the prize for doing so was so much greater. Sora’s eyes sparkled as he gazed upon all the amazing treats that were on display, his mouth on the verge of salivating shamelessly. Blue eyes darting to and fro as he spotted every flavor of cake imaginable with various degrees of icing on each. Muffins ranging from blueberry to strawberry lay neatly in a basket close by. At the counter, inside its glass casing, the stallion found cookies of every shape and form, each one beckoning him with their own flavored scent. Never had he seen so many delectable sweets in one place; while he was awake, at least. Sora turned to face Twilight, who had quite the amused look on her face. He gave her an expectant pleading smile, to which she nodded, knowing full well what he wanted. Quick as a flash, he zipped toward the counter and pressed his muzzle against the glass exterior. With longing eyes, he stared with amazement at every confectionary with increasing interest. The young boy really didn’t know where to start. “You should try the Double Chunk Chocolate Chip Delight. My personal favorite.” “You think so?” His eyes shifted to the left. “Those icing cookies look just as tempting, though.” “So you’re an icing stallion, huh? Then you should definitely try the Deliciously Delectable Dreamy Drop Madness.” “Aww geeze. Even the name sounds delicious.“ Sora had turned his head to speak to his lavender unicorn guide, only to find out that the one he was talking to wasn’t so lavender… or a unicorn for that matter. The first thing noticed by the stallion was the curly, bouncy mane curving at an arc in front of her face, it being a deeper shade of bubblegum pink than her coat. Bright blue eyes stared back at his own, silently judging him, as if weighing her options on how to treat the stallion. The white toothy smile she gave quickly clued him in on her answer. Quicker than he ever expected anyone could move, or at least anyone in this town, the bubbly pink pony pulled him into a tight embrace, lifting the stallion up in the air slightly. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! It’s nice to meet you, stallion-who-fell-from-the-stars!” Sora, despite the aroma of soothing bubblegum she gave off, concluded he would enjoy it a lot more if only he had the ability to breath in the first place. With gasping breath and blushing cheeks, the stallion tried to gasp out to the pink pony, but no words came due to the hooves that had cut off his much-needed air supply. With pleading eyes, the stallion threw a pleading gaze toward Twilight and Spike, both of whom were stifling giggles and laughter. After a moment or two, the unicorn made her way to the pair and tapped Pinkie’s shoulder lightly, gaining her attention. “Pinkie, this is Sora,” Twilight giggled as she looked toward the struggling pegasus. “And I think you’re crushing him.” The pink mare stared at the lavender one for a moment before dropping the stallion into a gasping heap on the ground. With her smile still present, she ran toward the entrance of the kitchen and called out for someone named Mrs. Cake. A pleasantly plump blue pony with a swirly pink two tone mane made her way to the front counter at Pinkie’s call. A warm smile graced her lips as she greeted them with an accent that the Sora couldn’t quite place, but still felt the warmth of it all the same. “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner dearies.” the mature mare gave Sora an extra friendly smile. “And I don’t think I’ve seen you around town before?” Before either Sora or Twilight could respond, Pinkie appeared in front of them, her smile as bright as ever. “Hey, Mrs. Cake. I’m gonna take off for a bit to prepare for the party.” “Party?” Sora looked towards Twilight. “You celebrating something today?” Pinkie popped in between the two ponies, wrapping a forehoof around Sora’s neck in the process. “Duh! Of course there’s a party, silly. You’re new to Ponyville, and new ponies always get a free Pinkie Pie Bash from the one and only Pinkie Pie herself.” Sora was thoroughly confused. “Wait. I get thrown a party… just because I’m new? Pinkie nodded. It only took Sora seconds to comprehend, the widest smile one has ever seen forming on his muzzle as he pumped his hoof in celebration. “Awesome!” The pink party pony smiled just as wide at Sora’s words. “Ooooooh, I think I’m gonna like you, Sora.” She turned towards the door, bouncing her way towards it. “See ya later, everypony!” Stopping just in front of it, she turned to the lavender mare. “Twilight, make sure to bring him by the barn by eight.” And as an afterthought she added “Oh, and can you tell Rarity about the party when you get to her shop? I’ll take care of collecting the rest of the girls. Okthanksbye!!” Before Twilight could respond, the pink pony dashed out of the building, leaving a cloud of dust to dissipate in her wake. Sora gave Twilight a quizzical look, to which she responded only by saying, “She’s Pinkie. Get used to it.” "Yeah...okay...but...How did she know we were going to..." "Dude..." Spike interupted. "Don't think think about. Trust us." With a rather unsure nod but a kind smile all the same, Sora turned his attention back to the counter of sweets. ~ An hour or two later, the trio that was Twilight, Spike and Sora left the confectionary shop with happy smiles and full bellies. Sora had been slightly apprehensive about any of the flower-related baked goods, but after the first bite he couldn’t help but tear into every bit of the plant life. Why he thought flowers were tasty to begin with was lost on him. More than likely it had something to do with his new body, but he decided not to dwell too much on it. No use fixing something that wasn’t broken. At the very least he didn’t have to worry about starving in this new world. Of course, that line of questioning brought up some good points. Despite his time in the Pride Lands, he thought for sure that he would have had more trouble getting used to his new limbs then he had. That was not the case, however. He was amazed that he walked on four legs like he had been doing so his whole life. In fact, it just felt right for some reason. Twilight’s voice rang gently in his ears, pulling him from his inner thoughts. “So Sora, did you really not know what a cutie mark was?” Sora stiffned at the question before turning towards the mare, smiling sheepishly. “W-well, I… uh… I’ve never really gone anywhere to learn about them.” That was the truth, for the most part. "Where I come from we don't really pay attention to stuff like that." “That is...weird,” Twilight asnwered, “but I guess I can understand that. I do know of sects of ponies that don't even have cutie marks of their own exist in the world.” She looked back toward her own flank. “I only ask because a cutie mark is supposed to represent a pony’s special talent, like how mine represents my love of stars and magic. I really don’t know what to make of your mark though.” Sora looked back at his flank, with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t know either, Twilight. To tell the truth, I really don’t know why I have it. But for some reason it looks exactly like… my…” Sora’s eyes shot opened at the realization. He frantically patted at his neck before shock turned panic. Bending over the ground, he began to shuffle along it in a frantic search. “W-wait...W-where is it?” Spike raised an eyebrow as he peered around Twilight’s neck. “Where’s what?” “My necklace!” He blurted out. “It's not around my neck!” He rose up to only dash back and forth, trying to find some glimmer of hope in his dire situation. "Did I drop it somewhere...maybe it fell when back at tree house!" “Necklace… Necklace…” Realization dawned on Twilight. “Oh! You mean that silver crown, right? Like I mentioned earlier, your clothes were ruined a little when we found you. I did find a chain that had a little crown emblem latched onto it. The chain itself was snapped though, you see, so I had given it to Rarity to fix as well. Hey!” Sora had jetted off as he spoke. “Sorry! Gotta get my necklace!” “But Rarity’s is in the other direction!” She barely had time to move out of the way as Sora ran past her. “Sora!” Twilight called out. “Wait for us!” ~ The opening of the bedroom door marked the exit of one pearl white unicorn, a pink robe tied delicately around her slender frame. After a long night of working and only a few hours of sleep, she had decided to forego breakfast for now and had let the warm embrace of hot water envelop most of her morning. Now thoroughly refreshed, she slowly made her way down toward the stairway, but stopped as soon as she caught a glimpse of the object that had had her pull an all-nighter. Rarity always considered herself to be quite the fashion connoisseur, always looking for that next big design after the next one, even going so far as to study different styles to find if it would make a comeback next year or not. She knew all the greatest artists and all of their styles, but she had never seen the likes of what had been graced upon her by her lavender friend. The outfit itself was dirty and torn in certain places, but those were easy enough to repair. The simple two-piece outfit was quite the sight to behold when she was finished with it. The hoodie, onyx black in its coloration, was lined with white trimming along the bottom of the sleeves and rim of the cloth. What really caught her attention was along where the shoulders were to be; there were two hardened silver cloths that almost resembled the shoulder pads of armor, giving it an almost regal, knight-like appearance to such a simple design. The shirt underneath was navy blue in primary color, with a splash of red curling inward toward the chest. It was, like most of the outfit, simple, but done so in a way that brought life to the overall outfit, making the viewer take a break from the overall dominating dark colors the clothes so thoroughly loved. Attached to the hood were straps of a yellow buckle-like material, which, in her opinion, were just daring enough to work. The overall repair of the outfit took no more than an hour, hence it was not the cause of her nearly sleepless night. No. The reason for her late night was due to the fact that such an outfit had never been seen in all of Equestria before, and not being one to pass up inspiration, she had instantly set to work sketching and taking notes, her mind racing with one idea after another. Whoever had designed this was keeping such work to themselves. She was not going to let that go unanswered for. Not one bit. A smile crept onto her lips as she walked past the clothing and down the stairs. Just before she reached her intended destination, a knock came upon her front door. She had figured it might have been Twilight due to the fact that it was she who had given her the clothes in the first place. She had so many questions for the mare that she couldn’t help but rush to the door and open it wide for her purple friend. She had expected somepony. She had not expected a stallion. Light caramel brown fur greeted her vision causing the fashionista’s eyes to widen by degrees. Despite her being only slightly shorter than the one in front of her, she couldn’t help but notice that she was staring straight at the chest of a clearly male pony. His chest was moving in and out deeply but steadily, slowly but surely regaining the breath that it must have lost. He seemed more slender than most male ponies she knew; perhaps it had something to do with him being a pegasus since most where designed for speed in the sky. Despite his slender form, she could clearly see that he was more muscular than he let on. She shifted her eyes upwards slowly, taking in every inch of the stallion in front of her. Ocean blue eyes met those of sky coloration. She watched as the morning breeze gently played with his milk chocolate mane, as well with the fur on his face. Dear Celestia, his face! Though he looked her age, she couldn’t help but see that he still held much of his foalhood within his features. It gave him an almost marish quality that matched well with the rest of his figure. She prayed to all that was holy that he didn't play for the other team. Both ponies stared at each other, neither one moving an inch or saying a word as they did so. Rarity was, out of instinct, about to greet the stallion, but her eyes soon went from wide with admiration to wide with embarrassment and horror at a sudden realization. She was still in her bedroom robes! Before the stallion could even speak, Rarity quickly slammed the door on him and ran right away up the stairs. ~ To say that Sora was confused was an understatement. It was more like the poor stallion was so utterly confounded that he was unable to form any conscious thought due to the lack of energy that was necessary for him to do so. Twilight fared no better. The flushed-face unicorn mare staggered slowly toward the pegasus stallion, huffing and wheezing as she went. She had spent the better part of 10 minutes guiding the rushing pegasus from behind toward their intended destination. After a while, she fell far behind, and by the time she had caught up, she only saw a glimpse of the exchange that the two ponies were party to. Spike had been riding on Twilight, so he was hail and healthy. After a moment or two of catching her breath, Twilight made her way to the side of Sora’s flank. “W-what -huff- W-what d-did you -huff- do?” The pegasus in question, after regaining his own composure, turned to face the lavender unicorn. “I… didn’t do anything. One second we were looking at each other and the next all I see a wooden door.” Twilight, now breathing normally, moved past the stallion. “That’s… odd. I’d better go see if she is okay.” Before she could use her horn to open the door, a light blue field enveloped it, doing the deed for her. A brightly lit, posh-looking room graced their presence as they peered into the now-open doorway. Sora couldn’t help but think that the place screamed of femininity. Pony displays showcasing various outfits lined the edges of the room. His gaze shifted from left to right until it fell upon a stairway where a dainty white hoof could be seen coming into sight. The owner of said hoof followed suit. Slick white fur clung to its owner’s body, shining lightly thanks to an unseen light source. Bouncy violet locks came into view next, having their own shimmer to them. Soon the head of the white unicorn came into view, her muzzle shifted upwards in a ladylike fashion. She came the rest of the way down the stairs in a graceful fashion, though Sora (and Spike for that matter), for the life of him, couldn’t help but notice that her hips were pumping with each step she took. Gone was the pink-robed beauty, and in its place, a pony goddess. A gentle voice, as lovely as silk, greeted the stallion. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique. Where eve- Twilight!?” The white-coated unicorn had failed to notice her purple friend happily waving a hoof in her direction. “Hello, Rarity.” Stopping her gesture, she cocked an eyebrow. “Are you OK? You kind of shut the door on Sora there.” Rarity turned to look toward the pony in question with cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Oh, I am terribly sorry, dear. It was absolutely uncouth of me to do that to you. You see, I was up all night doing a request my friend Twilight gave me and I suppose I overslept, resulting in what you had seen not too long ago.” She gave him a sorrowful look. “I do hope you can forgive me for being so...well...unlike me.” The young stallion smiled a gentle toothy grin that, much to Spike’s questioning gaze, sent Rarity’s cheeks blushing brighter than ever before replying. “Hey...Hakuna Matata.” “Hakuna a what now?” Twilight asked, giving him a questioning look. “It means no worries.” Sora trotted towards the white mare, raising a hoof towards her. “And I think that the stuff that you said you were working on was mine.” Gently taking the hoof in her own, Rarity would give the stallion a questioning gaze before realization hit. “You mean you’re the mysterious visitor Twilight found in White Tail Woods?” “More then likely. You know about what happened?” The white mare waved a perfectly manicured hoof. “Only in passing, dear. I had to tend to my sister and her friends after the commotion you caused last night.” Rarity paused to look towards Twilight. “To which she did not tell me that the one who fell from the sky was such a handsome young stallion.” Her voice produced a sly tone. “Trying to keep him all to ourselves, are we, Miss Sparkle?” “What!?” Twilight’s face grew beet red at the accusation. “NO! I was just…! I mean, it was…! What!?!” Rarity had a hard time stifling a giggle that threatened to escape her lips. “Now, now, Twilight, I’m just teasing.” She raised a hoof to meet his own, and smiled brightly. “And as for you." the mare, to Sora's surprise, curtsied. "I am Rarity, or Miss Rarity if you would prefer. It is a pleasure to meet you, dear. Now then, about your outfit…” Sora’s eyes widened, remembering the reason he had come here in the first place. “Oh yeah! That's right! You’re the one who Twilight said was fixing up my outfit.” She smiled and nodded. “Right you are. If you would allow me one second to fetch your things.” She stopped just before she reached the stairs and turned a furrowed brow in his direction. “Please forgive me, but I never caught your name.” “The name’s, Sora.” “Sora…My, my, such an exotic name for a stallion such as yourself.” Rarity turned and made her way up the stairs. “I’ll be no more than two ticks, dear. Please make yourself at him.” Sora’s eyes widened as he watched her climb the steps. This time he could clearly see that her flanks were indeed pumping back and forth with each step, and, for some reason, he couldn’t turn away from the sight. That was until he felt the stare of murderous intent beside him. Looking to his right, he saw the darkened glare of a certain purple dragon staring him down as though he was a demon in need of defeating. Sora, despite his taller size and greater strength, decided that it was not safe to stand within striking distance of the baby dragon. Before he could move, however, Rarity returned with his clothes in tow, wrapped in a pale blue light like the door had been. “There you go darling, good as new. I have to ask, where did you acquire such magnificent clothes? Never in my life have I seen such a style produced before.” She stretched out the clothes, letting him look over them for any blemishes. “And I was amazed by the amount of enchantments surrounding it. Durability, longevity, and even minor protection against physical and magical trauma.” She lowered the outfit toward Sora, prompting him to stretch out his cannons. “The pony who created them knew what they were doing, and then some. And don’t get me started on the design! It’s so modern! It’s so refreshing! It’s so-“ “Umm… Hey, Rarity?” The mare was slightly caught off guard by Sora’s gentle tone that pierced her revelations. “Ah… Yes, Sora Darling?” Sora twisted and turned the cloth around in his hooves. He was at first looking for his shorts, but he figured that if they were gone in that dream world he barely remembered, then they wouldn’t be around if he got his clothes back. There was a more pressing question eating at the corner of his mind however. “Is my necklace fixed too? I was told it was broken as well.” Rarity tapped a hoof to her chin before widening her eyes. “You mean that silver crown? I have to say, it was rather, how do you say, plain, compared to the rest of your outfit.” She made her way to her dresser and used her magic to produce a still-broken silver chain with a little crown hanging from it. “I was going to get around to fixing it but after seeing the owner, I do believe that it’s just too garish for you simple for one such as yourself. How about something deep blue? I was thinking that-“ She stopped talking as soon as she saw the stallion shake his head. “Sorry, Rarity, but…” He paused as his gaze shifted from her to the necklace. “That necklace is just too important to me.” Both mares and one dragon raised an eyebrow as they all said in unison, “Important? “A friend of mine gave it to me the very first day we met.” Twilight gasped softly. "Your friend?" Sora nodded. "Yep...My friend Rikue...You see...I was always bullied back before I met him. Two big k...I mean...ah...colts would always pick on other kids on our island and...well...to get them to stop I told on them. They wern't too happy about that though." "As you very well should." Rarity said, now quite angry at said bullies of such a nice young stallion. "I would have strung them up by their tails if I was their mother." "I agree." Twilight chimed in. "Telling someone of authority was the right thing to do> The keybearer placed both of his forehooves behind his head, smiling, though it was more subdued. "Right or wrong, It didn't quite matter to those bullies. What it did do was make me the target of their bulling instead." ~ Sora was slammed harshly against the ground. The white shirt and red shorts the six year old wore were muddy and slightly tattered, but despite that and the tears welling up in his eyes, he stared defiantly at his aggressors. One who was outlandishly tall and another who was rather pudgy flanked a rather tall boy with raven black hair. The boy in the middle chuckled evilly, signaling the others behind him to do so in turn. “Whoops. Sorry, little Sora. Did I make ya cry?” He laughed again, as did the others. Sora, to his credit, tried to stand back up, but was kicked back down by the boot of the older child. “Did I say you could get up, squirt?” Sora cursed inwardly as he clutched at his stinging chest. “No… I don’t think so. Ya see, little Sora, I don’t take too kindly to being told on. You know what I had to go through?! I was grounded for a week!!” The boy’s voice grew in volume as he spoke, his voice becoming harsher. Sora couldn’t help himself. “Heh… A week? I would have made it a month if I was your dad.” Another kick to his gut knocked the wind completely out of the brown-haired boy. “You know what? I was just gonna rough ya up. Now... oh now you’re gonna pay for that one!” Sora closed his eyes just as he saw a kick aiming straight for his face. He heard a smack and then a thud, but felt no pain. Chancing a glance, he opened one of his eyes... only to find someone standing in front of him. This boy was just a bit taller than him, short silver hair draped slick down his head. His clothes were normal enough, but the thing that caught his attention the most was the silver crown that hung from the hook of his pants. His savior held a fist out to where the black haired boy was before, the boy in question now splayed on his back, nursing a bruised cheek. “What the?!” The black haired boy was livid. “Who are you?!” The newcomer let his fist fall to his side. “Riku.” Riku’s icy glare stared straight at the boy on the ground, not faltering for a second. “Gotta say,” Riku’s voice as just as cold, despite the youthfulness of it. “Three against one was never fair to me…” Riku placed a fist into the palm of his hand, cracking it threateningly. “Hardly a challenge, to tell you the truth…” All three boys barely had time to react as Riku blasted towards them with his fist raised, striking hard at the three bullies. ** “That was unreal…” Riku couldn’t help but smile at Sora’s description of the fight. It had taken some doing, but Riku, despite his smaller size compared the three bullies, was able to send them packing with their tails between their legs, much to Sora’s enjoyment. Two thoroughly roughed up and bruised boys sat at the edge of the pier, both enjoying a new flavor of ice cream. It was sweet and salty; two flavors they thought would never go well with such a cold treat, and yet, at the moment, it was the most amazing thing in the world. Sora, after taking a big bite of his ice cream, turned to face the silver-haired youth. He had never really had anyone stick up for him before, and here comes some random boy he never knew doing just that. He smiled brightly which caused the boy to turn to his direction. “You look like an idiot.” Sora nearly dropped his ice cream into the sea below at that remark. The boy turned and gave an accusing pout Riku’s way. “Is that what you say to everyone you save?!” The silver-haired boy thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Naw… Just to you.” Silence filled the air before a series of laughs broke out between the two boys. When it was done, Sora smiled brighter than before. “Where’d you learn how to fight? Taking on three guys at once was… well… pretty cool.” Riku didn’t say anything at first, but decided to pull the silver crown symbol off his belt and held it out expectantly to Sora, which Sora took with little hesitation. He raised it into the light of the setting sun watching it gleam in dull radiance. “What… is it?” “Crown of the Kingdom,” he spoke with an air of mystery. “They say wearing it makes you ten times stronger.” Sora's eyes nearly bugged out of his head at that revalation. “R-Really?!” Riku laughed. “No. It’s just some junk I found in my attic. You’re pretty gullible, you know that.” Sora’s pout returned as he tried to glare daggers at the new kid. "Did you only help me to pick on me too?" Sora yelped as the chained crown was tossed to him, the boy barely catching it in his hands. “I Saw you not back down from those guys and that's why I decided to help you out.” Riku smirked and leaned back into a laying position, letting his arms rest behind him. “But geeze, are you are weak. So...if you wanna fight then the only way I'll train you is if you have to wear that every day. Got that?” Sora stared dumbfounded at Riku before smiling once more. He quickly placed the chain over his head, wearing it like a necklace. The boy fidgeted slightly before carefully asking. “So… are we… friends now?” Riku opened one eye at Sora’s question before closing it again, a smile of his own forming on his lips. “Heh. Yeah, sure… I don’t mind.” ~ "Oh my." Rarity said softly as she placed a hoof over her heart. "You scared me in the first half but the last of it was ever so adorable to picture." Twilight nodded, "Yeah. While I don't approve of the fighting, the fact that you and colt would become friends after that is...well...amazing. Finding friends after do what is right. I think that such a thing might just deserve a friendship letter sent to the princess." Sora smiled lightly at their words, his gaze shifting back towards the broken necklace. Riku had just moved into the area when he had saved him from those bullies. His friend could have just as easily chosen to side with them instead, but he chose him. He was happy to have him as a friend, but as they grew, it had became more and more evident that the too slowly grew from friends to rivals, with Sora always challenging him, wanting to prove how much stronger he had become and each time losing, sometimes badly. Even now, he was still left in the dust by Riku, despite his best efforts. A familiar feeling made Sora cringe slightly. It was the same feeling he felt when he was on the beach just the other day...Useless...Worthless...Not good enough...Was I...ever... “Sora, are you ok?” The stallion was unaware that he had been staring off into space for a moment. He was brought to this conclusion as he spotted three pairs of eyes looking at him, each with the same emotion on their own features, all conveying the same thing. Worry He raised a hoof and rubbed the back of his head. “Ah...yeah. Sorry about that. Kind of spaced out there for a second.” He turned to Rarity, smiling gently at the mare. “Sorry if I sound kinda selfish for this, but...Do you think that you could fix it for me?” Rarity cleared her throat as she fought to keep a blush from coming upon her cheeks once more. That smile of his could kill a lesser mare. Taking the necklace within her magic, the mare would muse, “Well, while I still say it is not the best accessory in the world, I think your history with it more then makes it special in anyponies eyes.” She set the necklace on the counter before smiling towards the young stallion. “I’ll have it right as rain later tonight, so don’t you worry about a thing, dear.” Twilight gasped. “Oh geeze, I forgot. Pinkie said Sora’s welcoming party will be tonight at eight over at the barn.” Rarity’s eyes brightened considerably. “Perfect! I shall be done by then and shall present it to you there. Is that alright with you Sora?” Sora smirked as he pumped his fist. “Its fine by me! See you later then, Rarity. And...ah...thanks” He set the clothes onto his back, making sure they were balanced with his wings before following Twilight out of the store. She watched them leave, her gaze slowly shifting toward Sora’s retreating flank. “Yes… until then.” > Expected Surprises (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul Expected Surprises Green to start music and red to stop. It would soon be noon as the trio that was Twilight, Spike and Sora all decided to return to the lavender mare’s library and wait for the upcoming Welcome to Ponyville party, bidding Rarity a good bye until then. Though they had all agreed to the same destination, they all had their own reasons for wanting to return. Twilight’s reason, with Sora’s permission of course, had been to study the strange object that was known as the Keyblade. Without wasting another moment as soon as she stepped though the door, she had immediately set to work using both magical and non-magical tests to ascertain its make, properties, and overall essence. She needed to know what it was. Why something like this was never in any of the history books. It was clearly a weapon of great power, and giving a pony the power to teleport an object to them, rather they can use magic or not, was quite amazing in its own right and it was not something that she could honestly pass up studying. If she was able to figure it out… Oh the possibilities. Sora’s reason was simple, yet proved to be, at least to him, the most difficult. He needed to put on some clothes. Being a boy of seventeen years of age, he knew he would be able to dress himself. Being a boy pony of seventeen years of age with hooves instead of fingers and thumbs to work with, could prove more of a challenge. Despite this he figured that if he was going to be in this pony world for a while, he would need to learn how to dress himself and, he hoped, learn how to get by without fingers. So, under the guise of needing some rest, the ponyfied Keybearer was allowed to return to the room he had awoken in and set to work equipping and removing his attire. As for the dragon Spike, after doing his chores for the day, the drake had decided to catch some Z's on a nearby couch. He was a baby dragon after all and baby dragons need their sleep. Besides, he figured he would need all the energy he could muster if he was to fully enjoy the Pinkie’s Welcome to Ponyville Party. After several successful attempts at putting on and removing his clothing, Sora made his way down to the lower level, fully dressed and ready for anything. He was very proud of himself for finding such a creative way getting them on too, even with the handicap of having no fingers. The clip-clop of his hooves alerted Twilight of the stallion’s presence and she couldn’t help but smile lightly, looking the once human boy over with an appreciative gaze. “Rarity did an amazing job on your outfit Sora. Hard to believe that I could hardly recognize it before, tattered as it was.” The keybearer smiled as he blushed slightly. “Thanks Twilight. I really need to thank Rarity again for helping me out on this one.” His gaze would scan over the room they were within. Aside from the few chairs, the whole area seemed to be surrounded by bookcases full of books, which made sense because of where he was. He would turn towards his keyblade, noting the impressive amount of books, notes, and test tubes surrounding it. “What's all this stuff anyway?” He asked, bending down to gently tap one of the glass jars. Twilight released a frustrated sigh. “Normally it is magic compounds that would tell me the make and material of metals, a lot good those did though. The enigmatic nature of this clearly impossible object won't be giving me its secrets anytime soon.” Her horn began to glow and she used her magic to levitate a pile of her notes towards him. “According to THIS, your Keyblade contains magic I have never seen before in Equestira, and yet it clearly is one hunderd percent magic.” She shoved another piece of paper in his face. “And THIS! The material it’s made from! There is no such material like it in all of Equestria! It looks like simple metal, but it's so much more than that!” Sora, not really able to make heads or tails of the notes he was looking at, could only respond with “Is that so?” “Yes it's so!” She returned the research back to the table (In alphabetical order mind you) before turning back to Sora. “Are you sure that you don’t know anything else about your Keyblade? I mean... it is YOUR keyblade right? You have to know something” "Of course its mine.” Sora told her, waving a hoof. “But besides the fact that I know that it's connected to my heart, I never really thought about where it came from and all that. I just use it and that's that. Twilight sighed frustratingly, clearly not happy with his answer but she figured as much. She didn’t take Sora as someone who listened diligently in class, not that she would ever tell him that outright. Her ears would suddenly perk up at the sound of her clock chiming six times, clueing her in on what time it was. She figured that they still had at least two hours left until they needed to be at the party. Well and hour and a half at least. She had to account for the time it took to get to where they needed to go after all. She wanted to study the keyblade more but without anything to start from, that would just prove more stressful than useful. It was even worse when the owner of said keyblade knew as much about as she did. Scratch that, she more than likely knew more than he ever did. "Wait!" Twilight exclaimed, looking towards Sora as an idea hit her. "How about you tell me how you got it and from there I can maybe have something to work off of." "How I got it?" He thought for a moment before smiling. "Well... I guess I can do that." plus it's not messing with the world order when you are talking about yourself. Twilight squealed happily as she poofed a scroll and a feather into her magic. “Ok! Then let's start from the beginning. Where were you when you received your keyblade?” Sora looked upwards as he tapped his chin in thought. “Well...It was a dark and stormy night...” "Really?" Twilight deadpanned. "You’re gonna start off with that type of cliché?" Sora blinked before he gave the lavender mare a sheepish smile. "Well it was dark and stormy. I can’t help it if that's how it happened." Twilight sighed before motioning him to continue. "Ok... So it was a dark and stormy night; four years ago from today. I could see from my house that Destiny Island was about to get hit bad." “Destiny Island?" Twilight interrupted. "I never heard of it. Is that where you lived?” Sora shook his head. "No... It’s an island that sits not too far from my village in the middle of the ocean." Twilight’s eyes brightened and she quickly zipped in front of him, her muzzle nearly touching his. “The ocean?! You’ve actually seen the ocean?!” Sora smirked as he held up his head high in a rare instance of pride. “Yep! I’m an islander though and through. Born and raiss-Hey!” Before the stallion could protest, a very excited Twilight teleported them both to sit at her nearby table. It was an odd feeling. Being teleported. It honestly reminded him of when he went into the computer world not too long ago. Still it was very disorientating and he was left dazed for a few moments. When he recovered he could see the lavender unicorn staring across the table at him, quill and parchment working furiously at what he told her so far. Her eyes seemed to sparkle as she smiled brightly at the stallion. “Tell. Me. Everything.” The boy couldn’t stop the smile from leaving his muzzle. "Hehe... sure..." Backing away slightly to give himself some room, the stallion began to speak again. "Well The island seemed to be in for it pretty bad and I feared for the raft that me and my friends were building was gonna get washed away. I left my house and took a boat to make sure that it was ok." "Wait... If you had a boat, why did you need a raft?" Sora was about to answer but then stopped himself. "I... Ah... I really don't know... We were planning on using it to travel around the world..." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "But a raft would not be very good for travelling long distances, especially in the ocean." The young colt pawed at the ground, looking somewhat foolish as he really began to think about how silly he and his friends were way back when. "Well if you put it that way..." He shook his head. "In any case, we never really got a chance to test it out anyway." "Why not?" Sora looked away, out towards the nearby window where he could see the clear blue sky, "Because that's where things got interesting..." ~ A hooded figure watched from their vantage point within an alleyway, a soft growl escaping their lips. "Was it the mare that dispatched the one I sent in?" With a flourish of its cape it turned to make its way down the darkening streets. "If I cannot get HER, then I gotta change my plans a bit..." ~ Ponyville Late in the evening... Twilight led Sora through the darkening streets of Ponyville with Spike riding upon her back. She was happy to see her assistant and the stallion in deep conversation. Spike had woken up not too long ago after Twilight and Sora had started their conversation about his adventures and Spike was totally hooked on to the story. Though quite a bit about what he talked about made her very skeptical. Really! Her mind screamed. How can a single pony take on and defeat a hydra, all by himself?! Me and my friends barely came out of it alive… and we were running from it! Despite not believing a bit of the story, she could see that Spike seemed to be greatly interested in his tale. Truth be told it also served to pass the time as they trotted down the dusty road of Ponyville and before they knew it the trio hand made it to their destination. “With time to spare!” Twilight was quick to point out. The dim light of a bright moon served as the only source of illumination for the three of them. Sora could vaguely make out the appearance of trees, and, from what he could tell, there were a lot of them. From what he could tell, they seemed to have some kind of fruit in them. Twilight gently nudged the young stallion with her flank, gaining back his attention. “This is Sweet Apple Acres. An apple farm ran by the Apple family. One of my best friends is in charge of the place.” “An apple farm?” He squinted his eyes. Sure enough he could make out the vague shapes of the fruit in the trees now that he was told what they were. “Wow. Never seen an apple farm before.” “Really?” Spike eyebrow rose. “They don’t have em’ on… what was it called… Destiny Island?” Sora shook his head. “Nope. The only fruit on the island were coconuts and Paopu fruit.” When he had gotten a questioning look from the baby dragon he added, “It's a star shaped fruit me and my friends would always eat.” Spike shrugged, seemingly satisfied with the answer. Twilight guided them towards a giant red barn nearby. Well Sora was guessing it was red. Most barns were where he came from. As they approached the first thing he noticed was the complete lack of light coming from any of the windows. He also noticed that he couldn’t even hear a sound. Not a word, peep, or whisper. It was very strange to say the least. “Twilight…” He tried to keep his voice even, despite the sense of foreboding he was beginning to feel. “You sure this is the place where the party is supposed to be? It's a bit dark in here.” Twilight ignored the statement, giving the stallion a sly smile. Moving past him, she opened the door wide enough to enter, leaving Sora in the elements of the night. A look of apprehension came across his features as he slowly but surely followed after the lavender unicorn, if only to make sure that she was ok. “Twilight!” His voice was just barely above a whisper. “Twilight! Where are you!?” A random flash of light beaming down upon the stallion caused him to stop in his tracks. It took time for his eyes to adjust to the sudden disturbance and when they did he found, to his surprise, a familiar pink pony standing on what he assumed was the other end of the barn. Her curly mane had been wrapped in a light blue cloth, fruit of many kinds balanced expertly on top of her head. What really surprised Sora was the fact that she was standing on her hind legs, a similar colored cloth wrapped snugly around her hips, only showing off one of her legs in a manner that made Sora want to avert his eyes due to modesty. He looked toward her face which wasn’t smiling in the slightest, which seemed odd to Sora, due to her doing nothing but smile when he first met the mare. Instead her muzzle was in the air and her eyes closed, resembling how a fancy person would look when walking down a street in comics he read. Her name was about to escape his lips, but before it could, she suddenly raised both of her forehooves and clopped them together twice. In that same instant, as if on cue, a stream of spotlights appeared behind her, revealing a previously hidden band, each member dressed in some kind of tropical attire. Music suddenly played as Pinkie looked Sora’s way, her face once again lit by a nice bright smile. And then… She started to sing. My name is Pinkamena, But Please call me Pinkie Pie, Its what my friends do call me, so why don’t you give a try, As she started on the next verse she began to walk, yes, she was walking due to her standing on her hind legs, slowly towards Sora. Her forehooves were placed on her hips completely overemphasizing her steps. Once again, it made Sora’s face light up like a Christmas Tree. This party is just for yo~ou! A welcome to Ponyville! I hope you enjoy your party! Cause I-I-I Know I will! Pinkie had quickly closed the distance between herself in Sora. The boy in question could clearly see a look of complete happiness upon her face. For some reason he just knew that she was and that she was enjoying herself to the fullest, a real party pony as it were. When she was just a few feet away from him she raised her hooves high in the air, causing the light to cast the darkness into submission, revealing a whole gaggle of ponies that were previously hidden by the darkness. They all had bright smiles on their features as well, each one welcoming Sora with open hooves. Said stallion smiled back, completely embarrassed but not stopping himself from enjoying everything as Pinkie’s voice once again rang in his ears. Pinkie Party! Pinkie Party! In here it's better! Not at all wetter, just look and see! We threw this party just for you, So that we can welcome you to Where it is better, again not wetter, PINKIE PARTY!! The pink mare gripped him by his fore hooves and began to twirl him about. The boy couldn't help but laugh as he joined in on the song as well. I hope you don't mind me saying, this is quite a nice surprise! I’ve never party so ha~rd, In my entire life! Pinkie smiled brighter As she picked up the next verse. I'm really glad you love it! I made it with you in mind! Come on, lets go party-Hardy! Go on and shake that grove behind! Both Sora and Pinkie began to sing once again, this time together. Pinkie Party! Pinkie Party! In here its better! Not at all wetter, just look and see! We threw this party just for you, So that we can welcome you to Where it is better, again not wetter, PINKIE PARTY!! As the last note was played she happily wrapped her hooves around the stallion in a welcoming embrace, causing everypony to cheer happily. Well… Everypony except one very familiar white unicorn who instead gritted her teeth in a very unlady like manner. The scent of bubblegum once again assaulted his scenes before she pulled away, a bright smile still on her bubbly face. “So, Sora! Did ya like the song? Did ya?! Huh!? Huh!? Did ya?” Her smile was bright and welcoming, soothing even. Sora smiled as well as he looked into her bright blue eyes. Fishing for compliments huh? Kinda adorable. “You kidding Pinkie. That was amazing… and also vaguely familiar for some reason.” “Really? That’s weird! I started making up the song the first time I saw you. Maybe you were thinking about it at the same time I was.” Sora raised an eyebrow but smiled none the less. “Hehe...That doesn’t make since Pinkie, but thanks all the same for the party. It looks awesomeQ” This answer gained Sora a happy “Dawww!” and another tight hug, must to his chargein. “Ahem!” Sora, Pinkie, Twilight and Spike (The latter two just entering into the conversation) turned to find an irritated Rarity staring indignantly at Pinkie. “Pinkie… Dear… Could you please release Sora so that you don’t ruffle his clothes too much. I would like to see them in their full glory if you do not mind.” Pinkie obliged after giving Sora one more quick squeeze for good measure. Letting the stallion go, the pink party pony bounced away mentioning something about checking in on the other guests. The ponies that were left in her wake watched her bounced off, disappearing into the crowd. Rarity shook her head before looking apologetically towards Sora. “So, sorry about that dear. Pinkie is always happy to meet new ponies. Sometimes though she can be a little… ah… how should put it…” “Its okay, Rarity. She's pretty fun to hang around.” Sora said with a smile. Rarity smiled kindly at the stallion’s words. “I’m glad to hear it. Still, while I have your attattion,” The white unicorn began to circle the caramel stallion, her eye for detail taking in every inch of his pegasus frame. “Oh my, I’ve always believed that a pony can make the outfit and here you are, the living example of that saying.” She made her way around to his flank, slowing down just a tad to admire his… Cutiemark. She fought the blush appearing on her cheeks as she came back to his side. “It’s such a perfect fit. It’s like it was made just for you.” Sora raised a hoof to rub the back of his head, blushing brightly at the praise. “Heh...Thanks. Don’t know too much about fashion myself but if you say it looks good, Miss Rarity, then I'll take your word for it.” Three clicks of her tongue and the shake of her head warned him that he may have done something wrong. His ears folded back as he looked worriedly towards the mare. Thankfully a white hoof fell on his shoulders gently dispelling his worries. “Sora, darling” The silkiness in her voice returned, a soothing sound that graced all ears that were in the vicinity of it. “You can just call me Rarity.” She purred. "We are friends after all, you and I." Sora’s really didn’t know how to react to this interaction. He settled on blushing brightly and dipping his head once in a nod. “Oh… uh… O-Ok Rarity…” Twilight’s quick thinking of grabbing the little dragon by the tail with her magic saved Sora a lifetime of burns he may have received from his little interaction with the white mare.. “Now then darling, I do believe I have a present for you.” Rarity produced, using the blue hue of her magic, a silver crown attached to a simple chain. “I do hope you like it darling. I polished it using a special formula I created to give my jewelry that extra bit of sheen.” Sora furrowed his brow as he looked upon the floating necklace which inadvertently caused Rarity to shrink back a little. Her voice was slightly shaky as she spoke. “Y-You don’t like it do you?” She raised a forehoof toward her brow, and cried… whined? He really couldn’t quite place it. “Oh I knew I should have just attached a new chain to it, but I just thought that you might-“ “Rarity.” His voice wasn’t loud but it still cut her off and snapped her attention towards the caramel stallion. She was surprised to see that the frown had instantly turned into a bright smile. “It looks like brand new. I love it.” He moved closer to the floating object, seeing himself reflected in the silver pool of the crown. “You really didn’t have to do that for me though,” His sky blue eyes turned to stare into her ocean blue ones, the smile on his muzzle, while simple, was devilishly charming to the white mare. “But I am happy you did. If there is any way to repay you…” Rarity, raised a hoof, stopping him from speaking. “Oh, Nonono, Darling, I was happy to do it. Besides you’ve helped me more than you know.” Before Sora could even question what she was talking about music started blasting all about them causing the three ponies and the dragon to look around in confusion. Ponies all about them began, what Sora believed, to dance all around them. “Wow.” Twilight mused loud enough so that she could be heard. “Pinkie really went all out for this welcoming party. So-” She paused finding the spot Sora just occupied only to find it unexpectedly empty. Neither Rarity nor Spike had noticed that they were down one pony. “Hey! Where did Sora go?” Both the white unicorn and the baby dragon turned in unison to the place they last saw the caramel stallion. “Huh? B-but… he didn’t even grab his necklace. Where could he- PINKIE!! YOU BRING THAT STALLION BACK HERE RIGHT NOW” Rarity chased after the pink pony who was busily swinging Sora around in a circle by his forehooves. ~ The crisp night air cooled Sora’s tired body. Between Rarity’s undivided attention and Pinkie Pie’s… Pinkieness(?), most of his energy for the day had been spent. He was having a blast of a time at the welcoming party but he did feel he needed to get at least a little time to himself, mostly to think. He slipped out at the first chance he was given, making his way to an apple tree nearby the barn. With tired limbs, he rested himself under the canopy of leaves letting his mind wander a little. He really needed to get some answers to some rather difficult questions he had let slip his mind. What was that door? Why did it really lead him here to this world full of ponies. For that matter why was he a pony? He knew that it wasn’t his clothes that changed him, so what did? A headache made him cringe slightly. He really hated thinking about the hard stuff when he was alone. He was never really the thinking type if he was being honest. Sora sighed deeply and closed his eyes, letting the soft scent of apples lure him into a state of contentment. Mayhap he could fall asleep right here, just for a- “Howdy!” Sora’s eyes snapped open to find a bright pair of amber ones staring up at him. He couldn’t help but reel back in surprise, effectively hitting his head against the trunk of the tree he was under. Adding insult to injury, several apples strategically dropped onto his noggin causing the stallion to sit in a semi-slurred daze. “Haha...Smooth mister.” A slightly tomboyish voice whistled. “Yeah. Smooth.” Another voice, this one rather high and squeaky, agreed. Sora shook the daze from his head, forcing his mind into full wakefulness. When he was done he found three little ponies, one orange, one yellow, and the last white, staring up at him. “Ah… Hey there…” His voice was very unsure about the current predicament, that was for certain. “Can I help you?” The orange filly with the magenta mane smiled deviously. “Well...I don’t know about myself, but I’m sure that you can help Ap--“ She was unable to finish her sentence due to getting smacked away by the yellow filly’s abnormally strong rump. With a bright and innocent smile, the earth pony filly would carrying on as though she did nothing wrong. “Heh, heh. Don’t mind her. She always says silly things. My names Applebloom by the way. This here is Sweetie Belle.” She pointed a hoof at herself and the white filly respectively. “And over yonder is Scootaloo.” Named filly was currently preoccupied with prying herself from a hole in an apple tree. “We're just here ta welcome ya ta Ponyville.” “Oh! Well my name is Sora.” The stallion replied with a kind smile. “And thanks. I’m really am enjoying myself so far. Everyone seems to be so nice.” Sora looked between the three fillies stopping on Applebloom. Her cheeks seemed to light up extremely at such an action. Without thinking Applebloom yelped. “I...ah... really like your mane!” Sweetie Belle’s hoof met her face. The stallion cocked his head to the side before speaking again, giving the filly a smile. “Haha...Thanks. I usually wake up to it looking like this” Silence followed soon after, as all three ponies just looked between each other. It was only being broken by Sora as he slowly stood back up, patting the dust off his hunches. “Anyway, much as I would like to stay and chat, I don't think that I should be out of the-” A piercing scream filled the night air, causing the stallion and the fillies to stare in the direction it originated with wide eyes and pinprick pupils. > Keyblades and Butterflies (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul Keyblades and Butterflies Green to start music and red to stop music Within a cottage near the Everfree Forest... Fluttershy fluttered about her cottage, feeding and tending to the various nighttime critters that she tasked herself to take care of while they healed from various wounds, all the while, a cute pout on her face. It was always such a chore for her to work around one of Pinkie’s impromptu parties, but she could never bring herself to really complain about it. At least not out loud. She always enjoyed the parties where it was just her friends and herself, but the ones where she had to interact with somepony new was always disorienting. Of course, she had told Pinkie she would be there anyway, just like always. She really didn’t want to see Pinkie sad. It was never fun to see Pinkie sad. “There you go, mister fruit bat.” Her voice was gentle and loving. “So sorry for feeding you this early, but I have to go to the welcoming party Pinkie is throwing for the new pony in town.” The fruit bat nibbled on a strawberry as he listened intently to Fluttershy, seeing how knowing that she needed to complain to someone. He wasn’t going to complain about it though. He got free food. “I know I shouldn’t say this,” the yellow pegasus continued, “but I really don’t like meeting new ponies, mister fruit bat. They're so new and so…” She shuddered. “Not familiar. But Pinkie really seemed to be happy about the new pony in town, seeing as they are the one Twilight said she found in White Tail Woods. What do I say to somepony like that?” The fruit bat began chatting automatically, to which Fluttershy responded with wide eyes. “Y...You want me to...Oh no! I can’t possibly talk to somepony new. I’m too much of a coward. And he might get angry or...I don't know...Yell at me...” The bat placed his wings on his hips, once again chatting in his own bat tongue. Fluttershy’s ears folded back when he finished. “I know I help little animals all the time and I’m not scared of them...but...that's different…” The bat just opted to glare at the pony, not saying a word. Fluttershy sighed. “I-I guess I could give it a try. If only to build my confidence.” She nuzzled the cute bat warmly before floating down gently towards the floor below. Her eyes quickly glanced toward her clock, gasping lightly at what she saw. “Oh dear! It’s already nine twenty-five. I do hope Pinkie will forgive me for being so late.” The shy pegasus double-checked her animal friends before heading out her cottage door. She slowly made her way down the dirt path leading to the farm that was Sweet Apple Acres, the gentle breeze playing with her soft yellow coat, almost tickling her. She had always liked the time between winter and spring. Everything was so fresh and new. She got to meet the next generation of bouncing baby animals, taking care of them and loving them. It always set her heart at ease to know that she was there for them. It always surprised her that she was able to get along with animals better than she could with other ponies. Animals were always true to their feelings and never wavering. What they thought was what they thought. Simple as that. Ponies, on the other hoof, they could be your friend one second and your enemy the next. Of course, Rainbow was the exception, as well as the rest of her little group of friends. Other ponies, though, she could barely deal with them at all. She had tried, of course, but had failed every time she did. In her silent rumination, she failed to notice that she had come within the vicinity of the apple farm, only realizing it after the scent of apples greeted her senses. Fortunately, it was also at that time as well that she noticed something silently shifting in the dark. A normal pony would have missed it, but her natural ability to jump at the slightest oddity gave her all the warning she needed. A black long shadow slithered across the ground. Its movement resembled that of a snake, but she knew better. No snake would be this close to Applejack’s apple farm without good reason. She froze as she took notice of the strange obscurity. To her surprise, it responded as it too froze, realizing its cover had been blown. Slowly, the shadow morphed from a flat surface to an object that was more three-dimensional. Its body was still pitch black, but more defined, almost pony-like. Long jagged ears came to a sharp point on its head, as well as a curved horn. Its body was skinny as well as its legs, giving it an almost malnourished look, making it creepier than before. Beady yellow eyes completed the creature's false-facsimile of a pony’s form, it’s gaze focused on the butter yellow pegasus. Fluttershy stared back at it, fear creeping throughout her being. It took a crooked step toward her. She turned to run on instinct, cursing the fact that she ever left the safety of her cottage. She did not get very far, however, as two more of the same pony shadows stood in her way. She was surrounded now. With her wings too scared stiff to be used, she had nowhere to go. She was done for. She didn’t know how, she didn’t know why, but she just knew she was. She did the only reasonable option left to her. She screamed. She screamed at the top of her lungs, long and hard. She had felt that it was a useless gesture, but what else could she do? She watched as the scream only made the shadows falter for a second before they all lunged at her at once. She closed her eyes and cowered low, prepared for the end. The sound of…well, she couldn’t even describe the sound, but it surely wasn’t what she was expecting. Daring to crack open an eye, she found herself not torn apart and bleeding on the ground. Opening her eyes fully, she found that somepony - a stallion - dressed in a black hoodie and shirt, was standing over her like a knight over a princess. Within the confines of his mouth, a giant silver key like sword of some sort was held. It glowed with a dull white light, adding gentle illumination to the dark atmosphere. Her eyes strayed to the stallion’s face, finding sky blue eyes barely hidden by a chocolate brown. The stallion would turn to face her, his eyes showing that of a gentle despite the seriousness of the situation. When he did, Fluttershy's heart almost skipped a bea, a bright blush forming on her cheeks as she gazed back at the one before her. A sound quickly made the stallion focus on what was in front of him, a scowl forming on his face. She followed his gaze to find the three strange shadow ponies slowly recovering from the jumble they were in. The sight of the key disappearing and the sound of his voice snapped her gaze back to her savior. “Heartless…” "H-Heartless?" Fluttershy asked in a tone that was full of both wonder and fear. Forgoing the name of the however, she would call back out to the one who had saved her. “W-wait...Who are you? What's going on?” “The name’s Sora, and I’m here to help!” ~ Sweetie Belle galloped as fast as her little legs would take her, eating up the distance towards the barn. With Applebloom busy prying Scootaloo from the tree and Sora’s incredible response to Fluttershy’s plight, it was up to her to find help. Even in her panicked state, her mind raced with rising questions. Just what were those things? Those shadows were moving. MOVING! They looked like something out of a bad science fiction movie. And that stallion. Just what the hay was he? How was he able to move that fast? Oh, and that weird looking sword! Where did that even come from?! The barn came into focus and Sweetie Belle shook her head harshly. She didn’t have time to come up with any answers at the moment. She had to get help. Just as she neared the giant barn doors, they would open, revealing a thoroughly distraught Applejack. She was dragging a bag of what Sweetie Bell could only assume was trash out with her teeth. Despite the loud music, the little filly could clearly hear her muttering something about this being the last time she let Pinkie anywhere near the barn with a potato canon. The filly quickly made her way towards Applejack, which instantly made the farm mare’s eyes widen considerably at the sight of her. Dropping her charge, she turned to cast an accusing eye toward Sweetie Belle. “And just what in tarnation are you doing here this late?!” The filly stopped in front of her, doing her best to catch her breath and speak at the same time. “A-Applejack… I… we…” Applejack quickly reached out and gripped the little white unicorn by the hoof, dragging her to the open barn door. “Ya’ll was supposed to stay with Rarity’s parents this evening!” Sweetie Belle struggled in her grasp trying to pull away. “Y-yeah… but…” “Just wait till ah get Rarity!” She looked back to the struggling filly, “Speaking of which, just where the hey is Applebloom? If’n you’re here, then she ain’t too far behind, right? And Scootaloo, too. Landsakes! You three are sure to get a good talking to when-“ Sweetie Belle forcibly slipped her hoof away from the orange mare. “Fluttershy is in trouble!!” Applejack did a double take at that. “Wait. What?” She pointed a hoof behind her, her voice frantic and worried. “Over there! Fluttershy was about to get attacked by a bunch of… of… monsters! Sora is there fending them off, but-” “Sora?” Isn’t that the pony this party was thrown for?” Sweetie Belle nodded. Applejack’s gaze wavered toward the barn as she spoke. “Sweetie Belle! Go find Twi and the others and tell ‘em what’s going on. She’ll be sure to get the rest together. I’m gonna go on ahead and see what’s goin’ on. Maybe help if I can.” Without waiting for a reply, she sped off, heading in the direction the white unicorn motioned to. ~ Fluttershy was at a loss for words. Though, to her credit, words probably wouldn’t have helped her either way. As she hid behind an apple tree, teary eyed teal eyes followed what she could only assume was impossible. Her savior had twirled his body around in a horizontal slash, the key-like object swiping in an arc at one of the shadows, smacking it across the head without mercy and forcing it into a daze. In the same instance, the one to the left of him flew at him with hooves outstretched, jagged claws forming around the base of them. The stallion acted at the last second, jumping just over the attack and spinning once in the air as it passed under him. The result was the blade of the key relentlessly smacking the attacking shadow upon the back of the head. It added insult to injury when the resulting force caused it to collide into the dazed shadow. With surprising grace, the stallion landed on the ground on all four hooves, then quickly ducked as another attempt was made to strike at him by the third creature. As the shadow landed and turned to face the boy, it was met with a series of slashes and side swipes across its face. After about the tenth strike, the stallion completely flipped over the shadow. He contorted until his body came out of the flip into a sideways twist. With a loud smack, the key connected to the flank of the shadow, sending it in the direction of the other recovering creatures. Fluttershy could hardly believe that this random stallion was fighting against all three of those shadow monsters, and, despite the odds against him, he was the one that was on the winning side. With each slash that the monsters lashed out at him, he was quick to either deflect with that giant key or sidestep it completely, and though the monsters’ movements were indiscriminate at best, the stallion kept pace with them without even a blink of an eye. He reminded her so much of… “Rock Black…” Rock Black the unicorn, the main character of her favorite story. He was a fallen prince who fought to protect the city of Neo-Neighpon from the monsters of Tartarus. He was kind and considerate, always taking on odds that were against him, always doing what he did because it was the right thing to do. That wasn’t the reason this stallion reminded her of Rock, though. Rock Black, despite all the good he did, still had darkness in his eyes. There was some hidden demon under the surface of his coat. She could, despite it only being a drawing, always see it in his eyes. For some reason, before the fighting even started, when he was staring those monsters down, he had the same look in his eye. His eyes, while kind, had an undertone of darkness etched within him. She could see it when she first looked into them. A darkness so small, it would have gone by unnoticed by any normal pony. Her ability once again reared its head, showing her what lay in the depths of what other ponies didn’t see. He had darkness, despite his overwhelming light. Her mind quickly came back to reality as a sound pierced her ears. She caught, just in time, a glimpse of the stallion’s ‘key’ rearing upward in a fierce arc, slashing right through one of the shadows, cutting it in two. She had expected there to be something spewing from the creature’s body. What she didn’t expect was a red crystal heart to float upwards a bit before disappearing completely. The stallion followed through with the slash with a quick twist in the air before landing a ways away from the remaining two monsters. She could not see his face, but from his body’s position, she knew that he was looking very confident about what transpired. A gentle blush formed on her cheeks and she was very glad nopony was around to see it. ~ Sora stood up straight as the Keyblade disappeared from his maw. “So, you are heartless.” The remaining monsters just stared at the Keybearer as he continued. “Just what are you doing here? Did someone send you?” He asked, though he knew it was useless. He knew for a fact that, unless it was an extremely strong heart, normal heartless could not even begin to speak to him. So he was completely surprised by what happened next. “K...Ke...y..." Sora reared back slightly. “W-what…?” Both monsters took a step back as a grating voice pierced his ears once more. “B....Bla...deeee....” He narrowed his eyes as noticed the pair’s slow retreat. “H-Hey...Wait!” The monsters slowly began to seep into a puddle of darkness, and even then their voice was heard clear as day. "K...Key... Blade...” By the time the stallion realized it, it was too late. They were trying to get away. Keyblade reappearing in his mouth, he rushed forward in an attempt to seize them. He jumped and aimed the tip of his blade toward the puddles of darkness. Just as he reached the ground, though, the shadows dissipated, causing him to strike at nothing but dirt road. He stomped his hoof in frustration at the prospect of losing them, even giving off an animalistic snort. With a slow, steady breath, he released his hold on the Key, allowing it to stand upright in the ground. “They...could talk...” said said softly, more under his breath then anything. Talking or not however, that was the least of his worries Not this again. Sora’s brow furrowed. Is it Xemnas? Ansem? Are the Organization here too? Who else could it be? But then… How did they get here? Are they still after me? How did they know I was even here? He clicked his teeth in frustration at the thought of having to deal with the Organization once again. Riku was the Keyblade master now. Why didn’t they bother him instead? Why don’t they just go after him and leave me- His heart panged slightly, a slight pain erupting into its very depths. He reached a hoof toward his chest, gripping his shirt slightly. “No...Stop Sora...I...I don't mean...that...” His silent ramblings were cut off at the sound of someone approaching. Just as he turned, he was barely able to register the warmth of the body as yellow wrapped around his neck as he was pulled into a tight hug. A neatly styled but slightly frazzled pink mane hid most of her face from his view. Despite that he could feel his neck fur dampening from heated water as the mare that held him cried on his shoulder. Sora could only hover his hooves over her, not really knowing what he should do or how he should do it. He had never dealt with a crying girl before. That was always Riku’s department. Riku always got the girls after all. She pulled away from him for a bit so that he could see her face. Tears streamed down her delicate features, causing the stallion to become rigid at the sight. “I… I’m so glad you’re alright…” she said in between sobs. “I was so scared and… and…” Her sobs returned, a bit stronger than before, and she buried her face into his chest. The young stallion scratched his cheek with a hoof as he looked off to the side, surprised to see two of the three fillies that had been with him earlier. The yellow one, red-faced with furrowed brow, and the orange one, her mane messed up slightly and her face contorted in a look of total amazement, were both watching the exchange between him and the mare. For some reason, that made the poor boy blush a deeper shade of red. “Fluttershy!” A new voice rang out, her accent heavy with southern drawl. “What’s goin’ on? Is everything alright?” All eyes turned to find an orange pony with a stetson standing a ways off, slightly out of breath. The yellow pegasus sniffed as she let Sora go, and, after mouthing thank you, she quickly turned to the new pony and rushed toward her, wrapping her hooves around her in a tight embrace. The freckled orange mare was surprised at first, but then placed a hoof on the back of the other’s head, patting it gently. Sora smiled as well at the exchange before turning away. He placed a hoof on his keyblade and furrowed his brow slightly. At least he knew the reason he was here now. ~ This is not good… not good at all… A pony, completely covered in a dark tattered cloak, stood behind a tree, completely out of sight from everypony present. Even under their hood, an aura of hate could be seen radiating off their body. A hoof stomped once; twice; three times in frustration at the turn of events. It was clear that nothing went according to plan, and, at the sight of four other ponies converging upon the little gathering, the cloaked pony felt that a counterattack would be ill-suited. It was time to take their leave. Before they did, however, the figure’s sharp eyes stared straight at the purple unicorn pony approaching with a few others not far behind and glared. “Your friend got lucky, Twilight.” The voice, clearly female, was sharp and spiteful. “Very, very lucky…” Her gaze fell upon the stallion. “For an actual keybearer to be here… now of all times…” She spat on the ground. “Master will not like this. Not. One. Bit.” A black portal opened behind her and she slowly entered into it, allowing it to swallow her up before disappearing completely. > The Sun and the Moon (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by Steel Soul The Sun and the Moon Green to start music and red to stop music Fluttershy tried her best to hide the blush on her cheeks as she placed a cup of tea within Sora's hooves, the poor mare releasing a squeak of embarrassment at the word of thanks the stallion had given her. "Y-You're welcome..." the shy mare responded, looking away from the stallion. She knew that he was being interrogated by her friends, but that still didn’t mean that he had to go without good hospitality. Besides, pouring him a cup of tea was the least she could do for the stallion after he had saved her from those… those shadows. Still, she covered up her reasons for helping him by making her way around the room and pouring tea for everypony else present. It lessened the effect of her gesture, at least to her, but still provided her with at least some ease. Twilight too thanked the shy pegasus before taking a sip of the hot beverage, placing it upon the table beside her when she was done. Her purple eyes then turned to Sora, whose gaze was that of uncertainty. She had so many questions for him. Actual shadows attacking ponies all of a sudden with no real reason is strange in itself, but this stallion being able to fight them off isn’t something one should ignore either. Not to mention that It always seems like he is hiding something from her. She could just feel it every time she talked to him. Her need to know made her more anxious than usual. She needed to know what they were dealing with. Not just with the shadows, but with him as well; if not for her sake, then for the sake of all of Equestria. “OK then, Sora,” Twilight began. “I know this might seem a bit...well...Mean to you, and I don’t want to lessen what you did to help my friend Fluttershy. Celestia knows that you saved her...” The mare’s gaze became like steel.. “Be that as it may, she said you knew what they were. You being here and them attacking ponies is something that I don’t think I can call a coincidence. So, do you mind telling us who or what in the hay those things were?” Sora set his cup down, doing his best not to spill it as he did so. He gave a heavy sigh before looking between the seven pairs of eyes looking at him expectantly. He was glad that the fillies from earlier were fast asleep by the time they had reached Twilight’s library, Applebloom opting to rest under the orange mare that was named Applejack, Sweetie Belle lying next to Rarity, and Scootaloo laying by herself on the other end of the couch, curled into a little ball of orange fur. Each one’s gentle snores were the only constant noise within the confines of the tree. He did not want to involve any of these girls in this long going war, let alone little children, ironically enough, but he did at least owe them some type of explanation. One of them was attacked, after all. With some reluctance, he began with a single phrase. “They’re called Heartless.” Twilight's ears perked and she shivered ever so slightly. “Heartless…” She let the name roll around on her tongue. Sure she had heard from Fluttershy already that Sora had called them that, but the name still made her feel uneasy for some reason. “Yeah. Heartless. They are...Um...” The caramel stallion folded his arms about his chest and closed his eyes. After a few moments, he opened them again. “How did the Master explain this again? Oh! I know. Let me ask this. What's a heart?” Twilight pondered for a second before answering. “Well, a heart is a vital organ within somepony’s body. It is a cardiac muscle composed of four inner chambers. The chambers are responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The circulating blood delivers important nutrients and oxygen to tissues while bringing back toxins and wastes for filtering. The heart is also fired by electrical impulses.” the lavender unicorn smiled brightly. “OH! A little factoid as it were! The four chambers of the heart are called atria and ventricles. The atria are located at the top half and the ventricles on the bottom. The left side of the heart is responsible for circulating oxygenated blood into the body, while the right side takes deoxygenated blood and pumps it back into the lungs. It's always so fascinating to..." She smiled expectantly towards everypony before frowning at the blank looks they were all giving her. "What?" Sora rubbed the back of his head. “I...ah...Don’t think that's what I mean. I was talking more about...hmm” He paused as he placed a hoof to his chest. “I meant more like feelings in the heart. Like when someone says to follow your heart or something like that.” He smiled sheepishly. “Sorry...My master explains it a lot better then I can.” Fluttershy raised her hoof like a little school filly before asking. “You said master...What do you mean by that? ...if you don't mind me asking, that is.” “Oh! Master Yin Sid is a former keyblade master I’m training under. He’s kinda strange and kinda mean but he always knows everything and everyone trusts him.” A cyan mare, who Sora has yet to be introduced to, blew a bit of her rainbow colored mane out of her face. “Really deep there, buddy.” “Well to be fair, Dash,” Applejack chimed in. “Don’t we do the same thing for the Princesses? Ah mean trust her and she knows stuff and what not.” Rainbow huffed as she looked away, not quite knowing how to come back with a good snappy remark to her friends' words except, “Whatever…” The boy rubbed the back of his head with a hoof once again. “Anyway, if I actually remember what he said correctly, He told us that peo-ah...ponies are composed of three things. The heart, which contains emotions, the soul, which carries out the heart’s orders, and...umm... The body, that serves as a vessel to the heart and the soul.” Twilight, who had been quietly writing all that she heard, spoke up. “It...sounds strange but...What you’re saying actually makes some sort of sense in a in-direct, simplified sort of way, but what does that have to do with the Heartless?” “Well,” Sora continued, “The heartless steal hearts from other creatures, which in turn, makes them into heartless as well.” Rarity shuddered as she pulled a now visibly shivering Fluttershy closer to her as everyone within the room began to realize just how lucky the poor mare was that Sora was there to save her if what he said was true. Applejack was next to speak, patting the sleeping Applebloom on the head as she did so. “If that’s the case, sugarcube, then why are they appearing now? I’ve never seen anything like them in all my years of living.” “And I’ve never read anything about these creatures in any of my books.” Twilight added, still quite shaken. “Believe me I would know. I read them all.” Rainbow flew toward Sora and started to poke his chest with a hoof. “Kinda odd since they only appeared here after you showed up, isn’t it?” There was an accusing tone to her voice that Sora did not like one bit. “How do we know that you're not the one who made them show up, huh?” Rarity looked aghast at the accusation. “Rainbow! He’s the one who saved Fluttershy! Even if he was somehow responsible for bringing them here, which I highly doubt I might add, he has taken responsibility and made up for it two fold.” “Oh please! Do you hear yourself Raras” Rainbow spat. “Just because you’re the first to fall for a pretty face doesn’t mean I have to trust him too! For all we know he could be a spy!” Both Rarity and Spike growled at the cyan mare, for different reasons to be sure. Pinkie, on the other hoof, jumped onto Rainbow’s back from above, tackling her to the ground. “Oh, you mean how like me, Spike, and Twilight were when we snuck into Canterlot? We were all dressed in black and sneaking around and I was laughing and laughing and laughing the whole way. Oh! That reminds me, I still have to buy a flugelhorn at Jack’s Joke Shop for back at the Cakes’ bakery. Though the Cakes said I'm not allowed to play back at the bakery due to the twins being there. So now I'll just have to set it on my desk with all of my other stuff I’ve collected over the years. Like my foam finger and the Grand Galloping Gala Ticket and Pandora’s box and an orange ball with 3 stars on it and my safety net and -” "Wait!" Twilight interrupted as her ears perked up. "What did you say just now?" “My safety net.” Pinkie answered happily. “No, before that.” “My foam finger?” “No… Wait… I… Oh, never mind. We’re getting off topic here anyway.” The lavender mare sighed tiredly. Regaining her composure, she turned to Sora. “I… really don’t know what to think of all this right now, Sora, but if you say they are bad news, then for now, I can believe you. And since you did save my friend, I can at least trust that hurting us or any other pony isn’t what you want to do. I do want answers, however, and I plan on getting them one way or another. I was planning on waiting a while, to see what I could gleam from you myself but now...We can’t not let the Princesses know what is going on here." She turned to the little purple dragon that was by her side. “Spike! Take a letter." ~ Sora blew his breath upon the window he stared out of, collecting a sizable amount of condensation upon it. A change in scenery was always good to soothe a troubled mind. A train ride even more so. The gentle clack of the train’s movement seemed to set his soul at ease somewhat. Maybe it had something to do with his time in Twilight Town. Or...was that Roxas. In any case, he allowed his mind to catch up on events. He, Twilight, and the others were summoned to arrive at their earliest convenience after Twilight had sent that letter via Spikemail, which was strange in itself but he didn’t question it. She had requested to meet him though and that was kinda worrying. He had never really had the best time dealing with those in charge. Donald would always give him an earful whenever he didn’t do his due diligence when talking with King Mickey. How was he supposed to remember to always bow or what not. Riku never does anyway. The boy closed his eyes and sighed deeply, his mind swimming with uncertainty and slight dread at what might happen. Sure, he was tired; waking up at seven in the morning after a long night of partying and fighting would put anyone in a dour mood, but he would always have to conduct himself in a “Stallion like manor!” as Twilight had put it. It didn’t help matters that this “Princess Celestia” was a goddess. Well, goddess might be pushing it, but that’s what his line of thinking came to when Twilight fully explained who Princess Celestia and Luna were. Sora had seen worlds of water and islands in the sky; he had traveled dangerous seas and had flown to the farthest reaches of space, but never in all of his travels had he ever heard of a being literally able to bring the day and night at will. It was a little disconcerting. He had to admit that moving the sun and moon the way they do does sound a little cool. Riku and Kairi would be… Sora’s gaze shifted towards the ground at the thought of his two friends, a solemn moment passing before he regained his composure. Still he did learn something valuable. Two simple facts that he would never forget. Number one: Twilight loved to lecture. He’d never seen someone so enthralled by just informing someone with the information they had. He had to admit, it surprised him to see her so happy about it. It made him happy to see her smile. The second thing he learned: Never interrupt Twilight’s lecture. Such a mistake would never be made again by the caramel stallion. Never… ever… again. He shuddered at the result of coming to said conclusion. Maleficent could not even hold a candle to this girl’s fury. His gaze would shift back towards the window lazily, being greeted by a pair of deep blue irises staring back at him. Wait… that’s not right. A window should reflect, not stare back. “HI!” Sora yelped in startled surprise as he fell back into the walkway of the train, the sight of Pinkie Pie on the other side of the window he had just been looking out of completely surprising the poor boy. Pinkie giggled happily and opened the window, carefully sliding through it and plopping her flank on the seat that Sora had just occupied. “Whoops! Sorry, Sora,” the pink party mare apologized in a far too happy tone. “I was just trying to surprise you, but it looks like I somehow managed to startle you instead.” Sora, to his credit, just smiled back at his new companion. “It's okay. Just wasn’t expecting it at all.” He lifted himself up and sat next to her. “I’m sorry for being startled instead of surprised.” Pinkie smiled brighter than ever as he did so. “Apology accepted!” After a few moments of silence between the two of them, the boy would ask, “So… do you need something, Pinkie?” Her gaze then fell upon him and she began to breathe in. No...That wasn’t right. It was more like she just cast a spell on him and was sucking his very being into her body. He could barely move or speak. Thoughts seemed to jumble within him as every inch of his being screamed at him to make a run for it before it was too late. He didn’t know why though. This mare had been nothing but kind to him. Free food. Free party. Free hugs. She was the living definition of good first impressions. And yet... Sora would notice that Pinkie Pie had finished sucking up all life-giving oxygen all around her. And then she did the only logical thing left for her to do. She talked. ~ “That should keep him busy for a while,” Rainbow snickered. She and the other four mares sat in the back of the train and watched as Pinkie began to talk about anything and everything that came to her mind. From cakes to ladders, nothing was too minor or major for her topic of choice. Rainbow felt a tinge of gratification as she watched Sora’s reaction. The stallion seemed to have already been broken by the first few rapid subjects the pink party pony had thrown his way, only able to stare at the mare with wide eyes and a scrunched muzzle. Twilight sighed as she watched the mare and the stallion as well. “Hopefully he’ll be fully recovered by the time we reach Canterlot. We need him at least semi coherent when he meets the princesses. Now then, onto the subject of our mysteries friend.” She motioned toward Sora. “What do you girls think of him?” “I don’t trust him!” Rainbow harrumphed. “I do believe you made that clear already, Rainbow,” Twilight responded. “At the train station,” Applejack continued. “And the library this morning.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Last night as well…” Fluttershy whispered. Rainbow blinked. “Oh. So yeah, that’s my verdict. What do you think, Fluttershy?” The shy pegasus blushed brightly when she was called upon. “W-well… I don’t know, he seems like a nice pony. And while I do think he’s hiding something, he doesn't seem like a pony who would hurt another pony. He may seem really reluctant to share the information he had with us...but...I think he wants to try to protect us from whatever is going on-” “Or maybe he’s just trying to lull you into a false sense of security,” Rainbow spat. Fluttershy continued, despite the interruption. “Still… I… I think I can trust him.” That answer somewhat surprised the mares. “I think he is a proper gentlecolt as well,” Rarity mused. “and he has yet to prove to me otherwise. He may be a little naïve here and there but he has my complete and utter trust.” “Nice or not there is one thing ah agree with Fluttershy on. Sora does seem to know a lot more than he’s letting on.” Applejack folded her forehooves about her chest. “He may not have lied to us, but he ain't tellin’ the whole truth either.” She turned her gaze toward the window, watching the land pass her by. “Now, ah don’t know if ah can trust him or not, and ah don’t know if those monsters - those Heartless - were there because of him neither, but he did save Fluttershy, and ah can’t ignore somethin’ like that. Ah won’t judge that pony before ah get to know ‘em. Ma vote will be abstained till then.” “So that’s two for trusting, one for not trusting and one indecisive.” She used her magic to pop out a quill and paper next to her, marking down her findings. “I, myself, believe that he can’t be trusted right now. Too many unanswered questions for my taste.” She marked the untrusting box once more. “So right now, it’s a tie.” “What about Pinkie?” At Rainbows question they all turned to where the mare was sitting, her mouth still moving a mile a minute. The topic seemed to have been diverted to dirt somehow. Sora seemed to have been frozen in place, his left and right eye slowly but surely moving away from each other as if trying to escape the onslaught of Pinkie’s... Pinkieness. “Yeah… let’s just leave her for now.” Twilight said. “Anyway, we can at least all agree to watch him for now, yes? At least until we see the princesses.” “Of course, darling. I’ll be watching him very closely.” “Darn tootin’.” “He won’t be able to escape the eyes of The Dash.” “I… I don’t mind watching him… I mean, if that’s OK with you guys…” “Good.” Twilight smiled broadly. “Once we meet the princesses, we can finally solve the mystery that is Sora the Keybearer in no time.” ~ “Ugh...And I thought Donald was the talkative one...” Sora trotted beside the yellow pegasus, keeping his voice low so as to not to be heard. He silently ranted to her about the last two hours he had been subjected to the mare that was named Pinkie Pie. He could feel his brain physically decaying as he listened to the mare’s non-stop talking. He was able to regain his composure, however, when he was jutted from his Pinkie-induced coma by the sudden stop of the train. His body had regained its ability to move, and move it did, doing its level best to distance itself from the mare as quickly as possible. He was thankful that she had let him go, for he knew that he was at her mercy before and would have been again if she so chose. That thought scared him very deeply. The other girls had walked a bit ahead of them, with Rainbow Dash hovering in the sky, close enough to Sora and Fluttershy so that she could react if need be and listen in on them, but far enough away so that she didn’t have to partake in their conversation. Though she was trying her best not to laugh at Sora’s expense. “Um…” Fluttershy’s gaze kept shifting from the ground of the streets of Canterlot to caramel stallion himself as she spoke. “Sorry about Pinkie. She can get very excitable sometimes.” She knew that they had used Pinkie to distract him for a good reason but It still made her feel bad about it. “I hope you don’t hate her. She really is a nice mare.” Sora shook his head. “I don’t hate her, Fluttershy. I don't think I ever could to be honest. I was just surprised by...well...her.” He smiled lightly. “Anyways...this place, you guys called it Canterlot, right?" At the shy mare's nod he smiled. "It is really amazing. I've been to a few castles before but this one is just...well...On a whole different level.” His head would turn every which way, taking in the sights Equestira's Capital. He couldn’t help but look in awe at the city he and the others were strolling through. Fancy buildings littered the streets, and well-dressed ponies, mostly unicorns, passed by them with little notice. He couldn’t help but notice that most of the ponies had their muzzle in the air with their eyes closed. He was starting to wonder how they did that. Could they even see where they were going? “Well, I guess okay… I don’t really like coming here that much though. Its so big and scary...and really different from what I'm use to.” She lowered her head slightly. Sora tilted his head slightly. “Really?" He paused as he tapped hoof to his chin. “Well I guess I can see where you are coming from. But you can’t say that you’re not excited.” “E-excited? I don't...I mean...” Sora beamed. “Yeah! Especially when you are with your friends. Even if you’re scared, with your friends by your side you can overcome anything and have fun doing it.” “I...Um…” Fluttershy’s eyes met his, causing her to blush a little. “D-Do you really think so?” Sora nodded, “Sure do. I remember when I was eight; I was lost in the forest near my village with my friend Riku.” He shook his head as he smiled. “He dared me to go in with him, to prove that I wasn’t a scaredy cat.” “Oh my!" Fluttershy gasped in shock. "That’s just so mean of your friend.” “Well, yeah, I guess so, but I really don't think he meant anything by it for real. That's just kinda how we were back then.” He chuckled. “He and I entered into the forest and instantly became lost. It was very scary, to be sure. I think I was so scared I almost started cry.” The caramel stallion kept his gaze forward as he spoke. “I still remember what he told me when he saw that I was scared, though.” “W-what was that?” Fluttershy asked with gaining interest. Sora smiled lightly. “He told me that even if we got lost in there forever, I’d always have him by my side. So shut up and stop whining.” Sora laughed softly at the memory. “He told me that even though he had tears in his eyes too...But...It did make me feel better cause I had my best friend Riku by my side.” “I...well...Don't like that your friend called you names but…” She smiled as well. “I can see that he must have been a very good friend to you in the end.” “Yeah… Good friend…” Sora lowered his head slightly. “So what does that make me?” “Sora?” Fluttershy strained her ears, not quite catching what he said. “Oh! I-It’s nothing, Fluttershy!” He pointed a hoof straight ahead. “Come on, we’re falling behind.” She looked forward to see an annoyed Rainbow Dash floating with her forehooves crossed. “I really don’t think I want to keep her waiting. I think I’m already your friend's list as it is.” He nudged her side slightly with his flank, thinking nothing of it, before running off ahead of her. Unknown to him, Fluttershy's wings twitched ever so slightly after the contact. “Oh… M-My…” ~ Sora’s eyes widened as his little group neared the gates of the castle. This was not the first castle he had ever been to, not by a long shot, and each one he saw was just as amazing as the last. Still, the palace of Canterlot was just plain magnificent. Polished white flooring and tile seemed to make the clopping of his hooves louder than he expected. Columns of grand design supported beautifully designed ceilings he could never have imagined. Grand decorations accented many, if not all of the rooms he passed. What really caught his eyes, however, were the stained glass windows, the beams of sunlight shining through them, strengthening the effect of their brilliance. He watched as many ponies seemed to busy themselves doing one thing or another. It was all rather impressive to the wayward stallion. So wrapped up was he in the scene that he scarcely knew that someone was behind him until… “Welcome to Canterlot, Twilight and company.” Sora yelped as he jumped high in the air, his wings flaring outward in surprise. He was able to flap them once before falling back to the ground with a resounding thud. He lay sprawled out on the ground, blushing brightly in embarrassment as the gruff laughter of Rainbow Dash reached his ears. “Oh? Um… Sorry about that. Didn’t mean to scare ya.” Sora looked up to find a mare with silver royal guard armor standing in front of him. Her coat was pure white and her eyes bright amber. She looked rather young, probably in her early twenties. A horn poked from the top of her head. He could tell that she was very sincere with her apology, but it still bugged him that she still seemed very amused with his reaction. “Dream Drop.” Twilight smiled broadly. Whether it was for the newcomer or at Sora’s expense, he would never know. “It’s good to see you.” “Same to you, Twilight. All the guards miss seeing ya around the castle now that you’ve gone to Ponyville.” She looked between everypony behind the lavender unicorn. “These must be your friends. The other Elements of Harmony, am I right?” “Yes. Allow me to introduce you...” She went through all of her friends’ names, ending with Fluttershy. She then pointed a hoof at the stallion who had yet to get off the ground. “And this is Sora. We’re taking him to meet the princesses.” Dream Drop smiled and held a hoof toward the downed stallion. “It’s a pleasure, Sora. You must feel so lucky to be surrounded by all these mares. I hope you’re taking good care of them.” She gave him a sly wink. Sora tilted his head as he looked at the mare in question. “Well, it's more like they’ve been helping me. But if they are ever in trouble, you can bet I’ll be there to save them.” “Pfft,” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “I can take care of myself just fine. We don't need him.” “Is that so?” Dream Drop smiled shrewdly and draped a hoof around Sora’s neck, drawing him uncomfortably close to her. “Well if that’s the case, then you wouldn’t mind if I took him off you hooves?” she smiled wryly, “I really wouldn’t mind a minute or two with such a cute little stallion of a pegasus.” Many displayed upon the small group, most of which were either shock, confusion or disdain, and coming from all but two of the mares in the group. In Pinkie’s case, it was blissful happiness. In Twilight's case, it was utter annoyance. The lavender unicorn just rolled her eyes before saying, “Dream Drop, I know you like to tease ponies but now is not the time for jokes. We need to see the Princesses for a really important matter.” Dream Drop pouted at Twilight’s words “Ugh, Fine. Same old studious Twilight, I see. You really need to pay more attention to the stallions around you.” She looked back toward Sora. “Or else you’ll miss all the good ones.” She made her way to the front and motioned for them to follow her. Rarity opted to walk alongside Sora, a menacing glare etched across her features. “Really! Who does she think she is, treating you like that? Very uncouth indeed.” She turned to look toward the stallion. “Are you OK, darling? Did she hurt you in any way?” “Ah… No… I’m fine.” The poor colt touched a hoof to his cheek, feeling the warmth off them. She called me cute? Am I cute? Actually I never really looked at my face...like...really looked I guess...I guess I could be cute. And she was really cute to- Sora squeaked at what he was thinking just now. Why am I thinking that a pony was cute? Well the ponies are cute. Shockingly so. It's more than that though. They are cute, but it really felt different with that guard pony...Dream Drop right? The keybearer shook his head before turning to Rarity. He didn’t know why, but this line of thinking was...Well...He didn’t know what it was but he really needed a distraction. “Hey, Rarity, what are the Elements of Harmony?” Rarity gasped. “You mean you don’t know?” At the shake of his head, she continued with a thoughtful look. “I guess that’s not too surprising. It hasn’t been that long since they reappeared after all and honestly not too many ponies know about them anyway.” A smile appeared on her face as she turned back to face him. “The Elements, Laughter, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, Honesty, and Magic, represent the spirit of friendship. My friends and I are the Element’s vessels.” Sora nodded in understanding. “So, which one are you?” “Well, I am Generosity, of course.” She flipped her hair back, giving him a kind smile. “I’m always giving to my friends, no matter what.” She eyed him expectedly. The young stallion smiled widely. “Should have known. You really helped me out back in Ponyville. And all for nothing too. Honestly I still feel a little bad not pay you.” “Oh Pish Posh!” Rarity waved with a hoof. “Parish that thought my dear. I was happy to help you and I won’t have you owing me anything. Honestly I got quite a bit from you anyway from your clothing design. Besides, helping and trusting my friends is something I will always do. And that extends to you too.” Sora’s eyes widened. “Friends? With Me?” She allowed her flank to nudge his own, causing the pegasus’s wings to twitch and his cheeks to lighten. “Sora, you are a kind gentlecolt. I could see that the first time I met you.” She looked away from him and towards the girls in front. “You may have your secrets, that much I do know, but honestly, I can tell that you are a good pony and if nothing else, I think I can trust you. Think you can trust me?” Sora lowered his head slightly at her words. “I...Do. Honestly, all of you have been more than kind to me...but…” She raised an eyebrow and nodded once. “I understand.” She walked off ahead of him, but not before looking over her shoulder. “If you ever need somepony to talk to, my door is always open, Sora.” She gave him one quick wink before heading off to join the rest of her friends. “Trusting my friends…” Sora said softly. “Did...they not trust me?” He sighed softly before following after the others. ~ Though there were only a few ponies within the throne chamber that were interesting to look at, Sora knew exactly who the two that were in charge around here. The dark one was the first one he noticed as soon as he had walked into the beautiful room. She was midnight blue in color with a mane that looked as though it were the night sky itself, flowing endlessly by some unseen force. Despite her tired expression, she seemed to carry a bit of an air about her; not haughty or arrogant, but prim and proper. She seemed to be looking toward the group… no… wait… She was looking at him with a curious gaze. He tilted his head and smiled, causing the dark mare’s eyes to widen slightly before she turned her face to a neutral expression. He continued to stare, however, causing a partly concealed blush to appear on her face. The mare turned her face away from him and closed her eyes, making him even more confused than before. Leaving the dark one be, he turned his gaze to the other mare. Taller than the dark one, she had the same sparkling flowing mane, but this one glowed of three different pastel colors, almost like a diluted rainbow but not at all less beautiful. She held a smile that seemed to shine just as brightly as the sun that he knew that she controlled. Upon seeing Sora and the others, she stood from her throne and slowly made her way toward them, the midnight blue pony following soon after. “Twilight, my most faithful student, so good to see you and your friends.” “Princess Celestia. Princess Luna.” Everypony bowed low before the monarch. Everypony, that is, except Sora. His eyes went wide at the sound of the now familiar voice and then narrowed a second later as he continued to stare at white pony. No way… It… it can’t be, but… A nagging feeling tickled the back of his mind. He could not stop himself from looking towards her flank. Upon it was a symbol he had seen before. The symbol of a beautifully crafted sun. The same sun that was upon that door that bright him to this world. He went to step forward, but was stopped as something probed inside of his mind. It felt powerful, yet gentle, both at the same time. He stopped in his tracks as he felt a voice talking to him; not from his ears, but from inside his head. Be still, little Keybearer. We will talk in due time. His gaze met the white one’s own and her head tilted slightly as they stared at one another. Despite his growing concern, he did as he was told. Despite that however, so many questions started to race though his mind. “Sora!” The caramel stallion stiffened at the sound of his name and looked to the side of him to find a very angry-looking lavender unicorn staring straight up at him from her bowed position. “What are you doing?! Bow!” It took him a second to register what she had said, and when he did he found himself dipping into a bow like them. In his haste, however, he seemed to overextend himself and quite forcibly hit his forehead upon the marble floor. A muted thud and a hardly audible ‘ow’ were the only indications that he felt anything from his motions at all. The sun princess stifled a giggle before she spoke. “Please rise, my little ponies, no need to be so formal. We have much to discuss after all.” As everypony rose, Celestia made her way to Twilight and nuzzled her affectionately before turning to Sora. “I was told a lot about you in Twilight’s letter, Sora. If it is any indication, it was you who saved Fluttershy from a terrible fate.” “Yeah...I mean yes Ma’am.” the young stallion stuttered. She smiled again as she made her way in front of him. “Then please accept my thanks in the matter. I would be remiss if anything ill befell any of my little ponies.” She dipped her head, allowing her gaze to be level with his own. Sora just blushed and looked away, scratching the back of his head bashfully. “It was nothing, really. I couldn’t let someone get hurt if I knew I could protect them.” He was used to helping others. He would do so all the time. It was another matter to be thanked for doing so. He never did quite get used to that. “Be that as it may, I am in your debt, as I am sure young Fluttershy is as well.” A high squeak sounded to her right, but she ignored it. Instead she closed her eyes and sighed deeply. “I fear, though, that what was mentioned in Twilight’s letter must be discussed with haste. What I have feared has been confirmed to its fullest extent I am afraid. That ‘He’ has indeed returned to Equestria.” “Wait, what?!” Twilight could not help herself. “What do you mean returned?! Who’s returned?! Celestia turned to walk past Sora and the others. She stopped when she reached the middle of the throne room and turned her head back to face them. Despite all of her years of practice at keeping her emotions in check, the princess could not help but sigh in despair. Her voice, when she spoke, was filled with the same emotion. “The Dark King of the Crystal Kingdom… Sombra.” > A King and a Princess...(Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul A King and A Princess Green to start music and red to stop music Canterlot Castle: Throne Room… “King Sombra?” Sora’s words cut through the silence that had followed the princess’s words. “Yes, my little pony,” Celestia answered. “The dark king of the Crystal Empire and the master of powerful dark magic.” “Excuse me, your highness,” Twilight spoke up. “But I’ve never heard of the Crystal Empire before, or of this King Sombra pony. None of the books I own even mentioned anything like this. N-Not that I am doubting you or anything...but...” Celestia smiled reassuringly towards her student. “It is quite alright Twilight. I can understand your confusion. The reason that you have never found anything is because everything about Sombra and the Empire was all but forgotten. Every written word or text made mentioning the king or the Crystal Empire disappeared. Vanished as if it was a leaf on the wind.” The Princess closed her eyes. “Even my sister and I had lost almost all memory of the Empire.” Luna stepped forward with a grim expression upon her face. “Its not just that. It felt as though our memories of that time were plucked from our consciousness as if they were a ripe apple from off a tree to be never seen again, only for them to return as if nothing were amiss. ‘Tis an unsettling feeling to be sure.” Sora sat on his haunches, folded his arms about his chest and closed his eyes. Why does this sound so familiar? Like… It’s almost like… that time with the pictures of me and my- A sharp pain rang through Sora’s head and he quickly clasped a hoof to his head, shaking it slightly. Wait… d-did that really happen? No...I think...I think that was with… The voice of Twilight had snapped him out of his own confused thoughts. “How can such magic even exist? And for it to affect even the two of you of all ponies.” The midnight alicorn huffed. “The magic of the Heartless has always been strange and powerful, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna’s horn began to glow from the tip with a deep blue light. At the peak of its shine, she shot a beam towards the ground. The light was brighter than Sora could have imagined, having to hold a hoof in front of his eyes to shield them. When the light subsided and he could see again, the blood in his veins ran as cold as ice. A strange little creature was standing there, one not unlike the ones that Sora had fought the other day, except this one was much smaller with a round head and body, and claw-like hands and feet. Bright yellow eyes glowed with un-pony like light, a light that shook everypony present to the core. “A Heartless!” Sora jumped up in front of the girls and, in a quick flash of luminescence, summoned his keyblade. Every pony present, with the exception of Twilight and the princesses, all gasped as he did so. His eyes alight with the fire of battle, the young stallion stood ready to defend himself and everypony in the room until his last breath. The only thing stopping him from charging head first towards the creature was the sound of Luna’s voice. “Be still, gallant Wielder of the Key, ‘tis only an illusion.” The midnight pony motioned towards the shadow of a heartless. “From what Twilight’s letter has told us, Sora has explained these creatures, but a first hoof look says more than words ever could.” Rainbow Dash scoffed. “You mean these things are the Heartless? Pfft! I bet I can take it down in ten seconds flat.” “Now hang on there, R.D.,” Applejack spoke in her country drawl. “Just cause they look harmless doesn’t mean they are. I mean, look at it. it does look a mite' devilish, doesn’t it?” “And ghastly too,” Rarity added. “Black isn’t very slimming on them, is it?” “Aww! Come on guys! I think it looks kinda cute in a creepy sort of way.” Everypony watched as Pinkie waved a hoof through the illusion, causing it to distort in odd ways. “Oooo! Wavy!” Fluttershy had somehow made her way behind Sora, peering at the creature with both distaste and fear. “I-It wasn’t so cute when it tried to attack me last night.” She shuddered at the memory. Rainbow and Pinkie Pie couldn’t help but fold their ears back at Fluttershy’s statement, remembering just what it was that they were dealing with. Twilight, on the other hoof, was more intrigued by the look of it than anything else, opting to stay silent in contemplation; that is, until a thought occurred to her. “Wait!" She turned to the stallion. "Sora. Didn’t you say the heartless you fought looked kind of like ponies?” Sora looked between the Heartless illusion and Twilight before letting his key dissipate in a flash of light. “Oh yeah! That’s right, Twilight.” He turned to the princesses. “I have fought these types before, but the ones from last night looked more…ah…equ…ekia…eu…” “Equine, Sora,” Twilight finished. Sora looked back at her and smiled broadly. “Yeah, that’s it!” Celestia’s eyes widened at the new information. “Are you sure, Keyblade Wielder?” At his nod, her countenance seemed to take a slight nosedive into the negative territory. “That… is troubling,” she spoke under her breath. Before anypony could ask what she had said, she addressed the stallion. “Sora. I fear that we may be in more trouble than I had suspected.” “Wait, why are you telling him, your highness?” Rainbow asked, looking at Sora with narrowed eyes. “Because, my little pony, in the face of darkness only the key can light the way.” She motioned towards the stallion. “And Sora is the key we need to face this darkness.” The rainbow maned pegasus gave the most confused of looks. “I… don’t get it.” “Well duh, Dashie. She’s saying that only one who wields the keyblade can truly defeat the Heartless.” Pinkie smiled as all eyes turned to her once again, dumbfounded expressions accompanying all of their faces. The pink party pony looked between them before shrugging. "Well it's the truth." Celestia was the first to recover, smiling softly at the pink mare. “Well… yes, that is exactly what I am saying. The only way to truly defeat a Heartless is if you were to wield a keyblade.” “Is that so?” Before anypony could blink, Rainbow had zoomed towards the stallion with a hoof held out. “Okay buddy, hand it over.” Sora blinked before frowning at her. “What?” “That key sword thingy, dummy. Why don’t you let real heroes take on this darkness stuff and you can go and have a cupcake somewhere.” The caramel coated stallion blinked slowly before a smile graced his lips. “Heh. Okay, sure.” Summoning his keyblade once again, he tossed it towards the waiting pegasus, Rainbow catching it in her hoof in one swift motion. It was much heavier then she had anticipated, but she could make do. That was until the blade vanished in a gentle glow of light, reappearing within Sora’s smirking mouth without hesitation before he made it vanish again. Rainbow stared at the hoof that had once held Sora’s keyblade before frowning at its wielder. “Hey! What gives?” Princess Celestia stifled the giggle that had tried to escape her before answering Rainbow’s question for Sora. “I am sorry, Rainbow, but only those made into a Keyblade Wielder can wield a Keyblade.” She held out a hoof to Sora. “If you would…” Sora nodded and summoned the key once more, this time the blade appearing in his hoof instead of his mouth. He beamed at his little accomplishment before he placed the object into Celestia’s own outstretched hoof. In a quick flash of light, the blade disappeared from the regal hoof of the princess and reappeared in Sora’s mouth once again. “The blade cannot be used by anypony except a Keyblade Wielder,” Celestia said after letting her hoof down. "Not even I, a princess, can force it to listen to my command." Rainbow frowned before turning to scowl at the young stallion, who seemed to have the most shit-eattingest of grins upon his face. Turning away, the mare scoffed. I can’t believe that twirp! He got me good! “You said that the power of light can defeat these heartless, right?” Twilight voiced, cutting through Rainbow’s internal struggle. “Then what about the Elements of Harmony?” Luna shook her head. “As far as we know, the elements, while powerful, are just not enough, at least not after being in a dormant state so long. They need time to gather their original power.” “Besides, my most faithful student,” Celestia continued. “Only a Keyblade can truly free a pony’s heart if they have been corrupted by the heartless.” “If that's the truth,” Twilight began, “then that means that we really are going to need Sora’s help to defeat the heartless.” Celestia nodded gently before looking back towards the stallion in question. “Sora. I am sorry for asking you to take on such a burden, especially without your consent. I can understand if you wish not to. But...I must plea, will you help us?“ “You kidding, Princess? Of course I'll help.” Celestia gazed towards the young stallion, a smile gracing her lips. “You accept our plea?” Sora smiled brightly. “If the heartless are causing trouble, then of course I’ll be there to stop ‘em.” He puffed out his chest and pounded it lightly with his hoof. “That's what it means to be the wielder of the Keyblade.” He summoned his weapon into his hoof, raising it into the sky as he did so. “I promise to do everything in my power to get rid of all those Heartless. No matter what.” Rarity giggled softly behind a hoof, a light blush appearing on her cheeks. She found that while he was childish in some aspects, his behavior was quite heroic, knightly even. Fluttershy seemed to blush even brighter than when she first saw him, and her smile brightened quickly at his words. Her heart began to beat a little faster and her breath slightly quickened. To say that she had never felt this way towards a stallion before was quite the understatement. Pinkie, as usual, was smiling, but it seemed to widen by degrees at his proclamation. Applejack had tipped her hat to hide her face, a smile playing upon her features. She would have hated to admit it to him, but she was actually impressed. Rainbow on the other hand just huffed and folded her arms, turning her head away from him, annoyed at the stallion and mad that he had played a rather devious prank on her. Twilight eyed him inquisitively before lowering her head. So many unanswered questions just kept popping into her mind. She could understand why the princess would know about the Heartless since they seemed to be connected to their history, but how did a colt, barely older than herself, know anything at all? And the Keyblade. Where did he get it and how come the princess isn’t asking any questions about it? Did she already know about him? While in Twilight's inner contemplation, an armored unicorn of black fur and golden armor approached Celestia’s side, snapping her out of it. The princess’s voice snapped her out of her internal questioning as she addressed her, her friends and Sora. “I am sorry to cut our time short, my little ponies, but I must converse with Captain Linth. If Sombra is reappearing, then we must find the Crystal Empire before he does.” She motioned towards the door. “For today, you may stay the night in the castle. I’m sure you are eager to get back home and will do so tomorrow. You have much to prepare for before I call you again.” Twilight still had so many questions, but she knew better than to disrupt the princess, especially now. She and her friends bowed low before turning towards the doorway. Sora had given the princess one last look; a look that said ‘I hope you are free later. We need to talk’. Celestia smiled and nodded before turning away from the retreating ponies. Outside of the throne room, Sora immediately found himself surrounded by the girls. All eyes were trained upon him, causing the poor stallion to rub the back of his head nervously. “So…um…” He nodded his head toward the throne room. “They're really tall. And really nice, reminds me of a king I met once.” When he got no response, he smiled awkwardly. “I could really go for some grub right about now… anyone want to join me?” Twilight stepped forward, her brow creasing a little. “Sora…do you mean it?” The stallion raised an eyebrow. “Of course I do. I only had a hay and mayo sandwich before we left from Ponyville, so I'm kinda-“ “Not that!” Twilight said, rolling her eyes before adjusting her tone to that of a calmer level. “I’m talking about, are you really here to help us?” Sora tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. “Well yeah, of course.” “So what? Are you expecting to get something out of this?” Rainbow questioned. “Bits? Diamonds? A spot on the WonderBolts?” The stallion blinked once before answering. “Well… I was hoping I could get a good night's sleep after I eat. Dealing with royalty is really stressful. Like… a lot.” He smiled as he trotted past them. The pep in his step was heightened only by the sound of his hooves hitting the marble floor. The mares stared at him for a few seconds before Pinkie instantly ran after him. “Hey Sora! Wait up! I didn’t get a chance to show you around Ponyville but I can at least show you around Canterlot to make up for it!” “Oh!” Rarity followed the duo at a half trot, half strut. “We can go shopping as well. I do love your outfit, but I wonder what you would look like in a suit. Maybe something more sleek and form fitting?” “Um…” Fluttershy’s gaze shifted from Applejack to Twilight, and then to Rainbow Dash before finally ending up on the ground. “S-Sorry. I’m just going to…” She trotted past them to catch up with Sora and the others. Rainbow watched them go, her eye twitching slightly. “W-what’s wrong with those ponies?! How can they just… just trust some random and strange colt they’ve only known for less than a day!?” “I know how you feel, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said. “But the princesses seem to trust him. Besides, if he was a bad pony then I’m sure he would have given himself away by now. He’s not the, well… most informed pony.” “He does have a foalish quality to him,” Applejack mused. “It’s kinda-“ “GAH!” Rainbow groaned. “Not you too, AJ!!” “Refreshing! Ah was gonna say refreshing!” AJ said with an angry scowl. “Not many stallions look right acting like a doofus! He just pulls it off well is all ah was saying.” When Twilight and Rainbow failed to respond, Applejack tipped her hat over her face and trotted off, muttering something about needing some air. The unicorn and the pegasus watched as their friend hastily retreated before turning to face each other. “Now what?” Rainbow asked. “Well,” Twilight began. “I was planning on going to the library to see if there was any information about Sombra, the Crystal Empire or the Heartless. I’m sure that Canterlot’s library has more information than Ponyville’s. Hey, would you like to-?” “Pass!” The Pegasus zoomed off, leaving a rainbow trail behind her as she did so. With a displeased huff, Twilight made her way down the hallway muttering quietly under her breath. ~ Canterlot Castle, Resident Quarters… Sora opened the door to the room he was given and instantly made a beeline for the bed. He barely acknowledged the fine décor of the room he occupied as he flopped his body onto the bed spread, spreading both his wings and his forelegs out. The feel of the soft silk sheets taking his aches and cares of the day away. And what a day it was. After a quick bite at the store named Donut Joe’s, Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy took him around town showing him many of the sights and landmarks the city had to offer. After that the girls - mostly Rarity -, took him to the shopping district. It was then that his day went from kind of hectic to completely chaotic. The girls - mostly Rarity - dragged him to every store imaginable. From shoes to clothing, nothing was left untouched. His tiredness took on a new level when he was left to pull the cart full of shopping bags with him back to the castle. By the end of it he had bid the girls a sleepy goodnight before he made it to the room he was given. He smiled as his eyes drooped ever so slightly. Tired as he was, he really enjoyed himself and- “Good evening, Sora.” Sora’s wings flapped wildly in surprise, causing him to do a half front flip off the bed and landing on the other side with a loud thud and a grunt. Celestia trotted towards the stallion that now laid crumpled on the floor. “Oh dear. I am sorry, little Keyblade Wielder. I did not mean to startle you.” Maybe it was Sora’s imagination, but he could have sworn he saw a smirk on the princess’s face. He shrugged the feeling off, believing he was overthinking things. There’s no way that that was possible. “No, it's okay.” Sora smiled up at the princess from his downed position. “I was probably too tired to hear you knock or something.” He picked himself off the ground and dusted himself off. “Guessing you’re here to talk to me, right?” Celestia smiled softly. “Right you are. I did promise you after all.” She motioned towards the balcony. “Shall we walk while we talk? The Gardens are lovely this time of night.” The stallion looked back towards his bed. He had wanted to get some rest due to this morning’s tiring events, but the need to have at least some of his questions answered was just too much for him to ignore. With a tired sigh, Sora nodded and followed the princess out onto the balcony. “Whoa…” And gaped at the view that the outer part of his room provided. Even from his second story window the stallion had a magnificent view of the city of Canterlot. The lights of the night life filled the city, giving off a spectacular show of every hue of the rainbow. His admiration turned to confusion, however, as a thought crossed his mind. “Princess. Aren’t we going to the gardens? Why are we on the balcony?” The princesses eyes shifted towards the stallion and a smirk appeared on her lips. She unfurled her wings to their full extent and with a flap launched herself into the air. With the grace of a leaf blowing in the wind, she glided down towards the gardens below. Sora watched her for a second before looking back towards his own wings. He had almost forgotten that he had them. It took a second for realization to hit him. Hey, that means I can fly! With giddy excitement, the stallion unfurled his wings as well and gave them a quick flap. He smiled as he felt the cool breeze they produced upon doing so. Smiling like a fool, he made his way towards the edge of the balcony. I’ve flown before with fairy dust, so adding wings to the mix can only make it that much easier. With such flawless reasoning as his steed, Sora geared himself up, stuck his tongue out to the side in concentration and leapt off the ledge, soaring into the open sky. It wasn’t until the descent started that the stallion wished wholeheartedly that he could have taken back such an obviously flawed statement. Just as Celestia landed with a gentle step on to the cool night time grass, Sora flailed his way towards the ground with the grace of a boulder. Thankfully, he had landed in a nearby bush, breaking his free-fall somewhat. With some degree of struggling, he tore his way out of the brush. Miraculously, he only came out of the ordeal with a few light scratches and leaves stuck in his mane. “Oh my…” Celestia, despite her worry, was trying her best to suppress a giggle. Sora shook himself free of the leaves before looking upwards towards his balcony, a frown appearing on his face. “It’s the long way up for me.” The princess smirked at the poor stallion. “Looks like you might need some practice before you try that again.” The Keyblade weirder gave her a deadpan look as Celestia started to trot off. With a huff, Sora followed right after her. They moved in silence, neither saying anything at all. He did have questions for her - many, in fact - but he was thankful for the time he was given to collect his thoughts. As they walked, Sora’s eyes strayed to his surroundings in awe. The gardens were impressive to say the least. If he looked really hard he could see shapes of some animals hiding in the darker reaches. “So, little pony, how are you enjoying your time here in Equestia so far?” "Well, everyone seems to be pretty nice." His thoughts then turned to a certain cyan pegasus. "Well, almost everyone." “Oh, I’m sure Rainbow Dash will warm up to you eventually. She is quite the stubborn mare when she wants to be. Plus that little joke you played was sure to liven her up at the very least.” “Ha! I don’t think I won her over, but seeing her frustrated wasn’t too bad.” Sora lapsed back into silence for a second before he spoke again. “Princess…” “Please, while it is just us, call me Celestia, little Keyblade Wielder.” Sora looked towards the princess of the sun and smiled. “Well… if that’s the case, Celestia, then just call me Sora.” The princess returned his smile with one of her own. “Fair enough, Sora.” She sat in the grass, letting her legs rest to one side of her. “Come have a seat. We can talk here.” Sora obliged, choosing to sit on his haunches in front of the princess. He had so many questions, but he felt that the obvious one needed to be got out of the way. “So… you know what I am? Or...You know. What I use to be.” Celestia smiled as she nodded. “Ever since I summoned you, Sora. Why do you ask?” “Well when I woke up in Twilight's house, I noticed my clothes were gone. You see, it’s either through my clothes or through a friend of mine’s magic that I am able to change my shape to match a world. I was changed already without either, so… was that your doing?” Something seemed to click within the princess’s mind as he said that, and a slow response followed soon after. “Well, you see, the spell that brought you here was a two part spell. The first being a transportation spell. Fairly simple once you know what to do. The second part was the hardest, though. Transformations are hard, especially if you’re trying to transform a two legged being into a four legged one. Being the clever princess that I am, I was able to create a prototype transformation spell, still, to this day, in its development stages.” She smiled with overly kind eyes. “To tell the truth, it's still so far in the development stages that you were my first test subject. Any number of things could have gone wrong, from you having two heads to you completely disappearing altogether into the darkness of the void. The possibilities were endless.” The sheer normality of her tone of voice as she said such a horrifying statement made the stallion nearly topple over in surprise. “W-What?! But then… what?!” Before the young one could get another word in edgewise, the soft and melodic sound of a very hearty laugh filled his ears. It wasn’t long before Celestia spoke once again, controlling her laughter, at least to a degree. “I’m sorry, Sora. I couldn’t help myself. And I must say, you have the most adorable little pout when you’re flustered.” Said pouty stallion huffed before smiling himself. “Okay. Gotta watch out for you from now on, huh? I got your number, Celestia.” Celestia stifled a giggle before continuing, her tone becoming a bit more somber. “I am sorry, Sora, but in truth, we really were desperate. My sister and I sensed the coming darkness a little too late and we had little time to prepare. Had we known about your clothing’s abilities then we would have thought twice about making you into a purely pony form.” “Well, it's okay, Celestia,” Sora told her. “Long as I can change back whenever, then I don’t mind at all.” The princess cringing did not go unnoticed by Sora. “Yes, um… about that, Sora. The magic we used to transform you wasn’t new, but adding the effects we added is… I mean.” Sora blinked as her words slowly began to dawn on him. “Will… I be able to turn back?” Looking him dead in the eyes, the princess said without an ounce of wavering, “I promise on my life, Sora, that I will find a way to change you back, no matter what. If you must place your hate on anypony, then place it on me and I will take it all. I did something selfish, something I had no right to do, but I…” The keyblade wielder lowered his gaze as her words slowly sunk in. It was quite some time before he spoke again. “Its… It's fine, Celestia. I’m not… well, I’m not angry.” “But I… what I did to you, just so that you could be here…” Sora genlty grasped the princess's cheeks in both hooves turning her so that they were now face to face. When she looked into his eyes, there was not a hint of anger or judgement within them. “Celestia. I forgive you. And I know you will make it right. That better?” The princess’s mouth moved wordlessly before slowly finding her words again, a smile slowly appearing on her lips. “Thank you, Sora. You are much too kind.” At her words, Sora’s gaze wavered slightly. I wish...that was the truth. The young stallion sat back on his haunches, pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind. ”I do have another question, though. Why me?” Celestia tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. “Why you?” He nodded. “Yeah. Why did you choose me?” Catching on, the princess looked back towards the stars in the sky. “Well, you came recommended by a dear friend of mine," she said honestly. "Somepony who I respect with all of my heart.” Sora’s eyes widened in surprise. “Recommended?” When Celestia nodded, he lowered his head again. “That means...If I came recommended, then you know about me, right?” Celestia nodded. “Then you gotta know about the Keyblade Exam...about how I...” Celestia’s ears folded back. She had indeed been told all about him, including said ill fated exam. “I...do...And, I want you to know that I don't think that you are-” “A failure?” Sora looked away from her with eyes closed. “Tell that to the Keyblade Exam.” Celestia shook her head. “Sora, you have more than proven yourself in the face of adversity. From what I heard, you were the deciding factor in many of the key battles your group has faced.” “And even after that,” Sora spat, “I still lost.” The caramel coated stallion lowered his head. “It was my friend Riku that became a true Keyblade Master.” “Sora…” Her voice carried all of her sorrow as she called his name. “You are far from a failure. You must have realized that by now.” The stallion’s eyes widened at the sound of her voice. It wasn’t like him to act like this; to act so...hurt. “I am sorry, princess.” The stallion lowered his head as he spoke. “I will do my best for you and your kingdom. I will fight the Heartless and drive them back as best as I can.” He moved to pick himself up and turned to make his way back to the castle. He looked back over his shoulder towards the princess of the sun, giving her the biggest smile he could muster. “I promise to try my best and not let you down.” Celestia watched as the stallion retreated back to the castle, her eyes closing as she lowered her head. “Sora...” She didn't know if he was saying that to her...or to himself. ~ The chill of the freezing air did little to affect the black cloaked pony as she slowly entered into a rather oversized, ice covered doorway. Spread across the archway were markings so complex that she didn’t even bother giving them a second thought; there was no point since they would soon become irrelevant, anyway. Upon entering, she found herself within an icy room that held only one item: a large, pure black crystal. The object pulsed with power and energy as she made her way towards it, her hoofsteps echoing within the cold, dark caverns. “Well, well, well,” she mused, her voice as cold as the ice that surrounded her. “You’re looking as cool as ever, you old colt.” The crystal seemed to respond to her, pulsing angrily at her comment. She only seemed to be amused by it. “I’ll be out of your fur to let you plan your big comeback in peace, but first there’s a little problem we need to take care of." The dark crystal pulsed again in response, this time slower. The cloaked pony smiled underneath her tattered robe. “Tell me, big black and icy… what’s the strongest Heartless you can muster right now? I think it's time we officially brought the Realm of Darkness to the world of Equestria once again.” > Half A Day in the life Part 1 (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul A Day In a Life Part 1 Green to start music and red to stop music Canterlot: Residential Quarters- Sora’s Room… Sora couldn’t remember the last time he had slept so good. Despite being on the verge of waking up the young stallion couldn’t help but coo softly as he snuggled against the warmth of the covers, pulling his soft furry pillow closer to himself as he did so. He could feel the heated beams of Celestia’s sun shine gently upon his caramel muzzle, finding the extra warmth inviting. With a contented sigh the stallion blissfully pulled his snoring pillow in even closer, allowing it to do the same to him as they both nuzzled into each other affectionately. Wait... Sora’s eyes shot open as they soon came in contact with a similar pair of sleepy ocean blue orbs staring right back at him. His mind began to work overtime as it tried to make sense of what was happening right in front of him. He knew who it was that was laying beside him. Pinkie Pie was a hard pony to ever forget. Despite this, his body refused to move an inch, that was until he felt the pink pony pressed her muzzle gently against his neck as she muttered one simple word. “Strawberries~.” “Gah!!” The young stallion’s body jump started all at once, the boy pushing himself away from the pretty pink pony, inadvertently causing himself to tumble out of the bed in a jumble of silk and fur as he took the covers with him. The poor boy landed upside-down, slumped with his back against the side of the bed and his golden-crown-marked hindquarters straight in the air. Pinkie peered over the side of the bed with a look of genuine concern upon her features. Though, every so slightly, there was a hint of mirth behind her eyes. “Gee Sora, are you ok? That one looked like it hurt.” Sora was at a loss for words, as he tried to make since of what happened. The only words he could even think to say was “Pinkie Pie?” “Yep Yep its me!” The pink pony in question had hopped out of bed and had made her way towards the downed stallion. She twisted her head in an unbelievable manner so that she could see him from his point of view. “I don’t think ponies are supposed to get out of bed like that silly. Let's get you back on your hooves, hmm?” Without waiting for a response, Pinkie Pie placed her head against the side of his flank and gave him a slight nudge. His body tilted to the side before falling over, allowing his now thoroughly aching neck to have some relief. With some difficulty the stallion rose to a vertical base, and slowly began to stretch each of his sore limbs. When he felt that nothing was seriously damaged he turned to the pink party pony, a very noticeable blush quite evident on his furry features. “Pinkie?! What are you doing in my room!?” Pinkie blinked once before placing a hoof on her chin and humming. It looked as though, at least to Sora, that the mare really had to give the question some serious thought. “Let me think…” After a few long moments the hyper pony raised a hoof in the air. “Oh yeah, now I remember! I had gone into the royal kitchens to obtain my mid-midnight snack. I think I had…two cupcakes, a chocolate bar, a bowl of ice-cream…and…a cup of sprinkles. I decided to cut back last night. I need to keep my girlish figure after all. “Anyhoof, I think I lost my way back to my room. Which is strange because usually I never lose my way around the castle, but I did last night for some reason. I must have been very tired. Maybe I should’ve had that extra piece of lemon pie. Well since I was lost I decided to just go into any old room and sleep in the bed there. I’m sure nopony would have minded. That’s when I came into this room and found you in the bed of all ponies. That’s when it hit me. I said to myself ‘Pinkie. You must have ended up in Sora’s room’ and I answered myself saying ‘well duh. Of course I did. What other pony has a mane as spiky and chocolate looking as him’.” Sora gave the mare a ponited look. “Okay...but why were you in my bed Pinkie?” The pink pony smiled sheepishly, a small guilty blush forming on her cheeks “Well you see…I was going to leave but...”She trailed off to look at the bed. “Looking at you sleep made me sleepy even more, so I just climbed in bed with you.” The Keyblade Wielder blinked a long and slow blink before asking, “You jumped in bed with me?” “I jumped into bed with you.” Pinkie’s innocent smile conveyed nothing but the truth. “Just like that?” “Just like that.” Sora pinched the bridge of his muzzle with his hoof, which he was surprised that he could do. It was a completely childish and innocent reason to be sure, not that he was one to judge, but still, it was one that Sora could not even hope to comprehend. Also, she had cuddled him. CUDDLED HIM! He had done the same to her too, but he didn't know it was her really. Still, her soft fur felt really good against his own. He could even remember the scent of bubble gum shifting up into his nostrils. It felt very- The blush returned to his cheeks with a vengeance. He needed a subject change. “Ok, that aside Pinkie, why did you say Strawberry?” The party pony shrugged. “Not too sure why. I think they thought it would have been funny.” Sora raised an eyebrow. “They? They who?” Pinkie tilted her head. “Who?” Sora deadpanned. “Yes. Who?” “Who is on first silly.” Pinkie Giggled “Wait," Sora was really confused now "…What?” “No. What is on second. Who is on first.” Pinkie said matter-o-factly. Sora stared blankly at her for a few seconds before turning towards the bathroom. “I’m going to go take a bath.” Pinkie clapped her hooves together happily. “Oh goodie! I think I’ll join-“ Sora quickly shoved her out of his room on her haunches before she could even finish what she had wanted to say. “See you downstairs Pinkie.” With that he closed the door and locked it for good measure. “Oh. OK.” Pinkie called after him smiling brightly. “See ya later Sora!” ~ Canterlot: Public Dining hall… Even after the nice and hot shower Sora had taken, which he had to admit, was the most pleasant shower he had ever had in his life, this morning’s events were still playing fresh in his mind. The caramel stallion sighed as the blush on his face returned, remembering the feeling of her soft fur against his own and the touch of her hot breath against his neck. He didn’t really know why, but he knew enough that If anyone caught wind of what had transpired, he was sure he wouldn’t be able to hear the end of it. Still, he really didn’t want to deal with it now, especially since his hunger was taking over him. Following the lovely scent of pancakes and other baked goods, Sora found himself in a rather large dining hall. Many ponies, both in armor and service attire, were busy lining up to gather a plate full of breakfast for themselves. It kind of reminded Sora of his school’s cafeteria, but with much more edible looking food, and a dining area that was just too grand not to be noticed. Not one to pass up a free meal, the stallion set off to gather a tray of vittles. His breakfast of choice: three stacks of pancakes, an apple, a donut, and a cup of orange juice. He balanced the tray quite easily between his teeth, smiling broadly as he did so. Maybe some food would get his mind off of- “HEY SORA! OVER HERE!!” The stallion turned to find a very excited Pinkie Pie waving him over quite enthusiastically. He also noticed that the pink pony had surrounded herself with a ridiculous amount of food. On her left was a blushing Fluttershy, who seemed to have just now caught wind of the stallion’s presence, and was slowly inching herself under the table to hide said blush. In front of the pink pony on the other side of the table was Rarity, the white unicorn tapping a hoof right beside her indicating that there was a seat open for him. “Ah...Hey..." He had not wanted to meet the pink party pony so soon after their ‘morning’ together, especially since he really didn’t get a chance to explain to her why she shouldn’t tell anyone about it. Heck! He didn't even know where to begin. Hopefully she was kind enough to not say anything about it. With a nervous whimper, the stallion sat beside the white unicorn, trying his best to avoid eye contact with the pink pony as much as possible. Rarity gave the stallion a coy smile as he sat, her eyelashes fluttering a little as she spoke. “So did you sleep well darling?” Sora went rigid. W-What’s with that question? She doesn’t know, does she? Pinkie didn’t tell them did she? Please tell me Pinkie didn’t tell them. “Ah! Y-yes…n-no…I did…didn’t….It was…ah…Interesting…” Rarity tilted her head slightly. “Darling? Are you ok? You seem a bit skittish.” He nearly dropped the fork he was holding before looking towards the white mare. “Y-Yeah, everything is fine. Nothing weird happened at all.” His eyes shifted back and forth after he had talked. “Are you sure darling? You’re acting a little funny?” He sunk into his chair a little mumbling something incoherently under his breath. He really felt he was screwer then screwed at this point and he decided that the truth would be for the best. He was about to open his mouth to tell just what had happened this morning but was beaten to the punch by the pink party mare. “Aw don’t worry about him Rarity. He’s just sulky that he had to leave the bed early that’s all.” Sora turned to face Pinkie Pie who, in turn, had a bright smile on her face directed towards him. She didn’t tell them about what happened. More than that, she had covered for him. Holy crap, the endless stream of contemplations that her lie provided caused him to question not only about her, but the entire event that morning as well. Sora’s eyes went wide as she winked at him and giggled. And that's my cue to never get on this mare’s bad side ever. He turned to face with food and eat automatically, a tinge of pink evident on his cheeks from both embarrassment and irritation. Before Rarity could inquire any further on what the heck was going on between the two ponies, a bundle of cyan fur had made her way to the table and sat beside Pinkie Pie, cutting off any conversation prier. As Sora finally took notice of her, he could see, just by looking at her, that she didn't take mornings very well. Her mane was still unkept and frazzled and her eyes were still a bit bloodshot. “Oh! Well good morning sunshine.” Rarity cooed. “And did we have a restful night.” The cyan pony grumbled incoherently, waving a dismissing hoof at her friend. Sora smiled broadly. “Not really a morning person, are ya?” Rainbow’s scowl deepened at the sound of Sora’s voice. “Nopony asked you Spikey.” Yep. Sora said within his mind, his smile became a bit more forced. Don’t think she likes me very much still. Fluttershy, who had been quiet up until now, raised her hoof indicating that she wanted to speak. “Um, If you don’t mind me asking, has anypony seen Twilight and, um, Applejack?” “Applejack set off to wake up Rainbow Dash and retrieve Twilight from the Library.” Said Rarity before shaking her head disapprovingly. “We told her not to stay in there all night but I doubted she would have listened to us anyway.” “I guess Twilight really likes to study, huh?” Sora said with an amused smile. He had already figured out that the unicorn was one to always hit the books. While impressive, late night studying was never really his thing. Rarity giggled. “Well, that’s our studious little Twilight for you. Applejack should have her back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail, so do not fret.” Sora nodded and he turned to face Rainbow. To his surprise, she had been staring at him. Having caught her in the act had caused her brow to crease in an angry scowl as well make her cheeks turn a lovely shade of red. “What?!” Her voice was as sharp as ice. More then likely at being caught by him then anything else. “Gonna gloat about that prank you did yesterday?” “N-No...” Sora stuttered before an ideal clicked. “Actually, I was, ah, just wondering what you do.” When her brow creased further he looked away, letting the tip of his hoof scratch at his cheek. “I-I mean what do you do for work? I know Twilight is a librarian. I think Applejack works on that apple farm. Pinkie Pie works in a bakery. Rarity works in fashion and Fluttershy…” He turned to the yellow pegasus in question. “Actually what do you do Fluttershy?” The yellow pegasus blushed bright red as she met the stallion’s sky blue eyes. “Uh…Well…I take care of animals.” Sora raised an eyebrow. “Really? You mean like dogs and cats?” “Well y-yes among other things…Like bears and hedgehogs and tigers…” “What? Really?” Sora smiled brightly. “That’s amazing Fluttershy! Being around all those animals must be pretty cool.” Fluttershy’s ears perked up and she smiled as well. “Oh yes, it is amazing. I take care of the ones that are hurt or sick you see. If an animal comes to me in pain, they really need tender loving care or else they don’t heal their wounds correctly.” “Wow, so you’re an animal nurse. That’s pretty sweet.” Sora tapped a hoof to his chin. “I actually know a few animals as well. There was this lion named Simba. He was pretty cool. Oh! And a deer foal named Bambi. Oh and-“ “Hey!” Rainbow cut him off. “I thought you wanted to know what I did!” Sora’s focus turned from the yellow pegasus to the cyan one, whose glare seemed to intensify by the second. “Oh! Ah, S-sorry Rainbow.” “Gah! Just forget it. Not like I was going to tell you anyway.” Rainbow Dash huffed coldly. Rarity’s eyebrow shot up. “So why bring it up at all darling?” Rainbow’s eyes bulged. “I...Ah...W-Well…F-Forget it! I’m outta here!” She slammed her hoof on the table, apparently trying to make a point, but in doing so, she hit the edge of Sora’s tray, causing his cup of juice to rocket upward. All eyes followed the glass until they all cringed as the cup landed face down upon the cyan pony, spilling its contents all over her head. Sora blinked a few times before getting up. “I, ah...H-Here let me get you some…” “Forget it!” Rainbow Dash zoomed away in a hurry, leaving a slightly damp rainbow trail behind her. The stallion sighed as he watched her go. "Somehow this is gonna be my fault, isn't it?" He asked as the other three mares gave him an apologetic look. ~ Canterlot Train station… Rainbow yawned and stretched as she waited with the others at the train tracks. “Geez. I could have flown to Ponyville and back with the time it’s taking the stupid train to come.” “Oh stop your belly aching RD.” The southern drawl of Applejack told her, causing Rainbow to huff impatiently. “The train will get here when it gets here. Besides, riding together is a lot more fun right?” “Yeah it would be…” She scowled. “If it weren’t for him…” Their gaze fell upon a caramel stallion, who was conversing with three of the other Elements of Harmony, plus one familiar female guard. He was attempting, and failing miserably, to pull away from Dream Drop's grasp while both Fluttershy and Rarity were trying to assist the stallion in any way that they could. Pinkie sat back on a bench and enjoyed the show, eating her way through a bag of popcorn. “Now that ain’t fair Rainbow. Yeah he’s a little odd but you’re not even giving him a chance. He really seems like a nice pony.” “But he’s hiding something from us!” Rainbow said, gritting her teeth together. “Colts who hide something are the worst.” Applejack had never seen her friend act in such a manner before. Sure she knew that she had some trouble with the colts from Flight School, but this seemed different. “Rainbow…are ya’ll ok? It’s not like ya to treat somepony like this.” Rainbow turned to face the farm mare, her eyes widening slightly. However, they quickly turned into a glare, hiding whatever she was thinking. Just as she was about to retort, the sound of a whistle signaled the coming of their ride back to Ponyville. Rainbow, seeing this, closed her mouth and turned away from her friend, walking towards the slowly approaching train. Applejack reached out to call her back, to know if her suspicions were true, but her voice failed her. The way Rainbow looked just then, it was almost like the way ah looked when… “ALL ABOARD!!” Applejack looked towards the now opening train doors. With a heavy sigh she followed after her friends. She was never one to pry in somepony’s business, but she couldn’t leave her friend the way she was. Still she felt some time was needed before she even tried to talk to her again. With that line of thought she boarded the train, allowing the doors to close behind her. ~ The train ride back to Ponyville was, in Sora’s opinion, the most uneventful thing to happen to him since he came to Equestria. Being curious, and a little bit bored, he decided to have a talk with Twilight to find out if any new piece of information surfaced in her late night venture. It was all for naught however, since the only information Twilight gathered was the fact that Heatless were indeed seen in the earliest years of Equestrian history, or at least that’s what the book she found had led her to believe. With a sigh the stallion sat himself upon one of the chairs, lowered his head, and closed his eyes. His thoughts turned to the white alicorn he had spoken with last night. He had gained only a little information from their encounter and it was his own fault. He hadn’t expected her to say what she said. That he wasn’t a failure. Sora frowned. It didn't matter if that was what she thought or not. He was a failure. At least...in the eyes of the Keyblade Exam. He had failed the test, nearly losing his own life in the process by being tricked by Origination thirteen. Sure nobody could have known that Xemnas would have been there but still, if it wasn’t for Riku back then… Actually if it wasn’t for Riku back during their first fight with Xemnas he would have lost for sure. If he was being really honest with himself; Riku had helped him almost throughout his journey, even when he had took the form of Xemnas’s heartless. Riku had always been there to protect him. “I'm I really just useless by myself?” “Um…” Sora looked to his side to find a yellow pegasus looking up at him from behind her pink mane. Where did she come from? “Oh! Hey Fluttershy." He smiled gently towards the mare." Can I help you?” Fluttershy’s gaze shifted down and she scuffed her hoof along the floor nervously. “Um, w-well, that is...I…What I mean is…” The young mare breathed deeply before asking, “Sora, are you ok?” “Huh? Oh. Well yeah. I'm Fluttershy. Just thinking things over.” He forced a smile. “I’m right as rain, so don't worry.” “Oh...Ok. But...I-I’m sorry but you just seemed so, well, down…”She lowered her head even lower. “I guess I was wrong…sorry for bothering you…” Sora felt a stinging sensation in his chest. Here he was being, well, sort of a jerk to a girl that just wanted to make sure that he was ok. Without saying a word, the stallion shifted over, letting a bit to room for her to sit next to him. “Well, I guess I’ve been pretty down.” Fluttershy looked back up at him, her eyes gazing deep into his own. “R-Really?” “Yeah, maybe I’m homesick…I’m not too sure.” It wasn’t a total lie. She looked at the seat and then slowly climbed to sit next to the caramel stallion. “Well, if you want, we can talk about where you come from. It helped me when I first moved to Ponyville. All my animal friends made me feel so welcomed and at home in my little cottage.” Sora smiled. “If you're sure it would help, I guess I can tell you a bit.” “Oh yes I promise it will.” She leaned in a bit towards him, the blush on her cheeks brightening. “I mean, um, if that’s ok with you…” “Hmm…ok then…so where to begin...?” ~ Ponyville Train station… Sora jumped out the door of the train, stretching both his front and hind legs. “I love riding trains but geez was it cramped.” Fluttershy smiled at the stallion as she followed after him. She was happy to have at least a little peek into what his life was like where he had lived; she wasn’t even mad that Rarity had made herself a part of the conversation soon after spotting them together. She was just happy to see a notable difference between how the stallion was feeling before and now. Still, she couldn’t help but feel that something was still bothering him a great deal. Rarity followed suit, exiting after the butter-yellow pegasus. “Yes a bit confining indeed. Still, it beats having my mane ruined when carried in a pegasus chariot.” “Says you!” Rainbow quipped, hovering just above the white unicorn. “Nothing beats flying Rarity. Nothing!” “A day at the spa beats flying any day of the week my dear Rainbow Dash!” Rarity retorted. “That girly fru-fru stuff?! Flying beats that, hooves down.” Rarity huffed. “It is not girly fru-fru. Being prim and proper is just natural for a lady. ” “Naw. I’m pretty sure I'm ok not being in a dress all the bucking time.” Before Rarity could even come back with a proper retort Twilight stood between them. “Girls, we can save the debate for later. Right now there are more pressing matters.” She turned to Sora smiling. “Sora, I think a place for you to sleep is in order too.” The stallion raised an eyebrow. “Well, can’t I just sleep on your couch like last time?” The lavender unicorn shook her head. “I am sorry Sora, but I need that work space for my research. Besides, I’m sure you don’t want to sleep on some old dusty couch.” She placed a hoof to her chin. “Now then where can you sleep...?" “WITH ME!” Rarity all but screamed. She paused, noticing how loud she was, and then coughed politely into her hoof. “What I mean is, I have more than enough room. He can sleep in the boutique’s guest chambers. It’s just piling up with dust anyway.” Applejack gave her a look, a look only reserved for her, before looking between the other mares. “Anypony else feel like that’s a bad idea? Anypony?” Everyone, including Pinkie Pie, raised their hooves in response. Rarity huffed and looked away. "Well I never!" “Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are out of the question as well. They already have full houses as it is.” Applejack added soon after. Pinkie nodded. “It’s true. The Cakes take up the other seventy-five percent of Sugarcube Corner.” “N-not that I would have minded it….but I do have too many animals at my place.” “What about Rainbow Dash’s house? He is a pegasus after all. He can walk on clouds.” Twilight asked. Before Rainbow could even hope to shoot down that suggestion Sora spoke up first. “Sorry Twilight, but if her house is in the clouds, then no can do.” He pulled at one of his wings. “Not really a flying pegasus you see.” Though it did hurt him a bit to say so. Walking on clouds really sounded cool. Rainbow scoffed and looked away. “W-Well whatever. Not like I was gonna let you anyway.” Applejack gave Sora a gentle look. “Well since everypony else is out of the question, ah guess that just leaves me. We can put ya up at the farm. Got an extra room in the attic for when our relatives come over. You can use that’un.” “You sure?” Sora asked in an uncertain tone. “I don’t want to put you out of your way.” Twilight deadpanned. "It was ok to bother me though?" She mumbled under her breath. “Course not Sugarcube. Besides, it's not like you’re gonna be living there for free. We at the Apple farm work for our vittles, and since you’re gonna be living there, you’re gonna do the same.” Sora wasn’t expecting that. Still, pulling his own weight was only fair. He was never really one to just mooch off somebody anyway. “Alright, Applejack. I’ll make sure to work as hard as I can.” The farm mare smiled. “That’s what I like to hear. Well then come on. We’ll get you settled in all nice and comfy like.” She turned to wave to her friends.” See ya’ll later ya hear?” With Sora in tow, Applejack made her way from the train station, leaving the rest of the girls to their own devices. “Well, it’s off to Sugarcube corner for me!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I missed some serious playing time with the twins and promised them a full two hours of patty-cake when I got back.” “I must be off as well.” Rarity said, though there was still evidence of her being a little ticked off about Sora not being able to stay with her. “I have some ideas I want to try out and they won’t design themselves now will they?” “Yeah and I’m gonna go and take a nap in a tree somewhere.” Rainbow said with a yawn. “My shift was covered for today so I have the free time.” “I guess I’ll go too.” Fluttershy took off into the air. “Angel bunny might be getting angry right now about me being gone so long.” “And I must get back to the library. I have some serious rearranging to do.” Twilight smiled at each of her friends. “We’ll convene at a later time?” Everypony nodded before splitting up, to their respective places of living. If they had stayed a little longer however, they would have noticed a dark cloaked pony figure stepping from behind the train, a devious smile the only thing visible under their hood. She had turned to face the direction Sora and gone. “Sleep tight little Keyblader. Come morning, you and that sorry excuse for a magic user will feel the full weight of what it means to cross my master’s plans…” She chuckled, chilling the air in cold displeasure before disappearing in a mass of darkness. > Half a Day in the Life Part 2 (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul A Day In a Life Part 2 Green to start music and red to stop music Sweet Apple Acres: Apple Residence… “Really?! For truly!?” Applejack raised an eyebrow to a familiar yellow filly’s bouncing and hopping, “Well, yeah. Sora’s gonna be staying with us for a while. He needed a place to stay so ah offered." She turned back to look at the stallion with an amused smile. "Sides, ah very well couldn’t let a friend that saved a friend live out on the street now, could ah?” The orange farm mare had, for obvious reasons, explained Sora’s situation to the family of her household. Sora’s gaze shifted from one Apple Family member to another as he waited for their approval. Big Mac, Applejack’s, big, red, older brother who seemed to talk as much as Riku on a bad day, and Granny Smith, a light green mare that seemed to have seen better years but still had that bright fire in her eyes, both nodded their head in acceptance accommodating Sora, especially after hearing from Applejack how the young stallion had saved one of her friends from danger. That being said, the pony that was the most enthusiastic about Sora’s living arrangement was the yellow ball of fluff with the cherry red mane and the oversized pink bow. Though the keyblade wielder did not know why the filly was as happy a kid in a candy store with such news, he took in her happiness all in stride, smiling softly at the little filly’s behavior, chalking it up to kids being kids. I guess not that I’m one to talk about kids being kids. Sora mused softly to himself. Finally calming down, the filly allowed herself to swoon against the nearby sofa as her mind began to race. The stallion of her recent dreams was coming to live with her and her family. Never in all of her life would she have thought such a coincidence would happen. But here he was, with that cute face and that cute muzzle and those cute sky blue eyes and that cute chocolate mane, wearing his cute clothes while cutely- “Applebloom! Are ya’ll paying attention?” Applejack’s voice forced her back into reality, ending any cute daydream she was having about her cute crush. “A-Ah’m sorry AJ. What did ya say?” With a huff of frustration the older farm-mare pointed to the stallion. “Now ah need ya to mind your manors and don’t bother Sora too much none. He’s here to work, not to play. Besides ah’m sure he has enough on his mind with his responsibilities he was given without having to worry about you and the crusaders dragging him on one of y'all cutiemark getting adventures.” And there was the hoof that stepped into her ice-cream cake. “But sis, me and the crusaders could show him around Ponyville. Oh! Maybe even earn a tour guide cutie mark.” “Didn’t y'all already try that once before?” Applejack asked as she raised an eyebrow to the filly. “Hey! The girls and ah agreed that the only reason it didn’t work was because we were trying to give the tour to ponies that already lived in Ponyville. He’s not from Ponyville so it has to work this time.” Applebloom said with conviction. Applejack rolled her eyes at her sister's words, though it was in a good natured way. “Well ah guess ah can’t really argue with that logic now can ah? But y'all can do that later, after he has settled in and what not.” She turned to the stallion. “Come on then, Sora. Ah'll show ya to your room and then we can get started on what y'all be doing around the farm.” Sora nodded to Applejack and then turned to face the rest of the apple family. He smiled shyly as he let the tip of his hoof scratch his cheek gently. “Thanks for putting up with me. I promise to do my best around here.” “Just do your work like ya are suppose ta and make me proud sunny.” Granny Smith said with a smile and a nod. She turned to face her only grandson. “Right Big Mac?” “Eeeyup.” The large stallion answered with a nod of his head as well. With a smile and a wave, Sora turned to follow Applejack, both ponies making their way upstairs. Applebloom left soon after, saying something about assembling the crusaders for an emergency meeting, while Big Mac made his way outside to finish his share of apple bucking for the day. ~ Sora and Applejack pair of ponies climbed a set of stairs before coming to a lone door at the very top. The mare gave it a gentle nudge making her way into the room right after the door opened. Sora followed the farm-mare, his gaze shifted around the room and taking in the sights. It looked like any other attic turned room; a lone bed in the middle, a nightstand with a single candle for late night activities, and a chest probably filled with family memorabilia. It wasn’t as fancy as the ones up in Canterlot, like she had said, but it still held a feeling he couldn’t quite place. A good feeling that warmed every inch of his equine form. Honestly, at least to him, the way it felt like home gave him great comfort. “Well here ya’ are. Not as cozy as them fancy rooms up in Canterlot, but still nice and dry.” Sora smiled as he turned to Applejack. “Thanks Applejack. It reminds me of when I moved into my house way back on on the islands. Nice and homey.” Applejack smiled as she tipped her hat to him. “Aww, shucks. No need to thank me Sora. Just helping out a friend is all.” “Friend? “ Sora echoed before smiling a bit. "heh...You said that before downstairs." “Well, more like friend in the making.” When the stallion raised an eyebrow she continued. “Listen Sora. Ah know that the princesses' gave ya a seal of approval and all that, but ah don’t like the fact that you’re hiding something from us, and ah know ya are cause I'm the element of Honesty, I can tell. But after seeing what ya had ta fight first hoof and the princesses practically staking their lives on ya then ah guess ah can at least give you the benefit of the doubt. Besides, ya saved my friend and that has to count for something.” The mare placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Now ah understand if’n you don’t want to talk about whatever it is ya got. Ah figure ya didn’t want to get us involved too much.“ Sora chuckled nervously. “Haha...That easy to read?” “Like an open book. But Ah don't think that's a bad thing in itself, but if’n y'all ever do want to talk about something, just know that I’ll be ready ta listen, If ya will let me.” Sora couldn't help but rub the back of his neck as he looked away from the mare. “Rarity said the same thing to me. Fluttershy too.” “Did they now?" She said with an amused expression. "Well it looks like ya’ll got three mares to unload your troubles to. Especially Fluttershy. She's a pony ah know will always listen to somepony else's problems without batting an eye.” Sora turned away from Applejack, looking towards his bed. His voice seemed to falter lightly as he spoke. “Thanks for the offer Applejack. I don't have any problems to speak of at the moment but I'll keep it in mind.” He felt the mares hoof brush along the back of his neck, causing him to turn to face the mare. “Sugarcube, everypony has problems to speak of; just not many are willing to tell others about them.” She gave him a light hug and turned to head back downstairs. Before she went, however, she called back toward the stallion. “Ah’m the same ya know. So are Pinkie and Rainbow and the rest of the girls. We all have things that we refuse to share with each other.” He raised an eyebrow at the farm-mare, “So why do you suggest that I talk about mine?” Applejack smiled as she turned to face the stallion once again. “Cause ya’ll look like somepony that could really use it.” She turned to trot down the stairs before Sora could even hope to respond. “Now get settled in and meet me out by the barn Sora. We gots some apple bucking to do before the day’s through." ~ Golden Oaks Library… Twilight worked tirelessly as she engulfed the entirety of her book collection in the confines of her magic. She had been needing a break to get her thoughts in order on everything that had gone on in the past two days. Meeting the odd stallion that was named Sora, being told of a civilization that's been hidden for over one thousand years, and finding out about the dangerous creatures that were called the Heartless. It was just too much to take in at once. She believed a bit of normality would do her good, so she could sort through everything. After checking off a few books she had replaced on a shelf, Twilight turned to a dejected looking Spike. She couldn’t help but smile sadly as he lay on the sofa, twirling his claw around a cushion. Despite how mad he was about the way Rarity treated Sora before, he couldn’t help but feel a little down after finding out that Sora would not be staying in the library anymore. She kept forgetting that despite him being surrounded by many friends, he really didn’t have many young colts to hang out with, and Sora was quite the interesting male to be around; everyone couldn’t help but like him for some reason or another. Well, everyone but Rainbow Dash. Sure he was rather dense and quite foalish at times, he at least proven to her that there was more to him then what she could see, jumping in to save Fluttershy the way he did; accepting the princess's need for aid. Still, it kind of caught her off guard, finding one so young risking his life to protect ponies he barely knew, even opting to take on this King Sombra pony without a second thought. It was...something to be sure. Sure, she had her reservations about him as well, but she could see why Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie could trust him so easily. He was amazingly simple and an overly kind pony who seemed to have a heart of gold. She turned back to her work, placing a few more books upon the shelves. Stopping only to look out at the bright blue sky. Despite the calm warm evening, a shiver went up her spine. She honestly didn't know where it came from or why she felt it...but she didn't like it. ~ Rarity's Boutique Rarity finished up the base design of her latest masterpiece that she had been creating through the inspiration of Sora’s own clothing. With a coy smile, she hung the picture upon her work board that held six more just like it before pulling out a few bolts of cloth and some thread. “Now for the colors. It has to be bold, yet not complicated. Maybe something in black and pink but nothing too extravagant. She likes things simple.” Rarity scanned over a few pieces of lavender cloth. “Hmm…but what could go with it? There’s just so much to choose from. How will I ever find the right color?” She looked toward her work desk, finding the design of Sora’s clothes she had done a quick sketch of when she had them in her possession. Her thoughts immediately turned to the stallion and a light blush formed on her cheeks. That caramel coated stallion seemed to always occupy her mind as of late, invading every inch of her being and causing her heart to run abnormally fast. For a stallion to make her feel this way without even knowing it was truly rare to hear. “Oh dear…” She slowly made her way to her bed allowing herself to down upon it. She placed both hooves on her chest, doing her best to calm her beating heart. “How in Celestia’s name are you able to make me feel like this? Not even Blueblood was able to make me feel this way, even before I found out how much of an…an…uncouth pony he was.” Sora was in every way Blueblood’s opposite of that she was sure. Where Blueblood was inconsiderate and bratty, Sora was kind and loving. It made her heart swoon just to be close to the caramel stallion. She turned over to lie on her belly, pulling in a pillow to lay her head upon. “I had promised myself not to fall for another pony so fast but…” She blushed brighter as her heartbeat quickened. “To have you in my hooves Sora. Oh that would be a day to remember…” Rarity turned to her side and clutched the pillow tighter, her daydreams running on automatic once again. “Oh yes, I can see it now. The both of us, sitting at a candlelit table, you dressed in an all-black suit with an accent of red tied about your waist, and me wearing a sparkling purple dress with the split running up the length of my leg. You sit close to me, and whisper in my ear sweet nothings while I place my hoof on your lap, edging you on. Food all but forgotten, you turn my head to face you and look deep into my eyes, searching for the love you know all too well is there. I look into your own, conveying my affection for you as much as I can. You lean into me, slowly parting your lips and I, out of instinct part mine as well. You eat up the inches between us before…” Rarity squealed as she kicked her legs out, burying her face into the pillow. “Oh dear Celestia, yes!” ~ Ponyville: Open Field Rainbow ears perked up at a sudden noise in the distance. The mare turned towards it with a raised eyebrow before shrugging. She yawned and laid her head back on the cloud she was sleeping on. Or rather, she was trying to sleep on since her very much sought after snooze time eluded her completely. Her mind was too busy thinking about that stupid spiky maned stallion with the caramel fur. She sighed as she brought her hooves over her face, pulling her cheeks down in exasperation. “Geez, he can’t even leave me alone when he’s nowhere around. Talk about annoying.” She tried to focus on something else, anything else, but no matter what, her thoughts ended with Sora in the forefront. With a groan, she slipped off her cloud and began to fly towards Ponyville. “Who does he think he is, invading my life like this? It doesn’t help that he reminds me of…” She trailed off, with an annoyed grunt. “How dare you remind me of…” She sucked in her breath and slapped herself across the face. “Y-you’re not like that anymore Rainbow!” She yelled. “You’re a tougher filly then that so suck it up! Who cares who that stupid colt reminds you of! That’s in the past and this is now!” She stood on all fours and grew a determined scowl. “I won't let you get to me Spikey!” ~ Flutterhy's Cottage Fluttershy was in dire straits. “Oh this is not like me. Not like me at all.” She said to herself as She had paced the floor, nearly walking a ring into the carpet as her mind went into overdrive. She had sat and listened to Sora for the duration of the train ride, soaking in every piece of information she could gain from him. The town in which he lived seemed so peaceful and carefree. His friends also seemed really sweet too. The way he talked about Riku, he really seemed to admire him, even if they did fight a lot. Tidas and Wakka and Selphie; they all seemed like amazing ponies. Then there was Kairi. The way he talked about that mare made her heart tighten a little. They really seemed close, but that was to be expected, being childhood friends and all. She could feel it though. Sora seemed to have some sort of attraction towards Kairi, even if it was innocent affection. It still made her heart cringe though. When he had told her that Kairi had left a while ago, she couldn’t hold back an inward smile, which was the cause of her current worry “Oh how can I think that way? I can’t possibly be happy that he had to say goodbye to a childhood friend, can I?” But the more she thought about it the more glad she was that Kairi was unable to be there for him. If she was nowhere near him then maybe- Fluttershy groaned and slumped onto the couch, grabbing a white bunny in the process, the little rabbit looking at her with concern. “Oh, Angel! What am I going to do? I want Sora to be happy. And he just looked so down. And I thought that if I can make him happy enough to...” Angel raised his paw and tapped Fluttershy’s forehead hard. She looked at him as he gave her a glare and pointed to her and then slammed his fist together. “Y-you’re right Angel.” She flew into the air hugging her pet happily. “I have to believe in myself. Since his old friends aren’t around and he’s a long way from home, then I have to make sure that he feels like this is his home too.” She zipped to her dresser and pulled out some paper. “Ok then. Now what was the name of that fruit again?” ~ Sugercube Corner Pinkie placed the sleeping twins into their cribs, a gentle smile on her face as she did so. She had fulfilled her promise to play with them, and though she was sad to see them tuckered out, she was happy to find that they still held a smile on their faces. After covering the two foals in their blankets, she silently made her way out of the room, closing the door behind her. She enjoyed her job of making ponies happy. It was her one passions in life, and nothing made her happier. So remembering Sora the way he was when he had been speaking to the princess back at the palace, almost brought her from her happy high. The pink mare had followed after the pair of ponies that night when she had gone to visit Sora. To make sure that he was settled in. Sora, honestly at first seemed like such a happy colt, speaking to the princess in such a casual way. Pinkie knew right away that Sora was the kind of colt to make friends with everyone he met. Had his life been different, he would be one of the best party ponies in Equestia. Most of what they said went over the mare’s head, but one thing was certain, Sora was hurt. He felt like a failure, and she knew it was eating him up inside. She could see it, just as well as Fluttershy, something strange shrouding Sora's heart. She was doing everything in her power to take his mind away from whatever was bothering him, but she could tell it always lingered in the back of his mind. He hid it well from most of her friends, but she was sure that even Rarity would see it soon enough. He would put on his shell, saying that he was all hunky-dory, but underneath it all he was somepony that was hurting. “How can we help you if you won’t let us Sora?” She knew the answer all too well though. Something she had to fight with herself. Because the happiness of others is more important… She smiled slightly at that. “I guess, in a way, we are both the same Sora.” The pink mare placed a hoof over her heart. "Making others happy is the only thing we know how to do." Pinkie Pie made her way down the stairs to find Ms. Cake behind the counter. “Hey Ms. Cake, I’m gonna bake a cake for me and my friends.” “Oh?” The motherly pony smiled warmly to her helper. “Well isn’t that nice Pinkie. Don’t stay up too late then, okay?” When Pinkie nodded, Ms. Cake made her way upstairs to retire for the night. Pinkie placed an apron over herself and set to work gathering the ingredients. “I promise to make you smile for real Sora! No! I Pinkie Pie Promise!” ~ Sweetapple Acres Applejack smiled as she watched Sora buck but the next tree she pointed it. The apples shook for only a second before falling into the bins under the tree. The young stallion smiled widely before pumping his hoof. “HA! That’s five in a row!” “Land Sakes Sora!” Applejack whistled. She couldn’t believe how short a time it took him to master a craft that took her weeks. And he was a pegasus ta boot. At first she was quite skeptical towards how he would take to the hard work, but those thoughts took a huge nosedive off the side of cliff by that afternoon. Sora was a hard worker when it came down to it. If anything he told her it reminded him of when he and his friends would work to build their little house on the island they played on. Applejack was more surprised that he was slightly more muscular then his body type suggested. Even she, the calm and cool AJ, had a hard time keeping her thoughts together fully around him. If anything it felt refreshing to have a young stallion helping around the farm. Teaching him the art of Applebucking too little to no work at all too. She had kicked a few trees, allowing him to see how to best strike the tree without hurting himself. When she was sure that he had gotten it, she let him at the first tree he felt ready with. She knew he was strong; he had to have been if he was the one that was going to fight those heartless critters, but when he had struck the tree with his hind legs, nearly knocking all but a few of the apples out of the tree with one blow, it really threw her for a loop. By the end of it all he had kicked down more apples then most other stallions they hire to help with apple bucking season. Sora breathed heavily after kicking yet another tree. Sweat beaded off his body, running down his fur. “Geez! I need to work out more. Guess being on the island all that time got me a little out of practice.” Applejack coughed as she approached the stallion, catching his attention. “Sora, y'all did a bang up job today, especially since it was your first time and all. Ah half expected you to do worse than ya did.” She smiled as Big Mac began to load up the cart with the bucket of apples resting at the foot of the trees. “Ah can happily say that with you around we can get more than our fair share of apples ready for selling.” She turned to smile at the stallion. “Thanks for all your help today Sora.” Sora rubbed at the back of his head sheepishly. “I-it was nothing really. I just wish I could do more.” “Ya’ll did more than enough, at least for today anyway.” She gave him a sly smile. “I expect you to buck twice as many tomorrow.” Sora smiled and nodded happily. “You can count on me AJ.” “That’s the spirit Sugarcube. Now then, why don’t ya’ll go and wash up ‘fore dinner. Y'all look as though ya could use it. Don’t worry about lugging the apples to the barn. Me and Big Mac can take care of that.” Sora gave himself a sniff and released an embarrassed chuckle as he nodded in agreement. “Ok AJ, but I’m definitely helping you next time.” He trotted past Applejack and Big Mac with a spring in his step. Big Mac chuckled softly, the red stallion turning towards his sisters. “Keep heaping praise on him like that and one would think you have a crush AJ.” The mare rolled her eyes at her brother’s teasing. “With Sora? He’s a cute kid, but not really my type. Sides, Rarity would fight me tooth and hoof if she ever thought he was.” Both Applejack and Big Mac laughed playfully at the thought of her prim and proper friend gearing up for a war of love. ~ It was quite some time before Sora slipped under the covers, snuggling up in the soft fabric. With clean fur and a full belly, the boy couldn’t help but feel that despite the hard work he was put though, he couldn’t have been happier. He slipped his fore hooves under his head, closing his eyes in content. Sure he was still apprehensive about everything happening to him, but he felt that he could finally find at least a little rest. The fact that he had to fight a seemingly powerful king controlling the dark power of the heartless never once left his mind. He’d faced stuff like this before, he could do it again. It did make him said that he was alone for the fight, no Donald or Goofy. The king or the others. He was alone here and he knew it. Still, right now, at this point in time, he honestly felt that... “Everything is going to be just fine.” > Sweet Apple Fight Night (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Sweet Apple Fight Night Green to start music and red to stop music Sweet Apple Acres... Sora's eyes snapped open as he sat up from bed. Something didn’t feel right. The Keyblade Wielder rolled out of bed, landing on his hooves as he did so. After hastily donning his attire he made his way down from the attic to the second floor hallway. He glanced out a nearby window, noticing that while the sky was still dark, it held a hint of orange hue on the horizon, signaling the beginning of yet another day. Despite the calmness of the setting however, the gnawing feeling of uneasiness plagued him relentlessly. I gotta be paranoid. Everything was peaceful and nothing seemed out of place…at least from where he was standing. Still...something seems...off? Sora needed to rid his thoughts of the uneasiness that he felt and only one course of action came to mind. He knocked tenderly on the door leading to Applejack’s room, hoping to gain some sort of response. When nobody came he knocked again, a little louder than before. “AJ? Are you in there?” Once again no one answered. With his apprehension, he moved on to Big Mac’s room and repeated the process. He was once again met with silence. Sitting on his haunches, the stallion crossed his forelegs and closed his eyes. “So they’re not here. They’re farmers. Farmers usually begin their day bright and early, right? They have to be outside. So everything is fine…right?” The feeling of foreboding still lingered within his heart. “Its gotta be nothing...I'm just..." “Sora?” The sound of a girl’s voice caused the boy to look to his side. He found Applebloom peering from behind an open door. The little filly’s pink bow was understandably absent and she held the remnants of sleep in her eyes. She rubbed said eyes before exiting her room completely. “What’s going on?” Sora looked around nervously as he answered the filly. “Hey Applebloom. I didn't wake ya did I?" The little filly shook her head as she looked up towards the stallion. "No...Just woke up ma'self." Sora nodded, looking away from the filly for only a moment before turning to face her once again. "Say, have ya seen your sister around?” “Applejack?” She looked behind herself. “It’s about five now, so she might be in the barn. She and Big Mac always start the day early.” “The barn…got it.” He made his way to the staircases before stopping. After a small mental battle within him, he turned back to towards the little filly and placed a hoof on her head. “Applebloom, I know this is gonna sound weird, but...I need you to go back into your room. Stay there and do not come out until somepony you know comes to get you, ok?” Applebloom raised an eyebrow at the stallion. “Wha…? Sora what do ya mean?” He smiled back at her trying to reassure her as much as possible. “Could you just do as I say, for now at least? There's something I gotta go check up on.” While the little filly did blush at the smile he gave her, she couldn’t help but give him an apprehensive look. Something was wrong and she wanted to know what. However, something in the back of her mind told her to listen to Sora. Nodding in agreement, Applebloom returned to her room and quietly closed the door, leaving Sora alone once again. The stallion made his way outside in a flash, frantically looking for any signs of trouble. He could still feel it. Something was definitely not right, but he couldn't quite place what it was. “Ok, Sora. Here you are worrying a little girl about something your gut is telling you. It may very well be nothing at all but...” He made a beeline to the barn, kicking up dust as he went. “I really hope I’m wrong…” ~ Applejack struggled against the bonds that held her. She could feel the strength of whatever held her increase against all four of her hooves. As she tried with all of her might to free herself, the farm-mare caught a glimpse of her brother struggling to rise to his hooves, a claw wound to his side seeping blood onto the hay filled ground. The look of helplessness in his eyes only conveyed to her the truth she already knew; they were in trouble. The dark tentacles slowly pulled her towards a billowing blotch of darkness, determined to drag her into its unwelcoming abyss. She screamed with all of her might, but it was all for naught due to her muzzle being gagged by the darkness that held her. No! She screamed in her mind. Ah can’t give up! B-but I can’t get free! Darn it! Why can’t ah get free! She closed her eyes as she edged ever closer to the dark portal, her limbs struggling in protest. N-no…Ah…P-please… her weaking body screamed for her to free itself, but it was to no avail. She was trapped. And she knew it. Ah can’t go…not like this… “APPLEJACK!” Applejack opened her eyes at the sound of the voice, but quickly closed them as a flash of light blurred her vision. She could feel something gripping her tightly, the feel of soft fur brushed tightly against her own. She stuttered slightly as the sight of a familer caramel stallion holding on to her. “W-what in tarnation…Sora...?” “Applejack! Are you ok?!” "Ah...Ah'm fine...thanks for the save partner." “Yeah...” He gave her a small smile. “Sorry for coming so late by the way. You’re not hurt are you?” She shook her head no before pointing towards where the older apple sibling was. “Ah'm not! But Big Mac! He’s the one in trouble! Took a hit hard to his side!” Releasing Applejack, Sora summoned the keyblade in a flash of light, turning his attention towards a set of pony shaped heartless rising from the shadows on ground. “Right...Go make sure he’s okay. I’ll be the one to take care of things here.” Not waiting for a response, Sora jumped toward the crowd of heartless, brandishing his weapon expertly in his maw. Applejack watched him for a second before she got to her hooves and galloped to her downed sibling. “Big Mac! Are ya’ll alright?!” The red stallion nodded. “Eeyup. It looks a lot worse than it is.” He gaze shifted downward. “I fended them off as best ah could but ah…ah couldn’t.” He glared at Applejack. “Why didn’t ya run when ah told ya to run? Why didn’t ya listen, AJ?“ Applejack frowned at her big brother, shocked that he would even ask. “What? And leave my family to face those…things. Ya know ah wouldn’t do that!” “What if ya got hurt? Or worse!” He gritted his teeth in frustration at the stubborn mare. “Besides, ya saw that thing wanted you. Ah tried to give ya a chance to escape as best ah could.” “Well ya should’ve been more worried about yourself.” Her gaze shifted toward his side. “Look at ya. We need to tend to that wound.” “Ah don’t care what happens to me so long as you’re safe, AJ!” Macintosh lowered his head once again. “Ah promised them that ah would be there for you…” Applejack reared back slightly at the statement before looking away, a scowl on her features. "Macintosh…ah…know that…B-but…Ah couldn't just leave ya here." She shot her gaze back down at the stallion. "Not with those things. Not when you coulda died.” He shook his head. “Well ya stop being stubborn for one second and Listen. Just forget about me and run. Your friend might…not… ” Big Mac’s eyes grew in size as he watched what he beheld in front of him, his mouth refusing to shut. Applejack turned just in time to see Sora whip his head upwards, sending the tip of his Keyblade into the jaw of one of the monsters. The heartless was flung high into the sky, rendering it helpless as he moved on to another one of its kind. The one that currently held his attention tried to take a swipe at him with its claw-filled hoof but was met with thin air. Sora had slid under the monster stopping just short of its belly. He kicked his hind legs upward catching the heartless in the gut and sending it airborne as well. Just as the first heartless began to fall back to the ground, Sora returned to a vertical base and launched toward the dark creature. Gripping it around its neck with his hooves, Sora twirled in place, spinning faster and faster. When he felt that he could go no faster he released the heartless, causing it to crash into the second one that had just begun its descent. They were only in midair for a second before they were both struck with a flung Keyblade, effectively cutting them both in half and releasing their red crystal hearts. Before they even hit the ground, their bodies dissipated, leaving nothing left but their memory. The slightly exhausted stallion turned to the two farm-ponies. “Is everybody ok?” Big Mac and Applejack both nodded, too dumbstruck with awe to answer Sora correctly. Applejack was told by Fluttershy that Sora could fight but what she just witnessed was unlike anything she had ever seen. There’s no way a pony should be able to move like that. And his strength. She was sure that his small frame held a hidden reserve of strength, but to toss those monsters around the way he did was surreal. But it wasn't just moves that caught her by surprise. There was something about each strike he took. Each blow landed. It felt raw, and...angry? Sad? Fustrated? Before she could think about it any longer, Sora had made his way over to Big Mac and made the bigger stallion slip a hoof over his shoulder. Applejack followed suit and the both of them were able to support the wounded stallion. The trio made their way out the door and back toward the farmhouse. Once inside, Applejack set to work on tending to Big Mac’s injury. “Sora. Go on upstairs and fetch me the first aid kit. Should be in the bathroom in the bottom cabinet.” The stallion nodded and quickly made his way up the stairs. Applejack took the time to look over the wound. It didn’t look deep, so she was sure that it wouldn’t cause any pony problems. She barely had any time to dwell on thoughts as it took only a little time for Sora to return, though to her surprise, he was accompanied by a very alarmed Applebloom. “Applejack! Big Mac!” Her voice was shaky, and slightly frantic. “What’s going on? What happened to Big Mac?! He’s bleeding!” Applejack gave her a reassuring smile before she started to patch Macintosh up. “Everything’s fine Applebloom. Big Mac’s all right so don’t you worry none.” Her brother confirmed her statement with a nod and a smile of his own. Gaining her little sister's attention again she motion towards upstairs. "Now Applebloom, ah Know this is a lot to take it but ah need ya to be a good little filly and go help granny. Tell her what's going on and get her downstairs to help Big Mac rest." The little filly wanted to protest but the looks of both her older siblings silenced her outright. Nodding, the little filly quickly made her way up the stairs not looking back. With the little one out of the way, the orange farmer got back to work. It was during this time however that a voice to her side caused her ears to perk. “I should have been there…” Applejack turned her head towards the Keyblade Wielder, an eyebrow raising every so slightly. “Pardon?” Sora shook his head before turning to face the mare. “He wouldn’t have gotten hurt if I was there sooner. It’s my fault he’s hurt…” “Now Sora, that’s just stinking thinking. It’s not like anypony knew this was going to happen, especially you.” "Eeeyep. Ya can't blame ya self for something like this." The red stallion added. Sora shook his head. “But it fell on me to be there to protect you. Not just the girls but you Big Mac. And everyone else. I promised Celestia. I promised to protect all of you to the best of my ability…” His gaze fell to the ground. “I’m still not strong enough…” Applejack’s ears splayed back. “Sora…don’t say that. The way ya wrangled those critters, you’re plenty strong, even ah can see that with the way ya fought.” He slammed his hoof on to the wooden floor, causing everypony to jump slightly. “No! I’m not! Your brother wouldn't have gotten hurt if it wasn't for my carelessness! If only I had...if I had just..." Sora struggled to find the words he wanted to here himself say. "If it had been Riku...This wouldn't have happened. It wasn't even suppose to be mine after all..." Applejack moved closer to the stallion. “Sora…what do ya mean? What wasn’t suppose ta be yours's?” “SORA!!” Sora’s ears perked up at the female voice sounding from outside. He barely turned when the equivalent of a bullet train tackled him to the ground. He was only just able to recognize the bubblegum mane and fur of Pinkie Pie as she pinned him to the ground. “Pinkie?” His speech was slurred at best. “What are you doing here…” He regained his composure to see that the pink party pony was not smiling in the least. Her ocean orbs were filled with so much worry that it poured into Sora’s soul. “Pinkie? What’s wrong?” “I-It’s a monster! A monster is in Ponyville!” Sora’s eyes instantly acquired a serious edge. “A monster? Pinkie start from the beginning.” She released the stallion, allowing him to come to a vertical base before beginning her tale. “Well I was in Sugarcube Corner, baking you a cake to cheer you up. You really seemed down yesterday even though you were smiling. I was working well into the night and onwards toward morning. I know I told Ms. Cake that I wouldn’t stay up all night but I just really wanted to make something special for you. “Just as I was finishing my cake, which was about ten minutes ago, my Pinkie Since started to act up! Itchy left foreleg, twitching right eye, swirling left eye! I never had that Pinkie Since before but I sure as sugar didn’t like it one bit. I decided to get out of Sugarcube Corner as fast as I could. When I got outside I saw two of those shadow thingies. They suddenly appeared in front of me. I was totally caught by surprise, and not the good kind of surprise either. They were about to pounce on me when ‘BAM’ I was tackled out of the way. I looked up to find an earth pony with an hourglass cutie mark over me. “’Ello!’” Pinkie said in an odd accent. “’I’m the Doctor’ He said, and I was about to ask ‘Doctor who?’ but he must have read my mind because before I could even talk he said ‘Just the Doctor’. Then he pulled out this weird glowing stick and pointed toward those shadow thingies and they just began to shirk away. I don’t know why but they did. Then the Doctor told me ‘You best get some help, these aren’t the Vasta Narata but they still seem to be just as dangerous’. And I was about to ask what the Vasta Narata was but he cut me off again saying ‘Another time maybe my dear girl. I believe you have someone you need to find’. I was confused at first but then I remembered that those shadow thingies were heartless and that’s when I remembered you! So I ran all the way here and here I am!” Sora blinked once as he soaked in all the information. The only part that he was able to truly decipher was the fact that the Heartless were in Ponyville, and that was all that he needed to know until a new thought crossed his mind. “If the heartless were after you and Applejack…then the others are in danger as well!” Now he really needed to act, and fast. He was just about to launch himself out the door when he felt something gripping his tail tight. He turned just in time to see Applejack spit his tail out of her mouth. “Applejack! What are you doing?!” “Stopping ya from making a stupid decision is what! We need ta come up with a plan and not act like a silly filly!” Sora shook his head. “I can’t just sit around here planning! I need to go save the others!” “Yeah!? And do ya even know where the other girl's live! Do even know where ta go?!” Sora couldn’t form a rebuttal at her questions. He honestly didn't know where any of the girls lived...well...besides Twilight and Rarity. Relenting to the mare's word, he looked away and asked. “So…what do I do?” “We need ta get ta Ponyville but I’m also worried about the others. So we split up.” She pointed to Sora. “You go on ahead ta Ponyville. You at least know the way to Twilight’s and Rarity’s. Go check up on them.” She turned to Pinkie. “Pinkie! Go look for RD. You’re the best at finding her…or anypony for that matter. And ah’ll go get Fluttershy.” Sora shook his head. “What happens if you two get attacked by the heartless again? I won’t be there to protect you. I-” Applejack tapped the top of his head, silencing him. “We won’t know unless we try right? Sides, Ah got surprised last time but that won’t happen again ah promise ya.” She opened a drawer, pulling out a long piece of rope. “With this I’ll be able to lasso those critters before they have a chance ta blink.” Pinkie held up a pie in both hooves. “And I’ll give them a taste of the sweeter side of things.” Sora had blinked only once. Those pies. Did she always have them? He shook the useless thoughts away before returning to the matter at present. “I still don’t want you two going out there. I don’t want to put any of you in danger.” Before they could protest he held up a hoof and continued. “But…I don’t see any other way around it. Just promise me you’ll stay safe and don’t fight the heartless if you can help it. I don’t want you two getting hurt cause I wasn’t there.” Applejack and Pinkie Pie smiled as well, giving the stallion a salute. “Ya got it partner/Okie-dokie-Loki!” Sora smiled brightly, his eyes returning to their usual brilliance. “OK then!” He pointed a hoof toward the door. “Lets go!” Pinkie and Sora left out the door soon after. Applejack was about to do the same when the sound of Big Mac calling her name caused her to pause. He wanted to forbid her to go. He wanted to hold her down and make sure that she stay well away from all of whatever they were just talking about, but he knew his sister better than that. With a heavy sigh he spoke. “Ah…just…Just be careful, AJ. Ok?” Applejack smiled before waving a hoof. “I’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. You just worry about getting Granny Smith and Applebloom to safety.” She took off towards Fluttershy’s cottage but not before glancing back at Sora’s retreating backside. “Sora…” > Heartless in Ponyville (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Heartless in Ponyville Green to start music and red to stop music “BUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUCK!!” Rainbow ran as if her life depended. She turned just for a second to find two of those shadow ponies closing in on her fast. It didn’t help matters that her wing was still smarting after falling on it so hard. I had to pick that that night to spend the night in a tree. All because I was too bucking lazy to go home! She would have kicked her on rump for being so stupid but there was no way she could stop for one second. “Whatever these things are, they are fast!” She chanced a look back to find the shadow ponies slowly but surely edging their way closer. “Buck! I have to get out of here!” She turned just in time to watch herself slam into a tree. The mare groaned as she slowly slid down the truck of her demise, coming to rest at the base of the tree. Rainbow tenderly rubbed at her head, feeling a sizable knot form. “Ugh...Of course this happens...” She turned her head to find the heartless creeping closer to her. She tried to stand, but fell back over against the tree. “Ah...Darn it…” She closed her eyes, and hoped for a miracle. “IT’S PARTY TIME!!” SPLAT! Rainbow barely registered the fact that the creatures now had a face full of some type of pasty substance on their faces. She also was unable to comprehend the hoof that had pulled her up on her own hooves and was now semi-dragging her along. She was only able to regain her bearings when they had stopped a bit of a ways away from the heartless. She turned to find the one pony that she wouldn’t expect to be rescued by. “P-Pinkie?” “That’s my name! Don’t wear it out!” The pink party pony absentmindedly reached behind a tree and pulled out a comically oversized cannon that was in no way able to even look like it should have been able to fit behind there. She carefully aimed it at the monsters as she spoke. “Hmm…Now that I think about it, I wonder if you really can wear out somepony’s name? If you can’t then why do ponies say such an odd saying?” She turned to Rainbow. “And if you can then why don’t more ponies put some sort of outreach program for the ponies that had their name worn out? I mean really, you think more would be known about those ponies. Can you imagine it? Ponies upon ponies whose name get worn out. What do you call them? Not by their name that’s for sure. I wonder if they would get another name similar to their first? That would be ok, right? I mean if you think about it, that would be ok. Oh! But what about my name? Not too many names for the word pink. At least none I can think of. I could be called a different color I suppose. OH OH OH! I want to be called Yellow! Yeah, Yellow sounds great! NO WAIT, ORANGE! But wait. Aren’t Applejack’s aunt and uncle named Orange? I guess I can’t be orange then. How about-“ “Pinkie! Heartless!!” Rainbow interrupted. While Pinkie was busy ranting, the shadows had recovered from their pie-attack and were quickly closing the distance towards the duo. The party mare glanced the heartless’ way before smiling towards the rainbow maned pegasus. “Whoops. Forgot about them.” She pressed the fuse down with her hoof as though it was a button, setting it off and releasing a stream of cake batter at the creatures. The heartless were blown away into the nearby river where they were swept downstream in its current. Pinkie turned the cannon upright to look inside. “Whoops a second time. I put cake batter in my confetti cannon again. Huh. Go figure.” Rainbow Dash’s eye twitched slightly before a smile formed upon her lips. She couldn’t help but laugh a little at the pink party mare. “Pinkie. You’re so random…” Pinkie turned to her friend with a concerned expression. “Why didn’t you try to fly away, Dashie?” Rainbow groaned as she pointed to her wing. “Fell out of a tree. Sprained my wing in the fall. It’ll be ok in a bit but won’t be able to use it for a while.” Pinkie nodded, accepting her response. “Well, come on. We have to get to Ponyville. I’m still worried about everypony there.” “You mean that those things are in Ponyville?!” “Yep. Sora is getting his flank over there now as we speak. I know he’s supposed to be the hero of this story but heroes can always do with some extra support.” Rainbow grinned. “Well of course, if he can’t handle things I’ll be there to show him up.” She took off, galloping at high speed. “Come on, Pinkie! Let’s show Spikey how real heroes get things done! No running away now!” Pinkie giggled as she followed behind the pegasus. “Weren’t you running away from-?” “PINKIE!!!” ~ Applejack quickly traversed the distance to Fluttershy’s cottage. She prayed to Celestia on high that she could get there before…before... She shuddered slightly. “I…I can’t think like that. Ah will get there. Ah will save mah friends!” She put an extra burst of speed into her stride. “Just gotta think positive. She had to have gotten away. She just had to…” Despite her trying to convince herself, thoughts of Fluttershy being visibly taken away into that black whatever that was still plagued her mind’s eye. “Oh Fluttershy…please be alright…” Her hope was held high until she came within vicinity of Fluttershy’s Cottage, that’s when despair gave way, piercing her heart completely. The front door was completely off its hinges, laying to one side upon the ground broken and beaten. “No…NonoNONONO!” She galloped as fast as she could to the doorway. “FLUTTERSHY!” Applejack burst into the house only to be met with silence. The early beams of the sun shined through the windows causing the disheartening sight of overturned tables and destroyed objects to make her cringe inwardly. She was too late. The heartless had been here. “No…Fluttershy…Ah was…” She lowered her head and gritted her teeth. Even after the promise she had made to Sora that it was going to be okay. “Ah was too late…” Applejack sat herself amidst the mess, lost in her world of despair, barely noticing the tap on her shoulder. Her ears would perk at the gentle and frightened voice behind her. “Um…I’m sorry. If you’re too busy to talk then I’ll try again-“ “FLUTTERSHY!” Applejack got to her hooves and pulled the pegasus into a tight embrace. “Ah thought those things got to ya! Ah was so worried and…and…wait?” She pulled the mare away to look at her dead in the eyes. “Where did yal come from?” “W-well…” Fluttershy looked back at her book case. “I was hiding when those things came into my house.” Applejack stared at her, flabbergasted, “Wait? Ya knew they were coming?” “Not exactly.” The farm mare raised an eyebrow. “But you were already hiding?” “Yes…me and my animal friends…” “…” "..." Applejack embraced her friend once again. "Ya know what? Ah don't care. As long as you are safe and sound." She reared up one behind legs before marking her way toward the door. "Come on Shy. We need ta git ta Ponyville on the double." The shy mare’s eyes widened. “W-What?! But why? Those things are still out there and...I-” “There’s neither hide nor hair of them critters right now Flutters. They must have left when they couldn’t find ya.” “B-but why do we need to go to Ponyville? Wouldn’t it be safer to stay here? Where it’s safe.” “Think about it Shy. If those things were after ya’ll then what’s to stop ‘em from going after the rest of us? They already tried and nap be and Big Mac after all.” Fluttershy pulled away from the country mare, shaking her head wildly. “E-even if that’s that case…what can I do? I’ll just get in everypony’s way.” “That’s not true. We need ya there, Fluttershy.” When it didn’t look like the shy mare would budge, she decided to play her ace. “Sides, Sora might need all the support we can give em.” Fluttershy’s ears perked up at the stallion’s name. “W-why do you say that? Did something happen to him?” Bingo. Applejack sat on her haunches. “See…Big Mac got hurt pretty badly when the creatures attacked the farm.” At the gasp Flutttershy gave, the farm-mare held up a hoof. “Don’t worry, it looked a lot worse than it was, and Sora was there to save us before anything bad really happened. The thing is though, he took full blame for the attack.” “I-I’m sure it was nopony’s fault...Well maybe the heartless… But why would he blame himself?” Applejack shook her head and sighed. “Ah don’t know. He just…flipped out. He blamed himself for being too weak. “ “Too weak? B-but the way he fought those monsters when I first met him…” “Ah know. Ah seen em. He’s amazing. Ah never seen a pony fight that way before. Still, the way he talked down to himself...I would have never thought that a pony like him would feel that way about anything.” Fluttershy looked away, a gentle frown upon her features. "If you saw it too..." She turned back towards her friend. "I think...Sora isn’t telling us something. I don’t think it’s bad but…I don’t think it’s good either. At least, not good for him.” "Ah think as much too." AJ agreed. “Which is why we need to help him. Ta show him that he has friends here.” Fluttershy thought for a moment. She couldn’t fight, not like the rest, but she did want to help Sora out as much as she could. With silent resolve she made her way to an overturned dresser and opened one of the draws. She was happy to find that it was still intact. “Fluttershy. What in the hay is that?” The pegasus presented the object to the cowmare. “I-it’s a…well it’s fruit made out of cloth actually.” “A fruit?” Fluttershy nodded. “The Paopu fruit. Or its suppose to look like one. It’s really common where he comes from. He told me how it looks and also about how ponies give them to one another as a sign of being friends forever. Since we don’t have any here I thought that…That I could give him this instead.” Fluttershy cheeks turned a shade of red. “I wanted to let him know that I was there for him…” Applejack raised an eyebrow. Never seen Shy so forward…still…She smiled. “I see. Well then say no more, Fluttershy. I’m sure that he would be happy for you to give him that. But how about ya do so after we make sure our friends are ok.” Fluttershy nodded and smiled happily. The pair then departed from the cottage with both newfound hope and worry. ~ “Well…this isn’t good…” The Doctor stared down at Ponyville from his perch on top of the hill as the blobs of darkness began to gather towards town hall. They all seemed to be waiting for something, and he had a pretty good idea of what it could have been. He couldn’t help but chuckle slightly. “Living shadows that are not part of the Vasta Narata…never encountered that before. Heh…that’s a new wrinkle. A bad new wrinkle but a new one none the less” “Professor! I think that’s everypony!” The stallion turned to find a gray pegasus breaking away from a crowd of frightened ponies. Her yellow mane bristled in the ominous wind as she focused one of her wayward eyes on the stallion. “I think we got them all before anypony was hurt.” She couldn’t help but release a sigh of relief. “Rose and making sure they are calming down. If we had not have warn everypony, then who knows what would have happened.” The Doctor raised an eyebrow to the gray pegasus. “First off, I told you Miss Hooves, It’s the Doctor; secondly, I do hope you are right. I’m actually surprised at how well we were able to convince everyone that Ponyville was being attacked. I thought for sure they would have not believed me or in the worst case threw me out of town, or off a cliff. Can’t count how many times that almost happened. Course seeing living shadows coming out of the ground plays a big factor on being-“ “Twilight! Spike! Where are you!?” Derpy and The Doctor turned to see a white unicorn with a swirly purple mane and tail frantically looking around in a panicked state. “Has anypony seen Twilight and Spike?! I can’t find them anywhere!” “Twilight…” The Doctor instantly ran to the white unicorn gaining her attention. “You there! Miss White Unicorn! Did you lose someone?” “My friends!” She was practically in tears as she spoke. “I thought for sure that they were right behind me, but as soon as I got here I noticed that they were nowhere to be found. I can’t find them at all!” Keeping a kindhearted expression he smiled warmly. “I’m sure they are fine. From what I hear Twilight is well able to take care of herself, after all.” Before the unicorn could even respond she heard her name being called from afar. She turned to find a caramel stallion racing toward her. She cried “Sora!” and flung herself quite dramatically toward him. Though the stallion caught her in his hooves, both unicorn and pegasus tumbled to the ground. “R-Rarity?! You’re alright!” Sora’s gaze turned to a crowd of ponies gathering around the scene. “You all are…But who...How?” “That would be me. I’m the Doctor, thanks.” He held out a hoof to the stallion. “I’m Sora.” He took the Doctor’s hoof on his own shaking it. “You’re the one that saved Pinkie as well, right?” He thought for a moment before realization came upon him. “AH! You mean that really pink pony?” He then paused, “Of course her name is Pinkie...What do I expect from this world anymore?” Sora turned to Rarity, not paying the least bit of attention to the Doctor mumble under his breath. “Where’s Twilight? Is she here too?” Rarity shook her head. “I don’t know! She and Spike were right behind me, but then I lost them in the crowd.” The Doctor shifted his gaze toward the town. “If my fears are grounded, and I find they often are…” He pulled a weird device from behind his tie and pointed it towards the mass of darkness that was converging on town hall. A loud whirl was produced for only a second before it stopped. He gazed at the device before turning to face Sora. “Yep! Just as I suspected. Those things are gathering towards some sort of power. If I had to guess, that might be her. She’s somewhere in there, most likely town hall.” Sora stared at the merging darkness, his teeth gritting slightly. “If she’s there, then that’s where I’m going.” Rarity stood beside him, a glare in her own eye. “If you’re going, then so am I!” Sora was about to protest but then thought better of it. He didn’t want to put others in danger but the girls in this world were unusually stubborn. Actually, to be fair, so were Kairi and Sophie, and Yuffie and Paine, and Aritha, and the Queen and…well there was no shortage of strong willed girls he knew that would not think twice about defying his orders. He sighed a defeated sigh as he turned to face the mare. “You don’t leave my side for a second. Okay?” “But of course Darling.” ~ Sneaking around was never Sora’s forte. Still with Rarity in tow, he felt it was a necessary annoyance. Besides her knowledge of the town made it so much easier to move . The two ponies had little trouble navigating the streets of the infested Ponyville. The young stallion was surprised that they had only a few skirmishes here and there. Sora was most adamant in taking them out quickly while Rarity chose to hide a safe distance away, cheering her hero on. Everything was going quite smoothly. That in itself, was something that really unnerved Sora a great deal. One of the downsides of being a wielder of the Keyblade was that the weapon would act as a beacon and attract the Heartless, most of the time in droves. As to why the two ponies were not constantly being attacked was still a mystery to the him. The only time they seemed to attack was when the two ponies veered off away from Town Hall. It was almost like they were being led there. He really wasn't pleased by that line of thinking. “Sora…” The stallion turned to the white unicorn mare as she called his name. “I have to admit...I’m a little worried. Those creatures are just dreadful and...” She gulped. “Twilight is...here...somewhere. Do you think she is safe?” Sora shook his head gravely. “I don’t know…” He put on a brave smile as he faced her. “But I promised to protect you girls no matter what…So even if she is in trouble right now, I’ll get her right out of trouble no problem.” Rarity could only nod in agreement and press herself a little closer to him as they continued to trek their way to the center of town. The mare looked toward the stallion with a worried glance. She could see that he was on edge, maybe even more than her. His ears swiveled in all directions as his eyes darted from left to right, looking for the slightest of movement. Despite the situation they were in, she could not help but smile. He may be a bit childish at times but it seemed to her that when it really matters he could really be a force to be reckoned with. A real knight in shining armor as it were. It wasn’t long before the two had made their way to the center of town, A very odd sight stopping them dead in their tracks. A pony stood on top of town’s stage, cloaked in a tattered cape as black as midnight. Sora would have thought that it was a heartless if it went for their eyes being visible under the cloak. He could see a deep red peering straight at him with cold intensity. The pony however was not what shocked them into a stupor. Beside the cloaked figure was a purple bubble of energy floating just above the ground. And inside the field was something that made Sora’s heart nearly stop. “I-Is that…Oh Celestia! Is that her heart!?” Sora’s shock turned to rage, not even being able to answer her correctly. Inside the bubble was an unconscious Twilight, floating almost peacefully on her back. Above her was a pink crystal like heart floating just above her chest. Below her floating body was a terrified purple dragon pounding away at the wall inside the force field, tears flowing freely down his face. Sora swore out loud before summoning his keyblade. He prepared himself to rush forward but was stopped when the sound of a roar nearly caused him to tumble over. A massive spike-like appendage came crashing down towards himself and Rarity. The hero grabbed the white unicorn, jumping away just as the attacked. When the pair recovered, they found themselves face to face with a monster. Plant-like in structure, the size of it matched that of town hall, maybe even a little bigger. The stem of the plant was plump, thick, and black; riddled with spikes of the purest red. Extending from the bottom of its body were four claw-like appendages it seemed to use as legs. Its head was round and big, attached to the body like that of a sunflower. Unlike a sunflower however, this creature had a gaping mouth and yellow slits that looked like eyes. From where the ends of its mouth were two deadly mandibles. Last but not least was a symbol of a frightening looking familiar symbol etched upon its chest, a mark Sora knew all too well. “Heartless…” “T-that’s a heartless?!” Rarity exclaimed pointing a hoof at the creature. Sora got back to his hooves and leered at the cloaked pony. “What did you do to Twilight?!” The mare gave a casual look besided her, a frown etching upon her face. “Well ya see that’s quite the question isn’t it. I only tried to steal her heart but…” She brought a hoof to tap the side of the shield. “When I did, this happened. Heh, I guess my charms don’t work on every pony huh?” “S-steal her heart…?” Rarity choked as she slipped behind Sora. “What? Can’t you hear with those fat ears of yours. Yes steal her heart. Not that hard to comprehend is it?” The mare shook her head slightly. Sora stepped forward growling lightly. “Get away from her!” A creepy smile could be seen from beneath the mask. "Aww. How cute. You think you’re in control.” Sitting on her haunches the mare clapped her hooves together twice causing the monster to rear back and release a deafening roar. It raised a spiked appendage, attempting to finish them in one blow. Its attempt was fruitless however as Sora had quickly wrapped a screaming Rarity under his foreleg and jumped a good twenty feet back, avoiding the strike yet again. Quickly after releasing the mare from his grasp, Sora proceeded to summon his Keyblade, and charged straight towards the monsters. The heartless, for its part, lunged forward as well raising another leg to strike down upon him again, but was only met with nothing but dirt as Sora rolled to the side avoiding the crushing blow. Before it could recover, the stallion leapt high into the air attempting to slash at its face. That would prove to be a mistake however as the monster opened his gaping maw just as Sora neared. With a deafening snap, the Heartless closed its jaws around the caramel stallion. Rarity screamed and averted her eyes as the monster bit down, not wanting to see the fate of her hero. “What the…HOW THE HELL…!!?” Upon hearing the voice of the cloaked mare, Rarity slowly brought her attention back to the battle. To both her surprise and delight she found Sora completely unharmed but struggling to hold the top and bottom of the heartless’s maw open with his fore and hind hooves. Rarity cheered the hero on with glee. The monster, on the other hand, did not take very well to being denied its quick victory. It started to thrash about, shaking its head wildly in an attempt to dislodge the pony. The stallion, however, held on strong, not allowing his strength to falter in the slightest. The heartless, finding that its victory would not be so easy, reared its head as it faced a nearby building. Without hesitation, it launched itself towards it, nearly demolishing the house in one go, creating a cloud of dust and smoke in the process. The monster, now dazed, lifted its head up to oversee its work. The side of the building was completely trashed, turned to a pile of debris. The heartless roared before facing Rarity, fully intent on making her its next victim. “YOU IDIOT! ABOVE YOU!!” The monster had just enough time to face the sky before a hard metal object came crashing down upon its head. Sora held the pose he had when he had thrown his Keyblade from the peak of his jump for a moment before he started to fall. Flapping his wings once, he directed his descent to come within a couple of feet of the heartless just as the monster toppled over onto the ground in a complete daze. Sora’s Keyblade came down soon after, landing point first beside its wielder as if it had a mind of its own. Sora scraped at the ground with his hoof before lowering his head in a threatening manner. “Ok! time to take you out!” He quickly dislodged his blade, and shot forward, closing the distance between him and the slowly recovering heartless. He was prepared for the snap of the monster’s jaws, easily jumping over the desperate attack. With his head raised high in the air the stallion yelled in between clenched teeth. “FIRE!” He expected the creature to be burned alive in a blaze of glory. He did not expect nothing to happen at all. What the…?! My magic! It’s not…!! He barely had time to ponder as he was delivered a swift kick in the face by the cloaked pony, sending him sprawling on the ground. Rarity gasped as she ran to Sora’s side. “Sora!” She held the semiconscious stallion close to her. “Darling! Are you ok?” The young stallion slowly, with her help, raised himself up to a sitting position, though his mind was not quite on her worried inquiries. “M-my magic…it’s not…” Both Rarity and Sora tuned at the sound of the cloaked mare landing a few feet away from them, cracking with pure sadistic joy. “Well that was priceless! Down right, class A comedy act! I don’t know what you were doing but it seems that you failed miserably. Some would even say epicly.” Rarity turned to glare at the cloaked pony. “No fair! You’re not supposed to interfere like that!” “Oh please!” The cloaked pony spat. “You must be some sort of idiot to think that I would just let you make a fool of my heartlesses without some kind of recompense. This isn’t some fantasy novel you know.” The cloaked mare gave Sora a sideways glance. “And if this is all the keyblade can do then I don’t even have to worry about any of you any more.” She smiled as a wicked looking spear popped beside her, wrapped in a black aura. “Still…can’t have you running about and causing trouble so…” The spear shot forward in an attempt to impale both ponies. Sora’s eyes winded as the attack came. Not because he would get hit, but because Rarity had moved before he could, wrapping her hooves around him to...Protect him. R-Rarity...Stop...move...get away...I... Just as it was about to strike something wrapped itself around the pair and jerked them backwards, causing the weapon to hit nothing but thin hair. “YEEE-HAAA! Looks like we made it just in time.” AJ expertly jerked the rope that held Rarity and Sora, untying the pair from its hold. “Just as well, too. Seems our HERO already needs us to save him.” Rainbow quipped. “Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy ran to Rarity’s and Sora’s side. “Are you two alright?” “Of course they are!” Pinkie cheered as she bounced in from seemingly nowhere. “Didn’t you see his slick moves out there? Well, at least until the end.” “Girls!” Rarity cried with joy. “What are you doing here?” Before any of them could answer, Fluttershy screamed as she pointed a hoof towards a massive fireball that was hurtling towards the group. Swift as the wind, Sora summoned his Keyblade once more and leapt toward the income mass of energy. His Keyblade deflected it, redirecting it toward the one who had summoned it. The heartless toppled over onto its back as soon as it was struck, damaging a building behind it. “Damn it! How the hell are all of you here!?” The cloaked pony screamed, pointing a hoof at Sora and the girls. “All of you should have had your hearts taken from you!” Applejack was about to retort with a witty remark but the sight of Twilight and Spike in the bubble instantly caught her attention. “Twi! What the hey?! What did ya do to her?! “She’s trying to turn her into a heartless!” Sora called out before turning his attention back to the monster that was slowly rising. “We have to finish this now!” He dashed off towards the heartless. “Oh no you don’t you little-?!” the cloaked pony began to race after him with her horn glowing a dark red. Before she could attack him however, one of her hindlegs was entrapped by AJ’s rope. “You ain’t going anywhere missy! Tell us what ya did to Twilight right now!” “Don’t interfere!” Screamed the cloaked pony. She wrapped the rope in a dark glow and began to drag AJ towards her. “Woah nelly!” Applejack sat on her haunches, doing her best to stop the mare from pulling her, but it was to no avail, the cloaked unicorn’s magic being much stronger then the Earth pony’s strength. One could see a wicked smile under the darkness of her hood as she was about to pull the cowpony mare into her grasp. “Got you now you little-!” SPLAT!! Pinkie stood on her hind legs as she balanced a pair of pies on each of her fore hooves. “Nopony hurts my friends!” The cloaked pony roared with anger. “GAAAHH! STOP GETTING IN MY WAY!!” She readied her magic to fire at the pink pony but was caught off guard when something hard rammed into her side, causing the mare to crash into a nearby building. Rainbow Dash landed where the evil mare had once been, huffing in triumph. “And stay down ya jerk.” ~ Sora did not want to leave them, but with the threat of the heartless still looming over them all he had little to no choice. He needed to finish it off and he needed to do it now. There was no telling how long Twilight’s heart would be safe inside the bubble, providing if it wasn’t already too late now. The stallion took to the air, using his wings to direct himself above the struggling heartless. He grasped the Keyblade tight in his jaw, just as he started to free-fall downward attempting to stab the heartless within its crest. The monster, seeing this, began to charge up another ball of energy from its maw. The stallion made no move to steer out of the way or block however. Instead, he aimed straight for gathering energy, and threw his weapon with all of his might. It connected with the ball, causing the reaction Sora wanted. The ball exploded in on itself, wrapping the heartless in a dark light. When it cleared, all that was left was a disfigured mess of a monster. “Time to finish this!!” He shot downward, summoning his Keyblade back into his maw. With one more mighty flap of his wings, the boy descended onto the monster, his blade striking the crest of the heartless, causing it to shine like the brightest sun, blinding everypony present. When the light subsided, Fluttershy was the first to open her eyes. What she saw; what every pony saw, would forever be burned into their memories for days to come. Sora had landed back onto the ground, standing strong as particles of light began to dissipate into the sky. Almost directly above him was the most beautiful crystalized heart anypony could have ever seen slowly rose to the sky above, the shimmering gem a testament to the strength of the one that had freed it. All eyes turned to the heart watching it ascend into the sky before disappearing completely. Sora released a breath of relief before looking around frantically. “Hey! Where’s that robed pony!?” Rainbow too had been transfixed by the sight of the heart that she had forgotten all about the strange unicorn. The Cyan mare flew to where she had last seen her, but as soon as she got there, there was no sign of the cloaked pony whatsoever. “What the hay?! But she was just right here!” Applejack stomped the ground in frustration. “Shoot! She must’ve escaped when we weren’t looking!” Pinkie Pie was already racing toward Twilight and Spike. “We can worry about her later! We need to help Twilight!” All ponies instantly forgot about their escaped enemy and followed after Pinkie Pie. As they reached the magenta bubble, they could see Spike holding on to Twilight’s hoof. He was no longer crying but worry still seemed to plague his features. Rainbow shook her head before reeling on Sora. “W-what’s gonna happen to her?” She asked in a frantic voice. Sora shook his head. “I...Don’t know. I’ve never seen this before.” Fluttershy was the next to speak. “…Can you save her?” His ears folded back against his head. “I…Don’t know…” “You don’t know…you don’t know…” She grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt as she pulled him it to her. “YOU DON’T KNOW?! YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE BUCKING HERO! YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT US!!” The tears in the mare's eyes caused Sora’s own to widen by degrees. My fault... Applejack forcibly pulled the mare off of the stallion and held her the angry mare back. “Rainbow! Yelling at him ain’t gonna solve anything! Besides, ya’ll are being unfair!” Sora shook his head. “…But she’s right…I...I am supposed to protect you…I’m supposed to protect all of you…” He turned to face the magenta sphere that held Twilight and her heart. “I…I wasn’t there to protect her. This is my fault…” Fluttershy stepped up beside him as tears started to form in her eyes. “Sora…” “What can we do? How can we help her?” Rarity herself was close to tears as she looked on helplessly. “I…I don’t know…” His ears perked up before turning to look towards the mares. “MY KEYBLADE!” “What about your Keyblade, darling?” Rarity asked wiping her eyes He began to jump up and down in place as he spoke excitedly. “My Keyblade, any Keyblade, has the ability to unlock anything. Not just doors but chest and cabinets; gateways and…and they can unlock hearts.” Rainbow scoffed slightly. “What does that have to do with anything?” “Don’t you see? Not only can it unlock but it can lock as well…” He dropped to his hunches. “It’s…A long shot. And I don’t know if I can even do it. I’ve only ever did something like this one time before. And that wasn’t with my own keyblade.” “That sounds mighty dangerous, sugarcube.” Applejack voiced. “I know. I know. I’m not even sure my Keyblade can do it… but…I have to try!” Fluttershy gripped his hoof as he started to trot toward the sphere. “Sora…what if something goes wrong…What if…” Sora smiled gently towards her. “If something goes wrong…Then I’ll do everything in my power to make it go right.” Fluttershy could tell that he was just trying to cover up his apprehension, but it put a smile on her face all the same. “Ok…Oh.” She turned to AJ. “Applejack, do you…?” “Right here sugarcube.” The farm-mare lifted her hat and pulled out the plush star that Fluttershy had made. She placed the star into Fluttershy outstretched hoof and smiled lightly. “Here…”Fluttershy said with a blush. “I…I don’t know if this is what it looks like but…I made you this.” She placed the work of art into Sora’s own hoof. “It’s…a paopu charm…” It was rather simple. A five point start with each tip having the fur colors of each of her friends. In the middle however was two colors. One of Caramel and the other a butter yellow. “I…I stayed up all night working on it. Thinking of you...and all of my friends. I just...its not much and I don't know if it will help but. You have to bring Twilight back. I know you can do it.” Sora smiled softly at the mare before pocketing the good luck charm. “Right! I’m gonna bring Twilight back no matter what! Just watch!” Summoning his Keyblade, the stallion geared himself up for a task he felt he was not ready for, but one he needed to do, one he had no choice but to accomplish. The Keyblade of Hearts his blade isn’t; but a Keyblade connected to hearts it is. “Here goes nothing.” Sora pointed his blade at the bubble, the tip of the key brimming with energy before shoting out towards Twilight. As it did, the brightest light anypony could see began to surround the group, blinding all in in pure white. ~ I…it's too much…I can’t fight it… Twilight seeped further and further into the darkness. The oddly cooling effect it gave her as she sunk deeper and deeper into it felt relaxing. She had struggled at first, doing her best to fight against it but slowly, surely, she would sink to the inky feeling it gave her. Tears slowly fell down her face as she closed her eyes. What can I do? I…I just can’t fight it any longer…Spike…Princess…Everypony…I…I’m sorry… She sunk deep into the despair of darkness sinking into its ebony waves, until… -ght!! A voice. She could hear a voice. Where did it come from? Twilight!! The voice. It was calling her name. Who was it? Twilight grab my hand! Their hand? They wanted her to grab their hand. Twilight reached out with her hoof as a oddly shaped figure slowly came into view. It was obscured by the light he had behind it but she could make out an elongated body, a body not like a pony at all…in fact she had never seen anything like it in all of her life. She felt it’s “hand” wrap around her hoof, holding it tight. Her eyes adjusted for only a moment to catch sky blue eyes staring down upon her own. Eyes she had sworn she had seen before. “Twilight...” The figure said. She could feel herself being slowly pulled out of the darkness, the figure wrapping his forelimbs around her frame when she was fully free of the dark pool that had threatened to overtake her. As her head slumped into the figures chest, her eyes began to slowly close as fatigued enveloped her. She could see a small starlike object made of felt clutched within its grasp as he held her. It was something she had never seen before in her life, and yet...the warmth of it was something she would never forget. Light washed over both her and her savior’s forms cutting off any coherent sounds she had tried to produce. One last thought, however, crossed the deep reaches of her mind. One last thought that only produced more questions than anything else she had learned in her short time with a certain stallion. His heart felt so familiar. Strange. Alien. Warmth. Fear...Hope? Sora… > Of Boats and Parties > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Heartless in Ponyville Green to start music and red to stop music Golden Oaks Library Twilight’s eyes slowly opened to the gentle beams of Celestia’s sun’s light beaming softly through her bedroom window. The mare smiled before sitting up, yawning and stretching her tired limbs, forcing any kinks she had out of her waking body. She genlty pushed off the blanket that covered her and slipped herself out of bed, setting her bed back right. Tidiness is next to Princessness after all. It was a silly saying to be sure but one she held with high esteem. Mostly because Celestia always told her those words when she was still a filly. When she was done remaking her bed, the lavender mare made her way towards her bathroom, standing in front of the mirror. The mare couldn’t help but chuckle slightly at the sight of her bed hair, jokingly thinking that Rarity would have a fit if she saw her now She showed her pearly white teeth, checking for any imperfection they might have acquired in her time asleep. When nothing could be seen, she raised her hair brush and slowly began to straighten out her mane, smoothing out all the loose ends. She was halfway through brushing her hair when a random thought occurred to her. When had she gone to bed? She had remembered waking up the day before, way early in the morning to do some reading. She was in the middle of a particular book that, while cheesy in both execution and production, she found it emotionally and, in some ways, physically stimulating. Her mind strayed away for only a moment, remembering a particular scene within the confines of the book. She giggled lightly as a blush formed in a pink hue on her cheeks. The hero of the story had just rescued the love of his life from falling off the cliff the villain of the story pushed her off of. The hero leapt head first after her, holding out his hoof, ready to snatch the mare away from certain death. It reminded her of… Twilight’s eyes widened as thoughts flashed through her mind. Memories...her memories…Memories of darkness and fear. Fear of losing everything. The mare raised a hoof to her muzzle as memories began to flood her mind. I…I was…Somewhere I shouldn’t have been…somewhere I didn’t want to be. I… She remembered the cold darkness pulling her into the abyss, the very thought nearly making her topple over in fear. “The darkness...Those Heartless…They attacked me...” Realization struck as tears began to flow down her cheeks. She had been in the library reading her book when she had noticed something from the corner of her eye. A shadow…moving by itself. She had thought it was a trick of the light but then… “Oh Dear Celestia!” She shouted as she ran out the room, replaying the events in her mind as she went. The heartless! They had been here. They had tried to grab her, but she managed to evade capture somehow. She had thrown Spike onto her back and ran out of the library. She saw more of those creatures everywhere she went. Walls. Roofs. It was the parasprite invasion all over again,but much much worse. It almost seemed like the end of the world. The end of Her world. She could remember that other ponies were following a gray pegasus away from the town and decided to try and follow after them. It had not been much longer before Rarity joined their little party. She had learned that Rarity was attacked by those beasts as well and had escaped, though she would need a new sewing machine later. With their friend in tow and her Dragon on her back, the three would quickly make their way towards White Tail Woods where they had seen many of the other ponies leave. I had been behind Rarity. I know she could protect herself well enough but we never faced things like that before. I wanted to protect her. But...everything was fuzzy after that. I have to Find Rarity! I have to find my friends! But first i have to find- “Sora?!” “Twili-!?!” Smack!! So focused was the poor distressing mare on saving her friends, that running smack dab into one of said friends was something that she would have never seen coming. Neither was tumbling down her stairs in a mix of purple, blue and rainbow colors. Both Twilight and Rainbow landed in a mess of fur and limbs in a daze, the former having fallen on top of the latter in the tumble. Being the first to recover, The bookmare rubbled the pain away from her head before looking around in confusion. She would gasp as she finally noticed the cyan mare blow her. “Oh my goodness! Rainbow! Are you ok?!” “But mom, I don’t wanna go to flight school today.” Was the pegasus’s only response before blacking out. ~ Sweet Apple Acres “Boy howdy Sora! You’re really becoming quite the apple bucker.” Sora blushed, at the praise that he was receiving from the farm-mare, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. “Hehe...Come on AJ. Compared to you I’m just a newbie.” The young stallion picked up the bucket of newly fallen apples, placing them in Applejack’s waiting cart before continuing. “Besides, its because of you that I'm getting so good at it. Apple's is your speical talent after all. What better teacher, right?” Applejack chuckled softly. “It may be my special talent Sora, but you turned out to be a real…a…Savnet? Sarnet?” “I think the word you’re looking for is savant dear, and I do believe you are not using it in the right context.” Applejack huffed before turning to face a familiar white unicorn that she was friends with. “Rarity, I know that your place is getting rebuilt and all that, ya know, after that monster attack, but if you’re gonna be hanging out here the least ya could do is help out around the farm.” The fashionista, in Sora’s opinion, seemed to have set herself up quite well in the apple farm while her home repairs were underway. And while she had decided to stay with Twilight until her home was back to full glory, she made every attempt to find time to visit the apple farm. Half because she didn’t want to have to deal with the dusty tomes strolled about Twilight's library and half because it was a rather fitting excuse to spend more time with the recent object of her affection. The time she had spent was rather interesting to say the least. The days she and spent to get the know Sora, the more she began to understand him somewhat. He was goofy to be sure. A little immature at times, yes? That could always be worked out though. He was a young stallion after all. She thought, back then. Still, his demerits didn't outshine his kind nature and his ability to adapt. Rather it was fixing up the barn or helping Fluttershy with her bunny herding. He would always go at it with a vigor of knowing what to do, even when he did mess up here and there. Pulling herself back to the present, Rarity sat pretty with her bright yellow sun hat with a pair of dark purple shades upon a beach chair and table Spike had helped set up for her, sipping at what looked like a refreshing cup of iced lemonade. She addressed her apple farming friend with a kind smile. “Why Applejack my dear, I am helping. I’m helping supervise the both of you.” The farm mare’s hoof stomped the ground as she scowled, “If I needed supervising, I would’ve called Granny Smith.” “Come now, I grace you with my presence and this is how you treat your friend?” “What does friendship have to do with you being lazy?” Sora raised his hoof. “Well...I think that-“ “In a minute Darling/Just a second Sugercube.” Both mares said in unison before turning back to face each other. The boy sighed gently before making his way toward one of the nearby trees, setting himself up comfortably as he watched the two mares start their little word fight. “Those two really seem to like to go at it. Second day in a row.” He chuckled lightly as he smiled. “Must be really good friends.” Sora’s ears drooped slightly at the thought. I wonder how everyone is doing. Do they even know I’m gone? Did whoever Celestia talk to let my friends know? Does Riku and Kirie even know I’m here? Donald and Goofy? Sora was so deep in thought that he had barely noticed someone next him staring intently at his face. When he did notice he nearly jumped back in fright. “Gah! Sweetie Belle!?” The pale white filly blinked and smiled brightly as she waved a hoof at him. “Morning, Sora! Are you taking a break?” The stallion blinked, then looked off toward Rarity and Applejack, still knee deep in their argument, which seemed to have somehow derailed into each other’s appearances. “Yeah, I think.” He felt his hoof gripped by the filly’s. “Then you can help me and my friends out then!” “H-hey! Wait! What do you mean? What are we doing?” “You’ll see!” Sweetie Bell answered with a bright smile leading the stallion away from the bickering mares. ~ Rarity and Applejack watched as Sweetie Bell led the stallion away, both mares doing their best to hide their smiles. “Heh poor Sora.” The farm mare mused as she shook her head. “Hate to do this to him, but using the fillies is a good excuse for us to get him out of the way for a bit.” “Yes, quite right, and there is no better distraction then our little sisters and Scootaloo.” The white unicorn turned towards Ponyville. “Come along Applejack. We have to get ready before this afternoon right? No time to dilly dally.” “Yeah, yeah. I’m coming.” The farm mare said with a huff. "And we still need to finish our conversation." Rarity smiled coyly. "Oh Applejack, It was all in good fun. I really don't think you need that much work done to your mane." ~ Golden Oaks library Rainbow awoke to voices not too far away from her, one female, the other a male, and both recognizable. “Wow Spike…Just…he really did all that? How could he? It’s just not possible.” “I don’t know Twi…You should have seen him out there. He was like a machine. I’ve never seen somepony move the way he did.” “For a pony to have such strength is…it’s just down right...ugh...wish I had a better way of saying it without repeating myself but...It really is Impossible. And you’re saying that he took it on by himself.” “Yeah! I know I was supposed to be worried for you and everything Twi, but he just…Oh! Rainbow! You’re awake.” Just as Rainbow sat up from the couch she was instantly beset by a pair of lavender hooves. “Rainbow! Are you ok?! I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you coming up and…” The cyan gave an awkward smile as she pulled one of her hooves free from Twilight’s grasp. She placed it on the side of her neck and proceeded to rock her head side to side, testing for any kinks she may have gained. “Hey it’s ok Twilight. Not the first time I had a crash like that and I doubt it will be the last.” “I’m just glad your wings aren't broken.” Twilight sighed with relief. “It was a pretty hard fall after all.” “Yeah, that would’ve sucked.” Rainbow agreed before her expression turned towards that of worry. “Anyway, forget about me! How are you doing? Are you feeling alright? I mean it's been two whole days and...well...” “I’m…okay for the most part. Not really something I feel like repeating though.” She shook her head lightly. “Spike filled me in on most of what happened near Town Hall. I still find it hard to believe that the heartless had attacked here. If…If things didn’t turn out the way they did then…” Rainbow frowned at the thought, looking away from her friend for only a moment. “Tell me about it. So not cool." She turned back towards Twilight. "Still, as annoying as it is for me to say this, Sora really did save the day on this one. Guess he isn’t all talk after all. Though if it had been me, I would have taken that overgrown weed down in 30-No! 20 seconds flat! And you know what else? I...Ah...” Rainbow had stopped talking when she had noticed her friend's expressions, the cyan mare frowning slightly. “What?” “I-I’m sorry but…Did you just say Sora?” Twilight asked. “Ah…Yeah? That’s his name right?” The purple mare nodded. “Well yes, I know his name. I say it when I address him. The thing is I’ve never heard you calling him by his name before…at least no time I can remember.” “What!?” Rainbow said, slightly affronted. “I say his name frequently!” “Uhhhhh, No, you don’t.” Spike quipped. “Yes I do!” "I'm nintynine precent sure I never heard you say his name once...least around me." Twilight added. "You know what! Whatever!" Rainbow groaned before looking towards the window for a hasty escape. “I gotta let the others know you’re ok. They were pretty worried about you too.” Before she left, however, the mare turned towards her purple friend. “Hey...ah...You sure you are okay. I mean if you want, you can come with me, ya know, to keep an eye on you and all that.” Twilight shook her head but smiled gently at the kindness of her friend. “No, I’m fine, but thank you Dash. I have Spike here So I should be good. Besides, I need to send a letter to the princess…” She also needed to collect her memories. That weird being floating down towards me in my dreams, just what was it? Was I dreaming or... “Ok, Ok I get it Twi.” She spread her wings out ready to take off. “Just make sure to call me if you need any help, ya got it?” "Ill keep that in mind Dash." She laughed lightly before a gentle look of worry crossed her features. “You sure you’re okay to fly though?” “Are you kidding me? Just watch this!” She snapped her tail once before she flew off out of the tree at top speed, sending papers flying everywhere. Spike’s face deadpanned as he slapped a claw to his face. “For the love of…I just cleaned this place!” Twilight chuckled lightly before turning to find her kitchen. She was famished. The bookmare didn’t get very far however, her cyan friend popping her head into view from out of Twilight’s window. “Oh! Before I forget, there’s a surprise party happening later this afternoon over at Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie told me to tell you to be there when you woke up.” “Oh ok I…Wait…How did she know I was going to wake up when you came over?” Rainbow shrugged. “I stopped trying to figure out that pony long ago, Twi. Just chalk it up to Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie.” ~ White Tail Woods Lake Sora shook the water out of his fur as he trudged his way back to dry land. He was happy he was a good swimmer and still retained that ability even in pony form. He looked towards the trio of fillies as they all smiled sheepishly up at him each one just as drenched as he was. “Well…I think shipbuilding is off the list of cutie marks for you girls.” “Sorry about that Sora.” Sweetie Belle apologized as she rung the water out of her tail. “We thought the holes would make it glide faster in the water.” The Keyblade Weider chuckled as he tilted his head to the side to bang the water out of one of his ears. “Don’t worry about it. It really was a good idea at the time. That is until it started to sink…fast…” Sweetie Belle sighed dejectedly. “Yeah…Guess we’re not cut out to be shipbuilders, huh?” “What? Giving up already?” Sora asked, a rather cocky grin playing on his features. "What no!" the white filly answered with a pout. "But what are we suppose to do?" "Well...I had a hand in building a ship once...well...more of a raft. How about I lend ya my skills." He took a branch in his mouth and began to draw upon the ground. "First we need this and this..." While Sweetie Bell occupied Sora’s attention, the other two fillies stayed behind in a hushed conference. “Alright, we got him alone for now...so…now’s your chance Applebloom.” Applebloom raised her eyebrow to her orange little friend. “Huh? What do ya mean Scoots?” The orange filly groaned. “Why don’t you go talk to him? Maybe find out a little more about him.” “What?!” Applebloom covered her mouth as Sora and Sweetie Bell looked her way. She quickly waved, causing the other two to awkwardly do the same. When Sora and Sweetie Belle began their conversation again, Applebloom continued at a more reasonable tone. “Ah don’t want to sound like a busy body. What if he hates me for asking any personal questions?” “Well you won’t know until you try Applebloom.” Scootaloo went behind her friend and began to push her towards the crush of her life. “Now get going. As one of your…” She stuck a hoof in her mouth and stuck out her tongue. “Gack…love advisers, I command you to do so.” Applebloom whimpered as she was pushed by her flank towards the stallion. She was grateful for her friend’s help, but for her to talk to him here and now, couple that with the fact that the stallion that she liked was not only some kind of hero, but also a hero that single hoofedly saved her whole town, caused the yellow filly to become even more infatuated by the stallion. Of course this rise in infatuation caused her to become extremely timid around Sora, almost to the point that she could barely hold a full conversation with him without squeaking in embarrassment. “Ah…Ah don’t know what ta say to him.” Applebloom complained. “What do Ah even ask him?” “How am I supposed to know?! Just ask him about the weather or something!” With one final shove the little pegasus mare pushed Applebloom in front of her crush. She looked up just in time to see those sky blue portals to his soul looking down upon her with a curious look before smiling gently at her, causing her already red cheeks to darken. “What’s up Applebloom?” His voice caused her to blush hotly as he addressed the filly. “Me and Sweetie were going over a new boat design. It’s a bit more simple, but I think it will work a whole lot better then what we were doing before.” Applebloom just looked upwards toward the stallion, her heart fluttering wildly. She could barely utter a sound, her voice failing her as miserably as it was. When she did open her mouth all that could be heard was a slight wheezing sound. She panicked when the stallion tilted his head in confusion at her behavior. Ohnoohnoohno!! What do I do?! What do I say?! Oh this is over before it even began! Ow! She touched the side of her leg where a pebble had struck. Looking off to where it came from, she could see Scootaloo behind Sora waving to get her attention. When said attention was gained, the orange filly held up an oversized cue card with the words ‘Ask about the weather!’ Written on it. Applebloom gulped before stuttering slightly. “H-how’s t-the weather up there?” Sora looked at her for a second before tapping a hoof to his chin in thought. When he was done, the stallion shrugged. “I don't know...How about..." He reached for the filly, grabbing her by her sides and lifting her up high as he could. "You tell me!" Applebloom squeaked but giggled, wiggling in the stallion's hooves as he held her aloft. “Hey, hahah! Okay okay ah get it! ”The stallion, having had his fun, put the little filly down with a smile. Doing so, the yellow filly turned towards the stallion, with a smile. "haha...okay okay...ya got me good on that one." Sora waved a hoof dismissively. “In all fairness, I’ve been saving that one for a while.” “Really?” Applebloom sat on her haunches and stared up at the stallion. “Why would you need to save a joke like that?” The stallion smiled sheepishly. “Well…you see…I wasn’t always the biggest kid. In fact I was one of the shortest.” Applebloom’s eyes bulged. “Really?” “Yeah…Honestly I was always picked on because of that.” “B-but you’re a hero! Why would somepony pick on a hero?” “I wasn’t always a Keyblade Wielder you know.” Sora's eyes shifted over to the other two fillies as they listened in on his conversation. “In fact I don’t think I was anything special growing up.” “You’re kidding!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “But you like...Saved a whole town, and you have that magic key thing! How is that not anything special?!” Sora raised one hoof and crossed his heart with the other. “Cross my heart. I was just a normal little kid like you.” Sweetie Bell leaned in as she asked, “So how did you get that key blade thing?” “Well...thats actually a long story." the young stallion told them. 'You see, it was a dark and stormy night and-” “There you are!” Sora and the girls looked up to see Rainbow Dash zipping downwards toward them. She landed in front of the stallion, addressing him when she did so. “Been looking for you everywhere. You’re needed down by town hall.” “Town Hall?” The hero questioned. “Do you know why?” “Don’t ask dumb questions.” Rainbow said while turning away from him. “Just be there, okay?” Before the mare could take off, Sora’s voice stopped her. “Rainbow!" When she paused and turned to face him, he began to speak "I’m glad that you’re ok. Pinkie told me that you were getting chased by heartless when she found you.'' His head lowered and his ears folded back. “If I had known they were coming then…” A tap against his head stopped his sentence short. He looked up to see the cyan pegasus lowering her hoof back to the ground. “Geez…shut up Hero. I’m okay so don’t worry about it.” She turned her head so that she could look at him in his eyes. Sora was slightly taken aback by the way she looked. Her eyes seemed softer than before, at least softer then he was use to from her. “Just get moving okay? And don’t be late or else I’ll kick your flank into next Thursday.” She flew off leaving the stallion and the fillies. Sora blinked slowly before turning to face the fillies. "Is she always-" "Intense?" Applebloom asked "Weird?" Sweetie Belle squeaked. "Awesome?" Scootaloo added. Sora couldn't stop the laugh that escaped him. "Right...So all of the above. Lets get going girls. Don't think I wanna keep Rainbow Dash waiting on me." ~ Ponyville Town Hall The fillies had led Sora back to Ponyville, the latter enjoying the gentle breeze of the wind on the warm summer-like day. The young stallion had been talking in length about his time upon his homeland Destiny Island, telling the fillies about all the adventures that he and his friends would get up to. So wrapped up in the conversation Sora was, that it took him some time to notice the rather large gathering converged upon the still recovering building of Town hall. Still when he did notice, he had little time to wonder what was going on due to a certain lavender unicorn trotting her way towards Sora and the girls. “Twilight? You’re ok!” He ran up to a look a relief upon his face. “Geeze...I was worried about you.” “You, my friends and all of my family too.” Twilight responded with a tired smile. She seemed to still have a little fatigue but otherwise Sora thought she was doing okay. “Celestia had to stop my parents from taking the first train to Ponyville when they heard that I had...ah...gotten hurt.” The young stallion chuckled softly. “ I can imagine. You should have seen my mom after I came back from my first adventure Or...was it the second? Thought she would never let me leave the house again. Still don’t know how Master Yen Sid convinced her to let me. I guess thats just how moms are.” “I'm sure you are right. Still, besides all that, I do have to thank you Sora. Spike told me everything that had happened when I was” Twilight shuddered softly before smiling back at the stallion “...ah...Anyway. Thank you. For saving me.” Sora blushed sheepishly as he rubbed the tip of his hoof against his snout. “Well...I do what I can." He said in a light and chipper voice “Besides that thought, There are some things I really need to discuss with you,” Twilight continued.” But that can wait till another time. First I think you should follow me. Don’t want to keep everypony waiting after all.” Before Sora could even ask what she meant by that, Twilight took the lead, slightly dragging the poor boy with her magic as she led him toward the front of the crowd, continuing onwards towards the top of a makeshift stage. Awaiting Twilight and himself was a beige mare with a curly white mane, a mare that Sora remembered being named Mayor Mare. As soon as she had spotted the pair the mayor’s smile doubled with practice ease, beckoning Sora to stand beside her. The Keyblade Wielder's belly felt as if butterflies were having a field day within him, and apprehension grew more and more within his being. He had turned behind himself only to find Applejack and Twilight blocking his escape route. The farm mare chuckled gently as she turned him around and pushed him to the podium. “Going somewhere, partner?” Sora shook his head, still rather confused. “What’s going on? I don’t…” The beige mare coughed politely, though loud enough to be heard from all ponies to steadily lower their chant till it died down. “Attention everypony! Attention! I understand that all of you were afraid yesterday. For those monsters to ruthlessly attack Ponyville is unforgivable! I would like to extend my condolences to all that were affected by the Shadow Ponies and the Darkflower.” Sora raised an eyebrow towards the lavender unicorn. “Shadow Ponies? Darkflower?” “Well we have to call them something, right? Heartless is good and all but since I found out there are more than just the pony shaped ones, I figured I should take it upon myself to name all the ones we’ve met so far.” The caramel stallion chuckled in embarrassment. “Hey, not judging. Should see some of the names my friend came up with for many of the heartless I fought before. The two of you would get along, I think.” Attention was drawn back into the speech as Mayor Mare continued. “I would like to be the first to honor a pony who not only stood up in the face of adversity to tackle the invasion of those nasty creatures, but ousted them from our town completely. A pony who, only arriving in our little town, took it upon himself to protect it with his very life.” She waved a hoof toward the keyblade wielder. “On behalf of Ponyville, I would like to thank Sora for his bravery.” Mayor Mare trotted up to Sora and held out a medallion for him. “Please accept this as a token of our appreciation.” Sora held the medallion in his hooves before turning to face the Mayor. “I...Wow...ah…” “Would the young hero of the hour like to address the public?” The mayor offered. Sora blushed brighter than he had ever done before as he was pulled in front of the podium. The poor boy stood dumbstruck as he stared out into the eager crowd. Never before had he been in this position. Whenever he traveled through the worlds, he always saved the day and then just left to do the same on another world. Sure he was thanked nearly every time, but never to this magnitude. “I…I’m not used to this. Honestly, if I had my way I would just ask for a whole cake to eat and just sleep it off.” Sora heard a “TRUE THAT” from a familiar pink mare out in the front of the crowd. It only put him slightly off guard before he continued with what he was about to say. “While I do thank you for this whole thing,” He held out the medal. “I don’t think I deserve all this praise. More then a few of your houses were destroyed because of the battle and your lives were put in danger because I-.” The mayor wrapped a hoof around Sora’s neck and pulled him in close. “Do you see that. Not only is he a hero but he is also a modest one to boot! Give it up for the Hero of Ponyville.” The ponies all stomped on the ground cheering loudly and cutting off any retort he had wanted to say. Sora could only smile worriedly as he looked out onto the crowd. ~ Canterlot Throne Room Celestia sat on her throne looking over all the available data about heartless that been recorded over the years. It had been a long time since she had even considered going over any of the findings that had talked about the elusive shadows. It didn’t help matters that the attack on Ponyville laid heavily on the white alicorn’s mind, as well as the plight that her star pupil was subjected to. The princess of the sun couldn’t stop remembering the feelings she had held when she had first learned about everything two days prior. She had teleported right away to Twilight’s side as soon as she could. Seeing her student, her friend...Her...Daughter...Hurt in such a way nearly broke the princess' regal façade. She loved all of her subjects dearly but she had always held a special place in her heart for Twilight. The only other pony to outpace her in righteous fury was that of Twilight's own mother. The Princess had actually forgotten who it was that she was dealing with when it took near six of her guards to finally restrain the mare and talk some since into her before she went on a rampage across Equestira. She wasn't Daring Dos partner and publisher for nothing after all. She was glad however, for how things had turned out in the end. She was right to place her faith in Sora, the boy having saved her from being lost forever. Still, it was too close for comfort for her liking. She had set up extra guards around all cities and highways because of the incident. Keyblade or no keyblade, she was never going to allow such a thing to happen again, not if she could help it. The sudden interruption of her throne room door bursting open caused the princess to slightly jump, not quite expecting such an entrance. She watched as a white earth pony guard with gleaming gold armor raced towards the throne room, his voice heavy with fatigue. “News from Northern Equestria!” He said before adopting a more fitting tone for speaking with the princess. “Your highness…” Celestia held her head high as she addressed the guard. “Yes? What is it?” The guard bowed low before removing his helmet and addressing her once again. “I am to tell you that it has been found.” Her eyes widened and she gasped, not being able to withhold her surprise. Regaining her composure, she turned to the pegasus guards beside her, her tone holding a hard, desperate twinge. “Find Princess Cadence and Shining Armor!” The guards bowed low in acknowledgement before running to complete their mission. When she was alone the Princess picked up a quill and parchment with her magic and began her letter to her student. ~ Ponyville - A ways away from Town Hall “Haha...Ponies sure are a sociable bunch…” Sora spent the evening communing with many of the town ponies as they all thanked him for saving their town. Despite how he felt about being the main cause of most of the buildings being demolished, seeing all those ponies’ smiling faces caused the hero to smile brightly as well. Making others smile had always been a special talent of his after all. Still, it was a little overwhelming for the poor boy and he was glad when he was able to finally slip away due to the distraction that was a very pink pony causing an impromptu song and dance number. He found himself pulling away from the group to find a little solitude. He scoffed slightly at such a notion. Two years of being alone, and he always wanted someone around. Now here he was surrounded by overly social ponies, seeking solitude. Still it goes without saying that he was a hero in all the ponies eyes, and that honestly scared him. If he was to fail, like he had done with the exams…if he was to slip up now…then everypony would be in serious danger. If it wasn’t for that Doctor dude, then things could have gone much worse for Ponyville. Sora had tried to look for him in the crowd before but both he and the gray mare seemed to just vanish. They were the ones who had single handedly saved the whole town. He was just the cleanup crew. Sora lowered his head. “Why am I beating myself up like this? Sure I wasn’t there to actually protect the other ponies but still…I did do what I could…” He cursed inwardly. “And it still wasn’t enough, was it? Big Mac got hurt, we nearly lost Twilight, and if it weren’t for Pinkie, then Rainbow would have been in trouble too…I guess I really am a useless…” “You know, I don’t think all that self loathing suits you?” Sora jumped in fright at the sound of Twilight’s voice behind him, and his wings once again betrayed him by flapping awkwardly in the sky, causing the poor stallion to flip upside down and land on his back with a resounding thud. Twilight stood over him and smiled. “I’m sorry. Didn’t think I would scare you like that.” Sora raised a hoof from his downed position. “For some reason…I think you all get joy out of sneaking up on me…” Twilight giggled before lending a helpful hoof to pull him back up. “Sorry. It’s just, I saw you leaving the party and I wanted to check up on you.” She closed her eyes. “And I wanted to talk to you about something…” Sora tilted his head. “What’s up?” Twilight’s eyes grew soft as she looked upon him. She needed to talk to him about whatever it was that was bothering him but first things first, she needed to confront him about her time in the darkness. “Sora…I…I don’t remember too much after I was, um, captured. From what Spike tells me I was trapped inside a magic bubble with him and my…my heart was outside of my body.” She shook her head. "Not my heart heart but my, well...it's hard to describe. It felt like all my feelings were just...well...vanishing. I never felt so empty in my life." Sora grew concerned as he placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Are you ok?” Twilight nodded as she wrapped her fore hooves around her body. “Yeah I’m fine. But it was so dark, and so lonely. I didn’t know what to do. I remember trying to get out of the darkness but…I couldn’t…I just…” She shuddered slightly. “I nearly gave up you know. That was until I heard a voice.” She pointed a hoof towards him. “Your voice.” “My voice?” Sora asked as he tilted his head to the other side. The lavender mare nodded. “Tell me Sora…what happened on your end.” He placed a hoof on his chin as he went over the events in his head. He told Twilight he had remembered striking at the bubble that held her and Spike with his Keyblade. He didn’t quite know what was going to happen when he did it. For all he knew he could have made it worse, but as soon as he struck the magic bubble he had remembered blacking out. The last thing he could remember before waking back up was feeling Twilight call for help. “Wait…You felt me call out for help?” Twilight interrupted. “Yeah, I mean, It felt like I felt you. Almost like I could feel your heart calling out to me. I remember reaching out to it with my own. After that the next thing I knew I was holding you in my hooves outside of Town Hall.” Twilight blushed brightly, imagining the caramel stallion holding her close like a mother would a foal. Spike seemed to have left that part out of his version of the narration. She would have to confront him about it later though. What she had to say next was important. “Sora…I remember seeing something.” Twilight began. “It looked like nothing I have ever seen before. It was tall and weirdly shaped. I didn’t know what to make of it.” “Really? Was it a heartless?” Twilight shook her head. “No, It" She paused. "...He helped me. I don’t know what he was but for some reason he-“ “TWILIGHT!!” Twilight’s sentence was cut short by the sound of the familiar voice that was her assistant. She turned just in time to see him approach her, gasping for breath. “Twilight…Letter…Princess…” The mare’s eyes bulged “A letter from the princess!” She quickly opened it with her magic and scanned the contents. Both Sora and Spike jumped slightly when she gasped without warning. “Oh dear…” Twilight’s eyes focused towards the purple drake at her side. “Spike…I need you to go get the girls. On the double.” “What's wrong, Twilight.” Spike asked in a worried tone. “Did something happen?” “The Crystal Empire! It’s reappeared!” > The Crystal Empire (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul The Crystal Empire Green to start music and red to stop music Ponyville… Sora, Spike, and Twilight had made their way back to the festivities, the lavender mare of the trio quickly finding all of her friends and filling them in on Celestia’s impromptu summons. They gave their apologies to Mayor Mare before making their way back to Twilight's treehouse, convening there to discuss what to do next. “Well...If it ain't one thing then it's another .” Applejack cooly commented after rereading the note from the princess, though there was a noticeable twinge of annoyance to her tone, “Not a few days since the last incident and we are already on another case. Starting ta think that the universe has something against us.” “I don’t like it either, darling.” Rarity lamented. “Don’t these brutes know that I need my beauty time? They really are cutting into the work that I put into managing my image.” “Ha! Like badguys care about our time.” Rainbow huffed hotly. “In any case it just means that we can bring the fight to them instead of them catching us off guard like last time. Been wanting to beat up a few of those stupid heartless for a while anyway. Barely saw any action the last few times they showed up.” “We don’t even know if it has anything to do with heartless Rainbow.” Twilight admonished as she picked up a rather heavy tome and placed it within a bag upon her back. “It could be something else entirely threatening the kingdom.” “Could be, but experience taught me to always suspect the heartless.” Sora countered. “Besides, that weird cloaked pony is still out there too. She kinda seems like the type to not let a grudge go.” “She was...really scary…” Fluttershy added, hiding herself behind her wings. “You don't think...that she is the one the Princess's is asking us about, is she? I don't want to have to deal with any more of those heartless ponies...” “Awww! Don’t worry Shy!” Pinkie Pie mused as she pulled the shy and shivering mare close into a crushing side hug. “Your big sis Pinky will keep those nasty wasty heartless away from your cute little head.” “But...Pinkie...I’m a year older then-” “In any case.” The lavender mare interjected, commanding the attention of the entire room. “We need to get ready to leave. I want all of you at the train station within the hour. We can’t keep Celestia waiting when she has an important mission for me...For us.” Sora and the rest of the girls would nod before setting off to get ready. The stallion would pause only for a moment, looking back towards Twilight as she was stuffing another tome within her saddlebag. He had opened his mouth to say something, maybe ask about what it was that she saw back when they were talking but he quickly closed it before following after Applejack. The lavender mare turned her head just as Sora closed the door, releasing a soft sigh. Latching up her left saddle back, she would make her way towards a nearby work desk, picking up a rather new looking notebook with a vary familiar looking key upon it. It had been the one she had made herself ever since Sora literally dropped into their lives, the mysterious Keyblade Wielder and all of his secrets. What she did know of him was very little, despite how much he talked about himself. Sure she knew that he had friends, fought monsters, and was very much a kind pony, but there was just so much that he seemed to refuse to tell her. That and...what she saw back when the heartless attacked. Back when she was surrounded by...darkness. Twilight shivered softly at the mention of that...that place. Sinking into the abyss, she could almost taste the darkness on the tip of her tongue. Something that should have been physically impossible, but she could. It felt...Honestly she didn’t quite know how to feel about it. She hated it, more than anything if she was being honest, but the scary part was, that near the end, before she was saved, she had felt herself nearly give into it. Was the dark always so...scary? A loud thud behind the lavender mare caused her to yelp and quickly turn around, seeing her number one assistant leaning against a rather hefty backpack. “Spike? What are you doing and where do you think you are going with that?” “Where do you think?” The little dragon huffed. “I’m coming with you, Twilight.” “Ahhhh...No." The lavender mare responded, giving the little dragon a raised eyebrow. "You are staying here to watch the li-” A stomp from Spike’s foot cut the mare off. “No way! None of that stay and watch the library crap! I’m coming with you and that's final! No way am I gonna leave your side!” “Spike!” Twilight said as she stood up, facing the little drake with a frown upon her brow. “First off, language, and second off, this isn’t up for debate. You are to stay here where-” “-It will be safe?” the dragon interjected. “A lot of good that did a few days ago. Have you forgotten what happened?” “Of course I didn't Spike! It's the reason why you need to stay here now. Celestia gave her word that something like that will never happen again. She set up wards and assigned more guards around Ponyville just to make sure it doesn't happen again. You will be as safe as safe can be.” “But what about you?! Who's going to keep you safe!?” Twilight flinched back as Spike’s words cut her deep, but he did not stop. “What if something happens to you and I’m not there. I don’t...I don’t want to feel like I would lose you again” The little drake lowered his head. “Even if it's something small...I want to do everything I can to make sure you are never hurt again.” Twilight was at a loss for words for once, the mare slowly making her way towards the little dragon and wrapping both forehooves around him, pulling the little dragon into a gentle embrace. “Spike...I...I mean…” “Please don’t tell me to stay here, Twi...please.” Twilight pulled away from the dragon giving him a gentle nod. “Fine. You win. I don’t like it, but I guess having you near me is better not knowing if you will get yourself into trouble while I'm away.” She gently kissed his forehead, much to the annoyance of the little drake, though he didn't outright stop her from doing so. “But you always stay by me or one of the girls. Even Sora if it comes to it. If there is even a hint that something dangerous will happen then you run. That is my one condition. Do you understand?” Spike opened his mouth to protest but found a hoof covering it. “I asked, do you understand?” Unable to voice any rejection the little drake nodded solemnly. ~ Within the hour, the group of eight had made their way to the train station and began to board the train leaving for Canterlot that Celestia had prepared for them, much to their surprise. The excited squeals from Rarity could be heard throughout the train. “First class with our own cabins. Celestia really went all out for us didn’t she?” The white mare mused over the cabin that she, in her belief, thought was the biggest. "On board kitchen, fully stocked, cabins with beautiful and soft looking cots to rest our heads. "I must say...a lady can get use to this lifestyle." Applejack rested her back against the back of the chair that she plopped herself onto, waving a hoof at Rarity's musings. “Ya’ll gotta think more practical like Rarity. We have been, without much rest mind you, traveling here and there and everywhere, not to mention we just came out of a rather nasty encounter with a very nasty critter. She probably feels we need someplace to rest for a spell.” “Be that as it may, darling, I still find it impressive.” Rarity said as she moved out of the way so that Spike and Sora could come through with her luggage. The duo struggled to push the suitcases full of Celestia knows what into the upper part of the train, the drake and stallion talking absentmindedly as they did so. "Geeze...what does she have in here?" Sora asked, looking down at the struggling dragon. "Feels like we are taking a whole house with is." "No complaining Sora." Spike admonished. "As stallion's it is only natural that we do our part to make sure the girls are comfortable. "But...doesn't she have like...magic? Can't she carry some of this herself?" "And ask her to strain herself before the trip even began?!" Before Sora could even respond, Twilight would make herself known, popping in behind the pair with a poof of magic. The mare smiled softly towards the little dragon before turning towards Sora. “Don't mind if I take Sora off your hooves for a bit do you Spike, I need to talk to him...” She looked towards Spike again. “In private mind you.” Sora blinked once before turning to Spike. “You gonna be okay here till I get back?” “No *Agh* sure *ugh* Go on ahead. I got this.” He said just before toppling over with a yelp as all the suitcases fell on top of him. Sora was about to help him up but was forced into the air by Twilight’s magic as she brought him to an empty spot on the train, away from prying ears. Sora looked on helplessly as Twilight positioned him in front of her, her magic keeping him aloft and upside down much to his charging. “So…what’s up, Twi?” The lavender mare breathed in and out slowly before addressing the stallion. “It’s about what we were talking about back by that tree. You know…About that…creature.” Sora folded his forelegs about his chest and closed his eyes, which was made even more comical due to him currently floating upside down at the moment in Twilight’s magic. It took a while before he remembered what she was going on about. “Oh yeah! You saw some type of creature, right? You said you knew it or something?” Twilight nodded slowly. “Well, I only felt like I knew it. It was strange and I couldn't quite see the actual shape of it. The...darkness had nearly overtaken me by the time It reached me. I did...well...despite me not knowing what it was, I...felt self? I just don’t know why I did. Maybe it had something to it sounding a little like you.” That revelation startled the young hero. “It sounded like me?” Twilight nods, as she gently sets Sora back on his hooves. “I mean...It was distant but...I really felt it was you calling out to me at that time. I know that you used your keyblade to help me, but I just don't know what happened on your side of things. Can you...tell me?” “Well…I don't know what else I can say Twilight.” He told her scratching the side of his head. “When I went to save you with my keyblade all I did was use point the key at you and...well...I guess I wished I would save you. I mean, I know I had my keyblade for a few years now but I still find something new about it nearly every week.” Twilight sighed heavily at Sora’s admittance, annoyance clear as day upon her face. “That just raises even more questions then. Questions that have been building up ever since you came here. The heartless, the fighting, the darkness. Not to mention that evil pony that tried to steal my heart and turn all my friends in town into heartless.” She shook her head. “I just don’t know what to do anymore. Where I can turn to find the answers I need? And how can I trust in something I don't know anything about?” She looked towards the stallion as she said the last part, her gaze pleading for something. “I…” Sora paused before continuing, looking away from the mare, “I wish I could help you Twilight.” Twilight could only sigh before looking away from Sora, her ears drooping low at his admittance. “Me too Sora.” Before she could walk off however, Sora gently grasped her tail with a hoof, causing the lavender mare to look back at him. “If it means anything...Its...not about trust." He looked away from her. "I probably already said it before but I’m really glad you are safe Twilight. After...After I saw you in that bubble, your heart was about to be taken away...I…It really felt like I...” He held his tongue and shook his head. “There are a lot of things I want to talk about Twilight, that I could tell you, and maybe what I have to say can help you...but…” Twilight’s eyes were not locked completely upon Sora’s own now that he had her full attention. “But what, Sora?” “I know that you don’t fully trust me. You don’t have to if you don't want to, but I will always give it my all to protect you and your friends. I will protect you even if you never trust me, you have my word, Twilight. Because That's all I can do...for you...and for them." Before Twilight could even ask what he meant by that the young stallion had turned away from her, leaving the mare with even more questions than before. “For them? What did he mean by that?” So preoccupied was the lavender mare with her thoughts that she did not notice when twelve extra hooves had snuck their way onto the train. ~ The princesses of the sun and moon gazed upon the stained glass window depicting two ponies, one a stallion and the other a mare not unlike the two alicorns, positioned in the shape of a heart. While the imagen itself was beautiful in its own right, the two princesses could find no solace within the depiction of two of their subject’s greatest victories depicted within the glass. “Sister…are you sure you don’t want me to go as well?” Luna finally spoke up, her tone of voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. Celestia sighed inwardly. She knew the task ahead would be dangerous, deadly even, but still she could not take any risk when it came to the monsters they would be dealing with, especially when she knew who would be involved in the coming conflict. “I’m certain Luna. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are already there and the others will be joining them soon enough. Besides, we have our own challenges to deal with if you have forgotten Sister” "We have not sister." The lunar princess responded, with a frown. “The empire’s magic is powerful, though. We cannot allow it to fall again my sister. Especially to the…” Luna Shuddered. “Heartless.” “I know that all too well Luna. I have faith that both my student and her friends, as well as the young Keyblade Wielder will find a way to stop the dark king, and when they do I know that they will be that much closer to being ready for what truly awaits them. Especially Sora and Twilight.” Despite saying such words, it hurt her deeply not to fully get involved in the coming conflict. She knew that this is what Sora and Twilight needed more then anything. Especially Sora. She could still feel the doubt within his heart when they had last parted. In order for him to win, his heart would need be put to the test. “I have faith in your student as well sister.” Luna agreed, “And the gallant wielder of the key has more than proven himself to us.” She turned to look away. “It just pains me to have to see them go through this without us truly supporting them in a better way.” Celestia smiled softly. “I know how you feel dear sister, but-.” “Princesses?” The sister alicorns turned towards where they had been called from, The elements of harmony as well as Sora and Spike making their way towards the duo. Celestia gave them a gentle smile as she whispered to Luna, “Trust me little sister. I know they will be more than ready to take on their task.” The group would stop before the princess, Twilight stepping up and bowing low to her teacher. “We came as soon as we could, Princess Celestia.” “Yes my dear student,” Celestia replied. “I am sorry to call you so soon after your troubles within Ponyville.” Applejack tilted her hat as she stepped up and spoke for everypony within the group. “Don’t y’all fret none, your highness. We’re up to any task y’all can give us, as long as we can kick those dang Heartless out of Equestria fer good.” “Yeah!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed hovering in the air. “So tell us what's what? What's all this about the Crystal Empire?” The sun princess nodded. “While my memory is still quite limited due to the effects of the curse Sombra had placed upon the Crystal Empire, what I do remember is this.” levitating a purple crystal from a glass case onto the floor, the princess would fill it with magic, igniting it to form a transparent image of what looked like a city made of crystals, and at its center was a castle of the same design. “One thousand years ago a unicorn whose heart was black as night took over the Crystal Empire with a horde of Shadow Beast at his beck and call.” “Heartless…” Sora surmised as the beautiful scene turned into that of pure horror. The young stallion grimaced as well as many of the others, as they watched the heartless chase every mare, stallion, and foal in the streets, herding them toward a wicked looking unicorn. Sora could already feel his distaste for the dark stallion rising. “Indeed, Sora,” Celestia continued. “It was easy for that unicorn, King Sombra, to take the throne due to the previous queen’s illness. With the army of darkness at his command and the power of dark magic within him, he had little to no resistance to oppose him. That is until me and mine sister challenged him with the elements of harmony at our command. He was ultimately overthrown by us, turned into nothing but a shadow due to the elements power, and banished to the ice of the arctic north.” Luna nodded. “A fitting end for a tyrant such as himself.” “A fitting end it may be but I still wished we had a way to make him change his ways.” Celestia continued. “Still, despite our win and before he was fully banished, Sombra was able to put a curse upon the Empire, a curse that caused it to not only vanish into thin air, but also wipe our memories of such a place.” She said the last part with an air of despair. “It shames me to have fallen victim to such forbidden magic.” She turned to face them. “And it pains me that I was unable to protect the crystal ponies from harm, but with you, my faithful student, your friends, and the hero of light, there might be a way to crush Sombra’s rule once and for all.” “So...All we gotta do is take down some tyrannical overlord before he can get his hooves on a city made of crystal, all while fighting hordes of heartless who would want nothing better than to steal our hearts.” Rainbow smirked as she pumped her hoof. “Can you say best day ever?” “Rainbow!” Applejack Called out. “Be serious!” “What? I am serious!” She began throwing light jabs in the air. “Seriously gonna show that fake king a thing or two! Maybe even three if he gets unlucky enough to meet me” Before the farm mare could retort, Twilight would interrupt, a look of determination donning on her features. “How do we even begin, princess?” The alicorn of the sun smiled brightly as she spoke to her student. “By joining Shining Armor and Princess Cadence in the Crystal Empire.” Twilight eyes widened. “My brother is there?” The sun princess nodded. “Indeed he is. He and your former foal sitter are seeing to the kingdom’s defenses even as we speak. With them by yourside as well as the Keyblade of Light, I have every confidence that you will succeed in repelling Sombra.” She smiled at the rest. “You all will.” The lavender mare looked toward her teacher and ever so slightly her confident expression began to dwindle as she thought about what had happened back at Ponyville. More specifically, what had happened to her and all of her friends. “But…What if we fail?” Celestia shook her head. “You won’t…” “But…What if-“ Twilight was cut off by her teacher placing a hoof upon her chest. “You won’t, Twilight. As long as you always believe in what's important.” Twilight looked toward the ground for a while before raising her head up high once again. “You can count on me, your highness!” Celestia smiled knowingly at the young mare before nodding towards her. As the group turned to leave, Celestia would speak up one more time. “Sora, if I can have a word with you.” She paused as Sora and the others looked towards the princess, the alicorn of the sun looking between them all before continuing. “Alone, if that is fine.” Twilight turned to try and protest but would soon hold her tongue as her gaze shifted towards Sora, remembering the talk they had upon the train. With a sigh of defeat, the lavender mare would give the princess a curt nod before leading the others out of the room, leaving the princesses with the Keyblade Wielder. Now that they were alone, Celestia would smile down upon the young stallion who, in return, casted his gaze upwards towards her, giving the princess a slightly unsure smile of his own. “Was there...something I can help you with Princess?” the boy would ask. Celestia frowned. Actually, it looked more like a pout to Sora. The sudden boop to his nose didn’t help with the silly situation either. “H-hey!” The hero rubbed the spot she poked, looking down at his nose cross-eyed. “What was that for, princess?” The white alicorn huffed indigently. “Sister dear, can you tell Sora that I will not speak to him until he addresses me correctly.” The princess of the night rolled her eyes playfully. "Sora, my sister says that she will not speak to you until you address her correctly." Baffled on all sides, the stallion would raise an eyebrow at the two princesses. “Ah...but...I mean…What?” Celestia huffed just a little louder and turned her head to the side, sticking her muzzle in the air as she did so. “Wait, hang on.” The keyblade wielder squinted. “Are you...You are pouting.” Celestia huffed again, not at all acknowledging the hero or his words. Luna couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped her. “It is best you adhere to her request, dear wielder of the key, mine sister can be quite stubborn when she wants to be.” Sora, which a chuckle of his own, finally relented. “ Fine. You win, Celestia.” The sun princess smiled as she turned to face the hero once again. “And I am happy to see you too, Sora. It seemed like you were quite...what was the word...melancholy?” at Sora’s raised eyebrow the princess would add. “It means down in the dumps as it were.” “Oh…”Sora couldn’t stop the edge of embarrassment creeping into his tone. “Sorry...Just been thinking a lot.” Celestia’s face softened at that. “I know that you might be pressed for time, but...Do you want to talk about it?” Sora shook her head after waiting a moment to think things through. “No...I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” Besides, I don’t want to cause anyone any trouble. We already have enough as it is. Have to keep my head in the game. The young stallion told himself. Celestia frowned slightly before giving the young hero a gentle nod. “As you wish, Sora.” She smiled softly at the wielder of the keyblade, placing a hoof upon the top of his head, giving it a gentle ruffle. “But if you ever wish to talk, I will be here. Just remember, everypony, no matter who they are, always needs someone to tell their troubles to.” "hehe...So I've been told." Sora responded. "Still...thanks for the offer...I'll keep it in mind Celestia." "Thats all I ask Sora. Now, off with you. Don't want to keep the ladies waiting any more then they are do you?" Sora nodded before leaving, the Princess's words weighing heavily on his mind. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight...and Celestia...Geeze. I can't be that easy to read...right? ~ Canterlot City… With Sora now returned to the party, Twilight led the small group as they made their way out of the castle, the young mare’s mind racing. So much was hanging in the balance, and Celestia had entrusted her with saving a whole empire this time. Was this too much for her to handle? Was she the right pony for the job? She had put on a brave front in front of her teacher, but she knew deep down it was all an act. She had practically been shaking in her horseshoes. Twilight chanced a glance towards Sora. The hero having taken in the sights around him as he trotted along, Fluttershy, the kind mare that she was, walked beside him in silence. Normally the stallion would be talking to the shy mare, but even now, she could see that he wasn't quite himself. Was it...her fault? Twilight shook her head as the encounter upon the train began to eat away at her. Maybe I went a little overboard with him on the train. He’s a little weird but he’s honestly been nothing but helpful to us. And what he said before... The lavender mare sighed, lost in her thoughts as she was. She instantly became aware of herself though due to a certain farmpony wrapping a foreleg around her shoulders, a kind smile placed upon her features. “Ya alright sugarcube? Ya look more worried then a snake at a badger convention.” Twilight knew that when it came to AJ worrying about you, nothing but the truth would would do, especially when it came to her best friends, with a heavy sight Twilight laminated .”I...Well...I guess me and Sora got into a bit of a fight...well...Actually it was more of me talking and telling him how i couldn't’ trust him i guess.” Saying it out loud made the mare cringe ever so slightly. “Oh? So that’s what ya two were doing over there. For a minute ah thought he confessed his heart to you and you shot him down.” Twilight's cheeks turned a lovely shade of red. “What!?” The farm-mare chuckled gently, nudging the mare. “Just joshing with you, Twi.” After allowing her chuckle to calm down and for Twi’s pout to lessen, she would continue. “So what were you two fighting about?” “It’s…It’s about his secrets he’s keeping from us. Is it really so bad that he has to hide it? I know we all have our secrets but with what was going on...”She shook her head. “That critter’s got me more curious than a cat with a mouse. Ah too am wondering what he’s hiding under dat hood but...” She mused gently before looking at her friend. “Still it’s best to make up with him. ” She looked up at AJ. “Me make up with him?” “Well yeah. You and ah know he’s too dense to even try to come close to you now, probably feels like it’s best to stay out of your way. Wouldn’t be surprised if he thought the argument was entirely his fault.” “You’re probably right. Still. Are you sure he would accept it? I was pretty mean.” AJ shook her head. “Sure as sugar, Twi. He doesn’t look like the type to hate his friends forever over one fight.” Twilight lowered her head as she pondered Applejack’s words. AJ’s right. I guess I should apologize. He did risk his own life to save mine after all. With renewed determination, the purple pony slowed her trot down till she was walking on the other side of the stallion, Sora, quickly taking notice of this and looking away awkwardly, almost fidgeting as he did so. Both were silent for a long while content with just making their way down the stony Canterlot pathway It was then that Twilight would stop, which in turn caused Sora to do the same as soon as he saw that she had stopped walking. He raised an eyebrow towards the mare, tilting his head every so slightly at the strange actions of the mare. “Ah...Twilight?” Fluttershy squeaked softly. “Are you okay?” The lavender mare smiled softly, yet somewhat sadly before she began to sing. Sora forgive me, I request, Fighting is something I detest Would you sit and hear my plea, I want to know If you forgive me? Twilight looked toward Sora, and with the glow of her horn began to raise him up off the ground, much to his dismay. Sora you’re my friend, can’t you see? She then released him without warning, much to his dismay, and Rainbow’s enjoyment. But not knowing things sets my mind at unease. Sora clapped his hooves after Twilight had seemed to have solved the square root of pie. He had no way of knowing if that was true but hey, it sounded right. “I’ve always written about friendships bliss, I just wasn’t prepared for this Are we friends, or are we not, I can’t be sure. Sora stepped in and raised his head a bit, his voice too taking on a melodic tone. Of course we are. As she smiled he would do the same, both their heads rising a little higher. I’m just scared of the unknown, please understand. I really do. She stopped teleporting and hung her head down as she began to sing again. I ask you, forgive me I implore, You’re my friend to the very core , I am sorry, Oh yes I’m sorry, Forgive me because I am sorry ~ Her song ended as they made their way toward the train station. Sora, tilted his head, looked back at the castle and then back toward Twilight. “Ah...what just happened?” He seemed to have picked his sense of humor back up somewhat. “The power of music Sora...The power of Music.” Pinkie Pie answered, as she bounced past him towards the nearby train, causing the poor stallion to question everything even more. Rainbow and Applejack followed suit, the former giving the stallion a roll of her eyes while the latter shrugged and gave him a gentle nudge and a smile. Rarity nodded and smiled as well, and Fluttershy blushed as she told him that she would try to save him a seat, that is, if it was okay with him. At his nod the mare smiled softly and made her way into the train, blushing brightly as she did so. Spike punched Sora’s foreleg as he passed by, not hurtfully but still not soft either. If anything it was both a warning and a sign of friendship, something that Riku would do to him all the time. When it was just Twilight and Sora, the stallion turned to face her. “I’m the one who should apologize, Twi. I’m keeping secrets from you…from all of you.” He looked away. “I know I just just tell everyone but-“ Twilight placed a hoof on his chest. “Sora…You have your secrets and I can respect that. Don’t get me wrong though, I still want to know what you're hiding. You’re clearly not your average pony after all. Still, forcing secrets from somepony I consider a friend is never good either.” She smiled softly as she pulled the young stallion in for a hug, much to his chagrin. When she pulled away she was met with eyes wide with confusion and cheeks burning with embarrassment. “You can tell me…no…you can tell all of us when you’re ready, Sora. I’m sure whatever it is, it can’t be as bad as you think it is.” She trotted onto the train, leaving Sora alone. Sora could only watch as she left, her words running circles within his mind. With a shake of his head he couldn’t help the smile that played on his lips. “These girls...geeze.” The hero would hop onto the train just as the whistle blew, the door closing shut behind him. > Friends and Siblings (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Friendship and Siblings Green to start music and red to stop music The emptiness of the void was all that Sora could see as he wafted gently in the desalination of the darkness.. The feeling of sinking/falling overcoming all of his senses once again A sensation he was all too familiar with. In more ways than one. Still, this time...it felt different. As if a heaviness was weighing him down. He struggled for breath as the weight tightened itself around his being…around his soul. Around his...Heart. What was making him feel this way? Why was he feeling like this? It felt…familiar somehow. He tested the movement in his limbs, but they too felt as if they were constricted, as though something was holding him in place. “W-What is this…?” He struggled harder but it was to no avail. Each attempt seemed to cause his chest to tighten more. "Where am I?" What’s the matter Sora? Afraid of the dark? Sora’s eyes widened at the voice that spoke to him from everywhere at once. “W-Who’s there?" Oh, just a passerby, looking for his long lost little brother is all. You wouldn’t happen to have seen him have you? “W-what?” Sora looked around, trying to ascertain where the voice was emanating from, but it was to no avail. “Who are you? Who’s there?” Sora growled. “Stop playing games with me!” Games? Haha. Would you listen to yourself. Not everything is about you ya know. Honestly you’re not even worth my time. No one would even care if you gave your heart to the darkness. Sora felt his chest tighten at the word heart. “M-my heart?” Yes Sora. You try your best to cover it up but you can’t escape the truth…No matter what you say out loud, your heart always knows… “What do you mean?” Oh Sora. You can play dumb all you want but I know you…maybe better then you know yourself. I know you feel hate for those that left you. So much anger directed toward yourself for being so weak, so much despair filling every fiber of your being. And jealousy for the one who always came out on top no matter what. All of these things you try to cover up with pretty words and self-assurances, but I can see right through you. And if I can, just think of what your friends think of you. You can ever escape your heart, Sora. Sora shut his eyes, not liking what he was hearing. He wanted to deny it. To tell the being in front of him that he was wrong, but some part of him, in the back of his mind, couldn't help but feel that there was some sort of truth behind what the voice was saying. Still he couldn’t give up, not so easily. “You’re wrong. I’m not like that. I trust my friends!” Oh but I’m not wrong, little hero. And I know you know it. Even that little pony told you herself. And if someone who barely knows you can say that she can’t trust you...then what do you think the people who DO know you have to say? Sora stayed quiet as the being spoke. He wanted to shut it off; all of it. You can refuse to listen all you want, but I know that your heart is drinking it all it. You can’t escape from the truth no matter how hard you try. It would be better if you just let me clear it all away and give yourself over to the dark-UGAH! Sora felt something force the tight feeling that enveloped him off of his chest, freeing his body from its hold. As the taint slipped away his being the hero could feel himself fall back into the void of the darkness of sleep. The last thing he saw just before his eyes closed was a ball of pure light floating gently towards his chest, filling his being with a warmth that was all too familiar to him and yet he could not recall from where. Sora...Don’t ever give up. A name crossed Sora’s mind, one that was so old and yet it felt so new. “I...I know you...you are...are...” ~ Train Heading for the Crystal Empire Sora’s Cabin Sora awoke with a start to a pair of soft blue eyes staring straight into his own, a look of genuine concern etched into the face that they were attached to. “Um…” Fluttershy spoke in a loud whisper. “Are you ok? you...Seemed to have been having a frightful dream.” Sora blinked a few times, trying to gather his wits about him. “Huh? Ah...No. I’m fine Fluttershy.” He lifted himself from off the bed he was laying within, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he did so. He gazed about the rather small room he and Fluttershy occupied, confusion written plan upon his face. It was almost as if he didn't know where he was at the moment. Reality would kick him back into gear however as he looked outside the nearby window, the sight of speeding mountain sides passing him by. “Where are…Oh! That’s right.” The hero gently slapped both of his cheeks with his hooves, waking himself up fully. “We’re still on the train heading towards the Crystal Empire right?” He yawned and stretched, working the kinks out of his system before noticing the shy mare fidgeting worriedly. “Is something going on? It doesn't even look like its morning yet.” Fluttershy looked off to the side as she spoke. “Well, um…Yes…W-We have a few…um…extra passengers on board…” “Passengers?” Sora’s mind instantly grew alert as he jumped to his hooves. “Is it the Heartless!?” Fluttershy cringed at the sudden loud volume of the stallion, but answered all the same. “W-Well no...But...Maybe it's best if you come and see for yourself...If thats ok with you." Sora frowned in confusion but would relent, following after the shy mare. ~ “What the hey were ya’ll thinking?! Sneaking onto the train! A train, mind you, going to one of the most dangerous places on Equestria right now! Did ya’ll have stupid oats for breakfast?!” Sora couldn’t help but flinch in reaction to Applejack’s admonishment, even though he knew it wasn’t meant for him at all. Both he and Fluttershy had just opened the door to the next train compartment to the scene of three familiar little fillies standing in front of two very pissed off sisters and one angry blue pegasus. Twilight and Pinkie both stood off to the back of the group, the former scribbling something upon a parchment while the latter looked on uncharastically with worry, fidgeting from hoof to hoof as her mane slightly deflated. “What the? Scoots? Sweetie? Applebloom?” At all three names the fillies would turn to face the only stallion in the room. “Where the heck did you three...I mean. How did you three get on this train?” “Sora!” Applebloom was the first to rush towards the colt, wrapping her hooves around his foreleg tight and giving the stallion the most hopeful of smiles. “Thank goodness ya’ll are here! Tell ’em we ain’t meant no harm by it! Honest!” “Yeah!” Scootaloo added as she ran up to him, her wings buzzing. “We just…We just wanted to go with you guys, that’s all.” “What they said!” Sweetie Bell squeaked for good measure, taking refuge under Sora. Applejack stomped her hoof in agitation as all three fillies ran to their would be saviour. “He ain’t got nothing to do with this!” “That’s right girls.” Rarity added. “He has enough to worry about and you three just added to that.” “B-But he's just gonna go and beat up the bad guys anyway, right?” Sweetie Belle stammered, her ears folding back against her head. “Yeah! There's no way that we are in danger with you guys and him around.” Scootaloo boasted. “I bet even between Rainbow and him, they will have it all covered before breakfast starts!” Rainbow tried to keep her look of annoyance at the girl’s antics but the boast did give the cyan mare a bit of an ego boost. A kick from Twilight caused the pegasus mare to bright back down from her high however. “Y-Yeah-Even if that is true, what you kids did isn’t cool, ya know?” All three fillies flinched at that, Scootaloo more than the others. “Sora…W-We just wanted to support you…” Applebloom said in a low tone of voice as she turned to face the young hero. “I just wanted to help ya and...” “I...I mean…” Sora sturred softly as he looked away from them. What could he even say to the three of them. If he was being honest with himself they reminded him of he and his own friends. He tried his best to come up with something to say but this wasn’t something he was well equipped with dealing with at all. Before he could allow himself to falter any further in his inner musings, Fluttershy stepped in front of him, giving the three fillies a rather stern look. “Girls, I want you three to come here in front of me.” All three fillies looked at each other worriedly before complying with the yellow mare’s words, the fillies shuffling their hooves in front of the abnormally shy mare. Said mare sighed softly before she began, looking between all three fillies. “I understand why you would do what you did here today, but think of your poor parents and siblings looking for you all over town.” The three fillies would each release a soft squeak at that, the sudden ramifications of their actions hitting them like a ton of bricks, still Fluttershy was not done and continued with her speech without mercy. “And think of what they must be thinking right now. They have to be worried sick. I know I would be if any of my animal friends went missing without warning.” The shame of what the three had done would hit them like bricks, tears slowly starting to form within each of their eyes. Fluttershy, seeing this happen, wrapped her hooves around the three of them, cooing softly as she pulled all three fillies as close to her as possible. “Now now, don’t cry. Despite what you have done, I know in my heart that your intentions were good. You didn’t mean to hurt anypony, but I must tell you that what you did here today was wrong. Do you understand?” The fillies would slowly nod between quaking sops and whines. Getting what she was hoping for, she turned to face Sora and the rest of her friends, smiling sadly. “Would it be ok if I kept them by my side, at least until we return to Ponyville?” Rarity and Applejack, looked between each other before both mares nodding their approval. “I reckon it would be for the best if nothing else.” “I could not ask for a better mare to watch over my one and only sister.” Fluttershy smiled and ushered the three fillies to the next cart with a gentle push of her wing, neither of the fillies making any rebuttal to stop her. When she left, Sora instantly turned to the first mare that was in the vicinity, which was Pinkie Pie for some reason. “Wow...that was…” Pinkie smiled and booped his nose. “Pretty intense? I know right. Nothing can stop her when Fluttershy is in Mommy Flutters mode.” Sora and the rest of the girls looked toward Pinkie with raised eyebrows, only stopping when Rarity coughed into her hoof. “Yes…Well, nickname or no, that would be our Fluttershy. She will shame you with her kindness.” Twilight nodded as she handed over a rolled up scroll over to her number one assistant, the dragon burning it up with a flick of his flames. “The Princess will inform everyone back in Ponyville that the three fillies are with us thanks to the letter I just sent. So we don’t need to worry too much on that issue at least. On another note, It shouldn’t be too much longer before we reach our destination. Everypony should get their things in order now. Wanna make sure we don’t leave anything behind after all. Rainbow, can you do a sweep of the train, make sure that there are no other small surprises around.” The rainbow maned mare saluted. "Can do Twi. Got it covered." "Thanks." Twilight sighed deeply, making her way back towards her own cabin. "Today is already starting off bad..." The girl's and Sora would follow Twilight's example, each one tuning back to go to their respective cabins. Before making his way back towards his own, Rainbow would stop him in his tracks, holding out a wing out in front him him to do so. Sora would look between both the wing and the mare before turning to face her compleatly. "Something wrong, Rainbow?" The cyan mare huffed. as she looked away from him, “So, uh…Thanks and stuff.” Sora raised an eyebrow, slightly confused. “Err…For what?” “Geez do I have to spell it out for you? This is hard enough as it is!” She poked his chest. “Thanks for saving Twilight. Thanks for saving Ponyville. I never got a chance to tell you...so...there...” Sora blinked before rubbing the back of his neck, a slight blush on his cheeks. “Well, I couldn’t have done it without all of you. You and the girls really saved me and Rarity back there as well.” He hung his head at that. Story of my life. “Yeah, I was pretty amazing wasn’t I?” the cyan braggart would muse, though her smile would become one that was actually genuine, at least in Sora's eyes. “But…Can’t say you don’t deserve any props. I mean, the way you took on that giant plant was...okay.” Sora smirked at the mare. “Ha! Just okay?” “That's pretty high praise coming from the one pony who’s gonna upstage you. Anyway, you better keep it up, Hero, or else I might just have to step up and take over all the work.” She told the stallion, causing both Sora and herself to release a mirthful laugh between the two of them. When the two had finally calmed down, the mare gave the young stallion a gentle smile as he did the same for her, both ponies looking into each other’s eyes before a noticeable blushed began to appear on the cyan mare’s cheeks, causing her to look away. “Anyway gotta go do that thing Twilight wanted me to do. Later, Hero!" She quickly excused herself, leaving Sora alone within the cart. The young stallion couldn’t help but smile as he rubbed the back of his head, the spot that Rainbow had playfully struck, and mused softly to himself. Today may have started off rocky, but… “I best get ready. Twilight would properly kill me if I'm late...or maybe make me learn something. Both likely.” ~ Rainbow quickly closed the door to her cabin, her back leaning heavily against the door as she did so. She raised a hoof to her pounding heart, trying her best to calm herself down. “Geeze...What's wrong with me? When did I start getting buddy buddy with him anyway?” She let the back of her head hit the door with a soft thud. “Is it because...he reminds me of...him...” ~ Sora was barely down the hall towards his room when he was stopped by the sound of a nearby door opening, the sight of a surprised Fluttershy greeting him. “Oh! Sora I...Um…” She rubbed her foreleg before turning to face the dry eyed fillies in her cabin room.. “You girls be good. I need to...To talk to Sora for a little while..” She closed the door after all three nodded silently, the mare turning to face the young stallion, biting her bottom lip in apprehension. “I...Um...I mean…” Sora titled his head at the mare. “Something wrong Shy? The girls are doing okay. Right?” “Oh! No they are fine.” Fluttershy reassured him. “A little...well...depressed about everything but I think they will be back to themselves in no time. They are strong fillies after all. It more about me...I just wanted to say that...well...I’m so sorry you had to see me yell at the girls before. They really did make a terrible mistake this time and I was just so...Disappointed with them.” Sora couldn’t stop his eyebrow from raising at the yellow mare’s admission. That was yelling? He shook his head before weaving a hoof in front of his face. “Hey don’t mention it Shy. I do feel sorry for them but can’t say that any of you girls shouldn’t be angry with them. Just kinda reminded me of some of the things me and my friends back at home use to get into. I think I can kinda see why mom and dad always got mad.” The shy nodded slowly before lowering her head. “And that's not all...Um...I...I wanted to say I was sorry about something else but with everything that was going on I couldn’t at the time. I know I shouldn’t have and you might hate me for this, but…that is to say, I heard you mumbling in your sleep.” She waved her hooves in front of him when the boy’s eyes began to widen. “D-Don’t worry. You didn’t say anything coherent, but you…you really seemed afraid of something. You looked so...I mean...Are you okay?”” Sora’s heart sank as remnants of the dark voice from his dreams began to fill his mind with what it had said. He shook words and the feelings from his mind before answering the shy mare. “It was just a nightmare, don’t worry about it.” He didn’t need to have her worry over him. Not when he is the one who is supposed to be the protector. “I’ll be fine, Shy. I’ve had plenty of them after all” “I...Understand.” Fluttershy told him but she knew it was far from the truth. Though she had underplayed what she had seen, she knew that it was something a lot more then just a simple nightmare. Despite the small amount of time she had known him, she had always felt that that young stallion wore his emotions on his back. And this time was no different. Sora always seemed like an open book and the fact that he was trying to close himself off was little more than disheartening. Still, despite that, the shy mare would move to hug the stallion, surprising both the hero and herself at such an action. When she had pulled away, she couldn’t help but catch the red blush that had formed on the stallion’s cheeks, something she was somehow proud of. She smiled softly at the now fidgeting stallion, which was just an adorable sight to see if she was being honest. “Don’t...Overwork yourself. Okay Sora? I know I’m not the strongest...or the bravest...But If nothing else I promise to be there for you if you need me.” At Sora’s nod the mare would return to her cabin, the hero once again left on his own. ~ The wind blew relentlessly around the small group of ponies as they exited the train, and despite the warmth of the fur on his back, the cold air chilled Sora to his very core. Geeze...Not even Mulan’s world was this cold. Rarity held her head up high and bore a smug smile as she stepped out into the snow, fully dressed in a winter coat and scarf, topped off with a very fashionable hat. “Ha! And you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves.” Spike, who took it upon himself to carry all of Rarity’s bags despite Sora’s offer to help, stood behind the mare, struggling to hold on to his charge. “I didn’t say a wo-” the poor drake was cut off as three over eager fillies bowled the little dragon over, bouncing into the snow. “Wow!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “There’s so much snow!” Sweetie Bell shivered slightly. “Yeah, too much snow if you ask me.” Applebloom bounced out in front of the girls. “Hey! Maybe we can get our cutie mark by snow shoveling.” A soft spoken ‘ahem’ from Fluttershy caused all three fillies to stand at attention. “Now girls, no wandering off and no crusading. I don’t mind watching you but you must stay by me at all times.” The girls sighed dejectedly but agreed with the older mare nonetheless. Applejack smiled as she placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Mighty nice of ya to do this for us Shy.” “I agree.” Rarity added. “Once this is done, we will gladly take them off your hooves.” She turned to the girls. “It will also give us time to think of a fitting punishment for when they get home.” The Cutie Mark Crusaders all looked away from the rest of the group, each one having a look of innocent worry. Sora raised a hoof to block against the wind as he ventured further out into the snow, checking the surrounding area. It didn’t take long for the young stallion to notice, off in the distance, a lone figure making its way toward them. He quickly moved in front of them all, summoning his Keyblade as he did so. “I think we have company everyone.” As the figure became more visible, Sora could see that he, unless it was a very muscular female, had a pure white coat, maybe even purer than the snow. The ponies two tone blue mane flapped in the wind, along with the black scarf he had wrapped around his neck. The picture that was on his flank seemed very reminiscent of Twilight’s for some reason, a fact that was proven correct when the stallion raised the goggles upon his head and called out a name that was very unfamiliar, but at the same time he knew exactly who he was talking to without question. “Twily!” “Shining Armor!” The lavender mare wrapped her hooves around the white stallion, further proving Sora’s suspicions. He couldn’t stop the smile that formed on his face as he made his way to the brother and sister duo. “So, you must be Twilight's brother, right?” The stallion in question turned to look toward the younger caramel one, his eyes narrowing as he looked Sora up and down. “And you must be the Hero of Light Princess Celestia told me about.” Shining rubbed his chin as he tilted his head at the younger stallion. “You look a lot younger than I thought you would be.” “Yeah I know right!” Pinkie said, bouncing in front of them. “Hard to believe, right, but he’s him. The Hero of Light! Or the Knight of Light I like to call him. Knight Light for short!” The ponies just stared at Pinkie for the longest of times before renewing the conversation. “Don’t worry Shiny. I know that he doesn’t look like much-” “Hey!” “-But he did save my life, me and my friends all vouch for him. Shining’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “What do you mean he saved your life. What happened?!” Twilight’s eyes widened as well. “The Princess didn’t tell you!?” ~ Celestia's Study Within Canterlot Celestia busily worked through some paperwork that she had been given detailing all of the tactical positions that she had set to guard against any and all Heartless attacks when a sudden realization struck the pony princess. She turned to Luna and her ears sprayed back against the top of her head, her hooves slamming against her work table. “I Just remembered that I forgot to tell Shining Armor about what happened to Twilight!” The princess of the night, despite all of her steadfast princess training, could not help but smack a hoof against her forehead at her own sister’s words. “For the love of Faust…” ~ Back at the outskirts of the Crystal Empire… Shining closed his eyes as he drug a hoof down his face in annoyance. “Okay...Okay...You and I are going to have a long talk about this later Twily.” He turned toward the direction that he came from. ”We better get moving. There are things out here that we really don’t want to run into after dark.” Fluttershy gulped, pulling Applebloom and the rest close to her. “What kind of things?” Shining Armor looked toward the raging snow storm in front of him, frowning. “Let’s just say…the Empire is not the only thing that’s returned.” The Prince made his way to Sora, a hard expression on his face. “I want you to be our rear guard. If you’re as good as Twilight claims you to be then that should not be a problem for you…right?” “Yeah…I can handle it, don't worry.” Sora smiled as she pounded his chest. Shining nodded and turned to lead the way. “Alright everypony. Follow me and keep close. Keep the children in the middle as we trek. Let’s move out” ~ The black coated pony stood beside the crystal pool as it showed the image of Sora and the others making their way to the Crystal Empire. She touched the glass, more so towards Sora than anypony else. “You…You made me look like an utter foal…” She cursed under her breath. “You will pay little Hero…All of you will pay…” “And pay they shall…” A cloud of smoke snaked its way around her lifting her chin as a chilling voice filled the crystal like room. She pulled away from it and gave it a dark glare. “Keep your hooves to yourself King. It was your Heartless that cost me the battle.” The cloud chuckled. “Heh…so you say, but I was still weak then. Now…” The could began to take shape, morphing into that of a pony’s head. Deep red eyes focused hard on the cloaked mare. “This time…They will be dealing with my full power. I will show them the fear of Darkness!” > Rise of Darkness (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Rise of Darkness Green to start music and red to stop music The wind from the heavy snow storm pummeled the small group of ponies relentlessly, each step taken feeling as though they were walking through heavy lead. The group had to stick together least each one felt that they would lose themselves within the thickness of the snow, never to be seen again. Despite fur covering every inch of his body, Sora couldn’t help but think that pants wouldn’t be the worst thing right about now. Forcing his eyes to look forward, he could see that the others were faring no better, especially the three little fillies traveling as close to Fluttershy as they could. They seemed to be struggle the most, more than likely due to their small size. The Keyblader gritted his teeth as he fought through the sting of the cold. How can anything survive out here? Let alone a whole Empire. This cold is intense. The sound of Shining Armor’s voice drew him from his inner thoughts, though what he had to say was far from comforting. “Something keeps trying to get in. We think it’s the Unicorn King who originally cursed the place!” Sora could hear Twilight’s voice next, though he could barely see the lavender unicorn. “B-But Princess Celestia said we were being sent to find a way to protect the empire. If King Sombra can’t get in, it must already be protected!” Before Shining Armor could offer any response, a loud unearthly sound filled the air around them somehow even drowning out the noise of the snow storm that seemed to rage endlessly. Sora’s eyes darted frantically as he searched for the source of the disturbance. “What the...What was that?!” Fluttershy quickly pulled the fillies closer to her, her all four shaking from both the cold and the foreboding feeling of fear. “I-It’s one of the things, isn’t it!?” Shining stomped his hoof on the ground as he turned to face the group, a determined frown on his face. “We have to get to the Crystal Empire! NOW!!” Before any of the ponies could start running however, a thick cloud of smoke began to swirl behind them, the elements of the storm did little to affect it as it rose high in the sky. As it formed it began to grow dark and the feeling of dread could be felt emanating deep into everypony who looked up at it. When it was fully formed, blood red eyes opened at the top of it and stared down at all the ponies present. Sora, after recovering from the shock of seeing the creature, turned to the girls and yelled one word. “RUN!” And run they did. Scooping up Spike onto his back and causeing him to leave all of Rarity's belongings, Sora kept pace with the mares and the stallion while still staying at the end of the group, ready to defend against any attack that may come their way. He chanced a glance backwards, only to find the cloud of darkness chasing after them without remorse. He clicked his teeth and put on an extra sprint in his step. A Bright dome of light could be seen over the horizon causing Shining to smile with relief. “Look! We’re almost…” His jubilation died on his lips before he could even finish what he started to say. Every pony present behind Twilight’s brother could see what had caused the sudden interruption. Many of the same Shadow Pony’s could be seen rising out of the snow, their beady yellow eyes focused on their targets. “Twilight…” Spike called out pointing a shaky claw finger toward the waiting creatures. “They got…” “Horns!!” Twilight finished. “ They have horns! They can use magic!” Rainbow threw her forelegs in the air. “Aww! COME ON!” Applejack stood in front of Fluttershy and the fillies. “This looks badder than a swarm of grasshoppers in a corn field…” “You’re telling me!” Pinkie said with a sigh. “How can I make friends with the crystal ponies if Meanie McShadow Pants stops us from reaching the place!” Rarity gulped as she made her way behind Sora. “You don’t suppose they would let us through if we asked nicely would they?” Rainbow landed and dug her hoof into the snow growling angrily, answering for the stallion before he could. “These guys only understand one thing, Rarity! A good old fashioned hoof to the face!” Shining Armor gritted his teeth and fell back so that he was right next to Sora. “I need you to take the girls and go on ahead! Find a way to get them to safety!” Sora took not his eyes away from the heartless. “What about you? What are you going to do?” “I’ll take care of the one right behind us!” Before Sora could object to him facing the big bad king alone, Shining would gallop at full speed towards the encroaching shadow, his horn flaring with a readied spell. Seeing that he was left with no other choice, Sora galloped ahead, tossing Spike over to Applejack with a quick buck of his hips. Freed from his burden, the hero ran ahead of the girls, summoning his key blade as he went. “I’ll make an opening! You guys take it when-Woah!!” He yelped as he just nearly dodged a beam of dark energy as it shot past the stallion, nearly clipping off more than just a few strands of his mane. “They have magic Sora!” Twilight called out, summoning a shield to cover herself and her friends as a wave of magic began to assault them . “Uhn! Rushing in without a plan is way to dangerous.” The here gritted his teeth as he watched at Twilight’s shield took on the full blunt of the magic. “Darn it! If only I had my magic then then maybe I could...wait...” Sora’s eyes sparkled and a bright smile played on his lips. “Magic. Magic!!” He turned to Twilight. “Twilight! I Can’t use magic! But you can! I need you to form a shield around me!” Every pony looked at the stallion with shocked expressions, all of them saying the same thing. “What!? He made his way to Twilight’s side and whispered into her ear and, when he was finished, the mare pulled away, looking at the stallion with uncertainty.. “A-Are you sure that will work, Sora?” “Don’t know…” Sora’s smile never left his lips as he turned to face the Heartless. “But it always worked when I winged it before! What's stopping it from doing so now?” “Do you want me to make you a list?!” “Naw. Never liked list. Too many things to do.” Despite the humorous tone Sora gave off, the look of determination he made never wavered. “We can do it Twi. I trust you. Do you trust me?” That struck a cord with the mare, her gaze wavering for only a moment before she too put on a look to match Sora’s own. “I would have to be close to you. The further away you are with my magic the more I have to produce to keep it together.” Sora smirked as he pointed towards his back. “Then you better hop on and hold on tight. Can't have you falling off mid way.” Twilight hesitated for only a moment before doing as she was told. She wrapped her hooves around his neck as he turned to face the others. “All of you, get behind us but stay close. Me and Twi are gonna smash our way through these heartless!” The girls all complied just as Twilight formed the energy around her and Sora. A big purple orb enveloped the Stallion, encasing the two ponies. “All right Twi!” Sora called out. “Let's show them what we can do!” Like a hamster in a mobile ball Sora began running at full speed. The orb around them glided effortlessly in the snow as it made its way toward the front line of the heartless army. The heartless, seeing this, began to shoot the same dark energy toward the ball, but it had little effect as the it just bounced right off the glowing surface, sometimes sending it right back toward its owner. Disorientated, the heartless could not even escape as the Sora/Twilight ball of energy bowled them over, sending more than a few flying into their brothers. It took little time before Sora and the girls and Spike, made it though near the end of the heartless army. Before he reached the end of the line, however, Sora would jumped in the air allowing the ponies behind him to dash under Twilight and himself. Raising his keyblade in the air, he allowed his own magic of light to mix with Twilight’s own power “Release it! Now!” Twilight felt her own magic strengthened just as the Keyblade’s magic would mix with her own. Deciding to follow Sora’s example, the mare activated her horn, pouring all of the magic she could muster into the upcoming attack. The pair expanded the bubble outwards, hard and fast. The result was devastating as the heartless were sent flying away from the pair in a burst of magic and light. When the two landed, Sora twirled around to see the effects of he and the mare's work. "It worked! Twilight we...Twi?" He felt Twilight slouch on his back, her cheek heavily leaning upon him and her grip loosening. “Twilight!? What’s wrong?!” “I…I used…too much…energy…” She huffed, her grip around his neck slipping more and more. He looked toward the dome which was only a few feet and back toward the heartless blocking his way to getting to Shining Armor. He really didn’t have much of a choice in what he had to do, even if his heart was screaming at him to not do so. “Come on! We need to get you to safety!” Rainbow landed beside him, pointing towards Twilight’s brother. “What about Shining! We can’t leave him here!” You’re weak. Sora stood firm in his resolve. “Twilight is down, we have kids with us! Getting them to safety first is the best thing we can do right now.” “B-But we can’t just leave him!” Rainbow tried so desperately to argue, more out of frustration than anything. You’re nothing. Sora nodded “He can take care of himself for now. As soon as we get them inside then I can go back for Shining!” Rainbow scowled. “B-But...We can’t...I mean...He’s Twilight’s brother and…!!” Always have been...always will be. “Go…” All the mares turned to look toward Twilight, who was raising herself off the stallion. “The fillies…They have to come first…Go...” Rainbow gave a look of defeated as she tried in vain to rebel. “B-but…Twi…He’s your…We can't just...I mean..." She struggled to come up with something but to no avail. The cyan mare would soon feel a tug on her tail and found Applejack pulling upon it. “Come on ya’ll…” Applejack said, lowering her hat over her eyes. “Ya heard Twilight…Applebloom and the fillies first. Trained soldier later.” Rainbow closed her eyes tight and shook before flying upward and toward the dome, the rest following soon after. As soon as they entered they were greeted with a sight unlike any other. Crystals as far at the eyes could see. The buildings, the road, even most of the décor being made of many different crystals. But that was nothing compared to what lay within the middle of the crystal city. Sora gaped at the crystal spire rising higher than any of the buildings he had seen in his life, even higher than the one where he had fought Xemnus before. Its slick crystal exterior would more than likely may make marvel at its beauty and namesake. The most noticeable thing was the fact that it felt like a bright summer day inside the dome they entered, a complete contrast to the harsh winter outside. Though all the ponies gasped in amazement at their surroundings, Sora would not enjoy it with the rest of them. He quickly slipped Twilight off his back, passing her to Rarity as he did so. Quick as he could, he turned to run back out into harsh elements of the snow ready to join Shining Armor in battle. Only to find nothing No Heartless. No Sombra. No Shining Armor. Nothing. “What…no...nonoNONONO!” Sora ran out into the snow, de-summoning his keyblade as he did so. “SHINING ARMOR! SHINING ARMOR WHERE ARE YOU!” The boy yelled out into the darkness of the storm, only to be answered with the howling of the bitter wind. “No...I was too late...” You're nothing but a weak kid playing pretend. Sora slumped into the snow, as the words stuck him. You can ever escape your heart, Sora. Sora raised his hooves to his heart, feeling a tight tingle within. The sudden feeling of his forehoof being grabbed caused the stallion to look behind him, Applejack pulling him back towards the safety and warmth of the barrier. “Sugercube…Come on…Ah…Ah’m sure he’s fine…Come on now…We can't afford to lose ya too.” Sora allowed himself to be lead back to the Crystal Empire, though before he entered, the boy took one last look towards the the raging storm of frost and ice. “I…I’m sorry…Twilight…I was too…” Weak... > The Princess of Love In the Kingdom of Crystal (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul The Princess of Love In the Kingdom of Crystal Green to start music and red to stop music Crystal Empire Throne Room… “Oh my goodness! Twilight!” Sora watched as a rather pretty pink pony, one not unlike Celestia and Luna, came bounding weakly towards his side. Her three toned mane seeming as if it had seen better days...maybe even weeks. The tell-tell signs of sleeplessness and fatigue seemed to weigh heavily on her violet eyes. There was a hint of a constant bluish glow emanating from her horn, something he found rather odd. After gently nuzzling the unconscious unicorn that laid upon Sora's back, the pink alicorn turned to face the others, a look of concern on her haggard features. “What happened to Twilight?” She took a look around at the group as if she was looking for something specific. “A-And where’s Shining Armor? I don’t see him anywhere here. Is he hurt?” No one could meet the pink pony’s gaze as she looked to all of them for some kind of answer. It was only after a heavy sigh from Applejack that the country mare decided to speak up on everyone’s behalf. “Twilight and Sora used their magic ta help us get inside, Princess Cadence, due ta the fact that the whole area was swarming with those freaky shadow ponies.” The farm mare gently placed a hoof upon the sleep purple pony. “She just used a bit too much of her magic is all. Plum passed out on the way over here. She just needs some rest and she’ll be right as rain soon.” “And Shining?” Cadence asked with baited breath. “What happened to him?” “He…T-That is we…” Applejack looked away as she finally relented. “We don’t know.” It almost looked as if the princess's world shattered at Applejack's answer.“W-What?” Sora stepped forward, shifted Twilight on his back so he could at least be a little more comfortable as he spoke. “He stayed behind to face King Sombra so we could escape.” the keyblade wielder answered. “He gave us all the opening we needed to make it to safety.” Sora looked away from the alicorn mare. “I…It’s my-“ Pinkie Pie jumped beside him, pulling the stallion into a hug before he could say anymore, being careful not to jostle Twilight too much. “Shining stayed behind to distract Kingy McMeanypants from getting to us. Sora wanted to help him, he really, really did!” Applejack nodded. “It was everypony’s decision ta get these little ones ta safety first. It’s what Shining told us ta do. And even Twilight agreed.” Applejack pulled her little sister close to her, giving the little filly a reassuring nuzzle. A mix of emotions played upon Cadance’s face before the mare closed her eyes, took in a deep breath before releasing it in one go. When her eyes snapped back open the mare gave then a gentle yet shaky nod. “Please...Tell me what happened.” ~ It took little time for Sora and Applejack to relay what had happened back in the frozen wasteland that surrounded the Crystal empire, and despite how she was trying to keep herself in check, anyone with eyes could see that the pink princess was shaking every so slightly with pent up emotion. “-When I went back out to help him,” Sora said finishing off the story. “They were gone, every last one of them.” He hung his head down. “If I had stayed by his side then-“ “Then the others would have been put in danger as well.” Rarity interrupted, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “You did what you had to do in order to protect us Sora. Nopony will fault you for that.” She shot a glance toward Rainbow, who seemed to be looking away from them all as they talked. “Or at the very least I wouldn’t.” “S-She’s right Sora. As strong as I have heard you are, you are but one pony. You can't be everywhere at once.” Cadence told him, gaining the stallion’s attention. “It…It pains me that Shining Armor has been captured but holding you or any pony responsible would be foalish on my part. I’m sure you all did everything you could to help him.” Her words seemed laced with sorrow as she spoke, and she seemed to struggle as she said the next few words. “We…we can discuss it later. I suspect he is safe for now due to the fact that Sombra might find him more useful alive. Right now we must worry about the kingdo-Nggh!!” Everypony gasped as the alicorn cringed, her horn fluxing in power, almost like like she was hit with a power surge. A flash of light caught Sora’s eyes as his gaze shifted towards the window. To his shock, the shield that had been keeping the heartless at bay seemed to be flickering in and out of existence.. “Princess!” Applejack ran to her side, catching the pink pony before she could topple over. “What’s wrong? What happened?” The alicorn sighed. “I…I have been able to use my magic to spread love and light throughout the empire. I think that’s the only reason King Sombra has not been able to get in.” She rubbed her aching horn as her magic once again picked up. “Shining Armor’s spell kept getting countered by King Sombra and because of that…” Rarity gasped. “So that means that...You have been awake all this time?!” “It’s because of that shadow varmint!” Applejack said with irritation in her voice. “No wonder ya look worse for ware. Ya can’t let your magic stop and rest up.” The alicorn steady herself as she slowly stood back up on her hooves. “It…it is alright. I am fine.” “I’m sorry princess.” Rainbow said landing in front of her with a frown. “But you look anything but fine.” “Rainbow is right.” Rarity quipped. “Just look at you. You can’t keep going on like this.” “But if the barrier fails then…” Fluttershy shuddered. “You know who will be coming after us.” “I won’t let that happen, everyone.” Sora said with a determined frown. “I promised to do my best to stop Sombra! It’s why I’m here!” “It’s why we’re all here Sora.” Applejack corrected. “And we’ll do our best together.” Cadance smiled and nodded. “Neither I nor Shining have been able to collect any information due to me putting all my strength into keeping the spell going and-” Her voice broke as she spoke “Shining looking out for signs of trouble in the arctic. We haven’t been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies.” “Crystal Ponies!” Rarity cried, her eyes glowing brightly. “There are Crystal Ponies?!” Everyone looked towards the fashion mare with a look of ‘Really?’ Rarity, upon seeing this, straightened out her mane and chuckled nervously. “Oh. Please, continue” Cadance closed her eyes as she spoke again. “We have to believe that one of them knows how we can protect the empire, without relying on my magic.” “Well what are we waiting for?!” Rainbow Exclaimed. “The faster we figure it out, the faster we can save Shining Armor, and the faster we can kick that Dark King’s flank!” She made a beeline toward the door leaving behind a rainbow trail in her wake. The rest of the mares followed suit, leaving only Applejack, Cadence and Sora behind. “Here Sora,” Applejack slid Twilight off his back and placed her upon her own. “I’ll stay here and take care of Twi and the princess. You go on ahead and find out everything you can so we can save this here town.” The stallion nodded at the farm mare before turning towards Cadance a hard look of determination forming in his eyes. “Don’t worry Princess. Will find a way to stop Sombra and save Shining Armor.” He smiled as he held out a hoof to her, “You have my word as your friend.” The princess smiled warmly and took the hoof into her own. “Then as somepony who welcomes you as a friend, hero of light - no, Sora, I wish you both a safe return, and may Celestia guide you.” Sora gave the mare a quick nod before following after the rest, leaving both Applejack and the Princess on their own. As soon as he was gone from sight, Applejack felt Cadance lean heavily against her, once held back tears slowly along the edge of her eyes “I know I want to believe...I know I do...but...but...My Shining...” Applejack placed a hoof around the princess as the saddened Princess began to bawl her eyes out.. “Trust me princess,” She smiled. “He’s not the type of stallion to leave a pony hanging. I know that for a fact.” The farm mare’s gaze shifted towards the barrier in the distance. The only thing keeping this Kingdom from falling into darkness. Like it or not...We all are counting on ya Sora. ~ Despite Sora’s grand gesture the boy really didn’t have a clue on what to do or where to go. If he was being honest with himself, he wasn’t the best when it came to coming up with a plan. He was always the go and get em kind of guy. Still, he had made a promise to Cadance. Something he wasn’t going to back down from. “So whats the plan big guy?” “Spike?” The stallion’s eyes widened as he looked at the purple dragon that seemed to be casually riding upon his back, the drake, giving him a smirk. “I thought you stayed behind to help out with Twilight.” The purple dragon rolled his eyes as he folded his arms about his chest. “Yeah well, I didn’t. I was still beside Applejack before you took off so I couldn’t catch up with them. I hopped on your back, deciding to go with you.” He smirked. “It’s a good thing I did too, you look like you could use more help than they ever could.” “Heheh. That obvious huh? I’m not really the type to go around and gather information if I can help it, so anything you can provide might make it easier for all of us.” Sora looked around at all the buildings taking in the sights as he continued to speak. “So Spike…What do you suggest we do first? Because to be honest, I’m a bit lost.” The drake thought for a moment, pondering that very question before slamming a fist into his open claw, an idea popping into his head. “I got it! Whenever Twilight is stumped on something she always turns to her favorite catch phrase.” Sora raised an eyebrow. “And that would be?” Spike pointed a clawed finger into the air and exclaimed in a voice that sounded very similar to a certain lavender unicorn. “TO THE LIBRARY!!” The library? Sora actually thought that was a good idea. The Library was nothing if not a source of valuable information. They might even find a clue to this confusing puzzle. Hopefully, just hopefully, the library might provide at least something that he could find useful, no matter how little it might be. “Well then Spike.” Sora reared up on his hind legs, forcing the dragon to clutch onto his neck so that he wouldn’t fall off. “TO THE LIBRARY!!” ~ Elsewhere within the City of the Crystal Kingdom Rainbow Dash was glad to be away from the others for the time being, especially that stallion. “How could he just leave Shining out there?!” She asked the question out loud but she already knew the answer. He did it for the fillies. He did it to save Twilight and the others, including myself. Still, she wasn’t just going to let him off the hook that easily. She couldn’t allow herself to. “He should have been faster at getting back to him!” Again, the mare’s mind betrayed her actual words reminding her of the fact that he indeed tried his best to get to him, even feeling deep remorse when he could not. He was ready to take all of the blame on himself and if Pinkie hadn’t stopped him... “Gah! I know that! I know that he did try his best to save him…but…he just …he-” Her mind questioned her relentlessly, wondering why she was trying to push the stallion away. Obviously she cared for him, for his well being, so why not accept him. “Because he’s just like him! That’s why! GAHHHH!!” Rainbow began to rub her head with both hooves in wild frustration, many of the crystal ponies that had been around slowly backed away from the mare, not wanting to be on the business end of her rage-filled rant with herself. ~ Within the Crystal Kingdom's Library It wasn’t long before the duo, after asking quite a few of the ponies in town, found themselves at the Crystal Empire Public Library. They both smiled brightly and had hyped themselves up, ready to find what they needed, stop the king, and save the prince, but both stallion and drake gasped at the sight they beheld once they entered the establishment. “Dear Celestia of Equestria.” Spike eyes widened with both wonder and fear. “Just look at them all! Twilight would totally have a nerdgasm if she saw this place!” Sora gulped as he stared straight up at the floors upon floors of books. “This is the largest amount of paper I have ever seen in my life.” He turned Spike. “Where do we even start? How do we start? It’s gonna take us forever to go through all of this.” Spike thought for a moment, not really knowing himself, that is until some movement caught his eye. “Hey, what about her?” He pointed a claw to an elderly mare walking towards them. “She looks like she works here.” The mare stopped a short distance away from the pair, adjusting her glasses as she did so. She was another one of those crystal ponies that Sora had heard Celestia talk about. He could tell that there was something different about her compared to the rest of the ponies he had met, but he couldn’t really tell what it was. Still, a friendly face is a friendly face in his book. ”Ahem.” The old mare coughed into her hoof, pulling the boy back into reality. “May I help you gentlecolts?” Sora smiled as he gave her a nod. “Yep. We’re looking for a book.” The mare cocked her head to the side before motioning toward the bookshelves around her. “Well, as you can see, we have plenty of those.” Spike rolled his eyes and shoved Sora’s head down so that he could be seen. “What my wayward friend is saying is, we’re looking for a book about…um…how about the history of the Crystal Empire.” The stallion looked up at Spike as best he could. “Huh? Why a history book Spike?” The drake smiled smugly. “Well, I figure it’s the best way to find out how the empire used to protect itself from danger before. Maybe we can use it now.” Sora eyes widened. “Hey! That’s a good idea Spike!” He turned to face the mare with a smile on his face. “Got any history books?” The mare placed a hoof on her chin and began to repeat the word history over and over before looking back at the pair. “Ah yes, history.” Sora and Spike leaned in as she paused, expecting some sort of guidance. When she didn’t say anything, Spike spoke up on their behalf. “Which is…where exactly?” The mare's eyes squinted as she tried her best to think of anything. “I…I can’t seem to remember.” Both boys groaned in agitation. “Looks like we’re on our own after all.” Spike noted before looking toward Sora. “Listen, I’m pretty good at finding books but I think we’re gonna need the girls’ help on this one. Mind finding them for me while I get started?” Sora raised a hoof in a salute. “Not a problem! I'll be back in no time!” ~ The sting of ice upon his back was the first thing Shining noticed as he awoke from a blow to the head he could not remember. He would have tried to sooth the pain if not for his limbs being entrapped in crystallized ice. He had tried to ignite his horn in hopes of freedom but it was to no avail, black crystals embedded in the magical limb siphoning his magic as quick as he tried to summon it. “D-Darn it...that could have gone way better...” “You can say that again, Little Captain.” Shining stiffened at the sound of the famine voice, his gaze locking onto a cloaked mare making her way from one of the cavern entrances. The stallion gave her a hard glare before scoffing in defiance. “I don’t know who you are or what your game is, but you won’t get away with this.” The mare shrugged before sauntering her way toward the captive stallion, wrapping a hoof around his neck to pull him closer to her. “Is that so, Captain Shining? I would take what you have to say to heart but I do believe a loser’s threat is nothing but an empty promise. You were defeated by the Heartless after all.” Shining grimaced as he did his best to pull away from the mare. “Heartless. So that's what they look like.” He once again glared at the cloaked mare. “And what about you? Are you helping Sombra too? Who are you?” The mare fringed shocked aghast. “Oh my, you mean to tell me you don’t remember me?” She chuckled lightly. “Well I guess that's not too surprising. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, you know, with me whisking myself away through that mirror so long ago. Still it pains my heart to be forgotten, especially by the captain of the royal guard. Oh! I should say former captain. Congrats on the marriage by the way. And becoming a prince to boot. Looks like little Shiny stepping up in the world” “Wait, did you say mirror?” His eyes widened. “Your voice, I know it.” He squinted his eyes. “But you can’t be…” The cloaked mare giggled madly as she raised the hood off from her head, revealing bright yellow fur and a two tone red and yellow mane. Her eyes shined with a deep red light of barely contained rage as both orbs stared into Shining’s own. “Oh but it is. Sunset Shimmer, at your service, your majesty.” She gave him a mocking bow. Shining's jaw dropped, unbelief plane as day upon his face. “Sunset...Shimmer...Celesltia's old...but...you...what are you doing here!? You were never heard from again after you disappeared into the mirror!” He glared at her. “Why the heck are you in league with Sombra of all ponies!?” “Hmm” She placed a hoof to her chin before giving the stallion a smug smile. “It's less so I am in league and more like we have a common enemy, dear prince.” She moved her face close to his, her lips barely inches away from his own. “Are you mad?” Shining gritted his teeth. “Why!? Why are you doing this?! You’re a pony! More than that you were Celestia’s student!” “You want to know why? I'll tell you why! Because Celestia took away from me what was rightfully mine!” She snapped. “Not only that...she replaced me with some upstart brat! Replaced me like I was nothing!" She raged for only a moment before collecting herself. "And now... Now, they will pay. Both of them will pay with their hearts.” “You leave Twilight alone you witch!” The stallion struggled furiously as he wanted to leap out of the ice and strangle the mare before him. “I will never forgive you if you hurt a single hair on her head!” “Oh…I don’t think you have a choice in the matter Shine-Shine. “ She waved a hoof around her. “These caverns were meant to keep Sombra here forever. I’m sure with you, the way you are now, you’ll have little to no chance of being a thorn in my side or Sombra’s. Can’t have two heroes running about, can I?” She kissed his cheek before pulling away . “It really was nice talking to you again but I do have to leave little Shine-Shine. All-powerful ponies to overthrow and a world to plunge into darkness. Maybe if you are a good boy I’ll even allow your cute little wife to keep you company down here as you watch everything you care about crumble before your eyes. Out of respect for our past friendship...” She crackled loudly as she left the still struggling Shining in his bonds, the stallion yelling curses unfit for most ears. Just above it all was a pair of green glowing catlike eyes staring down at the spectacle. ~ It took little time for Sora to find the rest of the mares, though discovering Pinkie Pie dressed in a flawless Fluttershy costume was an experience he thought he would never have. He would have to remember to ask where the heck she got it after everything was said and done. Pinkie aside, Sora led the mare’s towards their destination where an already busy baby dragon was hard at work combing the Library. Fluttershy, the real one, already went to work, going from shelf to shelf with the CMC beside her, the three fillies and herself checking the lower parts of the book shelves while Rainbow, with the aid of her wings, and Pinkie, with the aid of bouncing, checked the higher areas of each row. Rarity and Sora stayed on the ground, making sure nothing was missed while Spike climbed ladder after ladder, putting his skills as Twilight’s assistant to the ultimate test. It had been hours since they started, yet the group of ponies seemed no closer to finding a solution than they were this morning. “Is it just me,” Rainbow asked after flipping through what she believed was her hundredth book. “Or do we seem to be putting all our effort into a lost cause?” “Rainbow is right!” Scootaloo complained. “How do we know a history book even exists?” “Scoots, it would only make sense that if Cheerilee’s class has a history book, then so would any other place around Equestria.” Sweetie Bell deadpanned. “Maybe you would know this if you stayed away more in class instead of sleeping though most of it.” “Well maybe you should…stupid.” Scootaloo folded her hooves about her chest, proud of her retort. Sora groaned at the book he had just flipped though, tossing it to the side when he was done. “Darn it! Not that one either! Not one of these books seems to have what we’re looking for!” “We can’t just give up though!” Applebloom called out from a book pile she was sifting through. “There’s gotta be something.” “I’m not giving up Applebloom.” Sora said reassuringly. “ But there has to be a better way to-“ “I found something” Spike proclaimed as he held a heavy tome high into the air. “It’s the History of the Crystal Empire!” “GASP! You did!? YIPPIE!” Pinkie bounced up and down on her tail as she cheered. “This calls for a Spike found the Book party!” “I don’t know about parties, but,” Rainbow whistled, impressed. “Way to go Spike! Who’s the dragon?” “Heh, I’m the dragon!” The drake puffed out his chest as he pounded it with his fist proudly. “Just doing what I do best…And what is that you may ask? Why it’s none other than being amazing!” So enticed was the dragon with himself that he failed to notice the black and red blur coming at him until it was too late. Knocking the drake upside the head, Spike hit the floor and dropped the book, causing it to slide upon the ground far out of anyone’s reach. Just as it stopped in its momentum two more of the same creatures that had hit Spike popped into existence around the tome, the bag-like creatures bouncing about as if they were dancing for joy. Rarity cleared her throat as she turned to face Sora. “Sora dear. Please don’t tell me those horrid things are what I think they are?” “You mean Heartless?” The stallion frowned as he nodded gravely. “Yeah. They are Rarity.” He summoned his keyblade in one quick motion. “Ran into more then a few of those type before.” Rainbow slid a hoof down her face. “You have got to be bucking kidding me! How did they even get in here?! Why are they even here?!” “Look!” Pinkie called out, pointing a hoof toward the heartless. “I don’t think they want us to have that book!” “I think you’re right Pinkie! Which means that whatever's in there is something we need!” Sora took up a battle stance, as did Pinkie and Rainbow Dash, both mares on either side of him, while Rarity and Fluttershy stayed back to protect the fillies. The heartless turned their attention to the three aggressing ponies without hesitation. The nearest one began to glow in a faint red light before releasing a ball of fire towards the heroes. Sora was the first to react, the stallion using his keyblade to block the incoming projectile, while Pinkie and Dash scattered to either side of him, both ponies taking on their one heartless each. Rainbow yelped as she dodged out of the way of a particularly nasty fireball hurtling towards her. “Gah! You gotta be kidding me!” She complained as she narrowly dodged another projectile, the fire striking the floor behind her. “No more misses, nice mare.” She growled as she zoomed toward the heartless, a hoof slamming it upwards. Following after it, the cyan mare stuck the creature of darkness downwards with a swift kick. “Coming at ya Pinkie!” The pink party pony smiled brightly as she looked up from the green bag heartless she was currently tickling with a feather just in time to see a red heartless rocketing towards her. Reaching behind a bookcase, Pinkie pulled out her party cannon and positioned it just right, allowing the heartless to land inside the opening. Raising her hoof, she called out with a little too much enthusiasm, “FIRE.” She slammed down on the fuse, causing the heartless to shoot towards another one just as it had just fired off an ice bolt. The blast struck its red partner, freezing it within the confines of an ice block within seconds. Pinkie giggled. “Hey! No need to give somepony the ‘Cold’ Shoulder.” The pink pony gasped before ducking as another bolt of ice shot just over her head. “Hey that wasn’t very ‘Cool’! You forgot to yell ‘Freeze’!” Not being able to hold herself back, she laughed uproariously, rolling on the ground as she did so. As the pink pony laughed her flank off, the Ice Heartless charged itself up for another attack. It's retaliation, however, was cut short however due to a wayward book knocking it out of the sky and onto the ground below. “Ha!!” Scootaloo yelled. “Take that ya freaky excuse for a saddle bag!” “Scootaloo!” Fluttershy hooked a leg around the orange filly pulling her in just as a yellow bag heartless appeared in front of them. Fluttershy, Rairty and the fillies starred in wide eyed shock as the heartless began to surge with electricity ready to strike. Before it could do so however, Sora’s keyblade sliced clean through it, causing it to dissipate in a cloud of smoke and its crystal heart to disappear into the air. Swift as a fox, the stallion slammed his keyblade into the remaining dazed heartless, finishing the battle within record time. “Too easy!” Sora yelped as he was assaulted by an over enthusiastic little filly, Applebloom wrapping her hooves around the stallion’s leg. “Thanks for the save Sora, we would have been goners if it wasn’t for you and the others.” “Yeah!” Scootaloo boasted. “Did you see Rainbow Dash out there? She was too awesome when she kicked that big old heartless.” Fluttershy and Sweetie Belle agreed as well though both were more happy that everypony came out of it of the ordeal in one piece. Rarity’s magic grasped the fallen book of the heartless’s affection, holding it out towards Sora. “Whatever it is that's in here must be important. I dare say we may have found the very thing we are looking for if that's the case.” Sora nodded as he took the book into his hooves. “Yeah, they were going through a lot of trouble to get this back.” He smiled as he opened the book, the rest of the mares gathering around him as he did so. “Lets see what they were trying to keep us from finding out.” > The Return of Sombra-The Strike (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Return of Sombra Part one - The Strike Green to start music and red to stop music Sora slowly made his way through the grand halls of the Crystal Castle, on the lookout for any signs of trouble. Despite wanting to help the girls with figuring out what was in the pages of the history book they found, he figured that his talents lied in picking up where Shining left off, helping the crystal city itself. Besides, that little heartless scare made him wary of any other surprises that the Dark King may have up his sleeve. He took it upon himself to make sure that no other Heartless were able to make it within the dome. Despite Applejack insisting, and Rainbow asking in a roundabout way to come with him, he decided to decline their offer to help, convincing them, which was no small feat in itself, that Twilight and the others needed their help more, and that he could take care of himself if need be. Not that he wasn’t grateful for their help either; he just needed time to think about a few things on his own. He needed to figure out what he was going to do next more than anything. The book was a good start and he was sure they could find some good information, but then what? Saving the kingdom is one thing but finding Shining Armor and Defeating Sombra was another. “What do we do now…” Only do what you can...What more can anyone ask of you? The voice rung in his ears as he made his way down a particularly long hallway; its tone was very familiar… But you can’t do everything alone. Even I know that. Sora shook his head before answering the internal voice within him. “I just...Don’t want to put anyone in danger again. I was barely able to save Applejack and her family. I was lucky with Twilight. Then there is Shining Armor. I couldn’t save him at all. And then...there's....” You can’t solve everything on your own. I've seen what happens when someone does that. Sora lowered his head. “I know that...I know., but-” But you don’t want to fail in protecting them, right? That’s why you want to keep them from fighting if you can. Sora nodded begrudgingly. Sora, they’re your friends. Even if you just met them, the fact that you were able to connect with them, like you do everyone you meet, just proves more and more how they will take it if you told them. If anyone would understand it’s them. Fluttershy more than anyone. “Huh?” Never mind. Besides, the point is that they wouldn’t abandon you because of something stupid like that. It’s not like either Kairi or Riku abandon you, or anyone else either Sora. You know them better than that. “Yeah, but if I hadn't failed the Keyblade exam then I would be right there alongside them. It really sucks.” Sora said with slight annoyance. The keyblade exam eh? You like to use that excuse a lot too. Sora frowned at the response from his inner self. Come on…for someone who always has an open heart for others you really like to put up barriers when you don’t want others to know about what’s wrong with you. Sora, I can see inside your heart right now, and tell that’s not what you’re really mad about. Though you keep saying that’s what’s wrong so I can see why you’ve been thinking that way. Sora looked away. “That’s not the… wait, what?” The stallion stopped moving and looked from side to side. Do I have to spell it out for you? You- “W-who are you!?” Sora suddenly yelled out loud, looking around frantically. “Where are you!? How are you speaking to me!?” What do you mean?! I…I…I’m speaking to you? I’m speaking to you. I’m speaking to you! “Yeah! That's what I sad!” I…I don’t know…I…Sora…Its me…Its me…Ventus… Sora paused. "Ventus...Ventus...why have I heard that name before? Before the stallion could respond or comprehend what in in the world was going on, a sudden noise coming from just down the hall caused the stallion’s ears to perk up. “What the? That sounded like…” Wasting no time, the stallion galloped at full speed towards the source of the noise, gearing himself up for a possible attack. ~ Twilight awoke, rubbing the grogginess from her tired eyes. A sharp twinge of pain erupted from her head and she groaned inwardly. She knew what such an agonizing headache entailed. “Gah…must have overused my magic again.” The lavender mare slowly blinked a few times before yawning and stretching her hind and forelegs. “Huh? Where am I?” Looking about, the mare noticed the crystal like décor, ranging from the furniture to the wall itself. Never in her life had she seen such a remarkable sight before. She stared in awe for only a few moments before reality came crashing down upon her. Her memories of that morning came flooding into her like a parasprite to food. Out of all of her memories though, three facts pushed to the forefront of her mind. Number one; she was in the Crystal Empire. Number two; she and the others had come here to defeat Sombra. Number three; Shining was… “Oh no! Shining!” She leapt out of bed and ran for the door, opening it with her magic. Forehead met forehead as Twilight crashed straight into another pony. The two of them tumbled into a roll for just a moment before landing in a pile on the floor, the mare ended up lying on top of the stallion. Stars danced within the confines of her vision for only a few seconds before she shook the dizziness from her mind, looking down towards the one she had collided with, that being a familiar caramel colored stallion. Sora was rubbing the top of his head gingerly, rubbing the sore spot to soothe the pain. When he finally looked up, he find a pair of purple eyes staring down upon him. “Twilight!? You’re awake!” Twilight felt her cheeks redden as the stallion hugged her without warning. It instantly faded though when she remembered why she was running. “Forget about me!” The mare said as she moved to let the stallion up. “Shining Armor! Where is he? The last thing I remember was…was…” She clasped a hoof over her mouth. “T-the heartless and King Sombra. They… What happened? What happened to Shining?” Sora shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry Twilight, I don’t know. We got you and the others to safety before I turned back for him, but by the time I made it outside no one was there. Not the Heartless. Not King Sombra. Or Shining Armor.” he looked away from the mare. “I...I'm sorry I couldn’t do anything to save him.” Upon seeing Twilight’s ears begin to fold back he tried to give her a reassuring smile. “Hey, don’t worry. Cadence is confident that he's okay.” He pounded his chest. “And since that's the case I promise to do everything I can to save your brother, no matter what.” “Sora…” Twilight nodded slowly, giving the stallion a light smile, “Thank you. I know you did your best. I remember telling you to go so if it's anyone’s fault it's mine.” She stood up on four hooves before reaching out to the stallion to help him up, which he gladly accepted. “If Cadence says he's okay then I believe both her and you. What are you doing here anyway Sora? What’s going on with the Crystal Empire?” “You won't believe it but-” He began to weave the tale that he and the others had just been a part of earlier that day. He could see her brighten up considerably at the mention of the Crystal Library and the part Spike had played in finding out about it. Her happy mood soon turned to shock and then anger at the mention of the heartless that had attacked Spike in hopes of destroying the book the group had found before. “How did they even get past the barrier? I thought Shining said this place was protected.” “It is…and it isn’t. Cadence said that she is using her magic to spread love and happiness all over the empire, but it’s costing her a great deal. If we don’t find a solution soon then…” Twilight looked away in contemplation. If what he says is true then they didn’t have long. Cadence was powerful, but even an alicorn’s magic could not last forever. If those heartless were after that book then… “Sora, where is that book?” ~ “Twilight!” Every mare and filly (and one drake) hugged the purple unicorn as she made her way into the main chamber of the throne room, said mare doing the same as she wrapped her hooves around her friends as best she could. “Its good to see you guys too.” Twilight mused. “Sorry for worrying everypony.” “Aww shucks Twi. Long as ya okay it's all fine and dandy.” “Applejack is right darling.” Rarity agreed. “Besides if it wasn’t for you and Sora we wouldn’t have made it here to even do anything. You deserved at least a little rest.” Twilight shook her head though, not at all convinced. “Not if it means that Cadance and Shining Armor is suffering. My lack of strength means doom for the whole empire and I’ve already wasted enough time. It’s time to do my part.” Despite many of the girls not agreeing, they all decided that now wasn’t the time to banter. They had a kingdom to save and a king to defeat. “So,” Sora began as he handed the book over to the lavender mare, “where do we start Twilight.” Twilight was quick to flip the pages of the book, smiling brightly as she did so. Princess Cadance needs our help, Her magic will not last forever. I think we can do it, But we need to work together. We have to get this right. Yes, we have to make them see. We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history. Rainbow slammed the table, gaining everyone’s attention, pointing towards the opened page. It says that they liked jousting, Rarity nodded before adding. They flew a flag of many hues. Applejack motioned towards the opened window that overlooked the many bushes outside. Made sweets of crystal berries, Gently grasping the book, Fluttershy turned towards a particular page with many colorful sheep prancing in a field. They had a petting zoo with tiny ewes Oh, we have to get this right Yes, we have to make them see We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history Pinkie Pie pulled out a weird looking horn tossing it in the air upon doing so. There was a crystal flugelhorn That every pony liked to play Sora saluted as he too added to the song, his voice ringing loud and clear. And the Crystal Kingdom anthem Can you learn it in a day? Oh, we have to get this right Yes, we have to make them see We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history Twilight smiled as she closed the book, the sound of their last notes still hanging in the air. “It’s obvious that it’s the crystal ponies’ love and friendship that was able to fend off evil beings before Sombra came to power. If we can recreate that with the crystal festival, then we might be able to deal with Sombra a little easier.” Sora nodded as he slid the book towards himself and opening it once again. “Looks like we have a lot of work to do then.” Flipping through it, he stopped at the last page as a particular passage caught his eye. “What's this? Crystal…Heart?” He couldn’t help but notice that It looked rather familiar. Twilight used her magic to pull the book back towards her. “Hmmm, good catch Sora. It says here that the Crystal Heart is the centerpiece of the festival. I think I can cut one out of some crystals using my magic.” Sora nodded and smiled. “Right! Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get this fair on the road!” “I’m ready to get this rodeo started! Yee-haa!” I’ll bring the flugel horn~!” “Y-yes. Let’s all do our best… for everypony.” “Quite right darling, I shall give it no less than my all.” “What are we standing here for! Come on everypony, let’s roll out!” “Cutie Mark Crusaders: Empire Savers! YAY!” Twilight looked upon every pony before dipping her head in a nod. “Let’s save the Crystal Empire!” ~ So…having a fair to save the day. Never seen that before, gotta be honest. Sora looked around to find the voice that had spoken to him, only to remember that the only one it could belong to was the one that was inside him. “Ventus? Yeah...It me. And don’t talk too loudly. You might sound crazy if you do. Sora looked around at the growing crowd of ponies entering the newly erected Crystal fair. Speaking in a whisper, “You were silent for a while. What happened?” Didn’t think I should interrupt. It was a nice song. “Eh haha...yeah.” Sora watched a pair of foals pass by, their coats shining like crystals in the heat of Celestia’s sun. “I can’t believe it's working though. Just look at everyone. They seem a lot more lively.” Tell me about it. If it works it works. I won’t question it. I’m more worried about you and me though. “You and me? Oh! You mean our ability to talk to each other?” Sora observed. Yeah. I know that I’m in your heart, but lots of things are a blur for me. I don’t remember how I got here. Heck, I don’t know if I'll still be able to talk to you like this forever. Sora nodded as he closed his eyes and folded his hooves about this chest. “It is weird. But...I think I remember you helping me. You protected me back when my heart was falling into darkness at the Keyblade Exam.” I...Did? I don’t remember doing that. “I’m sure of it. At least I think I am. I was knocked out for a while so everything is kinda...wonky.” Before either of the boys could think more on the subject, Sora felt himself yanked into the sky by a pair of cyan hooves. The poor boy yelped, waving his limbs wildly in panic before he looked to find who had snatched him away the way they did. “Rainbow!? What the heck is going on!?” He paused. “And what’s with that cloth in your mouth.” The rainbow maned pony looked down once before veering off towards the castle where Twilight was just putting the finishing touches on the crystal heart she had just erected out of pure crystals. Letting the stallion drop onto the ground, she quickly covered the monument with the purple flag she had snagged earlier, much to her lavender friend’s annoyance. Before Twilight could even give her a piece of her mind Rainbow cut her off. “Guys! We have a problem!” Both Twilight and Sora looked towards each other before voicing the same question that had popped into both of their heads. “What?” ~ To say Twilight was distraught was an understatement. Not only had she missed the fact that there was a torn page in the Crystal Kingdom History book, but it seemed to be the very page that told them exactly what they needed to keep the crystal empire safe. She paced the balcony, somehow wearing a ditch into the floor as she did so, her usually straight mane now out of place in several places. “How could I have been so inattentive? I should have known that the Crystal Heart was an actual relic! I should have noticed that a page was missing. Did the heartless tear it out when they had gotten ahold of it before. Dear Celestia, we need that crystal heart! Without it, all our work would have been for nothing! Oh no, oh dear, oh no, oh dear-” Sensing her troubled mind, Cadence placed a shaky hoof upon her shoulder, stopping the mare in her tracks. “It’s ok Twilight. We will…We...” She began to falter and fell to her side. Before she could hit the ground however, Sora was as quick to catch her within his hooves. Her horn began to spark dimly, causing everypony present to gasp. “That can't be good…” The young stallion said softly. Sora looked off towards the barrier that was surrounding the empire and found it slowly flutter in and out of existence. With each blink, he could see the dark shadow edging closer and closer until it began to slowly engulf the green land the barrier had surrounded. Sora’s eyes widened as he watched. “Double not good! It’s Sombra!” He looked down to see the alicorn recover from her fainting spell. She closed her eyes and began to once again concentrate on her magic, forcing the barrier back into existence. Sora could see the shadow rear back before quickening its pace, only to be stopped by the once again erected barrier. Despite this, Sora spied something dark falling into the opened plain before slowly growing into a black crystal. Sora’s eyes squinted as he watched as Shadow Colts began to emerge from the crystal itself one after another. “Oh no! Heartless!” Twilight ran to the side of the balcony beside him, her eyes widening at the sight of the monsters slowly coming into being. “What?! We have to stop them! If they get near the fair…!” Sora unfolded his wings before placing his forelegs upon the balcony railing. “Leave it to me! I’ll take care of them!” Rainbow flew upwards into the sky rearing herself to go as well. “Me too!” Before Sora could say anything Twilight gripped the mare with her magic. “Sorry Rainbow! I need you to tell the others to keep the fair going!” “What?! Why!?” The cyan mare complained. “I wanna kick heartless flank too!” Twilight shook her head. “If the crystal ponies get wind of the attack, then they would want to use the crystal heart right away. And we still have to find it! We need to keep them calm for as long as we can, which is what you and the girls will do. Sora will stop the heartless before they can cause an uproar and I’ll find the heart.” She turned to Sora. “Right, Sora?” The stallion nodded before turning to face the ground. "Yeah! Leave it to me! I’ll keep everyone safe!” Without a second thought, Sora launched himself from the balcony, using his wings to guide himself down to the rooftops below. From there he proceeded to jump from rooftop to rooftop towards his destination. When he was gone, Twilight turned to her cyan friend who didn’t look happy in the slightest. “Sorry Rainbow. I want to help him too, but we have to think about the crystal ponies as well.” She released the mare, allowing her to be suspended by her own wings. “Yeah, you’re right Twi.” And Rainbow knew it, as much as it bothered her to think it. She turned to face the way the stallion went. “Stupid hero, getting all the action.” When she had flown into the sky, out of earshot of everyone else, she growled softly to herself. “You better be careful.” ~ Sora landed with a skid on the grassy plain. He flapped once, ignoring the pain of disuse as he righted himself. “Ok…wings…They’re more trouble than I expected.” His gaze fell on the black crystal that loomed over him, heartless slowly pouring out of the shadow that it casts. He looked back towards the crystal castle one last time before turning towards his long time enemies. Summoning his Keyblade he caused every heartless to look his way. “Okay Heartless. I won’t let you or Sombra have you way!” With a swing of his weapon he dove into the first batch of Shadow Colts, his keyblade shimmering in the light of the son. “I’ll show you the power of the Keyblade!” ~ “What!?” Fluttershy Spike and the Crusaders all stared at the cyan mare in disbelief, reeling at what they were told. Rainbow dash had informed Rarity and Applejack before she had managed to find Fluttershy and the kids. After pushing them to a secluded area, she informed them of their current development and was met with the reaction she had expected of them. Despite the joyful sounds of the fair not too far away from them, the small gathering was quiet for a few seconds, the silence only being broken by Spike as he spoke up with a shaky tone. “S-So let me get this straight...The heartless are here in the dome attacking Sora and Twilight has to find the Crystal Heart thing to even stand a chance against Sombra?” Rainbow nodded with a grim expression as her gaze focused on the way Sora had flown before she left Twilight. “Yeah. The hero is dealing with the heartless while Twi is trying to find a clue to where the Crystal Heart could be hidden. She told us to-H-Hey! Spike?! Where are you going?!” The little drake had dashed past Rainbow, making his way to the crystal castle. He took a quick look back over his shoulder as he yelled, “No time! Helping Twi!” Rainbow blinked before looking back towards Fluttershy who had just as much of a dumbfounded expression as herself. “I guess that makes me feel a little better if Spike is helping out Twi. But Hero is out there alone.” Fluttershy looked away. “I-I’m worried about him too. But...We have to trust that Sora can handle it. He has fought Heartless before after all.” “Yeah...well...In any case I already got Applejack, Pinkie and Rarity on up to date on the plan, so we should be good for a bit. But if everything goes south because of that jerk Sombra...” Fluttershy nodded slowly. “I know what you mean...but...I think it won’t come to that. We just have to have faith that Sora and Twilight will win.” “Yeah, I know.” Rainbow paused before looking around herself. “Hey, where’s the squirt and AJ’s and Rarity’s sisters.” Fluttershy blinked before she too began to look around, albeit more franticly. “What? But they were right here!” Rainbow looked towards the castle and then towards where Sora was, her eyes widening as well. “You don’t think?” Fluttershy’s worry was starting to go into full blown panic. “T-They wouldn’t.” Rainbow deadpanned as her wings twitched agitatedly. “You kidding? We are talking about those three.” Without another word both mares began a mad sprint towards the origins of the black crystal, praying to Celestia that they were wrong. ~ Sora's blade sliced the body of yet another heartless, the Keyblade Wielder jumping high soon after to dodge the swipe of another's claw, twisting his body to so that his blade cut that one down as well. Landing on his hooves, the stallion would dash towards another, his blade swinging with precision as it battered one monster after. He was like a machine, his body acting and reacting to near everything around him. Not too far away, a few of the heartless were gearing up for a spell, their magic combining to into a slowing glowing ball. Sora would notice it however, and without hesitation, jumping off the head of another heartless and into the sky. He spun around before tossing his keyblade towards the glowing magic orb and, upon contact, causing the magic to explode, destroying all Heartless withing rage of the blast. Falling back down to the ground, Sora would recall his keyblade, striking the tip of it into the body of a waiting Shadow Pony. As he regained his bearings, he geared up for another round, noticing more heartless were slipping out from the ground. He smirked, despite himself, "Heh...Come on! I can do this all day!" ~ Applebloom's popped her head from around the purple crystal that she and her friends hid behind, the yellow filly taking in the sight with all the admiration she could muster. She and her friends had wordlessly slipped away from Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash and, despite Sweetie Bell’s uncertain glares, had quickly covered the distance on Scootaloo’s scooter to the place where the heartless were appearing. It didn't take long for the fillies to find the spot, especially with the way Sora was going about things. The three fillies watched in awe at what was playing out in front of them. Even from the far distance that the three fillies were at, they could clearly see Sora in action as he fought against countless heartless. Every swipe of his keyblade, every movement he made and every Heartless laid low; it all seemed like it came second nature to him. It honestly made what he did back at the library seem like a simple work out. “Jeeze...Look at him go.” Scootaloo said with amazement deep in her tone as she watched on from behind a fallen pillar of Crystal. “How can he...let alone anypony for that matter fight like-Oh! Did you see that?! He just destroyed three at once!” Sweetie Bell was also in awe, despite her look of apprehension at being so close to the action. “Wow, he really is a hero. I mean, I know he saved Ponyville and all, but I never got a chance to see him actually fight.” Applebloom swelled with pride as she watched the stallion of her dreams, a hot blush dancing on her cheeks. “Yeah, he really is amazing.” “Okay...I...I think I've seen enough girls.” Sweetie Belle spoke up after awhile of waiting, the filly's apprehension winning her over more and more as time went by. “We should get back before anypony notices we are missing. I don’t want to get into any more trouble than we already are in with our sisters.” “Come on just a little bit longer Sweetie.” the orange pegasus begged as she pulled herself up over the fallen crystal to get a better view. “I bet Sora can take care of these jerks easily. Besides, it's not like they can see us from all the way over here anyway.” “Yeah.” Applebloom agreeing wholeheartedly with her orange furred friend. “Besides, we can't just leave Sora now. What if he gets into trouble?” “I’m sure he can take care of himself, Applebloom,” Sweetie grabbed Scootaloo’s tail in her mouth and began to pull at the filly from her perch. “Now...Get down from there or else they really will spot us from all the way over here.” “H-Hey! Let go!” Sootaloo squealed as she began to try and pull her tail out of her friend's mouth. “Let go Sweetie! That hurts!” But Sweetie was not to be denied, her teeth clamping down harder on the purple tail that they held. “Not until you get down so we can get back to Fluttershy and the others.” “H-Hey. Girls stop it.” Apple Bloom began to plea, looking betwen her two friends in a panic, "Can’t we just-” “I said LET GO!” Scootaloo pulled her tail sharply causing Sweetie to release her friend...only for said friend to fall back onto the ground on the other side of the crystal they were behind. Though the fall did not hurt the filly too much the sight of every heartless looking her way was enough to send a chill down her spine. “Oh...Oh pony feathers…” ~ “Ha! Take this!” Sora’s keyblade slammed onto the head of a heartless, causing it to dissipate just like all the others that fell before the hero. Jumping back to catch his breath, the keyblade wielder smirked between clenched teeth that held his keyblade. “You guys don’t hold a candle to any of the heartless I fought before.” It was then that something curious happened. “I said LET GO! *THWMB* All the heartless that had been focusing on Sora would focus as one towards the new voice. “Huh? H-Hey! Where are you-” Sora’s jaw dropped hard as he saw who the heartless’s new target was. “Scootaloo?! What are you-” It was then that Sora finally caught on to what was happening. Something most dreadful. The heartless wanted easier prey. And what could be easier than a defenseless filly. “S-Scootaloo...Run...RUN!” Sora made to rush towards her aid but was soon stopped by more then a few heartless, blocking his path to the pegasus filly. “Get out of the way! Stop!” Scootaloo tried her best to get back onto her hooves to do just that, but would crumble due to the pain of a sprained foreleg, the filly hissing as soon as she flopped to the ground. A dire situation soon became deadly as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle made themselves known, hopping over the crystal to help their friend. “D-Darnit! Stop!” Sora, forgetting to even defend himself now as he began to take blows from all side, tried his best to brute force his way through the heartless, only to be held in place by their sure numbers. “Let go! Darn it! LET GO!” The Heartless paid the boy’s cry no heed, each one laser focused on the filly who in turn were trying to get their injured friend back on their hooves. Sora reached out with his hoof, willing himself to reach the girls in time. “I won’t…I WON’T LET YOU! LET GO!” Sora! Focus! “Huh?” It almost seemed like time stopped for the boy as his mind went into overdrive. The sudden clear voice of the one within him ringing in his ears. You can save them. I know you can. He could...save them? He could save them. Just focus. Remember the first time you used it. “The first time. I used it. The first time...” Sora’s eyes opened as he remembered. The feeling. The flow. The motions. It was almost like lightning when Sora finally acted, time once again in motion. The boy swung his keyblade in one fell motion, destroying the heartless that had been holding him down, before his body began to glow in a blue light. The Keyblade Wielder focused on the heartless closest to the girls. With wings spread wide he gave them one hard flap and disappeared. A stream of blue light being the only indication of his movements. The hapless heartless had no time to react as Sora's keyblade found its mark between its eyes, the hero’ glow disappearing as soon as it had appeared. Sora blinked slowly before looking down at his hoof, the last tint of the familiarly weird energy slowly vanishing into the ether. “T-That was…” “Sora, look out!” At Sweetie Belle’s warning, the stallion was quick to jump out of the way just as the heartless came crashing down where he had once been. He flipped once in the air before landing on his hind hooves, back on his hooves, standing right between heartless and the filly’s behind him. “You three okay?” Sora asked, keeping his eyes focused on the enemy as he spoke to the girls behind him. “Y-Yeah…” Apple Bloom spoke up for the rest. “B-But Scootaloo. She fell and I think she hurt herself.” “Yeah...Okay.” The boy said resolutely as he knew what it was he had to do. “Just stay behind me. I’ll protect you.” The fillies pulled themselves into a huddle as Sora prepared for the heartless, ready to defend them. No matter the cost. The dark creatures gathered together as if it were a wave ready to engulf the four into its maw. Sora yelled a battle cry as he raised his keyblade to strike back against them in retaliation. He would protect these girls...Even if it... Sora’s thoughts were thrown away as a cyan, blur slammed into them, pushing both himself and the fillies out of harm's way in the nick of time. The whole party flew quite a ways before bouncing into a pony pile. The stallion was the first to regain his senses just as yellow fur covered his vision, his gaze wandering up to the worried gaze of the shy pegasus mare they belonged to. “Sora! Dash! Girls! Are you okay?!” “Ah…” The Rainbow mare off to Sora’s side groaned as she lifted herself up from on top of the three fillies, the mare having grabbed the trio as she rammed into the stallion. She stretched her wings, flinching as she felt a kink. “Could be better.” Sora chuckled as he shook his head, the stallion getting back on his hooves. “Are you kidding? Could have been way worse.” “Gonna agree with Rainbow Dash one.” Scootaloo groaned as she touched the ground with a sprained hoof, causing the little filly to flinch. “Ah’m gonna stay positive on this one ya’ll.” Apple Bloom countered. “Well of course ya gonna agree with Sora.” Her orange friend said with a roll of her eyes. “Ah could say the same thing ta you and Dash.” “Girls! It doesn’t matter who's right if we aren't out of the woods yet.” Sweetie squeaked. The little unicorn was right. The heartless were beginning to reform back into their shadow pony selves, their menacing yellow eyes homing in on the ponies before them. Fluttershy was the first to act, grabbing Scootaloo in her hooves. “I-I’ll get the girls to safety.” The fillies in question did anything but protest at Fluttershy’s words, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle instantly following after the shy mare as flow to cover. Leaving Sora to face off against the heartless alone. Or...So he thought. Rainbow Dash stood beside the stallion, her hoof digging into the ground. “You won’t catch me standing on the sidelines waiting for a hero to save me!” Equestira’s fastest pegasus gave Sora a pointed look before smirking. “Besides, I still gotta show ya what I can do. Who knows, maybe that Keyblade of yours might want to be with somepony more awesomer than you after it sees my skills.” Sora could only blink at the statement before a slow smile appeared on his lips. Ventus’s words to him back at the castle echoing through his mind. “Ha...As if I’ll let you show me up after saving me like that. Can't you girls saving my butt two times in a row.” “Is that a challenge?” “If it was, I think we already know who the winner is.” Rainbow’s wings twitched. Sora summoned his keyblade. The heartless stuck. ~ Applejack released a deep sigh as she successfully deterred yet another pair of ponies away from the sheet that covered the fake Crystal Heart. While she did her best to never lie to them, keeping those curious ponies away was much harder than she thought it was going to be. Shooing them away with promises of a grand unveiling or directing them to other stands that they may have not gone to over and over again was quite taxing for the mare, though it was working for now. She felt in her heart, however, that it was not going to last. “Geeze...These Crystal Ponies are more curious than a mouse in a cheese barn. ”The farm mare huffed with an annoyed sigh as she took the time to catch her breath. It would not last however due to a cloaked pony making their way towards her and the crystal. With yet another heavy sigh the country mare moved to greet the newcomer. “Kinda sunny out for a cape like that ain't it? Why don’t ya go take a load off and have some crystal nectar over yonder.” The pony in response tilted their head at the mare. “Um, well if the nectar isn’t your thing you can try the crystal pie.” Applejack pointed to another stand. “It’s hoof licking good.” The strange pony chuckled softly before responding. “Thanks but I’m actually looking for someone. So I’ll have to pass.” His voice, for it was definitely male, sounded rather young for such a tall pony. “Kinda goofy looking. Always getting themselves into trouble.” Applejack raised an eyebrow before she narrowed her eyes. “What do ya need Pinkie Pie for?” Her tone held a hint of suspicion. The stallion shook his head. “Not who I’m looking for. He's a male. Wears a jacket and-!” He cut himself off as the ears under his hood stood up straight, as if honing in on some kind of noise, one that the farm mare couldn’t quite understand due to the many voices of the crystal ponies around them. “Sorry, gotta go.” He ran off, leaving a befuddled orange mare in his wake. “Boy howdy, he was a strange pony. Now, who was he looking for?” Applejack tapped a hoof to her chin. Her eyes widened slightly. “Wait did he mean….” Before she could even finish that thought, her gaze drifted towards the fake Crystal Heart and the pair of ponies making their way towards it. “Hey! We’re not ready for the grand unveiling yet!” ~ Fluttershy could only stare in amazement as she watched one of her closest friends and one of her newest from her hidden perch. Despite any confrontations they may have had with each other before, more so Rainbow then Sora, the two were in sync with each other like none other. The cyan mare dipped in and out, to and from the Shadow Colts, tossing one after another into the air where they were helpless to the barrage of strikes she would land upon them, her hooves landing true with each blow. Sora, on the other hoof, was himself upon the ground, the swing of his keyblade destroying hordes of heartless without missing a beat. Despite their vastly different fighting styles, the two acted as if they were both keenly aware of each other's position, almost as if it was second nature. The keyblade wielder struck at one heartless, sending it sprawling it into the air just as Rainbow was about to pass over him. The mare, without missing a beat stuck at the airborne heartless before circling back and striking again, and again, and again. Over and over her hooves would fly into the dark creature, keeping it aloft before ending her assault with one well placed drop kick, sending it sprawling to the ground where Sora had just finished clearing out a herd of the shadow ponies. “Look alive hero!” The warning from her was all he needed to hear, the hero spinning his keyblade within his maw, and dashed forward at blazing speeds, striking the heartless before it hit the ground and dissipating it with one strike. Rainbow couldn’t help but actually be impressed with the stallion, Though she would catch herself before allowing her fangirl side to actually show. She quickly shook her head before dashing back into the fray. “Keep your head in the game girl. Can't have the Hero showing me up.” Back with Fluttershy and the fillies the Shy mare’s gaze shifted towards that of her charges, all three girls looking on with just as much awe as she was, watching the battle intently. Apple Bloom’s gaze was upon that of Sora, the little filly holding her breath each time a Shadow Colt got within striking distance of the stallion. Scootaloo on the other hoof was torn between watching the flank kicking that her inspiration was delivering to the bad guys, and that of the new hero who was just as wickedly awesome as her idol. The filly was almost bouncing with excitement, despite the pain in her leg. Sweetie Belle on the other hoof watched the battle between covered eyes, hiding behind her hooves each time she thought the two were in deep trouble but never looking away long enough to miss when she would have to do so again. To be sure, all three fillies watch with bated breath. Fluttershy’s gaze returned to that of Sora, her ears lowering. I wish I could do more for you Sora, instead of just being in the way. I know I should take care of the girls but I…I want to be out there with you. I don’t care if I’m even scared. All the shy mare could do was hope...and pray to Celestia that they would make it through this. ~ Sora landed on his hooves a short ways away from the heartless, digging into the ground to slow his momentum into a stop. Right beside him he would find Rainbow Dash doing the same, finding the mare slightly out of breath just like himself. “Hey, you okay Rainbow?” Sora asked between deep pants “I’m fine, Hero.” She said with a wave of her hoof, though her sweating brow told him otherwise. “I just need to catch my breath, and then I’ll destroy the rest of them.” Sora chuckled softly before placing his gaze upon the crystal the heartless were pouring from. It almost seemed like it was way smaller than what it had been before when he had first arrived. Putting two and two together he turned to look back towards his fighting companion. “I think we’re almost out of the woods either way. Still, if only could use my magnet spell so we could gather them all together so I can destroy them all at once.” “Gathering?” The mare placed a hoof on her chest profoundly. “If it's something like that then I can do that no problem with my tornados.” “You can summon a tornado?” The stallion asked in disbelief. “Summon one? Pftt! I am the tornado!” the mare boasted before she lashed out with a hind kick sending an over eager heartless away. Sora thought about it for only a moment before nodding with a wide smile. “Okay then, make one around me!” The fast mare gaped at suggestion. “What? Are you crazy!?” Sora just kept his smile, a look of determination upon his face. “Trust me.” Rainbow could only look at the stallion, mulling over his words for only a few seconds before giving a resolute nod and taking off into the sky. Starting low, the mare began to fly circles around the stallion, kicking up dust and rocks as she did so at first before picking up speed. It wasn't long before the heartless began to follow suit, each one being sucked into the growing tornado. Sora for his part, held his ground as the heartless began to frail widely within the air pool they were entrapped within. When the Cyan mare had built up enough speed, she began to rise higher and fly faster, the heartless suspended by the g-force of the wind Dash had kicked up with her speed. It wasn’t long before Sora too felt the full effects of the gathering wind, though unlike the heartless he was well prepared for such a thing. As more and more heatless began to gather towards the apex of the vortex, the keyblade wielder began to make his move, his body twirling as he flew alone the outer edge of the pony produced tornado. His keyblade striking one, then three, then ten heartless, his strike finding its mark upon the helpless creatures of darkness. Rainbow, despite her putting all her energy into keeping the tornado alive, couldn’t help but not be able to turn her head away from the stallion as he worked, a hint of a smile slowly forming on her face. “Haha...No way...You crazy madpony.” The mare couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped from her at the sight of the hero destroying hordes of the Shadow Ponies with ease. Before anypony knew it, the stallion had made it all the way to the tip of Rainbow’s tornado, his wings flaring out to catch himself upon the updraft of the wind. “Rainbow, up here!” The blue and fast mare looked up as Sora called out to her, seeing that he had held his hoof out for her to grab. Not needing to be told twice she stopped the flow of the tornado and found, as vortex began to dissipate, many of the heartless near the center, all lined up in a nice row. She smirked before rushing towards the stallion grasping his hoof within her own. With one mighty swing she launched the hero downwards with all of her strength. The keyblade wielder, not at all missing a beat of his own, began to spin his body like a corkscrew, his keyblade tearing through the heartless as if it was a knife through butter, hundreds of crystal hearts being released from the Shadow Colts as he obliterated them. He ended his descent, twisting on his forehooves at first before digging his hind hooves into the ground, stopping his momentum and cockily striking a pose as he did so, as if he was pleased with the work he had accomplished. The hero looked around himself, showing off his cheesy smile. “Done and done! Too easy.” Before he could say anything else however, Rainbow landed right in front of him, beaming brightly. “That was so awes- I mean,” She coughed into her hoof. “So yeah,” She fidgeted. “That was pretty cool.” Sora chuckled before beaming right back at her. “You were pretty awesome too Dash.” Before the cyan mare could even respond back to him, Fluttershy and the fillies came dashing towards the pair, the yellow mare stopping in front of Sora, both tears and happiness emanating from the mare. “I’m so glad that the two of you are alright! I was so worried...and scared...But you both are safe, right? You’re not injured are you?” The shy mare’s gaze kept towards the caramel stallion’s own, a simple blush forming on his cheeks as she fussed over him. “Naw. I’m fine. It looks a lot worse then it is.” Fluttershy sighed softly, placing a hoof over her heart. “Thank goodness. I was worried about you and not being able to help...I...I don’t know what I would have done if you got hurt.” The rainbow maned mare huffed as she glared at her yellow friend. "Yeah...no...I'm fine. Don't worry about me or anything Flutters...” “That. Was. So. Wicked!” Scootaloo bounced as best she could from upon Fluttershy’s back. “You two are like…like…Superheroes!” “Yeah! You two are amazing!” Sweetie Bell agreed. “From...ya know... What I saw between my hooves at least.” “Ya saved us again Sora.” Applebloom attached herself to Sora’s leg, nuzzling him gently, much to his embarrassment. With a roll of her eyes, Rainbow gave a good natured huff. “Yeah well…Whatevs. Let's just get back to the Castle. We need to help Twilight find the heart thingie!” “Oh yeah! The Crystal Heart.” Sora nodded. “Let's go see if Twilight found anything out about-” Before Sora could even get another word an an explosion caused everyone present to look towards the Castle just as the very top of it was blown off to kingdom come. > The Return of Sombra-The Fight (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Return of Sombra Part one - The Fight Green to start music and red to stop music Sora and the girls could only watch on in horror as the top of the crystal palace erupted in an explosion of crystals and shards. The screams of the crystal ponies being heard all the way where they were standing ringing true in their ears. “Wha...what just...what just happened?” Rainbow stuttered, her eyes never leaving the scene before her. “What the buck just happened?” No pony had an answer at first, but the slowly rising figure from the smoke upon the busted tower soon gave it to them. A creature almost out of a nightmare emerged from the remains of the broken tower. Even from this distance Sora could make out the details of the being, contesting to the fact with how large it was. The creature brought back a familiar feeling. Like he had seen a creature like this before in his darkest of nightmares. The crystal armored creature was like that of the shadows he was used to, though much bigger. A crystal helmet covered all of its face except its eyes and wiggling antennae. Yellow soulless eyes scanned the area before bellowing a mighty roar, as if daring any to stand against it. And something indeed did. In the distance, not too far from the giant's reach was a vaguely pony-like white dot, carrying what appeared to be a pink one and a purple one upon their back and forelegs respectively. Though Sora couldn’t quite see them with how far away he was, He knew that at least two of the dots might just be ponies he knew. “Thats...Cadence and Twilight! Comeon! We gotta get back to the castle!” Sora called out. He was about to lead the charge back towards the crystal castle when the distinct sound of glass shattering rebounded behind him. He and the girls would all turn just in time for them to see the magic barrier break apart right before their eyes. The harsh winds and freezing snow hit like a truck. Despite the cold chill in the air, something else became more apparent as dark smoke slowly began to eclipse the pony’s vision. Slowly the sound of heavy hoof steps could be heard as a dark unicorn slowly made their way from the menacing cloud of darkness, his heavy red cape bellowing, giving his sleek metal gray appearance a more menacing look. Unnatural green eyes overflowing with the power of darkness completing his look. “Hhehhehe...HAHAHAHAHAHA! So good to be whole again!” The stallion gave a sharp toothed smile as his gaze fell upon the ponies before him. “Hello my little ponies. You have the pleasure of basking in the glory of the one true king of the Crystal Empire.” The Dark King had risen again! Sombra had returned! Kingdom Hearts of Harmony Return of Sombra-The Fight Despite the clear and present danger of the being before them, Rainbow couldn’t keep her gaze from drifting towards the monster that was attacking her friends back at the tower. She was never one to outright rely on somepony for aid, least not if she could help it, but for once, she swallowed her pride before turning to the stallion beside her and whispered out the corner of her mouth in a somewhat semi-controlled tone. “Okay hero…if you got a plan to win then might want to pull it out your flank now.” If Sora heard her he didn’t show it. The stallion was wrestling with his inner self on what to do at that point in time. He dared not take his eyes off the very being before him, but the sound of the monster’s roar caused the stallion’s ears to flick in agitation. I gotta go help Twilight and Candace, but…This guy...I can't take eyes off him. If I do... His gaze would shift to the mare and fillies beside him, Fluttershy keeping the frightened little ones right behind herself, despite the mare shaking like a leaf herself. I can’t leave them alone. Not with him. But I can’t stay here. Darn it! The voice within himself touched his heart once again. Sora...Calm down. I want to help your new friends too but we can’t be two places at once. Sora huffed aa Ventus made himself known once more. I know that! But I can't’ just leave either of them! You don’t have. You just have to practice what you preach. I know you can do it. The stallion growled lowly before relenting to his inner thoughts, he moved until he was right next to the rainbow mare he needed right now. “Rainbow, you’re the fastest right?” The mare scoffed at the question. “Faster then the fastest, Hero.” “Then I need you to go and help Twilight and Cadence. Whoever it is they are with might need someone like you by their side.” Rainbow frowned, knowing exactly what he was thinking. “What about this poser? You just gonna hog all to yourself?” Despite the harshness of the question, there was a deep rooted concern in her tone. “I can’t just leave yo-“ she stopped herself and corrected her wording. “I can’t just leave all of you here to face this jerk alone.” “And we can’t just leave Cadence and Twilight either,” Sora shot back before giving the mare a confident smile. “I’ve fought jerks like this guy before. Taking him down gonna be easier than easy.” His gaze shot back to the King of Dark magic. “I really need your help on this one Rainbow. I can’t be in two places at once, but I can trust my friends to do what I can't.” The cyan mare looked between Sora and the King before giving the Keyblade Wielder a smirk “Geeze, pull my leg why don’t you, hero? You need me to be my amazing self? Fine, You got it. Just don’t come crying to me when I turn that crystal heartless into dust before you can even blink.” Her smug attitude diminished somewhat as she turned around to face the castle, her wings ready to rocket her to help her friends. She paused for only a moment before calling out. “Just don’t get yourself killed, Sora. Got it? And you better make sure you protect Fluttershy or I’ll be the one to kick your flank!” Sora couldn’t help the smile that formed on his face. “Think I'm more scared of you then I am this guy to be honest. So I’ll try not to disappoint.” Rainbow laughed softly to herself before taking off, leaving Sora to turn back to turn back to the patient visage of the dark king. “Done with your little scheming, boy? Not that its going to make a difference in the long run you know. Your friends fate was sealed before it even began.'' Sombra's voice was deep, with a dark majestic edge to it, something Sora didn’t quite like all that much if he was being honest. The black stallion continued, his tone amused. “Though I must admit, when I heard of a stallion with the power to destroy Heartless the princesses had in their employment, I was mildly curious as to what kind of pony he was. I did not, however, picture a welp to be their secret weapon against me.” Sora would summon his keyblade within his maw before taking a step towards him, ignoring the obvious jab at calling him a child. “Cut it with the small talk Sombra! How about you just give up now and save me the trouble of defeating you!” Sora’s ears flinched as the dark king cracked with laughter “Do you really believe that I am as easy to take down some two bit heartless drones? I will destroy you. And then I will destroy Celestia. After all that I will conquer Equestia!” Red scythes began to form all around the stallion as the king spoke, the corporeal weapons shimmering with a dangerous edge. “If a boy is the only one standing in my way...then...I guess I already win.” Sora smirked. “Sorry, Promised a friend I wouldn’t lose. So you winning is not gonna happen!” The young stallion launched himself at the Dark King, Keyblade clashing hard against the sharp edge of the scythes. ~ Rainbow Dash stopped in her tracks to look back towards where she had left the others, the sounds of blades clashing against keyblade reaching her despite how far she had gone. She knew what she had to do, and she knew she should be wasting time, but...Leaving them behind to face that monster, it didn’t sit right with her at all. But neither did leaving Twilight and Cadence to face off against the giant crystal heartless either. It made her feel even worse due to the fact that she admonished Sora just for this exact reason. He had made the hard choice so easily, and that made her so much so angry at him, despite the fact that even a pony like her could see the anguish within his eyes. This time was different though. He had trusted her and she is trusting him. They could save everyone this time. And then after that, they will save Shining Armor. Together. As friends. “Just wait for me, Sora. I won’t let you down so you better not do the same to me.” The rainbow mare kicked it into overdrive as she flew straight for the broken castle, and onwards to saving Twilight and the others. ~ Sora flipped backwards just as the blade of Sombra’s scythe stuck the ground where he had just been prior. Regaining his posture, the hero flew forwards at great speeds to retaliate, only to find another scythe ready to cleave him in two. Sora was quick to respond to that as well, sliding under the blade with ease. Keeping his momentum, the keyblade wielder jumped, twisting his body to the side just as another blade came flying past him, barely catching the boy on his side. He landed on his hooves before launching himself forward, towards Sombra, galloping at him at full speed to strike. One more of the dark king's blades stood in his way, however, ready to deliver a power strike. To Sombra’s surprise however, with a simple flick of his blade, Sora redirected the strike, parrying the blow downwards with practiced ease before slipping his keyblade under the handle and twisting his head upwards, causing Sombra to lose his magical grip upon the weapon. As Sombra’s scythe came falling back down to earth, Sora released his keyblade before jumping in the sky and grasping his enemy’s weapon in his hooves. The boy twisted his body in a full turn before bringing the blade of the scythe down upon Sombra’s head. Sora's face contorted into confusion however as the blade passed through the king like a hot knife through butter. It was almost as if Sorabra wasn’t even there. The Keyblade Wielder barely had time to react as he felt the scythe yanked from his grasp, the butt of the weapon striking Sora hard in the chest causing the hero to double over in pain from the blow. Sombra gave a sharp laugh of satisfaction before raising all of his scythes above the boy, letting the blades fall strike at Sora’s unprotected back. The Hero was quicker than the king had anticipated; however, rolling to the side just before the blades found their mark. Free of his imminent demise, the hero flipped away from in front of Sombra, before throwing his keyblade at the stallion of darkness. Despite the incoming blade, Sombra couldn’t help the laugh that escaped his maw. “Do you really think that a mere blade is going to-ERK!!” Sombra yelled bloody murder as the key began to glow with a light never seen before. A light Sombra had never FELT before. The blade stuck true as his cloudy appearance became that of flesh and blood once again, Sombra reeling back from the blow. The Dark Lord was too surprised by his forced appearance change and the pain of the keyblade’s strike that he did not see when Sora had dashed towards him, the hero’s keyblade already reappearing within his maw with a gleam of shimmering light. The Keyblade Wielder jumped into the sky, bringing his weapon down hard for yet another strike. This time it was Sora who was too slow however. Metal struck metal as the keyblade connected with the Dark King’s armored foreleg, the metal plating on his forehooves acting as a makeshift shield. Both stallions glared at each other as they fought for control of the gridlock, neither giving up more than an inch. And that annoyed Sombra. “Tsh...Not bad colt…” the dark king spoke in a menacing voice. “It’s not every day a pony can match me in a test of strength.” Sombra smirked. “And for one so young too…” Sora did little to answer the king the boy’s glare hardening under the grating sounds of metal scraping metal. Sombra scoffed. “I see.” Sora was surprised when the Dark King suddenly vanished in a cloud of smoke once again landing not too far away from the body, allowing a wide berth of space to separate both combatants. Sora gave the king a careful glare, not knowing what Sombra was up to.. “Strength like yours is far and few between colt…” Sombra spoke in a cool, almost complementary tone. “And your speed and reflexes aren't half bad either. I have to say you impressed me little colt.” Sora stayed silent as the king praised him, though his glare would hardened just a little more. Sombra continued, unabated. “I bet you’re wondering why I am praising you. You see, I am a stallion that will never deny the worth of somepony's strength, especially the strength of mine enemies.” Sombra smirked. “Given time I believe that you can even be a force of nature unlike any other. You need only the right tutor to nurture it.” That actually got a response from Sora. “What? What are you talking about Sombra?” “What I am saying, boy, is that I have a proposition for you.” The dark king held out his hoof offering it to the keyblade wielder. “I want you to join at my side. With me as your teacher in the ways Darkness, I can show you the way to your true potential!” Sora scoffed. “Yeah right!” He stamped his hoof into the ground. “There’s no way I would abandon my friends!!” "But you have so much potential boy." Sombra smirked as he looked upon the stallion before him. "The darkness within you...I can almost smell it." Sora flinched ever so lightly as he placed a hoof over his heart, his heart tightening ever so slightly. "I don't know what you are talking about Sombra." The hero denied, his glare intensifying as he readied his keyblade "Stop playing mind games with me already. I'm not gonna join you and betray my friends!" “Hmm...A pity…” The king of darkness said, almost as if he was a dissapoited father. “On two accounts, really.” Sora raised an eyebrow at Sombra's words. “What's that supposed to mean? Are you trying to confuse me or something?” “I'm just saying It’s a pity that you refused me, boy. Killing off those who I find worthy to serve is always the hardest part when being a ruler.” His horn began to glow with dark energy. “And it will be a pity when your very beliefs will be your own undoing.” Sora shook his head. “Huh?” ~ Fluttershy had been on edge the whole time Sora and Sombra had been going at it, the mare doing her best not to cry out each time Sora was hurt or struck in any way. Though she had never loved fighting personally, the fact that she could do little else to help Sora seemed to make her feel more useless than anything else. Sora was risking his life for them. Rainbow was risking her life for Twilight and Cadance. She was sure that Pinkie and Applejack were doing their bit. She knew that she was keeping the fillies safe, she knew that in her heart. So why did she feel so...useless? “Hey! They...They stopped fighting!” Fluttershy was bright back to the present due to Sweetie Belle’s voice, the mare frowning softly as she did indeed see that Sora and the dark king had stop their bout. “Awww!” Scootaloo whined. “It was just getting good too.” She turned to her friends. “I mean I saw Sora fight a bit with those Heartless things but geeze...I never seen moves like that except with Rainbow Dash,” She turned back to look at her friends. “Why’d they stop fighting anyway?” “Oh! Ah know!” Applebloom piped up. “Ah bet that dark unicorn is trying to get Sora to join the dark side!” Sweetie Bell gave Applebloom an odd look. “What makes you say that?” “Isn’t that what all big villains do? When a villain thinks he can’t win he decides to see if the hero will join him,” Applebloom said matter-of-factly. The filly gently squeaked at the looks her friends and Fluttershy were giving her. “Aha...Ah read a few of Spike’s comics.” “Well who cares what he has to say! There’s no way that Sora would ever join him!” Scootaloo said, puffing her chest out. “He’s Rainbow’s friend so that means that he's already on the cool side.” Fluttershy couldn’t help but nod at Scootaloo’s words. More so the part that Sora would never join an evil stallion like Sombra. She closed her eyes and placed a hoof over her heart as she remembered the gentle touch of the stallion when he had saved her oh so long ago. The mare knew deep down in her heart that Sora was not the kind of pony to hurt others with good hearts. He would never allow himself to be taken in by the darkness. The mare opened her eyes once again only to find that Sombra was smiling at Sora. Why was he smiling at Sora? Fluttershy gave a soft frown before widening her eyes. He wasn’t looking towards Sora at all. In fact his focus seemed to be directed towards… Fluttershy’s mind went into overdrive at that moment. Without even thinking, the mare roughly pushed all three fillies as far away from her position as she could, using all of her strength to do so. The mare could barely register the sudden cry of panic her actions caused before her vision was filled with nothing but darkness. The last word she heard before losing all senses was the panicked shriek of all three fillies calling out her name. ~ Sora’s head snapped towards the fillies' directions just as they all yelled Fluttershy’s name, the young stallion, to his surprise, seeing neither hide nor mane of the butter yellow pegasus that was suppose to be with them. “Looking for somepony, colt?” The Keyblade Wielder's gaze snapped back towards Sombra, a look of shock replacing the look of confusing from before. The sight of his friend, entrapped by the tendrils of darkness that emanated from Sombra’s shadow, did little to calm the more rational part of his mind. “S-Sora...I’m...I’m sorry...I...” The mare weakly shuddered. “Fluttershy!” Sora screamed in both horror and anger before rushing towards her, only to stop when he noticed that the darkness that held the hapless mare’s neck began to tighten, causing the mare to struggle to breath. “Tisk, tisk…” the Dark King said with a smirk. “I wouldn’t move if I were you little Sora. Unless you want me to kill this… pitiful little mare.” As he said the last part, he moved his muzzle slowly, coming within an inch of the mare's face, all the while never taking his eyes off the stallion before him. “Thought, I have to say, if this is the company you keep then I can see why you wouldn’t want to join my side.” Sombra placed a hoof under the mare's chin to raise her head a bit as her tears began to flow down her cheeks. “Yes. I can see why indeed.” “Sombra!” Sora yelled. “Let go of her now!” The Dark King glared at him, a snarl reaching his lips, before tightening his hold on the mare, eliciting another scream from the trapped Fluttershy. “Who said that you can speak colt!?” He said in an angered tone. Sora’s eyes went wide as his ears folded back against his head. Gritting his teeth he glared darkly at Sombra before slowly shutting his mouth. “See? Isn’t it better when you let others control your every movement?” The king looked the mare over, lifting her chin as he did so. “Yes, very well taken care of. Not as… strong as some of the other mares but very beautiful nonetheless,” He said with a smirk. He looked over to Sora who had a look that would have killed most other ponies. “My my, that look. What’s the matter? Don’t want me to touch her?” The king chuckled before turning back to Fluttershy, his hoof caressing her face softly. “I wonder how long it will take to break her with the power of darkness. A delicate one like her.” Sora had had enough. He shot forward again, his keyblade appearing, shining brightly, but before he could get more than a few feet, four scythes came crashing down upon him. Before he could react, the weapons were brought down upon the stallion, the blades missing him luckily, but locking him onto the ground, keeping him in place. Sombra made his way towards Sora. Raising his hoof, he slammed into the stallion’s side, his eyes burning with destructive glee. “THIS! IS! WHAT! BAD! COLTS! WHEN THEY DON’T LISTEN!” With each word from the dark unicorn's mouth, he kicked the hero’s side, causing the boy to double over in pain. When he had finished, he smirked at the crippled form of the young stallion. “Fools should always do as they are told.” “You...Monster…” Sombra’s ears flickered at the soft voice that came from behind him. He turned to see that entrapped mare behind him, tears flowing down her face but a look of righteous fury burning in her eyes. “What was that, mare?” He asked, in a barely restrained tone of anger. “Y...You're nothing but a monster!” Fluttershy shot back despite her fear. Despite where she was. “Nothing but a cold heartless pony who can’t win without cheating!” Sombra growled as he turned his full attention to the shy mare. “A good mare...knows when to be quiet and hold their tongue.” He smirked as he raised a hoof poised to strike the mare. “It seems that you are in need of proper education. Education I will deliver personally.” The shy mare’s gaze widened before closing her eyes completely, unable to do little more then take the strike from the king’s metal hoof. *SPLAT* Fluttershy flinched as...as...what just happened? She opened one eye to find that the back of the Dark King’s head was covered in whipped cream topping and pie crust. He had turned to destroy the one who had did the unthinkable to him when a orange hoof appeared in his field of vision. The blow came hard and fast, knocking the unprepared king down and breaking the magic that held the butter yellow pegasus in place. She toppled over into pink hooves as she fell to the ground and was instantly wrapped up in their warm embrace. Fluttershy’s tear field gaze would weakly looked upwards to find Pinkie Pie staring down at her her with tears of her own forming at the corners of her eyes. “Don’t worry Shy,” Pinkie Pie said, her voice low and tender. “Auntie Pinkie’s got ya.” Seeing her friends, knowing that right now, right here, she was safe, cause the shy mare to nearly brake down in a blubbering mess. The anger of Applejack’s voice rang out loud and clear, gaining everyone’s attention. Especially that of the bruised king. “That’s what ya get for messing with mah friends!” Sombra rose from his downed position to glare at the intruders. “I see more ponies can’t learn their place,” he spoke in a low tone. Applejack tilted her hat and was about to charge at the stallion, but was held back when Pinkie placed herself in front of her. “You guys go help Sora. I’ll be the one to keep him busy.” Applejack raised an eyebrow at her friend’s request. “Pinkie…Ya sure that’s such a good idea?” Pinkie looked back and winked knowingly, giggling. “Of course silly filly. I mean, have you ever know me to ever lose?” Applejack opened her mouth to refute the pink mare, only to close it once again in realization. “Ah…Ah guess ah haven’t.” Pinkie nodded before turning to face the Dark King. “Then let me do my thing and you two go do yours,” The pink party mare, being her pink party mare self, began to bounce towards the downed king, happily singing a song known only to herself. Despite the non-threatening nature the mare was clearly releasing, Sombra was not fool enough to allow the pink one any closer to him then she already was. His horn burned a deep fiery red before he leased a lethal beam towards the foolish mare. His attack, however fast it was, was just not fast enough to strike pink one, beam missing her just by mere inches. With a giggle, she increased the speed of her bounces, clearly undeterred by the death beam that whizzed by her. Disbelief was clearly shown upon Sombra's features before it was quickly replaced by pure rage. With horn aglow once more, he released a flurry of strikes into the air. The beams arched before coming down, each one aiming for the pink menace. He smirked as the beams struck their target, dust erupting from the ground as each beam landed. Before he could relish in his victory however, the sudden appearance of the mare jumping from the rising dust cloud caused the stallion to release an un-stallion like wheeny of fear. “Impossible!” Sombra blubbered as he watched the mare close in on him. He lashed out with his horn once more, aiming a multitude of beams her way. It was all for naught however as the mare was clearly having the time of her life, each beam passing her without a single one grazing her bubbly pink fur, the hum still continuing within her. She was only a few feet away from him now, and all the stallion could do was watch with fascinated horror as the mare, now in mid-air not too far away from him, pulled a giant cannon out of nowhere, aiming the barrel in his direction. “What in the name of Tartarus are you?!” He yelled trying to back away from her. Pinkie Smirked as she raised a hoof high in the air. “I’m a party planner!” The mare slammed her hoof down hard on the fuse of her cannon, firing off a torrent of streamers towards the Dark King. In a panic, Sombra raised his shield, expanding it outwards as he did so. Pinkie, not expecting this, was blasted away from the dark king, riding upon the cannon she had just used as a makeshift rocket. “WEEEEEEEE!” “Pinkie!” The pink mare gasped as her name was called, finding a now free Sora and very much pissed off jumping her way, his eyes cold as ice and his blade shining brightly. With a smile, she lifted herself off the cannon and twisted it until the opening was facing the hero’s way. Sora was quick on the uptake, the keyblade wielder landing hind hooves first inside the barrel. Without missing a beat, the pink mare flipped the cannon back towards Sombra. “This one is for hurting my firends you meanie!!” She slammed her hoof upon the fuse once more, shooting Sora like a rocket towards the dark king. Sombra once again erected a barrier to counter the strike, managing to do so just before Sora would reach him. Seeing this, the keyblade wielder would only commit harder to what he was about to do clinching his teeth before holding the tip of his keyblade out as he neared the shield. He began to use his wings to twist in the the air, doing so more and more until he became little more the I giant drill. A field of light slowly expanding into the cone like structure, surrounding him as he closed in on the barrier. The drill of light stuck the king’s barrier, Sombra’s shield only stopping it for a time before cracks began to show. “NO!” Sombra yelled. “NO! YOU CAN’T BEAT ME! YOU CAN’T! I AM THE KING OF DARKNESS!! I AM DARKNESS!!” Without a word, Sora gave one final push, breaking Sombra’s shield with ease. Releasing the spin, the keyblade wilder landed on his hooves before rushing towards the mad king. With one final slash, Sora struck Sombra with his sword. Sora landed behind Sombra as the dark king crumbled to the ground without unceremoniously. Hearing him fall, Sora would mutter under his breath, “That was for, Fluttershy.” The caramel stallion released a sigh as he allowed his keyblade to disappear. Turning back towards his friends he found himself being tackled by the pink party mare herself. “Did you see that combination attack we did!?” Pinkie cheered as she began to rub her cheek against his own as she held him aloft in the air. “It has to be like, the best thing ever in the history of forever and ever!!” Sora’s eyes went two different directions as the air was slowly being sucked of him. “A-Aa...Yeah...Sure...can you,” Sora squeaked as he struggled within the mare’s grasp. “Could ya...let me...down...please...Pinks.” Pinkie smiled up at the hero. “Okie-Dokie-Lokie!” She dropped the stallion unceremoniously onto his haunches before bouncing away, heading towards the three little fillies as she did so, Singing happily to herself. Applejack chuckled softly at her friend’s antics before heling the stallion up to his hooves. “Haha. Glad ta see you’re okay, partner. Would have hated to lose a good farm hoof.” Sora laughed. “Well I did promise a certain mare that I would make it out of this alive after all. Or else she would kill me.” “Hahaah.” Applejack gave a hearty laugh. “Ah bet ah know the one who made you promise that too. Guess that just means an extra host of teasing from me." Sora smiled. “Just don’t be too hard on her.” “No promises.” Applejack Smirked. Her gaze would shift towards that of the three trouble making fillies. “So that’s where Applebloom and the fillies were," she muttered under her breath before turning to face sora. "Excuse me Sora but I have a set of fillies whose ears need admonishing." Sora watched as the orange pony made her way towards the filles as well, the girls feeling less happy than they did with Pinkie Pie. The young stallion smiled. “Haha...Kinda feel sorry for them.” “S-Sora...” The stallion turned just in time to find yellow hooves wrap around his neck tightly, pulling him into a hug. Before Sora would even get a word in edge wise, his ears would flick at the quite mare’s soft sobs. “Sora!” he heard her say, muffled by his jacket. “Sora your *Hic*! I-I was so *sob* So s-scared!” Sora really was out of his element when it came to girls...and mares it would seem. This is the second time Fluttershy had latched on to him and he was just as clueless then as he was before. Dude, look sharp. The hero squeaked at the sudden voice within himself, his hooves moving almost instinctively to protect the mare close to him, wrapping themselves around the butter yellow pegasus. An action that seemed to cause the mare’s crying to settle down ever so slightly as she felt his hooves around her. It was some time before the mare could properly talk, slowly lifting herself away from the hero before her. Though she had calmed down considerably, the mare’s tear stained red eyes were a testament to her feelings. “I-I’m so sorry Sora.” She began, wiping a hoof across her face. “I was so scared and I…” Sora’s expression softened as he looked down upon the distressed. A feeling of guilt rising up within himself as he looked away from her. “Shy...I...I’m so sorry you had to go though that. I should have...I mean...I shouldn't have...” The mare shook her head widely, causing Sora’s gaze to fall back upon her. “No! That's not it, Sora. I mean...I...I was scared for myself, but seeing that evil stallion hurt you and feeling so useless, all I could do was just yell at him. It was...It was the only thing I could think of to stop him from hurting you anymore.” Sora was actually flabbergasted by her admission. He had remembered her yelling at Sombra, but to think she did so to protect himself. Honestly, if he really wanted to think about it, it made him feel just a little bit more useless then he already thought he was, but the feeling in his heart as she spoke the words to him, he couldn’t help but feel...Happy? Sora gently gripped the shy mare’s forehooves into his own, holding them gently as he smiled at her. “You girls really have the nack of saving me when I'm down, huh? Honestly, standing up to a guy like that jerk. I think that was pretty awesome of you Shy.” Fluttershy blushed brightly at his words, her wings threatening to pop open. “I...i mean you...oh my…I’m not but...ah...I mean to say...oh my...” “How about we save the hugging game for later, sugarcubes? The sound of Applejack’s voice interrupted the duo, startling both ponies as they both let go of each other's hooves as quickly as they could. Despite that however, the coy smile upon the country mare was enough for both Sora and Fluttershy to blush, despite not doing anything wrong...Right? The farm mare chuckled softly before continuing. “We need to make sure Twilight and the Cadence are alright. I don’t know how long that bat pony can keep up with that-” She was cut off by the sound of curses so vile she had folded her ears back in disgust .In fact every pony’s ears followed suit, each head turning towards the source. Sombra was standing back up on shaky legs, the wild look of a beast within his eyes. “You think this is over!?” The dark king yelled in hateful spite. “You think I’ll allow you to beat me like this!?” Sora was quick to push Fluttershy behind himself before summoning his keyblade once more. “It’s over Sombra! Just give up!” The mad king scoffed. “No, I don’t think I will!” He reached out to the sky, foaming at the mouth with anger as he screamed to the heavens. “Darkness! Come onto me! Fill me with all your everlasting power!!” The sight of Heartless rising out of the ground around him was that of nightmares, little dark creatures jumping on top of him with reckless abandon. Sora and the girls could only watch with horrid fascination as the dark king was covered in the very darkness he commanded, only to explode upwards in a pillar of darkness. “What in tarnation...What is that crazy fool doing!?” Applejack called out, holding on to her hat as the blowback from the blast of darkness threatens to blow it away. “Oh no! My Pinkie Sense is really acting up this time!” Pinkie called out, as she held the fillies close to her, all three little ones screaming in fear. Sora had pulled Fluttershy towards himself, as he braced himself against the wind, frowning deeply where the dark king had just been. “Geeze...can't the badguy stay down when they lose.” he said with exasperation. A flash of dark light rose from where the Dark King had been, causing everypony to cover their eyes despite the contradiction. When the dark light had finally cleared, they were met with an unsettling sight. Where Sombra had once stood, a creature of nightmares now was. The Not-Sombra towered above the ponies before it as it stood on its hind legs, its hooves replaced with that of long jagged claws, each pointed tip bathed red as if it was blood. Its pony-like snout was longer to fit the sharp teeth it now held. The horn upon its head was much longer and much sharper than before. The creature whipped its head back and roared, the black flames that had once been its hair flaring to life as it did so. Deep green and yellow eyes would focus in on the ponies before him as it finished its battle cry, the wild look of a beast taking over all semblance of the pony that had once been. Fluttershy had gripped Sora tight as she looked up in fear towards the monster before her. So much so that she had barely registered when somepony had called out run, and barely felt it when Sora had gripped her hoof in an attempt to lead the mare to safety though she did not resist. Applejack and Pinkie both had the fillies between them as they ran ahead of Sora and Fluttershy. “Pinkie!” Applejack called out in a huff. “Yeah AJ?” Pinkie answered, looking to her side. “Ah ever tell ya ah hate bad guys!?” said Applejack. “Nope I don’t think ya did!” Pinkie answered. “Oh…well ah do!” Applejack groaned. “Fluttershy! Sora! AJ Stop!” Applejack did as her sister asked, looking back only to find that Sora was tending to a fallen Fluttershy, the yellow mare struggling to get back on her hooves, only to fall again as she yelped in pain. “I…I think I sprained it on that rock!” Fluttershy cried. She looked at the stallion with tear stained eyes. “Sora…I-I- Sorry please you have to...” The stallion looked towards Not-Sombra, the monster’s horn glowing with dark energy as it ran towards them. Sora moved to stand between himself and the shy mare, summoning his keyblade in a flash of light. “I’m not gonna leave you Fluttershy. This time I’m going to protect you.” he said softly. Pinkie and Applejack stood on either side of him, the former growling softly and the latter fixing a glare towards Sombra. “Girls?” He questioned with a raised eyebrow. “What about Applebloom and the other fillies.” “For now, safe enough.” Applejack answered. “But with this beast in front of us and the crystal heartless behind us, no place is safe right now. Sides, Running from danger just isn’t my style.” “Yeah! If this big meanie wants to throw down then I’ll throw the biggest leave us alone party ever.” the Pink party mare added, smiling brightly. Sora, Applejack and Pinkie Pie all stood their ground as Sombra shot an oversized beam towards the group, each one preparing for the attack head-on. ~ Canterlot: The princess of the sun was took yet another scroll from the pile that was nearby, unraveling it just as she did all the others. It was another case of a pony going missing. Vanishing into thin air just like so many others, and nary a trace to be found of them. It wasn't random though. At least...not to her. They were spicific ponies. And not just ponies, other creatures too. She was worried about those in the Kirin Village who has yet to answering a letter she sent. The dragons as well She sighed softly, gently setting the scroll back down. "He is gearing up for something...I know it...but...what?" Suddenly, Princess Celestia would gasp as she felt an energy unlike any other she had felt before. She teleported from her study, vanishing in a blink of light, only to appear in front of the vault holding the Elements of Harmony. Releasing the lock on the spell, the princess threw the gates wide open before levitating the box over to her. Carefully, the mare opened it, only to find that what she had feared was true. “The elements! They’re gone!” > The Return of Sombra-The Truth (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Green to start music and red to stop music Applejack…Awake… The farm mare gasped as her eyes snapped open , the sound of her name luring her from the dream like coma she had been in. The mare would quickly try to gain her bearings, finding nothing else but the darkness and void around her. Despite the darkness however, she could clearly see her own hooves in front of her face. “Where in tarnation am I?” She questioned out loud, more to herself then to anypony in particular as dread began to build within her chest. “Ah didn’t...I didn’t bite the big one...Did I?” Applejack... She gasped as she jumped to her hooves, looking for the source of the sudden voice. “What the..?! Where are ya?! Show yourself right now, varmint!” Applejack wasn’t greeted with another answer, at least not one that she been expecting. An illuminated stairway slowly began to appear before her, each step a different color then the next. To her, each step looked like that of a stained glass window she would see at the Canterlot Castle. The mare hesitantly stepped upon the surface of it, finding the surface to be quite sturdy. With renewed determination, the mare ascended the platforms. It wasn’t long before the mare could see something glimmering in the distance. She squinted her eyes at the object, tilting her head slightly as she stared upon it. It looked as though it was some kind of pillar. Happy to find something other than the darkness of the void, the farm mare picked up her pace, doing so to reach the top and at least find some simpalance of where she was. Just as Applejack reached the very top, her world suddenly grew pink. The farm mare had little warning when she had rammed into the pink party pony herself, the pair of ponies tumbling along the ground before coming to a stop with the Applejack face down against the glass like pavement and Pinkie Pie sitting pretty in a daze on top of her friend. Pinkie was the first to recover, the pink mare gasping loudly before pulling her orange friend into a crushing hug “AJ! I was so worried about you! When I found myself in this dark void I was all scared and alone and frightened but then I heard this voice and then some pretty stairs appeared and I followed them all the way up here and then I found Sora and then you came and ran into me and now we’re here!” Applejack just laughed lightly. “It’s good ta see you too Pinkie.” “Yeah,” the pink one continued. “And look! We both have our Elements on too! Which is weird because I was sure we left them in Canterlot!” Applejack looked down to find that she did indeed have her Element on. “Well ah’ll be… You’re right Sugarcube. Must have been so out of sorts that ah never noticed it was on me.” The farm mare tried to gently push the mare off of her, but was stopped by Pinkie’s hoof. “Oh yeah,” she said with a sheepish smile. “There’s something I forgot to mention. I told you that Sora was here as well but…well…I’m gonna need you to not freak out on me, okay?” Applejack grew worried at her friend’s words. “What do ya mean Pinkie Pie? Did something happen to Sora? Is he alright?!” “Applejack he’s fine.” Pinkie Pie assured her. “It's just...It's something you need to see for yourself.” The pink pony helped her friend to her hooves before moving out of the orange mare’s line of sight. When she had did Applejack’s eyes would widen at what was in front of her. The creature in front of her was tall and lanky, standing upon its hind hooves, almost like Twilight’s assistant Spike does. Black clothing that was very familiar was donned upon the creature, the jacket more so familiar to her then anything else. She was drawn to the face of the one in front of her. It was rather flat, not in an ugly way mind you, but it definitely wasn’t that of a pony or any other equestrian she had known. A spiky brown mop of a mane sat upon the top of their head, the only piece of hair she could see upon them since their peach was not covered in any. The creature stood awkwardly always from the mare, looking away from both them almost out of shame from some slight it had done. “W-Wha...what the hey am I looking at Pinkie?” Applejack finally asked as she, keeping her eyes locked on the creature with trepidation. “Applejack…Don’t you know who that is?” The pink one asked her friend in a concerned voice. “No. No, ah don’t. I’ve never seen that…whatever it is before in my life,” she said, looking back towards it. Pinkie shook her head. “It’s a he Applejack, and you do know him.” She stepped away so that the mare could look at the being again. When her eyes locked on to his deep blue ones, the creature would give the mare an awkward, familer, stupid, smile. “S-Sora?” She spoke the name, barely above a whisper. “Hey AJ,” Sora said with a sheepish grin, giving her a wave with his strange Spike-like hand. “It’s good to see you’re okay.” Kingdom Hearts of Harmony The Return of Sombra-The Truth “But…Wha...how...huh?” Applejack could barely utter a coherent word as she looked upon the one that she was told was her friend Sora. Of course what could she say? This thing that was a pony not too long ago turns out to be some kind of tall hairless monkey like creature. After gathering her thoughts for a long time the mare settled with one word that summed up everything she wanted. “Sora...Explain.” “OH! I want to know too! I bet it’s supercoolawasommazing!” Pinkie Pie squeed with glee, bouncing around Sora as she did so. The act of which seemed to cause Sora to actually put him at ease, the farm mare noticing Sora relax his shoulders considerably. “It’s...well...It’s kind of hard to explain I guess.” He told them, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. “But well...I guess you could say that this is how I usually look.” “Wait, you mean that you ain’t actually a pony?” Applejack said in a low tone. At Sora’s nod, her gaze formed into a scowl. “Y’all mean to tell me y’all been lying to my friends this entire time?” Sora flinched as if stuck, and Applejack’s frown deepened. “If that true, then what else have you been lying to us about?” she accused. “I haven’t lie to you guys!” Sora tried to defend himself. “I mean I have I guess about me being a pony but everything else is the truth.” “And how am ah suppose to believe ya?” The mare asked, rather harshly. “I…” Sora began but then stopped. “I mean it's...It's going to take a while for me to explain everything.” “Well ah ain’t budging till ya do, so get to talking,” she said with a huff. May hap save such tales for another time fair Applejack? Both the girls and Sora jumped at the sudden voice, Applejack being the first to speak out. “What the hay! Who’s there?! Come out and show yourself ya varmint and stop playing games with me. Ah’m not in the mood!” “I don’t Applejack.” Pinkie mused with a smile. “I think games can do a pony good no matter who you are.” The farm mare huffed harshly as she faced her friend. “Will you cut it out Pinkie! We got enough on our plate as it is with your shenanigans!” Sora frowned as he put himself in front of the pink mare. “Hey come on Applejack! She’s only trying to lighten the mood! There's no need to snap at her!” “Like you have a right ta say anything after all the lying ya did to us!” The farm mare accused, pointing a hoof at the boy. “Least I’m not the one yelling at my friends when they did nothing wrong!” Sora had countered, causing Applejack to pull back like she had been struck. “Ah...ah mean…” The farm mare began to stutter, backing away slightly from Sora and Pinkie. She knows she's angry about being lied to by Sora but getting this angry about it...This wasn’t like her. She's the element of honesty. Not the element of accusations. Taking a deep breath and releasing it soon after, Applejack looked back towards the two. “This is just...Ah mean...It's a lot to take in right now...where we are and everything. Ah don’t even know if we are...d...dead. Ah’m worried about Applebloom and Twilight and everypony else. Not ta mention throwing this-” She gestured towards Sora. “On me.” Ahem… A bright light began to shine from above, causing the trio to all look up in response towards it. There, descending from on high, was that of beautiful pegasus mare, her body covered in the purest of silk any of the three had ever seen before. Draped across her head was that of a white covering, almost as if it were a crown. Her sharp lavender eyes seemed to sparkle as her smile gently grew upon reaching the floor. The mare’s shimmering orange coat glistened even in the foe-darkness. Beside her, the largest stallion Sora and the others had ever seen, landed upon all four of his hooves with a resounding thud. Applejack half feared that he glass pillar underneath them would brake upon his very weight. The large smiling pony before them released a mighty gruff laugh as he dusted himself, a mighty hoof raising to touch his bearded face. “It is good to finally have a voice again...after all these years. And it is a pleasure to meet all of you, Pinkie Pie. Applejack. Sora.” The mare bowed deeply, her voice having an accent that neither Pinkie, Applejack or Sora could place. They all knew, however, it sounded ancient. Applejack raised an eyebrow at the pair of ponies before her, something familiar about one of them etching at the back of her mind. “H-How do ya’ll know our names? Wait! Before that. Who the hey are you?” “Very good questions, little lass.’ The stallion’s voice boomed, despite him talking in a calm tone. His accent was just as strange to them as the mare’s was, despite it being very different from hers. “And one that we can only answer in a grand and epic tale. One I do believe that the three of you would want to hear.” Pinkie bounced high in the sky as she squealed with glee. “Oh! I love story time!” The pink party mare pulled a lawn chair and a bag of popcorn from out of nowhere and proceeded to chow down as she sat on the edge of her seat, awaiting the story she had been promised. The beautiful mare giggled softly as she watched with gentle glee of her own. “I do see you’ve come prepared, pink one.” “If it finally gets me the answers ah’m looking for then to this whole crazy mess then ah guess ah got no choice but to listen then,” Applejack said as she sat on her haunches. Sora, for his part, remained silent, his arms crossing over his chest as he too listened with wrapped attention.. The beautiful mare gently cleared her throat before she began to speak. “Our world wasn’t always as peaceful as yours is now. The ones you known of as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were but little ones under the tutelage of a dear friend of ours. It was during this time of turmoil that the Pony of Shadow would appear, running throughout our world, covering our land in never ending darkness and with it, he would bring the creatures known as shadows to terrorize the land of ponies. It was only after the discovery that we could fell the beast with light that we had at least somewhat of a fighting chance against the might of his darkness. It was the light of our magic that kept the monsters you known as Heartless at bay for a time, but even that could not protect us for long. When all was hopeless and we believed that our end would come, a being unlike anything we had seen came to our aid. In a way, he looked just like the boy standing by your side. A boy who came to our aid in our time of need.” The mare paused to look towards Applejack and Sora. The farm mare would look towards the Keybarer who, in turn, would look away from the mare, rubbing the back of his head with an all too apparent expression of gentle sadness. She felt a tinge of pain as he refused to meet her gaze. Still...she believed she at least deserved a bit of ire. She knew she had been harsher than she knew was necessary. “This being,” The beautiful mare continued, “ that had come to our aid, used a blade unlike any other, and fought against the never-ending might of the Pony of Shadow’s Heartlesses. By fighting he was able to do what non use could do. He was able to push them back. He fought, and he fought, and he never stopped fighting. He fought against monsters bigger than castles and beasts that were unimaginable. He did so without wanting anything in return. It was then that we had realized what this creature had given us when we had fallen into despair, Something that I too wished to give to others.” She said the last part, pointing to both herself the stallion beside her. “And...that was?” Applejack asked. The mare smiled, “Hope.” The mare shook her head softly. “But as with all living beings, he too grew tired due to the constant fighting. No matter how powerful you may be he was still just a creature like you or me. One who needed rest but could never find it for long. We had tried to imitate his weapon, so that he wasn't the only one that was fighting, imbuing light within our own arms, but that was met with limited success.” “It was then that an Idea was formed.” The stallion spoke up, smiling brightly. “Indeed.” The mare said as she smiled at her friend. “With the help of the Key Warrior, we were able to create a rather amazing solution to our problem. It was with his weapon of light and our natural magic that we were able to create a weapon to defend ourselves against the darkness. The power of light the weapon emanated was measurable to that of the Key Warriors own blade, if only by a little. But with the power being too much to handle, we split it into six crystals. We were happy that the weapon was made, and though we had a way to beat the darkness back, there was no pony throughout our lands that could use them. That is…until six ponies, all from different parts of the world came together. They had heard of our plans and believed in their hearts that they could use the weapons. They said that the weapons were calling to them. Ponies had called them crazy, but they persisted, saying ‘what have we got to lose?’ “The weapon,” Sora interrupted . “You’re talking about the Elements of Harmony right? And the six ponies...I bet you and him are two of them right?” “What?!” Applejack gasped as she twirled around toward the boy. “But… that can’t be true.” “Ah, but it is true, fair Applejack.” The beautiful pony mused as she placed a hoof on her chest. “My friend...Rockhoof here, and myself, Somnambula, joined with four others to become the Pillars of Harmony. Strength was the Element that Rockhoof bore, Applejack, the one that is now called the Element of Honesty. I, myself, wielded Hope, which is the one that young Pinkie Pie now uses as Laughter. It was through our friendship to each other and the rest of the elements that we were able to use the power given to us by the Key Warrior, and with this power, we were able to subdue the darkness causing it to retreat. Though there were still remnants of his influence that remained, we were able to pick up the pieces and start anew with our lives, with the Elements protecting us.” “Rockhoof! The Rockhoof?! I knew ya looked familiar.” The farm mare’s eyes widened at the mention of the stallion’s name. “You mean the Rockhoof?” Pinkie gasped. “Wait...you know this pony AJ?” The farm mare blushed deeply, recognizing that she kinda spurted all of that out. “W-Well not really know per say. He's a legend me and Applebloom used to read together. The strongest pony in all the land and the son of a farmer to boot.” The large stallion’s laughter resounded throughout the void. “It’s good to see that pony still look up me at the very least. It seems my successor was chosen wisely indeed.” Though Applejack would beam softly at the praise, her smile would falter soon after, her head lowering in deep thought before addressing the supposed original element of honesty and laughter. “But…If that's the case, why are both of you here...in this...void?” “That...Is something that we do not have time to answer right now dear Applejack.” Somnambula told her with a shake of her head. “You have more pressing things to worry about after all.” “Ah…OH YEAH…” Pinkie Pie said. “We were fighting that mean ol king of darkness! His name is King Sombra. Or at least we were fighting him. Before you guys made us all dive into this dark place and all that we were beating him fair and square and until he was all like, ‘Use ultimate the Cheatcode, GO’ and turned into a big monster type thingy! I was like ‘Ohs Nos!’ and AJ was like ‘Darn-tooting’ and Sora was like ‘Don’t worry Fluttershy! I’m coming for ya!’” Sora couldn’t stop the blush that formed on his face at the last part. “W-Wait a second! I never said that. All i did was...I mean...I was protecting her that's all.” Sora really didn’t know why he was trying to defend himself but the fact that he was couldn’t stop bothering him. The boy shook his head before turning towards the pair of ponies in front of them. “What happened to us after that though? I really don’t know.” Applejack gulped. “We…ah…didn’t die, did we?” Somnambula giggled gently behind a hoof. “Do not worry, the three of you are not dead yet.” They all sighed with relief but the mare continued. “That isn’t to say that you won’t be in about twelve seconds.” “What!?” Sora and the girl’s gasped. “In this dream state, while time is slowed to a crawl, everything that is happening is happening as we speak.” Rockhoof explained. “You three, the element of Kindness, and those poor fillies will be blown away by the dark one’s attack. Sora and the girls all took in the information in different ways, but they all agreed that the situation was not looking good for them. Applejack was the first to speak for the group, lowering her hat over her eyes. “Then we’re as good as dead… aren’t we?” Somnambula shook her head sadly. “That is something only you and Pinkie Pie can truly decide Applejack.” “What do ya mean?” the farm mare questioned, raising an eyebrow. Rockhoof turned towards the boy. “The keyblade wielder's power is the key to winning, but it can not do it alone.” “H-Huh?” Sora tilted his head at the statement. “Remember? A keyblade wielder is the one that helped forged the Elements of Harmony.” Somnambula explained. “It stands to reason that the elements themselves would react to one, even if it wasn’t the original.” Sora cupped his chin in thought. “You’re saying that we can use the Keyblade and the Elements of Harmony together? How does that even work?” “That, gentle key, is something that only you and your friends can figure out.” Somnambula said sadly. “We can only tell you what we know.” Applejack pawed at the dangling Element around her neck before, ruminating over the information she and the others had been given. It took a long while before the mare turned to address Sora, a frown upon her face. “Did ya know about any of this...like...at all?” Sora shook his head, somewhat surprised that Applejack was talking to him normally. “No. This is the first I've heard of a story like this.” “Then tell me. if the one in the story didn’t lie about who they were, why did you?” Sora ran his hand through his spiky hair, trying to come up with a good reason. “Well…the princess did turn me into a pony before I came here. In all accounts...I really am a pony.” “Doesn’t excuse the fact that you lied to us all this time,” Applejack said. “Did she say you couldn’t tell us?” “Well…no…” “Then why didn’t ya?” Sora looked away. “I was…afraid.” She paused before softening her tone. “That we wouldn't accept ya?” Sora was caught off guard with Applejack’s question. “I…ah…how...?” “It's a gut feeling.” Applejack stated matter-of-factly. “Oh…” Sora scratched his cheek and looked away. “So…Did you think we wouldn’t understand?” Applejack inquired. “Well, yeah. That was part it,” he said, looking at her. “And the other part?” “It’s a Guardens of Light’s duty to protect the World’s order, so I’m told anyway. We’re not really allowed to reveal who we really are or that we can travel between worlds, unless forced to do so.” Applejack’s shoulders sagged slightly as she asked the next question. “Was everything about you a lie then. Your life and all that?” “No!” Sora told her with a look of sincere pain. “I lived with my friends back on Destiny Islands. This necklace was given to me by my best friend. And...Oh! I’m...afraid of ghosts.” The last part couldn’t stop the smile that played at the corners Applejack’s lips, though she tried to force it down with a look of total indifference as best she could. “Afraid of ghosts? Ah don’t think ya ever told us about that one.” “Oh...I didn’t...ah…” Sora rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. “Can...the two of you forget about that one then?” Pinkie wrapped a hoof around the poor boy’s shoulders as she drew him into a side ways hug. “Oh my poor poor little hero...There is no way mama Pinkie is gonna forget such a perfectly delicious detail.” Sora groaned as he slumped over in defeat. “Drat…” Applejack cleared her throat, her frown once again returning. “Despite all that Sora...Ya lied ta us from the get go...and I’m not really sure what to think of all of this or how ta really feel about it. This is just...So much.” "I mean...what do you want me to say Applejack?" The boy argued. "To go against what Master Yen-Sid told me personally. He's been at this longer then I've have. Besides, what else was I suppose to do. Just come out and say that I'm a human from another world?" "No! Ah mean...ah don't know. ah just..." Applejack lowered her head unable to find the words she wanted to say. “You know what!?” Pinkie Pie yelled out. “We’re wasting time!” She turned her to the farm mare , puffing out her chest as she did so, “Don’t worry Applejack. I got this.” Pinkie Pie bounced towards the boy, pulling him by the ear down to her level when she was near him. “I’ve only got what thing to ask you, bucko!” Sora yelped as he felt his ear tugged. “W-What?” “Did you enjoy my party or not?” she asked, squinting her eyes. The Keyblade Wielder stared at the mare for a good long while before smiling brightly. “Yeah, I really did Pinkie. The best I’ve ever been to in my life.” Pinkie held her gaze in a neutral expression before smiling brightly. “Whelp! He’s alright in my book!” “What?!” Applejack exclaimed, furrowing her eyebrows. “What kind of question is that?!” “Well it’s the ultimate question, really. Duh! Nopony evil would ever admit to liking a party thrown by me. Therefore he’s a good guy in my book.” Applejack slapped a hoof to her face at the comment Pinkie had made, to which she giggled. “Besides, Sure he lied about what he was, but he never lied about who he was with his actions.” She zipped back towards him, nuzzling Sora’s cheek gently. “And that’s somepony who does all he can to protect what he holds dear, even if it was just friends he met a few days ago. So please don’t let one little lie stop you from being friends with him. And he seems really, really sorry he lied too! See?” Pinkie went behind his back and placed both hooves to the side of his face, pulling his cheeks down into a ‘sad’ expression. “I never said I would stop being friends with him Pinkie,” Applejack exclaimed as she looked down, her anger dissipating slightly. She released a heavy sigh before looking back up at the pair, giving both a sincere smile. “But from now on, ah expect nothing the truth out of you when we get back, and you’re gonna tell the girls as well. No use hiding it from them now.” She leaned into him, patting his shoulder. “Side’s, you’ve done too much for us to lose ya as a friend anyhow. Ya did risk your life to save Twilight and Fluttershy. Heck, you even saved my life as well. You may not be a pony, Sora but… well… you’re still our friend. And Friends forgive each other...right?” “Haha...Yeah...Friends do.” Sora said with a gentle smile of his own. "I'm sorry about lying to you AJ. To all you girls." "Well...apology accepted sugarcube. And...Sora for being so...ya know." Sora smirked as he placed his hands behind his head. "Hey no biggie." Pinkie Pie in-between the two of them, pulling both into a bone crushing hug of happiness. “YAY! Were friends again!” “Indeed you are,” Somnambula said softly as her visage began to flicker, both hers and Rockhoof’s body slowly becoming more and more transparent. “Hold on to the friendships in your heart. In the dark, it will always be your light.” Gentle light began to surround Sora and his friends as the three pulled away, but they would pay it no mind as Applejack and Pinkie Pie’s focus was upon the boy summoning his keyblade within his hand. Raising the blade into the sky, energy began to flow from the point of the key, just as light began to shimmer with the elements of Laughter and Honestly. “Do ya know what cha even doing there?” Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow and a good natured tone. Sora shook his head in response, keeping his gaze trained on the sky above. “Kinda thought I would just wing it, ya know?” A beam of light blasted towards the ground and an overwhelming sense of power began to flow through each of their bodies. “Besides, with my friends by my side, I know we can win. We’re gonna protect our friends, and Defeat the pony of Shadows; King Sombra, Once and for all!” The light intensified, showering them with its radiance until they were completely engulfed by it. Before they left, Somnambula’s voice could be heard in the distance. “I never said Sombra was the one you needed to defeat, Key Warrior.” ~ Sombra shot forth a ball of darkness from his maw, the threatening blast hurling towards the ponies with reckless abandon, only for the death orb to be cut in half in one fluid motion by a blinding light the monster had never seen before. As the light slowly began to subside, a familiar figure could be seen, which caused Sombra’s eyes to glow with heated rage. Sora stood before the transformed stallion, their caramel fur and chocolate brown mane flowing with the wind as the dust subsided. But something had changed about it. The young stallion, instead of his usual black attire, was donned within a jacket as red as the purest of roses, a fleur-de-lis on each sleeve glowing warm light. In fact, every bit of his outfit seemed to radiate with power unseen before, sparks emanating from them as if overflowing with strength. His new appearance was the least of the monster’s concern however. For as the stallion stood on his hind hooves, his forehooves bore two terrifying objects within them. Two keyblades, one for each hoof, could be seen releasing a power of light all of their own. The stallion looked between both of his blades, admiring the detailed work upon them. One was golden and brown, an apple slice replacing the teeth of a regular key. On the chain hung Applejack’s Element of Honesty. Within the other hoof was a wild looking pink colored keyblade, a curved edge with spikes surrounding Pinkie Pie’s cutie mark. At the end of the chain of the keyblade rested Pinkie’s Element of Laughter. “Woah...It's been a while since I’ve used this form.” “S-Sora,” she said in a quiet voice, raising a hoof to touch his arm. The stallion looked back at her, his face shifting from concerned gaze to a kind smile. “Sorry Shy, gonna be busy for a while,” he said softly. “And I have a lot to tell you and the rest of the girls when I’m finished here. But for now, just trust me when I say, I’ll protect you… all of you.” He turned back to face the monster that had nearly destroyed them. He held both keyblades tightly with his forehooves and began to expertly spin them within his grasp. When he was done, he positioned himself in a fighting-like stance before addressing the mare behind him. “Think you can fly away from here?” he asked. She proceeded to nod, but then remembered that he was not looking her way. “Um… I-I can fly alright… I think.” “Good. Then get the fillies to safety. I’ll finish this up as quickly as I can.” With his command ringing in her ears, she flapped her wings and flew as quickly as she could towards the little mares. When he did not sense her behind himself anymore, the stallion addressed the monster formerly known as Sombra. “Okay Sombra, I hope you’re prepared.” He smiled brightly. “Cause I can honestly say... I’M READY TO PARTY!!” > The Return of Sombra-The Drive (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Return of Sombra Part one - The Drive Green to start music and red to stop music Sora gasped as the light subsided, the feeling of heated air around him kickstarting all of his senses. They keyblade wielder shifted his gaze downwards, instantly seeing that he was once again in his equine body, albeit with a few noticeable differences. First and foremost, his clothing. He was surprised to find that, rather than his usual black attire, he wore a jacket that was as red as a rose. The clothes shimmered with a mystical light that he was all too familiar with. The energy surging within him seemed to emanate from his very being, overflowing through his body like a current from the top of his head to the tips of his hooves, glowing with electrifying power. One word came to the forefront of his mind as he felt his strength growing from just standing there. VALOR The second thing he noticed, and he honestly believed should have taken precedence above all else, was that he was standing on both of his hind hooves, two keyblades that weren't his own in both hooves, glowing with their own current of power. He looked between the two keyblades, both being unknown and yet somehow familiar to the stallion. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen this form…” What the hay! Where in tarnation am Ah?! Sora raised an eyebrow as he heard the familiar voice of Applejack, despite her not being anywhere around him. “What? AJ? Where are you?” Wait! Who’s that!? Sora?! Where are you!? Sora’s eyes bulged. That was Apple jack…but where? OH! Applejack! You're here too?! Pretty neat huh?! Sora’s mind was assaulted by the voice of a the pink party mare known as Pinkie Pie. He cringed slightly at the volume before he felt something akin to sorrow wash throughout his body. Oh my gosh! Sora! I’m so sorry! I didn’t know I was hurting you with my voice. Sora could feel the pink mare’s voice decrease in volume in his mind as she spoke again. Wait! Where were they?! Pinkie! Is that you too? AJ’s voice once again spoke up, the feeling of confusion flowing throughout Sora. Sure as sugar is! Pinkie responded in a giddy tone of her own, giggling softly. Jeeze...Just what in the hay is going on? Where are we? Sora could feel the farm mare’s attention focus on himself. Do ya know Sora? “I...I don’t but,” Sora said, feeling a little overwhelmed. “This feels really familiar to me, and I’m in my powered up form. I think it’s connected somehow.” “Sora?” A familiar voice called out to him from behind, causing Sora to turn his head towards the sight of Fluttershy looking up at him with wonder, greeting him. The sight of which caused Sora’s mind to race wildly, the feeling of dread slowly taking over his being. He had to tell her everything. Not just her but the others too. Would they accept me like Applejack and Pinkie Pie did? Would...Fluttershy? The sudden thought of Fluttershy not being his friend anymore...it made his heart hurt more than anything else. Especially after he had lied to them about who he really was. But...why did she of all of them hurt the most? Before he could dwell upon such thoughts for any longer, the feeling of Applejack’s hoof slapping his face, despite her being no where near him, pulled the stallion out from the darkness of this mind. Ah may not know what's going on or anything, the farm mare began. But ah can feel your thoughts right now, and, for some reason, ah know what y’all are thinking about. Right now, worry about saving Fluttershy and the rest of us, and then we can talk about your continuing friendship with us. She paused before Sora felt her smile, If it’s any consolation however, as long as ya promise to tell us the whole truth, ya still have a friend in me Sora. You’re not a bad po…err…Whatever you are. You’ve proven yourself in that aspect at least and I’m sure that Fluttershy and the others will all feel the same way me and Pinkie do. Yeah! Pinkie said excitedly. You’re totally cool in my book! I Pinkie Pie Promise to always be your friend no matter what! Sora could feel the weight of their words flowing through him, the flood of their kind words pulling the stallion back from his despair. With renewed determination the stallion focused his attention back towards the butter yellow mare, a kind smile playing on his muzzle. “Sorry Shy. Gonna be busy for a while,” he spoke softly. “And I have a lot to tell you and the rest of the girls when I’m finished here. But for now, just trust me when I say: I’ll protect you… all of you.” he held both keyblades tightly with his forehooves and began to expertly spin them within his grasp. When he was done, he positioned himself in a fighting-like stance before addressing the mare behind him. “Think you can fly away from here?” he asked. She proceeded to nod, but then remembered that he was not looking her way. “Um… I-I can fly alright… I think.” “Good. Then get the fillies to safety. I’ll finish this up as quickly as I can.” With his command ringing in her ears, she flapped her wings and flew as quickly as she could towards the little mares. When he did not sense her behind himself anymore, the stallion addressed the monster formerly known as Sombra. “Ok Sombra, I hope you’re prepared.” He smiled brightly as he looked between the Keyblade of Honesty and Laughter. “Cause I can honestly say... I’M READY TO PARTY!!” Dangnabbit Sora… Yay! ~ Fluttershy was beset by all three fillies as the mare landed on unsteady hooves next to them. It took a considerable amount of time before the butter yellow mare could calm all three down and actually get a word in edgewise between their chatter. “Please girls, I know you are worried but we need to leave.” She tried to explain, trying her best to sound brave for them. “We will only cause trouble for Sora and the others if we stay here.” She opened her wings and began to usher them away from the battle that was unfolding behind her, much to their worried annoyance. “Wait!” Applebloom was the first to protest. “What about mah sister? Where’s Applejack!?” “And Pinkie Pie!” Sweetie Belle added. “Aren’t they with you too?” “Don’t forget Sora! Why was he all glowy?!” Scootaloo exclaimed. Fluttershy shook her head not quite knowing herself. “I… I don’t know where Applejack and Pinkie Pie are, but Sora is out there, so I’m sure that the rest are fine. I’m sure that he’ll save them just like he’s done every time. I...Believe in Sora.” The shy one’s words flowed through the trio of fillies, each one slowly coming around to the same conclusion as her. They all nodded, the orange pegasus being the first to step up. As best she could with her sprained ankle. “Yeah...Your right Fluttershy. Sora won’t lose to some two bit bad guy from a bad comic book!” Scootaloo said, pumping a fist in the air. “He’s Rainbow’s friend, so he's too cool to lose!” “Yeah!” Sweetie squeaked. “He’ll save the day, just like he did back in Ponyville!” “You’re right Fluttershy!” Applebloom agreed as well as she looked towards where the caramel stallion was, her hoof clutching her chest in worry. “He’ll save us. I just know it. He just has to.” Thoroughly convinced by the mare’s words, the fillies would quickly make their way to safety behind some oversized crystals, Applebloom and Sweetie both helping their hurt friend along the way. Fluttershy would linger back for only a moment, her gaze shifting towards where Sora was. Please...Please be alright Sora. You have to win...I want you to...come back to us...to me. ~ Sora quickly closed the distance between himself and the being he had dubbed Shadow Sombra. The monster had once again opened its maw, energy gathering within it once again. Sora knew it was charging another ball of darkness and he could not let that happen. Not with Fluttershy and the others behind him. The keyblade wielder jumped towards Sombra just as he reached the giant heartless turned pony, crossing his forelegs as he readied to strike. With one swift motion, Sora lashed out with both of his keyblades, striking the heartless under its chin, causing it to force its mouth close, dispelling the dark magic as it reared back from the pain. Sora quickly flipped upwards after landing the blow, the pink keyblade slashing downwards, catching Sombra across its muzzle before following it up with a strike from the orange one. He ended his assault by flipping back towards the ground, landing upon his hind hooves with ease before brandishing his keyblades on either side of him, ready to strike again. The keyblade wielded at his handy work before a look annoyance crossed his face. Despite the clear cut blows he had delivered, Sombra didn’t seem like it took too much damage from his attack. Whoa nelly! That’s some fancy hoofwork ya can do there Sora, but how the hay do you plan on taking that beast down? Applejack’s voice rang in Sora’s mind, voicing his own concerns. He has ta be twice the size of a king timber wolf and three times as nasty! Sora blinked. A king wha? Before the confused stallion could even get an answer, Pinkie Pie made herself know, giggling like a school filly. Silly Applejack, we aim for any clearly visible weak spots of course, duh. She said it like was the most obvious thing in the world. Darn it Pinkie! I’m serious! We’re-Oh Horseapples! Look out Sugarcube! Sora had little time to react as Sombra’s came thrashing towards him. he quickly jumped away just as a massive hand came crashing down where he was standing, kicking up dust and debris as it did so. Sora, for the second time today, underestimated Sombra’s speed and was rewarded with their other clawed hand swatting him out of the sky like a bug, causing the keyblade wielder to rocket towards the ground below. NO! Sora Look out! Pinkie’s voice cried out from within him. The pink keyblade he held seemed to move on its own accord, forcing him to turn and point the blade towards the ground. As he did, light began forming at the very tip before shooting out towards the ground, a massive bubble forming just as Sora landed, cushioning his fall before he could be seriously hurt. The bubble only buckled slightly under his weight before popping away in a burst of confetti. The stallion landed on his back as it did so, only slightly dazed. “That was…Was that...Balloon?” He heard a sigh of relief escape from Pinkie inside his mind before she said, That was super-duper close! You're not hurt are you, Sora? “No...I’m fine. But how did...I mean did you just...How did you-” Do that? she finished for him. Hmm...I think I did but...Hmmm... There was a long pause before she finally said, Nope! Don’t have a clue. Oh, but hey! Why question when you can just go with the flow right? Or should I say balloon? She giggled at her joke, causing the stallion to do the same. “Yeah...Okay. No need to think about it, right?” he said before getting to his hooves. “I’m not done yet, Sombra!” Sora pointed the pink keybalde in front of himself and shot off another balloon from the tip. Without hesitation he jumped on top of it before launching himself upwards with a flap of his wings, helped by the bubbles momentum.. Sombra, catching wind of the pray, lashed out at the Keyblade Wielder once, but Sora was ready this time. He lashed out with the pink keyblade, saying the only word that could come to mind as he did. “Balloon!” He and Pinkie Pie were more than happy that they were greeted with the desired effect, a large balloon appearing as the blade slashed the air in front of them. It landed in Sombra’s hands just as Sora landed on the balloon itself. The monster grasped the object before giving the magical ball a hard squeeze, popping it in one go. This, however, caused Sora to use the inertia of the pop to jet himself upwards at high speeds. The stallion once again created a magical balloon, using its bounce properties to ricochet at a fast, downward angle. Sombra barely had time to register what had happened before Sora came crashing down upon its head, the stallion causing two deep gashes from upon its head, before landing cleanly on top. The stallion didn’t stay long however as he flipped off his perch before landing a double downwards strike from both keyblades, forcing the monster down to his knees. Sora followed up by using the momentum of his strike to flip himself behind Sombra and, being careful of the burning darkness that had enveloped the turned pony’s mane, flew down their back before lashing out with both blades once again; the blow actually causing the monster to topple over. Using his new balloon magic, Sora bounced his way away from Sombra, landing in the dirt path below with practiced ease. Land sakes! he heard Applejack pleased tone within his mind. I said it before and I’ll say it again! That’s some fancy hoofwork Sora, despite how ya had me worried there for a second. Didn’t think we would have been able to, but he looks like he could be down for the count this time! Don’t count your apples before they become trees, AJ! Pinkie warned. One thing that’s universal in this world is that villains never play fair! It’s like villain rule number one hundred and fifty seven. Before either Sora or Applejack could even decipher whatever logic train their pink friend was on, a powerful gust blasted against the stallion, nearly knocking him to the floor. When the wind finally subsided Sora’s gaze would fall back to where Sombra had had, only to find a plume of smoke rising from where the pony turned heartless had been. His eyes followed the dust cloud upwards, a gasp escaping him as he saw the heartless actually flying high within the sky, their yellow eyes burning brightly with rage and fury. “NO!” Sombra bellowed in, his voice having an otherworldly edge to it. “I WILL NOT BE BEATEN! I REFUSE TO BE BEATEN BY A FOAL! IF I CAN’T WIN, THEN I’LL DESTROY IT. I’LL DESTROY IT ALL!!” Sombra’s maw opened in an unnatural way and energy once again began to build within it at an alarming rate. “What did say?” Sora whispered, not being able to take his eyes off Sombra. “He’ll destroy the world if he can’t win?!” That's...He done plum lost his mind, AJ lamented as panic began to form within her link with Sora. Told ya! Pinkie exclaimed. Wait! Destroy the world?! But I have parties here!! Sora had little time to lose before it was too late. Working on pure instinct and nothing else, the keyblade wielder jumped as high as he could into the air before turning the pink keyblade towards the ground. Releasing his balloon magic once again, he allowed himself to bounce from the puffy ball of energy and towards the sky above, using the inertia from the bouncy substance to rocket himself upwards, flying straight towards Shadow Sombra without hesitation. Sombra would respond in kind however, his wings slowly carrying him higher and higher, just out of Sora’s reach, leaving the frustrated stallion to repeat his actions every time, use his magic to once again try and reach the heartless before it was too late, each time ending in failure. “Darn it! He keeps flying away!” Sora complained as he landed upon another balloon he had created, bouncing from it once again. “I can’t reach him at this rate.” There has ta be a better way! He heard the farm mare call out in desperation within him. We can’t just give up. “I’m not giving up! Not until the end. But what else can I do?” He could feel Pinkie’s own thoughts edging him on in the back of his mind. We can do it Sora! I know we can. Saving the world is a piece of cake for somepony like us. If only we could use his own attack againt him. Sora blinked. “Pinkie...AJ...I got an idea.” He felt the girl’s eyes on himself, despite them being nowhere around him. Applejack was the first to speak. Ah...Trust ya Sora. Take that jerk down a peg or two Yeah. Show em what it means to use the power of friendship. “Yeah...I’ll show him that friends are my power.” Sora smirked before jumping as high into the sky as he could before using the balloon under him. Turning his back from Sombra, he pointed the pink keyblade towards the ground and ,using every ounce of his magic within him, the stallion released spell after spell, one magical balloon after another lining up in a row in front of him. Doing such, he could already feel the magic draining him each time he did, nearly leaving him empty. Despite this, however, he would continue to until he was satisfied with the work he’s done. Sora turned back to face Sombra just in time for him to block the beam of darkness that shot forth from the heartless’s maw, his keyblades blocking the blunt of the attack as he found himself rocketing towards the first balloon within the line of them. One after another, Sora could feel the force of each beam and the forcing him though each of the magical balls he had made pior. Each time he did so he could feel himself slowing until, at the very end, the last balloon held in place the beam of darkness slowly dissipating as it pushed the keyblade wielder against the elasticity of the magical balloon. Sora had made extra sure to pour all of his magic into the very first balloon he had made, an action that had caused said ball to buckle and bend under the force of both Sora’s weight and the beam of darkness combined. As the last dreads of magical darkness evaperated, Sora would open his, a devious smirk appearing upon his normally happy-go-lucky muzzle. ~ Fluttershy, despite her fear for the hero’s safety, could barely tear her eyes away from the battle before her. Never in her life have witnessed something so horrifyingly mesmerizing in her own dreams. She had cried out of fear when Sora was hurt and cheered just as loud when the stallion had the upper hand. It wasn’t until the very end, when she had heard Sombra’s declaration that true fear began to build up within the shy mare once again. And it wasn’t until the beam of darkness struck the keyblade wielder that Fluttershy would look away from the battle altogether, not wanting to see her hero lose. Not like that. Despite that she would clutch her chest, hoping beyond hope that he would win. He had to. He promised her. “No. Way.” The sound of Scootaloo’s voice caused the mare to slowly open her tear stained eyes. Those same eyes widening by degrees as she beheld a sight that was most peculiar. Not only was one of the last balloons Sora had created still intact, but something was causing it to buckle into itself. Fluttershy hobbled over to join the three fillies, the four looking up towards the sky. Scootaloo’s wings began to flutter faster and faster with excitement as the little filly finally caught on to what the stallion was about to do. “No way… He’s going to! He’s gonna do it!!” She was hovering an inch off of the ground by now as she spoke, her excitement rising as her eyes shimmered with unrestrained hope. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were looking up in amazement as well, the two fillies finally catching on to Sora’s plan. “Sora! You can do it! I know you can!” “Yeah! Show that villain what fer! You can do it!” Fluttershy placed a hoof upon her mouth as she looked upwards, the mare’s eyes once again tearing up, but not at all for sadness this time. “Sora, you’re…” ~ Sora barely had time to brace himself as he felt himself launched forward at blinding speeds, the magical bubble retaining the shape of a ball as before, popping in a blast of confetti and sparkles. The speed Sora was going looked as if the sky was being cut in two, the boy quickly closing three fourths of the distance between Sombra and himself in a short amount of time. As Sora neared his quarry, the stallion reared the orange Keyblade back as he reached Sombra, the weapon wrapping itself within an energy of its own, the shape of which formed into that of a blade light. Sombra noticed too late however, and only had time to back peddle away, yelling as he tried to swipe the hero out of the sky, “NO! NO! I AM KING! I AM DARKNESS!” Sora dodged the blow before he slammed the blade of light hard into Sombra’s chest. The pony turned heartless, doubling over as the light pierced the darkness of his hide. His eyes slowly glanced to Sora, the yellow hue slowly becoming that of his original green. “N-No…I…I…” “It’s over!!” Sora yelled as he pushed with all his might into Sombra's body, the blade slashing across the monster's chest in a complete clean cut across his body, darkness pouring out of the wound he had inflicted. As Sombra fell back, Sora used the very last of his strength to strike once more, the blade of light piercing Straight through with little resistance. Sombra could only glare at the stallion before him, his mouth speaking the only words it muster as his body slowly began to disappear. "That...acussered...Key...blade." As the last of Sombra vanished, Sora could see a heart unlike any other form out of the darkness, this one being of pure white, glowing with a light that could only equal the heart of the worlds. It hovered in the air for only a moment before veering off towards the Crystal Castle. An action that caused Sora to finally notice that the heartless that had been there was gone as well, something that actually made the hero smile. “Heh... Guess that mean...We won. I can...take a nap now...right?” As the last of Sora’s words left his lip, his eyes would close completely, exhaustion finally taking ahold of the young keyblade wielder, much to the dismay of Applejack and Pinkie Pie, as the pair found that Sora was hurtling back towards the ground at an alarming speed. Sora? SORA!? WAKE UP!! Applejack called out within his mind, her tone frantic with worry. Oh No! Sora! Wake up! Now's not the time for sleep!! Pinkie added soon after. Despite their efforts to call out to the boy, neither could awaken the magic exhausted hero. All seemed lost for them until both mares, though their connection to Sora, heard somepony call out his name that neither expected to come to his rescue. Fluttershy was closing the distance between herself and Sora with each flap of her wings, praying to Celestia that she could make it on time. As the hero fell faster and faster, Fluttershy would beat her wings harder and harder, moving at a speed so unreal that even Rainbow Dash would be amazed. It took her little time before she was was upon him her decent matching his own. She wrapped her hooves around the Sora’s frame as she drew him close to her, doing her best to pull out of the free fall as best she could. It was too late however, her skills never once being as good as her prismatic friend, could barely turn the angle she needed to. Out of pure desperation for Sora, the shy mare could only position her body until she was under his own, hoping that if she couldn’t save both of them, she could at least do her best to save hero, like he had done so many times for herself and her friends. “Sora…I…I…” She closed her eyes as she buried her face into his neck. “I…” A sudden jolt caused Fluttershy to squeak before she could get her words out, cyan hooves wrapping around both Sora and herself. She looked up to see Rainbow Dash looking right back at her, a cocky smile hiding the amount of fear she held within her eyes. “Geeze! Come on Shy. Can’t I leave either of you two alone without getting into life threatening danger?” the rainbow maned mare complained in a half joking/ half serious manner. The shy mare could only look up in disbelief for a time before tears began to roll down her face. "Rainbow...you...you saved...." The cocky mare gave her friend a sly smirk. "Of course the true hero has to save the day, as always." Her gaze fell to Sora and her smile turned a bit softer. "Gotta say though, the hero didn’t die. Least that counts for something." As Rainbow landed, she placed both the hero and her friend gently upon the ground, Fluttershy being careful to avoid her sprained leg as she did so. No sooner had Sora touched the ground, however, then a shimmering light began to encase his body, causing both pegasi to cover their eyes in response. When it left, they saw, to their surprise, both Pinkie Pie and Applejack lying awkwardly on top of the stallion, both mare’s just as exhausted as he was. "Pinkie Pie? Applejack?" Rainbow said, looking between both earth ponies in confusion. "Where the buck did you to come from?" "Ugh...Long story, Sugarcube." Applejack said wearily. "Barely know myself, but we'll tell ya what we can later, after ah get rid of this headache." “Haha...lets do that again...owey…” Pinkie added, clutching a hoof to her head as well, despite the manic smile upon her face. Sora slowly began to stir from underneath both earth pony mares, the confused stallion slowly reawakening back to the conscious world. "Wha...huh...What happened? Did I win?" "Well well well, looks like the sleeping hero awakes," Rainbow said, placing her hooves on her hips. "I kinda knew you were slacker but to fall asleep in the middle of the sky." Sora gave the mare a cheesy, tired looking smile. “Guess that's what happens when a battle is too easy." Applejack rolled her eyes as she ruffled the stallion’s mane, much to his dismay. "Heheh...I don't really know what happened but… well ah guess that y'all saved the day again, Sora.." She smiled as she helped the boy turned stallion to his feet. "Hey!" Rainbow called out, pouting slightly,. "I helped kick monster butt back at the Castle! Don’t I get any recognition?" Rainbow’s word pulled the stallion out of his daze, His ears perking up. "Oh Yeah! Is Twilight okay? And Cadence. Who was that pony carrying them? The one in the cloak I saw flying." Rainbow blinked before she slammed one hoof into another as if she just remembered something important. "Oh yeah! I forgot about him! Sora! That guy has a-" “Sora!” All eyes turned to see the rest of the girls galloping towards them, Twilight leading the way. Though their speed paled in comparison to that of three familiar little fillies. Sora and the others barely had time to prepare before all three little ones threw themselves onto the pony pile, excitable as ever. “Dude!” Scootaloo cheered, the little filly having found her way on top of Sora’s head, her tail wagging excitedly. “That was wicked awesome! You were all like BAM! Then you were like KABLAM! Then you shot off into the air like WOOSH! It was totally epic!” Sweetie Belle had found herself in between Fluttershy and the hero. “Yeah! It was super scary, but you were really amazing! I really liked those giant balloons!” The last filly, Apple bloom, couldn’t help but hug both her sister and the stallion, tears she had been holding back releasing without restraint. “I *hic* Was so scared *hic* A-Ah thought ah would have never seen you two again! I...I…” She buried her head into their fur, the flood gates pouring from her eyes. “Hey… We had it covered. We’re heroes after all...right AJ,” he turned to the orange mare, he smiled and nodded back. “Darn right we are Sora.” The mare couldn’t help but pull her sister into a tight hug. “Still...Glad ta see you’re okay.” Rarity made her way to Sora and the other’s side, smiling softly. “Thank goodness this is finally over.” She frowned towards him. “Please try to keep the death-defying stunts to a minimum though next time. I don’t think my poor heart can take it.” Pinkie giggled softly as she pulled the white mare into a sideways hug. “We’ll try but you know how we heroes are. Can’t keep us from danger.” Twilight shook her head at the pink mare’s antics before turning towards Sora, a more serious look upon her face. “I… I think we need to talk, Sora” she said, her smile faltering a little. Sora dusted himself off as the stallion slowly slipped his way out of the pile of ponies, smiling back at the mare. “Yeah, I need to talk to you too...To all of you. Though...what did you want to talk about? Can’t imagine it's the same thing I wanna talk about.” “It's about the keyblade...or rather another one. I saw somepony wielding one just like you do,” she said. Sora’s eyes widened at that revelation. “What?! There's another keyblade wielder here?!” “Oh yeah! That's what I was going to tell you before Twilight interrupted!” Rainbow called out. “He said his name was-!” A scream of pure terror filled the air before Rainbow could finish. Every pony looked towards the source, only to Fluttershy thrashing out as she was slowly being pulled into the ground by a sinister black shadow. “AH! Sora! GIrls! I can’t I-” she cried out, reaching her hooves out to them. “I-I can’t! Please, help me!” “Fluttershy!” Rainbow made to fly after her but her body would sooner hit the ground, her hindlegs slowly getting entangled by the same darkness that enveloped Fluttershyl. “What the hay! What is this crud?!” She looked toward the others, finding them all in the same predicament as she and Fluttershy were in; even the little fillies were not spared. Sora was captured as well, his hooves and mouth enwrapped within the darkness, preventing him from summoning his keyblade. “Sora! Twilight! Somepony!” she called out just as she was slowly pulled into the ground. The last that was seen of her was a cyan hoof reaching out into the sky, before there was no trace of the mare left. Or any any of them. > Heartless (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Heartless Green to start music and red to stop music Sora awoke alone. His basic instincts taking over, the boy would jump to his hooves, summoning his keyblade as he did so. Seeing no attack was imminent, he would next take stock of his surroundings. Gazing out into the abyss, the hero was surprised by what he had found. The sky was aglow with a deep dark purple haze, almost to a sinister degree, wisp-like clouds hovering below a lightless sun. The world he sat upon was barren of all life, dark sand being the only thing as far as his eyes could see for miles. In the distance though, wicked looking mountain peaks could be seen, each one curving at an unnatural angle, as if twisted by the very world they were within. Overall it gave the keyblade wielder a vibe he didn’t like. Cold and chilling, a world devoid of light. Something he had seen before. “Is this...This is like the world of darkness” he told himself in a whisper, remembering when he and Riku were here once before. Sora frowned. “If I’m down here then the others...I have to find them before heartless do. I just hope they are-Huh?” Sora’s body instantly locked up as his gaze fell upon something rather peculiar in the distance. There, not too far away from him, surrounded in a bubble of magic not unlike that which had kept Twilight and her heart contained way back in Ponyville, were a group of very familiar ponies. Despite the distance between them, he could clearly see that they were waking up from their own dazed nap, just as he had. The keyblade wielder's brow furrowed even deeper, “Just what the heck is going on?” ~ The Apple siblings were the first to waken, their own voices stirring the other girls into full alertness. “Where are we? Apple Bloom? Apple Bloom where are ya!?” “Ugh...Right here big sis, and can ya not speak so loud...ma head is pounding...” The apple mare pulled her little sister closer for a hug, much to the other's dismay. "Ah'll yell as many times as it takes if it means that you are alright little sis." “What the...What is this place?” Scootaloo asked as she tried to sooth a migraine of her own. “How did we get here? The last thing I remember is a lot of black.” “MY MANE! It’s going to take weeks to get it fixed!” Rarity complained as she pulled a comb out of the saddle bag she had been wearing, trying her best to straighten out any loose ends she had accumulated, much to Rainbow’s growing annoyance. “Glad you have your priorities straight like always, Rarity,” the cyan pegasus grumbled sarcastically before taking stock of her surroundings. “Are we in some kind of bubble?” she asked as she tapped the dome, causing a gentle ripple to flow through it like rain in a puddle. “This...this isn’t just some kind of bubble Rainbow Dash,” Twilight answered, a frown forming on her face. “This magic… It’s the same PSY Signature to that of the Heartless’s magic, I can feel it.” Applejack gave the bubble a wary look at her friend’s words, pulling her little sister closer to her. “That doesn’t sound good. Any ideas on what to do now, Twi?” The lavender mare shook her head. “A few, but doing so with so little information on my part would be foolish for any magic user. We need to figure out a way to get out of here but being reckless about it would be stupid.” “Huh? I think we’re missing a pony!” Pinkie Pie quickly took a head count before gasping out loud. “Has anypony seen Sora?” Twilight’s eyes widened at the revelation that Sora was nowhere to be seen. Something that put more worries onto her already growing pile. “Somepony,” The lavender mare began, talking slowly as he mind worked furiously, she swallowed a lump a lump cuaght in her thought before she continued. “Somepony must have separated us.” Sweetie Belle tilted her head at that. “Why would somepony want to separate us from Sora?” I can think of a few reasons why. Twilight told herself, her body shivering at the thought. And none of them put us in a good situation at all. “I...I think I can see somepony outside the bubble!” Fluttershy’s words caused every mare to perk up, all of them turning towards where the shy mare pointed. True enough, there was a pony not too far away from where they were trapped. A very familiar pony. “My goodness! You’re right Fluttershy!” Rarity said before moving a bit closer. “And...And I think that somepony is our darling Sora!” “Yeah...that's him alright. I know that dorky, spiky hair from anywhere!” Rainbow said as she smirked at her joke, though there was a hint of relief in her tone of voice. “What's he doing out there?” Twilight shook her head once again, her frown deepening. “Whatever is going on, I don’t like one bit. Everypony, huddle together for a teleport. As much as I want to study and take this slow, we might already be running out of time as it is.” The lavender mare’s horn slowly began to glow, enveloping everyone within with its purple hue. In a snap and a pop, Twilight caused everyone within the bubble to vanish in a flash of light. Or she would have if her little magic display didn’t end with just her horn glowing like a dim lightbulb. “Ah, Twi…” Applejack began, a tinge of worry in her voice. “Nothing’s happening.” “What!?” Twilight tried to teleport them again, receiving the same results as before. The bookish mare shook her head as she tried to fight off the panic in her voice. “That’s… I don’t understand. My magic isn’t working! I think something’s blocking it.” She turned to Rarity with a look of desperation. “What about you?” The white mare shrugged, though she too was looking rather worried. “I’m not sure darling. Let me....” She activated her magic just as Twilight had done, and just like Twilight, all it did was make her horn glow with its bright blue aura. “N-Nothings...happening....” Rainbow reared back with a flap of her wings. “Since magic isn’t helping us, why don’t we move on to good old-fashioned force!” Before anyone could stop her, the mare went flying full tilt into the dome. The bubble buckled only slightly before Rainbow went rigid, crying out in agony as jolt of electricity coursed throughout her body. “Rainbow!” Applejack cried out as soon as she saw the mare suffering, running towards her. “Don't worry ah got cha!” “AJ, over here!” Pinkie called out to the farm mare, bending down in front of her path. Seeing this, Applejack picked up her speed before leaping into the air and landing on the pink one’s back. With a hefty buck of her hindquarters, Pinkie sent the farm mare high into the air without hesitation. Reaching her with ease, Applejack would latch her teeth around Rainbow’s tail before pulling her off the bubble, the farm mare tossing her friend out of harms way, right into the waiting hooves of the pink party pony. “Oh no! Rainbow!” Scootaloo called out, rushing to the mare’s side, followed by the rest of her friends. Twilight quickly placed a hoof against Rainbow’s neck before letting her ear press against her chest. She sighed with relief. “She's...going to be okay. I think it was just a nasty jolt of electricity that she ran into. All weather pegasi are trained to handle something like that so she’ll be fine after some rest.” “Rather she could handle it or not, somepony knew what we would try and countered it all.” Applejack spoke up with ire in her tone. “And because of that somepony got hurt regardless. If ah ever get my hooves on that there varmint...” Fluttershy whimpered before looking out towards Sora, who was already running towards them. “Please...be safe…” ~ Sora had watched everything unfold with confusion at what he was looking at, and then fear at the sight of Rainbow Dash getting hurt. The stallion kicked his hooves into high gear as he made a mad dash towards his entrapped friends. Just hang on girls! I’m coming! I’ll save you! The words repeated in his mind, fueling him on as he neared his destination, only to be stopped as a gateway to darkness opened in front of him, a very familiar black robed pony stepping through the portal. “Well, well, well. Looks like we meet again, little hero,” she greeted, the tone of her voice making the word hero sound more like an insult than anything else. Sora was not deterred however as he stood, summoning his keyblade as he did so. Lowering his head, and scraping a hoof against the ground, he addressed the mare in a tone unlike his usual peppy demeanor. “I know you...You're the pony that attacked Ponyville!” The mare chuckled darkly, “Oh...I was oh so hoping you would remember me little hero. Leaving a lasting impression on ponies is what I'm good at after all. One would even say it was my special talent as it were.” Sora scoffed before growling at the unicorn. “I’m guessing you’re the one who trapped my friends in that bubble. Why don’t you make this easier on yourself and let them go!” She tilted her head, the red shimmering of her eyes and the wicked smile she gave unnerving him slightly. “Oh my...I'm shaking in my hooves. Still, I don’t think you’re in any position to give demands. In fact...I think it might just be down right deadly for you to talk back to me the way you are.” Sora raised his head, giving her a questioning look until he heard cries of distress coming from the bubble behind the mare. Before him, the bubble that held his friends captive was beginning to compress slowly, but surely, into itself, the mares and fillies all looking fearfully around them as it did so. Sora’s worry grew to fear and then turned to rage as he turned to face the cloaked mare. “What are you doing?! Let them go!” “Tsk, tsk. Now why would I do that? Not when I have a lovely little game for us to play. Now why don’t you go ahead and make your Keyblade disappear, unless you want them to turn into a rather messy puddle of goo.” Sora flinched at that. He didn’t want to believe that this crazy mare would kill...just like that...but he couldn't afford not believing her words. With a flash of light, his weapon disappeared, though his scowl never left his face. The mare smiled softly before making her way towards him, her hips swaying back and forth in an exaggerated manner as she did so. “There. That's a good boy. Now, we can start this game properly.” The mare giggled softly before summoning several blades of magic all around her. “Here's the rules. The longer you survive, the longer the bubble keeps in place. If you’re on anything but your hooves when you touch the ground, the bubble shrinks.” She took a swipe at him with one of the blades, the stallion easily dodging it with a quick jump backwards. “If you summon your weapon, the bubble shrinks.” She took another swipe, forcing him to dodge again. “If the blade touches you… it shrinks,” She took another swipe and the stallion dodged it yet again. “You ready? One. Two. Three...GO!” Instincts kicked Sora into overdrive as he jumped off towards the side, a blade rushing past him from behind. The mare chuckled before full-out laughing. “Oh that's good. You’re going to be so much fun! I can feel it!” She smiled at the boy. “Do make this last! I want you to suffer for making a fool of me before I bring you to my master!” She launched herself towards Sora, the stallion having little to do but concentrate on the sick game she forced upon him. Lives depended on it. ~ “Uhg… Dangit. Y’all alright, Apple Bloom? Girls?” Applejack asked as she looked around her, eyeing the bubble wearily. “Ah… ah think so, sis,” the little farm filly answered as she too stared at the bubble’s walls, though in a more fearful gaze. “Not hurt or anything.” "Y-Yeah. No sweat, right?” Scootaloo answered as well in a shaky tone of voice. “That was...what happened?” Rarity stuttered as she slowly rose to her hooves, having fainted when the bubble began to compress around them. She could feel the wind of her sister’s hoof as she gently fanned her. “The red bubble thingy began to move and shrink the room!” Pinkie exclaimed as she held Rainbow’s head in her lap. “I don’t know why it stopped though. Maybe it got bored.” “This is no time for Jokes Pinkie!” Applejack dismissed. “There has to be an explanation for this.” "Sunset Shimmer..." Everypony looked towards Twilight as she spoke the name, and then their gaze shifted to where hers was settled. Outside the bubble was a mare in a familiar black cloak conversing with Sora. Applejack was the first to speak up for them. “Y’all know her, Twi?” Twilight shook her head. “Not personally, no. She revealed herself to me and Spike when we were in the castle. She… She told me to ask Celestia who she was.” Before anypony could ask her what she meant, she turned to face them, a scowl playing across her features. “We need to get out of here! She has to be responsible for us being here, and for the bubble shrinking! The longer we’re in here the longer we endanger ourselves and Sora.” “Jeeze...Did somepony get the number of that storm cloud?” The sound of Rainbow’s voice caused everypony to turned towards the once downed mare. “OH MY GOSH RAINBOW! YOU’RE OK!” Pinkie shouted as she lifted the mare off the ground Giving the mare a crushing hug. “I WAS SO WORRIED WHEN YOU GOT HURT AND I ALMOST CRIED AND I WAS SO SCARED AND –“ “GAK! Ok Pinkie! I get it!” she yelped as she struggled to be released from her friend’s grip. “Can ya let me go before you crush every bone in my body?” As soon as the pink one did, Scootaloo would rush towards the cyan mare, hugging the mare tightly. “I knew you would be okay! No magic can keep the coolest pegasus in the world down!” Rainbow couldn’t help but chuckle softly at that, petting the little filly’s head as she did so. “Darn right...but...ah...Gonna not do that again if I can help it.” Rarity shook her head gently as she smiled at Rainbow’s words, happy to see her friend still her old self as well. It was then the slightest whisper would catch her ear. The white mare turned to find Fluttershy not too far away, looking out towards where Sora was, her fur a shade paler then usual. “Fluttershy?” Rarity said, making her way to the distressed mare. “Are you okay, darling? Did you get hurt?” “He’s not using his sword,” Was the first thing Rarity heard from her, cause the white mare to tilt her head. “D-Darling? What do you mean?” The shy mare turned towards her friend, a look a panic on her face. “He’s not using his sword Rarity. His keyblade. Why isn’t he using it?” ~ “What’s the matter, Hero!?” Sunset yelled as she began to fire a barrage of magic Sora’s way. “Not feeling so heroic now, are ya?!” The stallion ran as fast as he could, narrowly missing each slash of magical energy the mare tried to send his way. He didn’t even offer her a response as he made his way around her, his mind working overtime in coming up with a solution to defeating her. His gaze shifted momentarily towards the bubble where the girls were trapped, hoping that they were alright. It was during this lapse in concentration that Sunset made her move. With a blast of red magic she shifted the ground in front of Sora, causing him to lose his footing, and nearly make him stumble over himself. Her magic charged once again, rocketing towards him with amazing speeds. With little time to think, the stallion quickly shifted one of the loose bits of debris from under his body, knocking it up into a makeshift shield. The blast connected with the rock, taking the majority of the attack with it. Still, it was not enough as the blast sent Sora flying backwards. He bounced on his back once before shifting his body until he landed on all four hooves. The stallion wasted no time in running towards the yellow mare at full speed. The mare seemed to smirk as he did so, firing off several beams of her magic straight at the stallion. Sora easily dodged each attack aimed his way, jumping at the last second just as he neared the mare. He flipped as she lashed out with a well placed kick, hoping to knock some sense into the devious mare. It was not to be, however, as just as he attacked, the mare gave him a wicked smile and a familiar red shield flared up around her, not only blocking his attack, but also shocking him harshly, red lightning coursing throughout his body. She released the shield, allowing him to fall into a heap onto the ground before laughing wildly. “AHAHAHAHAHA! Oh that’s just too perfect! You’re too rich!” She cackled as she looked down upon the fallen hero. “You’re just too predictable you know that?” She looked up with satisfaction as the bubble that held Sora’s friends slowly began to shrink, much to their dismay. “Hehe… What’s the matter, hero? Done already? Get up or your friends are gonna get smashed into pony paste!” She lashed out with her magical blades, though she would only strike at the ground as Sora rolled back onto his hooves away from the mare. He glared at her with such intensity that even she could feel the fire of his heart. “That’s the spirit, hero. Now, shall we continue?” ~ Apple Bloom covered her eyes as another strike from Sunset’s weapon nearly impaled Sora, the stallion having moved just at the last second. When she opened them again, she sighed with relief before turning to her sister. “What’s Sora doing? Why doesn’t he use his giant key thing?” Applejack looked down at the little filly before turning back to face the ongoing battle raging in front of them. “Ah don’t know little sis. He should have taken the mare down long ago.” The farm mare’s ears perked as she heard Twilight mumble under her breath. Applejack turned to face her friend with a raised eyebrow. “Twilight? Did ya say something?” The lavender mare looked up as something dawned on her. “He can’t. He can’t fight back.” “W-What do you mean Twilight?” Sweetie Belle asked. “He took down two monsters bigger then him! He can handle her! I know he can!” Twilight shook her head. “No, I mean he can’t fight because… because of us.” “What do you mean, Twilight?” Fluttershy asked frantically. “What are you getting at?” “This bubble,” Twilight began, “and our magic being useless. Sora not using his Key. Don’t you see? It's all connected.” She pointed to Sora. “I've noticed that everytime Sora is on the ground the bubble starts to shrink...and before that, when Sora had his keyblade out it did the same thing.” She turned to her friends, the anger in her eyes more then evident. “She's using us to cripple Sora.” Everypony had a mix of shock, horror and disgust on their faces at Twilight’s revelation. It was a long while before Rarity spoke. “Twilight...What do we do?” The lavender mare’s gaze shifted all around her as her brain worked over time. No magic...no Sora...trapped in a death game with a crazy mare. What do I do...What do I do?! Fluttershy’s voice calling out Sora’s name caused every mare to look towards the battle, they too gasping at the sight before them. ~ The stallion stood as best he could, pulling his right foreleg close to his body, splats of red liquid coating the ground below the stallion where he held it. He watched as Sunset pulled the blade that she had struck him with close to her, smiling devilishly as the blood, his blood, trickled down the length of the blade. “Ah… and there it is,” she said in an almost motherly tone. “I know it hurts, but the pain makes you feel alive, am I right?” She stepped closer as she began to ponder something. “And such a beautiful scream you have, little hero. Full of anger, pain, regret… helplessness.” She glared at him. “It's like your heart is an opened book to me. And I know every inch of it” Sora growled before shaking his head. “You don’t have to do this. Stop while you still can!” She whipped her blade out at him, cutting him deep in his left shoulder before he could react. He hissed with pain before jumping away from her with a flip of his wings, trying to put as much distance between himself and the mare as he could. The mare cackled madly before whipping her blades before her, “Nope…this is way too fun.” She brandished her blades as she grinned with malicious intent. “Now be a good boy and make it last, hmm?” Sora frowned as he skidded to a halt, away from her, his mind racing. Has she gotten faster? No...She’s barely moved. And all I've been doing is dodging. I’m wasting too much energy and it's slowing me down. I have to stop her now and save everyone! Sora gritted his teeth as he made to dodge another attack, but so focused he was on her blades that he had forgotten one simple thing. The mare’s magical beams; a lesson he learned the hard way as he felt the hot magic strike him just as he landed, searing his over foreleg causing him to topple over back onto the ground. In his pained state, he could have almost swore he hard someone cry out his name, though he was sure it was just his own mind yelling at him due to how much danger he was in. Sora was barely on the ground for a moment before he tried to push himself up once more both his forelegs shaking uncontrollably from both cuts and burns upon them. Before he could, however, his hooves were kicked out from under him, causing the stallion to fall back down onto his side in a pained heap. He looked up with defiant eyes towards her as the mare glared down at the stallion. “Poor little hero. As my master suspected, you’re nothing without that Keyblade of yours.” She smiled. “Not even worth his time, honestly. Killing you and taking your Keyblade here and now seems the most plausible thing to do at this point.” Her ears flicked before she gave Sora an almost motherly smile. “Oh...It seems your friends are quite worried about you. Ya know what...I’m actually feeling generous today. What with the idiot Sombra out of the picture and the hero at my hooves. How about I allow you to say your goodbyes before we end this little game of ours, hmm?” With a sweep of her hooves, the coloration of the bubble that held the girls changed into that of a glass one. She kicked Sora to his side so that he could fully see the girls, each one having both shock and worry clear upon their faces. “You… you monster!” Rarity cried, tears streaming down her face. “Don’t you touch another hair on that poor boy’s mane or I swear I will-“ the sound of Sora crying out in pain caused Rarity to clutch a hoof to her mouth, shutting the unicorn mare up, and causing Applejack and Rainbow Dash to strike at the glass-like encasing, intent on taking the evil mare down for good, the pain of the lighting be damned. “Wow...it really does look like your friends really care about you. huh?” the mare commented with a dark glint in her eyes. “Though It’s best to keep what you want to say to the hero. He doesn’t have much time as it is after all. He is going to see my master after all, and I want to save all the screaming for him.” She kicked the stallion again, making Sora double over in pain before slamming a hoof on top of his face, pressing him into the ground as she did so. “What about you, hero? Got anything to say to your adoring fans?” Sora coughed before looking out towards the girls, his gaze shifting down in shame. “I’m… sorry...I...Just...please...let the girls go... ” “Don’t you dare!” Rainbow cried out as she slammed a hoof into the glass again. “You’re supposed to be the hero! You’re supposed to be the strongest!” Rainbow looked on as the stallion began to shiver slightly. “Darn it! Don’t give up, Sora! We need you! All of us needs you! Without you we can’t do this! Now get your fat flank in gear and fight!” Sunset Shimmer began to laugh loudly. “AHHAHAHAHA! Oh wow! Is this the power of friendship I've heard so much about?! You think some words of encouragement are gonna help the hero gain some lost power and beat up the baddies?” She spat and smirked at them. “Like I said before, this is the real world. You survive, like me, or you die. And just to prove a point...” She gripped his hair with her magic, pulling him up so that they were eye level. “I’m feeling extra, extra generous now, so how about this? Prove your will to live and say the word, and I’ll release the magic and kill your so-called friends.” She smiled and winked. “And hey, I’ll throw in a free body change so you can return home and all that jazz. Don't even have to worry about this silly little world ever again. So? What do ya say? Sweet deal, right?” Sora glared at the mare before growling softly. “I’d rather die before I allow you to hurt my friends.” She raised an eyebrow before shrugging. Her magic now pinning his head to the ground, much to his displeasure, and his friends’ dismay. “Whoops! Wrong answer. you all lose just for that.” She smiled and forced his head to turn towards the glass bubble with her magic. “Care for the front row seats? I wonder how long it will be before their screams stop, hmm? Let’s find out!” A flick of her magic was all she needed to make the bubble slowly contract within itself. Sora, in his hazy vision, could do nothing else but watch as his friends fought vainly against the dark unicorn mare. He fought with every instinct he had to make his body move despite the pain, but it was to no avail. The mares’ screams and cries for help reached his ears and all the young Keyblade wielder could do was lay there, hot tears pouring down his face. “N-No! I… I’m sorry! I… I’m-” A flash of green filled his vision before he heard a distinct cracking sound. “What!? WHAT!?” were the only words that the crazy mare was able to get out before he heard a loud sound, as if someone was getting hit. Right before his vision faded from the loss of blood and fatigue, he saw a single hoof land in front of him. A light gray in color, its owner’s fur rippled in the winds of the realm of darkness. “Kairi says, 'Thanks for making her worry, lazy bones.'” Sora was only able to say one word as he slipped away from the waking world. “Ri… ku.” > Restful Respite Part 1 (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- World:Unknown Location:Unknown I sat at the top of a tall tower, looking down at the world below me. The clouds underneath the floating land mass the castle sat upon flowed against the rocky earth, as if it was the sea. The feeling of the sun’s gentle rays did little to pull me from the funk I seemed to find myself in. I tenderly touched my bandaged chest, the shot of pain that coursed through my body causing me to cringe slightly. When it passed I sighed deeply, my eyes gazing towards the clouds below once again. “Ha! Finally found you.” I jumped at the sound of the voice calling to me from behind. As slowly as I could without hurting myself, I turned to find a tall, lanky male with long red spiky hair smirking at me from the ladder he had climbed. With a quick flip, the newcomer bounded the rest of the way up, landing expertly on his feet. Reaching into his coat’s pocket he produced two wrapped ice creams. “Heh, knew I would find ya up here. Even put it all on the line by buying two of these bad boys.” He said showing me both sweets. “Thought you might need something better then Master Yin Sid’s home cooking.” “Axel,” I blinked before asking. “How did you figure I would be up here?” “Hey!" The red head male said with a frown. “I told you before, it's Lea. Get. It. Memorized.” He emphasized the last three words by tapping my head with one of the ice creams a few times. “And to how I found you, well, that’s fairly obvious isn’t it? It’s because it’s something that ‘HE’ would do as well, climbing to the tallest place he could get to.” I took the ice cream, not taking my eyes off the red head as I pondered his statement. “He?” I closed my eyes and folded my arms across my chest, falling deep in thought. It didn’t take me long before I figured out who he was talking about. “Oh! You mean Roxas...” Lea pointed towards me before pointing to his nose. “Correctamundo, Hero.” “But, I still don't understand?” I said. "Why did you wanna see me?" Lea placed one of his hands behind his head before letting his back rest against the wall, the other holding on to the ice cream as he gave it a few test licks. “Whenever he was feeling all mopey and down, he would always find the place with the most amazing view. Heh, it would always brighten his spirits, seeing the world as it goes by.” He smiled as he looked out into the seamless sky. “...A bit more breath-taking than Twilight Town I'll have to admit, but won’t diss my hometown too much. It has its charm after all." I had decided to stay quiet, my focus only on the ice cream I held in my hands. After a long moment, I heard Lea speak once again. “You...ah...Ok Sora?” I didn’t respond. “I’ll take that as a no then.” He sighed as he ran his fingers though his own red mane. “Dude, I know you’re all upset and all that jazz but it’s not like it’s all your fault, you know. That was something that even I could have told you right off the bat.” “But I made it worse by getting angry...I...I don’t...I didn’t...” I countered before looking down again, sighing deeply. “Why didn't they...” “Well in any case you won’t be on any missions for a long while. Potions can heal injuries but not cracked ribs.” He bit into his melting ice cream. “I’m surprised that you made it up here actually.” He said with a smile. “Yeah...It was kinda tough. And...Sorry...About the last mission I mean. I was kinda out of it and...I didn't...” I tried to come up with an excuse, but everything I thought of sounded just as lame as the last. “Out of it? It was like you were a punching bag! I mean, taking that hit head on. You had some serious balls to do that, kiddo.” Lea laughed. “If I didn’t then it would have hit that lady’s house. I couldn’t allow that.” I tried to argue with a pout. “I know, I know. Don’t get your underwear in a knot, Hero.” Lea said. “Maybe there was an easier way to have done it but I won’t argue with the results.” He smiled down at me. “Besides, I get to have my chance to shine now that you’re out of commission.” I perked up at that information. “You have a mission?” “Of course! Though I will be going with Kairi and Goofy, I’m sure to show them all up with my wicked keyblade skills.” I visibly deflated at the mention of Kairi’s name, my head hanging “Ah...How is she doing anyway?” I could see Lea open his eyes to look at me before closing them once again. “She’s worried about you, that has to tell you something, Sora.” I could only nod before asking, “And...Riku?” Lea was quiet as he took another bite of his ice cream. It was a long time before he said, “He’s still your friend you know? Bet he’s even more worried the Kairi.” I shook my head, processing what Lea had said. “I...I guess so...” Lea gave a cheeky smile before batting my arm gently with his fist, much to my discomfort mind you. “Hey! Buck up, Sora! You three will be back to your silly little selves in no time. That's what friends do after all.” Lea bit into his ice cream once more. “Now, finish that ice cream up so we can get down. Yen Sid needs ya to see him.” I groaned and nodded. "Not looking forward to that...Like...at all." ~ Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Restful Respite Part 1 Green to start music and red to stop music World: Equestria Location: Unknown The shining gleam of the morning sun forcefully pulled Sora into full consciousness. His eyes blinked away the lingering sleepiness as his brain slowly began to function; the memory of his dream was slowly slipping from his mind. It wasn't long before his eyes widened by degrees, his body going rigid as he became fully alert. Quickly sitting up, his eyes darted around the room he was within, finding himself in a very familiar setting. "This is Twilight's house..." Sora looked over his body, patting himself down as if to find something out of place. "How did I get here?" The keyblade wielder’s gaze fell to a chair beside him. To his surprise (And utter embarrassment at not having realized it sooner) he found his clothes folded neatly in the seat of the wooden chair. He noticed, as well, a pair of red bags hanging off the back of said chair. He picked them up, shifting them around as he took stock of the design. "Where did these things come from?" Sora shook his head before closing his eyes. "Ven?" He waited, but there was no answer. "Ventis? Are you there?" Again...No answer. Why isn't he answering? He folded his hooves about his chest and closed his eyes. Lets see. I remember someone standing over me, and then after that everything went black. What happened... He paused before widening his eyes. "Wait...THE GIRLS!!" As quick as he could muster, the Keyblade Wielder leapt from the bed as fast as he could! Only to get his hooves caught, his body soon twisting up in the sheets soon afterwards. With a loud thump he fell to the ground in a tangled mess of sheets and cries of distress. Sora wrestled and fought with the offending covers, grunting in frustration and reasonable fear as he tried to untangle himself from his self-made imprisonment. The sound of hoof steps thrash up a set of stairs was ignored, as well as the loud thumping of the door opening as he rolled around on the ground, somehow making the situation worse then first was. “Sora?” The young stallion stopped all movement at the call of his name. Before he could say anything the stallion felt his head pop free from the offending blanket thanks to the help of the very familiar country-sounding voice. He had found himself looking up at a pair of concerned yet amused set of emerald eyes. "Applejack?" Sora said softly as a smile slowly formed on his face. ‘Your...okay…”. The farm mare shook her head before offering Sora a smile and a hoof. "Sure as sugar are. Need a bit of help there partner?" Sora smiled sheepishly but nodded. It wasn't long before he was finally free of the offending cloak and standing on all four hooves once again. He turned towards the farm mare, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.. "Ah Heheh...thanks AJ. Hate to say that's the second time that happened to me." He tapped a hoof to his chin. "Well...Second time in Equestria..." Sora yelped as he felt two powerful legs pull him forwards into a nearly bone crushing hug. Standing rigid and blushing brightly, he could do little to nothing as Applejack held on to him as though he would disappear if she should let go. The keyblade Wielder hesitantly raised a hoof before wrapping it around her as well, making the mare pull him closer as he did so. They stayed like that for a few moments before Applejack pulled away, looking up at the stallion with soulful, sad eyes. "We thought we had lost ya partner..." Sora could only look away from her at that. "Guess I really blew it back there, huh?" He shook his head. "if only I could have...I mean...If only I saw it coming and have been stronger then I- ah!." He looked at the apple farmer in confusion as she pressed a hoof to his muzzle. When she let her hoof fall, she gave him a look that could silence even the strongest of hearts. "Don't..." Applejack spoke in a harsh tone. "There is no if or buts Sora when it came to what happend back at the Crystal Empire. And what you did for us, what you were going to do to keep us alive..I doubt many ponies would have have said the same if they were in your hooves." Sora squeaked before looking away. "Still...Not like it mattered in the end. I was still..." "Ya risked your life to save ours Sora...That's more then anypony would have done for us let alone a friend." Applejack mused as she chuckled. Realization seemed to have caught up with her as she began to look over every inch of his body "Dang...". She pulled away, giving Sora a bright smile. “Boy howdy Sora, that magic medicine really did do the trick, didn’t it? He was really telling the truth.” Sora blinked. “He? He who?” Applejack was about to answer when a crash sounded from downstairs. She gave a hearty chuckle before moving to the door, talking as she went, “Ah think it's best that Twilight explain to ya what happened when ya passed out.” Applejack gave him a concerned look as he began to steadily begin to take a few steps to test his balance. “Ya do feel okay now right Sugarcube? Ya need help walking?” "Just a bit tired but I can shake it off," Sora waved away. "Come on, lets go see Twilight already." He said before making his way to his folded clothes. As he began to get dressed he looked towards the bags once again. "Hey, where did these things come from anyway?" Applejack, who had been looking at him intently, followed his gaze to the red bags hanging on the chair. "That, Sora, is a get well gift from Rarity. She had been working on them all throughout the train ride.” Applejack explained. "She's still working honestly, and said she had a big project ta do. Both she and Twi on occasion would be at her store all secret like. Both seemed really set on whatever it is they are doing. Though ah think it's just them copping a bit, trying to take their mind off everything that happened to all of us." She looked away from the stallion. "Honestly...its been that way for all of us. Pinkie Pie has been running around town making sure everypony is okay...more than usual ah mean. And Fluttershy had been taking care of ya ever since you passed out, coming down to visit ya dang near everyday. Ah had ta promise her that ah would take care of ya every now and then just so that she could get some dang rest.” Sora blushed at that. "R-Really...geeze...sorry for...I mean...sorry..." "Don't mention it Sugarcube. Honestly, it was the least we could do for ya." "Fine..." Sora said with a sheepish smile before perking up, "Oh! And Rainbow? Is she okay?" The far mare sighed at that before shaking her head slowly "Ah’m not too sure, to tell ya the truth. Ah haven't seen her around lately apart from her doing her weather duties and what not. Though ah do hear her ranting every now and then when she's up in the clouds. Too high to really hear what she's on about but ah'm suspecting that she is mad at ya for one thing or other...Maybe a little bit more?" Sora sighed before rubbing the back of his head once again "I see..." Applejack gave him a bright smile, patting him hard on the back. An action that nearly caused him to fall onto his face "I'm sure she's fine, Sora. We just took you getting hurt pretty hard. She's dealing with it in the best way she can ah recon, just like the rest of us." She added before chuckling gently. "Despite what she says about ya she never wants to leave a pony hanging, specially one that risked his life to save her and her friends so many times." Sora shook his head. "I can understand that at least...Still, doesn't mean I didn't messed up bad in the last battle..." "But y'all are still alive...and so are we because of ya." Applejack countered, "For that, ah know ah can say that ah thank ya from the bottom of my heart." Applejack's smile turned into a frown. "Now don't y'all ever do it again, I'll kill ya myself. Y'all nearly had me worried to death seeing you take such a beating like that and had poor Apple Bloom downright in tears." Sora couldn’t stop himself from cringing at that. Seeing the poor little filly crying her heart out...and it was his fault. He doubted he ever wanted to see something like that ever. He tried to give Applejack his biggest smile. “Ah...yeah...I understand.” It immediately ended with Applejack giving Sora deadpan stare, her hoof shoving into his chest. "Ah mean it...Don't do that ever again." "Y-Yes ma'am!" Sora squeaked as he saluted the mare. ~ "There has to be something! There just has to be!" Twilight cried as she quickly flipped through one book after another, growling with frustration when she got the same results time after time. "Darn it! Nothing in this one either! Or this one! Or this one!" Despite not being able to look at the unicorn in the eye, Sora could see that everything about her posture screamed "I'm stressed!". From the odd ends of her mane that were tweaked out of place to the ever so slightly twitch her tail would make as sporadic times. If he was being honest with himself, he would actually say that he was a little afraid to approach her. "Hey Twi, guess who's up and about?” All at once, Sora's body became rigid at Twilight's reaction to Applejack’s voice. The lavender mare had actually stopped in mid rant, something that actually unnerved the usually happy-go-lucky hero. To top it off, Twilight's head slowly...painfully, turning its way towards him was like something out of his nightmares. "You're awake..." The sound of her voice caused the hair on the back of Sora’s neck to stand up on end. If Sora had not thought that the mare was his friend then he would have ran like his life depended on it. In fact why doesn’t he run? There was a nice window to the side of him that he could clearly throw himself out of after all Before he could think more upon such actions, Twilight vanished right before his eyes in a blinding flash of lavender light. Before he knew it, the stallion felt himself tackled to the ground, a crazy looking Twilight pinning him tightly to the ground using her magic. "You don't know how long I've been waiting of you to wake up Sora! I almost thought about using my magic to look into your memories, but Princess Celestia forbade me to do it! But your awake now so I don't have to go against the Princess's wishes anymore! Applejack told me about how you all met the original Elements of Honesty and Laughter, and how something called a human had helped form them in the past! Not just any human though, a human with the same power you have! And the same weapon! How do you have the same power as a creature that's not even from this planet?! Who is Riku!? Why aren't you telling me what I need to know!?!?” She said, becoming more frantic towards the end of her rant. “Woah, easy there Twigirl.” Applejack said with a chuckle, placing a hoof on the mare's back. “Give ‘im time to answer one of ya questions before ya bombard him with another one, okay?” The lavender mare blinked at AJ before looking back down at Sora who she had pinned under her, the stallion in question just giving the mare a rather nervous and fearful smile. Blushing with embarrassment, Twilight quickly jumped off of him, allowing the Keyblade Wielder to at least sit up on his hunches. She shuffled from hoof to hoof as she gave him an apologetic smile. “I-I'm sorry Sora! There are so many questions I need answered and from what I’m told by AJ, Pinkie and Princess Celestia, you’re the one who can answer a lot of them right now.” Sora couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the mare. "No worries Twi. I had promised AJ and Pinkie I would tell you and the others everything I know anyway. I at least owe you all that much after what I put you through." "I know...and...I'm sorry again. Everything is happening so fast. The world as I know it just got a whole lot bigger and it's a little...overwhelming." Twilight gave Sora a gentle look. “And…ah…sorry for not saying this earlier but, well…”closing the distance between themselves, Twilight pulled the stallion close and wrapped her hooves around his neck. “I’m glad you’re okay. Seeing you hurt like that and everything and there was nothing I could do to help you. I’ve honestly never felt so helpless in my life." She pulled away to look at him. "Riku said-“ Sora’s eyes widened at his friend's name, the stallion instantly interrupting her. "So that was Riku before...Did he say why he was here?" Twilight shook her head. “No, but he also gave us a few potions that he said to use on you, even gave me a few extra for you to have just in case." She frowned. "When he found out your magic wasn’t working, which I am still having a hard time coming to terms with, he told us to use these on you before leaving with...With Queen Chrysalis.” "He did?" Sora said before raising an eyebrow. “Wait. Back up a sec. Who’s Queen Chrysalis? How did he even get here? How did he know where to find me?” "He did tell us that..." Twilight answered before she frowned at him. “But right now that's not important. I know he’s your friend and everything but right now I want to focus on you for the time being. Just who are you? Really?" Sora fidgeted before looking over to AJ, the farm pony nodding softly as she smiled at him. Turning back to the lavender mare, he sighed gently. “It's going to be a rather long story. And I had promised to tell the others as well.” Twilight nodded and smiled warmly at the stallion before levitating her saddlebags onto her back. “Then let’s go get them Sora. I'm sure they will be happy to know you're finally awake after all this time after all." Sora raised an eyebrow. "How long was I out anyway? AJ didn't tell me." Twilight smiled sheepishly. "Ah-hahah...Ah...Five days..." "FIVE DAYS!!" ~ “OH MY GOSH SORA! YOU’RE OK! I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU AND YOU WERE NOT MOVING AND WHEN YOU WERE MOVING YOU WERE IN PAIN AND I WAS SO SCARED, AND YOU LOOKED SO SAD, I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO! I DID ALL I COULD TO HELP YOU LIKE THE REST OF THE GIRLS, BUT I KNEW YOU WOULD BE OKAY BECAUSE YOU PINKIE PROMISED YOU WOULD TELL US THINGS AND YOU CAN’T BREAK A PINKIE PROMISE BUT I ALMOST THOUGHT YOU DID OR WAS GOING TO BUT YOU DIDN’T BECAUSE YOU’RE HERE AND I’M SO HAPPY!!” The stallion couldn’t even begin to comprehend what the pink party mare had just said, let alone the amount of oxygen it would take to say it. As soon as he and the others had made their way into Sugarcube Corner, the pinkie party mare had proceeded to, upon locking on to his location, tackle the poor stallion into a crushing hug, lifting him rather high off the ground as she did so. He struggled in her grasp, unable to do little else but wheeze and wiggle in her hooves. “Pinkie, remember what I told you before about letting ponies breath” Twilight warned the pink party mare. Pinkie blinked before relaxing her grip, giving the stallion a more subdued hug but a tight one nonetheless. Sora, now finally able to, returned the hug before with one of his own, making the pink mare giggle happily. After a few seconds the pink mare pulled away, smiling brightly at the Keyblade Wielder. “So are you gonna tell them!? Huh? HUH? HUH!?!” Sora nodded before pounding his chest. “I made a Pinkie Pie Promise, didn’t I?” He asked, to which she beamed even brighter. “Yep! Yep you did!! And you never break a Pinkie Promise cause breaking a Pinkie Promise is the best way to lose a friend," She paused before rearing up on her hind legs and spreading her forelegs above her, "FOREVER!" She set back down on all fours. "And you don’t want to do that now, do you?” She said before bouncing around the stallion and making her way to Twilight's side. “Well then come on! We need to get the other girls and then we get to hear the fantastical tale of Sora, the Warrior of Light and wielder of the Keyblade!!” Twilight giggled before nudging the stallion. “Hear that, Warrior of Light?” She said in a joking manner, the stallion instantly blushing and looking away. "Looks like you just gained a new title." “H-Hey...Are you picking on-” He didn’t get to finish his sentence as Applejack pushed her head into his flank, pushing him out the door. “No time, Sugercube. Now let’s git!” “Ack! Okay, okay! Don’t push!” Sora yelped as he was forced out of the store, Twilight and Pinkie giggling as they followed after once the pink party mare bid farewell to Mrs. Cake, the pastry mare nodding to the little group as they left Sugar Cube Corner. ~ "You’re awake..." Those were the first Sora words heard as he entered Carousel Boutique, the establishment of one Rarity Belle. The fashionista’s normally upbeat voice held a tone of melancholy as the caramel stallion stood before her. She gave him a rather long, hard stare, furrowing her brow more and more the longer she did so, and all he could do was stand there as she stared daggers into his being. After a very long time, the mare sighed deeply before pressing a hoof against his chest. "You do know I am very angry with you right now, correct?" She asked, her voice lace with barely contained venom. Sora could only nod in response, rubbing the back of his head as he did so. "Good..." the white mare said, satisfied with his answer. "Now that that is out of the way." She wrapped her hooves around his neck, just as the others had done, drawing him into a gentle embrace. "I'm oh, so glad you are okay, Darling. “ The mare told him, as tears slowly slipped down her cheeks. “When that brute hurt you and it was my fault...I couldn’t...and...I’m sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you like you’ve done for us so many times." Sora couldn’t help but shake his head at that, gently patting her back. “It’s not your fault Rarity. I promise I’m not mad at you. How could I be?” The mare pulled away, wiping a hoof against her tear stained eyes. “Thank you Sora, you are much too kind, even to somepony like me. Still, I wanted to make it up to you regardless. Its why I-” She paused as she looked at the bags draped across his back. “Sora, dear, why are you wearing your bags like that?” Sora blinked before looking towards his back. "Oh! Ah...I thought they were the kind of bags that you guys usually wear, ya know, the ones you ware on your back. They did seem kind of odd when I tried to put them on though." Rarity tisked before levitating the bags in a gentle glow of blue magic. "That is because they are meant for your hind legs, darling, made to latch on to each one." The white unicorn held her head up as she began to explain. "Your unusual dress style had got me thinking of different ways for us to wear fashionable yet comfortable styles. One of which is what I gave you here." The white mare would then smile a smile that was a bit too predatory. "Now then," she moved to his side. "Allow me to...hmm...Show you the right way of putting this on, if you do not mind that is." She mused, reaching for the side of his flank. Her actions did not go unnoticed however as Applejack snatched the bags out of mid air before shoving them into Sora's hooves. "He can do it himself later, Rarity." Applejack deadpanned. “He’s a grown stallion after all. No need to coddle him and what not.” Rarity glared at the farm mare before looking away, holding her muzzle in the air. "Fine...But I do have many other fashions for him to try on later." She said with a gentle smile before looking away and adding under her breath. "Without a pesky chaperone getting in the way of course." "Um...Ah...Sorry if I'm bothering you. I can come back later if that’s okay." Everypony turned to see a familiar, butter yellow mare peeping from around a door frame, a timid blush forming on her cheeks as she saw that she was now the focus of attention. "Fluttershy! You’re here, darling!" Rarity said with a bright smile. "I am sorry but we will have to postpone that fitting for now." The shy mare shook her head. "I...It’s okay, Rarity. I...well...I can understand why.." She said before her eyes gazed towards the caramel stallion. As his own met hers she began to shiver slightly, a guilty feeling emanating from the Sora’s eyes all too clear in her own. Slowly she made her way to the stallion standing in front of him. The normally Shy mare seemed to take the initiative as she followed after her friends before her, her hooves gently wrapping around Sora’s neck . before whispering softly, "I...I was so worried about you Sora.” The stallion in question couldn’t help but smile as he placed a hoof on her shoulder, an act that normally would have caused the mare to flinch at the feeling of somepony touching her. Instead though, she would only hug the stallion tighter. Finally pulling away, Sora couldn’t help but look away, blushing. “Applejack said you took care of me while I was out...If that's so, then thanks. Guess I caused all of you a lot of trouble huh?” “Oh! No...I...Um...I’m ok...really…” “Fluttershy.” Applejack said in an admonishing tone of voice. “Remember what we talked about.” The shy mare cringed slightly before looking down, not wanting to meet the stallion’s gaze. ”O-Okay. I was...well...devastated. I thought that we had lost you. Forever. I...I mean...I don’t know what I would have done.” That...actually hurt Sora more then anything else. “I’m sorry Shy. I…” She shook her head slowly before pressing her temple against his chest. “I know...I am too...I know I'm being selfish, saying how much it would have hurt to lose you, but I can’t help it...I can’t help feeling that way, not when it comes to you Sora...” “Honestly,” Twilight spoke up, “I think that goes for all of us.” Sora couldn’t help but sigh deeply at that, looking away from them all as he spoke. "I'm sorry I put all of you through that. And I'm sorry I've been keeping things from all of you. About me...About where I come from...What I actually do...And about what might be happening now." Twilight lowered her head. "Princess Celestia said pretty much the same when she talked about Sunset Shimmer.” at the tilt of Sora’s head Twilight went on. " That's the name of the mare that attacked us back at the Crystal Empire. The princesses have a lot of things to tell me too, and I plan on getting all the information I can out of them tonight. We are meeting at Applejack's barn so that we can have a bit of privacy. Spike should already be there helping set everything up for everypony. I’m pretty sure he has some choice words for you too Sora." Sora raised an eyebrow. "What about Rainbow Dash? Don't we need to find her?" "That’s not gonna be a problem, silly billy.” Pinkie Pie spoke up as she wrapped her hooves around both the stallion and the shy mare. “Now, let’s get going! This party ain’t gonna start itself after all." She bounced out of the room, carrying both of her friends along with her, much to the pair’s dismay. ~ "Sora!? You're awake!? And you’re okay!" "Dude! That was a wicked battle before! You're like! Awesome!" "I was so worried! Please don't do that ever again!" Sora, upon entering the Barn within Sweet Apple Acres, barely had time to react before he was beset upon by three familiar little fillies, each one grasping onto the stallion with all of their might. Amidst the cheering and crying between the three of them, couldn’t help but smile as he pulled all three of them close, hugging the little fillies tightly. “Haha...geeze...seems like I've apologized to everyone I know now.” The stallion couldn’t help but joke, gently patting the heads of each filly. “But all the same, I really am sorry I worried you. I’ll try not to make a habit of it. If I can help it.” Scootaloo laughed as she pushed his hoof away from ruffling her mane too much. “You better you dork. But I knew you would pull though. You are a hero after all.” Sweetie Belle wiped a tear from her eye before gently pushing the orange filly. “Says the pegasus that cried the hardest when she finally got to Sora when he was knocked out.” Scootaloo blushed deeply at that before tackling the white filly. “D-Did not! That was Apple Bloom! I was just worried for...I mean...SHUT UP!!” Said little apple filly couldn’t stop herself from shaking her head before looking up at the stallion. “Ah...Ah really am glad that your okay Sora...all of us are. Thanks...for keeping them safe.” Apple Bloom leaned into the stallion before giving him a soft peck on the cheek, an action that actually made Sora blush brightly. “And that one was for keeping me safe.” She said before rushing away to break up the little fight her friends were in. “Haha...You really have a knack with foals it seems.” Sora turned to find that Princess Cadence had made her way towards him, with Shining Armor trotting beside her. Jumping to his hooves, the Keyblade Wielder couldn’t stop the smile of relief that formed on his face. “Cadence...And Shining Armor. You’re both alright. I really was worried about the two of you.” “We could say the same to you, Sora.” Shining countered as he smiled as well. “Honestly I got off easy compared to what the two of you had to go though.” Cadence couldn’t help but laugh. “Lets just say we all had our own fair share of troubles and put it behind us, hmm?” She turned to Sora, gently bowing her head. “Still, I must say my thanks to you for keeping my sister-in-law and very best friend safe.” Sora couldn't help but blush at the praise before looking away and scratching his cheek. “No need to thank me your majesty. I barely did anything anyway.” “Now that is definitely not true Sora.” Princess Celesita mused as she made herself known, her little sister traveling right behind her. “It was because of your actions that day that many lives were saved, including that of your new found friends. Despite the circumstances, you have left a lasting impression upon them for years to come. And I’m pretty sure that it was a good one to say the least.” Sora couldn’t help but have his doubts but did little to argue with the Princess of the Sun. Not that he would have had time to do so when the others started filing into the Barn. "Good! Everypony is here," Twilight spoke aloud as she took a seat not too far away from Sora. “Not that I’m trying to rush you or anything but I think it’s high time you tell us about who you really are." She said sitting on her haunches in front of him, a quill and parchment appearing beside her. “Now now Twilight, I know you are eager but we could give Sora some more time to rest. He had just woken up and everything after all.” Celestia tried to defend the stallion. Sora shook his head at the gesture. “Thanks Princess Celestia, but a promise is a promise, and honestly, I don’t mind doing do it now. After everything that happened and what Pinkie and AJ saw back at the Crystal Empire, Don't think I would be able to hind it even if I wanted to.” Conceding to the little stallion’s logic, Celestia settled in beside her sister, giving him the go ahead to do what he needed to do. “Right...Now...where to begin.” Sora mused as she tapped a hoof to his chin. “Oh...Okay. I’ll begin right where it all started. Back in my home world of Destiny Islands. You see, me and my friends, we all wanted to sail away to worlds unknown...” As Sora began his tale, a pair of magenta eyes watched him from above, making nary a sound as she listened in on the young Keyblade Wielder's tale. > Restful Respite Part 2 (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Restful Respite Part 2 Green to start music and red to stop music It went without saying that when Sora had finished the tale that was his life as a Keyblade Wielder, that many of the ponies within the room were left speechless. Even the princesses, knowing where he had come from beforehand, could not have fathomed just how much Sora had been through at such a young age. To tell the least, his story would have been seen as downright fantasy if it wasn’t for the fact that Princess Celestia confirmed everything he had told the girls. He had told them of the worlds he had seen, the people he visited, and the monsters he fought. He told them of the friends he made along the way, as well as the enemies he vanquished. All the while the pony’s around him would listen in with wrapped attention, something he honestly wasn’t quite used to if he was telling the truth. With his life story finally ended, the stallion would look away from the group of ponies staring holes into him, scratching his cheek as he did so. “Hehe...So, that's it I guess. Everything I was a part of at least. I’m sure Riku has some stories to tell to fill in some blanks but as for me, that's it, up until I ended up here in Equestria." Twilight, Applejack and amazingly Pinkie Pie had remained quiet throughout the whole of Sora’s tale. The latter only occasionally allowed her quill to jolt down a few notes as he spoke, and the former looked on towards the stallion with her undivided attention as if she was a filly being told a bedtime story, which was slightly ruined due to the fact that she held a bag a popcorn, munching away happily from it as he had woven his tale. Sora still wondered when she even had time to pop any sort of popcorn in between his story, though if it was like everything else the pink mare did, it was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie so he decided to leave it as that. The farm mare, herself, held an air of knowing, as if every word he spoke, no matter how outlandish or crazy, was nothing but the truth. Sora didn’t know why he felt that about her. Maybe it had something to do with her Element of Harmony. Maybe it was just her natural instinct about ponies...or people in general. Still, the fact that she did believe him gave him some kind of comfort. When his gaze shifted over towards that of Rarity and Fluttershy’s own, he was quite surprised by the fact he could still see the tell tell signs of tear stains down each of the mare’s cheeks. He was pretty sure he had heard them when he had gotten to the part of Riku’s betrayal and redemption. Even the part when Sora himself had found his lost friend’s at least after being away from them for so long. Even the stallion himself had to admit that he cried when he finally found his very best friend Riku once again. All of that paled in comparison to when he had gotten to the part where the stallion had sacrificed his own heart so that Kairi could have hers once again. He was pretty sure that somepony had said “Of course he did,” During that time in the story, though he couldn't quite place who it was at the time. He even caught Scootaloo rubbing her eyes harshly, tying her best to wipe her own tears away. Honestly Sora had no idea he had this much of an effect on these ponies. It was both frightening and...comforting to him for some reason. After that he was pretty sure he heard a collective sigh of relief when he got to the part of Kairi recognizing him and, through the power of their friendship, was able to turn the poor boy back into what he once was. Celestia herself couldn’t allow such an action to go unanswered as she whispered softly, “The power of Friendship…truly an amazing thing…” The taller princess had wrapped a hoof around her sister’s shoulder at the time. “Something I wished I learned oh so long ago…” Luna, for her part, only stared at the young stallion. She had held her piece throughout the story itself, though a crack in expression formed when she had learned how Sora’s friend had fought the darkness in his own heart and won, making it his own. Even more so was when Sora had been lost to the trap set up by those who wanted his heart, Riku was the first to jump to Sora’s rescue, saving him just as Sora saved Riku. “As did I dear sister.” the Lunar Princess said softly. "As did I..." Sora had shook the memories from his mind, deciding that the present was a better place to be at the moment. Looking over towards the three fillies that were right in front of him, the stallion couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the little orange pegasus shaking softly between her two friends. “Hey, Scootaloo?” The young stallion spoke up, lowering himself to her level. “Are you...okay?” He placed a hoof upon the filly’s shoulder only for said filly to cry out the loudest and shrillist cheer he had heard from her yet. So much so that his ears folded back against his head at the sheer might of her scream. Before he could even apologize for whatever it was that he did, the young filly pulled the stallion by his jacket, her eyes shimmering brightly into his own. “That.” She began, her voice cracking ever so slight with pure glee. “Was! SO! WICKED!!” She shook the stalin by jacket before releasing him, her buzzing wings lifting her off the ground ever so slightly. “You really are an alien right?! And you really did do everything you told us, right!?” Sora blinked at the girl’s questions, unable to process them fast enough to answer correctly. However before he could gather the sense enough to answer, small yet surprisingly strong yellow forehooves pulled one of his own into a hug.. “He's not an alien.” Applebloom reprimanded Scoots. “ He doesn’t have weird tentacles or two mouths like in that one book Big Mac Keeps on the top shelf. ”She stuck her tongue out at the orange filly. “Plus you've seen him in action yourself Scoots. Ah mean he took on an eighteen story high monster back at the crystal empire as if it was a light workout. Not to mention he saved us loads of times!” She looked up towards the stallion with bright sparkling eyes and blushing cheeks. "Right Sora?" Sora looked away from the filly, scratching the back of his head. "Well...wouldn’t say it was a light workout…” He smiled brightly. “ But there was no way I was going to lose to a jerk like that!" He declared. Scootaloo latched on to the stallion by the cheeks on his face and began shaking him wildly. “Still. Like I said, he’s awesome. Hey, can you tell me how many monsters you’ve defeated? Do you still have any of that fairy dust on ya that made ya fly? Can I see your hero badge? NO! WAIT! TELL ME HOW I CAN I GET A KEYBLADE OF MY OWN!” “Now Scootaloo,” Applejack reprimanded with a chuckle. “He can’t go and tell ya anything if’n y’all don’t let him breathe.” Scootaloo blinked before gasping, jumping off of him and giving the stallion an apologetic smile. “Ah…Heheh…Sorry Sora…” Sora, for his part, couldn’t help but laugh at the little filly’s actions, though he did rub the tenderness from his cheeks away as he spoke “No worries Scoots. Besides!” He reached into his coat jacket, pulling out a small round stone, no bigger then that of a bit, before tossing the it over to her. “I can show you this though. Its my Olympus Stone I used when I went to to the underworld. I'll need it back though.” The orange filly’s eyes widened by degrees as she looked upon the golden medal with something akin to reverence. “Holy Celestia…” Applejack chuckled softly as she wrapped a hoof around the stallion. “Ah have ta say, Sora, that is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the mightiest tales ah have ever been told in ma life,” She paused before putting on the warmest smile he had ever seen you use. “But, as it were I was party to your most recent adventure, ah can't help but think that everything ya said was true.” Sora smiled before locking his forehooves behind his head. “Honestly, some parts still feel like a dream to me. One part of it may just have been a whole dream if I’m being honest here.” He paused before lowering his hooves to the ground, looking up at the mares he had gotten to know the past few days. “Ah...so...ya know. We still cool?” Rarity coughed into her hoof politely, gaining everypony’s attention. “That, my dear Sora, goes without saying Darling. You have more than earned the right for us to call you a friend. What? Did you think we would drop you when we learned everything about you?” “I don’t know...maybe. Never did this before actually.” Sora smiled a little at her words before asking. “And you’re not mad at me?” “Mad?” Twilight said with, her eyes wide with both awe and wonder as her mind seemed to get back on page with the rest. “Are you kidding me?! I learned that there are worlds out there! Worlds full of things and places I’ve never seen or heard of before! More importantly, there are worlds full of things that I have heard of! Hydras! Dragons! Golems! You’ve seen it all and more!” Twilight had gotten uncomfortably close to Sora as she talked, her forehead pressing right into his own by the end of her rant. Rarity saved the poor stallion by placing a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, pulling the mare back to give Sora a bit of between her two friends. “Twilight Dear, please calm down.” She turned to Sora. “And what my dear friend is trying to say darling, is that no, she is not mad at you for not telling, or rather she is but not for the reasons you think she is mad, if I am correct.” She gave him a warm smile. “Nor am I or any of the others for that matter. You have been through quite a bit before coming here. Knowing that, I can understand the reasons why you tried to not get us involved where you could. Why, you tried so hard to protect us from the dangers of the Heartless. You, my dear, truly are a good pony-Err-Person who was trying to look out for our best interest.” She said, correcting herself with the title at the end. Pinkie Pie smiled brightly as she hopped around the stallion. “Yeah! You’re super special awesome for taking on so many baddies and fighting for justice everywhere you went, even when you didn’t have to. That just proves how good of a pony you are! We’re proud to call somepony like that our friend!” Fluttershy blushed as she gently brushed her leg against his own, gaining the stallion’s attention. “I...I think so too. The friend part that is. And not being mad at you.” She smiled as she gently grasped his free hoof into her own. “You are a brave pony to have faced so many things and always come to care about those that are close to you. I...um...I think that is what makes you a special pony. A hero.” “Well…Um...” Sora couldn’t help the blush that formed on his face at the touch of the shy mare’s hooves against his own, he looked away from her, scratching his cheek once again as he spoke. “Honestly...I’m nothing without my friends. It was because of all of you...all of them that I was able to keep going the way I am now.” A hoof gently patted his shoulder, and to his surprise, found it was Cadence of all ponies. “And that’s a bad thing? The fact that you rely on your friends to fill in the gaps just solidifies how important they are to you and you to them.” She giggled softly, “And I think that's why the Keyblade chose you over your friend, Riku, when he was lost to the darkness. Not because of how strong you are physically but because of how strong this is.” She placed a hoof over his heart. “And honestly, even me, the Princess of Love, is hard pressed to find a pony with a bigger heart than you.” Shining Armor nodded as he wrapped a hoof around Cadance, the mare nuzzling into her husband as he spoke. “She’s right, relying on your friends and those you love to help you pick up the slack is always a good thing. I know I always need her help.” “Only when you are being a dork.” Cadence mused as she kissed his cheek gently. Luna nodded, her eyes still having a far away look to them. “Tis true. It's a good thing that you have friends to pull you from the Darkness. A darkness that this Xehanort cretin seems to use without mercy.” She frowned as she pounded the floor below her. “I can't imagine what he wants...what his end goal is...” Sora could see, just like before, a pained expression of helplessness on the princess of the moon’s features. Before he could comment on it however, he was pulled into a bone crushing hug by the Pink Party Pony herself. “Hey Yeah! Big McMeanine Xenanana is the bad one for sure!” Sora forgot his momentary pain for the second to laugh at Pinkie Pie’s silly pronunciation at his most dangerous foe’s name. “HAHAHA! Ok! Now that was funny Pinkie!” The pink one smiled. “I know right! What kind of name is that anyway?” Once Sora had settled down, the key bearer eyes widened momentarily, a memory from his last battle playing out in his mind. He remembered a being standing over him, and a voice that was all too familiar. “Thanks for making her worry...Lazy Bones.” Riku...What are you doing here? And...I made her worry? He felt a hoof gently brush against his leg, breaking him out of his deep stupor. Looking over, he found himself staring into the big blue orbs of Fluttershy’s eyes. “Sora…Are you ok?” She asked with a bit of worry. Sora blinked before smacking his face with both hooves. He gave the mare a big bright smile and a nod. “Yeah! Just more tired than I thought, I guess.” He lied. He may have told them the truth of what he was, but he wasn't ready to tell them everything...not yet. "Sorry if I worried you, Shy." The Yellow mare pouted softly but nodded in understanding. “I understand. Still, um...I’m here for you...we all are.” Sora chuckled softly before nodding. “I know, and...thank you...but really I'm okay.” The caramel stallion looked over towards Celestia just as she raised an eyebrow in his direction. He caught a sad knowing look before she turned it into a contemplative one. “In any case, what you had told us during the Exams has disturbed me quite a bit. He had control of your actions throughout the whole of the test without you being none the wiser right until the very end. While I am glad you were able to escape unharmed from his grasp, I am more worried than ever about the enemy we now face. We have yet to see these…Nobodies as you call them, but if they are born from Heartless then it is only a matter of time before we do.” Twilight looked towards the solar princess as realization finally kicked in. “Your right princess! And we still have Sunset to deal with, along with her “Master”. Not to mention Chrysalis is running around again?” She threw her gaze towards sora. “Why is your friend working with her anyway? Do you think she’s controlling him with her magic?” "I don’t know much about Chrysalis, but Riku..." Sora looked away, an indifferent tone being held in check as he said his friend’s name. When he looked up and noticed everypony's eyes on him, he shook his head and released a sigh before looking away. “Riku isn’t weak. Whatever he’s doing he’s doing it on his own, and I’m more then sure he’s still one of the good guys. He did save us after all.” Celestia nodded as she gave a reassuring smile, "Then I shall trust your judgment on this Sora.” She turned to face the others. “For the most part, he seemed concerned about everypony's welfare and I felt no evil magic at work when he was in front of me, though I did feel something familiar.” She looked towards her sister for a second before turning back to the others. “Chrysalis, despite our differences, seems to be bent on helping Riku, and she did save Shining Armor, am I wrong?” The stallion in question grew a scowl as he looked away. “She…Did…” Celestia nodded. “What Chrysalis wants out of all of this still worries me, but I believe that Riku has a good head on his shoulders and will keep her in check." She shook her head before saying. “For now. until we know more, our enemy is the one who had given King Sombra his powers in the first place.” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Wait...What do you mean princess?” Celestia sighed before looking upwards. “Oh long ago I felt something during Sombra’s first uprising. Something that was so covered in darkness it even made me shiver. I had forgotten about it at the same time that the Crystal Empire disappeared sadly and I have not felt anything like it until Nightmare Moon’s return.” She sighed and looked towards the others. “If Nightmare Moon and Sombra are connected. Twilight tilted her head. “Wait…Princess, it was prophesied that Nightmare would return. How is she and Sombra related?” “Twilight,” Celestia said softly before looking away. “That is a story for another time I'm afraid...and...not mine to tell.” Twilight wanted to say more, to ask more, but the look her teacher gave her said to let it drop for now. Twilight bit her bottom lip and then nodded. She was sure this information was going to plague her for the next few nights. Celestia sighed before continuing. “I know not who it is, but I know that they are responsible for everything that happened in the Crystal Empire, both the first time and the more recent time. Whatever they are trying to accomplish I know not. What I do know is it put my ponies at risk. If things didn’t play out in our favor, then we would have lost more then just a kingdom to the darkness.” “Be that as it may, dear sister, we did not lose. We not only gained back our memories but the lost empire, as well as all of the ponies who were lost to it.” Luna said with a reassuring smile. “The enemy has lost their foothold for the foreseeable future, we do believe. Celestia smiled. “Yes, that much is true. They must not have expected our wild card, Sora, to be so resourceful, as well as Riku and the Queen’s timely intervention, so they were unprepared for such a devastating lost.” Celestia gently bowed her head towards the hero, causing him to blush a bit. “On behalf of the citizens of the Crystal Empire and Equestria itself, you have my utmost thanks Sora. Sora blinked before placing both hooves behind his head, grinning widely. “It’s no biggie, Tia.” He was oblivious to the looks that Shining Armor and Twilight kept throwing his way each time he said the princess’s name in such a casual way. The Princess in question only giggled before nodding towards the keyblade wielder. Pinkie laughed before smiling brightly. “Awww...Friendships really make the world go round.” Pinkie Pie snickered before making her way to the barn door. “Alright! Now if serious time is out of the way,” She quickly opened the door, revealing more than a few ponies outside, making their way towards the barn much to everyone’s surprise. “Let’s get this party started right!!” Twilight’s eyes twitched. “Wait! When did you…?” Applejack quickly covered the mare's mouth. “Twi…Don’t…Just don’t. She’s Pinkie Pie…That’s all we need ta know.” ~ Sora had found himself escaping the festivities of that evening, having danced and surprisingly sung so hard that he believed a quick breather would do him some good. With a sigh, he set himself under a nearby apple tree, which he honestly believed was the same apple tree he had met the three little fillies under oh so many nights ago. He closed his eyes as he listened to the party raging within the barn. He couldn’t count the times Applejack had to pull Pinkie Pie by her tail off of the stage she had set up during the party, if only so that she didn’t follow through with her plan to pull off the world’s biggest dog pile on it. Or was it a pony pile? He shook his head. “Hehe...Geeze Pinkie. I think she has enough smiles to pilot a whole fleet of Gummy Ships.” He said, letting the matter drop. Instead his mind went to what was important. He placed a hoof over his chest and sighed. So what do I do now? Celestia said that for now I can’t follow after Riku, that resting is more important for my recovery. He sighed and leaned forward a bit, pulling his forelegs close to himself. “Not that he needs my help anyway. Doubt he would accept it…” “Hey Idiot!” Sora yelped as his head shot up, the back of his head hitting the tree he rested upon. Adding insult to injury, three apples fell from the branches, all aimed directly on top of the stallion's noggin by pure dumb luck. He groaned in pain as he rubbed the sore spot on top of his crown, a bit of a tear of pain forming within the side of one of his eyes. “Ow…What the?” “Geeze…” Said the voice after he heard it release a snort of amusement. “Never seen applebucking like that before. Maybe I should tell AJ to try your technique.” Knowing where the voice was coming from now, the stallion looked up, his eyes widening at the sight of a mare he had not seen all day. “Rainbow! It’s you.” The rainbow maned mare rolled her eyes as she flow down towards where the stallion was. “Well if we don’t have a Surlock Hooves before us.” Ignoring the teasing jab, Sora got onto his hooves. “I've been...I mean...There's a lot I gotta tell ya Rainbow Dash...and...I mean I not really-ow!” Rainbow had not so gently tapped the top of Sora’s head to gain his attention. “Don’t worry about the explanation hero. I already know everything.” Sora raised an eyebrow as he rubbed the sore spot she had struck. “You do?” Rainbow rolled her eyes once again as she shifted a wing towards the barn. “I heard it all. I was up in the rafters, ya know.” She huffed as she pressed a hoof against his chest. “So no need to say you’re sorry and all that sappy stuff like that. And about you not even being a pony? I’ve had many non-pony friends so I don’t care stupid stuff like that. What I am mad about is that fact that you would allow yourself to get hurt, even die for ponies you barely know!!” She said poking him in the chest as she spoke. "Who gave you the right to do such a stupid selfish thing?!" “B-But…” Sora stammered, the gentle roar of thunder calling forth the beginning of the evening’s rain. “I know what your gonna say!” She cut him off. “You were ‘only doing what’s right’ and ‘I would do anything for my friends’! Did I hit the mark?! Well don’t, because I already know your stupid selfish reasons!” Sora raised a hoof to say something but was cut off again. “And you know what! I’m mad because of that! You didn’t give a flying flip about how we would have felt if you were out taking by that witch of a worse! All you cared about was what you wanted! You wanted to protect us! You wanted to keep us out of danger! Don’t you think that if we didn’t want anything to do with you we wouldn't have come to help you with Sombra!?” Rainbow lowered her head as she glared at him, the raindrops steadily pouring from the sky. “We came because we called you a friend. Not just because we had to." She glared back at the stallion. "That's right! Me too! So what?! And if you had been thinking with that stupid spiky brain of yours, maybe that silly key of yours could have opened that bubble that kept us from saving your sorry hide from that harpy. If you had freed us from the get go then maybe you wouldn't have gotten hurt like you did you stupid idiot!” Sora had not thought about that actually, not really anyway. The stallion’s ears folded back against his head as he spoke. “Yeah…but…” “But nothing! Maybe it wouldn't have worked, but you could have at least tried. Instead...instead...” Sora's gaze never left the rainbow mare, the stallion now being able to visibly see the mare shake with rage and frustration as the rain began to pour harder and harder around them. Her matted mane covered the mare's face as she spoke again, her voice roaring above the rain as her head shook. “All I could do was sit there! I was helpless. I couldn’t stop you from getting hurt…I…” She shook her head. “You idiot!” he barely registered the mare coming at him, even more so when she had began to strike at his chest with a damp hoof as her head rested hard against his neck. “Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. You. Bucking. Idiot.” With each word she hit his chest; that is if Sora could count such gentle tapings as hits. “If you do that again; if you even think about sacrificing yourself to save us; then I’ll save you and beat the living heck out of you myself until you get it through your stupid head that doing such a stupid thing won’t win you any favors with any of us.” Sora softened his gaze as he raised a hoof to gently pat Rainbow’s back. “Sorry Dash.” Was all he could say as the pair stood close to each other within the rain, both supporting the other under the downpour. It was a long time before Rainbow sniffled before pulling away from the stallion. she gave him a rather mean glare, though Sora could tell that she was at least somewhat back to her old self. "If you tell anypony about this, about how I cried, I’ll Sonic Rainboom you into space, ya gat that!!” She said. Sora chuckled as he gave the mare a salute. “Hehe...I promise...This stays between two friends.” Rainbow’s frown softened into that of a smile. “You better...ya jerk. Now come on! There's a cake waiting with my name on it and I ain’t about to miss it because of you!” She said, whipping herself around and heading towards the barn. Sora chuckled before getting up on his hooves. He looked up towards the sky, a frown crossing his features. He could feel something watching him in the darkness, even now. Rather it was instinct or just his abilities he did not know. “Whoever you are...I won’t let you hurt my friends...That's a promise I’m going to keep.” He said just before following after the cyan mare. > It was Just Another Day... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Just Another Day Green to start music and red to stop music Apple Bloom could only watch intently as Sora followed after her sister and a few of her friends down the dirt path leading deeper into Sweet Apple Acres open fields. The little filly couldn’t help but release an exasperated sigh as she leapt from her bed and began to take a stroll around the room in an impatient manor. It stood to reason that, as soon as she had gotten home from the Crystal Empire, she and her fellow crusaders had been punished quite thoroughly for the actions of worrying every grownup within Ponyville with their disappearing act. Even Big Mac had given the trio of fillies a stern talking to, which was something no foal would have ever wanted if one knew just how seldom the normally silent earth pony was. To top it off, as further punishment, she and her friends had been forced to work at her sister’s farm for a whole week, including her most precious weekends. The only time she would have to herself and her friends due to Applejack allowing her to hang out with her friends due to having to work at the farm during most of her summer break. Such a thing would have made the little filly ball her eyes out if it wasn’t for one simple act by the one she had a crush upon. “I kinda felt that they got in trouble because of me, so I just thought I should share in some of the work. Besides, I’m still helping around the farm, right?” Those were the words he pleaded to Applejack in allowing him to help the little fillies out with their work, something Applejack couldn’t help but at least somewhat agree with. To anyone else, it would have just been a young stallion taking pity on the three little ones, but to Apple Bloom, she couldn’t help but see it as her hero once again coming to her aid. Sure, at first, she had been attracted to the stallion with just looks alone, but the more she had spent with him during the last three days of her punishment, the more she had actually gotten to know the hero behind the key. His happy-go-lucky personality. His reassuring smile as he placed a Band-Aid upon her skinned forehoof. The way he would always try to find an excuse for he and her friends to take a break, just so the three of them could laze the day away. He was kind beyond measure in her eyes, always looking out for others. During their down time, the filly would watch the stallion as they slept under the shade of the Apple trees. Her gaze watching soft rise and fall of his chest with each breath he took. It was something she had never thought she could enjoy watching but seeing the stallion she liked so much so close and at peace, it filled the filly’s belly up butterflies so strong that she didn’t know what to do with it. She had cherished every moment she had spent with her hero, even though she knew it would soon come to an end. With the last hours of her punishment she would have to stay indoors. Something she was sure her Granny came up with because of how much Sora was making her and her friends slack off. “Applebloom?” The little filly released a startled epp at the sound of said Granny Smith’s voice behind her, the old mare tilting her head as she looked towards her grand daughter with a curious gaze. “Applebloom, you were pacing something fierce around ya room, making a lot of racket. Came to check up on ya.” “Oh…AH…Sorry Granny…” The yellow filly said looking towards the old mare. “I’m not causing no trouble…If that what cha was thinking ah was doing.” “Ah can see that…What with you wearing a rut in the carpet with all that pacing you’re doing.” Granny Smith made her way to Apple Bloom’s bed, sitting upon as she did so. “Ya look like ya got something on your mind young un.” Apple Bloom bit her lower lip as she looked away. She knew that when Granny Smith could see one of her kin was out of sorts then she would not let it go for all the apples orchards in the world. With a heavy sigh, the little filly climbed her way to sit beside the old mare, her hooves fiddling with the fur in her own lap. “Ah guess ya can say that granny…” The old mare smiled as she placed a hoof over the young one’s shoulder. “Wanna talk about it Young’un?’ “Well…” The little filly began. “There’s this…uh…Filly, who has a crush on a colt…but doesn’t know how to go about it and tell em…” She paused before shaking her head. “No…It's more like...Ah mean she’s too scared to tell em.” Granny raised an eyebrow. “Well…What’s this colt like?” “He’s nice…and Kind…Goofy and a bit lazy, but will always help out even if he has trouble doing some things.” A blush started to form on her cheeks. “He would even put himself in harm’s way for his friends, if it came down ta it, though I’m sure that no pony wants to see em hurt.” A twinge of pain formed in her chest as memories of seeing Sora beaten made their way to her mind. “Sounds like quite the keeper, this stallion of hers.” Granny Smith told her with a sly smile. “And, ya say your friend is too scared ta say anything to him? Why do ya think that is young’un?” Apple Bloom lowered her head at that. “I…ah mean she doesn’t really know, ah guess.” “You guess?” Applebloom tugged at the sheets under her hoof. “Well…ah reckon she’s scared that he might…reject her…For being a silly filly. All she did was cause trouble for him after all.” “Well young’un…If this pony is as nice as you say he is, then maybe your “friend” should know better than ta think that.” “Ah know granny…but…Still…” “Has your friend ever been scared of speaking her mind before she met this colt of hers?” “Well…Ah…Ah guess not…” Apple Bloom said hesitantly. “Then why don’t your friend ask him outright, and if he’s as nice as you say, then Ah doubt he would be outright cold to her even if he didn’t see her the way she saw him.” “Yeah...I guess you're right Granny.” She smiled as she nuzzled the old mare’s neck gently. “Ah promise to let my friend know the great advice ya gave m-ah mean her!” The old mare chortled softly before gently patting her granddaughter softly upon her head. “Anything for a friend of my kin.” She mused softly. Apple Bloom watched as Granny Smith made her way out the room and closed the door. As soon as she had, the little filly got to work planning. “Right...Ah got a lot of work ahead of me if ah want the stallion ta notice me!” She blushed deeply as she giggled, pulling out a sheet of paper and her box of writing utensils. ~ There was a flash of light as three ponies landed in a heap on the ground within the apple orchard’s clearing. Sora landed on the bottom of the pile as Applejack laid sprayed on top of him. Pinkie Pie, herself, sat upon the other two, swaying to and fro from the dizzy spell she had caught. “Wow…” The Pinkie before shaking the dizziness from her mind “That was more tiring than I thought it was gonna be. I don’t even think I can bounce to the moon with how exhausted I am.” Applejack groaned, not even bothering to try to comprehend what the Pink mare had said. Instead, she slowly turned to face Fluttershy, the yellow mare making her way to the pony pile. “Ugh…How long were we at it this time Fluttershy?” The yellow mare held up the stop watch before answering. “A little over five minutes…That’s better than last time at least…” She said, giving the mare a hopeful smile. “Only by four seconds!” Rainbow compiled as she landed beside the shy mare, grabbing the watch from her. “Not nearly enough time to do any real damage to a heartless.” Having completed her weather duties for the day, the cyan mare had decided to come to Applejack’s farm to see if her friends needed any help and to “Not visit the Hero!” at all. Her words. It was through these repeated visits that the mare finally saw what Sora, AJ and Pinkie had done, fusing together to create a powered up version of the stallion, something Sora, himself, had called his Valor Form. Despite him not wanting to endanger the ponies of this world, he knew that he couldn’t protect them all the time so he had suggested to Twilight that he and the others practice. “I’m gonna start taking my own advice.” Were Sora’s words prior to training, “And start relying on my friends more. Starting with getting used to my new abilities.” It was their third day of this special training and so far only a little progress was made. But it was still something at least. “Yeah…but that’s four seconds of time we could use wisely.” Applejack admonished Her cyan friend as she tried to lift herself up, effectively making Pinkie fall onto the ground in a giggling mess of flailing limbs. “But wowwie…hate the fact that it leaves ya so darned drained after we do that fuse thingy. Makes me feel all weird on the inside too…” She added the last part under her breath. Sora groaned as he rolled onto his back stretching the ache out of his limbs. “It's longer than the usual time I had back when I traveled with Donald and Goofy. I was only barely able to keep my form for more than thirty...Forty seconds?.” The stallion lifted himself up, standing back upon all four of his hooves as he did so. “Maybe we should call it a day for now though. I don't want you guys getting too tired because of me." Fluttershy nodded as she made her way towards the stallion’s side. “I...um...Think so too. Besides, you just woke up a few days ago. I don’t think it's a good idea to over exert yourself when you are still recovering...I mean...If it's okay for me to say that.” Some smiled as he allowed his wings to spread out wide. “No worries Shy! Those Potions I got helped me out a lot. I just hope your zebra friend is right about being able to make a few more of those for us.” “Don’t ya worry none about that Sora.” Applejack assured. “If there is anypony that knows how to whip up a good tonic it would be our pal Zecora. She is one of the best potion brewers in Ponyville.” “Though…and I hope you don’t mind me saying so…She technically lives in the Everfree forest…” Fluttershy squeaked softly before hiding behind her mane. “Heh…Ya got me there Shy.” The farm mare turned to Sora as she gave him a wink. “Ah don’t mind calling it a day if ya want to partner? I’m plum tuckered out myself and Ah think a bit of rest would do us all some good. Sides, even ah can tell you’ve been on edge ever since you woke up a few days ago.” Sora couldn’t help but look away from Applejack, scratching his cheek as he did so. “Yeah…Sorry about that. I just…I just don’t want to get caught off guard again like last time. If Sunset Shimmer attacks again-“ “Then you can bet she’s gonna get a buck to the face!” Rainbow growled as she began to punch at the air, “No pony messes with my friends and gets off without catching a few of these hooves right here." “Darn tooting.” AJ mused as she tipped her hat. “No way is she gonna pull the same trick twice on us and get away with it.” “Um…” Fluttershy squeaked. “If you don’t mind me saying, and I hope you don’t, could we possibly talk about something else. If that’s ok with you that is.” Rainbow was about to protest but stopped when she glanced over towards Sora, the keyblade wielder looking away from the group, a frown upon his usually kind features. The cyan mare rubbed the back of her head before saying. “Yeah...Uh…So any news about where your friend went to Sora?” Perking up, the caramel stallion’s ears stood up, though his face told the others all of what he had to say before he said it. “No. Sorry Dash. Nothing on my end at least. He kinda just disappeared. Though that's nothing new for him.” “I’m sure he’s doing fine. If what I saw from him was any indication he can handle himself.” Applejack assured everyone. “In any case, gonna get back home. I’m sure Granny Smith has a heaping helping of dinner hot and ready for us soon Sora.” The Keyblade Wielder smiled brightly at the farm mare’s mention of food. “Sweet! Granny Smith’s food is always the best!” Before Sora could get too far however, he was stopped by Fluttershy, the yellow mare gently grasping his coat tightly and looking at him pleadingly. The stallion paused before nodding gently to her. “Oh. Yeah I’ll walk ya home Shy. Just like yesterday.” Fluttershy smiled with relief at his words, the shy mare pressing herself as close as she could to the stallion as he began to lead her back to her cottage home near the Everfree. The yellow mare had been scared to death of traveling anywhere alone when it was close to getting dark, especially with the Heartless attack from before. Sora, being the stallion that he was, couldn’t help but tell her that he would follow her to her home and make sure that she’s settled in and safe with her animal friends. He had done so every night ever since he had woken up, so if anything it was becoming a budding routine for him. As the pair made their way down the dirt path leading towards the Everfree, Rainbow Dash couldn't help the gruff tisk that came from her clicking her teeth, a mild bit of annoyance slipping past her mood. “Well…That’s a surprising reaction ya got right there Rainbow.” The rainbow maned mare turned to glare at Applejack, her apple farmer friend having a slightly smug look on her muzzle. “I don’t know what you’re talking about AJ.” Rainbow scoffed as she turned away from the farm mare, her hooves folding about her chest. “Sure ya don’t Rainbow.” The mare mused as she rolled her eyes. “I won’t press if ya don’t want me too.” “Good!” Rainbow said as she folded her hooves before glaring at AJ. “Because, of course, there’s nothing to press at all.” “Right…” Applejack mused before she looked off towards the Keyblade Wielder and Yellow mare retreating in the distance. “Whatever helps ya sleep at night Dash. Oh and here.” The farm mare tossed a deeply sleeping Pinkie in her direction, the Pegasus bearing keeping herself aloft as she caught the party mare. “Get her home will ya? Since you’ve clearly got nowhere else to be at the moment.” Rainbow, struggling to hold Pinkie, glared at Applejack as the farm mare trotted away, chuckling softly to herself. ~ Celestia’s sun slowly began to disappear behind the horizon of the trees as Sora and Fluttershy made their way down the dirt path leading to the mare’s cottage. The young Keyblade Wielder trotted at a slow and even pace, keeping in time with the shy mare’s own as she did the same beside him. Every now and then Sora’s gaze would fall towards the shy mare before quickly looking back forward, as if not wishing to be caught doing so, even though he did not know why. To Fluttershy’s credit, she would indeed always catch him doing so, her blushing cheeks never once leaving every time he did. The fact that he was even doing so honestly made the shy mare giddy and her wings flutter against her sides. She couldn’t help but relish in the time she spent alone with the stallion, no matter how fleeting it was. Even if he really wasn’t a real stallion in the first place. Maybe knowing that helped a bit, since she had always felt that the stallions she knew on Equestria were scary. At least to her. But this stallion who was not even a stallion was different. Maybe that was the reason it made all the difference. Fluttershy basked in the gentle winds of the summer evening trying to work though such a problem within her mind. So what if he wasn’t really a pony. He made her feel something that she had never thought she had ever felt in her life. It was a weird feeling deep within her chest. A feeling that she never wanted to let go of. She...Liked him. Fluttershy frowned at that. No…She knew it was more than just that. She honestly believed that she really, really liked him. Maybe even…Love? Fluttershy’s eyes drew to the ground as she tried to reason with the concept. The more she thought about it though, the more it became evident. Besides a few, many of the stallions around Ponyville would be rough or impatient with her timid personality, which stands to reason; due to many of the mares she knew having more of a take charge attitude about them, a personality she could never hope to impersonate completely. She was, in fact, a rarity among her kind. And many of the stallions who would tolerate her were always after one thing. What that thing was, she dare not say, even in her mind, but she knew they were after it. Sora wasn’t like that though. While many of the colts his age would usually be all about mares and how many they could get, Sora was more concerned about her and her friends wellbeing, even going so far as to put himself into harm’s way to save them. To save her. She blushed at her thoughts. Sora was nice and sweet and good and kind. Something she had admired about him ever since she got to know him more and more. He was a stallion unlike any other she had met before. He was...special “Hey Shy?” The yellow mare epped in surprise, stumbling as she heard her name being called by the caramel pony. “Woah!” Sora caught the mare before she could know what dirt tasted like, pulling her close to his frame with one wing as he did so. The caramel stallion looked down at the yellow mare, a smile of concern playing across his lips. “You okay, Shy?” Fluttershy’s face took on a new shade of red as she leaned against Sora. She could feel the gentle throb of his heartbeat within his chest, as well as the heat of his breath upon the top of her forehead. The butter yellow mare gulped as she tried to calm the rapid beat of her heart before reluctantly pulling away from him, the cool of the summer night air chilling her body as she left his embrace. “Y-Yes…Ah…Sorry…” she apologized, keeping her eyes towards the ground below her. Sora blinked before putting on that goofy smile she seemed to love so much. “No need to say you sorry, Shy. Can’t tell you how many times I space out and wasn’t watching where I was going either.” His hoof gently brushed off a bit of dirt that clung to the side of her foreleg. “If I was able to help you then its no trouble at all.” He smiled before looking off down the dirt path, “Anyway, I was just letting ya know that we're here.” She blinked before following his gaze and looking over the bridge that led to her little cottage. The shy mare felt a little dejected about having to part with the Keyblade Weider but gave him a gentle smile nonetheless. “O-Oh…S-So we are…um…thank you for walking me home…again. I hope I’m not burdening you or anything, what with you being tired and all…” Sora shook his head before smiling at the mare, his baby blue eyes burning heart inner heart ever so slightly. “You girls trusted me, even after everything I told you, let me at least do my part and help where I can.” He looked away from her. “Even if this might be the only thing I can't mess up at…” “D-Don’t say that!” She refuted before pushing a hoof over her muzzle as soon as she did, cursing herself for the outburst. Sora, for his part, stared at the mare, unable to truly speak as the usually calm and collected mare before him near yelled at him, well as much as as the shy mare could yell. Fluttershy, after a few moments, gathered every ounce of willpower she could and let her forehooves fall to the ground. Shaking her head “I-I’m sorry, and I really am, but I don’t think you're useless…and...I don't think you should ever think that either. You’ve done so many amazing things, Sora. You fought for others even when the odds where stacked against you and no matter how hard it may have been for you to do so." Ever so slowly, as she spoke, she closed the distance between them. "You saved my friends. You saved worlds. You saved me…” she moved closer, something Sora was clearly aware of and yet unable to process what was happening, only listening to the mare's words. “You told us that your bond with your friends gave you strength, right? Then please, I want you to keep believing in that.” She looked up towards the stallion. “And...if you ever need it, I want you to use me as your strength as well. ” Fluttershy gently pressed herself into the stallion before she even realized what she had done, nuzzling his neck timidly with her soft muzzle. "So even if you mess up...I'll be beside you..." The stallion could barely utter a word at the confession, the gentle scent of vanilla clouding every bit of his pony senses. He could feel the heat of her breath tickle the fur upon his neck, causing him to blush a deep shade of crimson, both from the nuzzling and from who was doing the nuzzling. Tentatively, Sora raised a hoof towards the mare, gently wrapping it against Fluttershy's neck. It was if a trigger was hit, the mare squeaking softly before pulling away from Sora, a hot blush forming on her cheeks, noticeable even in the dim light of Luna’s rising moon. He stepped slightly closer only to earn a widening of her eyes before she dashed away so fast, that even Rainbow would be jealous. The stallion filched as he heard her door slam shut, hiding the mare within the confines of her cottage. The stallion stood in the middle of the dirt path for a long while before turning away, not knowing how to process what just happened. Still, a more than noticeable blush formed on his cheeks as well as he raised a hoof to gently touch where Fluttershy had just been against him. Unable to do anything else, he started his long trek home back to the barn. Though unlike the usual walks, where he would always think about what he should do for tomorrow, his mind was flooded with the thoughts of the butter yellow pegasus that lived in a cottage next to the Everfree. "What...Was that?" As he disappeared down the road, Fluttershy gently rapped her head against the door she had just shut whimpering softly at what she had done. “Fluttershy you dummy…” She blinked back tears of shame, and reluctance before slowly making her way up her stairs, climbing into the warmth and safety of her bed. It was there that she would be greeted by a very concerned Angel Bunny, the normally angry little rabbit, pressing himself gently against the tearful mare. She would welcome his affection, pulling the bunny close to her as she did so. Pressing a hoof to the side of her face, she would touch the spot she had pressed into Sora, rubbing it softly. She closed her eyes as the revelation hit her like a ton of bricks. “Angel bunny...I think...I think I Love Sora…” ~ Twilight released a powerful yawn, her hoof making little to no effort to try to stifle the, in her words, annoyingly simultaneous inhalation and release of air. The lavender mare rubbed her eyes before looking back at the mess that was upon her table, pouring over the notes, scrolls, and books she had been writing, working and reading on. Despite each one being there for a different reason, each one revolved around one center core. Sora. It always involves Sora... It was through him that they had their first encounter with the Heartless. Through him that their battle at the Crystal Kingdom was able to be won. Through him that she had learned Celestia’s failed pupil, Sunset Shimmer. And though him that other worlds were known to her. Everything was happening so fast, and it was all because of him. All because of Sora. She had been hard at work, focusing her studies on what she knew and what she did not. What she knew was that the heartless were a threat. Not only that, but from what Sora had told them, beings called Nobodies should be running around as well. So why were there no Nobodies? Are they in hiding? Are they even being made? If not, why aren’t they? She found out from Sora that Nobodies, unlike heartless, have high intelligence and don’t act on instinct. In fact that even formed a group despite them not even having hearts. Not only that but this so-called Kingdom Hearts, a world filled with light, is what that group, that Organization 13 is after. But to want end? Do they want to destroy it? Or use it? Twilight yawned again before she began to re-read and take a few notes of interest of the story Sora had weaved for her and her friends, the soft sound of her assistant’s snoring and the scribble of her quill the only noise within the otherwise quiet library. “There are still pieces missing within his story by his one admission…” Twilight said softly under her breath. “Why was he asleep in those pods? Why does that Organization want Sora so much? Sure he is strong but there has to be another reason.” He told them so many times during the story that before he gained the keyblade, he was just a normal kid. That he was nothing special. And yet... Twilight sighed before she placed a hoof upon her notes, looking out the window to see the moon high within the sky. “I...Guess I should tackle this tomorrow and get, at least, some rest…” She blew out the candle and slowly climbed into bed, drawing the covers over her frame as she did so. Her soft snores would accompany her dragon assistant as she fell into a deep slumber. ~ "Sister...what are you doing still awake?" Celeatia's head would look up from a dusty old tome she had been fussing over, the princess of the sun giving her sister a gentle smile as the princess of the night opened the door to her personal study. "Can't an old mare have some time to read every now and then. I can never find the time to do so during the day you do know sister." Luna frowned at that. "Is that so?" The princess of the moon would gaze out a window, the sight of her moon shimmering brightly as the stars twinkled around it catching her eyes for only a moment before she addressed her sister again. "Do tell, dear sister, what is it that you are reading that has you so entrapped in its every page? If you do not mind us asking that is." Celestia's gaze shifted back towards the book upon her table. "It is...nothing really...just an old fairytale I picked up from the old Canterlot Shelves. A story about an old mare and her foalish mistakes. It is quite funny...in a sad way really...She remined me of a little stallion I know." Luna frowned deeper before relenting. "I see...then I shall leave you to your...story, sister." The lunar princess made to leave but paused before she shut the door completely, "But if you would permit us to speak, if only for a moment. I do believe that said foalish mare would live a lot better life if she shared her problems with the ones she cared about. It could make her feel better...at the very least. Good night dear sister." The princess of the night shut the door to Celesita's study, leaving the Sun Princess alone once again. Celesita could not help herself as she raised a hoof towards her heart, her sister's words almost feeling as if it had stabbed her deeply. her horned burned brightly as the book before her transformed into that of a single picture. One of a little filly with yellow and red hair, and a princess that was holding her, almost as if she was her daughter. "A foalish mare indeed..." ~ Sunset slowly made her way down the dark pathway of the underground cavern, a sneer ever constant upon her features at the recent events not too long ago. She was not a pleased mare at all. Not pleased in the least. She had failed in her duties in commandeering Sora, or more importantly, his heart. Not only that, now she had to worry about another Keyblade wielder. Not just any Keyblade Wielder though. That pony was a Keyblade Master. To make matters worse for her, Queen Chrysalis was seen aiding said Keyblade Master in the last battle back at the Crystal Empire, even going so far as to save those insufferable so called “Elements of Harmony” and Shining Armor to boot. From what she had learned first hoof, both the Keyblade Master and the Queen of the Changelings are nothing to be trifled with, at least, not in the current state she was in. “The crystal empire went south…”Sunset touched the amulet around her neck, her eyes glowing a deeper shade of red as she did so. “I won’t let them take all that I had worked for away…All that we had worked for…not when we are so close to the power I seek…” The mare opened a nearby door, her eyes focusing on the nearby occupant, a pure black pegasus pony stallion with a familiar midnight gray mane, their golden eyes unfocused and staring towards the ground at the broken blade that rested at his heels. “Ah...I see that you're up and about.” She received a cold glare from the stallion, though he kept his head down as he did so. “Don’t be that way, my master saved you didn’t he? You were broken and he repaired you. With such powerful enemies, one would need an ally with just as much power…am I right, Keyblade Wielder?” The black stallion looked upwards to the mare from his prone position, a bored looking expression upon his face. “Of course, you will be more than rewarded for your service,” She mused as she neared the odd pony. “We can give you what you must desire...or...maybe even help you find the one you are searching for.” The dark stallion raised an eyebrow, his yellow eyes piercing into the mare before him. “And what do you know about the one I’m looking for.” “My master knows a lot of things, Keyblade Wielder. He can look into the depths of one’s heart and finds one true desire…even one as broken as yours.” She looked at the mangled mess that was once his weapon. “He might even be able to repair that mess of a weapon at your hooves, if only you would pledge your loyalty to him and him alone.” The pony’s ears perked before he began to stand on all four hooves, cracking his neck expectantly. Gripping the broken Keyblade tight within his hoof, he held it out to her. “Fine...But don’t expect me to start calling you master or leader. The only master I have is myself, and the darkness I use.” Sunset smiled as she nodded. “Fair enough...and excellent choice wielder of the keyblade...” “Will you stop with that already. My name is Vanitas.” he smirked before allowing his wings to unfold, the tips looking as though they were dipped in the reddest of blood. “I’m coming for you, brother. You better get ready.” > Adventure Awaits (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Adventure Awaits Green to start music and red to stop music Canterlot Castle: Celestia's Tower Room, a few days later... “Luna’s sky is just as beautiful as ever,” Celestia mused as she made her way to her personal balcony that overlooked the Canterlot Gardens, keeping her gaze upon the beautiful night sky above. The stars twinkling brightly above, made the old mare smile ever so gently upon such a sight. “It’s as if she had never left my side…and yet…” She lowered her head. “There’s a tinge of sadness to them, something that even I can feel.” “Speaking of, just how is your sister, little Luna holding up? Is she integrating with society well?” Celestia turned to face a mirror not too far away from her, the glistening glowing image depicting a creature unlike any seen in Equestria. Their face, while old in looks, held a presence most akin to Celestia’s own, depicting an ageless wisdom within his wrinkled features, though with the rather large pointy hat upon his head, he did look rather silly. He moved a hand to adjust a pair of spectacles with circular lenses that sat upon his rather large nose before slowly stroking his flowing white beard as he stared at the white alicorn princess from his side of the looking glass, an expression of both sympathy and worry upon his features. His pointed hat was slightly askew but Celestia expected nothing less from her silly, but wise, old friend. "She is...doing better then I have expected, Merlin, considering what I had done to her all those years ago..." She looked away from the old creature, doing her best to control a bit of her emotions. She would soon turn back towards him with a smile. "She has made quite a few friends among our staff recently, and she seems to have taken a liking to little Sora. I think she sees a little bit of herself within him." The old man nodded, smiling softly at the thought of Luna bonding the other ponies in the castle. It wasn't often that Luna allowed others to get close to her, much less show any sort of affection. "Its good to hear that Little Lulu is doing better now. I do wish the best for her...and for you after all." He paused choseing his words carefully, before saying, "Don't beat yourself up too much about the past Tia. What happened has happened." Celesita would make a non commital huff at that. The funnily dressed creature sighed as he began to gently stroke his beard, changeing the subject. "Speaking of...how is are resident keyblade wielder?" The bearded fellow asked, cocking his head to the side. Celestia's gaze fell back to the old man. “Well enough I suppose. I can, however, still feel the darkness trying to sway his heart, but he seems to be doing much better than before he came here. The girls really are having a positive effect on the light within Sora’s heart, as you had believed from the get-go.” She paused. “On that note, the one named Riku is here in Equestria as well. Is him being here you're doing as well?” The funny man gave her a look of fringed surprise before giving her a wry smile. “You give this old man too much credit, Celestia. All I did was point him in Sora’s direction and he took care of the rest.” He stroked his beard again. “How can one find their light without facing the darkness?” the man said, giving a soft chuckle. Celestia shook her head. “Just as clever as ever, I see. Wiser words have never been spoken.” The man narrowed his eyes at the mare, making her shift uncomfortably. “Yes…Good to see you’re listening to me for once.” Her eyes widened before she coughed, losing her calm composure for only a moment. “A-Anyway, was there something else you needed to know?” “I’m just checking on the current state of affairs, as it were,” the being chuckled. “This old mind still worries about you, you know.” He stroked his chin thoughtfully “Tell me, do you still feel that other presence you told me about the last time we talked? Has it changed any?” The princess of the sun sighed before making her way to the mirror. “Yes and yes. Even now I can feel it growing stronger day by day. It’s a wonder that Equestria isn’t covered in darkness by now.” She sighed and looked away. “When the Elements of Harmony returned to their natural form and my sister was saved, I was sure that we would have the means for dealing with the darkness by ourselves, but as you told me, this goes much deeper than I have expected.” The odd creature within the mirror adjusted his glasses once again. “Hence, why I shot Sora your way from the beginning,” he said with a chuckle. “As much for his sake as for your world’s. Despite his own troubles, he’s not one to allow others to suffer. That’s just the kind of boy he is, you know.” “All too well, old friend,” Celestia said with a shake of her head, remembering the telling of his past battle with her old student. She was silent for a moment before shaking herself out of her stupor, remembering that that blue-hatted man was staring at her, his head tilted in a peculiar manner. “Listen, my friend, if you ever want to return to Equestria, the door is always open to you.” The being shook his head. “Sorry, Celestia, but by their account, I am ancient history. Besides… If your newest student, Twilight, ever saw me, I think she might die due to Star-Struck, if your description of her is to be believed. Nice to be recognized in the young generation regardless though.” He laughed heartily before giving the white alicorn a wink. “With the way things are progressing, however, that very student of yours might just find out about me one day. If she’s anything like you described, she’s not going to be content with just knowing there are other worlds out there. She’s going to want proof.” “And the quickest way for that is to see for herself,” Celestia said as she smiled sadly. “I hate to admit it, but what you say might just be inevitable at this point. She’s not one to sit still and let others do what needs to be done, and for that, I am proud of her, wholly and completely…” “Buuuut?” the being asked, raising an eyebrow. “She is meant for great things here in Equestria,” Celestia said softly. “What if she never returns? To her home. To her family. To her destiny…” The blue-hatted man gave a gentle chuckle. “If she is anything like you told me, I’m sure she will come back home no matter what. Maybe even a bit wiser than before.” The man looked over to his side as a muffled voice hailed him from afar. “Whoops! Seems I am needed! A wizard’s work is never done, I’m afraid,” he mused before smiling at Celestia. “It’s just as well. I will need to raise the sun again soon anyway,” the white mare said with a smile of her own. The old wizard nodded before picking up a bag that was nearby. “It’s always a pleasure talking to you, Celly! Call more often, this old coot gets a bit lonely when his best friend doesn’t call him more!” Celestia clicked her tongue before looking at him from the side. “You’re one to talk, Mr. Wizard,” she mused. “Don’t worry, though; I’ll contact you if something does come up.” The man smiled before giving her a nod and a wave of his hand. “Looking forward to it.” With that, the magic upon the mirror died, returning to its original purpose of just a looking glass. Celestia turned away from her image before looking off into the night sky. It was torn, however, as a white owl landed upon a perch near her, the mare’s eyes widening as she noticed it gripping something within its talons. ~ Ponyville Spa: Hot tubs 9:45 AM “You what, darling?!” Rarity’s eyes were as wide as dinner plates as she stared at the timid yellow pegasus in front of her, the yellow shy mare quickly hiding behind a part of her long pink mane that slipped from beneath the towel wrapped around her head, she whimpered softly before speaking again, a little louder then before...at least for her. “I… I think I… Um… Like Sora…” Fluttershy repeated in as diminutive a voice as she thought she could get away with and still be heard. Fluttershy and Rarity, despite the serious situation Equestria was in, had decided to continue with their spa dates as per usual. The fashionista loved the idea of getting prepped and prettied, due to needing a break from her current project that had kept her busy throughout the entirety of Sora’s recovery. And the animal caretaker needed something to take her mind off of her newfound revelation with her feelings towards a certain Keyblade-wielding pony/person. Fluttershy had wanted to try to forget about it for the time being, but it soon became apparent to Rarity that the shy mare was acting shyer than normal, the knowledge from all of her romance novels clueing her in to all the signs that she was hiding something big. It wasn’t until Rarity practically whined within the hot tub that Fluttershy finally revealed her feelings for Sora. Rarity stared blankly at her shy yellow friend before rushing to her side. Fluttershy gave a small ‘eep’ as she sunk into the water further, but stayed where she was. She doubted she could have escaped Rarity anyway, what with the look of seriousness the fashion-conscious pony had about her. The fashionista sat back, a range of emotions flowing through her. On the one hoof, her normally shy and withdrawn friend had found a pony - a stallion, no less - that she had deep feelings for. On the other hoof, she somewhat had feelings for the very same stallion that she had been fantasizing about herself for the past week or so. This did not bode well for either of them, she suspected. “Have you… told him yet?” Rarity asked in a calm, controlled voice, her smile seemingly as bright as ever. “Does he know?” Fluttershy shook her head, muttering a soft ‘no’, though it was muffled by the heated water that had covered her lips. Rarity had to force herself not to release the sigh of relief that had wanted to escape her, and, at the same time, mentally kick herself for her natural curiosity in all things that had to do with love. “And why ever not, dear?” Fluttershy looked away before raising herself just enough above the water to be heard. “Well… I’m afraid to…” “Fluttershy...” Rarity said softly with a tilt of her head. She knew that was more than likely the reason why Fluttershy had basically no real love life outside of her animal friends. Still, once again, her life of spending a bit of her free time within romantic fantasy novels pushed her to ask, “Why are you afraid, dear?” The shy mare dipped her head. “What if…What if doesn’t like me in that way?” Again Rarity’s curiosity got the better of her, something she needed to put a cork on one day. “Fluttershy dear, why would he not like a pony like you? Most stallions would find your shy and elusive personality charming, to say the least.” “That’s just it, Rarity,” Fluttershy said as she looked away. “He’s not a pony.” Rarity paused. Sora was indeed not a pony. Through the princess’s own magic, he was turned into one to better fit and hide in pony society, so as of right now, he truly was one, but for how long? She and her friends were assured by the Princess of the Sun herself that the spell on him was on its way to getting reversed once his work was done here, which also left another note she had failed to realize until just now. “And even if he did like me, he’s not going to stay here,” Fluttershy added, her head hanging low. It was at that moment that most of Rarity’s dreams came to a sudden halt. Yes, the stallion was amazing, even if he wasn’t technically a stallion in the pony sense. And yes, if someone was able to get past the fact that they were not technically of the same species and get him to consider being with a pony, would he really be able to stay with said pony? He had responsibilities not only to their world, but to, what she was told, countless worlds to stop whatever it was that was threatening them. And true to form, he seemed dead set on doing just that, even if it cost him his life. Rarity’s gaze fell to Fluttershy, the yellow mare shivering despite the warmth all around them. “I thought about this all night Rarity. I really did,” she squeaked. “I can’t tell him.” Rarity slowly slipped a hoof around the shivering mare, comforting her as best she could. To think that the shy mare could feel so strongly about another pony, and a stallion no less. She really is in love with him, isn't she? The white mare genlty rubbed the shy mare's foreleg, “Fluttershy dear, tell me, what is it that made you like Sora so?” The butter yellow mare wiped a hoof over her eyes before speaking. “When I first met him, he saved my life. Those…Shadows…They were coming after me, and he came to my rescue without hesitation. He protected me. No stallion has ever tried to protect me before.” “You like him because he saved you?” Rarity asked, shaking her head. “Because he is a knight in shining armor? As much as I like the classics, dear, I don’t think that’s enough for one to admit that she’s in love.” Rarity cringed inwardly, knowing that her words bit her in the flank. “I did try to write it off as that, I really did, but, then...and now, I would be around him more and more and the longer I knew him, the more I was around him, I could see that it was something more. He's nice...and kind. He would, in his own weird way, always try and lift our sprites. He always put his friends first, even if I do wish he would take care of himself more.” “That...is an understatement darling,” Rarity mused with a role of his eyes. “If we don't watch him twenty-four seven I'm sure that he would land himself into some kind of trouble or another.” She then added, “Bless his heart.” Fluttershy giggled softly. “Sad...but...true...” The two shared a soft laugh before Fluttershy trailed off, sighing softly. She squeaked as Rarity placed a hoof on her shoulder, causing her to turn around. “Fluttershy… Dear…Maybe you should go talk to him. Letting your dream stallion get away is never a good thing,” Rarity told her, her eyes shimmering slightly. “B-But I can’t!” Fluttershy stammered, “I told you I-“ “What I heard,” Rarity interrupted her. “Was an excuse made by a mare afraid of her own feelings.” She smiled softly. “I won’t tell you what to do, darling, but it would be in your best interest to get those feelings out in the open as soon as you can. Somepony may just beat you to the punch if you don’t.” "I...don't know Rarity...I..." "Just think on it darling...for me." The shy mare would nod slowly before looking off towards a nearby window, the sight of blue skies greeting her sight ~ Ponyville: Golden Oak Library 10:14 A.M. Despite Sora slowly strolling down the shelves of books, his mind was quite clouded on what had happened the night before. His thoughts, his troubles, all forgotten due to the acts of one little shy mare he had walked home last night. He pressed a hoof to the spot she had been before, still feeling the warmth of her muzzle against his fur. “Sora! Are you listening?” He jumped at the sound of Twilight’s voice, smiling sheepishly at her as he turned to face her. “Heh… Sorry, Twilight. You were saying you found something odd?” He halfed guessed. He was pretty sure that was the reason she had called him down the the Library anyway. Twilight huffed as she gave him a deadpan look. “I was saying the Elements of Harmony had been acting strangely ever since your battle with King Sombra. More specifically, the Elements of Laughter and Honesty are acting the most odd.” “Is that why y’all called us over here as well, Twi?” Applejack asked as she peeked out from behind a book she had been looking through. “Cause our Elements are acting all funky-like?” “Oh!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced excitedly around the room, stopping in-between Twilight and Sora. “Are they gonna come alive and shake their groove thing!?” She added emphasis to her words by wagging her tail in the air. Admittedly, in the direction Sora was facing, causing the boy to blush mightily and look away, scratching his cheek. “No, Pinkie,” Twilight answered. “What I mean is, I’ve been monitoring the Elements ever since the battle with Sombra and I’ve picked up something new within the Elements of Laughter and Honesty.” “Something new...” Sora repeated. “You think it has something to do with our fusion thing?” “It would be speculation…” Twilight answered. “But it’s the most reasonable answer we have for now.” “For those of us not as smart at figuring things out,” Applejack piped up. “What exactly is going on with the Elements?” “Well,” Twilight began. “You know how magic is operated by a unicorn channeling their PKE energy into the focal point located upon their forehead, do you not?” “Your horn lights up and you do magic?” Applejack summarized. “Yeah, that,” Twilight said with an annoyed deadpan look. “Anyways, from what I can tell, the process we unicorns use when we channel our magic through our horns and the way the Elements’ inner magic is fluctuating are almost identical.” “Twilight,” Applejack piped up, carefully choosing her next words. “If what y’all are telling me is what y’all are telling me, are you saying that if me and Pinkie put the Elements on right now, me and her can use magic?” “That’s just it! I don’t know what would happen,” she said apprehensively as she looked back to Pinkie’s and Applejack’s elements that were upon the table. “There still so much I don’t know…So much I need to know. If I don’t know then…then…How can I…” She sighed and hung her head. “I wouldn't worry about it so much, Twi,” Applejack tried to comfort her. “I doubt it will be anything bad if the Keyblade and Elements are connected like those two ponies told us.” “But what if something bad does happen? What is the Keyblade doing to the elements?” Twilight asked. The mare would perk up, as a hoof gently patted her upon her back. Looking behind, she saw the most comical and stupid sight she had ever seen. Sora’s face was a few inches away from her face, the most hilarious expression she had ever seen plastered upon his features. He had effectively squashed his cheeks together with his hooves, causing his eyes to cross and his lips to pucker as he stuck his tongue out. A muffled, funny sound coming from his mouth. Twilight, with all of her energy, tried her best to not laugh at the stallion in his face, quickly covering her mouth with both hooves as she held in her outburst, stifling it until undignified giggles slipped out. Pinkie, on the other hoof, was rolling on the floor laughing out loud at Sora, a snort here and there accompanying it every now and then. Applejack respectfully looked away as she withheld a chuckle of her own. Pulling away, Sora smiled as he wiped a hoof across his muzzle, just under his nostrils. “In my experience, it’s best to roll with what you know and let the future handle the rest.” Twilight’s gave him a mock deadpan stare. “Are you telling me to just wing it?” “Works out for me!” Sora said as he pounded his chest. “Not always relatively well if your story is anything to go by,” Twilight said. Sora blushed as he scratched his cheek. “Hehe…Yeah…” His ears drooped slightly. “Guess you’re right. But I still stand by it.” Twilight sighed before opening her mouth to say something, but stopped when a burp and a blast of green flame sounded off in the other room. There was a pregnant pause as everyone turned to face the source of the noise before a kiddish voice yelling “Twilight!” sounded off. “Guess we gotta figure out what’s happening to the Elements later,” Applejack said as she made her way to the lavender unicorn. “If Spike’s voice is any indication, that’s not free trips to the day spa.” Spike came bounding from around the corner, carrying a half-rolled letter with the Canterlot seal broken. "Twilight! There’s trouble! Like… Major with a capital M!" "What is it, Spike?" Twilight asked, keeping the worry from her voice. "Have Heartless been spotted in Canterlot?" "No!" the drake answered as he held out the letter for her. "But just as bad. Here!" Twilight took the message from Spike and gave it a good once-over before widening her eyes. "Twilight?" Applejack spoke up. "What's it say?" Dear Twilight, I am sorry that you and your friends have to be put through this, but there is a grave matter that needs to be looked into. I received a message late last night that has caused me more than enough worry. My guards report that Trottingham, the Old Castle Town, is blocked off with no way to break past the magic barrier that has been erected around it. I would go see to the trouble myself, but there has been something stirring within one of our neighboring kingdoms that has got my attention. I am asking you not just as your princess, but as a friend: I need to know what is happening to my ponies. Be careful, though, because I do believe that our recent enemy is at the head of this. And please tell Sora that I am sorry, but we may need him once again. Your teacher and friend, Princess Celestia of Equestria "We… We need to go. Now," Twilight said as she stood from her seat. Sora frowned as he summoned his Keyblade. “Right… Ready or not, we have work to do.” > Adventure Start! (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Adventure Starts Green to start music and red to stop music Ponyville Train Station Twilight couldn't help but watch with a conflicted expression as the train pulled off with her friends in tow. She released a heavy sigh as the hoof she was waving goodbye with slowly dropped back to the wooden floorboards below. Beside her, Applejack stood with a stoic expression that near rivaled that of the Royal Canterlot Guards. The apple farmer cast a gaze over to Twilight, before placing a hoof gently upon her shoulder. “You sure you don’t want to teleport the rest of us onto that there train Twilight? Ah mean ah’m sure you could do it easily. Just don’t feel too right letting the four of them go off without the rest of the elements.” “I…I know Applejack. I know.” Twilight said softly, shaking her head. “But I can’t allow both yours and Pinkie’s elements to run untested after what happened back in the Crystal Empire.” “You were allowing me and Pinks to do that transforming thing before back on ma farm.” Applejack countered as she stopped her hoof on the wooden floor. “What’s the difference between then and now?” “The difference, Applejack, is that when you three did transformations, it was done under a watchful eye and a controlled environment. And more to the point, you three were not under direct threat.” Twilight said. “Also, the act of the transformation leaves all of the subjects tired and weak for some reason. Something that Sora even says is new to him. So for now, no, I need you and Pinkie Pie here so I can study the Elements in length.” The lavender mare looked away from her friend. “I will not put my friends in any type of situation like back at the Crystal Empire. Sora is strong enough as it is for now and Celestia herself said that she had sent a contingent her personal guards ahead of them to help out. I’m sure that they can deal with whatever is in Trottingham well enough.” Applejack snorted before lowering her head. “Still…ah feel kinda useless, now, just sitting on the sidelines as it were. What with Equestira in danger the way it is and what not.” “I know…I know. But we are helping Equestria too, in our own way. With this new power of the Elements we will be able to fight back the Darkness like our predecessors in the past did.” Twilight beamed as she nudged her friend. “We may be split up for now but we are heading for the same goal. Right?” Applejack snorted again, more out of humor then anything. “Heh. Ya know. That sounds like something Sora would say to us.” Twilight giggled softly. “Oh? You know Sora that well huh?” “Well yeah.” Applejack answered honestly. “Ah mean he does live with ma family and me and what not. Despite everything that’s happened to him up till this point, he’s still just a young’en making mistakes.” She chuckled. “Still, if there’s one thing ah do know about him, ah know that despite him being such a strong pony…ah…Hooman.” Applejack corrected as she pronounced the odd term for his race. “Ah know that he’s rather just a normal little colt at heart. And if’n ah know ma colts, he's still learning something new about the world every day.” Twilight could only nod in agreement at her friend’s words. “I think we all learn something new about our world every day…” The mare looked out into the sky, a look of determination forming on her brow. “And I think…I want to see it all.” The apple farmer followed her friend’s gaze to the sky above. “Ya really thinking of going out there, past the sky and stars and whatnot?” Twilight didn’t answer at first, lost in an aray of her own thoughts. After a few moments however, the mare would nod. “When this is all over here in Ponyville and Equestria. Yeah…I will ask Sora about taking me I think.” “What do ya think the princess would say about that?” Applejack inquired as she led the way off the wooden platform. “I…Don’t know exactly. I really don’t.” Twilight said as she shook her head. “But I do know that I need to go. There's so much that even the princesses do not know. So much that nopony alive knows…” Applejack gave a wry chuckle. “Twilight…Always wanting to learn new things.” She mused before nudging the mare. “If’n ya do decide ta leave, make sure ta send a letter ya hear? Let us know what it’s like out there and what not.” Twilight giggled as well. “Will do Applejack.” ~ Friendship Express Ongoing Towards Trottingham Fluttershy sighed wistfully as she sat upon the train’s rather comfortable seating, her gaze falling to the fading sun that slowly slipped beyond the horizon, making way for the Luna’s moonlit night. I…I must be crazy…I have to be crazy… The fact that she had actually agreed to go on this crazy mission meant that she was indeed crazy. Why had she agreed to go to a potentially dangerous place, knowing dangerous Heartless that would want nothing better than to take her very heart out of her chest would be there? She could think of a dozen reasons for her to not go and just stay at home where it was relatively safe. And yet, she could think of one important reason that seemed to outweigh every excuse her mind would think up to stop her from going. One reason that pushed her to be a thunderhead and accept to go on a mission that could potentially killed. The yellow mare’s gaze would fall on Sora as he sat opposite of Rainbow Dash not too far away from her. The cyan mare seemingly trying to get as much information out of him about his adventures traveling between worlds as she could. Admittedly, the fact that he was able to see all kinds of worlds and make many animal friends appealed to the yellow mare quite a bit. At least she knew that he was an animal lover. “Are those hearts in your eyes or did you get contacts darling?” Said an eloquent voice to Fluttershy’s side, making the butter yellow mare squeak in surprise. She quickly turned to her side to find Rarity smiling coyly at her, which only made the poor shy mare blush even harder. “I…I mean…It's…I…You know I…” Fluttershy stuttered as she cast away from her white unicorn friend. “Darling, you are just too cute when you have a crush.” Rarity mused as he waved a hoof. “Why not go over and talk to him. I know you want to and I’m sure I can occupy Rainbow’s time with something else.” “Oh but…This is the first time I’ve seen Sora and Rainbow talk the way they are.” Fluttershy said as she looked to the pair of pegasi, the mare enraptured by the tale he was weaving. He seemed to be at the part where he had to digitize himself into a master computer...whatever that means. Honestly, that mean computer sounded really scary to Fluttershy. “I…Really don’t want to interrupt them. This is really the first time I've seen Rainbow have a normal conversation with him so…" Rarity smiled as she patted Fluttershy on her shoulder. "They won't mind if you interrupt their little conversation." Rarity reassured. "Besides, don't you want to spend more time with the stallion of your dreams." “B…But he…I mean…He will leave when…” “Fluttershy.” Rarity said sternly, causing her shy friend to button her lips. “If it is meant to be, then love will find a way to make it work. Trust me.” She gave her friend a quivering pout. “You do trust me, don’t you darling?” “I...I do...” Fluttershy squeaked as she nodded timidly. "I do trust you Rarity...but..." “Good!” The white mare mused as she covered the mare's mouth with a hoof. “Because I, my dear Fluttershy, have a plan…” On the other side, the latter pair of the group of ponies would notice both Rarity and Fluttershy conversing a ways away from them. “Haha. Seems like they are having fun.” Sora committed tilting his head at the pair. "Wonder what they are talking about." “Don’t know, don’t care.” Rainbow huffed with a wave of her hoof. “Pretty sure its something...ugh...frilly if its Rarity and Flutters. Anyway. Back to the topic at hoof.” The blue mare leaned over the table, her cheeks resting within her hooves. "So those Light Bike things you talked about before. Tell it too me straights. How fast do you think those bad boys were going?” The stallion blinked before tapping a hoof to his chin, thinking long and hard about it. "I'm not sure honestly. It was pretty fast I think but I really was trying not to get run off the road by the Heartless to really think about it." “Ugh. Some help you are.” Rainbow whined, leaning back into her chair, folding her hooves across her chest. "If I’m ever going to be the fastest then I need to know my competition.” “Competition?” Sora asked with a raised eyebrow. “Well duh! I wanna see these Light Bikes in action myself. Maybe even challenge it to a good ol fashion race.” “Challenge them to a race?” Sora asked with wide eyes. "But that would mean...Travelling to another world..." “Well duh. That's to be expected after all. Bedsides, If you get to do it then so do I.” Rainbow glared at the stallion. “Or were you going to just keep the other worlds all to yourself.” Sora shook his head as he backed into his seat. “I-It’s not that Dash. It’s just…Well…I never really had someone ask to go with me to see the other worlds before.” He scratched his cheek. “And I'm not even sure it’s really allowed.” Rainbow huffed as she folded her wings. “What gives? I thought we were friends. I mean, you always tell ponies to follow their heart and just do what makes me happy…” "We are friends, Rainbow. And I do want you to follow your heart, but going to other worlds isn't as simple as it sounds. It's risky, and there are rules about interfering in different worlds." He sighed as he looked away from the mare. "I could even get into big trouble for even telling you about my adventures...though...you guys all pretty much deserved to know since the threat is that big here now." Rainbow Dash's expression softened a bit, much more then Sora was used to from the usually brash mare. "I get it, Sora. But this threat—this big thing you're facing—it's not just your problem, it affects all of us. If there's a way we can help, then we should. And if that means exploring other worlds or whatever it takes, count me in." "Still...I don't know..." Rainbow rolled her eyes. “See it like this Sora. They didn’t tell you it was not allowed, right?” The stallion considered his friend's point, weighing the pros and cons of her argument. "I guess you have a point. They didn't specifically say it was forbidden to bring others from different worlds." Rainbow nodded, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Exactly! If it's not explicitly prohibited, then what's the harm in giving it a try?" She winked at the stallion. "Just gotta know how to work the system." "I think you are more trying to brake the system." Rainbow shrugged at him as she continued to smile. "Maybe, but at least I'm having fun doing it. Besides, you gonna let a little thing like rules stop me from seeing what's out there?" "Would never dream of Rainbow Dash." Sora mused with a smirk. The mare laughed softly before leaning back in her chair again. "So...kind of a subject change but...Compared to your other adventures. How does this one feel to you?" Sora sat up at her question, his gaze falling away from her as he thought. “I’m not too sure to be honest.” He smiled at the mare. “These Heartless are behaving differently than the ones I am used to.” His gaze would fall slightly. “Everything is just weird now...not to mention that Sunset could even be there…” Rainbow sighed softly before gently flicking his head. “Hey. No getting cold feet hero. Yeah she kicked your butt once but you just gotta kick hers even harder, got it?” Sora smiled as he nodded. "Yeah...I get it." “And besides, you only lost because you didn’t have your keyblade and she had us trapped. Next time we are the ones who will catch her off guard." Rainbow said with a grin. "And then we will really show her what the power of teamwork can do." “You two seem to be getting along well enough,” Rarity, the white mare making herself known to the two pegasi. She flipped her mane as she looked between the two of them. “But I think it’s about time for the four of us to get some rest soon.” Rainbow snorted as she cast an annoyed gaze at the white unicorn. “Who keeled over and made you leader?” The white smiled coyly at Rainbow as she took a seat next to her friend. “Who said I was leading?” She asked with a smile. Rarity said without missing a beat. “We have a big day tomorrow after all.” She gave the rainbow maned mare a smug smile. “Besides, my dear Rainbow, how are you going to be your best if you don’t get your proper rest? We may very well have to deal with Heartless after all and you don’t want moi showing you up.” Rainbow snorted again but mumbled under her breath something akin to ‘As if’ before slipping from the booth. "Fine MOM" She raised a hoof, prompting Sora to bump it with her own. "See ya later hero. I still wanna know all about those weird Gummi Ship things." She said as she made her way towards her cabin, leaving Rarity alone with Sora. The white unicorn couldn’t help but shake her head. “Honestly that mare can be quite clingy when she finds a new friend…” Casting her gaze back towards Sora she gave him a smile and a wink. “You best get some rest too Sora. Don't want you tired out and all of that after all.” She mused before making her way away. Before she did so, she paused at the door, turning back to face the stallion. “Oh and…Be a dear and do me a favor?” ~ Unknown World Sora swung his blade in a wide arc, swiftly eliminating any nearby heartless. Twisting his weapon skillfully, he swiftly struck down an ominous-looking heartless, a more malevolent version of the ones he had encountered before. Tossing his Keyblade into the air, Sora conjured a potent ball of fiery energy in his palm, and with a forceful command, he unleashed it upon a group of heartless, obliterating them instantly. After a nod of approval at the swift action, he deftly caught his blade, preparing for the next wave of enemies. Focused and resolute, Sora readied himself for battle, knowing that success was crucial. His determination was fueled by the need to rescue someone significant. His attention was drawn to a solitary cage among the heartless. Inside was someone, a person who he felt an intense connection to, even though he didn't recognize the voice crying out for help. Despite the mystery, Sora was driven to protect this individual. With a steely expression, Sora braced himself to engage, prepared to confront any obstacle that stood between him and his objective. He was ready to face any opposition preventing him from reaching the one he felt a deep obligation to safeguard. He was determined to fight to his limits and beyond, driven by a relentless sense of purpose. Yet, abruptly, he paused, his expression now a mixture of puzzlement and disbelief. To his surprise and utter bewilderment, time seemed to stop all around him, the heartless that were nearly upon him frozen in place, almost as if they were statues. Slowly, the boy would lower his guard and make his way to one of the nearest one heartless. Ever so carefully, he would raise his blade, allowing the tip of it to tap Heartless’s body, a gentle clang resounding throughout the dark, empty space that he was within. "Hang on…" Sora murmured to himself, casting a perplexed glance around the unfamiliar terrain. "How did I end up here? And where is here, exactly?" Turning in search of answers, Sora discovered that the encroaching heartless had suddenly vanished, leaving him amidst a serene grassy meadow, bathed in the ethereal light of a heart-shaped moon. A moon he knew all too well. “So that is Kingdom Hearts.” Sora would turn just in time to see a familiar figure making her way beside him. Her midnight blue fur shimmering just as much as her flowing starry. The pony's gaze would keep to the moon within the sky, before slowly looking towards the boy beside her. “Tis a beautiful sight, though...We are not entirely certain how we feel upon witnessing its visage," Luna spoke softly. "On one hoof, observing the moon being sought after in such a manner... It is rather surprising, even for me. On the other hoof... Knowing villains like the ones you face desire nothing more than to deface it for their own ends..." Sora blinked long and hard before tilting his head at the mare beside him. “Princess Luna?” The Princess of the Moon would nod curtly to the young hero. “Tis so, fair Sora. Forgive my intrusion upon your dreams, but I would like to have words with thee. If that is fine with you that is.” Sora would shake his head slowly, a confused expression on his face. "Dreams?" he muttered softly to himself. "This doesn't feel like a dream." "It may feel that way, but it is true dear Wielder." Luna mused softly. "It is why you are in your original form and not the pony one. With me here, dream and reality is almost one and the same." "That makes sense…" Sora murmured, his mind spinning. He would soon look upon his hands, flexing his fingers as he did so. "Is something the matter Keyblade Wielder?" Sora shook his head slowly, the sensation of being back in his body prompting a reflective pause. “No…It’s just.” He chewed on his bottom lip, contemplating his thoughts. “Kinda feels weird to be back in my body again. Feels like it’s been forever since I’ve had fingers.” “That would be the transformation spell I would suspect. I was told that mine sister had explained the spell in detail to you, am I correct?” “Yeah, a little bit I think.” Sora told her. “She didn’t know about my clothes transformation ability so…” He looked towards the lunar princess , folding his arms about his chest as he did so. "So...why are you here?" Luna would tilt her head, a curious look crossing her features. "Because i wanted to see you. Is that wrong of me?" Sora shook his head, his confusion forgotten for the moment. "No! It's not!" he exclaimed, a bright smile crossing his lips. "Just…Why do you want to see me?" "To...talk if nothing else. You have done so much for us..." She paused before adding. "For Equestria I mean. We have had barely any time to speak with you plainly Keyblade Wielder. We...I...wish to know you. As mine sister has done." She patted the spot next to her, offering Sora a place to sit. "Okay…" Sora would follow the princess' lead and take a seat beside her. "Then what do we…talk about, your highness?" "We can talk about anything you wish, but..." She paused again, as if trying to choose her words carefully. "If you do not mind, we wish you to treat us the way you have done mine sister, as a friend. You may call us Luna, if you so choose." The young man blinked before giving the mare the widest grin. "Sure! Luna it is. And you can just call me Sora. Its what all my friends do after all." Luna was slightly taken aback by how fast Sora agreed to her request. The mare would give him a gentle nod. “As you wish, Sora.” The pair would remain silent for a while, Luna taking the opportunity to observe the young Keyblade Wielder. Sora would seem deep in thought, his eyes seeming to drift back and forth across the vast expanse of the field, She would follow his gaze, content for the time being. The pair would just bash in each other's company for a while, the boy and mare keeping their gaze upwards as both looked upon the faux moon that was Kingdom Hearts. The mare would cast her gaze to the human, raising an eyebrow. “So…do toy have any questions for me?” She finally asked after a bout of silence. He mulled over Luna's offer, his thoughts wandering as he considered what to ask the lunar princess. He smiled at her before gazing back at the moon. "Not really. At least nothing I can think of now. Though... Maybe... how does your mane do that flowing thing?" The mare of the night let out a soft chuckle, her expression amused. "Ah, my mane and tail are a result of the magical properties within the night, a representation of the starry night sky. They have a life of their own, cascading and shimmering much like the heavens above." Sora's eyes widened with curiosity. "So, your mane and tail are like the night sky itself? That is pretty cool!" The mare blushed at the praise, her demeanor becoming a touch more dignified. "Well... yes. Indeed it is... cool." Following this exchange, the two eased into a more relaxed conversation, the Keyblade Wielder and the Princess of the moon discussing various topics, sharing stories and insights. Both human and pony found enjoyment in the conversation, passing time in each other's company. However, the lightheartedness shifted when Luna posed a question of her own. "Sora... you have fought those that are part of the darkness for a while, have you not?" The Keyblade Wielder blinked at the question, his gaze turning to meet Luna's own. "Well...Yeah. I guess. It's kinda part of the deal when wielding the Keyblade. Fighting the Heartless and other dark creatures to protect the worlds." Luna grew quiet for a small moment before asking in a quiet voice, "Then... What... do you think of Darkness?" Sora sat up, crossing his legs as he pondered the mare's question a bit deeper. "That's... I never really thought about it before." "I don't mean to put anything heavy on you. 'Tis just a question. Nothing more. You need not answer if you don't want to." Sora smiled warmly at the mare. "It's nothing like that, Luna. It's just... A little complicated, I guess. Darkness, well, it's a part of life. The Heartless may be part of the Darkness... but... they don't define it. I mean I've fought many Heartless that used the power of light" "How do you mean?" The mare asked, her curiosity piqued with a raised eyebrow. "Darkness isn't all evil, I think. I know for a fact my friend is able to use it. And he uses it to fight against the Heartless. And me..." He raised his hand, making a fist in front of his face. "I'm still dealing with my own Darkness... but... I know I've used it to help others... even if I don't remember it." He frowned as he folded his arms about his chest once more. "Geeze...I guess What I'm trying to say is...Darkness or Light...It depends on the person using it to determine how it is used." Luna couldn’t help but shake her head in amusement. “That...is a truth I wished I had learned sooner.” Her ears lowered slightly as she looked up towards the stars. “A lesson learned far too late for the damage I caused my sister.” "Did...something happen between you and Celestia?" Luna’s expression turned somber, memories of the past resurfacing. "Yes... I let darkness cloud my judgment. It consumed me, leading to actions that caused a divide between us. The jealousy and bitterness I felt turned me against my sister. It led me to become Nightmare Moon and nearly brought darkness to Equestria." The Keyblade Wielder shivered softly. "That... reminds me of..." "You and your friend Riku?" The mare finished for him. "Indeed it does...I am sad to say that I, like your friend Riku, had fallen to the evil side of Darkness oh so long ago, Sora. I let it consume my heart so badly that Celestia had to banish me to the very moon within our Sky.” The mare placed a hoof upon her chest. “I know I was saved...by New Elements of Harmony...but...It still pains me to know that I...would have done the worst sin somepony could do to their own family...one who did nothing but try and help me before…” Sora’s gaze fell to the ground. “I think I understand...If it wasn’t for my friends, I think I would have fallen to the darkness a long time ago. Riku, Lea, the King, Donald and Goofy. They saved me when I really needed them because I wasn’t strong enough to fight off the darkness on my own." He shivered again. "If the Organization had got me like they had planned...then..." “I guess that you and I have that in common then.” Luna said with a resolute sigh. "Though neither of us are quite as strong as our betters." "Though... Cadance was right," Sora began as he looked towards the mare. "We don't need to just rely on our own powers. If we need help, then our friends really can pick up the slack if we need it." He smiled as he raised his fist towards the mare. "So... if you ever need any help, Luna. Just call on me." The mare blinked as she looked towards the held fist. With a gentle chuckle, she raised her hoof, allowing it to bump against it. "Then... we shall say the same to you, Sora." Before Sora could comment further, the mare would gasp and look off into the distance, a resolute look growing on her features. “Your dream will be ending now. You’re about to wake up soon, Sora." She turned to face him. "If there is anything you need ask you best do it now.” “Already? Thats a bummer.” Sora looked around himself before stopping his gaze on the cage that was still left in the distance. “Well…If you’re the master of dreams, you think you can tell me who’s in the cage back there.” “Within that cage?” Luna looked towards the covered bars before casting a sideways glance at Sora. “That is something that I cannot outright answer for you.” “Aww!” Sora pouted. “Why not?” “Because Sora…What is within is the one you want to see the most. Only you can answer that question and no pony else.” “The one I want the most?” Sora looked back to the cage, the sound of the one calling for him ringing clear as day in his ears and yet he could not place a name for the voice. “Who…Do I care for the most?” “I do not know Sora.” Luna told him. “But I do know that the answer is usually right in front of you.” “What?” Sora asked. “What the heck is that suppose to-“ ~ Sora jolted awake in a flailing of hooves as his head throbbed, the jacket that had been covering him falling to the floor beside him. He placed a hoof over his head, as if that would somehow placate the rapid beating it was releasing. Looking down, he would see the bag that had accosted him during his sleep, a confused look crossing his features. After a time, the caramel stallion sighed softly before gaining his bearings once again. The familiar train cabin that he had somehow grown accustomed to meeting his gaze. He was on a train. A train heading towards his next destination. Trottingham. As he slowly sat up, Sora would try to grasp for any part of the dream he had experienced prior, yet the only thing he could even remotely remember from that dream was someone calling out to him. Someone reaching out to his heart in a way he had never felt before. Sora sighed softly as he closed his eyes, allowing his back to rest, once again, upon the cot within his cabin. He could see, from his position, the break of sunlight over the horizon, day looming ever closer in the distance as the train traversed the scenic landscape of beautiful green fields. Sora’s thoughts soon began to drift towards what he was going to do when he reached their destination. Someone…Or somepony had erected a barrier around an entire city, keeping everypony on the outside out and, more importantly, everypony within the inside of it in. Whatever it was that was going on, he had to find out what it was, and if the Heartless or the Organization was involved. His thoughts were interrupted however as he saw the sleeping form of his butter yellow pegasus friend. The gentle rise and fall of her chest from her curled position opposite of his cot caused him to smile slightly. She’s pretty cute when she sleeps… Sora paused as he looked down. Did I really just…Well it’s not untrue…I guess…The ponies are rather cute looking. And Fluttershy is…really cute looking. Sora shook his head before sighing softly. Sitting up, he could see the other mares nearby, each one sleeping peacefully upon a different chair. Slowly, he would slip from the one he occupied before making his way down and out the door of the cabin. He doubted he could get any sleep right now anyway, not with trying to keep his thoughts focused and all, so he figured a walk around the train would do him some good. In Fact some food sounded really good right about now. He had always found eating a good way to get one’s thoughts in order so an early morning snack was in order. What he wouldn't give to have one of Pinkie Pie’s delicious cupcakes right about now. Before he could he could take more than a couple of steps within the train’s other car however, the gentle closing of the door behind him would cause his gaze to fall upon Fluttershy of all ponies, a soft epp escaping her as he twisted to turn towards her completely. “Fluttershy?” Sora said with a confused look as he gazed upon the mare. “I didn’t wake you did I?” He asked, his voice low, his tone soft. After a moment, she would nod softly in response. "You didn't, I was...well...I was always a light sleeper so..." She whispered softly, watching him for a moment before looking away. "Well...I was just on my way for a quick bite of breakfast" He told her, motioning towards the nearby kitchen. "Care to join me?" He asked with a small smile. Fluttershy's ears twitched in surprise as she turned towards him, a smile spreading across her muzzle. "Um...sure." With Sora’s final nod, the pair of ponies made their way to the serving area. It goes without saying that Sora was impressed with the way ponies were able to fit nearly a whole kitchen within one whole train cart. If he didn’t quite know any better, he was sure that it looked a lot bigger on the inside than it did on the outside. “Really nice of Celestia to pull out all the stops when it comes to our travels around Equestria.” Sora noted, as he began to rummage through one of the cabinets, silently praising himself on the fact that his hooves are working with him better than ever before. “Oh…Well…Yes. She is very kind in that regard.” Fluttershy agreed, pulling out more than a few items out of the cabinets. “It’s a shame that AJ and Pinkie couldn’t come with us this time.” Sora said. “They can really cook some mean pancakes.” The butter yellow mare nodded. "Mhm, they're both great cooks...and I'm sure Pinkie would've gone a little crazy with the decorations if she came along." She added with a laugh. The keyblade wielder laughed as well. "You're telling me. But Shes's always fun to hang around. Never a dull moment with her." The shy mare nodded. "Same here...although she is a bit too much for me sometimes..." She admitted. Sora smiled warmly at that. "I can see that. But its pretty cool that you and her are friends all the same." He said with a chuckle. She looked away, shyly. "Well...I can't say that she's the easiest to be around," she admitted. "But she's still a good friend to have. I'm happy to have met her...and all my friends really." "I know the feeling. Riku can be a bit of a jerk sometimes but...I could always count on him, ya know..." he looked away, a frown forming on his face. "He would've been the first to help if there was something wrong. Even if he were busy, he'd make time to be with you." And yet he still... Fluttershy nodded softly in agreement, her own expression growing pensive as she looked upon the stallion's expression. Gently she would tug at his jacket, gaining his attention . "Do you...want to talk about it?" Sora's would look towards the shy pegasus, his mouth opening before closing again, the stallion looking away from her as if in defeat. "Maybe...some other time, Shy...Sorry." "No! It's ok!" She said quickly, placing a hoof against his shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm not trying to pressure you into anything. Just...remember what I told you...I don't mind you using me as your strength. We are friends after all...I don't mind at all. Not when its...you..." The stallion would blush at that, remember the time back on the dirt road to Fluttershy's house. "Y-Yeah...I remember. Thanks, Shy." He smiled at the mare. "So...about breakfast...What should we do?" Fluttershy blushed slightly as she looked his way. “W-Well…Um…I can, if you want me to, make you something…if that’s okay with you that is.” She offered hesitantly, her expression showing how nervous she was on the inside. Sora would smile at that. "You sure? I mean...it would be a lot of work..." “Oh! B-But it will be no trouble at all.” Fluttershy told him. “I-I mean…You’re my friend too. And I know I can’t fight like the other girls can. S-So if I can do anything to help you, I want to do it.” She added with a shy smile. A small sigh escaped Sora as he thought about that offer. "Alright, but I'm gonna help. Can't leave ya to do all the work, can I?" He asked with a chuckle. The young pegasus nodded. "Y-Yes. That would be very nice of you." "Sweet," Sora said with a grin. "Then lets get to work." ~ Rarity sighed softly as she closed the door the cart Fluttershy and Sora occupied. “The rest is up to you Fluttershy. Don’t you dare ruin this for yourself.” Turning away from the door, she would make her way back to her seat. “Curse you for wanting to see love bloom…” The mare mumbled to herself. “Still, if it means making one of my friends happy, even if it’s for a little while, I’ll gladly resign myself to a fate of loneliness for a little longer.” The white mare couldn’t help but smile, the memory of waking the butter-yellow Pegasus up just as Sora left the room. Sure she had told her to lie, which Applejack would never forgive her for, but this was in the name of love! And love overrules all! Or so she has been told in her Romance Novels. Rarity sighed once again before slipping back into her chair, away from the still snoring Rainbow Dash as she slept wistfully unaware of everything around her. Looking out the window, Rarity gave the slightest of smiles. “Well…Maybe…Just maybe…Fluttershy is a sharing type?” > Trouble in Trottingham Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Within a Dark Alley in Trottingham... Running… That was all that was keeping those monsters...Those Shadows...away from the both of them. They didn’t quite know what would happen if they were caught by those things, but they knew enough that if they were indeed captured, they would be done for. They had to keep them away. They had just had to... The older colt could feel the pair of tiny hooves around his neck tighten just a bit more, effectively securing their position upon him. Bright green eyes met determined blue ones, the little gray colt riding upon the older one’s green furred back. The colt dashed into a nearby alleyway, dashing behind a nearby box. As soon as he did so, the smaller colt slipped from off of the larger one, allowing him to rest his back against the wall. “Zidane…” The older colt, Zidane, looked down at the smaller gray furred one, a hoof reaching up to pet the silvery mane. “Just…Need to rest for a little while Kuja...I’ll be right as rain after that. Then we can escape the city and find the resistance…” He spoke up in between pants of exhaustion. Kuja gave a slow nod, his mouth open as if he was about to say something. Before he could do so however, his body went ridged. Kuja’s gaze fell to where the entrance of the alleyway lay before he moved to huddle closer to Zidane, a worried frown appearing on his face. “I can feel them...They are getting closer...” Zidane’s eyes widened as he drew his bother closer still, a hoof reaching into his side pouch and pulling out a small dagger. Normally he would only use such an item in his acts, but now…He had to protect his brother. Both colts froze as they heard shifting coming from the other side of their cover, the sound of something scratching clop against the rocky streets of the alleyway, ever so slowly getting closer and closer to them before stopping abruptly in front of them. Zidane pressed the smaller colts face into his chest as he opened his eyes to see some kind of pony like figure standing before the two. Gather up the rest of his courage, the older colt held out the dagger in a way that he hoped seemed threatening. “S-Stay back…I’m warning you!” He said with as much vigor as he could muster. Zidane waited for it to respond in some way... And waited… And waited some more… Then he heard a soft smirk form into slow amused chuckles. “Back in my home town and this is how you treat your old performance partners?” That voice…He knew that voice. The colt slowly let the dagger down as recognition soon came upon him. “I…Wait…You…You’re…” “Yes little Zidane. You are right.” The figure said, stepping out into proper light. Now that she was in plain view, his eyes widened by degrees. “It is I. The great…The powerful…” A smirked formed as the mare tipped her hat up, her lavender eyes shimmering even in the little light they had. “The one and only…Trixie Lulamoon.” ~ Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Trouble in Trottingham Part 1 Green to start music and red to stop music Ponyville Sweet Apple Acres Apple Bloom sighed softly as she laid splayed upon the green grass of Sweet Apple Acres, Her hoof lazily circling as she began to complain...for the fourth time that day. “Ah can’t believe that we missed seeing Sora and the others off back at the train station.” The little filly groaned as she pulled the little starlike object from her mane that she had made the day prior. “Ah didn’t even get a chance to give him this here paopu charm thingy.” Sweetie Belle gently petted her friend's mane in comfort as she tried her best to placate her. “Awww, its okay Applebloom. I’m sure that he’ll love it when he gets back. Just think of how happy he will be to receive one from you. I'm sure he will be falling for you in no time." The little filly mused, fluttering her eyelashes. “Doesn’t change the fact that they left without saying...like...anything!” Scootaloo mumbled softly with a growl as she rolled her eyes. Sweetie Belle frowned as she pointed towards the orange haired pegasus “I'm sure they had their reasons Scoots.” Scootaloo sat up as well, her scowl deepening, and her pout growing. “But we could have got on the train again! We know where they are going after all! We could have seen Dash and Sora in action like last time.” “As ‘Fun’ as that part was during our trip, I think I can deal with not nearly dying at the hooves of a deadly dark king and a completely crazy mare.” Sweetie said with a scowl of her own. “Besides, I don’t think I want to do anything back braking anytime soon. How do you even carry all of those baskets on your head any way Apple Bloom.” “Years of practice ah guess.” Apple Bloom responded before releasing another loud sigh. “Come one AB.” Scootloo said with a roll of her eyes. “I know it sucks that they left us behind, really, really mad about that actually, but...ya know...they’ll will be back and you can give your coltfriend his toy. Besides, we may not get front row seats to the action, but I can’t wait till Rainbow Dash comes back and tells us how bad-flank she was at dealing with those nasty shadow creatures!” “Yeah! And my sister Rarity is went with them too!” Sweetie Belle quipped. “I bet she beats up more Heartless than Rainbow Dash.” “Yeah…Not to burst your bubble Sweets, but Rarity doesn’t seem the most…ah…Physically abled ponies around.” A livid and red cheeked Sweetie Belle turned to face her friend. “Hey! My sister is just as cool and strong as Rainbow Dash.” The white unicorn filly flipped her mane as she turned away from Scootaloo. “And she does it with style to match her ferocity.” “Since when is fashion considered cool?” Scootaloo asked with a scoff as she looked at her friend. “Since always!” Sweetie Belle said with narrowed eyes. “Just look at the Wonder Bolts! They have those cute outfits they wear to their shows. Especially Soarin’.” The mare said, just a little bit too dreamily. “They are not cute!” the orange Pegasus said with a growl. “They are uniforms. They are cool!” “Well I think they are cute.” Sweetie huffed. “Cool!” Scootaloo countered as she pressed her face close to her friend’s own. “Cute!” Sweetie yelled back, not at all backing down. “COOL! “CUTE!!” “COOOOLLLL!!” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes as she turned away from her friends with a bit of annoyance. The yellow filly raised the good luck charm she had made for the stallion that had caught her eye, a sad smile forming on her muzzle. “Please be alright Sora…I’m missing you already…” ~ From the shadows, not too far away from the trio of fillies, a shadowy figure shifted back behind a tree, a smirk upon his muzzle. The pony bit into the apple they had plucked from the tree he was under before opening a corridor to darkness, walking within it with a small bounce in their step. ~ The Friendship Express On Route to Trottingham “Well…Gotta say Rarity. You just made me twenty...no...thirty percent cooler.” Rainbow smirked at herself as she looked into the mirror provided for her. The one standing within her reflection made the mare smile happily. The bluish gray hoodie she had been made was more than a little stylish, complementing her fur color quite well. The jacket itself was adorned with zippered sleeves, the little handle stopping part way to where her shoulder was. She gave a wide smirk as she stood on her hind hooves, allowing herself to see just where the jacket ended for her, the cloth stopping just above her midriff. The mare turned to show herself her wings, two holes having been made for the mare’s wings were. She gave them an exploratory flap, making sure that she would not be hindered in any way when she started to actually fly. She was not disappointed. Rainbow turned, catching sight of her flank as she did so. Dangling off the cloud white belt she had around her waist was a keychain of her cutie mark. While usually she wouldn’t care for such coverings, she couldn’t help but admire how awesome she looked with it on. Adding the pair of blue goggles to the mix that sat upon the top of her head and even Rainbow Dash had to admit…Rarity really did outdo herself this time. “Heh…” The cyan mare struck a regal pose as she faced herself once again, lifting one of her forehooves off the ground as she did so. “Rainbow ‘Danger’ Dash, at your service.” Rarity smiled as she used her magic to adjust a bit of fabric here and there upon her friend’s new clothes. “It does make you look quite ‘Dashing’ if you forgive the pun, Darling.” The white unicorn mare giggled. “Are you sure it fits perfectly? Not too tight is it?” “You kidding?” Rainbow asked with a wide grin. “This is awesome! Gotta say this is some of your best work yet” “Well, as with the Gala dresses, I did have all of us in mind after all.” Rarity quipped. “And I must say that I am more than a little pleased with the results. Not quite like Sora’s outfit, but I doubt you would be out of place when we all go adventuring together in the future. And on that note…” Rarity turned to look behind herself, looking towards a moderately sized folding screen. “And how are you faring Fluttershy? Are you able to…Oh…what’s the word that those guards ponies use when they put on armor…Um…Oh! Are you able to ‘Equip’ your own attire?” The sight of a familiar pink maned mare would slowly pop her head from behind the folding object. “I…Um…I think I have it on right…It’s just…” “Just what darling? Does it not fit right?” “N-No! It’s not that.” Flutttershy squeaked. “I…I mean…It’s just…I don’t know if…” “For the love of…” Rainbow Dash, with all of the wisdom of a speeding train, decided to take a more direct approach to the situation. The speedster mare flew to where her longtime friend hid, and proceeded to kick away the object that was obscuring their view of her. She gave a solemn nod to the offending folding piece of whatever it was that Rarity had called it before hearing a very Rarity sounding –Squee- of delight. The rainbow maned mare gaze fell to Rarity, who held a hoof to her mouth as her eyes shimmered with praise, before turning to face Fluttershy. If it wasn’t for her long time practiced art in the ways of cool, she was sure that she would be joining Rarity whole heartedly within the –Squeeing- Department. Fluttershy was dressed in a hoodie just as Rainbow was, but this one was of the purest whites Rainbow had ever seen. The sleeves of her outfit seemed to stop just before reaching her hooves. What really, really set her hoodie apart from Dash’s own was how long the back end of it seemed to go, making it seem like more of a cape like look. At the edges of the cloth was red like triangles. The shy mare squeaked as she came out of the sudden stupor she had found herself in, quickly reach back and pulling up the hood of her clothes on instinct. An action that only allowed Dash to see the full cuteness of the Cat ears that were adorned upon it. Much smaller red triangles seemed to adorn the rim of her hood just like the end of the cape. Rainbow landed next to Rarity to get a better look at her friend, smile of her own adorning her lips. “Look at you Shy. Gotta say, you look pretty good.” Fluttershy slightly lifted the hood that covered her face. “R-Really?” “Oh I must concur darling.” Rarity agreed, as she moved closer to the mare. She lifted the bit of the cloth that covered Fluttershy’s flank, revealing a brown colored pouch that was around the mare’s waist. “And quite functional too, since this pouch is enhanced with space expanding magic, meaning that not only is it bigger on the inside, but you will be able to carry anything within the pouch within reason, mind you.” She released the cloth. “And…” She said in a whispered tone, one that only the butter yellow mare could hear. “I’m sure that Sora will love to see you in such an adorable ensemble.” The shy mare’s blush heightened by degrees at the mention of the stallion’s name, looking towards the white mare with a hopeful gaze. “Y-You really think so, Rarity?” “The poor boy is a little dense Fluttershy, but he is not stupid.” Rarity assured her. “I’m quite sure that he will more than appreciate the way you would look in near everything darling.” Fluttershy looked down at her shifting forehooves, a muttered “I...well...I mean if you say so then…” as she tried to hide behind the pink of her mane. Her deep embarrassment didn’t stop the smile from encroaching upon her lips though. Then a thought crossed her mind. “Rarity…Um…Not to be a bother but…What about your outfit?” Rarity gave the shy mare a wave of her hoof. “I still have to make a few minor adjustments to it sadly, but I promise, that I will be sure to-!!” The sound of screeching metal wheels as well the jostling motion of stopped caused nearly every mare within the train cart to nearly tip over. Rainbow, being the first to recover, flew towards a nearby window, looking out of it to the world on the other side. “Woah…I think…I think you two are gonna wanna see this.” The cyan mare flew from the window, opening a nearby door to allow herself to outside of the train. Rarity and Fluttershy gave each other an apprehensive look before following after their Pegasus friend. It wasn’t long before the pair saw exactly what Rainbow had been talking about. Not too far away from the trio was something that had looked all too familiar with them. A large dome of dark red stood tall, the height of which could only be matched with how far it stretched. “This…This looks like…” Rainbow began, both anger and fear slipping into her tone of voice. “Yes…It does…It’s the same that Sunset had around us in that…”Rarity answered, though she knew that there was no question. “Exactly the same…” “Girls!” The three elements of harmony turned to see Sora making his way towards them, a look of worry upon his own features. He stood in front of the mares, looking between all three with more than a bit of surprise, his eyes scanning over Rainbow’s and Fluttershy’s attire. Though he seemed to linger on the shy mare for a little longer than necessary, a bit of a blush forming on his face, he quickly shook his head however before giving theme a deep frown “I think...that we are finally here, huh?” “Heh…And it seems our good old friend, Sunset Shimmer is out to play.” Rainbow mused with a dark smile as she hovered above the ground, cracking both her fetlocks. “Been wanting to meet that girl for a bit and…Repay her for our last encounter. And boy, do I plan to repay her in spades.” She struck home her point as she jabbed at the air a few times. She flew towards the door that led to the outside. “Comeon! We gotta town to save and a mare’s flank to kick!” She slammed the door open only to pause as she looked down. “Well, it seems the guests of honor have arrived at last. And already ready to party. Nice.” Sora and the rest of the girls girls all ran towards the opened door only to find a very familiar amber eyed, armored mare greeting the four with a wide smile. “Fancy seeing you four here. Been awhile.” The mare giggled. “You’re…Dream Drop.” Sora said as he finally recognized the silver armored mare, stepping around Rainbow Dash to see the mare properly. “I remember you from the castle. Wow, It really has been a while hasn’t it?” He gave the mare a bright smile, much to her enjoyment. “Awww!” The mare squeaked as she moved to wrap a hoof around the stallion’s shoulders as her free hoof began pressing playfully against his cheek. “Thanks for remembering me stud! You really know how to make a mare feel special?” Rarity glowered at the unicorn guard mare as she began to ‘marehandle’ Sora just as she did last time. She was about to tell the mare a piece of her mind when something else caught her attention. Something that nearly made her heart skip a beat. Beside her a very familiar yellow and pink Pegasus mare was staring a hole straight through Dream Drop, her brow creased in a furrow and her…Her cheeks puffed out in the most cutest of pouts she had ever seen any pony make in all of her life. Despite the cuteness of it, the mare couldn't stop the shiver of fear that slowly slipped all the way up her spine H-How can something be so cute…and so terrifying…all at the same time? I guess that is our Fluttershy after all. Rarity’s inner thoughts were interrupted by the sound of another’s voice behind them; this one, however, was very unfamiliar to her. “Is that any way to act in the line of duty Corporal Dream Drop?” Her voice, for it was in fact a female, caused Dream Drop to “epp” before quickly letting go of the stallion and standing at attention. “No Ma’am, Lightning Ma’am!” She said in a rather stoic tone, her hoof raising up to her forehead in a gesture Sora knew from his world as a salute. Fluttershy’s eyes widened by degrees, silently mouthing the name Dream Drop had just given. Slowly the butter yellow mare turned around her eyes locking on to the figure before them. The approaching pony was slightly taller than Fluttershy, her body, leaner and yet quite muscular, even more so than Rainbow Dash. Her fur seemed to be a dirty yellow, while her mane almost seemed the same color as Fluttershy's own. Her eyes also seemed to be quite a darker shade of blue from the shy mare's own. Sora was sure something was familiar about her. He just couldn’t quite put his hoof on it. Looking the mare up and down, he would try to place where he had seen her before. While she did look like a pony of authority, what she wore told something different. Unlike the other guard ponies that had been wearing traditional Equestrian Guard armor, she was in a more form fitting outfit, a tannish jacket with a dark brown turtleneck like shirt underneath it. One of her sides was a metal shoulder piece. With each step she took, the long flowing scarf would follow behind her. Dark blue bands covered her front hooves, while dark brown leg coverings took up the majority of her lower hind hooves. Just barely visible was a cutie mark dark clouds shooting off an array of lightning from them. Hanging just on the side of her was a small brown bag that held some sort of metal object within its casing. Lightning, as she was called, opened her mouth to speak, only to find herself falling onto her rump as Fluttershy tackled her in a bone crushing hug, much to everypony’s surprise. "Lightning!" The mare cheered. "It’s been so long!" Lightning sat stunned for a few moments before a gentle smile crossed her lips, her own hoof move to pet the top of Fluttershy's head. "It’s good to see you too...Cuz." Sora’s hoof hit his fetlock in recognition. “Holy crap! You look just like Fluttershy!” > Trouble in Trottingham Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Trouble in Trottingham Part 2 Green to start music and red to stop music Rainbow stared in awe as her long time best friend flew into the hooves of one the guards pony without hesitation. Not just any guards pony though. The guards pony who not only had a reputation in and around Equestria as being one of the most bad-flanked ponies to ever lived, but one who also turned down an in pony invitation to become leader of the current Wonderbolts, a position that was then given to the current leader, Spitfire. And Fluttershy, her best friend for, who knows how long, was hugging on the mare as if the two were- “You two are related.” Sora’s words resonated within the cyan Pegasus, her mind crashing hard to the point where she barely felt as if she was alive anymore. OMYGOSHOMYGOSHOMYGOSH! Fluttershy is related to ‘the’ Lightning Farron! Lightning pulled away from the butter yellow mare, gently ruffleing her pink mane playfully. “Seems some-mare grew a bit taller since the last time I saw her. Gotta say, you really did fill out from that wiry frame you were before.” Fluttershy blushed deeply at her words, her gaze flicking towards her three friends, most in particular, Sora, who had a cheesy grin on his face as he watched the pair. She couldn’t help but look down in embarrassment at his reaction. “L-Lightning! You’re embarrassing me.” “What? Only calling it like I see it, Flutters.” Lightning laughed before looking between the shy mare and her friends. “Just what are you doing here anyway? I was told that our key to this barrier was coming down here to help us, but I didn’t expect to find you here of all ponies.” “Ahem,” Rarity interjected with a gentle smile. “I do believe that you will find no better help then us in the matters of what may be going on around here.” The white unicorn gave a small curtsy. “Allow me to first introduce myself proper however. I am Rarity Belle, or Lady Rarity if you prefer. It is a pleasure to meet you, miss…” “Lightning.” The guards mare finished for her. “Lightning Farron, Captain of the Fourth Division Unit within the Equestrian Guard.” Lightening answered. “It’s nice to actually meet two of the Elements of Harmony in the flesh.” Rarity dipped her head in greeting. “Charmed I’m sure.”, The white unicorn mare motioned to the still gapping cyan pegasus beside her. “I’m sure she needs no introduction but I shall provide one anyway. This charming mare is our good and loyal friend, Rainbow Dash.” Lightning actually smiled at the mare. “Rainbow Dash, the up and coming star of Ponyville?” Lightning’s words seemed to revive the rainbow maned Pegasus back into the waking world, her hooves flying to her muzzle and a barely contained, cute squeal of joy escaped her. Only for her to cough and toss her head to the side, giving off a nonchalant air about her. “Yeah…No big deal really.” And then she added, “Anypony would have done the same in my position.” “I don’t doubt that.” Lightning mused, her gaze soon falling on Sora. Rarity moved beside the young stallion, wrapping a hoof around him as she did so, pulling him close to her. “And this gentlecolt is the one I do believe you were waiting for. The Hero of Light and wielder of the Keyblade, the Wonderful, the Strong, the Brave; Sora.” For his part, Sora’s face looked like it was doing a really good job mimicking the color of a cherry tomato. He stuttered as he looked between the mare that was introducing him and the other that appraised him with a critical eye. “I-I mean…I’m not all that…Sure I helped out here and there b-but…” Sora tried to explain as he gave Lightning an awkward smile. He stopped talking as the dark yellow mare raised a hoof, cutting off any form of conversation he was trying to build up. “As far as first impressions go, you look like nothing I would have expected.” Lightning responded. Sora frowned. “And what’s that supposed to mean, huh?” The guard mare’s gazed feel back to the stallion. “If I was told that some kid, barely older then Fluttershy, defeated a resurrected unicorn with an army of shadow creatures at his back that numbered in the thousands and the power of dark magic at his beck and call…Well…Forgive me for saying so, but I would properly get that pony’s head checked for brain damage.” “Hey!” Rainbow called out, landing next to Sora. “Sora not only won but he did it with style! If you saw him in action then I'm sure he would have knocked your boots with the way he moved.” Sora blinked at the mare as she defended his honor, unable to add anything due to the sheer amount of praise she heepd his way. It honestly made him happy. Lightning didn't seem as impressed however, the mare raiseing an eyebrow at Rainbow's words. “Is that so?” Sora looked between Rainbow and Rarity before nodding. “Well...yeah...I mean I did win and everything..." He lowered his head slightly. "I couldn't have done it without the rest of the girls there to back me up when I needed them to. Honestly I do feel like they are saving me more then I am saving them.” Lightning stared for a moment longer before the corners of her lips twitched for a moment in a kind of smile. “As I said, as far as first impressions go, you’re not somepony I would have expected at all. Or was it somehuman in your case?” Sora froze up as he locked eyes with the guards’ mare. “You…Ah…Know?” Lightning nodded. “Me and Dream Drop were briefed by the Princesses before coming here.” She started as she trotted back towards the makeshift camp nearby. The others followed close behind her, Fluttershy and Rarity opting to stay near Sora as Rainbow Flew above them all, just within earshot to listen. “From what I have heard, my cousin, her friends, and you have had quite a few adventures ever since you show up. Defeating shadow creatures and plant monsters to saving an entire Lost Kingdom.” Lightning paused as she turned to face the group once again. “Fluttershy and her friends I can understand, this is their home and, even though I wouldn’t want them too if I could help it, I’m sure they would fight for it. But you…Someone that is not even part of this world; for you to help and expect nothing in return…I wanted to see for myself what the kind of being would look like.” Sora raised an eyebrow. “And?” “Well…” Lightning looked away from Sora. “You’re a lot plainer then I expected you too look.” Sora blinked before scrunching up his muzzle in both confusion and slight indignation. “Is that a…bad thing.” Lightning scoffed as she tried to hold back a bit of laughter. “I didn’t say that was a bad thing, no.” She reassured him. “But, getting a good look at you now, and hearing everything you did before, I think I can trust in you a little.” “Just a little?” Sora asked as he cupped the back of his head with the fetlock of his fore hooves. “Well, that’s okay. I’ll be sure to show you what I got when things get started.” “I’ll hold you to that.” She parted the folds of a nearby tent. “Come inside, we have a lot to discuss, and little time to do it.” Lightning slipped past the threshold of the tent, followed by Sora and Rarity. Just as Fluttershy was about to follow, she felt somepony turn her around and, without warning, a hoof flick her nose. Said shy mare epped at the contact before staring up at the magenta eyes. “R-Rainbow?” Fluttershy spoke up in confusion. “That,” Rainbow said as she landed next to her. “Was for not telling me that my best friend was related to one of the coolest pegasus in pegasi history.” Fluttershy tilted her head as she rubbed her nose. “You mean…Lightning?” “Well duh! How come you didn’t tell me that you were related to, like, one of the most coolest ponies in the world next to the Wonderbolts!” Fluttershy looked away from Rainbow Dash and towards the tent the rest of the ponies had filed into. “W-Well…I never really knew that she was a candidate for the Wonderbolts. She never talked about it with me before, and honestly I haven’t seen her in ages.” Rainbow squinted her eyes before sighing. “Fine, I believe you, but you and I are gonna talk about you getting me an autograph from her later.” She said, giving the mare a playful shove. Fluttershy giggled softly as she bumped her back. “You’re my friend, Dashie” She mused as she gave the Cyan mare a little bump of her own, “So if it’s for you I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if I asked nicely. She was never really into seeking attention and all that.” Rainbow smiled broadly before turning around to head into the tent. Before she did so however, the cyan mare turned to look back at her friend. “Oh! And before I forget, good luck with the Hero.” Fluttershy’s eye widened as her gaze locked on to the cyan mare. “I-I…What?” Rainbow rolled her eyes before turning to face the mare, “Please, Shy. I know I’m not the brightest but I think I know when my best friend has gots the hots for a stallion.” Rainbow said with a smirk. “Could have did a lot worse is all I can say. I’ll be rooting for ya.” Rainbow slipped smoothly into the tent, leaving a very much so stunned and blushing Fluttershy behind. ~ Spike was, to put it lightly, bored out of his bucking mind. The young drake half heartedly flipped through his comic book, a sigh escaping him as he did so. It was one of his newest issues he got on Twilight and his town outings. The heroes of the comic, the Power Ponies, were locked in a fierce battle with one of the fan favorite villains, Catrina the Witch. Despite the well-drawn art and the action aplenty on every page, the young drake just couldn’t get into it like he used to. The reason for his funk had to do with one pony, and one pony in particular. The hero pony who came from the stars to help Twilight and the others fight off the darkness, Sora…Ah…Sora... Wait…Does Sora have a last name? Spike felt that was something he should look into later. He shook his head, trying to get back to the matter at hand. It only stood to reason that the young drake thought about everything he had went through in the past few weeks, Fighting alongside his friends within the Library of the Crystal Empire and fighting with Twilight, Rainbow and that other stallion, Riku, against the Crystal Giant, he couldn’t help but feel incomplete as he laid within the basket of his and Twilight’s room. Like, he was missing out on something important now that they were back in Ponyville. Twilight had dismissed him after he had got done cleaning to work on the Elements of Laughter and Honesty, trying to figure out how Applejack and Pinkie Pie fused(?) with Sora. When Spike first saw it when Twilight asked the three to demonstrate the technique to her, Spike couldn’t help but think that it was the coolest thing in the world. The purple little dragon couldn’t help but move to place his hoof on one of the keyblades Sora held within his grasp, much to the dismay of Twilight of course, though when Sora assured her nothing bad would happen, Twilight begrudgingly forgave him. Still, just thinking about it did little to lift Spike’s boredom. He needed something better to do. With Twilight held up within her basement and Rarity off with Sora, Shy and Dash to fight more heartless, Spike was left to his own devices, which meant he was left to be bored on his own. Spike frowned as he sat up from his bed. Looking left and right, he gave a smirk before nodding to himself once. The little drake stood up from his bed-basket, jumping from it to the floor. He allowed his mind to race as he imagined seeing many of those Heartlesses surrounding him. “So…You think you can take me on huh?” The little drake spoke out with a smirk. Spoke whipped out his claw to the side, imagining a keyblade of his very own appearing within said claw. He held it, in what he believed was the coolest way, the handle held in a reverse grip. With war cry, Spike dashed fast and hard into the make believe bad guys, the claw that held the blade whipping in a downwards ark, dispatching a heartless with ease. Twisting around, he let the blade whip in front of him, destroying three more heartless that had decided to pounce on him while he had his back turned. “Too easy. You jerks are gonna have to do better than that!” Spike taunted as he twirled his blade behind him. And just like that, he imagined the heartless doing just that. Many of them coming straight for him in one go. The little drake was not deterred however, leaping into the fray of darkness with no fear what-so-ever. Spike’s “keyblade” whipped back and forth, front and back, side to side; each slash, each stab, each counter, finding their mark as Spike effortlessly cleared the room of the dark entities that would try to harm his friends. Soon it was down to just him and one other. The master mind behind it all. Xemnas himself. Spike pointed his “keyblade” towards cloaked figure, a look of determination fixed upon his brow. “Your evil terror ends now. Cause your opponent is none other then-“ Before Spike could finish his remark to the dastardly villain he was cut off by an explosion that shook the very foundations of the tree home. He was knocked to his rump as the library shook, sent Into a daze for a few seconds. “Ugh…what the hey was…Wait…Twilight!” Spike sprinted down the steps and towards the basement door, kicking it open and releasing a building smoke cloud from its trapped space. As fast as he could, the drake ventured down into the depths, his gaze washing over devastated appearance of the room. Books, papers, and the like were scattered about the area, and standing in the center of it all, was a black furred version of Twilight, eyes wide and fur singed. It would have been a hilarious sight if Spike wasn’t so worried. “What the hey happened down here Twi?” Spike asked as he made his way to his magical friend, an eyebrow raised. “What I thought would happen when one tries to use Dark magic with one of the Elements touched by the keyblade,” Twilight responded without missing a beat, a hoof raising to press against the side of her head. Spike’s other eyebrow joined it’s partner. “Say what?!” Twilight’s horn glowed, enveloping her with her own magic. Within seconds the mare was free of singed fur. “I was testing Dark Magic on the Elements touched by the keyblade.” Twilight answered. “Okay, no…I heard that part.” Spike shot back. “I was implying why would you do something like that?” “Because I was testing the effects the elements had on it.” Twilight answered. “And do you want to know what I found?” “That you're insane?” “No, Spike.” Twilight moved towards the two glowing elements that Pinkie Pie and Applejack wore respectively. “I’ve found that we may just have a way to defend ourselves against the Heartless.” “I thought they already did that.” The little drake told her as he followed after her. “They never did it by themselves Spike.” Twilight said as she smiled down at him. “But ever since Sora’s, Applejack’s, and Pinkie’s little fuse ability, the elements of Laughter and Honesty have been emitting the same kind of magic signature that Sora’s keyblade produces. It's faint right now, but I can guarantee that they are doing so.” Spike contemplated the mare’s words for a moment before realization hit him like Applejack bucks an apple tree. “Wait! Does that mean that…that…you guys are going to get your own keyblades?!?” “I’m…not sure…There’s still a lot I don’t know about the Keyblades and what they do. And there’s still a lot more I need to test, but right now, I think I’m one step ahead in the right direction.” Spike nodded as he looked towards the slowly dimming Elements of Honesty and Laughter. “It would be cool if we all could get a keyblade.” Twilight giggled softly as she patted the little drake’s head. “How about we go get something to eat. I haven’t had a bite since this morning. We can clean this place up after.” “Sure.” Spike said as he made his way towards the stairs. “But let’s go to a place where gems are being sold. I could really use a sapphire right about now.” > Within the Twilight (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul WIthin the Twilight Green to start music and red to stop music Just outside the barrier Lightning's Encampment It was hours later before Sora found himself on the outskirts of the little escapement, finding a quite spot to lay rest after a long day of telling Lightning everything she needed to know about the heartless. Allowing himself a brief respite, the young keyblade wielder laid back in the soft grass, his gaze shifting towards Luna's sky above him. It...really does look just like our sky? He said softly to himself, rasieing a hoof towards the vast sea of darkness and light above him. He remembered a few days ago, Celestia had pulled him away for a chat when he was alone back on the farm. *** "And you are sure you are doing well Sora" The princess of the sun would ask, almost as if she was a mother hen fusing over her child. "I'm fine Celestia." The stallion responded with a wave of his hoof. "You don't need to worry about me ya know." "That is debatable, Sora." The alicorn shot back, though there was mirth behind her barb. "But it is good to see you up and about, nevertheless. I am sorry that I had not come to visit more often. There are many things that goes on behind being a princess you see. Never enough free time to myself if I am being honest." She sighed softly. "Sometimes I do wish I could just give it all away." Sora nodded slowly at that. "I guess being a princess is pretty tough, huh?" "It can be," Celestia agreed with a nod. "Though I will admit that having access to cake every day of the week is a major perk. Don't tell my adviser that. He would force me to go on a diet." She gave Sora a wink that made him crack a smile. "So how have you been, Sora? Truly. It has been quite some time since we last spoke like this after all. Just the two of us. I do believe the last time was within my garden back in Canterlot." The young stallion looked down at his hooves for a moment, flexing them before looking back up to the Princess, with a smile. "I've been well, Celesita. Those potions that Riku gave us really did do the trick. Guess I owe him one for saving the day...again..." Sora trailed off, shaking his head to himself. Celeatia gentry placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Do not beat yourself up over it Sora. Sunset Shimmer...She is the one who put you in that tough situation, something no pony should ever have to go though." The princess looked away from him as she spoke once again, Her voice deepening ever so slightly. "She will pay for what she has done to you, Twilight, and this kingdom." As Sora looked at the mare, he couldn't help but see within her eyes as she spoke. Something... deeply sad. He knew that Sunset Shimmer was Celesita old student. Twilight had told him about it a while ago after the party. The fact that Celestia seemed to be...hurting when she said those words, he couldn't just it go, could he? He knew he should say something. he made to do just that but held his tongue, changing the subject instead. "In any case...I do wanna think you for visiting. It really is fun talking to you. Almost reminds me of my talks with King Mickey." "Ah yes...the little Mouse King." The princess mused softly, her tone once again upbeat from the depressed state that it was before. "I have to admit, when you described him in your story I was quite taken aback buy how adorable he sounded." "Pretty sure the king would take that as a compliment. Honestly he's the friendliest guy I ever met...and yet...It always seemed like he was in control whenever he came into the picture. I know for a fact he saved me and my friend's butts a few times during my adventures." Sora thought back to those moments, remembering how quick the king was to react. "No wonder he too became a Keyblade master." "He certainly sounds like a wonderful king and a very good friend. I would love to meet him. Maybe compare notes on how to rule." Celestia said softly before looking off towards the sky, a sigh escaping her. "It seems my time off is nearly over little Sora. I must be off sadly." With that, the Princess of the Sun let her horn glow gentry, readying a spell for a teleport. Before she did however, she would look towards the little Keyblade Wielder. Her mouth opened and then closed, as if wanting to say something. It would be a while before she did. "Sora...I..." She spoke softly before looking away. "I never got a chance to really thank you for what you have done so far for us." She said, turning back to him with a soft smile. "I hope that I can repay you someday. And I mean truly repay you." "It's no biggy." Sora said as if it was the most natural of facts. "Even If I came to this world by accident, I wouldn't change a thing I did. I was happy to help, Celesita." She gave the boy a shake of her head before smiling softly once more. "I know I said it before, but I'll say it again Sora. You are much to kind to this mare." With a gentle pop of magic she was gone, leaving Sora alone once again. *** Sora sighed softly, remember how she looked when she spoke of Sunset Shimmer. She said what she had to do but... Should I have said something? Did I have any right to say something? A sudden memory flashed before his eyes, thoughts of betrayal pressing hard within the deepest depths of his mind. He pushed it aside just as quickly as it had come into being. Mabey not as bad...but it feels like what they did to me... There was a tug at his heart, a familiar sensation sending a questioning wave throughout his body. Sora knew who it was before he even spoke. "Ventus? Is that you?" Yeah...Its me. The voice spoke within his mind. Just been letting you fly solo for a bit. Needed time to recover too. You got hurt...was it because of Sunset? Sora asked with a little dread in his voice. It was something else. Ventus said with a quiet tone. Something I should have expected but really didn’t think was possible. Sora blinked in confusion. Something else? Something else like what? Something with a bit too much power for me to outright stop like I did before. Ventus responded with a serious tone. Sora, for now I need you to keep yourself together. Don’t let your emotions control you to the point where you’re not yourself anymore. "Huh? What does that mean? You're acting kinda weird Ventus." Sora told the other boy with a slightly concerned tone. It’s hard to explain right now. Ventus responded after a moment of silence. But for now, just trust me, continue being you and everything will be fine, got that? At Sora's unsure nod Ventus continued. Now, I’ll be taking my leave again. "Huh? Why is that? Didn't you just get here?" Cause you've got company. The voice spoke in a teasing like tone. Before Sora could even inquire further about what he meant, Ventus was gone again, their presence becoming that of a small tickle in the back of his heart. “What did he mean by that?” Sora’s question didn’t have to wait long before it was answered, an all too familiar voice squeaking out to the side of him. Turning, the Keyblade wielder found himself looking towards Fluttershy, the shy butter yellow mare still adorned in the outfit that Rarity had put her tender loving care into. Sora couldn’t stop the blush that adored his face as he found himself thinking about how adorable she looked right now. Though for some reason, in the back of his mind, he felt that it was the mare that made the clothes work, not the other way around. Sora’s thoughts about the Fluttershy were interrupted at the sight of the basket that said mare carried within her mouth. The sight of all manner of breads and fruits and vegetables was enough to make the stallion remember just how hungry he really was. Fluttershy only hesitated for a bit before making her way towards him, placing the basket down between the both of them. “I-I’m sorry if I disturbed you Sora, I just…Well…I noticed that you didn’t eat all that much when we got off the train and…Well…I…” “Oh! Thanks, Shy. And yeah! I'm pretty much starving.” Sora said as he picked up an apple from the basket, biting down onto it as he did so. It had to have been one of Sweet Apple Acres brands because only they could produce an apple that was as juicy and tasty as the one he was eating right now. “Geez these are delicious. You really know how to pick the best of the best Shy.” Fluttershy giggled softly as she watched him chow down, her mane doing its best to hide the blush that formed on her cheeks at Sora’s praise. “I-I really didn’t do too much though...but...You’re welcome all the same, Sora. Just happy to help when I can.” As the shy mare turned to leave Sora’s voice would catch the mare off guard. “So...ah...you did you eat yet? If not you wanna finish this off with me?” Fluttershy squeaked softly as her blush took on a deeper shade of red before nodding. Carefully sitting down beside him, the butter yellow mare picked up loaf of bread before pulling it apart, giving half to Sora after she did so. The caramel stallion smiled as he took his half, tearing into it with a grateful “hmm” of pleasure as his gaze turned skywards. Fluttershy bit into her portion as well before doing the same. The pair of ponies were content to enjoy the cool breeze that the midnight produced, Luna’s moon filling the sky with its majesty as always. “I…Um…Sora?” Sora’s gaze fell upon Fluttershy. “Hmm? Yeah, Shy? Something wrong?” “Oh no…It’s nothing like that…It's just…All those Stars out there.” Fluttershy gestured towards the sky. “You said before that they are other worlds, right?” Sora nodded as his gaze feel to the sky above once again. “Yeah. Been to a few myself. ya know?” Sora responded with a nod. "World traveler and all that." Fluttershy was quiet for a moment as she looked up to the sky. It would be a while before she spoke again, her voice a little more timid then before. “Sora…You will have to leave when you’re done here, right? To go to those other worlds…” The stallion paused in mid bit before looking away from the mare. He opened his mouth to say something and yet, his brain couldn't quite catch up to what he really wanted to say to her. He finally settled on something basic...lame...“Yeah…I would guess so. I mean, when I’m done with everything here I supposed, I'll go back to doing that.” Fluttershy grew quiet after that, her head hanging down slightly. “I see." The two would be quite for a long while, both just existing within each others company. It didn't take long for something to happen between the two. The mare would shiver softly in the cool night breeze, though she couldn't quite place if it was the night air or herself. Before she could ponder it either way, she would feel a feathery limb rap itself around her, the mare squeaking softly as Sora pulled her close. She felt her read rest softly against his shoulder, his wing keeping the cold night air at bay, though she was pretty sure it was something else with in her that was heating her up. “I mena...its not like I'll be gone forever. I can always come by and visit...I mean...if you want me to.” The Keyblade Wielder told her, the blush on his own cheeks decorating his face. Sora couldn’t stop himself as he spoke, the words sputtering out of his muzzle faster than he could think. “Besides I still owe you for taking care of me when I was hurt, right? And I bet a few of my animal friends would love to meet you too. Maybe...I don’t know...Have a picnic?” “I…Ah…Y-Yes…” Fluttershy agreed, the shy mare, doing her best to keep her embarrassed stutter under control. “A-And a p-picnic would be l-lovely…I-If it’s okay w-with you…” She squeaked as she looked away. T-To meet your animal friends of coarse. I know you talked a little about them...and...I would love to with you...with them I mean to meet.” Fluttershy’s own wing slowly slipped behind Sora’s back, pulling him just as close as he did to her. To keep him warm of course. Both stallion and mare pressed close to each other as they kept each other company under Luna’s moon. ~ Not too far away from the The Keyblade Wielder and the Element of Kindness Within a misplaced pile of bushes "They are just so adorable, are they not?" Rarity cooed as she sighed longingly. "They really are made for each other. Just look at the chemistry!" Rainbow Dash placed a hoof over Rarity's muzzle. "Keep it down or Shy and the Hero will hear ya." She hissed. Rarity blushed slightly as she gave a nervous giggle. "Oh dear...hehe...I guess I really should put a lid on it as one might say." The cyan mare rolled her eyes as she looked back towards the two pegasi on the hill, a gentle frown upon her features. "Still...Can’t say they don't look comfortable with each other. And I never seen Shy so…Mushy when it comes to a stallion." Rainbow smiled for a breaf second before growing a confused expression. "Hey Rarity." "Yes darling?" Rarity asked, turning to face her rainbow maned friend. "You don't think we are...manipulating them together do you?" Rarity gave a lady like scoff. "Oh pish-posh. Perish the thought darling.” Rarity gave Rainbow a smile, one that the cyan mare thought was both the happiest she had ever seen her white furred friend…And the most unsettling. “Why, it’s not manipulative if it’s for a good cause." ~ Trottingham ???? Lavender eyes peaked out from the slightly raised pony-hole cover. Their gaze shifting back and forth as they scanned the immediate area. Finding the way clear, the cover would lower itself back in place and Trixie would make her way down the ladder, joining her two young charges. “Finally. Those dark creatures patrolling the streets are just too much. Now as for- Unf!” Trixie turned just in time to find herself tackled to the ground, the oldest of the brothers wrapping his hooves around her, a big grin upon his muzzle. “It really is you Trixie. You’re finally back after all this time…” “H-Hey! Un-hoof Trixie. You are liable to-“ She paused as she felt a press gently against her side. Kuja staring at the mare with a smile of his own. Trixie looked between the two before sighing softly, her hooves scooping up both colts into a hug. “Who is Trixie kidding…She missed both of you too much to stay mad.” It was a while before the trio of ponies let each other go. When they had gotten their fill, the older colt pulled himself away from Trixie. “You have no idea how glad we are to see you Trixie.” He soon gave her a deadpanned look. “But did you really have to scare us half to death back there? We thought you were one of those…Dark Ponies.” The showmare scoffed. “Even in dire situations, a performer never drops the act. That is the Trixie way!” She smiled as she patted Kuja. “Isn’t that right?” The little colt nodded without pause, causing Zidane to roll his eyes as he made his way back to the mare. “Forgot how unfair everything is when you two get together. Speaking of which.” He smiled as he let a hoof press softly against the underside of the mare’s chin. “Loving the cape and hat. A style like that really suits you. A dynamic and flare that only a mare as beautiful and exciting as you is able to pull off.” Trixie blushed slightly at the praise before glaring at the older colt, her magic pinching at both of his cheeks, pulling at them hard. “And I see that shrewd mouth of yours has only gotten worse since I’ve been away.” “Wen woo wame wee?” Zidane tried to say, his mouth smarting from the torture Trixie was putting it though. The showmare let go of him after a while nodding with satisfaction as he rubbed his stinging cheeks with his hooves. “No…Trixie guesses she cannot. After all not only am I great and powerful, but also smart and charming and beautiful to boot. Trixie really is the complete package, isn’t she.” “Well, as much as I love this little reunion of the Students of Hoofdini, we should get out of here before those Dark Ponies come back. The others might want to know how you got past the barrier.” “Barrier? What barrier?” Trixie asked; Confusion etched across her face. “Uhhh…Duh. The one that stretches the entity of the city and forest.” Zidane answered. “How do you not know about that?” “I-I mean Trixie definitely knew. It’s not like Trixie was lost in the forest for three days before she came here. What you do take Trixie for? An idiot? ” She paused as she looked his way. “But just to be sure, just how long has that barrier been around? Just so you and Trixie can get our facts straight.” Zidane raised a hoof, clever quip upon the tip of his tongue, but was stopped by Kuja’s own magic tightening his muzzle. “Three days Miss Trixie.” The little colt told her, his way of speaking was somehow refined and yet the childish tone made him sound more adorable than anything else. “Anyway, we need to go. Like yesterday. ”Zidane rolled his eyes as he began to make his way deeper into the underground. “She’s gonna have our flanks for sneaking out and nearly getting ourselves caught…Again.” “She? She who?” Trixie asked. “I thought our old ringmaster was a stallion.” “Rizal Dazzle…He…” Zidane started before sighing, a look that Trixie wasn’t use to from the colt crossing his face. “Look, I’ll tell you everything later, Okay? But we need to leave…I don’t feel safe here.” “You still didn’t tell Trixie who it is you are talking about.” “Well then you better keep up.” Zidane child her, already going into a steady sprint. Trixie’s gaze fell onto Kuja, the colt shrugging before following after his older brother, at a bit of a slower pace. Trixie sighed softly before following after the pair. “Something tells Trixie that she should have stayed lost in the woods…or back at that rock farm…” ~ Ponyville Golden Oaks Library Twilight Sparkle yawned softly as she set the notebook she had been reading down back on her nightstand, closing the cover of the book as she did so. No matter how many times she had read over Sora’s adventures, it just seemed so…Grandiose for lack of a better word to describe it. To think that so much had happened, and in some cases is still happening, all without her noticing any of it until Sora came to their world. Not only that, to think that the princesses knew all about it too and, if not all of it, more than they were willing to share with her. She knew that she shouldn’t hate the princess, her teacher nor the Luna, for not telling her anything about it. How could she in any case? She would have been quite happy not having war bright unto her own doorstep. Still, some small part of her, in the deepest depths of her heart, hated the feeling of never having prior knowledge about the Heartless, the keyblades, and most important, the connection between the Keyblade Wielders themselves and Equestria from long ago. Even the identities of two of the original Elements of Harmony. Now though, she is now privy to all of it in this world destroying glory, and is still leaning more and more nearly every day. And yet… “What do I do now?” Even with everything she had learn recently, how can she really make a difference? It was one thing helping out a friend who fought those heartless. Now, with what she had learned, it wasn’t just a hero saves the day kind of deal. What Sora was fighting was a war. One that somepony seemed fit to bring to her own world. Twilight sighed softly as she leaned her head against the bed frame, her gaze slowly shifting towards her number one assistant as he slept peacefully in his basket. She gave him a motherly smile before turning her gaze towards her window. The stars shimmering high in the sky, while normally easing her mind, only pulling her into a state of uneasy and yet, excitable acceptance. The lavender mare smiled softly to herself before laying her head down to rest, her eyes closing softly as she allowed sleep to seep into her mind. Only to snap her eyes open again and sit up straight in the bed at a sudden realization. “Wait…If the stars are other worlds…Then…How the hey does Luna control them?!?” > Darkness is Never Far... (Edited) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul Darkness is Never Far... Green to start music and Red to stop music Darkness is never Far... Ponyville: Sugar Cube Corner "Hello and welcome to Sugar Cube-GASP-Ohmygosh! Twilight! And Spike too." Pinkie Pie bounced up and down behind confectionary counter as she spied two of her bestest, best friends in the world make their way into the establishment. "It's been sooooooooooooo long since I've seen the two of you." Said dragon and unicorn both looking at each other with raised eyebrows before looking back at their rather eccentric, pink friend, Twilight, putting their thoughts into words for both of them. "Pinkie. We saw each other yesterday. You gave us a cupcake each. Remember?" "Twilight, Twilight, Twilight." Pinkie mused as she shook her head as if disappointed with the unicorn for some unseen failing on her part. "I always miss my friends when they are out of my sight. For an egghead, you sure are a silly pony." She giggled playfully. Said egghead rolled her eyes playfully at the remark, repeating under her breath that Pinkie is Just being Pinkie a few times before giving her friend a smile. "Well, in any case, One; Its good to see you too. Two; we came to get some food-" "And get out of that stuffy library." Spike added. "...Indeed." the librarian agreed with a nod though she did make a mental note to the pay Spike back for that little remark about her Library. "But mostly the food part. The two of us hadn't had time to eat breakfast and we are famished." "Well you came to the right place! And at the right time!" the puffy pink pony announced as she placed a tray of muffins onto the counter. "Blueberry bonanza muffins! A new recipe from yours truly. Fresh from the fire and ready to be devoured. On the house because you two are my bestest best friends." Twilight giggled as she took two muffins from off the tray, biting into the bread without hesitation while passing the other one over to Spike. "Oh Pinkie. These are so good. I don't know how you do but your treats are always amazing." "The secret ingredient is love...For baking!" Pinkie declared in a dramatic fashion. "I decided I wanted to try out some new stuff for when the others get back from dealing with those bad ol' heartless." "I'm sure they will love it Pinkie." Twilight said with an amused smile. "I know I sure do." Spike agreed as he stuffed the rest of his muffin in his maw, gulping it down without remorse. "Got any more?" "Sure do! Help yourself Spiky." the pink party pony pulled a tray from behind the counter. "So how's it going with the whole thing with the elements anyway Twi?" The lavender mare sighed softly at the question, her brow furrowing slightly. "It's... Going to say the least. I do, however, think that harmonic energies within the elements of laugher and honest were able to absorb the light within Sora's keyblade. I'm still doing more test on them to make sure that everything is benign. Don't want the magical frequency to backlash on you two if you ever used them." Pinkie Gasped. "Wait! are you telling me that the same magic that powers Sora's keyblade are in my element?! Does that mean I get to get a cool Keyblade and go all, " She swiped her hoof to the left. 'Swish!'' And then to the right. "'Chop!'" The pink mare had pulled a silly looking hat from her mane, tipping it so that only one side of her face was shown. "And then ill go 'Nothing personnell kid.'" "What! No...Maybe...Why did you say personal like that?" Twilight asked slightly thrown off skew. Pinkie smiled as she shrugged. "Just felt right." "I'm totally using that." Twilight playfully smacked the back of the dragon's head with her tail. "No. Bad dragon." Spike stuck his tongue out at her as she turned back to address the pink one. "Sorry Pinkie. I don't have all the answers yet." "That's not a nnnoooooooooo~." Pinkie teased. "And it's not a yes so don't get your hopes up." Twilight told the mare. "Oh dear. Twilight and Spike. It's good to see you again." Twilight's head turned towards the opening of the kitchen doorway, spotting a rather cute, plump, Pink and blue earth pony mare smiling warmly at her. "Good morning Mrs. Cake/Hey Mrs. C." Spike and Twilight greeted in unison, the latter tossing another muffin into his mouth soon after. Twilight raised an eyebrow as she spotted the rather large box sitting on top of her neither, doing her best to stop two small baby foals from playing with it. Being the kind mare that she was, Twilight used her magic to levitate the box from its preciouses position. Mrs. Cake gasped softly as she looked between the now floating box and to Twilight, a smile forming on her face. "Thank you kindly Twilight. With Mr. Cake away, all we had was Pinkie and myself to watch the shop, and these two cute little trouble makers." shaking her hips slightly as she motioned towards the two foals in her saddle bags. "It's no trouble at all Mrs. Cake." Twilight waved with a hoof, happy to help. "Where do you want me to put it?" "Actually, I was on my way to deliver it to Sweet Apple Acres. With Applejack away so many times the past few days I was asked to fill in as a backup baker for her Reunion this week." "Oh? Well if that's the case then why don't me and Spike deliver it for you," Twilight suggested. "We were on our way over there anyway so It wouldn't even be out of our way." The mother baker gave the librarian a look of uncertainty before smiling. "That...That would just be wonderful dear. Thank you." "Anytime Mrs. C." Spike exclaimed cheerfully. The purple mare gave the dragon a dubious look. "Why are you answering? You won't even be carrying it." "Hey!" Spike spoke in mock indignation. "I'm going out of my way to keep you company ya know. It's a long walk to Sweet Apple Acres." "A long walk that will mostly be spent with you on my back." "Tomato, Potato." Spike turned and leaned his back against Twilight's neck, getting into a comfortable position. "Better get going. Don't want to keep the Apples waiting after all." With a roll of her eyes, and after bidding her friend goodbye, Twilight and Spike left with their package in tow. ~ Ponyville: Sweet Apple Acres Deep within the Sweet Apple Acres apple fields would sit a lone pink tree house, nestled snugly within the tree that held it. Within, Scootaloo would bang a makeshift gavel, clearing her throat importantly, tossing her gaze to the only other two occupants within. "Alright girls. I know that we have been here and there and pretty much everywhere the past few day. Celestia knows even I had my fill of fun for the year, but now its time to get back to business. right?" "Yep!/Ah guess so..." Scootaloo nodded "I know we have been putting it off for a while. But its time for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to get back into action." "Sure is!/uh-hun..." "Now." Scootaloo smacked the paper behind her that held a varying assortment of odds and ends drawn upon it. "Now! Since its my turn to choose this week I decided something that pops into the cool factor. Like Extreme Cloud Diving!" A white hoof shot up into the air. "Yes. Member Sweetie Belle has something to say?" Said filly nodded. "Twilight won't let us use her cloud walking spell again after our last cloud related adventure." "Oh yeah..." Scootaloo tapped her chin. "Wonder if they got all that jam out of them by now..." A deep sigh pulled the orange filly out of her thoughts, her eyebrow raising slightly at the culprit. "You have something to add, Member Applebloom?" Said filly's gaze shifted over to her pegasus friend. "Huh? Oh. No. Not really. Just thinking." "About your coltfriend?" Sweetie Belle teased as she poked Applebloom's cheek. "Of course it's about Sora." Scootaloo added, her tone playful as well. "She's been distracted ever since he left." The apple filly blushed deeply as she looked away frowning, though she did not deny the question. "I'm just worried about him ya know. After what happened last time ah don't see how he can just...just...Do it again like nothing is wrong." The other fillies lowered their heads, thoughts of their experiences back in the Crystal Empire in their minds. "Well...I mean..." Scootaloo began, trying her best to find the words she needed. What could a filly like her say though. She hated the fact that Sora got hurt so badly like that too. If it had been Rainbow Dash in his position, she didn't even know how she would handle it. She was amazed that Applebloom was holding herself up well to know. The pegasus sighed heavily. "It does kinda suck that we can't help Sora like the others can. If we had keyblades of our own, I'm pretty sure that no pony would be able to stand up team Scootaloo." "Wait a moment." Sweetie Belle squeaked, "How come we have to be called that stupid name?" "Well duh. Because I'm the leader of the group." Scoots smirked. "I mean I am the fastest of us. And Rainbow Dash always says the fastest always wins. And it not stupid! You....Stupid!" "Not if it was a slowest race. The last one to cross the finish line would be the winner then. And Who would follow you!?" "Everypony would follow me! And why the heck would anyone want to be in a slowest race?! That's like, the anteeth...anti...ta..." "Antithesis?" "You dictionary!" "How can you call me a dictionary when you were trying to say it first!" "Because you said it better!" "What does that even mean!?" Seeing that her two friends were quite busy with their latest arguments, Applebloom decided that now was a good time to get some air. Making her way down the treehouse the little filly would allow herself to sit upon the soft grass under the shade of a nearby tree, her gaze watching the wind shift between the apple trees. “Stupid heartless...ah can’t even invite Sora to the family runion…'' The little mare grumbled softly. Even if she had just heard about it today, something like that would have been the perfect place to tell Sora everything just like she planned. The two of them walking though the apple trees, the filly leaning against him for comfort. No pony else to get in the way. It would have been a perfect day in her eyes. The yellow filly released another deep seeded sigh. “I just hope ya doing fine...wherever ya are.” > Trouble in Trottingham Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony Trouble in Trottingham Part 3 Start Music On Green and Stop Music on Red Equestria Just outside the dark shield around Trottingham The feeling of morning's dew would drip onto Sora’s muzzle from a leaf above, stirring the young stallion from his deep slumber. Yawning softly, he allowed his ears to pivot at the gentle whispers of the wind before allowing his gaze to fall towards the butter yellow pegasus sleeping soundly upon his shoulder. the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she slept soundly making his heart jump every so slightly, despite not really knowing fully why he felt that way. Shaking such a feeling away, Sora would regrettably nudge Fluttershy’s cheek with a hoof. The mare stirred slightly before joining him in the waking world, a soft smile playing on her face as she looked up towards the stallion with sleep ladened eyes. "hmm...Sora?" She would gently whisper, gaining her baring's. “Morning, Shy. Sleep well?” The young stallion asked her. “MmmMm...Good morning to you too, Sora,” the shy mare answered softly before stretching out her stiff limbs. As she regained her faquelties, the young mare's mind would drift to last night. The feeling of the cool air. The sight of the stars above. And Sora's wing, wrapping around her tiny frame as he kept her warm. She would blush a deep shade of red knowing that she would wrap hers around his body two in response. It all felt so...magical. The shy mare had never really slept outside like that before. It wasn’t something she would really do, even when she had to take care of hurt animals bigger than she was. If she was being honest, it was something she thought she would never do in her life. She would always be afraid of something attacking her in the night...or worse. It was one of her deepest fears. That is, until Sora came. Sleeping under the stars with the keyblade Wielder by her side, she couldn’t help but feel the safest she had ever been in her life, knowing that he was right beside her all this time. She could barely stop her wings from shivering at how much she enjoyed it. Fluttershy couldn’t help but find herself doing a lot of firsts with Sora. Sure, she had always gone on adventures with her other friends, but with Sora, it was the first time she actually wanted to go to someplace she knew would be full of danger, even if it was just for moral support. She knew she could never be of any real help; she might even get in the way. Still, her heart told her to stay with him. That if it came down to it, he would save her no matter what. She never wanted to let go of that feeling. And yet… The mare’s gaze shifted towards Sora as the boy leaned his back against the tree once again, her gaze becoming softer. Fluttershy knew that she really liked Sora. ‘I love him,’ she corrected herself, her heart swelling with pride, even if her statement was within her own mind. She wanted to say it over and over again, both to herself and to him, but something was holding her back. Something at the back of her mind kept telling her that right now… right here, in a place like this, saying something so profound would never feel right to her. Right now, Sora had things he had to deal with, things so much more important than her feelings right now. She had come to be his support and if anything she said right now could distract him, cause him to get hurt like he did back at the Crystal Empire... A hard slap to the side of her flank caused the mare to “Eep!” before she glared at the offending pony. A familiar prism manned mare snickered as she flew past her, rubbing Sora’s spikey mane with a hoof. “Morning Shy! Hey Hero. Lightning is looking for ya. Nearly time to save a town from those dark jerks and become even awesomer.” Sora smiled as he got to his hooves, stretching his limbs happily. “Got it. Better not keep them waiting then, huh?” The caramel stallion began to make his way down the small hill he and Fluttershy had occupied the night prior with said mare, almost too eager to stay close to his side, following right behind him. Or she would have if Rainbow had not put a wing in front of her butter yellow friend. “Me and Shy will catch up to you in a bit,” Rainbow called out to Sora, the stallion tilting his head at the pair before nodding, leaving his two friends to their own devices. With the keyblade wielder out of the way now, Rainbow’s smile slowly turned from kind into a rather impressive shit-eating grin. One Fluttershy knew all too well from back when they were little fillies. It was the type of smile that screamed “You know what I’m here for!” “I see you doing your thing, Shy. Sleeping next to your hero like you’re some kind of cute princess and her special knight on the run. Aren't you a sly little minx.” If Fluttershy’s face was any redder, one would have mistaken her for a ripe tomato. “”I-I’m not doing anything like that, Rainbow Dash!” With a stomp of her hoof the young mare pouted in the most adorable way as she looked away from her friend. “I like Sora, I admit it. I'll...I'll always admit it, but he has other things to worry about right now instead of my feelings for him.” Rainbow frowned as she tilted her head. “Wait… you mean you didn’t tell him yet?” Fluttershy’s ears splayed to the sides of her head as her gaze shifted towards the ground. Rainbow huffed as she stomped her hoof. “Gah! Wait here! I’m getting him and-” “Stop!!” The cyan mare reared her head back to look at her usually soft spoken friend. It wasn’t a yell. Far from it. Still, Rainbow couldn’t stop her wings from tightening to the sides of her body in submission to her friend’s tone. It was almost as bad as Fluttershy’s stare. After a few moments of silence to calm herself, the yellow mare spoke again. “Please… don’t. I want it to be me.” Her tone was like that of a gentle breeze as she continued, calm cool and collative. “I want to tell him when I feel like it's time to tell him. I know it's selfish of me to say that, but…” She paused as she pawed at the ground with a hoof, blushing brightly. “I want it to be special.” Rainbow as surprised. She had never seen her friend act so...In charge before. She couldn't help but be impressed with the shy mare. “Okay...Fine. You win, Shy. He’s your crush so I really got no say in how you do your thing.” Rainbow smiled at the at the butter yellow pegasus. “Gotta say, been a while since I saw you assertive like that.” Fluttershy blushed once again, hiding her face behind her mane. “I-I’m sorry…” “Hey, don’t apologize. A mare always knows what she wants and how she wants it. If you feel you need to let Sora do his thing, then I can understand, I guess. If it was me I would have just told him already, but you’re not me, so it's cool.” Fluttershy smiled softly at her friend before pulling her into a gentle hug. “Still… sorry. And thank you for not being upset with me, Dash. I promise I will tell him and you will be the first to know.” “Uhg! I don’t really care about all that love stuff!” Rainbow huffed, though she did not stop the hug from her friend. When they both pulled away, the cyan mare gave Fluttershy a cocky, smug smile. “But hey! When you do get married, I promise to tell all your most embarrassing stories at the reception.” “Rainbow!” ~ “It's about time you two showed up.” Fluttershy and Rainbow both smiled sheepishly at Lightning addressed the two pegasi. “We were just about to start the operation and I would have more peace of mind with everyone under my command close by when it does.” Fluttershy was the first to speak between the two, offering her apologies. “I'm...I'm sorry. It was my fault. Rainbow and I had some stuff to talk about and...I really am sorry, Lightning.” The guardsmare huffed as she turned away, raising a hoof raising to wave them off. “It's fine. Let's get started. My boys are itching for action and there’s a city that was needed to be saved hours ago. Sora!” Said stallion, along with the fashionista mare Rarity, made their way towards the small group, the Keyblade Weirder smiling softly as Fluttershy instantly made her way towards his side, though the shy mare’s gaze was more focused on the white unicorn. And for good reason as well. Rarity held her head up high as she sashayed towards Sora’s other side. She was adorned in a rather fetching, ruby red, no-sleeve overcoat, the length of it being just long enough to cover her nethers, but quite short enough for her tail to have free range of motion, white trimming running along the edge of the opening. She had also donned a rather nice pair of black, tight shorts that covered her rump, a hole allowing said tail from before to slip though. A short black crop top was upon her chest as well, covering her fluffy chest and only enhancing her allure. Against the side of the hood of her coat, a beautiful phoenix feather could be seen dangling off to the side, flowing ever so gently within the wind. The fashionista couldn't stop the smile that formed on her face as she spotted Fluttershy’s gaze. “Like it? I always had a special place in my heart for the color red, you see. I also based it off the magical knights within the Equestrian army. Might as well look the part while I play my part.” “It looks lovely, Rarity. It really suits you,” Fluttershy complemented, a kind smile on her lips. “Why thank you, darling.” Rarity laughed daintily. “If the fashion show is over…” Lightning interjected. “Then all of you get ready. We are about to start our assault soon and I would rather not get caught with my tail in between my legs. Sora Get into position. We are counting on you opening the way.” “No problem.” Sora raised his hoof, summoning his keyblade into it. “Just tell me when and I’ll get it done.” As Sora was gearing up for what he was about to do, Lightning turned to organize her troops. Rarity couldn’t help but notice that Lightning was every inch the commander that she looked, every one of the guards that were with her listening to her commands without batting an eye. “I know that I’ve seen her with her troops before, but Lightning really feels right at home in a place like this, does she not?” Rarity mused. “Tell me about it. Really hard to believe that she is even related to Shy at all when you look at them,” Rainbow added. Said mare blushed at the comment, looking away slightly. “Mom says that I’m more alike to her sister’s other child, Serah.” Rainbow’s ears perked at the name. “Oh. Oh wait...I think I remember seeing her sometimes back at Flight School.” Fluttershy smiled at the past good memories of said school as she nodded. “MmMmm. Some ponies thought that we were twins whenever we were together.” “Haha… yeah.” The cyan mare smiled at the memories. “And Locke would always try and hit on the two of you. You don’t know how many times I had to kick his-” Rainbow squeaked as she covered her mouth quickly, a hard blushing forming on her face. It was something that Rarity couldn’t help but latch on to. “Ohohooooooh~” The white unicorn couldn’t stop the sly smile that formed on her face. “I have never heard you talk about such a stallion before. Somepony I should know dear Rainbow?” Rainbow had a noticeable look of panic on her face at her slip up, knowing that this conversation was going in a way that she never wanted it to. With quick thinking the cyan mare would point towards Sora while yelling out a “Gonna go and hang with the hero! See ya!” before leaving Fluttershy and Rarity alone. “Oh my! Now this is something interesting,” Rarity mused. “Do you know who this Locke pony is, Fluttershy?” Though Fluttershy lowered her head, the shy mare would nod softly at the question. “I do, but…” “Ah I see. I take it that it’s a sore topic for the poor filly?” Rarity concluded. “She… really hasn’t talked about him in quite some time,” Fluttershy told her friend. “Honestly, this is the first I’ve seen her talk about him at all in such a happy tone. I wouldn't mind telling you about him myself, but I don’t know if it's my place to even say anything. He was more Rainbow’s friend than mine, and…” “Tut tut my dear Fluttershy,” Rarity reassured her. “I do understand. I shan't mention it again for now until she is ready to speak.” Rarity hummed softly as she watched from a distance as Rainbow fussed over Sora. “Still, to think that our little Rainbow had a crush when she was but a filly. I must admit that has me more intrigued than anything to find out more.” ~ “Ugh...Why are mares so strange?” Rainbow huffed as she slid a hoof down her face in exasperation. Sora blinked. “Aren't you a mare?” “You calling me strange, Hero?” The Keyblade Wielder sighed as he grumbled under his breath. “Annnnd I walked right into that one.” Leaving well enough alone, Sora turned back towards the wall of shadow not too far away from them, frowning. He couldn’t help the shiver that crept up his spine, his hoof clutching his chest as he remembered the feeling of darkness the last time he faced off against it. He knew that at the time he should have thought of something else to help, to not make his friends worry like that. Though...If it came down to himself and everyone else... “Sora!” The stallion snapped out of his inner thoughts to look at Rainbow, a concerned look in her eyes as she gently shook his shoulder. “Oh. Sorry. Was spaced out.” Rainbow huffed softly. “Yeah. I could tell. Get your head in the game, hero.” She smiled. “Need you to kick serious butt after all.” Sora smiled back, nodding in agreement. “I always kick serious butt.” His ears perked at the sound of Lightning and her troops making their way towards them, his smile becoming a determined frown. “And I won’t let any of you down’ I promise.” He gently placed a hoof on her shoulder before moving to meet Lightning halfway. Rainbow clicked her teeth as he walked away. “Just don’t do anything stupid again, idiot.” she whispered before moving to catch up with the rest of the group. Sora and Rainbow, along with Fluttershy and Rarity, stood behind Lightning, the mare nodding to four of them before turning to address her troops. Her voice loud and tone that of a practiced leader. “All of you mares and stallions know why you are here so I won’t waste pretty words and platitudes. The dark barrier behind me, as I am sure you are aware, is an act of aggression against Equestria , the people, and her princesses. I don’t know about you but if something threatens my home then you can be sure as hell I won’t stand for it!” She paused, allowing her troops to yell in agreement to her words before continuing. “These four behind me, despite their ages, have faced off against the ones who would stand against the harmony of Equestria. Three of whom being the Elements of harmony themselves. The last one, the boy with the key, being the one who was granted power unlike any other.” Lightning turned to face said boy, the young stallion nodding as pointed his key at the wall. To the surprise of the ponies there, sans Sora’s Friends, a key hole would appear against the darkness, and a beam of light from the key would shoot forth, a familiar sound of a lock’s tumbler turning resonating throughout the area. Just as the beam of light died down, a second of the wall would open, allowing unobstructed passing for any and all. Many of the guards couldn’t help but be amazed at what had just happened. Many of the best mages in their unit couldn't even budge the dark power that had kept them out of the city, and this boy, a pegasus no less, just used magic like it was nothing at all. Despite the questioning stares he was getting, Sora wouldn’t let go of the smile that had formed on his face, not paying any of them any mind. He would only point his keyblade through the door, his eyes filled with determination. “What are we waiting for!? We have a city to save!” ~ Equestria Canterlot Castle:Celestia’s Study Celestia sighed as she let the magic die off of her quill, setting the tool to the side. Even if it was the most tedious part of her job as Princess, it had to be done, despite how much she protested to Luna about it. Rolling the scroll, she gently levitated it along with the many others, each one with a sigil of one of the many races that call Equis their home. “Done. That should be it, then. I trust that you will be able to deliver them?” Prince Bloodblood smiled as he stuck his nose into the air. “But of course, Auntie. I trust my ship to be fast enough for anything. Rain, snow or shine.” Celestia couldn’t stop her own smile from gracing her lips. “Indeed. It is why I have chosen you and your crew for such an Important task, after all.” She paused as she turned her head away. “I would rather you not get yourself into any mishaps while you are gone as well. Your reputation is-” “My reputation has little credence to the plain facts that many are getting attacked by these... monsters. Shadows as it were.” Blueblood huffed. “It is where it needs to be and that is that, auntie.” He pulled a pocket watch out of his collar. “I must be going, auntie. Time waits for no pony as it were.” And with that, Celestia’s only nephew left the room. Celestia’s eyes kept onto her nephew, even as the door's close, a deep sigh escaping the princess of the sun soon after. “Blueblood…What am I going to do with you?” “We do not know why you would put up with his presence, dear sister.” “You have not known him all his life, Luna,” Celestia countered, not missing a beat as she spoke. She would however, despair at what she had just said, the mare quickly turning towards her sister as she materialized out of the darkness. “I-I’m sorry...I didn’t mean…” The princess of the moon raised a hoof, giving Celestia a gentle yet sad smile. “It is fine, dear sister. You do not have to apologize each time you make such a remark. Thou would do so near every day if that was the case.” “Yes... I suppose I would.” With the mood somewhat somber, the lunar princess decided to change the subject. "We have spoken with they keyblade w-...I mean...Sora...We have spoken with young Sora sister. I must admit, he is an intersting pony." Celestia smiled. "Is that so? Well I am glad you made fast friends with him. He really is a breath of fresh air is he not?" "Well...He has given me much to ponder in any case. His perspectives are...a welcomed one to say the least." She smiled softly, remembering her time with him in the dream world, even if he didn't. "Oh...Do tell little sister." The dark mare stuck her tongue out. "That conversation was a private one for us and him." Wanting to move past where she knew Celesita would try and take the conversation she put on a stoic face “In any case, we did not come here to talk shop,” She pulled out a scroll, handing it to her sister. “My spies tell me that the Griffon and Diamond Dog empires started to have their own troubles.” “Which is why I have little doubt they will answer my summons.” Celestia tapped a hoof on her lavish desk. “The Diamond Dogs more so than the Griffons, I suspect. Hopefully the abyssinians will listen as well. The Hippogryphs…” Luna huffed as she frowned at the name. “Queen Novo can rot for all I care!” “Luna!” “What?! She is a coward! She did not come when we needed her most and she will not come this time, either! Contect with holding up within that little hole under the sea.” Celestia leaned back into her chair. “I understand your feelings dear sister but despite the queen’s faults I will not have innocents attacked if I can help it; even if they are not under my watch. Especially when after Sora's story, we learned that heartless can thrive in the sea. I will not have innocents suffer at the hooves of our enemies because of the past.” The moon princess huffed before relenting on the matter. “They will want to see Sora for themselves, you do know. The Light that is the Key.” “I do, but it is not my decision to make,” Celestia paused. “Sora is a free pony...Human, and as such will have all that comes with it. He is not mine to command after all. Despite our role in the circumstances of his arrival to this land, Sora was and always will be free to help all who wants it.” “And yet, even after only meeting the boy a few times, I can already hear what his words will be.” Luna’s gaze shifted out the nearby window and towards the sky the was ever so deep and blue. “He will be tested, sister. He will be used. He will be abused if he even lets his guard down for one moment.” “I know...and It will not be easy for him. But I think...No...I know he can pull though, despite the hardships. Because he has friends by his side. And his friends are his power.” > Within The Darkness > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Within the Darkness Green to start music and red to stop music Ponyville Sweet Apple Acres “Thanks a bunch again, Twilight,” Applejack told the lavender mare as she began to put the boxes full of sweets into her fridge box. “With Granny Smith getting on in years and Big Mac being a total dud in the kitchen, having Mrs. Cake baking for us every now and then is a real big help. And what with the big family reunion coming up and all, it's helping us out a bunch and more.” “Thanks Isn't really necessary, AJ. All I did was deliver the food that Mrs. Cup Cake made for you and your family.” Twilight said as she waved a dismissive hoof. “And honestly I was on our way over anyway, so it wasn’t too much out of the way for me.” “Yeah! Besides, getting a chance to eat some of your delicious apples is always a good day in my book.” Spike mused as he popped an apple into his mouth. “Oh! And helping a friend and yada yada and all that jazz.” Applejack chuckled softly as her tail gently smacked the back of the drake’s head as she passed by him.“Good ol Spike. A true friend indeed this one is.” “Well ya know what they say.” The purple drake mused with a cheesy grin. “My friend’s food is my power after all.” Twilight couldn't help but roll her eyes at the drake’s butchering of Sora’s words. Ignoring the little dragon for now, she would turn to Applejack, a look of concern playing across her features. “I know how much your family means to you, Applejack, but I can’t help but wonder if it is really wise to be holding an Apple Family Reunion with everything that's going on?” Applejack frowned at that. “Ah know what ya mean Twi, and ah understand your concern, but ah think this is the best time to be having it no matter what others say. It shows those varmints that no matter what they do, they won’t destroy our way of life. All the Apple Clan agreed as well.” Twilight couldn't help but smile at her friend. “That's...really inspiring Applejack. I think it might even be worth a friendship letter to Celestia.” “Ahaha...ah’m only doing what ah can, since ah am just a simple apple farmer and all that.” The apple farmer answered modestly before changing the subject. “Anyways, ya say something about the Elements when ya came here, right? Did ya figure something out about them or something?” “Maybe…” Twilight answered. “It's rather difficult to fully explain the theory in full detail.” “Well then, just give me the cliff note version. Don't need to be all fancy with your words when ya talk ta me and all that.” “Well…” Twilight began, explaining the same thing she had told Her friend Pinkie Pie back at Sugar Cube Corner. When she had finished, Twilight couldn’t quite place the face her farmer friend was making. “Huh…” A.J. said after a little while in deep thought. “The way ya talking, ya making it sound like ah might get my own little blade like Sora or something.” “And like I told Pinkie Pie, that may or may not be the case.” Twilight assured her. “I’m still running test on them after all. Besides, we don't even know how Keyblades are really formed. I'm just going in blind at this point, throwing caution to the wind...which is both frustrating and exciting within itself, mind you.” “Hmm…” Applejack hummed to herself. “Still, knowing that Elements really are acting up because of Sora’s Keyblade really is something. Also remember, that it was a hooman’s keyblade that helped forge the Elements of Harmony.” The apple farmer tilted her hat ever so slightly. “And now Sora is here helping with this here Heartless problem we have in this day and age. Honestly, the fact that all of this is happening...kinda feels like its destiny?” “Destiny...Destiny...Maybe…” Twilight hummed softly to herself. “But...hmm…” The lavender mare slowly began to pace around the room. “I never thought about it like that, but it isn’t out of the realm of possibility. After all there was the tale of Nightmare Moon. In fact…” Twilight perked up as she turned to the farm mare, hugging her tightly “Applejack you're a genius!” Her orange earthpony friend couldn’t stop the blush at the complement. “Awww shulks Twi, ah get around.” She paused. “Remind me what ah did again?” “I have a theory, and it's all thanks to you.” Twilight told the mare. “Maybe it will lead to nothing or maybe it will lead to everything I need. For now I need to gather my things back at the Library. we’re heading to Canterlot! The mare grasped her little drake friend in her magic. “I’ll be back as soon as i can.” With a bright glow of the mare’s horn, both Twilight and Spike were gone, teleported away in a flash.” Applejack stood dumbfounded for a moment before rubbing the back of her head in confusion. “Ah...You’re welcome?” ~ Within the Dark bubble surrounding Trottingham To say that things started rather anticlimactic was quite the understatement. Sora had been the first to burst through the opening in the dark barrier, brandishing his keyblade in a practiced flourish as he did so; only to be met with nothing but silence on the other side. He would have been rather disappointed if it wasn’t so unnerving. The young stallion’s ears pivoted every which way as his gaze slowly took in the terrain. The gentle songs from the birds or the soft rustle of the wind through the trees was nowhere to be found. All he could hear were the sounds of clanking armor behind him and a whole lot of nothing in front. It made him… nervous? Anxious? On edge? No matter what, he didn't like it one bit. The keyblade wielder tensed at the feeling of a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to see Lightning, looking off into the distance of the forest they were within. “Easy. Take a breath. Don’t rush,” she said softly, “And calm down. You make mistakes when you get too riled up.” The keyblade wielder was quiet for only a few moments before nodding, taking in a deep breath before releasing it all at once. He could already feel himself a little calmer now. He smiled at the mare. “Right. Thanks, Lightning.” The Captain nodded back at him before turning back towards her troops. “Alright mares and stallions, set up base on the edge. I want communications with Canterlot up yesterday!” Sora watched as she went to work before taking one more deep breath then turning back to face his surroundings. He had to focus. No mistakes. Not with lives on the line. Now fully aware of where he was, the young stallion noticed that It was as dark as night under the barrier. Actually, that wasn’t quite it. Despite it being dark, and despite there being no moon to light up the sky, for some reason he could clearly see in front of him as if the sun only had a black filter in front of it. If anything, it reminded him of his time in the Realm of Darkness, and more recently when he had faced off against that crazy mare back in the Crystal Kingdom. That revelation in itself made his wings quiver ever so slightly in apprehension. Deciding to distract himself from that horrible time, the keyblade wielder went back to surveying his surroundings. In front of him, not too far away, was that of a rather normal forest. It actually reminded him of The Forest back in Twilight Town that led to that weird building that he, Donald and Goofy were sleeping within. “This isn’t… quite what I was expecting when we entered here. How about you, darling?” Sora turned to face Rarity as she made her way to his side, the pristine mare’s gaze drifting here and there, taking in all she could. Close by, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash approached, the former instantly moving to stick close to Sora. “It,” Sora started, “reminds me too much of my time in the World of Darkness.” “You are...ah...not talking about your time back at the Crystal Empire are you?" Fluttershy asked. "I, um… think you mentioned that and you friend Riku were trap in...in the Realm of Darkness?" “Yeah.” Sora nodded. “Me and Riku found ourselves in the Realm of Darkness after defeating Xemnas. We were trapped before a door to the Realm of Light opened for us.” Sora chuckled softly at the memory. “If it wasn’t for Kairi, I think the both of us would have been lost there forever. Not that I would have minded at the time. With Riku by my side, I was sure that it would have turned out alright in the end.” He paused as he lowered his head lightly. “That even if we were stuck there forever, I knew that I at least had my best friend at my side.” Rainbow huffed, a smirk playing on her features. “Hah. Well if i had to be stuck with somepony forever I can think of few other dorks that could fit the bill. Though looking after you would be a twenty four hour job. Kinda feel bad for your friend, Riku.” The caramel coated stallion turned to face the cyan mare, a look of mock indignation on his face. “And what's that supposed to mean? Huh? Huuuuh?” “Ha! It’s whatever you want it to mean, Hero,” Rainbow mused playfully, giving the stallion a light punch on his shoulder. “Still, I bet I could think of another pony or two that would have loved to be in the position of your friend Riku. Stuck together...with only each other as company. Alone...In the dark.” Before Sora could could ask who this pony was or why, for that matter, was Fluttershy slowly sinking lower and lower into the ground the more Rainbow Dash talked, his gaze shifted back to the forest in front of them, movement between the trees quickly catching his eye. Before anyone could say a thing, the keyblade wielder was already on the move, jumping over Rainbow and Fluttershy and getting in a readied stance. Dash raised an eyebrow at Sora’s actions at first, but soon caught on to what was happening, the mare quickly standing side by side next to the Keyblade Wielder. Even in the dark, the cyan pegasus’s eyes were as sharp as a needle. She, too, could vaguely make out the shape of a pony ruffling in the shadows. The real problem was she couldn’t tell if they were heartless or not. “W-what's going on?” Fluttershy timidly asked. “Sora… Rainbow Dash? Is s-something out there?” “I think so,” the young stallion replied, keeping his tone sharp and low, yet still having a gentle inflection just for the shy mare. “Fluttershy, go get Lightning. Tell them we might have trouble.” The shy mare nodded at his command, dashing back towards where Lightning and her guards were stationed. “There's a few of them coming this way, I think,” Rainbow quipped as soon as the shy mare was away. “I can’t tell how many, though. This stupid dark bubble night thing is making it hard to see in the distance.” “My guess is they are not coming here for a friendly chat,” Rarity quipped. “Would have been a welcomed change of pace if that was the case.” Sora nodded before turning back towards the forest just in time to see three figures crashing through the forest barrier, surprising the stallion a great deal. From what he could see, it was a mare and two colts galloping hard and fast towards him and his little party. He could vaguely make out a cape and hat on the mare as she drew closer. Honestly, the hat reminded him of Merlin, that old wizard who taught him magic, if anything. Maybe she was a wizard, too. Before he could think on it any further, Rainbow’s voice cut through his musings “Dear Celestia, you have got to me pulling my wing,” the cyan mare groaned with a roll of her eyes. “What the heck is Trixie doing here?” “That is an astute question, Rainbow Dash, but I think I’m more worried about the things chasing after her and those two poor colts!” Rarity countered as she pointed towards dozens of Shadow Ponies materializing from the darkness of the woods right after the running trio. Sora was the first to act, closing the distance between himself and the ponies fleeing for their lives. As soon as he was close enough , he leapt into the air with a flap of his wings before crashing down upon the nearest heartless that was just seconds away from catching its first victim, making it disperse in a cloud of smoke. The two little ponies, the colts Rarity mentioned, stopped in awe as the keyblade wielder began to engage the dark creatures without hesitation. “Woah! He- he's actually fighting them?” the oldest colt asked in disbelief, the smaller one upon his back looking over the top of the older one’s head. “Are you colts crazy?!” the pointy hatted mare, the one called Trixie, yelled. “We have to get out of here while we can! Who knows how long that crazy pony can hold them off!” “If you think that he would lose to some stupid heartless, then you don’t know Sora,” Rainbow snarked as she landed in front of Trixie. “If he wanted to, I bet he could kick all those heartless baddies flanks by himself with one hoof tied behind his back! ” It only took a moment for Trixie to recognize the familiar rainbow mane and tail. “Y-You?! Grrrrr! I knew I’d seen that egocentric rainbow hued hair somewhere before! What the hay are you doing here of all places?!” “Saving your derriere as it were, darling,” Rarity explained as she made her way to Rainbow’s side. “I know it's beyond you sometimes, but a thank you goes a long way.” “And you say I have an ego?” Rainbow huffed as she poked the showmare’s chest none too nicely. “It takes one to know one, buddy!” “Trixie calls them as she sees them. And do you really think the great and powerful Trixie needs help from the likes of you two?” the great and powerful mare asked with an incredulous tone. “The great and powerful Trixie needs no help from a braggart and a prissy mare!” “Says the biggest braggart and prissy mare of them all,” the older colt said offhandedly. Much to his chagrin, however, the show mare heard. The next thing he knew was the pain of having his cheeks pulled at none too nicely by said mare’s magic. “Be more like your brother and stay quiet when you have nothing nice to say, you little brat.” So distracted were the show mare and the colts that they didn’t see the heartless about to descend upon them until Rainbow pushed the two of them out of the way, lashing out at the heartless with a spinning kick with one of her hind hooves shortly after. “Geeze! If you’re gonna just yap, then get out of here,” Rainbow growled. “Can’t look after you and fight and don’t wanna!” She dashed off to join the fray, the mare quickly aiding Sora in his fight against the dark creatures. Rarity sighed as she helped the mare and colts back to their hooves using her magic. “As crass as she is, Rainbow is right, darlings. While I do have many things to say to you myself, I very well can’t let you or these cute little colts get hurt. Fluttershy and the guards are already on the way, so meeting up with them is for the best.” Trixie moved to get back up on her hooves, her eyes never leaving where Rainbow and that strange stallion had left. “Just...what on Luna's moon is going on around here?” ~ Sora’s blade struck out as he twisted his head hard, dispatching a nearby heartless in one go. Just as he landed, he lashed out with a hind-hoof, kicking another of the dark beasts away from him as it tried to approach him from behind. As it flew into the air, Rainbow rise above it, delivering a swift kick downwards towards the waiting ground below, causing it to crash into another set of heartless. With a smirk on her lips and a glint in her eye, the mare landed right beside the stallion, her wings spread wide in defiance against the foes before her. Sora chuckled softly before teasing, “Sure took your time getting here. Thought I was gonna do this all on my own.” The cyan mare scoffed playfully. “What? I thought you wanted to play the hero, Hero.” “I was more worried that you would have complained if I didn’t leave any for you to take on yourself.” Rainbow dodged a swipe from a heartless just before Sora swung above her head, destroying the shadow pony then turned to face the stallion with a huff. “You make it sound like I love beating these shadows up.” She dodged another attack, grabbing the heartless by its foreleg and tossing it away, back into the crowd of its kind, in one fluid motion. “Which I totally do.” “Long as you take them out then having fun shouldn’t be a problem.” “Don’t you know it.” The stallion and mare nodded towards each other before they separated, hooves and keyblade lashing out wildly at the encroaching heartless, taking them by surprise. Rainbow had flown into a crowd of the dark creatures with hooves outstretched, knocking aside any and all heartless that dared to cross her path. The mare would soon take towards the sky, catching one of the monsters on the chin with an uppercut, taking it with her as she went. Quick as her namesake, the mare zoomed above the heartless, striking it down with a mighty kick without hesitation. Before it could even hit the ground however, Sora lashed out with his keyblade, striking the heartless down before moving on to the next, his blade cutting down droves of the creatures with ease. The keyblade wielder dodged an attack from below, rolling to the side just as a Shadow Pony materialized under him, trying to catch the stallion by surprise. Before the heartless could even lash out again, Rainbow was on it, Drop kicking the heartless away before flipping and landing right beside Sora once again. “Geeze!” The prism maned mare exclaimed with an annoyed huff. “Where are all of these things coming from anyway? I didn’t think there were this many when they were chasing Trixie and those colts.” “Maybe there's a leader?” Sora suggested. “Usually there's someone controlling these types of Heartless. If we can find them we might be able to stop the flow.” The sound of a loud roar would cause both stallion and mare to perk up, looking towards the direction of the forest it came from. Both of them could feel the ground rumble and shake harder and harder as the very trees themselves seem to bend for some unseen creature. Before the pair could even come up with an idea of what it was that was making all that noise, a large being crashed through the trees, something the likes that neither had ever seen before. It was big. Nearly as tall as the trees that hid it. It looked almost like a dragon or giant lizard of some sort, one that was made out of metal and gears. Upon its back was an opening, and within that opening was a heartless. More than likely its pilot. Under the metal body of the creature was a cage full of little round balls with deep yellow eyes, rolling around without a care in the world within their contained area. “Is that...a heartless riding a heartless?” Rainbow asked, in pure disbelief. “Or am I seeing things.” Sora frowned as he drew his keyblade once more. “I think I'm more worried about the ones in the cage. Since they have a fuse and everything.” “Wait…”Rainbow gawked as she finally noticed the little creatures within the bared container. “Are those bombs!?” As if to answer her question the metal dragon opened his giant maw, both Stallion and mare stepping back as they spotted a giant cannon within it. The cage under the heartless rattled with life as one of the little orbs were sucked into a funnel, traveling a short distance within the dragon before blasting out with blinding speed towards the shocked duo. Sora had barely caught himself, quickly tackling his prism maned friend to the ground, causing the giant ball to fly over them, exploding shortly after a few steps away from the pair. Sora was the first to recover, after saving Rainbow, the stallion instantly got on his hooves and dashed towards the monster. I gotta take that thing out before it causes any real damage! The keyblade wielder leapt into the air before flapping his wings causing him to rocketed towards the heartless for a mighty slash. His blade however would only meet that of the ax-like tail behind the heartless, blocking the blow with ease. The tail would push its blade against Sora’s own, and still being in the air, the stallion was forced out of the deadlock. He fell to the ground awkwardly, unable to correct his landing as he slid to a stop not too far away from the beast. As he tried to pick himself back up, the dragon heartless opened its maw wide, revealing the twin cannons within. Without hesitation it fired, releasing two of the heartless shaped bombs, both fuses lit and heading straight for the young hero. Unable to get up fast enough, Sora lifted his keyblade in front of himself as he closed his eyes, hoping that the blade would take the blunt of the damage if nothing else. “Strike!” Sora opened his eyes to find a pink haired mare flying in front of him, her blade, something he had never seen the likes of before in his time in Equestria, sliced though both Heartless, destroying them in one go. Lightning landed upon the ground before turning to face the stallion. “Get up Sora! Taking a break now isn’t in the job description." Nodding dumbly, he jumped back to his hooves, standing with the mare as he did so. Rainbow would join their little party, the cyan mare nodding towards Sora as he did the same to her. All three stood, ready to take on the heartless before them as a team. It was well that they did so too, as many more shadow ponies would slowly slip from the ground below, the metal dragon heartless roaring loudly as he spewed flames into the air. Lightning would be the first to attack, her hooves quickly carrying her though the length of the battlefield. Her blade would slash though the heartless without mercy, striking out with precision with each blow she made, Followed closely was Sora and Rainbow Dash, both mare and stallion attacking the stragglers as they kept pace with the Pegasus Captain. The dragon's attention would fall to the one in front, that being the pink haired Capitan. It lashed out with its tail out, swinging to cut the mare down in two. Guard Captain was much too fast for it however, effortlessly sidestepping before lashing out at the base of the tail, severing the blade from its body. Just as she landed, the heartless would turn its maw towards the pony, ready to once again fire off another set of bombs. It was thwarted, however, as Rainbow Dash came rammed a shadow pony against it causing tis jaws to shut and for the building flame to fire back on itself, causing internal damage the the heartless machine. Despite the blast having sent the mare Flying away, she took it in stride as she laughed wildly, loving the thrill of the fight. The Rainbow maned mare would turn to catch Sora just as he was passing near her, latching onto his foreleg before swinging and rocketing the stallion hard at the monster. Before it could retaliate, Sora’s blade sliced right though heartless, the stallion landing with a flourish of hooves as the monster dissipated, releasing the heart trapped within it. Sora sighed softly before looking up towards Rainbow, who had flown to his side, raising a hoof as she did so. Giving the mare a smirk, he would tap her hoof with his own before turning to face Lightning, nodding towards the mare. “Thanks for the save, Lightning.” The pink maned guard shrugged as she sheathed her blade. “I won’t always be there so make sure you watch yourself out there.” She told him. “But...Good work overall. I can see why Celestia put so much praise into you, even if you are a little rough behind the edges. You too Dash.” The rainbow maned mare perked up at her name, the giddy excitement briefly show before she hid it behind an air of faux coolness. “Yeah...cool...thanks.” She mused as she swept a hoof across her mane. Sora, for his part, rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. “Hehe...What she said. And I’ll keep what ya said in mind.” He told her before watching the mare head back towards her troops. The Keyblade Wielder couldn't stop the dejected sigh escaping him as he looked at his hoof in frustration. “I still...gotta get stronger…” Sora’s mind was pulled from its inner thoughts as he felt a familiar set of hooves wrap around his neck, the feeling of Fluttershy’s body pressing against his own causing the stallion to blush profusely. She pulled away from him, her gaze shifting up and down his form as she did so. “Sora! Are you okay?! Are you hurt anywhere?” With the shy mare fussing over him as if she were a mother hen, Sora couldn't help but want to get slightly embarrassed. If it was anyone else, the stallion would have had something snarky to say back, but with Fluttershy, he couldn’t help but feel his cheeks redden at the thought of embarrassing himself in front of her. Which was rather unlike him. “I’m fine Shy. Really.” Sora assured the mare. “I promise, I can take a punch or two.” “I know.” the shy mare said never once looking away from him. “I just...I mean if I could…” “Dude, that was unreal!” Sora and Fluttershy turned to find the colts from before making their way towards them, the oldest one still allowing the younger to ride upon his back. Seeing him clearly now, Sora took note of the dull teal green fur of the older boy, the blond mane he was sporting tied into a long and neat ponytail. He seemed so much more bouncier than the younger gray colt, who would only look on with something akin to indifference. The young hero smiled as he turned to face the two. “I’m glad that you guys are alright. You guys sure are lucky we made it here when we did.” “You’re telling me, the way you dealt with those shadow things and that monster really was cool.” teal green said as he adjusted his collar. “Oh! But where are my manors?” Smooth as a feather, the colt would make his way towards the butter yellow pegasus, grasping her hoof into his own as he bowed gently, kissing the tip. “The name’s Zidane. Budding magician and wooer of fair mares, such as yourself.” Fluttershy couldn’t stop the blush on her cheeks at such bold actions and words from the young colt. “O-Oh...Ah...My name is...Fluttershy. It’s nice to meet you...I-I guess.” She squeaked softly before pulling her hoof gently away. “Oh my...a lovely name for a lovely princess such as yourself.” Zidane would muse. “To bask in your company, I do count myself one lucky colt.” Before the teal colt could say anything else, Sora would push himself in front of him, a gentle frown upon his face. “Yeah...okay. How about we get back to the others. Don’t want to keep them waiting after all.” Not missing a beat one bit, the colt would slip past Sora, his hoof locking on to Fluttershy’s own. “Then allow me to guide the way back. I would love to get to know a pretty mare such as herself along the way if you would accompany me.” “Oh...I mean...I guess It’s alright…” Fluttershy would stutter as she allowed herself to be escorted by the younger colt. The gray little unicorn would roll their eyes before following after the two, his horn giving off a soft glow as it lit the way within the darkness. As they left, Sora couldn’t help but feel the fur on the back of his neck bristle ever so slightly, the sight of the colt leading Fluttershy away filling him with a sensation he had never really felt before. At least...He doesn't think he had felt this way before. “Woah…” Rainbow whistled as she looked between Sora and the and the leaving pair. “Never seen that look on you before, hero.” Shaking out of his stupor, the colt would look towards the rainbow maned mare, frowning ever so slightly. “Huh? W-what are you talking about, Dash? Gah, Stop wasting time. We gotta get going. We have a town to save, remember?” He told the mare, his tone more than slightly irritated. Rainbow raised an eyebrow as he left before tilting her head ever so slightly. “Huh…” > Unlikely > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul Unlikely Within the bubble of darkness Just outside the forest near Trottingham “Where shall we begin?” Lightning walked around the table that her team had set up within her own personal tent. Though it wasn’t the first time she had been in captain mode, it was still an imposing sight to see, even with the fact that she was just a normal pegasus mare. Or maybe that made it worse, not too many guards under her command would say it to her face regardless. Rainbow, Sora, and Dreamdrop of all ponies stood off the side as Lightning interrogated the show mare, allowing the guard captain to do what she needed to do. “Trixie will do her best to answer any questions she can. Trixie is just happy that she is finally safe and away from those weird ponies.” The show mare told the captain. “Then let's start with what you can tell me about how you came to be chased by those things. Do you know what's happening in the city?” Lightning asked, the mare taking a seat opposite of the blue unicorn with the purple fancy cape. “Trixie, honestly doesn't know a thing.” the show mare told her after taking a swig of the bottle of water she had been given before the interrogation. “Trixie only ever saw those dark ponies and that was only when Trixie had reached town. Trixie had had never encountered anything like them in the forest, in fact she had not seen a thing by the time she had entered the city proper, but as soon as Trixie and the other two got into the forest after evading many dark ponies, that giant...monster attacked us.” She placed a hoof over her heart as she leaned back into her own chair. “Trixie and the colts only got away by the skin of our teeth.” Lightning leaned back in the chair she sat within, folding her forehooves across her chest. “I see…” She turned towards the Keyblade Wielder, “Sora you have anything to add?” The stallion perked up at the sound of his name, his gaze shifting from the open flap of the tent they were under and towards the pegasus captain, the daze he was in lifting as he did so. “Huh? What did ya say Lightning?” He asked with an embarrassed smile, a forehoof lifting to rub the back of his head, acting as if he was a naughty child getting caught. “I asked if you had anything to add to the conversation Keyblade Wielder.” Lightning repeated, her tone a little more curt than before. “O-oh...ah…Well...I guess there are a lot of weird things about her story, the Heartless in particular I mean, but it kinda lines up with what happened back at Ponyville.” Sora began as he folded his forehooves across his chest. “The Heartless I’m used to fighting would wait in the dark so they can get the jump on someone, So for there to be none in the forest is weird, at least for me. Though...I might have some kind of Theory for it.” “Huh? You have a theory?” Rainbow Dash teased. “Now this I gotta hear.” Sora gave the mare an annoyed look before continuing. “First...I gotta explain the difference between a pureblood Heartless and the other heartless.” “Is there a difference between them?” Dream Drop asked, the guards-mare raising an eyebrow. “They all look like monsters to me.” “Yeah. There is.” The Keyblade Wielder answered. “From what I remember from the notes a friend of mine took, There are two kinds of Heartless. Ones with the red emblem and those without it. All those shadow ponies we fought before, I’m pretty sure they are pure blood ones, cause they don't have them. But the one we fought in the forest here, that metal dragon, had one one of those emblems on top of its head. It’s the same with that Flower Heartless I fought back in Ponyville.” “Whats the difference between them, Sora?” Lightning asked, though a frown appearing on her features showed that she wasn't going to like the answer, whatever it was. Sora nodded before continuing. “From what I remember, heartless with the emblems on their body, they are man made.” He blinked at the looks he was given before adding, “That means that someone is making them instead of them being from the world of Darkness...at least that's what I remember from the notes.” Lightning frowned as she slowly sat stiffer within the confines of her chair. “If what you say is the truth then that means. Somepony is actively making themselves more Heartless.” “That's...that's not good, is it?” Rainbow asked. “More than not good.” Sora reaffirmed. “The ones who know how to do any of this...the only ones who know such a thing only exist back where I can from.” He told them as his frown grew. “And that, in itself, can only mean one of two things. That someone from my world is here making them come here, or…” “Or that someone from your world gave somepony the knowledge to make them appear.” Lightning finished for him, her hooves digging into the wooden table in front of her. “Trixie...is confused.” The show mare would soon speak up as she looked between every pony. “Your mouths keep moving but Trixie can't hear anything.” Sora blinked before he looked towards Lightning with a raised eyebrow. “My guards placed a silencing spell on her.” The captain assured him. “Nothing permanent mind you but a necessary precaution. We are talking about sensitive information after all.” Sora couldn’t help but look at her in embarrassment, forgetting that he was supposed to keep such information quiet, at least to pony’s outside of his core group of friends. “In any case that's not even the biggest problem.” The Keyblade Wielder started again. “There's more?” Rainbow complained as she leaned back in her chair. Sora nodded grimly. “While the Heartless usually take orders from others, they have a bad habit of turning against you if your heart wavers even just a second. The pure blood one's more than any other. I’m just throwing it out there, but the fact that more Heartless are appearing in the forest when Trixie said she didn’t see any until she came into the city means…” “That somepony is either losing or already lost their grip on the Heartless.” Lightning finished, her frown deepening. “In any case we need to come up with a plan of action before heading back into that forest. There could be more of those giant Heartless around and I will not allow my team to blindly get themselves killed.” “What? Trixie still can’t hear any of you!” “Then let me go on my own.” Sora suggested. “It’s my job to destroy these Heartless after all.” “No way are you going out there to have all the fun without me, Hero.” The rainbow maned mare spoke up with a smirk, wrapping a hoof around the stallion’s shoulder as she did so. “I got your back one hundred percent, those heartless don’t stand a chance when it's the two of us.” “Denied.” Was Lightning's sudden answer, cutting through the pair’s comradery without hesitation. “Out of the question. For both of you.” “What?! Why?!” both the Keyblade Wielder and the rainbow maned mare said at the same time, looking towards the captain in surprise. “Hello! Equestia to Trixie! Do you read Trixie?!” “Going into unknown territory is bad news no matter how you slice it. I’m not taking the chance of separating us.” “I've jumped into the unknown plenty of times.” Sora complained as he frowned at the mare. “I’m always going in blind when traveling between worlds after all.” “Well now you are under my command, even if it is just loosely. And after seeing the Heartless in action first hoof, I will not allow anymore surprises to escape my notice. Not if I have anything to say about it.” “Trixie still has to talk about the others in the forest! Can you not hear Trixie, you silly ponies?!” Everyone looked at the blue mare. “Oh! Trixie voice reaches you now. Good. Trixie was getting a little worried that all of you had gone deaf at the same time.” Lightning raised a hoof, which caused the twin unicorns behind the show mare to activate their horns, the space around the Showmare’s ears stopping their subtle glow. Now free from the silencing magic, Lightning would turn towards the mare, giving her her full attention. “Tell me about those ponies mare. Now.” “OH! Yes of course.” Trixie squeaked, nodding rapidly. “Trixie and the colts were on our way to a group of ponies that were not in the city. Actually they are part of Trixie’s old magical troupe group. They usually live outside the city so...I would guess they were not caught up in everything that happened.” “I see...how far away are those ponies? It would be good to get to them before the Heartless do.” The show mare shrunk in her chair at the hard gaze of the pegasus captain. “Admittedly...Trixie does not know. She was following the colts since they actually live with the troupe. They are part of the same group after all.” “Then we get the colts to lead us to them. Leaving those ponies on their own would be a mistake.” “What about the ponies in the city?” Rainbow called out as she sat up from her chair. “We can’t just ya know...leave them. They need help too, especially after what Sora said about whoever is controlling them losing said control!” “As of right now we don’t know the situation of the ponies in the city. We do however know of ponies outside the city who need help more since more dangerous Heartless are out in the forest.” Sora shook his head. “The longer we wait, the less time we have before said pony looses full control and the city becomes just like…” Sora growled softly before shaking his head. “Like I said before, sending me in there is the fastest way to defeat these heartless, I can do it no problem!” “You mean we can do it!” the cyan mare added. “You’re not leaving me out of this one Sora. Besides, the others wouldn’t forgive me if I allowed you to get hurt like last time!” Lightning slammed her hooves upon the table, causing everyone present to jump. “I make the calls here! Not you!” Pulling away from the table, her voice became much more somber. “I want to save them, I do, but the ponies in the forest are the bigger subject of attention. They may provide more information that we may need about what is going on within Trottingham and every bit of new information is good information. Sora’s ears folded back against his head. “But-” The captain frowned. “This isn’t up for debate. What I say goes here. End of discussion.” Getting up from the table Lightning would leave the tent, her two guards following right behind her as she did so. “Geeze...I know that she's Fluttershy’s cousin and she's awesome and all that...but she just shot down our idea like it wasn’t even worth considering.” Rainbow huffed. “Who does she think she is?” Sora could only sigh softly at that, whole heartedly agreeing with the mare. “Working with so many others is way harder than I thought it would be. Not even master Yin Sid got on my case this much.” Sora’s gaze would fall back to the opening of the tent, a frown forming on his face once again. “I...well…” “Hero? Something up?” “Huh!? No! I mean...I’m fine. I just...ah...gotta go.” Sora quickly exits tent, leaving the rainbow maned mare to look on with a tilt of her head. "Okay...somethings up..." Rainbow said under her breath before following after him. “Wait! Don’t leave Trixie alone!” ~ Upon exiting the tent, Sora, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie were greeted by the everlasting darkness of the night sky that the giant dome made. It was made a little more bearable due to the fact that Celestia’s guard had set up more than a few magical light sources around the camp and the opening leading to the outside. Sora was actually quite impressed with how fast and efficient they were with everything. “I see...so you need my help with finding my troupe? Sounds simple enough. And if we can save them then all the more power to it, right” The sound of Zidian’s voice caused Sora to turn towards its source, the young colt standing in front of Lightning with a wide grin upon his face. Despite his age, Sora couldn't help but note just how confident and in control he sounded. It honestly reminded him of Riku. He always knew the right things to say and how to say it. Something that honestly both helped and irked Sora in equal measures. He could barely count how many times that his best friend would get him both into trouble and out of trouble in equal measures. Honestly, despite that, Sora could easily find himself befriending the teenage colt. And yet… He knows he shouldn’t hold it against the colt...he knows that deep in his heart... Why is it that every time I see him near her... “Sora?” Said stallion jumped ever so slightly at the sound of his own name. Turning towards the source, he would find a familiar butter yellow pegasus staring at him with a gentle tilt of her head. Pulling himself together, the stallion would give the mare as gentle of a smile as he could, “Ah...Sorry Fluttershy. Was...was there something you needed.” The shy mare bit her bottom lip gently before moving ever so closer to the stallion. “I was just...worried about you. You had a...umm...You looked kinda...serious…” Sora Mentally slapped himself as his cheeks turned a deep shade of red out of pure embarrassment. Geeze! What kind of face was I making that even Fluttershy thought there was something wrong!? Looking away from the mare, the Keyblade Wielder scratched his cheek, doing his best to think of a way to change the subject. “Ah...Sorry. I was just...thinking about some small stuff. It was nothing too major so you don’t have to worry about me.” Fluttershy’s worried gaze turned into that of an adorable pout as her head shifted to the side. “If it's you...I don’t mind worrying about it…” Sora tilted his head. “Huh? What was that?” “I-It was nothing!” Fluttershy squeaked, her cheeks mirroring Sora’s own from before. Pulling the hood up over her face, the mare would continue. “A-anyway. I think Lighting said something about...leaving soon...and...Ah...I was…I mean I was thinking that...maybe...you would...” “Fluttershy my dear!” The shy mare squeaked before turning towards “Oh! H-Hello Zidane.” She turned to face the older colt fully. “D...Do you need something from me?” He seemed to be his every boisterous self as he made his way to the yellow mare, bowing deeply before speaking “It seems like we might be heading off soon. My friends back at the camp are waiting for me after all.” “Oh...I’m...um...I see.” Fluttershy answered before looking away from him. “You...um...must be happy about that?” “Oh I am. Making sure that every one of my friends are safe and sound is just one of my driving forces. The other is more of a selfish one.” the teenage colt smiled and winked at the mare. “I was thinking, since you are sure to be coming with us and all I was hoping that you would share the road alongside me.” “Oh...I mean...I...That is to say...” Fluttershy would trail off as she looked away for Zidane, her gaze searching for the other stallion that she had just been talking to only to find that he was nowhere to be seen. “Fluttershy?” Bright back to the situation at hand, the shy mare would look back into the eager eyes of the wide eyed colt before giving a gentle nod of her head “I...guess…” “Ah! Then allow me to get prepared. One of the guards took my weapon and I feel safer with it than without when we leave.” The shy mare could only nod at the colt before turning to where Sora had been just moments before, her ears folding back against her head. ~ Sora’s hooves took him ever deeper into the darkness of the forest. His gaze was that of both confliction and annoyance, not knowing which one overpowered the other, but knew that he had to leave, lest he said something he would have regretted. Rather that was for himself or someone else he did not know. “Sora! Dude! wait!” The sound of Rainbow’s voice calling after him did little to slow the stallion down, though his ears would perk up at the sound of her all the same. His pace would still be an even one all the same, not at all stopping. That was until the sight of a cyan blue pegasus’s angry features suddenly came into his view, an act that caused the stallion to fall onto his rump to stop from colliding into her full stop. “Dude! I told you to Stop!” The rainbow maned pony huffed angrily, “Where the hey do you think you’re going?” Sighing deeply, Sora knew that there was no way he get out of talking to the mare. “I’m going to the city.” Wasn’t a lie, but... “You heard them. I know those ponies in the forest could be in trouble too, but I just can’t leave all those within the city to get turned into heartless and I could have done something to stop it.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow as she spoke. “So what? You’re just gonna disobey Lightning’s orders? Just like that?” The keyblade wielder frowned as he cocked his head to the side, looking at the mare with one eye. “What? You gonna stop me?” The cyan mare’s frown turned into that of a devious smirk. “What? And leave you to get in over your head in trouble? I made you a promise didn’t I?” She punched his foreleg, not too lightly but still with modest affection. “I told you that if you were going into that city then I got your back, no matter what.” Sora shook his head, “What about Rarity and Fluttershy? Aren't you worried about them?” She smirked. “Aren't you?” Sora frowned and looked away. Rainbow smirked in triumph. “Rarity can take care of herself and Shy is way stronger than she looks.” The cyan mare told him after a while, waving a hoof. “If anything I would be the one in trouble if they knew you went off somewhere by yourself and I didn’t at least try and stop you.” Sora rolled his eyes. “Come on. It’s not like you girls have to save my butt every time you turn around?” “History would say otherwise, Hero.” The Keyblade Wielder sighed, knowing where this was going. “You could get hurt.” “And so can you.” “I might not be able to protect you all the time.” “Then I'll just pick up the slack for both of us.” “There could be dangerous Heartless that I’ve never fought before in there. “Are you trying to deter me or sell me on an adventure of a lifetime?” Sora shook his head. Seems like girls are stubborn, no matter the species. “Fine. You win.” Rainbow pumped her hoof. “Just the words I love to always hear.” The stallion couldn’t help but smile. If he was being honest with himself, having her here would distract him from Fluttershy and more importantly, that colt. Just even thinking about him trying to sweet talk the shy mare, he didn’t like the way it was making him feel. Shaking his head of the thoughts of the two, he would turn to Rainbow Dash, a determined frown upon his face. “Right. Let's go! We gotta town to save.” “Not without Trixie you are not!” The two ponies turned around to see a vary familiar blue pony slip from the brushes, the show mare struggling as she pulled her cape from from a snagging branch. Once free of the offending bush, the mare tipped her hat, giving both ponies a smug smirk. “What are you doing here?!” The rainbow mare asked, her tone of voice like that of a venomous snake. The show mare raised an eyebrow. “What? Are you hard of hearing? Did Trixie not just say she is going with you?” “No way!” Rainbow growled. “We don’t need some showoff braggart slowing me and the hero down.” “Says the biggest showoff of them all.” Trixie huffed in a haughty tone of her own. “Least I can back up what I throw down.” “It's called hyping the crowd. Something Trixie is sure you know nothing about.” The show mare explained as she growled back at Rainbow. "Trixie does play in front of an adoring crowd and not just some friends back in their hick hometown.” “Hey! I performed in front of the Wonderbolts before!” “And Trixie has performed in front of the whole of Manehattan in Pony Square.” The unicorn mare smirked. “Trixie can do this all day.” “Sorry to cut this short but we don’t have all day.” Sora interjected before Rainbow could start with the mare again. “We don't have time to argue. Ponies need our help after all.” The rainbow maned mare blushed at being caught up in the moment, quickly turning around and away from Trixie. “Yeah! So why don’t you just go on back to the camp and leave saving ponies to those more qualified.” Trixie smirked. “And do you even know where you are going?” Rainbow paused which in turn caused Trixie to continue her taunt. “Because Trixie knows a passage. One that just might make your journey all the more easier.” Rainbow turned to look back at the show mare before looking off towards Sora who was offering her an apologetic smile. “Ugh…of course it wasn't going to be easy for me...” Sora shook his head before turning to Trixie. "Right...Trixie was it? Think you could show us the way?" The show mare gasped. "Why! Trixie would be delighted to offer her talents to the cause. Now if you two would be so kind as to follow me." Now leading the way, Trixie would give the cyan mare a smug smile of triumph as she passed her. Sora would, in turn give his friend a shrug of his shoulders as he passed. Rainbow rolled her eyes before taking her place behind the two. Despite the set back of having a mare she hated with a passion working beside her, her initial plan was still on the way. Sora was acting strange and she was going to get to the bottom of it. No matter what. > The Calm Before the Mission > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul The Calm Before the Mission Ponyville Train Station “So Ah think Flutters sweet on Sora.” Twilight stopped all magical functions and more then likely some non-magical one’s at Applejack’s sudden admittance. The lavender mare, ever so slowly, turned to her farmer friend, who had decided to join her in waiting for her train to Canterlot. The studious mare’s mouth worked wordlessly as her mind tried to comprehend what she had just been told. “It’s hard ta say about Sora tho.” The farm mare continued, not at all worried about Twilight’s mental faculties. “With everything going on, ah guess ah can see why he’s not thinking too much about stuff like that and what not, but Ah’m never one to say never when it comes to matters of the heart, and Sora has plenty of heart if Ah do say so myself.” Twilight blinked long and hard before forcing her mouth to produce words once again. “I…what…How do you…I mean…” She shook her head before giving the mare a comically questioning gaze. “Why are you telling me this all of a sudden?” Applejack looked back at her friend with a smug of a smile. “Cause it looked like something was bugging ya and ah figured something to take your mind off of whatever it is might just be the cure for it is all.” Twilight’s ears folded back against her head before giving the farm mare an apologetic smile. “Oh…Ahah…I guess you could say that.” She sighed softly before towards where her train would be coming from. “I know I said I have a theory or two and that, but the fact that we are splitting up like this.” The mare shook her head slowly. “I don’t know if it's a good thing or not.” “Hey now Twi. Me and Pinkie Pie, we’ll be right as rain.” The farm mare assures her. “Sides, No pony is gonna mess with me with these bad girls right here.” she motioned towards her hind legs, emphasizing the point. “And with Pinkie Pie? No pony is gonna mess with a mare like that, not that any pony rightly can. She’s a whirlwind in her own right. Not ta mention Celestia’s very own guards being here to pick up the slack, what with our resident hero away saving the world. We ain’t got nothing to worry about in Ponyville and neither should you.” She smirked. “All ya need ta worry about is figuring out a way to stop those heartless fer good.” “Right…Of course.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks Applejack. I needed that.” “Anytime Sugarcube. Me and the girls. We always got your back.” “Hehe…I know you do.” Twilight gave the mare a sideways hug. “The best friends I've ever had.” Releasing the hug, Twilight gave the mare a mook look of anger. “Still…Didn’t know you were such a Jokester. What with that Fluttershy and Sora thing. Still, I don’t think it's very nice to talk about your friends that way, even if it was to make me laugh.” Applejack raised an eyebrow at the mare. “Who said ah was joking?” It took only a few moments for the farm mare’s words to sink in before Twilight’s eyes nearly bugged out of their head at that sudden admission, her mind once again working a mile a second. “Wait! What?! Really?! Fluttershy…she…And isn’t Sora…What?!” “Is it all that surprising, Twi?” Applejack muse with a gentle chuckle, patting the poor lavender mare on the back. “Ah’ve been looking at the way she brightens up whenever Sora enters the room. The way she always sticks close to him when they are together. Heck what really sealed it was the way she puffed up when that female guard friend of yours got all chummy with Sora way back at Canterlot. The look on her face was downright adorable.” “Woah woah woah…hang on!” Twilight exclaimed, still reeling from the whole revelation that she had never caught on to this information before. “Fluttershy…got…jealous? Can she even get jealous? I didn’t think that was physically or mentally possible.” “Was quite a surprise for me too, but a mare is a mare, no matter how shy our little yellow friend may be, and a mare wants what a mare wants. Ah reckon she must have made up her mind long ago that Sora was somepony special ta her. A pony just knows, I guess.” “Still…Sora isn’t…I mean…He isn’t…A pony…” Twilight trailed off, biting her tongue ever so slightly as the words left her lips. She didn’t mean for it to sound so... “Don’t worry, Twi. I know what ya mean.” Applejack reassured her, not at all judging the mare. “Even though he isn't a pony, he is a living, breathing, thinking being. In every sense of the word, he might as well be a pony like you and me.” Applejack shook her head. “Sides, Fluttershy is a grown mare. She can make her own decisions. Rather they are for good or ill will depend on both her and Sora.” Twilight’s ears folded against the back of her head at that, looking towards her friend. “You…Don’t think Sora would hurt her feelings too badly if he rejected her…do you?” Applejack shook her head. “When it comes to his friends, Ah do believe Sora would rather hurt himself than allow himself to hurt his friends. Still, this isn’t fighting against a giant foe or hundreds of Heartless he is dealing with. It's more of a battle of the heart, you can never know how someone will react when it comes to something like that. Still, we have to be there…for both of them, no matter the outcome, cause that's what friends are for.” “Hehe…Wow A.J, that honestly sounds like a good letter to write to the princess.” the Lavender mare giggled softly. “Though. I never expected you to give me advice about love. Seemed like something more down Rarity’s alley.” The farm mare rolled her eyes. “Ya can actually blame Rarity’s stupid romance novels, ta be honest. She let me borrow one of them and Ah’m ashamed ta say that despite how cheesy they are, they can be a good read now and then. Take all the stupidity out of them and they just might have some good lessons ta learn ah reckon.” The sound of the train coming into the station silenced any and all other conversation that the two would have gotten into, the heat of the soft steam lapping at the shoes of both mare’s hooves. “Looks like my ride's finally here.” Twilight said with a shake of her head. She turned to her farmer friend, smiling. “I'll be back, hopefully with the info that we need.” “Like Ah said before, ah trust ya Twi and so do the others. If anypony can work miracles it's our resident book horse.” Applejack teased, playfully pushing the mare’s shoulder. “Haha…Then I better not disappoint.” She wrapped a hoof around her friend in a sisterly hug. “Thanks for waiting with me again. Having somepony to talk to and take my mind off things really did help.” “Any time Twi.” Applejack mused as she tilted her hat at her friend. “Ah’ll be sure to save a whole heaping helping of pie just for you and the others when ya get back. We can make it a whole party. Ah’m sure Pinkie would like that.” “I’m sure she will.” Twilight, carrying her suitcase within her magic, made her way on board the train, the mare turning to look at her friend once more. “Make sure to check on Spike every now and again. I know he’s old enough to take care of himself, but he still is a baby dragon. Oh and make sure he closes up the Library in the evening. And make sure he doesn’t eat his weight in gems and ice-cream like last time. Oh! And don’t forge-” The doors of the train closed just as the lavender mare was just getting started, the train pulling off as the purple mare’s cheeks puffed out in a brilliant shade of red. The farm mare could only shake her head and chuckle softly before turning to make her way back to the farm. She had a whole reunion to plan for and less than a day to finish it, and as Pinkie Pie would more than likely tell her, ‘PARTIES WAIT FOR NO PONY!’ ~ Within a certain little baking store, a familiar Pink Party Pony smiled widely, though she didn’t know the reason why. Not like it had ever stopped her before. ~ Twilight huffed softly as she allowed herself to settle down after her little spat with the train. Taking an empty seat, the lavender mare pulled out a book marked with a familiar crown. She opened its pages, once again starting at the beginning of Sora’s tale. If the mare had not seen Sora in action herself, she would honestly scoff at the idea of such things as other worlds and the lives upon them. The dangers of the Heartless and those as of yet to show up Nobodies. Not to mention all that stuff about diving into the sleeping hearts of worlds long lost to the Heartless. If she had still been living in Canterlot she would have scoffed at such wild claims, telling the guards to toss the crazy colt into the madhouse. Now though, with all the adventures she and her friends had under her reigns, and with every new thing that Sora himself seems to show off, how could she ever deny what was plain in front of her. Now here she was, going off a wing and a prayer that her answers could be found in the corridors of Canterlot’s library. More than likely one puzzle piece among thousands of others, but still…it would be one more than she ever had. And whatever it was might just lie in between the pages of a book as of yet unread. She was just hoping that she could find it. Still, despite that, she smiled as her gaze fell upon the words within Sora’s story. They spoke of worlds unlike her own, and things ponies could only dream of. One in a state of perpetual Nightmare Night, and another where creatures lived deep within the oceans of their world. There was even a world where he had to jump into a book to enter. She was really intrigued with that one. The thoughts of recreating a spell like it even came to her mind. And lets not forget about the inhabitants that he spoke to there, The plush little bear who wanted honey. Mama kangaroo doting over her son. Even the old rabbit planting his garden. They all seemed like really good…creatures. She was sure that Fluttershy would be head of hooves in visiting such a place one day. I bet Rarity would have loved to visit that princess Sora met...Belle was her? Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie…What kind of worlds would they want to see. Twilight knew the world she wanted to visit was the one in the computer, It just seemed too much of an amazing experience to pass up. Though she hoped she didn't meet that master computer pony. “That world too had a heart. Just like all the rest he had been to.” The lavender mare said softly, the reality of it all slowly hitting her, despite her calm mood. “Every world, no matter how big or how small, is special. And that means ours too, and it is being threatened by the darkness of those who control the Heartless…all for…The Heart of all worlds. Kingdom Hearts.” The gentle lull of the wheels of the train running along the tracks pulled the mare into a gentle respite. If she was going to help Sora save Equestria from this unknown darkness, then she had best get to rest while she could. Something in the deepest parts of her mind told her that the story had just begun. And that she was going to need all the rest that she could get. > Connected > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Connected Green to start music and red to stop music Woods near Trottingham Near the Opening of the Black Dome “What do you mean they are gone, Fluttershy?” Fluttershy epped as she was confronted by the captain of the guard, also known as her very very angry cousin Lightning. The shy mare shivered under an intense gaze that her cousin, something that both she and her other cousin, Serah had been on the end of. “W-Well…The thing is…” She began after swallowing the lump in her throat. “Sora and the others…Rainbow and that blue show mare…Trixie…They hadn’t followed me and Zidane…so I went back for them…but…all I saw was this note in the dirt. I know Rainbow’s hoof writing so I knew right away it was her. She is kinda sloppy but I can read it. It said…that she was going after Sora.” Lightning released a deep sigh, rubbing a hoof down her face. “And the reason you only decided to tell me now, after a full thirty minutes mind you, was because?” She left the question hanging in the air, pretty much demanding that Fluttershy better give a pretty dang good reason for such a major slip up. The shy mare looked away from her cousin, a blush of embarrassment hitting her cheeks as she tried to make herself as small as possible under the intense gaze of the older mare. “I…It was because…I mean…I thought that would have been back by now. Rainbow did say she was going to get him and…I thought that…I thought that she would…” The shy mare trailed off, looking down at the dirt between her hooves. “I’m sorry…if I had known that they would run off then…” The guard captain held up a hoof to silence the shy mare, her free hoof rubbing at her temple as if to strive off an oncoming headache. “No…Don’t. It’s not your fault, Fluttershy. The Princess warned me how “passionate” the Keyblade Wielder is to his ideals…and Rainbow Dash, despite being the element of loyalty, is still a hot headed little filly. Leaving the two of them together was bound to cause problems. It was my lack of judgment that we are in this situation now. Now he’s out there galavanting around, playing the hero.” Despite Lightning seemingly taking the full blame as to what happened, there was something about the way she said it that rubbed the butter yellow mare the wrong way. It didn’t matter if Lightning was right…or…if she was family…she couldn’t let what she said slide…could she? Her mouth worked wordlessly for only a moment before the words began spilling out. “I know you are angry but…uh…maybe…We should trust Sora and Rainbow Dash.” She knew she had the mare’s attention as soon as the words left her mouth, though she continued, despite the raised eyebrow questioning gaze the mare had given her. “Sora is…He’s traveled worlds and took on many bad guys before even meeting us. And Rainbow Dash…she’s a bit brash, but she wouldn’t do something if it meant putting others lives in danger. I think…I think the two of them are just doing what think is right…not to hurt anypopny.” Lightning clicked her teeth. “It’s not about them doing what is right, Fluttershy. It’s about following orders. Just throwing yourself into the unknown, no matter how many times you do it and coming out unscathed, is just asking for trouble. And the enemy is willing to trap, cripple and kill to get what they want.” Her gaze fell on the shy yellow mare. “Not only that, but they involved a civilian in their crazy plans. How can you expect me to just allow this to slide without repercussions? Reckless actions like theirs must be stopped before they get someone hurt. I’m sure you know all about that with your recent endeavors.” Fluttershy lowered her ears even further as she cast her gaze back down to the dirt road below, recalling the time back at the Crystal Empire all too clearly. It really was luck that no one died in the end. She couldn’t count the times she was just a hair’s breadth from meeting her own demise…And yet… “I…I believe in Sora…”The shy mare said softly, looking back up at the mare from behind the pink curtain of her mane. “He won’t let himself lose…And…And even if he does fall down. Me and the others will be there to pick him up. So…please…can you please trust in the pony that trusts in him?” Lightning would cast her gaze back down at the unusually determined mare as she fished speaking, her eyes widening only slightly before releasing a heavy sigh as she looked away from the mare. Her expression was one of both annoyance and resignation. “Geeze…not you too…You’re just as bad as my sister…” She whispered softly to herself. Before Fluttershy could even ask what she meant by that the guard captain turned from her, making her way back to those under her command. “I’ll send some ponies after them,” The captain raised a hoof to stop any complaints that the mare would have had before continuing. “After, we secure the encampment Zidane is leading us to. While I do not like it, having somepony check on things back at the city would be a good thing. Maybe he will even surprise me and come back with intel instead of going in hooves first into danger. But I am not holding my breath on that.” Her gaze fell back to the mare as she turned her head. “To be sure though, I will give all three of them a very…very…long discussion on a great many things. Of that you can be sure of, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy’s ears perked at Lightning's words as she watched her cousin leave, not quite knowing how to take everything she said fully, but she was happy nonetheless that Lightning was willing to give Sora…and Rainbow Dash a chance on whatever it was that they were doing …but… “What are you doing Sora?” She whispered softly to herself. Why had he left in the first place? Why didn’t he tell her and Rarity? Sure, she didn’t know what she and Rarity could do if they had gone along with them. They weren’t fighters…well…Rarity seems to know a thing or two when it came to hoof work and spells but they would always stand on the sidelines while Applejack and Rainbow Dash did the heavy lifting. Heck, even Twilight and Pinkie Pie could hold their own if they needed to. Still, even if that was the reason, it didn’t make her feel any better about it. “A bit for your thoughts princess?” The shy mare epped at the sudden voice of the young colt, Zidan, right behind her. Turning to face the young performer, she would shake her head slowly. “I’m…I mean…Just…Worried…” The colt tilted his head before giving the mare a mischievous look. “Let me guess. Is it about a certain young stallion? Spiky brown hair? Goofy looking face. Has that giant key as a weapon?” Fluttershy’s gaze would snap towards the young stallion as he spoke, the sight of the teasing grin on his face making her cheeks turn a shade a hot pink. “I…I mean…I don’t…what I mean to say…” She stuttered wildly, trying her best to think of something to say. “Haha…on the mark as usual. Am I good or am I good? Mark another one up for Z.” The colt would dramatically place a hoof on top of his head, almost as if he was to faint. “Still, it pains my heart to forgo a mare as strikingly beautiful as you, but alas, I shall not stand in the way when her heart belongs to that of another. Though it pains me to have to give up a mare as strikingly beautiful as you my dear.” “Weren’t you just hitting on that white pony in red?” The voice of Zidian’s sibling would speak up from his perch on top of a nearby rock. “Uphuphuph! No need to bring up things unnecessarily, Little Brother.” Zidian scolded between clenched teeth, adding a bit of a stinging emphasis on the brother part. Turning back to the butter yellow mare he would give her a wide smile. “In any case, I have to say, spiky is one lucky pony. If I was him I would never leave your side for a second. And yet…you are here…alone.” The shy mare shook her head. “Oh…I mean…It’s not like…I mean…I do care about him...” She stuttered, trying her hardest to refute his claims, but knowing full well that she was, indeed, in love with Sora. “He has other things to worry about other than my feelings for him so…I don’t want to stand in his way…” The teal colt tilted his head. “Oh? You two aren't an item yet then?” He asked, his tone actually curious. “Why not? I mean any pony with a brian can see you had fallen for the stallion.” “It's…Complicated…” Was all that Fluttershy could say after a moment of silence, knowing quite well that the young teen was much quicker on the uptake then even she was. “Geeze…that's what all grownups say when they don’t know anything.” Zidiant complained as he rolled his eyes. “If you want a piece of advice from somepony who knows about love, don’t overthink it. Do what needs to be done. That's all there is to it.” He gave the mare a bow. “Usually I charge for my lessons, but for a pretty face, that little advice was free of charge. Do take it to heart my pink haired princess.” he turned and cantered away from the mare, already making his way towards the next female that fell upon his gaze. Fluttershy shook her head softly as her gaze followed after the young stallion. “He…reminds me of my little brother, A bit of a flirt…but…Maybe he is right? I know I said I wanted to wait…but…” Her gaze shifted towards where she had last seen Sora, a hoof gently raising to clutch at her chest. “Please…be careful Sora…I have…So much I want to tell you…” She turned, making her way to follow after the rest of the group with a new Vigor in her step. ~ Out in the wood near Trottingham “A-Ahchoo!” “Woah! You okay dude? Not gonna catch a cold are you?” Sora looked towards Rainbow, the mare looking at him with concern as the two ponies sat across from each other by the crackling fire. He gave the mare a smile as he scratched his cheek. “No. I’m okay. Just a bit of dust I think.” “Or maybe you are on somepony’s mind.” Trixie mused after taking a drink from her cantine. “Legend has it when you sneeze for no reason, somepony you care about is talking about you.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Pffft. That sounds made up. Like most of what you say.” “Trixie isn’t lying. Her mother always told her that when she was a filly. And Trixie’s mother isn’t a liar!” The blue unicorn retorted, staring the pegasus down with squinted eyes. Her mood would change after a while, the mare looking down at the ground below her. “Ha! Do you listen to everything your mom says?” “As any good daughter should. Probably something a brash mare like you can’t comprehend!” “Wanna say that within my hoof range!?” “Please! Trixie put you in your place once, she can do it again.” Sora couldn't stop the slight chuckle that escaped from him. “Hehe…the way you two fight. Almost seems like you two are best friends.” Both blue mare’s threw their gazes at the stallion. “Me?! Friends with her?! As if/Please!!” The two blue mares would turn to each other, noticing that they had been talking at the same time. With a huff from both of them, they would turn in their makeshift seats, folding their arms about their chest. Sora smiled awkwardly as he looked between the two angry mares. The two of them had been at each other’s throats pretty much the whole time they had been on the road. He didn’t quite know the just of what happened, but they seemed to have some kind of history with each other. At least, as far as he knew. Neither side would give him a straight answer on the subject. Turning his attention back on the fire, the stallion would gaze into the flames as the wood cracked and burned, his mind once again his own as his two cohorts started up on yet another argument. The three of them had been walking for quite a while before deciding to take a rest. Mostly at Trixie’s insistence. Sora, much to Rainbow’s displeasure, decided that it was a good Idea. Trixie had been running non-stop before meeting up with Lightning’s encampment. He could tell that she was getting tired and more sluggish the longer they trekked through the woods. With the fire built, part in thanks for Trixie and her magic, the three ponies would sit and rest for the time being, Sora knowing that once he gets to Trottingham, there was work to be done. The stallion leaned back, letting himself rest upon the soft grass below him, his gaze shifting to that of the canopy of leaves above him that would have blocked the night sky. The dome of darkness that entrapped them all was the only thing ruining any semblance of normality. Huh… Sora lifted his hoof into the air, looking at it with a frown. Being in this pony body is starting to feel more and more…natural? Is it the spell…or…is it me? He frowned, not knowing how to feel about it in either case. It was weird…way weirder then when I was a lion in the pridelands or a merman in the sea. At the same time though, it almost felt…good to be a pony, he thought to himself. Walking on four limbs was fun. Running even better. He loved the color of his fur and, even if he hates to admit it, he looked down right adorable as a pony. In a masculine way…Besides…every pony I met looked adorable. Especially Fluttershy… Sora blushed at the sudden thought of the butter yellow pegasus. Why did I think of Fluttershy all of a sudden? Well…it's not untrue. She is adorable. And nice…and cute…and her fur…!? NO WAIT! BAD BRAIN! She’s your friend. And you are just saying because she's a nice pony! He justified to himself. Sora frowned deeply, not quite knowing what to say. Fluttershy is adorable, just like all the ponies. So what if she pressed herself against me like that back in Ponyville…or that…we talked to each other nearly all night last night. It didn’t mean anything. I did the same with Kairi and that didn’t mean anything either. She was a good friend…that's what friends do…right? “Earth to Sora? You there dude?” “Huh! What?” The stallion sat up, looking between the two mares as they both stared at him. “Huh…Ah…were you talking to me?” “Well yeah…been calling you for a while.” Rainbow told him. “I mean I know you don’t have much of a brain but your ears should be working just fine, right.” She smirked at the stallion, cuing him in that she was giving him a good ribbing. “Haha…Yeah Yeah, I get ya Dash.” He mocked praised her before sighing. “No…I’m fine. I guess I was just too deep in my thoughts. Thinking, ya know?” “ANd what is it that you were thinking about?” Trixie would pipe up, causing Sora to flinch. “I…I mean…nothing much…” Sora told them, rubbing the back of his head. “Just…stuff and things.” “Doesn’t seem like nothing if you were ignoring two mares calling out to you.” Trixie surmised. “In fact Trixie thinks that you weren't thinking of nothing and were thinking of something you don’t want to tell Trixie.” She popped up for her position, making her way towards the stallion. “Trixie ever so loves good gossip! Spill!” “Like I said Trixie. It's nothing. Just…ah…” He told her as he tried to back away from the mare nearing him. “I was just…Thinking about what I’m gonna do when we get to Trottingham, yeah? I do need to find the one that's responsible for all of this, ya know.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at his words but Trixie would interject before the cyan mare could question him, the mare flopping onto the ground. “Gah…Trixie is tired of this whole mess. First my hometown gets taken over by some crazy pony. Then she gets chased through the woods by shadow ponies. Trixie just wants to be done with this so she can take a nice long bath. ” Getting up onto his hooves, the stallion would look between his two companions. “Then we better get going right?! We have a town to save and a badguy to defeat.” Both mares would nod at his words, though as Sora and Trixe began to take care of the fire, Rainbow would allow her gaze to linger on the stallion a little longer. Even though they had not been together long, Sora’s tells when he was lying was always obvious. “Just…what is with you hero?” I’ll get to the bottom of it yet. For Fluttershy’s sake.” ~ Canterlot Castle of the Alicorns It was late in the afternoon when Twilight made it to the doors of Canterlot Castle, the young mare, almost as if by memory, slipping through the doors and making her way down the familiar halls she had once called home. She knew it wasn’t that long ago when she was within these very walls, but it always felt nostalgic for her. How long has it been since I just…visited to see the princess? I should…come more often. If for nothing else but for a chat…Speaking of…I better go find the princess right away. She would properly worry if she finds out I’m here and didn’t tell her why. Nodding to herself, the mare would veer off down a nearby hall, making her way to where she believed the princess would be. It wouldn’t be long before she found Celestia’s study, the door only slightly ajar. Taking a breath, the mare would compose herself before gently pushing the door open, after knocking of course. “Princess? Hello? Are you here” She would gently call out, her head peeking from around the door. Just as she thought, the princess was within her study. What she did not expect, however, was the sight of her teacher, head in her hooves, eyes closed, and snoring softly under the afternoon beams of her very sun shining upon her. Her normally wavy mane hung limply from her head as she slept. There were only a few times the little purple pony would have seen Celesita in such a position, and each time it would surprise her more and more. Twilight always seemed to forget that Celesita was just a normal pony at the end of the day, no matter how powerful she was. In a way, it was both comforting and awe inspiring. Most ponies would treat the princesses of the sun and moon as gods. Maybe even more. At a time, the young unicorn would have done the same thing, but her time with her teacher, it was…eye opening to say the least. While she held the princess in high regards, Celesita would always imprint upon her to never treat her like she was worshiped. Teacher? Yes. Friend? Most definitely. Mother? She was like a second mother to be honest. But as a god. Never. She was always Calm and caring…firm when she needed to be but never so much so as to never take the time to tell Twilight when she had done something wrong. It was also during her time under her training when she had found out the princess was a bit of a prankster. Something that she still really isn’t use to. Smiling softly at a long lost memory, the young unicorn would slip into the room, closing the door behind her. Making her way up to Celesita’s side, she would gently press her hoof against the princess’s cheek, causing the white mare to stir. Her eyes flickering open, the princess of the sun would find herself staring at her apprentice, the mare quicking sitting up as she wiped a bit of drool from her mouth “T-Twilight! I didn’t…I mean…How are you.” The princess would ask, doing her best to pull herself from her sleepy daze. “I wish you would have told me you were visiting. I would have welcomed you at the doors myself.” Twilight shook her head. “It was a spur of the moment thing Princess…I should be the one that's sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb your rest. I just came to check on some things and thought that you could help point me in the right direction for something I’m looking for.” Her gaze would fall to the many papers upon Celesita’s desk. “I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything.” “Nonsense, Twilight. You are always welcomed here, no matter what it is you need,my student. I was just…going over some old dusty paperwork anyway.” Quick as a flash her magic would pile all the scattered papers that were spread around her desk before setting them off to the side. “Though if you don’t mind me asking, was it something that you needed?” Twilight nodded. “Indeed, princess.” She made her way to the front of the desk as she spoke. “I…I wanted to request permission to look at Canterlot’s book archives again.” Celesita raised an eyebrow. “Of course you can, Twilight, but whatever for?” “I’ve…been thinking about a lot of things.” The young mare began. “The time with Nightmare Moon…Sombra…Even Discord…and Now…Here with Sora and the Heartless. Ever since me and my friends gained the Elements of Harmony, it almost felt like…it was meant for all of this to happen…like it was…” “Like it was destiny?” The princess finished, looking at the mare with a raised eyebrow. The lavender mare perked up as the princess finished her theory.“Y-Yeah! That's it.Thats it exactly! I mean if you really think about it, everything starts to be put into place. The connection with the keyblade and the Elements. The Heartless attack soon after Sora appears in our world. It just feels like…” “Something is pulling your strings in one direction?” Celesita asked, cutting the mare off once more. “I’m I correct, Twilight? “Ahh…y-yeah…” The young mare answered meekly. “I mean if it is possible then…maybe something is written in…the old tombs in Starswirl the Bearded’s Wing…maybe…” “It will have the answers you are looking for…and if not maybe something to work with?” Celesitasmiled before slipping from behind her desk. “Twilight, I think I understand what you are getting at, but even if there was a prophecy, it would not hold the answers you seeked.” “But…Celesita…with Nightmare Moon, it told us about the elements of harmony and…” Celesita shook her head. “The prophecy, if you remember Twilight, said that Nightmare Moon would return, not about how to defeat her.” The princess gently pressed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “It was through the story of the Pony Sisters that you learned about the Elements of Harmony, and thus how to defeat Nightmare Moon herself. Even if you had not known about it yourself, It could have just easily been another pony and their friends to have solved how to defeat her. Even so, that was a gamble in its own right. The elements are, as you know…incomplete. They could have just as easily sent my little sister back to the moon…or worse…” “I…I never…thought about that…” Twilight admitted, her ears folding back upon her head in defeat. It was true though, The two times that she and the girls had used the elements of harmony, one cleansed Princess Luna of her Darkness and the other turned Discord the lord of chaos to stone. The effects were random to say the least. “Still…you did send me off to Ponyville to make friends way back when.” “I know Twilight.But it was not because of a prophecy but because I sensed a looming darkness.” The princess made her way towards the balcony, her gaze looking over the horizon at her kingdom. “The signs of her return were evident at that time. While I did push you to Ponyville, you were the one who saved the day with your friends, just like I knew you could do.” The princess smiled at her student as she made her way to her side. “It was because of you and your friends that I have my sister back with me today, and I will always be in you debt Twilight. But as for destiny…Maybe there is a prophecy about everything that is happening here. Maybe we are already running down its path as we speak. Of that, I can not say for certain…but…I do believe in the ponies I trust to make the right decisions, guide or no guide. And even if they mess up, they have friends to pull them in the right direction. Do you understand, Twilight” “I…yes princess. I understand.” Twilight answered, smiling softly before looking away with pout. “Still…if that's the case then I guess I just wasted a trip. I was all set to look for a destiny” “I would not say that Twilight.” Celesita disagreed. “Seeing my students again is never a waste. Besides, I have been reading your reports as of late. Something to do with the Elements of Harmony affected by Sora’s keyblade?” The lavender mare perked up at that. “Oh! That…Well I’m still testing some things back at Ponyville, but…From what I gathered so far, the Elements are emitting the same magical resonance as Sora’s own Keyblade.” “Yes…that is what I gathered from your report, Twilight. I suspect it has something to do with what Somnambula and Rockhoof told us about the creation of the Elements of Harmony.” Celestia acknowledged. “While I did not know them personally, wrapped in my training as I was, I did hear many good things about them from my Teacher. To think that they would appear before Sora, Applejack and Pinkie like that. It was quite the shock when I heard it.” Twilight nodded. “I know what you mean Princess. I was just as surprised as you were. Still, the fact that the Keyblade is affecting the elements in such a way…and for Applejack and Pinkie Pie to combine with Sora to make him stronger…it's almost like….” She gently pressed a hoof against her chest. “It's…almost like the magic of friendship…” “That…is a wonderful way to look at it, Twilight. One I agree with whole heartedly.Always remember Twilight…Your friendship with the girls and Sora, will always make you stronger. Your hearts connected will be the key, I at least know that.” “I will, Princess. You can count of that” Twilight paused before looking up towards the white Alicorn. “Princess…I…” She looked away. “About Sunset…” Celestia did not turn when the name was mentioned but her ears did perk. “My old student…” It wasn’t a question. “If our hearts are connected then…I…” The doors to Celestia’s study would open, the sight of Luna making herself known to the pair of ponies. “I am Sorry to intrude my sister, but I have word of one of the letters we had already sent out with Prince Blueblood.” “Already?” Celesita asked, her full attention upon her sister now. “The Kingdom of the Diamond Dogs are begging to meet with you. There…has been a major heartless attack.” Twilight would gasp at the news, her ears falling back against her head. “That…Can’t be…” Celestia frowned. “Tell me the details, sisters.” > Glimmer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul A Glimmer Green to start music and red to stop music Celestia's sun was slowly beginning to dip over the horizon when Apple Bloom made her way back to her home. Despite cheering up a little bit after playing with her friends a bit more that day, she was still forlorn about not being able to see Sora at all for a while. She had taken her mind off it for a long while when her granny and Applejack had pulled her for her help in sorting through a few boxes they needed for the Apple Family Reunion, even sharing a laugh or two as they looked upon the old photo album Granny had pulled out. Still, when night finally fell, and the little filly was back in her room, her thoughts would be her own again...and they would always stray back to the Keyblade Wielder. "Stupid Heartless..." She growled softly. "Keeping Sora busy...Can't even show him a good time at the reunion. Ah wanted Babs to meet him and everything." She groaned softly before turning over in her bed, deciding that getting some sleep was the best thing she could do for now. Maybe her dream world will make her a little happier. The sound of hoofsteps coming from the room next store would not allow her to do so however. She had tried to cover up the noise with a pillow, but when that didn't help, the little filly decided that confrontation was the better part of valor. Besides, she needed a distraction anyway Following the noise to Applejack's room, the little filly would open the door to find her big sister up and about, pacing the floor back and forth. "Apple Bloom...what are you doing up?" The orange mare asked, making her way towards her tired sister. "Ah should be asking you the same question, sis," She said quietly, watching as Applejack closed the distance between them. "All your shuffling was keeping me up...so...ah decided ta make sure everything was okay." "Oh...then...Sorry Apple Bloom. Couldn't sleep. My gears were turning in my head about this reunion and what not." The older mare sighed before setting herself on the bed. "Oh...that..." Apple Bloom sighed softly as she hopped onto the bed with her sister. "Ah was looking forward to it...ya know...to hang out with my cousin Babs..." The older mare looked at her sister, raising an eyebrow. "Was?" "Oh...no ah mean...I am looking forward to it..." Apple Bloom corrected herself. "It's just...Ah was hoping Sora would have been there. He never been to an Apple Family Reunion and...Ah was thinking of...showing him around. Introducing him to the family..." Getting their approval. The little mare added, though only within her mind. Applejack nodded slowly in understanding. "Well...Ah do wish he was here too. Ah also wish that we weren't dealing with those Heartless things..." The older sibling looked down at her dejected little sister. "Maybe when this is all over, the whole family can get together and show Sora some good ol Apple Family Hospitality. Heck, he is already like part of the family already...Though we are gonna have ta kick that lazy side out of him. Bet he got it from the Oranges. Just as sly with the words as he wants to be like em." Apple Bloom giggled. "Yeah...He was always able to talk you into letting me and the girls take a break when we were working hard. Even allowed us to ride on his back whenever we asked." Her smile would falter a bit. "Ah hope he's okay...He...isn't the most...well...I'm just worried about him." "Me too sugarcube." Applejack would wrap a hoof around her sister. "But don't you worry none. Rainbow, Rarity and Fluttershy will make sure that he keeps out of trouble. They gave me their word." Apple Bloom nodded before laying her head down on Applejacks's lap, pressing herself against her sister for warmth. "They better...Ah don't want to see Sora...I don't want to see him hurt like that again..." The older mare's eyes softened at the little filly's words, knowing exactly what she was talking about. Gently, she would let her hoof run against Apple Bloom’s hair. "Do...you wanna talk about it?" Apple Bloom flinched at her sister's words. "No…Ah…Ah mean…I don’t know…maybe…I just…" "You don't have to if you are not ready yet AB." her sister reassured her. "Just letting ya know I'm here for ya. It...no filly should have had to see what any of you girls saw. Just ain't right." "Ah understand..." Apple Bloom whispered. "Ah just...Ah just wanna make sure he's alright...ta make sure he doesn't go through that again..." Applejacks chuckled a bit at her younger sister's soft words. "Ah know what ya mean Sugrecube. Ah would like nothing better than to make sure Sora never gets hurt again. But that's just wishful thinking. Sora is...he's a Hero, Apple Bloom. In every sense of the word. Sure, when he told us about his adventures, he said he was just out there to look for his friends. But Sora is and ah think always will be one to put himself in front of others if they are in trouble. And that's because he..." She paused, trying to find the right words. "Because his heart is just too dang big for his own good. That's just who he is...hehe...maybe that's why his cutie mark is a crown. Cause anyone who would wear it should always put ponies before himself." Apple Bloom was so quiet for, the older mare thought that she had fallen asleep. It wasn't until her soft voice gently whispered out that she knew that her sister was nearly halfway there to dream land. "Will he...be okay?" “Hehe…you really care for Sora, don’t ya?” The orange farm mare was quiet for a long time before answering her sister proper. "Ah think he will be...because me, you and the girls. We will keep him safe, okay?" She felt her sister nod slowly before soft snores began to fill the room proper, marking the little filly as fast asleep. Applejack smiled softly before gently slipping her sister under her clovers, the mare gently kissing the little filly’s cheek. "Sleep tight little sis." She smiled as the little filly snuggled in for the night, the mare sighing softly before making her way out the room. She paused as she passed by Sora's bedroom door, the mare touching it softly with a hoof. "You better come home safe Sora...If not for us...then..." She shook her head. "Just come home okay." She sighed softly before making her way to settle in for the night downstairs. ~ Trottingham woods "Darling, are you sure?" "I...I think I am. I...I think I want to tell Sora how I feel." Rarity had been surprised when Fluttershy had pulled her away from the rest of the group that trecked though the woods, making sure that no one else could hear the two of them talking. She was surprised further by what the mare had to tell her. Though, she knew that it was only a matter of time before the yellow mare cracked. "Why Fluttershy, I think that's wonderful. You can't believe how proud I am to hear you are following your heart." Rarity praised, the mare pulling her friend into a hug. "Oooooh look at my little Fluttershy. To think that she would be bold enough to ask a stallion to be her coltfriend. If I didn't know you any better I would say it was Scandalous." The butter yellow mare blushed brightly at her friends words, genlty pushing the mare. "We...we won't be like that, Rarity. At least...I don't think for a while. I, um, I'm just going to ask him out...for...some lunch, maybe. I mean...I am going to tell him how I feel about him and everything, but I, um, want to take it slow. And I definitely don't want to overburden him." Rarity smiled as she gently wrapped a hoof around her shy hearted friend. "Why, I understand completely, Fluttershy. Taking it nice and slow is always a good step when it comes to the matter of the heart." The mare paused before looking over towards her friend. "Though I must warn you, you must not go too slow, dear. Playing hard to get with a stallion isn't the best idea either. But still, I'm proud of you Fluttershy. Sora is a wonderful stallion" She paused again, tapping a hoof to her chin. "Even if he really isn't a stallion stallion." The shy mare nodded. "You're right, Rarity. He isn't a stallion like we know...But, um, I think that, in some ways...it makes it a little bit easier? He doesn't have to judge me by pony standards and I don't have to judge him by his. I just...I just hope he doesn't mind that I am a pony." "Why wouldn't he, Darling! I've seen the way you two act with each other. You have nothing to worry about" The white mare reassured her friend. "Trust me, Fluttershy! Plus, I'll be there to help you every step of the way. You and I are friends after all, and I would never leave my friends in their time of need." Fluttershy smiled at the white unicorn. "T-Thank you, Rarity, I appreciate that." The shy mare was startled by her unicorn friend as the white mare pulled her close, cheek to cheek, as her eyes glimmered with inspiration. "Oh....Ideeeeeeal! You just have to let me design an ensemble for you. Something Simple and enchanting. Not too flashy, mind you. I do know your taste after all. Still, it has to be something that will no doubt catch his eye, of course." "Oh...Rarity you don't have to do that." The shy mare said, embarrassed. "Oh but I must darling! And it's no big deal at all, if that was what you were worried about. Just think of it as a small gift from me to the two of you." Rarity gave Fluttershy another squeeze. "Then...ah...I guess...think you Rarity." Fluttershy blushed even brighter than before, her mind running wild as she thought of what Sora might say to such a gift. What ever that gift was. Their talk was soon interrupted by Dream Drop, the guard smiling at the two of them as she approached. "Sorry to interrupt your little girl talk over here mares, but Lightning is asking for the two of you up front. Seems that we are nearing the camp where those who escaped the city are supposed to be." She smirked. "If I see Sora coming back this way, I'll be sure to keep him company while you two are busy. later." She left just as quick as she came, her canter as if she didn't have a care in the world as she barked out what was no doubt orders from Lightning to the rest of the guards. Rarity huffed as she watched the guardsmare walk away. While the white mare was still miffed at how Dream always treated Sora like a toy to have. She would have said something to her but Fluttershy was the voice for the two, pulled her friend away, leading her towards where the Captain of the unit was Rarity rolled her eyes. “I can’t see how you can be so nice to a mare that just clings to the stallion you like, like there wasn’t a care in the world, Fluttershy.” “I…well…It's not like I like her to do so…but…it doesn’t hurt to be nice to ponies." She looked away. "Besides, I, um, I think she just likes teasing him more than anything. I’m not worried about them if that's the case.” “Oh my…well you are a better pony than me in that regard.” The white mare committed. “Still, it's something you might need to talk to her about in any case. Sora is going to be your cute little coltfriend after all.” Fluttershy blushed deeply, pushing her friend lightly once again. “Oh Rarity…” Their little talk ended as they neared the captain. Upon seeing the two Elements of Harmony, Lightning would give them a nod before turning back to face Zidane. "Right...now that everypony is here, gonna catch all of you up to speed on what the plan is" She pointed from herself to the two elements of harmony. "For now, It's just going to me and these two that will be going into the refugee camp." "We...we are going with you?" Fluttershy asked, tilting her head as she spoke. "Thats right," The captain answered, "The last thing we need to cause panic within their camp if we can help it. The fewer ponies they see, the more likely we can get them to cooperate fully with us." Zidane nodded. "Now that sounds like a pretty good idea. Not that I can complain about it. Having three lovely mares by my side is something out of my wildest dreams after all." He looked Lightning up and down. "And I do mean lovely. Gotta say, didn't get a good look at you before but you really do have it going on Captain. Might just have to take you out for coffee after all of this is over.” Fluttershy saw Lightning raise an eyebrow at the teen stallion. It was subtle, but even after being away from her for so long, the shy mare knew all of Lightning's emotional tells, And it was though that, the shy mare knew that Zidane's safety was slowly dwindling by the second the longer he was within hooves reach of Lightning's blade. "Then...Then shall we go?" Fluttershy suggested, strategically putting herself the older brother and the mare for the little one's safety. "I...um...I do want to make sure those ponies are safe. I can't imagine how scared they must be after everything they went through." "Right..." The Captain's gaze fell to the teen behind Fluttershy, her expression completely neutral. "Lead the way colt." "With pleasure ma'am." He said with a bow before calling out over his shoulder. "Kuja! Let's go!" With a blink, the younger brother would pop into existence, landing on his older brother's back with practiced ease. With the brothers now leading the way, Lightning and the two elements of harmony followed after him, the colt guiding the trio down the dark dirt path. Fluttershy, despite her earlier bravery before, kept herself close to Rarity as they walked, the fashionista doing her best to keep the butter yellow mare from shaking like a leaf as they made their way though the dark forest alone. Without the guards at their back now Fluttershy could not help but fell just a little more helpless then before. Her gaze fell to her cousin, Lightning who was the perfect opposite of the shy mare, The Guard Captain taking each step she made as if she was a mare on a mission. Her gaze shifted from left to right, but her head barely moved an inch as she kept a close eye on her guide. Needing some kind of distraction, the shy mare spoke up, whispering to her friends beside her. “I…Do hope they are doing okay…” “Are you talking about Sora and Rainbow” Rarity asked, tilting her head at the mare. “I…well…I am worried about Sora, but…I have to believe he can take care of himself. And Rainbow is there, I trust her to keep him safe and him to keep her safe, but the ponies we are going to, I can’t imagine what they must have went through in here, all alone, cut off from the rest of the world with those Heartless...I...” She shook her head. "I hope they all made it out..." “I-I’m sure they are fine, Fluttershy” The white unicorn assured her her friend. “Ponies are much tougher than they look, after all. While I will admit that we do tend to run around and scream when trouble hits, when we need to we can stop up to the plate, as the saying go's. You are living proof of that after all, Fluttershy.” “I…well…I mean…I’m not doing anything special.” The pegasus tried to disagree, shaking her head. “I just…I mean…I’m still scared. So scared I can barely stand it…And I want to run away and hide and leave all this to somepony else.” “But you are here anyway, worried more about others than you are yourself.” Rarity giggled softly. “I have to admit…You and Sora have so much in common in that aspect. Maybe you two really are made for each other.” "I...I mean..." they shy mare tried to deny Rarity's words but she couldn't find any will to do so. She knew that her friend was right. The old her would not have done something as foolish as this. She would have tried everything in her power to run away. But...Ever since she met Sora...Had she become a little...braver? Fluttershy could only blush brightly at that, mumbling something incoherent under her breath as she kept her gaze down. The white unicorn would only giggle again as she watched as her yellow friend became a little embarrassed. She is just too cute when she is in love. All talking stopped as Zidane raised a hoof in front of them, a sign for everyone to be quite. His ears perked as the gentle murmur of talking could be heard not too far away. The colt smirked. "Oh! We are getting close. Gotta be right past the bush." He told them before speeding up his trot. "Slow down, down colt." Lightning commanded, though her plea was answered by deaf ears as the colt pretty much did the opposite of what she told him. With a roll of her eyes, she would pick up the pace, though only after signaling for Rarity and Fluttershy to do the same. As they gave chase to the brothers, the trio of mares would see Kuja and Zidane disappear though a pile of bushes, his voice clearly being heard as he yelled. "Guess whos baaaaa-ACK" "Zidane!" Fluttershy would call out, though it was Lightning that moved as quick as her namesake, the mare clearing the bush in a single bound as she pulled her weapon out, ready to face whoever it was that had the audacity to attack somepony on her watch. The sight of quite a few shocked ponies greeted the mare, but what really stood out was the griffin that had the colt pinned to the ground with a raised claw. The captain wasted no time as she practically flew towards the eagle-lion, tackling her off the colt. Lightning was on top of the creature for only a brief moment before the griffin kicked her hind legs into her stomach, causing the pegasus to fall onto her back a ways away. She grunted in pain but soon forewent any discomfort she felt as she rolled to the side, barely missing a strike from the sharp eagle claw that was aiming for her chest. The captain kicked out with her own hind leg, the strike being blocked by the griffin, pushing her a ways away with just once stroke. Before either of the combatants could strike back at each other, a shield was put in their way, stopping either pony or griffin from coming to blows again. "Enough!" Commanded a light purple unicorn mare, her horn glowing bright as the source of the sudden shield between the two fighters. “What are you two doing! What's going on here!?” "She struck me first!" The griffin yelled, turning her attention towards the unicorn , her glare looking as if it could cut diamonds. "I was about to knock her block off after she struck me for no reason!" "As if." The captain responded coolly. Her gaze switched from the griffin towards the unicorn as she began to access the situation. The griffin growled, "You were the one to attack me first dweeb!" "Only because you were about to strike down a defenseless colt griffin." "He's the one who came out of nowhere and scared me half to death!" Lightning raised an eyebrow at that admission, "And that is how you respond? Attacking a child?" "Shut up! I was just about to let him up when your sorry butt came out of nowhere tackling me to the ground!" "That is not how it looks to me." Lightning responded without missing a beat, glaring at the female unicorn with eyes that could burn through steel. The new unicorn sighed, her voice both soothing and kind, she tried to play the voice of reason between the two of them. "Look. I think we all got off on the wrong hoof here. Listen, This griffin here is named-" "Gilda!" All eyes turned towards Rarity and Fluttershy just as they appeared from the bush, both mare's instantly recognizing the hybrid eagle-lion. The griffin for her part was just as flabbergasted as the duo. "Huh? Who..." "You...know each other?" The unicorn asked, looking between the two mares and Gilda. Rarity clicked her teeth at the question before looking away. "You can...say that. We made her acquaintance back in Ponyville. She...was...Rainbow's 'Friend' if you can say that." "I see...I do not know who this Rainbow Dash is but..." The light purple unicorn released her magic, dispelling the barrier between Lightning and Gilda. "Forgive me if I am a bit...confused but, where did all of you come from? I think I would remember ponies as distinctly dressed as you within our camp." "Thats is because we didn't come from your camp." Lightning responded. "We came from outside the barrier." "You...Outside of the black dome..." The purple mare's eyes widened. "But...how...?" Lightning nodded before walking past the mare, addressing the ponies that had gathered around them. "All of you, my name is Lightning Ferron. Captain of the Twelfth Division Unit within Celestia military. We were personally sent here to rescue every pony we can as per the Princess's order!" The new unicorn gasped. "The Princess? I see." She smiled as she brushed past Lightning. "Then that means we are saved everypony. Isn't that wonderful news?" The ponies all began to cheer as the light purple unicorn turned to address the griffin, raising an eyebrow at the her. "Gilda?" The griffin scowled at the mare before speaking up. "Yeah. It's good..." She turned away from the unicorn, her gaze falling on Fluttershy and Rarity stareing at the duo for a while, watching as the former of the pair cowered behind the latter. She looked like she was about to say something but would flinch slightly, grabbing her head as she did so. "Gilda? Are you okay?" Rarity ask, moving a little closer to the griffin. The griffin shook her head before glaring at the pair once again as she brandished her claws. "What's it to ya, huh!?" "Now Gilda." The light purple unicorn spoke up, standing between her and the two ponies. "Ponies are just naturally good hearted. You did take a bit of a hit and they just wanted to make sure you were okay." The griffin nodded slowly. "Good. How about you go and start gathering my things so we can move. It seems that we will be moving every soon after all." The griffin would stare long and hard at the unicorn before nodding again, turning away from the three ponies to head deeper into the encampment. The unicorn turned to Zidane and Kuja, smiling at the two colts. “And you two. Running off without telling anypony was a really bad thing to do. I was ever so worried about you.” Zidane, for his part, looked away from her, not quite caring what she had to say, which Rarity did find somewhat odd, the mare tilting her head at the young one's behaver. It was the younger of the two brothers that spoke up for the both of them. “It is our bad Madam. Some of the kids were saying they were hungry, so Zidane and I went looking for food. To our surprise however, I guess we found something much better.” “I see…well…Since it was for a noble cause then I guess I can let it slide once. Still, Ill have to give the both of you a bigger lecture later when everything is done. Now. Go and help Gilda. She might need some help gathering my things after all.” When the colts had nodded left to follow after the griffin, The shyer of the two mares released a breath she did not know that she was holding, placing a hoof over her still rapidly beating heart. "Oh...my...I...Oh my." "Now, now, it's okay Fluttershy." Rarity soothed her trembling friend. "Is your friend...okay?" The light purple unicorn had asked as she made her way towards the two proper. "She seemed to be really scared of that griffin for some reason." "She will be fine, darling." Rarity answered, smiling at the mare. "She...just had a rather tough time with Gilda the last time the two of them let. Lets just say that...she wasn't so pleasant to be around as she is now." "I see...Well you don't have to worry about her if that's the case." The unicorn said with a smile. "She is a little rough around the edges but she is a wonderful friend to have especially with all that we have gone though. I know it was for a short time but you can't believe what we went through here. Having her here really made everything easier for me and the other ponies. Still allow me to say sorry on her behalf." "Well...I can Understand that darling, and thank you." Rarity shook her head. "Still...I'm sorry you had such a bad time. Those Heartless really are dreadful beast." "Heartless?" The light purple unicorn raised an eyebrow at the new word, "Is that what those things are called? Heartless?" Rarity nodded. "Indeed. Like I said before, dreadful beast one and all. It's lucky that we got to you when we did. With us and Lightning's Division here, you are in good hooves, miss...oh...I don't think I ever caught your name, darling." "Oh my!" The unicorn gasped. "Where are my manors?" She smiled as she held out of hoof to the two mares. "My name is Starlight Glimmer. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you." > Trio > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul The Trio Begins Green to start music and red to stop music Canterlot Celesita’s Study The gentle bubble of tea being brew reverberated around the room as Twilight sat with Luna and Celestia withing the latter princess's study, the sun princess herself setting the scroll down now that she had finished reading the whole of the report to the other two. There was a heavy silence as the weight of the words settled in on the ponies within the room, only broken by that of the small unicorn, her magic pulling the scroll towards herself as she looked over it once again. "I knew it was a high possibility," Twilight began as she broke the silence between them, her eyes scanning the entirety of the scroll in a single instant. "...That...That other creatures might be having the same troubles too. Maybe I thought that...Maybe...I..." she trailed off as she set the scroll back on the table, her ears pinning to the back of her head. "Honestly, I don't know what I wanted if I was being truthful." The little mare couldn't help but feel like dirt the longer she tried to process the information. Many Diamond Dogs had slowly been going missing over the past few months all across Equestria, the creatures being picked off here and there. Never in the same place mind you, but enough for creatures to notice after a while. And this was even before Sora had arrived himself, which meant that whoever it was that was targeting Equestria had been doing it for a long while now. If she had just known, she could have prepared better...faster...smarter...but now... "The news is disheartening." Luna quipped, pulling the mare from her dark inner thoughts. "But do not think of taking any of the blame yourself Twilight. Blame the evil ones who had brought such creatures into our world for their own selfish gains." "I...I understand princess.." Twilight answered after cringing a bit. Seems that she and Sora both ware their emotions on thier sleeves. Gently nodding towards the princess of the moon, she continued. "But still...For it to be going on this long. Didn't any pony say something?" Twilight asked. "It is a sad fact Twilight, but ponies and other creatures go missing all the time, whether we like it or not." Celesita answered with a heavy sigh. "Sometimes because they want to...and sometimes...because they are forced to." "But...can't you...I mean...Isn't there anything you can do about it?" The lavender mare asked the two princesses. "There has to be a spell...magic... something...Anything..." "Twilight, we are not gods as you well know." Luna responded curtly. "We may live a little longer than that of a normal pony, this is true, but we eat, sleep and die just like you. We don't have an all powerful seeing spell or such. Being omniscient like that comes at a terrible price, one most are never willing to give up if they had the choice." "And besides Twilight," Celestia continued, her tone a bit more motherly. "As much as I would love to help the creatures of Equestria, I can only do so through legal channels. That means that while I can request that we aid them, offer a hoof of support in their time of need, it is ultimately up to them to accept our help or not. I won't force my will upon others if I can help it, no matter how much it would break my heart if they refused." Twilight nodded. Though she understood why, she hated the reasons all the same. "Still...they did reach out to us. Asking for our help. So we have to help them. Right?" "Indeed Twilight. An official answer to the summons by both of the Queens of their respective regions it seems." Celestia held up two different scrolls in the air, both marked with a different colored paw print. "One from Queen Katherina Proudpaws." "And the other is from Queen Jennino Lanternlight." Luna continued for her sister. "Both are regents of their respective areas of Caninia. Sisters if you are wondering about their relationship. I have yet to meet with them myself but Celesita had been on missions of diplomacy to Caninia when it was still whole." "Still whole...did...something happen to it?" The unicorn asked, tilting her head. "I do not know the full story, only bits and pieces here. Not enough to tell you if its true or not however." The sun princess admitted. "But I'm sure that everything will come to light during our meeting proper with the two monarchs." "The first of many we hope." Luna confirmed. "We are sure the others will follow at the nip of their paws, seeking an explanation from the letters we sent them if nothing else." "Wait...So...You sent out letters to the other nations?" The unicorn asked, her ears perking up slightly. "Of course Twilight...Though...I guess we have not told you are anyone else proper yet." Celesita mused softly. She smiled as she turned towards her former student. "We sent out word to the other countries about the dangers the Heartless present, of course. To warn them is my civic duty as one of many rulers of Equestia. I am hoping that they respond quickly, just as the Diamond Dogs have done...but...time will only tell." "I...see." Twilight exclaimed, nodding to herself. Though, another thought came to mind. "But...would most of them even want our help. The griffins are a solitary and stubborn race after all, and no pony knows what's going on with the Dragons. I hate to say it but...talking to them might prove difficult" She gasped. "And then there's Sora...What will he have to say about this? Others finding out about his keyblade and how he is the only one capable of stopping the Heartless, I'm sure he wouldn't care about that but...I...I'm worried about what the others would do. Do you think they would use him?" "Hopefully no more so then we are using him and his power." Luna committed off handedly. Twilight's ears folded back against her head. "W...we aren't using Sora! He...Sora is our friend." The mare tried to argue but flinched back when both Celestia and Luna looked her way. "I-If you don't mind me saying...princess...I just mean..." "Of course I don't mind you defending him, Twilight," Celesita told her former student. "I am happy that you too see Sora as a friend and not as a means to an end, but you have to look at it from their point of view. Sora befriended 6 of the most important mares in all of Equestria. Having access to what he needs to complete said mission. Anyone outside of our circle would think that we are trying to keep him all to ourselves." "Well...they would be wrong..." Twilight argued "You and I both know that Sora would help them no matter what. In fact, they don't even have to ask." The princess of the sun nodded, smiling at her former student. "Indeed you are right, Twilight. Sora would spare no effort in helping those in need. In that regard, he is a kind soul. His want to help others is one of his most amazing qualities about him. If he had been born a pony and not a human, then I'm sure that he would have been a candidate for an Element of Harmony." "That is right dear sister." The Princess of the Moon added. "Besides, even if they do not ask for help, Sora's inherited obligation to destroy the heartless should be his one and only concern." "That's...true...but knowing Sora, I think he would want to help them anyway, even if it had nothing to do with the Heartless." Twilight surmised. "Of that we are in agreement, Twilight." Luna mused, leaning forward in her chair. "As mine sister said, he is a kind soul." She paused, closing her eyes. "Some would say almost to a fault. Still, If it is him then we already know the answer before the question is asked. And it is that reason that I am also worried. He can go where he wants...but the kingdom can also refuse to let him in under penalty of death...or worse. And we would not be able to stop them." "What!" Twilight gasped, "They can't do that! That's...that's..." "I'm afraid they can if they wish to." Celestia replied sadly. "That is why I sent out the invitations in the first place. To curtail such actions from happening, to show just how dangerous the Heartless are and to make sure Sora never has to deal with these types of politics...at least for as long as I can. I know that some creature...even one of our own ponies, might want to use the Keyblade Wielder in some way for their own ends. While I hope it is for the good of pony and creature kind...I can't help but worry it won't be." "That won’t happen! Not if me and the girls have anything to say about it." Twilight said, looking between both sisters. "Of that we have no doubt," The princess of the moon smiled at the unicorn, giving her a nod. "In any case, that is for the future. Right now, we deal with the present. And at the present, we must prepare for the Diamond Dog's arrival." "That's right Luna, even without Sora here to present his case personally, we still have a job to do." Celestia declared. "And it will help if we have somepony working closely with the Keyblade Wielder." The mare looked towards her former student. "M-Me?" The lavender unicorn asked, pointing to herself. She looked down for only a bit before looking between the two princesses, addressing both of them. "If...If you need my help then...You have it princess." Celesita smiled at that. "Good. Right now though, we must get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us and I'm sure that Luna needs to get to seeing to the nights." "Indeed we do sister." Luna mused as she picked herself up. "We shall reconvene later tomorrow evening. After I have a good mornings rest from tonight's duty's." She nodded towards her sister and Twilight, bidding them goodnight before disappearing with a pop of magic, leaving the student and teacher alone again. Celestia shook her head before looking towards her former apprentices. "We should get some rest if that's the case. I've already prepared a room for you at the castle." "Thank you princess." Twilight stood up, only slightly swaying a bit. The mare didn't realize just how tired her body was. Making her way towards the door way, she would pause before looking back at her teacher. "Princess...about that...About what I wanted to speak to you about before? About Sunset..." Celesita would pause as she picked up scroll. "What about her, Twilight?" Twilight shook her head. "No...later." She smiled at her teacher. "Good night Princess." With that, the lavender mare closed the door, leaving the princess of the sun alone once again. The princess sighed, looking though her window as the evening sun made way for the Luna's night. "Good night...Twilight." ~ Under Trottingham City Sora was the first to make his way through the hole in the wall, his hooves landing on the cobblestone floor below him as he slipped out of the well hidden opening. He brandished his keyblade, looking for any signs of trouble. Determining that he was alone, the Keyblade Wielder turned to the opening and called out in a whisper. "Rainbow! Trixie! The coast is clear. No Heartless in sight." Trixie was the first to slip out of the tunnel with a yelp, sliding onto her rump ungracefully onto the floor below. She glared behind herself as Rainbow followed after her, the rainbow maned pegasus smirking down at her. "You did that on purpose you cretin!" "I don't know what you are talking about." Rainbow denied. "Though a bit of advice. You really should watch your step when stepping through holes in the wall." "Just you wait! Trixie will-" "Hey guys, quite down!" The stallion interrupted, turning towards the mares. "Just because I don't see the Heartless doesn't mean they aren't here. They like to sneak up on you at the worst possible times so stay on alert, both of you." Seeing that his words were being listened to, the stallion would soon take stock of his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was the gentle flow of water down a pony made ravine. Making his way to the edge, he would gaze at it quizzically. "Where are we anyway? Is this some kind of underground sewer, Trixie?" "Eww! No!" Trixie responded with a bit of indignation. "Trixie wouldn't be so crass as to allow herself to wallow in filth. Besides, would a sewer have storefronts where decent ponies shop." The stallion raised an eyebrow at the unicorn's words before taking an active look around the area now that his eyes were adjusting to the low light. Indeed, there were many empty openings within the walls where a pony really could set up a shop. From Bakeries to clothing stores, it looked like a proper underground city. Honestly, a lot of it reminded him of Twilight Town with the way the structures were. "Woah...this is pretty cool." "And kinda creepy; what with no pony being here and all." Rainbow added, landing next to the stallion. "Almost kinda like a ghost town." Trixie nodded at that sentiment. "Trixie hates to agree with the pegasus but...It really is. It gave Trixie the creeps when she was here before...and Trixie feels the same way now..." Sora frowned as he made his way to a small little pony shaped doll, picking it up. It was properly a toy for some kind of foal, that much he at least knew. So if the toy was here…where was the foal. His frown would deepen. His thoughts running all the way back then when he first came to Traverse Town. Seeing that man disappeared right in front of his face after the Heartless attacked him. Did the same happen here? To a foal no less. Was he too late? His hoof gripped the stuff town a little tighter at the thought. It wasn't until Rainbow's hoof pressed against his that held the doll that he snapped out of his inner thoughts, his gaze looking towards the mare in front of him. "You okay, Hero?" She asked, her voice low so as not to be heard by Trixie. There was a look of concern in her eyes as she looked into Sora’s. "Huh? Y-Yeah...I'm fine." Sora told her before stuffing the little doll into his pocket. Snapping out of whatever melancholy he had almost put himself in, he walked forward, standing in front of the two mares. "Okay you two. There's no time to waste. We gotta find the one responsible for all of this and put an end to whatever they are planning, above all, save any ponies within the city." Trixie frowned at that. "Where would you even start? Trottingham isn't as big as Manehattan but it is still a big city. It will take forever for just the three of us to search. Trust Trixie. She knows." "Well, why don’t we just start at the center of the city, duh." The pegasus answered as if it was the most obvious statement in the world. "I mean it's where I would set up shop if I was a supervillain on a warpath to take over the world. I say we head straight there and teach that pony, whoever it is, a piece of our mind." "Wouldn't that be the most obvious thing in the world to do?" Trixie replied with a bit of snark in her tone. "That's like asking for anyone to come up and stop them." "See, that's the thing. Bad Guys like to flaunt their power." The pegasus told her. "Daring Do and the Battle for Sea City says that when you are the biggest and baddest, you gotta show off. How else are you gonna put fear into the masses?" Trixie raised an eyebrow. "And you rag on Trixie about listening to her mother. Better somepony real than a fictional book." Before Rainbow could give the showmare a piece of her mind, The Keyblade Wielder placed himself between the two of them. "Listen, with no real leads on where to go, the center of the city is just as good of a place as any." Sora stated before turning towards the unicorn. "Trixie, I do wanna thank you for taking us this far, but," He paused, looking away from the mare. "What are you gonna do now, though? I'm sure if you return back the way you came-" "Go back the way Trixie came. Do you honestly plan on leaving Trixie here all alone?" She asked, a bit of panic in her tone of voice. "Oh...uh...no I wasn't thinking that at all..." Sora tried to explain himself as she continued to look at him with worry. "It's just... It's gonna be kinda dangerous from here on out. I didn’t want to put you in any kind of situation where you would be in danger. We were lucky that we didn't see any Heartless on the way here but that could very well change now that we are in the city proper. I just...didn't know if you wanted to continue with us or not." "And you are kind of annoying..." Rainbow muttered under her breath. She felt the stallion nudge her side a little roughly. "As I was saying." Sora continued, smiling softly at the mare. "I just wanna let you know that if you go with us we will be dealing with the Heartless. I might not be able to protect you all the time. If you don't want to go, maybe there's a place you can hide out until we come find you...but..." "If that is what you were worried about then don't bother. Trixie can take care of herself if the chips are down." The showmare huffed. "Trixie's art of prestidigitation is unparalleled in all the realm of Equestia. Why one would say she is the best at what she does, hooves down. So I’m going with the two of you, no matter how much the showboat annoys Trixie. It is the best option after all. Besides, Trixie does not want to be alone again, especially within the heart of a city with monsters." "You can't be serious about taking her to the heart of the Heartless den, right?" Rainbow asked, gazing at the stallion in front of her. "Trixie has got no chance against those creatures. In the first place, can she even fight?" "Trixie as survived on her own through her cunning and wiles. She can do so in a team if need be." The mare responded. "Sometimes a performer must share the stage, even if she doesn't want to. I'm sure you know that tall too well." Rainbow Rolled her eyes. "Ugh..." "Well if you can handle yourself then staying with us would be the safest place for ya Trixie." The stallion held out a hoof. "Welcome to the team, Trixie." The showmare looked down at the hoof questioningly before raising her own, bumping hers with his in a gentle hoofbump. Sora nodded before turning down the long stretch of the cobblestone path. "Right. So which way to the center of the city, Trixie?" She squeaked as she placed her hoof back on the ground, the mare having been looking at it for a while after the hoofbump. "Oh…ah…Follow Trixie. She knows this place like the back of her hoof. She has travelled these streets al the time in her youth after all." She cantered towards the front, her confident stride evidenent her in gait. She smirked as she looked behind herself at the blue pegasus that seemed to be being left behind. "Come along, Rainbow Dash! Don't lag behind or we will leave you behind!" The rainbow maned mare would roll her eyes again, following behind the pair with an annoyed grumble. Unbeknownst to the trio, a pair of yellow eyes would watch them from within one of the darkened stores. ~ Unknown building Deep within the confines of a darkened room, a figure could be seen. A young stallion, trapped within a bubble, just like the one that had entrapped Twilight, but the main difference is that there was no heart above him. Looking upon the floating pony was a cloaked figure dressed in all black, his gaze never leaving the entrapped stallion before him. "Such pitiful things these creatures are...but...it seems that even the weakest of hearts here have the strongest of wills. Hmm...this does prove further study." He placed a hoof upon the bubble, receiving a shock. "Hmm...further study indeed..." The sound of hoofsteps would cause the figure to call out behind him, addressing the orange furred mare that had come into the room. "Wonderful is it not?" The mare would pause, thinking over what she was going to say before speaking. "What is sir?" "The heart of course." The figure said matter-of-factly. "Despite it being so weak it can cause the most trouble out of anything alive. Though...I guess I don't have to tell you that now do I?" The mare closed her eyes. "Of course sir." "Humph..." He turned to face her. "Do you have something to report, unicorn?" The mare bowed deeply, "I do, sir. It seems that the Keyblade Wielder has made his way into the inner depths of the city though a previously unknown passageway. I'm sure that he will find his way here eventually. Also, our business partner has told me that two of the elements of harmony had found their encampment not too long ago, along with a platoon from Celesita's personal army. They tell us it will just be a minor annoyance at best and she can continue as planned so long as you do what you are supposed to." "Is that so?" The figure asked, turning back to face the one within the bubble. "If that is the case...then we are moving out. The creatures we have back in the world of Darkness will surface as test subjects for now." Sunset Shimmer tilted her head. "What about...him?" She motioned towards the figure within the dome. "She won't be happy too find out we are backing out of our word." "Since when do you care about such trifling things?" The figure asked as he raised a hoof, calling forth a corridor of darkness. "If she does win against them then she has nothing to worry about. If she doesn't then that is on her. She did say she could...handle it, was that right?" It was a while before the unicorn answered. "She did." "Good...then gather our research. There are many great things we need to do to set our plans into motion." The figure turned his head towards the mare. "And make sure to have a little prize for our guests when they come here...I would not want to say that I am a bad host after all. And I don’t want them coming all the way here for nothing." "Yes sir." "And Sunset?" "Yes sir?" "The other outworlder, the one with the Keyblade, what is he doing?" Sunset shook her head. "All he said...was that he was looking for a new sibling...since the other one is broken." The figure stood her ground for a while, as if he was contemplating what she had just told him. He gave her a curt nod before making his way into the corridor, the portal closing behind him. > Healing and The Darkness > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul Healing and the Darkness Green to start music and Red to stop music Within the Encampment near Trottingham Forest The first thing Rarity noticed as she took stock of the camp was the surprising number of foals within makeshift settlement, the camp sight almost overrun with the little ones. If she was to take a headcount by sight alone, for every one adult there where at least ten foals for them to account for. The fact that Starlight was able to keep so many of them in line was more then a miracle ...at least in Rarity's opinion. While she was happy that they found many of the missing ponies, the mare was not blind. She could see that many of the ponies, even the foals, needed medical attention. The makeshift bandages and splints they had managed until now had just been temporary measures. Whatever the Heartless had done to them, she knew that they had been true to their namesake if the injuries the mare saw was anything to go by. If...If we had not made it in time...just...how many would be here now? She shivered softly at the thought, not knowing if she wanted an answer to her question or not. She shook her head. No...I do not think that I do... She was surprised at how fast Lightning had taken command of the situation, the Guard Captain having her troops move in to secure the area with a swiftness only a Wonderbolt would be jealous of...and maybe Rainbow Dash as well. She couldn't help but smile as the ponies' fear turned into relief at the fact that they were actually being saved. It nearly moved the Fashionista to tears at the sight. She could even make out a few of the guards hugging a pony or two. More than likely a relative of some sort. Finding herself lost on what to do at the moment, she would take a slow stroll around the camp, doing her best to at least busy her mind, seeing as there wasn't much for a seamstress to do. As she passed by healers tending to the wounded and guards setting up to move, the sound of foals laughing would catch her ears. Following the noise, she would gasp softly before smiling at the scene playing before her. Quite a few of the foals had formed a circle around her friend Fluttershy, the soft spoken mare pouring a gentle glowing liquid into small cups, giving them out to the foals before her. Rarity recognized those bottles as Sora's Healing Potions, the very same that his Friend Riku had given him in case of emergencies, and Sora had given them to Fluttershy and herself in return. ~ Ponyville Train Station A few Days ago The train’s whistle roared to life signaling the train finally leaving the station proper.The fashionista sighed softly as she watched her friends wave to them goodbye, the mare doing so herself until they were finally out of sight. "And there goes Ponyville, once again. While I do understand the reasoning behind it, I do wish that Twi and the others could have come with us on this mission...if nothing else but for peace of mind." "Yeah...it sucks…." Rainbow agreed, leaning against one of the benches. "But what can ya do? I mean...It would have been cool if they could come but what Twi said kinda made sense. Sora, AJ, and Pinks don't know how to use that cool powerup yet and the elements are out of whack because of it." “Not only that…it leaves them drained…” Fluttershy added. “If they deformed while fighting somepony dangerous then…” The shy mare shuddered. "You girls are right...When I formed with Donald and Goofy, it drained me a bit but not to the extent that it did with AJ and Pinkie." Sora frowned at that. "I…I’m Sor-ACK!" The soft smack from Rainbow's wings up the side of his head caused him to glare at the smirking pony. Before Sora could say anything to the mare, Fluttershy pulled up beside the stallion, giving him a gentle nudge. "We don't...we don't blame you if...um...If that is what you are thinking Sora." The shy mare told him, giving him an apologetic smile. "If it wasn't for you and the girls doing what you did, Sombra would have won." The shy mare shivered again, wrapping her whooves around herself for comfort as she looked away. "That would have…It would have been the worse outcome…so…Please." She looked back towards him, wrapping her hoof around his own. “Don’t blame yourself…okay?” The stallion looked up at his friends with wide eyes before nodding slowly. He gave a weak smile, looking at each of them in turn before he bowed his head slightly to them all. "Yeah...Okay…I’ll Try…and thank you guys." The rainbow maned mare wrapped a hoof around his neck, rubbing her free one his his mane playfully. "No need for thanks. Just keeping your head on straight is all, Hero." She told him, giving the stallion a genuine smile as she let him go. "I concur." Rarity mused, placing a hoof on his chest. "Twilight will figure out what's going on with the elements, and we will be stronger for it. So do not worry, darling. Of that we can all believe in." Sora nodded once again. “Yeah…then all we can do is wait for her to do so.” As he turned to make his way deeper into the train cart, the stallion would stop in his tracks, before turning back towards his friends. “I…Until then here.” Reaching into his bag, he would pull out several of the potions that he had gotten from Riku. "These are only supposed to be used for emergencies...And I haven't seen a Moggle Shop anywhere...so...We don't have a lot of them and I can’t get them the way I use to. I know your friend is doing her best to make more but... right now..." He looked down at the healing elixirs in his hooves before turning to face the girls. One by one, the stallion would give each of the mares before him two bottles each. "We don't have Twilight...or Pinkie...or AJ on this mission. Something may happen where we can't reach each other for help." The keyblade wielder paused. "I may not be there to help you...so...I want you to have these. I hope you do not have to use them but..." “Darling…are you sure?” The fashionista asked, looking at the bottles he was passing around. “What if you need them more than us? They were given to you by your friend after all.”. Sora smiled. “I am sure…I know I trust you girls to handle yourselves…but still…a little extra help is always good…right. And…Better someone uses them and not go to waste…right?” Rainbow looked at the bottles in her hooves before nodding. "It's not like I’m gonna need them...but...I’ll take it nonetheless. I'll hold on to these for now but I'll definitely return them back to you after we finish kicking Heartless butt and go home…together." Fluttershy took her bottles holding them close to her, a blush evident on her cheeks. "I...I'll do my best to not get into trouble...and, um, only use them If I have to...Thank you Sora." Rarity, being the last, smiled softly at the stallion. "We will do our best, Darling. Don't you worry about that." ~ Rarity smiled as she pressed a hoof to the pouch that held her bottles. She had thought about joining her but her friend seemed to have things well in hoof. The white unicorn smiled softly as she watched each of the foals crowding around her friend as if she was a mother hen. "Wow...your heart is so pretty Miss Shy!" One little filly would say, her eyes shimmering as she poked her head from the long pink tail that hung behind the yellow mare. "I wish I had long hair like yours." "Oh...Well...thank you." Fluttershy answered as she tended to the next foal waiting. "But I think your hair is already pretty as it is. And It will only get prettier." "This potion stuff taste like mint!" Another foal would call out, liking his lips after taking s swig from the little cup he was given with the healing liquid. "No way! it taste like...um...spearmint!" Another challenge. "That's the same thing, dummy!" "No way! It's not! My mom always told me-" "Now now." Fluttershy would interject, placing a wing between the two colts. "No arguing between you two. You two are friends right? What it tastes like doesn't matter as long as it help you...right?" Both colts huffed but nodded, looking away from the mare as they did so. She smiled softly before turning back to her next charge. A young filly with a bandage over her eye smiling softly as she held a stuffed pony tight in her hooves. Rarity couldn't help but shake her head, laughing softly at the scene playing out before her "She really does take to mothering so naturally, does she not?" The white mare mused. "I would say so, at the very least." Rarity gasped at the new voice coming up from behind her. Moving towards her side was the unicorn who she had met when they first arrived. Starlight Glimmer. Said unicorn nodded softly towards Rarity before casting her attention back on the foals, a said smile forming on her lips. "I do hate to say it but...Quite a few of them lost their parents after those...Heartless attacked..." Her voice trailed off for a moment. "Dragged into the darkness through portals on the ground. It was...a frightful sight." The fashionista gasped again. "Oh the poor dears...I can only imagine what they had gone through up until now if that's the case." She murmured quietly as she looked down at one foal who had a bandage wrapped around its leg. Starlight nodded somberly. "Quite. That's why I made it my mission to see these foals to safety. And the other ponies as well of course. Everyone, together, helping each other as equal." She shook her head. "With so few adults, we had next to no pony who knew medical treatment. I have to say, on behalf of everypony here, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Especially your little friend's magical potion." Rarity nodded. "Indeed. We were only supposed to use them in emergencies and well...Kind mare as she is, I suspect that this was as big as an emergency as one can get." "Did she make those strange potions herself." The light purple unicorn asked. "Even I can tell that they are unlike anything I have seen in my time in Equestira." "Oh, No actually. They were given to her by Sora." The fashionista admitted. "Sora. That is quite the interesting name I must say." Starlight blinked curiously at the white unicorn. "Is he around? If he is providing such rare and amazing resources then I would love to thank him personally." "Sadly Sora isn't here at the moment." Rarity answered, shaking her head with a frown. "He, a friend of mine and another pony ran off into the woods towards Trottingham itself." Starlight went quiet for a moment before nodding slowly. "I see...but...isn't that dangerous?" She asked, giving the mare a look of worry. "Will they be okay by themselves? Those Heartless are savage beasts. I would think it would be near suicide going anywhere near that city? You must be worried sick about them." "While I am worried about Rainbow and Sora, more than you know, darling, I know for a fact that if there is any pony that can fend for themselves, it's these two." Rarity smiled. "Sora is no stranger when it comes to fighting those beast you see, and Rainbow is a strong mare, even if she is the youngest of us." She paused. "As for Trixie...I do not know enough about the mare herself. I'm sure Sora and Rainbow will keep that mare out of trouble...though...If it is those two looking after her...that might be a tall order sadly." She murmured the last part quietly, more to herself then towards the other Unicorn. "If you are sure then I'll trust your judgment on the matter." Starlight accepted after a while of internal debate. "Though there was another matter I came to you about before getting sidetracked. I overheard some of the guards calling you the Elements of Harmony. May I ask why?" "Oh? Well...that's because we are the Elements of Harmony darling." Rarity answered, flipping her hair in flourish. "You mean to tell me that old mare's tale is true?" The light purple unicorn asked, gasping softly. "Oh? So you know about it as well?" "I've dabbled in a bit of reading on the subject." "I dare say you and Twilight just might get along as reading buddies if that is the case. She was always one to read about an obscure tale or two herself, even before she met the others." Rarity giggled. "But, to answer your question properly, yes, me and Fluttershy are but two of the Elements of Harmony. Rainbow, my friend I mentioned earlier, is one as well mind you." Starlight nodded, her mind soaking in the information like a sponge. "And that Sora pony. And Trixie as well? Are they Elements?" "Oh no. Trixie is just...well...She is just a showmare from what I have seen, and mind you that is very little. And Sora...hes..." She paused, trying to think of the best way to explain it while not saying too much "Well...He is a bit of a special case. While he is connected to the Elements themselves, he isn't an Element of harmony himself." She paused again. "Sora is...well...I think it would be more appropriate to say that Sora is, and I know he would feel embarrassed about it, a Warrior of light, as it were." "A warrior of light?" Starlight asked, raising an eyebrow at the title Rarity had given him. "Oh yes. If it wasn't for him and his Keyblade, we would have been done in by Heartless by now." Rarity mused softly. "From what I'm told, his weapon is the natural enemy of the Heartless. He made it his mission to defeat them wherever he travels. Starlight was quiet for a long time after that. When she spoke her voice was barely a whisper. "Was it he that broke the barrier that surrounded this town?" Rarity nodded. "Yes indeed." She replied. "It's all because of him that we were even able to reach all of you in the first place." The fashionista went silent as her mind turned back into the past few days, remembering how things played out when they first arrived in Trottingham. "I understand now...Thank you Rarity. Our talk has been...an enlightening one to say the least." She smiled at Rarity as she turned to walk away. "Once again, I do hope to meet your friend Sora. He sounds like a pony that...will do anything for a friend. For now I must attend to my duties. Farewell for now, my friend...I do hope we can talk under...better circumstances" ~ Unknown area within Trottingham Forest It was some time later within the day…or night as it were. Gilda would stand, waiting for the one who would once again give her orders. She had finished preparing what Starlight had asked her to. Now all she could do was wait. Even if she hated it. It did not take long for the one she was waiting for to come, the cloaked mare smiling sweetly at the griffin as she quietly made herself known. "And there you are, Miss Gilda.Do forgive me for the delay. I was just...relaying a bit of critical information to the ones that we are working for. And gaining a bit of information myself." The griffin stared down at the mare, not moving an inch. Had she something to say she would have said it. Continuing on, the cloaked mare growled softly. "It seems that a few...rats made it into the city proper. While I would have asked my partners to deal with them, it seems that they want to test my loyalty." Without warning, she struck a nearby tree leaving a deep hoof imprint within it. "How dare they…Was supplying them with what they needed not enough! What more do they want for me until they are satisfied!?" Though she did not scream, the force of her voice was enough to make even Gilda quiver ever so slightly. The pony’s white iris began to glow with a deep shade of darkness as black whisps began to form around her very being. Even with the state she was in, Gilda knew that she was on the verge of losing it. It was surprising she was lasting for as long as she did. Finally calming down from her episode, the mare would look towards the griffin, a frown upon her face "Fine. If that is the way they want to play it then I will play it...." She frowned as she pulled out a dagger, small yet dangerous in the hands for the right pony...or griffin. "They set up a distraction for the Warrior of light and his two friends, but should they best it, it is only a matter of time before they find out about me.” The mare paused looking off towards where the city would be. “Your task, my dear Gilda, is to meet them there when they do." Producing a dagger from within her cloak. "They said the stallion was too dangerous to be left alone. That they needed him out of the picture altogether. If that is the case I need you to fly to them." She placed the dagger within Gilda's claws. "Befriend them." She made Gilda tighten her claws around the grip. "And when the time is right...you know what to do." She backed away from the griffin, giving her a smile. "Go...and when it is done...I will release you. You have my word my dear friend." Gilda nodded slowly, though she couldn't refuse even if she wanted to. She turned and ran in the direction of the small city, leaving the cloaked mare alone. When she was, the mare fell to the ground clutching her chest as her heart tightened. Her breathing was sporadic, her mind was all too clear on what she was doing. "Haa...haha...If this is what I have to do...what I have to pay then so be it...I'll do anything if it means..." The mare stood back up, pushing herself to get her body back under her control. "Enough...foolishness. The future can wait…right now I need to stay in the present.” She tightened the cloak around her. “I’ll have to keep these ponies busy now that they found me…if it wasn’t for those two brats…They should be out of my hair though…Gilda would have seen to that." She turned around, slowly making her way back to the camp. She had to prepare. She had to sacrifice...all for him... > Surprising Turns > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Surprising Turns Within the Trottingham Tunnels A dark and desolate feeling permeated the air as Sora, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie made their way down the dark underbelly of Trotingham's underground. With the latter of the three leading the way down the streetlamp guided path, they would slowly but surely make their way towards the underground entrance of the city's capital building. Despite it being abandoned due to the Heartless attack, Sora once again couldn't help but notice just how amazing it looked. It honestly did remind him, in a way, of Traverstown, the place where he had first landed when his island had fallen to darkness. The only real difference was while the Heartless had nearly been all over that town, nothing looked as though it had been broken. Almost to the point that it felt as if no one lived there at all. Unlike here, in Trottingham. Everywhere he looked, he could see signs of ponies dropping things in panic and broken windows. Even with all the destruction the Heartless caused, there were still remnants that there had been life left in these streets, unlike how it was in Traverstown. Though if it was like this here, he couldn't imagine how devastating it looked up above, Especially with Heartless like that Dragon one he and Rainbow Dash had taken down. With the help of Lightning of course. Encountering such monsters should be avoided at all cost for now, what with Trixie in his care. "Hey, Hero." Rainbow Dash suddenly exclaimed, the mare coming up and trotting alongside him. " You doing good?" Startled but quickly getting over it, The keyblade wielder smiled softly at the mare, giving her a nod before responding. "Yeah. I'm good, Dash." With her walking beside him now, the stallion couldn't help but notice that the mare was slightly fidgety, almost as if she had something on her mind. Giving his blue friend a nudge, he asked her, "How about you? Did you need something?" The cyan mare gave him a look of surprise, blinking for a moment before nodding as well, quickly answering him. "I'm fine, Hero! It's just...ya know...ah...I'm just making sure you are okay is all." "hehe…Thanks, Dash. But I’m fine. Really." He reiterated. "Never better." That answer seemed to calm her down for a bit, the rainbow maned mare nodding slowly before frowning a bit. Rubbing the back of her head. “Yeah sure…okay…” She had wanted to let it drop, to keep herself from involving herself between him and Fluttershy as per the latter’s request. Still, her curiosity got the best of her as it always did. She was told it was one of her worst traits. "Alright so…I mean…Geeze…" She was quiet after that for a long while before speaking up again. She had already gained the stallion’s attention, what with him looking at her with his head tilted questioningly. Deciding to push herself forward and get it out of the way, she spoke again. "Listen...I...I'm not trying to pry or anything, ya know. It just...you looked kinda angry when we first set out." He blinked, slightly taken aback by that statement. "I…What do you mean, Rainbow?" "Ya know...I mean...before we left, after Shy got pulled away by that colt. You were kinda...frowning...deeply..." "Oh." he responded with a hesitant tone. "I...I just..." He tried to put it into words but he couldn't find what he wanted to say. Not that he knew what he wanted to say. Deciding on the most reasonable thing, he spoke again. "I was just...worried?" "Worried?" Rainbow Dash echoed, this time the mare tilting her head at him. "About what?" He thought about it for a moment. "For her...with that colt.” he sighed as she looked away from Rainbow rubbing the back of his head, almost as if he was ashamed. I mean...I know this is gonna sound bad…or stupid…or both… but...I didn't just like the way he was talking to her..." Rainbow blinked. Her gaze would shift every which way as if she was trying to solve some kind of difficult math problem before something hitting her like a ton of bricks. Slowly, a sly grin would form on her lips. "You…Are you saying you were… jealous?" "Jealous?" he repeated, furrowing his brow as his head snapped in her direction. “What do you mean jealous?” "You said you didn’t like the way he was talking to her.” She answered, repeating his words back to him. “You got jealous." The Keyblade Wielder just stared at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she was saying. "No...no...that's not what I meant...I...I was just worried about her and..." He blushed deeply. "I just...I was worried for her...as a friend!" "Hey no need to get all defensive, Hero." She said, shaking her head. "It's no big deal. I was just teasing you." "Well…that wasn’t very funny, Dash." he grumbled, looking away from her. Still his cheeks would be a nice shade of red, and Rainbow couldn’t help but notice it. The rainbow maned mare snickered, not passing up a chance to tease the Keyblade Wielder. "Still...I gotta say, from an outside point of view, the two of you did look rather comfy sleeping together under that tree last night." "Huh! You saw that…Wait…We weren't sleeping together!" he protested. "I mean...we were..." The stallion tried to think of a reason why there had been up there like that, but nothing he could think of sounded reasonable…at least not to him. "Like I said, no need to get defensive about it." She asked. "You two seemed to be enjoying it, after all." "We weren't! We were just...we were..." he tried to say but he trailed off. Just…what were they doing? It had seemed so natural back then. Just like the time back at her cottage…before she ran away at his touch. But it was nothing! They were just…doing what friends do. “We..were…” He repeated, his tone a little more shaky. "Just friends?" Rainbow Dash finished for him. "Then why did you get so upset when she left with the colt?" Sora closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down. "Look...can we please just…It can’t be anything like you think it is…" The rainbow maned mare couldn’t help but see that the stallion was slightly distressed. “Hey Sora…I didn’t…” "You two! Over here!" The voice of Trixie pulled the stallion and mare away from their discussion, even as quite as it was. The stallion of the pair quickly rushed towards the showmare’s side, leaving Rainbow before she could even blink. "Trixie. You okay. What's going on?" "Yes. Trixie is fine." she said, motioning him to sit with her. She had pressed herself against a corner, her gaze shifting from Sora and back down the large walkway that was around said corner. "Though as of right now, Trixie has good news and she has bad news." "Is the bad news that you have terrible timing?" Rainbow Dash asked with an annoyed huff. "No." The blue unicorn replied, raising an eyebrow questioningly at her. "The bad news is that there are a lot of those black monsters that had been chasing Trixie and the boys back when you found us, down this path.”He motioned towards the pathway she had been looking down prior. “Too many to count, if Trixie is being honest." Sora blinked before slowly inching his way to look down where Trixie had been pointing. His eyes would widen at the sight. They were Shadows. he remembered them as some of the first Heartless he had ever seen. They were weak by themselves but what they lacked in strength, they made up for it in numbers. Rainbow couldn't help but whistle as she too gazed down the path. "Geeze...Where the hey did they even come from?" Sora would have to agree with that question. The trio had not seen hide or hair of any Heartless up until now. It couldn't have just been a coincidence that they are all here now of all places. Pulling away from the corner, he turned back towards the showmare. "You said you had good news too?" "Indeed. Trixie is not without news that is of the utmost importance after all." She spoke in a lavish flare. "Trixie knows that they are blocking the underground entrance to City Hall, the very place that you need to go, is it not?" Sora frowned. Okay...definitely not a coincidence. He spoke inwardly to himself, tapping a hoof under his chin thoughtfully. "So we found the place..." the rainbow maned mare stated. "Now what, what do we do?" "That's...a good question..." Sora exclaimed softly, letting his back rest agaitns the wall. I've fought greater numbers then this, but I didn't have to worry about somebody else when i did so… but now... His gaze fell towards the unicorn showmare and the blue pegasus. He was sure Rainbow could hold her own but Trixie was another matter. Getting her caught up in the fight would be the worst thing possible. He didn’t want to put her in more danger then she already was. The three were silent for a long while, not quite knowing what to do now that they were at their destination. It didn’t last long however as one of the three finally spoke up. "I...Think I have a plan." Rainbow spoke slowly, her gaze falling towards that of the wielder of the keyblade. "And I’m pretty sure you aren’t gonna like it, Sora..." Giving the mare a frown, he asked, "What? What are you talking about, Rainbow? “What plan won’t I like?" Standing up on her hooves as she spoke, she gave him the answer to his question."I'm gonna lead them away." she explained. "Then the two of you can go in without too much trouble." Trixie stared at the mare as if she had grown a second head. "A...Are you a crazy mare?! Do you not see what Trixie is looking at!? Those beast will tear you limb from limb!" "As if they will even touch me." the rainbow mare stated, giving the mare a smug smirk. "And while they will chasing me, It will give you a chance to get in there and kick the badguys butt, Hero. Just like in my Daring Do books." “You’re risking your life for a stupid book!” near screamed. “Hey! It worded for her, it will work for me.” Rainbow Dash defended with a huff. “And Daring Do isn’t stupid.” Interrupting the two mare’s little spat, the stallion made his own concerns known "Dash…I…I don’t know about this. Maybe I should face them headon…I can take them out and then…” "No way, Hero" Rainbow Dash shot down. "By the time you are done, whatever they are doing in there will be done and over with, which won’t be good for anypony…whatever it is. My plan has the best shot of success. I can lead these bozos away and you take out the head honcho. You said it yourself. The leader of the Heartless controls them and without then they are just mindless beasts right? So just go in there and kick his butt." "That's twice you’ve said butt now.” Trixie couldn’t help but respond. “That's twice you counted me saying it.” Rainbow shot back as her eyes narrowed at the mare. “Whos the weirder one now, huh?” “Trixie still thinks you are.” "Rainbow...are you sure about this?" Sora asked, pulling his friend from her argument with the unicorn. "You might end up getting captured…or worse…your heart taken away." "Oh ye of little faith." She replied. "They won't take Rainbow "Danger" Dash down that easily...trust me, Hero." The stallion fought within himself for a moment before sighing softly, giving her a slow nod. "Fine...But don't stop running…or Flying. Try and lose them if they are giving you too much trouble." He paused. "And stay safe. I wouldn't know what I would tell the girls if you got hurt on my watch." Rainbow scoffed. "Could say the same to you, Hero." She smirked. "I got this...don't worry." Before the mare could turn to leave, Sora grabbed the hem of her jacket, causing her to turn to face him with a deadpanned look on her face. "Gah! What, Spiky?! I gotta go do my thing so you can do your thing!" "I know Rainbow Dash but..." He paused, trying to say something. Instead he just gave the mare a nod. "Just...be careful okay, Rainbow?" Rainbow blinked before smiling at the stallion, with a roll of her eyes she turned to face what she was about to do. "Don't worry, Sora. The Dash never goes down easily." Now ready to enact the plan, the rainbow maned mare ran out into the middle of the road cupping her forehooves around her mouth before bellowing out in a booming and scratchy voice. "HEY YOU BIG JERKS! WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT WHAT'S OVER THERE!? I'M WAY MORE AWESOMER THAT WHATEVER YOU BOZOS ARE CROWDING AROUND!" Trixie deadpanned as she looked over towards the Keyblade Wielder. "Awesomer? Really?" Despite Trixie snide remark, Rainbow's plan seemed to have worked, all things considered. The Heartless turned to face the mare, their beady yellow eyes honing in on the lone pegasus. As if as one, they all ran at her at once, flowing down the passageway as if they were an ocean's wave. "That's Right you losers! Follow the Rainbow!" The mare turned tail and flew the opposite direction of where Sora and Trixie were, a large group of the Heartless right on her heels as she did so. Now alone with only himself and the showmare, stood up on his hooves, frowning. "Darnit...You better stay safe Dash..." Turning towards the mare beside him, he offered her a hoof up. "Come on Trixie. No time to lose. Whatever those Heartless wanted in there must be important so we can't let this chance slip by us." Despite wanting to protest about how stupid this all ways, the mare would only shake her head before grasping his hoof, allowing him to help her stand. With the way now clear, both stallion and mare made their way down the now empty roadway leading to the entrance of City Hall. Reaching the doorway, the stallion couldn't help but notice how pristine the wooden doors would look. "Geeze...The Heartless couldn't get past these?" He asked, more to himself then to the other one beside him. "Trixie is confused as well...Hang on…" The mare's horn began to glow, her magic reaching out towards the still intact doors. "Trixie can...She can feel magic...a locking spell? Trixie knows only low level ones so she is not sure that she can crack this code with her magic alone." "Don't worry...when it comes to unlocking," Sora held out his hoof, his Keyblade forming within his grasp with a glow of white magic. "I'm the master of it." Trixie gasped. Somehow, this was the first time she had actually seen him summon his Keyblade outright. "H-How did you...Trixie means...she knew you had a weird weapon but she didn't know you summoned it with magic! That's a high level spell only taught to a few unicorns! And you are a pegasus! How can you do magic anyway?!" Sora chuckled at the showmare's question. "It's not really summoning…it's more like i’m calling out to it." He paused as he tapped a hoof to his chin. Though...I really could summon other heroes to help me in battle back in the day. I do hope I get my powers back. Not being able to do what I could before really is annoying. Turning back to the matter at hand, he pointed his keyblade at the doors. "Stand back Trixie. Something could pop out soon as I unlock it." The mare, heeding his warming, would move behind him, though her gaze never left the key or the door. With his way clear, the stallion focused on the task at hand. It didn't take long for a beam of light suddenly shoot out of the tip of his weapon,hitting the lock of the door just right. With a simple click, the door would glow with a brilliant light before some kind of coating dissipated from it. Slowly, it would open, revealing the darkness within. "Easy." The stallion mused, flipping the keyblade within his hoof. "That magic...had to have been the highest of caliber..." The show mare whispered. Turning around, she glared at the stallion. "Trixie demands to know how you were able to do magic without being a unicorn!" "Well...I guess you could say it's because of this." He lifted his keyblade up, showing it to her in all of its splendor, before she could touch it, the blade would dissipate in a glow of light. "Much as I would love to show you, there's no time. We need to get in there and do what we need to do." He responded, motioning towards the inside of the building. "We better hurry. Stopping them and saving Rainbow Dash is the top priority." His gaze fell back to the mare beside him. "If you want to stay out here I understand." "Trixie...would rather take her changes next to you if it is all the same." She said in a deadpanned tone. Sora chuckled. "Okay then. Lets go." He walked into the building, Trixie following closely behind. After both ponies crossed the threshold, the door would slam shut. *** "Okay Rainbow Dash...you asked for this. You wanted this...and it seems that you got what you wanted...now what?" The cyan mare's wings would beat faster as she picked up her speed once again, keeping just out of reach of the nasty looking wave of darkness behind her. Deciding to look back for only a second, she could see that the flowing wave of Heartless were right on her trail, leaving a path of destruction in its wake as it chased her throughout the underground pathway. She knew that even with one nasty slip up, the Heartless would overtake her and...she didn't even want to know what would happen next. More importantly, she didn't want to make that idiot hero worry over her after talking such a big game before. focusing back to what was in front of her, she only had a split second to yelp before narrowing dodging a low hanging sign that had been in her path. "Dang it! Pay attention girl!" She cursed to herself. "Would have been the Appleloosen desert all over again!" Dodging every which way and avoiding where she needed to, the mare kept the Heartless a good pace away from her as the chase continued. She knew that she could outrun them if needed, but that's not what she had to do now. She had to keep these Heartless busy enough so that Sora could do what he needed to do and take down whoever it was that was in charge of these monsters. Sticking to that, the mare would keep herself at a steady speed, just fast enough to keep out of the monsters claws but slow enough so that they never back down from her. Easier said then done… the mare thought to herself, her wings beating hard within the dimly lit halls of the underground, keeping her ahead of the deadly darkness just behind her. The mare knew that she just had to get to the open skies above. It was her plan to do so after all. Once she was able to do so, she knew that it would be a cake walk to lose her pursuers. Though she knew it would be a tough thing to do, what with her not knowing where she had to go to do so. She kicked herself for not asking Trixie in advance. Looking from left to right, Rainbow couldn’t help but feel like Underground Trottingham was like a maze. She had only seen the island connected by train from the top once or twice when she was younger. Cloudsale would float above it from time to time during her youth. Never would she have expected such a labyrinth to be beneath the city. Maneuvering in such a tight place was both time consuming and exhausting for the blue pegasus, but still, she had to do it. She had no other choice at this point. The cyan mare grunted as she turned a particularly tight corner, landing upon the side of the wall itself before kicking herself off of it, the Heartless ramming right where she had been just moments ago. Looking back, Rainbow couldn't stop herself from laughing as more then a few of the creatures dissipated after impacting the hard surface of the wall. "Take that ya losers! Ah yeah!" Couldn't stop herself from celebrating as she pumped her hoof in excitement. She didn't have much time to do so before picking her speed back up, the wave of the dark monsters once again flowing down the path after her. "Keep this up and I'll be the one to take down these monsters before you even have a chance to beat the bad dude, Sora." Focusing her gaze back in front of her, the mare wouldn’t believe her luck as soon as she did so. A proper set of stairs could be seen in the distance. Ones that looked as though they led back up towards the ground level proper. She nearly chuckled like a mad mare, knowing that she was within the home stretch now. Such a feeling was short lived however as Rainbow found herself reeling at the sight of another wave of darkness rushing down her escape root, heading right towards her. She barely had time to yelp as she made a sharp turn down another path haphazardly, her body ramming into a nearby wall as she did so. She was dazed for only a moment before she quickly picked up her pace once again, narrowly missing the waves crashing down the hall after her. "Where in the flying feather did they come from!?" The mare cried out, almost screaming as she watched the Heartless flow into the pathway she had to suddenly choose. They…weren’t trying to cut me off…right? She wondered to herself, her inner voice a mix of confusion and fear. There wasn't any answer that she would have been happy to hear and she couldn't afford to ponder it for too long. She had to keep moving forward or else the Heartless might catch up to her again. So she continued to fly, her wings beating faster and faster as she did so. She had to keep them away. Still…The mare knew that long distance wasn't her forte. She was a sprinter after all. Adding these sharp turns, dodging obstacles in her way, and the heartless seemingly trying to cut off her escape routes every time she found another set of stairs, it wasn't surprising that exhaustion was slowly catching up to her. She simply couldn't keep flying at these short bursts of speeds while keeping herself a safe distance from these seemingly triedless beings. Quick as she could, the mare turned another conner, her body nearly hitting the wall when she did so. The heartless in turn had no issues in allowing some of their numbers to vanish. There was always more to replace them after all. G-Getting tried…Can’t stop! Slowly but surely the Heartless were closing in, just a few wing beats away from her. The mare couldn’t help but feel it. She dare not turn to see, though her sharp ears were more then enough to clue her in on how close they were. It wasn't long before the mare felt something grab at her hind hoof. She yelped at the feeling and began to flap her wings faster than before, slipping out of the loose grasp. The burst of speed was short lived however, as the mare's breathing began to become more labored with each wing flap. She was losing speed. And she was scared. "Come on Dash you Feather Brain!" She muttered to herself, knowing that she had to do something before it was all over with. "You've got to think about something! Think!" Her eyes darted around the pathways, trying to figure out where she could go to get away from the Heartless, but each way she looked, there were Heartless. It seemed as though they were done playing around. They really were trying to trap her. And she fell right into it. Rainbow took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and her nerves. She had to be smart, she had to be quick, and she had to...she had to... She turned another corner. It was a dead end. With a cry, Rainbow whipped her head back, looking to the left and right of her, hoping that the Heartless had missed her, turning towards a dead end. Much to her dismay, they had not. The mare couldn’t stop her body from shaking at the sight of Heartless flowing down after her like a black wave, thier beedy yellow eyes glimmering in the pale light of the underground. “Think, Dash, think!” The mar yelled at her self, looking left and right and behind her for some kind of an escape route. Everywhere she looked though, it was nothing but solid wall. Finally she would cast her gaze upwards, spotting something she was ever so glad to see. A way out. “Bucking awesome! A Pony-Hole cover!” Quickly making a dash for it, she shot upwards to where the hole covering was and began pushing at it with all her might. It was moving for her. She knew that she could escape. Flapping her wings harder and harder, the mare pushed at the heavy lead covering, doing her best to move it. With most of her stamina drained however it was a slow and agonizing process. And the Heartless weren't nice enough to wait for her to escape. Rainbow felt her hind hooves grabbed once again, a single claw digging into her leg. She yelped and kicked back, but the monster held fast, trying to pull her towards the others. She struggled to get free of its grasp but it was useless. She was just too tired from before. Still, that didn’t stop her from trying. "Darn it! Let go! Let go of me ya jerks!" She screamed as she struggled against the Heartless that had grasped her limb. She attempted to to use her free leg to lash out at it in a last ditch effort to force it to release her but each strike she gave was weaker than the last. She knew that she had used up most of her energy from before. She barely had enough to keep herself aloft as she is. Still she struggled. She didn't want to accept her fate. She didn't want to die. Just as the mare thought it was all over, the street cover she had been trying to remove would lift from her grasp. Before she could fall back into the sea of Heartless, a yellow claw would catch her foreleg. "I should have known that it was your stupid voice I heard, Dash!" Despite the fact that she had just nearly died, the mare couldn't help but reel at the sight of the one above her. "G-Gilda?" "Sure is dweeb! Now shut up and flap your wings! Or do you want to be monster chow?!" The griffin yelled as she struggled at holding the rainbow maned mare's hoof. After a quick shake of her head to shake off the sudden sight of her old best friend helping her, the mare would indeed do as the griffin commanded, her wings once again flapping with all of their might as her free hind leg once again lashed out at the Heartless who had ahold of her. Finally, after one last desperate kick, the claw that had a hold of her finally released, the cyan mare slipping through the hole just as it did so. Gilda, still having a hold of her, helped her though the opening, throwing the mare onto the ground behind her before pushing the pony hole cover back where it was once before, the lion bird jumping on top of the cap to keep it in place, in case the Heartless decided to follow after them. She would look down at the cover before letting her gaze fall to Rainbow Dash, both mare and griffion holding baited breath as the seconds ticked by. Neither would make a sound as they waited for...something. But nothing would happen, not even the sound of movement below. Rainbow, having finally had time to catch her breath, allowed her body to give out due to exhaustion. She was tired and she was hurt. But she was alive. She was alive thanks to Gilda. Her gaze flew to her old friend from the past, who had the smuggest look upon her beak. "Well well well...Looks like Rainbow Dweep owes me one." The griffin said with a snicker, she held out a claw to the pony. Rainbow eyed the offered appendage curiously. She was still a little confused at this point, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. "Yeah yeah...Whatever." The mare's hoof grasped the griffin’s. "Never thought I'd say this again...but...good ta see ya Gil." The griffin scoffed. "Dang straight it is." > Determined > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Determined Ponyville After bringing Sora back from the Crystal Empire Fluttershy sat on the edge of the bed, her hooves dangling down to brush against the wooden floor beneath them. Her vision was blurry from exhaustion, but she could still see clearly the stallion who lay upon the bed, underneath its warm blankets. His breathing was slow and steady if not a little weak, otherwise, he was fine. Just as she had always done for the past two days and nights, Fluttershy fought through her tiredness, determined to keep him company until he woke up. She had to...For him. For the one who had come close to giving his own life up for her and her friends. She kept a watchful eye on the injury-stricken stallion; that was the least she could do for him. It was, after all, the only help she had to offer. The mare moved towards the slumbering stallion, allowing herself a rare opportunity to get closer to him. His relaxed breathing and slow heartbeat lulled her into a peaceful state, just as it had on the previous night. The doctor from the Crystal Kingdom told them that his injuries had been healed - an extraordinary feat, and she knew they owed this miracle to Riku, an old friend of Sora's. Despite his head,could barely remember what the stallion looked like, the mare's sole focus was on the stallion who lay upon her lap at that time. She didn't even care about that blood that had gotten onto her at that moment, time almost seeming like blur to her. All she cared about was Sora, and Sora alone. The mare's tired gaze drifted towards a nearby window. She could see the first hints of sunlight coming in through the spaces in the curtains, and she was serenaded by the cheerful songs of birds heralding the start of the new day. She smiled softly as she listened to nature's melodic tunes before looking back at the stallion. She repeated what had become her customary greeting, "Good morning, Sora, I hope you slept well." With a gentle touch of her hoof, she brushed away some of his mane that was covering his face. As she did so, her hoof grazed his cheek causing the mare to flinch in surprise, a deep blush forming on her face. He didn't wake up—but did move slightly in response to her touch. She waited with bated breath, her heart pounding as she anticipated something, anything to happen. When the stallion kept on sleeping, she released a sigh of relief. Tenderly, she held the hoof that had stirred the stallion with her other, caressed it gently. She had felt the warmth emanating from him. Unable to stop herself, a smile crept onto her face. Had he always been this warm? The mare pondered as she drew closer to the stallion, allowing her chin to rest gently on the soft fabric of the blanket that covered him. The mare didn't know if it was her tired brain speaking to her or not but, she couldn't help but notice so many things about the stallion now that she had gotten so close to him as she did. While she had known it before, the mare really thought the stallion looked quite dashing. The line of his jaw was strong and defined yet...a touch of softness could be seen. His muzzle was short yet blocky, something she had seen in so few stallions. She remembered his sky blue eyes, sparkling as the sun every time he was happy. And his lips...they were nice and... "Fluttershy? Hello? ya in their partner?" At the sound of Fluttershy's name being called, the mare jolted awake with a start from her daydreaming. Her cheeks reddened as she looked around the room her gaze falling towards the sleeping stallion as the culprit for the voice. Seeing that it could not possibly be the one to have called her, she would turn towards the closed door, and sound of hooves gently knocking upon it could be heard before the same voice spoke again. "Fluttershy? Ya awake sugarcube?" That voice...it was Applejack... "Come in...I'm...um...I'm awake." The mare would say before yawning softly, trying her best to fight back the sudden wave of tiredness that hit her. The door slowly opened, revealing her apple farming friend, stetson and all. There would be a smile playing across the mare's face as she entered, but it would soon turn into a worried frown as she her gaze fell towards the yellow pegasus. "Morning, Shy. Thought I would wake up bright and early to check in on Sora, though It seems that ya beat me to it...again." Fluttershy gave nervous a nod, "I...I guess so...I mean...I wanted to make sure he was comfortable while he slept." "Ah can see that." She remarked as she glanced towards the dozing stallion in question. "He certainly does look quite relaxed ta be sure." She paused as she looked at the mare, “Now that Ah feel he’s no longer in danger… Ah need to focus my attention on a pony who needs it more then he does.” Her expression softened as she looked at the lemon-colored pony. “So... How are you feeling, Shy?” "I'm okay...really," Fluttershy replied with a smile, one she mustered up as best she could. "Uh huh." Applejack responded with a hint of disbelief. "N-No. Really I'm Fine Applejack. I..." She yawned as she swayed back and forth before suddenly jolting up to stop herself from falling back. "I'm okay!" Applejack's eyebrows scrunched up as she observed the yellow horse. She was well aware that Applejack could tell when something was wrong and wasn't being honest, and the young mare was certain that this wasn't lost on her. The farm mare let out a deep breath as she lumbered towards the yellow one. "Alright there, Shy. You may be trying to keep it together but you can't fool me. Ah know what burnout looks like and you've got it. It's been hitting you harder than a blind bird hitting the broad side of a barn." Fluttershy squirmed under the other mare's scrutiny. "I'm alright, I...I promise" she squeaked softly, hiding her tired eyes more and more behind the fringes of her mane. "No ya ain't, Shy. Even Ah can tell ya can't keep going on like this." The mare stated matter-of-factly, causing the shy mare to flinch. "Have ya even had a lick of sleep? Ya liable to burn from exhaustion long before Sora wakes up. And we both know him well enough that he will blame himself for you getting yourself hurt in any kind away..." "But..." Fluttershy tried to speak up, but the look of finality on Applejack's face made her pause. It was a look she had only ever seen a few times before. One that said there would be no further discussion about any topic they were discussing. Letting out a soft sigh, she deflated into the fringes of her mane once again. "I...No…Y-You're right, Applejack. I know I've been pushing myself too hard and it's not healthy. But I thought I could manage it and look after him at the same time." She cast her gaze over towards the stallion. "I...had to do this..." "Ya had to?" The farmer asked with a raised eyebrow. “Why do ya feel ya have to do this. Ta push yourself. Ah can tell that your about ta pass out any second." Fluttershy turned away from her friend, "I...I was useless..." She said quietly. Applejack's eyes widened in surprise at Fluttershy's sudden confession. She had never heard Fluttershy speak about herself in such a negative way before. "What do ya mean? Useless how?" she asked softly, placing a comforting hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. The yellow mare hesitated for a moment before speaking. "When Sora was attacked, I...I couldn't do anything for him. I couldn't do anything to help him." "Fluttershy...none of us could." Applejack to the mare. "We...we were trapped behind that bubble Sunset had set for us." Fluttershy nodded, tears forming in her eyes. "I know that, but...I still feel like I should have done something. I couldn't protect him when he needed me the most. After everything he's done for us..." Applejack's expression softened as she gazed at her friend. "Ah understand that, Shy. But that doesn't mean you have to push yourself to the point of burnout. There are other ways you can help him, ways that don't involve hurting yourself." Fluttershy sniffled and wiped away her tears with her hoof. "I...I understand Applejack. I just...I don't like to see him hurt. If...If I had just...I..." "Fluttershy..." the apple farmer spoke, catching the mare's attention. "Who's the mare who faced down a giant dragon like it was nothing at all?" "I...well...I mean I was but..." "And who stared down a cockatrice even as she was about to turn into stone?" The yellow pegasus flinched at that, remembering that particular day, "I...I did but...he was being mean and..." "Let's not count the times you helped me and the girls against Discord and that bug queen. And-" Fluttershy gazed at the bed and the sleeping stallion, her voice barely a whisper. "I understand what you're trying to do, Applejack...but it doesn't make me feel any better for not being able to help Sora." “That wasn't the point, Shy.” The farm mare said tenderly as she rested a hoof on her friend's back. "Fluttershy, Ah know it doesn't feel like it to ya, but you are one of the bravest ponies Ah know. Applebloom told me how you bravely stepped in so that Sora wouldn't be hurt by that shadow king. Not only that, but you also pushed the young'uns away so that evil stallion couldn't grab them when he went for you.” She smirked. “I still need to thank you for that though.” The timid horse shook her head, as the memories began to flow through her sleeping mind. Tears began filling the corners of her eyes as the flashbacks repeated again and again in her brain. "I...I didn't...I mean...I wasn't thinking then. I just wanted the girls to stay safe...and for Sora not to..." She tried to bring out the dreaded word, but it wouldn't come out. The longer she thought about it, the more her tears began to flow “I was…so scared…but…Sora…I couldn’t…and the girls…” "Ah know, Shy." The farm mare pulled her close, hugging her friend tightly as she as the shy mare's emotions came crashing down on her. Applejack would just smile as she held her close, petting the back of her head lightly. "Ah know..." She repeated softly. For a few moments, the pair remained there, just standing there tightly with one another until the timid mare finally pulled back, wiping away the tears that had started to form. "Thank you...And sorry..." She told her friend. "I...I think I...I didn't want to think about it all this time...I was so afraid to think about it…I…I came to close to…and…" "Hehe…Figured as much..." The farm mare answered, patting the yellow one on the shoulder. "It's okay Fluttershy, you don't have ta apologize for anything. You did what ya did and you won’t hear me saying ya shouldn’t have done what ya did. Ah wish it wouldn’t come to it…just like how it came ta Sora…but…Ah’m glad that we have ponies like you and him looking out for us. Now come on. You need rest. Ah know you wanna help out your hero but you can't do that if ya tucker yourself out. Ah promise, me and Twi will take care of him today. And you can come back tomorrow after a full night's rest." The yellow pony nodded and smiled weakly, "Okay...thank you...Applejack." The farmer smiled, "Anytime, Shy." With that she let go of the yellow mare, allowing her to step back from her hug. "Want me ta walk ya home?" The yellow pegasus shook her head, "No...I'll be okay. Thank you...Applejack." Applejack smiled, "Alright then. See ya later then, Shy. And promise me you will get some rest, ya hear?" Fluttershy gave a slight nod in confirmation, "I...I will..." She paused before she exited, facing her friend. "I-I know, um, I told you that I was afraid...but when thinking about it now, I don't think I would have done anything differently..." The farm mare smiled. "Of that ah have no doubt Shy. Thanks...for saving Applebloom." The timid mare nodded, a smiling playing across her sleepy features. "I...y-you're welcome AJ." **** "Wake-" "Fluttershy-Dear-" "Fluttershy wake up." The butter yellow mare slowly opened her eyes before sitting up and yawning softly, a hoof covering her mouth as she did so. She looked around herself before finding the one who had woken her from her dreaming memory. "Rarity?" "Finally...you must have been really tired dear." Rarity mused softly, tilting her head at her butter yellow friend. "You were sleeping like quite the rock." "I-I was?" The waking mare tried her best to remember what it was that she had been dreaming about before, but the last vestiges of the dream were slowly slipping away from her. Shaking her head, the mare decided that she needed to focus on the present at the moment. Turning her gaze towards the white mare that had woken her up, she spoke up once again. "I...um...I'm sorry Rarity. Can you tell me what time it is?" "According to Lightning, it is just a little past noon, Darling," The white unicorn responded. "You were only asleep for an hour or two and while I did not want to wake you, you cousin had asked me to collect you. She wants to see the both of us actually." "She...does?" Fluttershy asked, rubbing the remainder of the sleep from her tied eyes, as what Rarity had said made the mare become fully awake. "Did...ah...Did she say what it was about?" The white mare shook her head. "Sadly no. I did ask of course but she was being rather cryptic with me." The mare sighed. "She was however, adamant on meeting us so it is best not to keep the good captain waiting. She doesn't seem like the kind of mare you want to have angry with you after all, Rainbow and Sora's actions proving such a point." The shy mare couldn't help but chuckle softly at that. "She's...um...she's not that bad. She can be a little...serious...that's true...but...she is very kind when you get to know her." "I'll take your word for it darling, of that you have my promise." The red coated mare smiled softly at her friend. "Come now, let's go see what she wants. Even if she is as kind as you say, I wouldn't want to make her angry for no reason." Fluttershy nodded, standing up and stretching, her wings flapping gently as she did so. After gathering herself up, the mare would look around, finally noticing something that was missing. "Oh...where did the foals go?" "Don't worry about them dear, Lightning had instructed the guards to take the sleeping littles off." The white mare answered. "They are being loaded onto the carts as we speak. She plans on taking them out of this dreadful place as soon as possible." "Oh good...thank you...Rarity, for telling me I mean." Fluttershy said, "I'm guessing she is getting ready to move again. And if that's the case...then...we can look for Sora and the others soon." "Indeed. And the sooner we find them, the sooner you can tell your little hero how you feel. Isn't that right, darling?" Rarity cooed softly, gently nudging her friend. Fluttershy's cheeks reddened, avoiding the gaze of the ivory unicorn. "Y-Yeah...I suppose so...it feels like everything is all happening at once…or...maybe not at all." She shook her head. "It's hard to explain—the more I think about revealing my feelings to him, the faster my heart beats and the more confused, scared…and…um…excited I become…" The white mare embraced her friend warmly and smiled. "Fluttershy, I know it's hard for you right now, but don't get overwhelmed. Hold your feelings for Sora close to your heart and trust that you will make the right decision when the time comes. Every mare has gone through this before so don't worry." "I...I think I understand Rarity. Thank you." Fluttershy answered. "I just hope I don't ruin our friendship by telling him..." "Oh, Fluttershy!" Rarity exclaimed, smiling brightly. "If it's Sora, he wouldn't allow his and your friendship to be ruined by such a thing. Even if he isn't a pony, he is one of the good ones. We've seen that first hoof after all." Fluttershy smiled back, laughing softly. "Y-Yeah...He is." The white mare smirked. "Now...with that little problem out of the way, shall we see what your captain guard of a cousin wants with the pair of us, hmm?" Fluttershy nodded as she wrapped her bag around her body, gently patting the pouch that held what remained of the potions Sora had given her. "I...um...I'm ready." With a silent nod, Rarity led the way, the pair of ponies making their way though the encampment. As they did so, both mares would spot the cart that held the foals and a quite a few other older ponies nearby, the guards having loaded them onto the secure cart nearby. While more then a few of the fillies and colts had still been asleep, A few had been awoken by some of the older ponies, seemingly their guardians or parents. Fluttershy had been relived that at least a few of them still had family left after this ordeal, even if it was a scant few. As the pair of friends entered the main tent of the encampment, the captain's gaze would fall towards the two. With a quick look from her subordinates to her side, the two guards that had been standing beside her moved until they were behind both Fluttershy and Rarity. "I'm glad that you were able to find Fluttershy, Miss Rarity." Lightning spoke, her voice neutral as it spoke. Almost practiced. "I needed to update you two on the plan from here on out." The white mare blinked, looking back at the two guards. "I see...So...If you don't mind me asking, what is it that we are doing?" Lightning responded with a simple, "First and foremost, evacuating the civilians is our priority. We must follow Princess Celestia's orders after all." Fluttershy nodded. "Yes...of course..." She hesitated for a moment, wondering what else she could say, before speaking up. "And once we get the civilians out, are we going to look for Sora?" Lightning closed her eyes before opening them again. "Me and my team will be heading off for Trottingham as soon as the civilians are safe. And you two are going back though the entrance with them." Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Wait...back? But I...I thought that we could help look for..." The captain shook her head. "That is a negative." She stood up. "Despite your deeds to this country, you two are still untrained civilian mares under my watch." Fluttershy started to call the Captain her cousin, then quickly corrected herself, wanting to at least be respectful of her family's rank, though her need to find an argument against following her orders was almost overpowering. And yet...she couldn't. She could understand why Sora and Rainbow Dash had to do what they did, but when it was her turn. "I...But we can...help..." “You two will follow my orders,” Lightning declared sternly, preventing her cousin from speaking. When she saw Fluttershy flinch, the captain softened her gaze before continuing. “I assure you, Fluttershy, that I will bring your friends back to you safe and sound, but it wouldn't be right of me to put an animal caretaker and a tailor on the front lines.” The white unicorn scowled. "Forgive me, Captain, but I have more than enough experience dealing with difficult situations on my own. I've faced down the Diamond Dogs and the Changelings in the past just so you know. Not to mention Fluttershy can show her mettle when she puts her mind to it." The mare huffed. "Also I'm not just some common household tailor. I am the best fashionista to grace this side of Equestria." “I commend your enthusiasm Miss Rarity, however this is not a runway show. I'm afraid I cannot permit either of you to go." Lightning's voice became adamant. "That's the end of it. Dream Drop, Lancer, please send these two with the rest of the non-combatants.” "Of course, Captain." The one called Lancer spoke, as he moved the flap of the tent open. "Right this way Miss Rarity." The white mare snorted, tossing her mane in annoyance. "This is intolerable! How dare you treat us this way!" Rarity declared firmly, her voice ringing out clear and strong. "We have every right to search for our friends and offer them aid! Fluttershy, please, won't you say something?" The yellow pegasus stared down, searching in vain for the words to voice her disagreement against the captain. Fluttershy opened and closed her mouth, her mind whirling with myriad emotions. "Well, Fluttershy? Do you think my judgment is wrong on this one?" Lightning asked, her question gentle yet piercing the timid creature's soul. The yellow pegasus paused, taking a deep breath as she planned out her response. “I think we should follow what Lightning requested,” she finally said, her voice quieting towards the end of the sentence. She let out a soft sigh and turned her gaze away from the others around her. "Fluttershy?! Are you sure?! Listen, I know it will be dangerous but we can't just-" "It's fine Rarity. We should do as she says." Fluttershy answered, her voice sounding almost distant as she spoke. "I...I think it is for the best...for us...for Lightning...and for Sora and Rainbow Dash." Rarity gasped, "But...But...Fluttershy. What about your feelings? What about Sora?" "Sora..." Fluttershy began, closing her eyes as she did so. "I won't let go of my feelings for him...But causing him to worry just to say how I feel...I don't think I can live with myself if it cause him to get hurt." She opened her eyes, looking at Rarity. "I'm sorry Rarity, but...I think Lightning is right." "I...I..." The white mare tried to find the words to argue, but none came to mind. Nothing that would justify putting both herself and Fluttershy in danger. Rarity sighed. "If you're sure dear...then...I won't force the matter any further." She paused, her smile softening. "I do know that you wouldn't say this if you weren't absolutely sure." She turned to Lightning, who had a raised eyebrow throughout the whole of the exchange. "Please...Forgive my outburst." "Nothing to forgive, Miss Rarity." The captain responded, her stoic façade softening slightly. "I know what I'm asking you to do...I'm not doing this because I want to, but because I have to." "I understand that, Captain." Rarity responded, bowing her head towards her. "You are in command after all." "Now...If there is nothing else." Lightning stated. "The both of you should return to the civilian encampment and await further orders from myself or-" "Hello? Is Captain Lightning in here?" The familiar voice of Starlight Glimmer could be heard from beyond the tent's walls, causing the guard captain to perk up at being called. making her way from around the table she called out, "Enter." Starlight entered, a smile gracing her lips as she did as soon as she spotted Rarity and Fluttershy within as well. "Oh good. I was wondering where the two of you went. Thought for sure that I had overlooked you, or, goodness forbid, you had already gone to Trottingham already." Lightning's tone shifted while she replied, "We were just talking about that. I had given both of them the directive to return to the residential encampment. Following that, they will be exiting the barrier with the other citizens." The purple unicorn frowned. "Oh dear. Is that so?" She turned towards the two elements of harmony. "Captain's orders." Was the only response Rarity gave, looking to Fluttershy who seemed to share the same sentiments as her. "That does complicate matters a bit," she said, her lips curving into a smile. "I was hoping to speak with Fluttershy, but I guess that'll have to wait." Her horn began to radiate an eerie glow, and soon afterwards a scream filled the air. Starlight seemed unfazed as every pony around them spun their heads towards the sound of it. "By the way," the purple unicorn added nonchalantly, "You should really close your mouth. Wouldn't want anyone losing any teeth now, would we?" Before anyone could ask questions or intervene, those within the tent except for Starlight felt as though they were floating in mid air, light as a feather before suddenly crashing towards the ground — followed by darkness. > Entrapment > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Entrapment Trottingham Underneath Town Hall As soon as Sora and Trixie crossed the entrance, the big doors shut behind them with a yelp from Trixie. She rushed to get close to Sora, as if he were her bodyguard, both pony's eyes watching the walls as each and every candle began to light, illuminating the room and cold and eerie glow. The room itself seemed to look like the inside of a tree out of someone's nightmares, broken roots twisted and turning, reaching from the floor to the ceiling, as if grasping to be let out. Along the walls were shelves upon shelves of books, adding a musty scent of old tomes and parchment papers to the dank air that surrounded the pair. "A-And Trixie thought she was the one for theatrics." The showmare muttered, her voice quivering ever so slightly. Despite her joking tone, Sora could detect a hint of fear in her voice. After calming down, she moved carefully towards one of the shelves and reached a hoof up to touch one of the books upon it. "Trixie didn't recall there being a library like this beneath City Hall before..." She paused. "Though admittedly, Trixie hasn't been back in town for quite a few years." The Keyblade Wielder's gaze fell to the shelves around him as well, noticing how a lot of the texts were written in an unfamiliar tongue. He couldn't help the feeling of Deja Vu. The place reminding him of the library at Hollow Bastion...or Radiant Garden as it is called now. "This place is bringing back major memories..." Trixie raised an eyebrow at the stallion. "Is it? How so?" "It's a...bit of a long story." The stallion answered truthfully, rubbing the back of his head. "In any case, a place like this feels like major bad news in my experience." "Trixie takes it, it is not your first time in a deep dark dungeon." Sora chuckled at Trixie's statement. "You could say that," he replied. "I've been in some pretty scary places before, but this one gives me the creeps. More so than usual." Making his way over towards a nearby table, the stallion picked up one of the scrolls that laid upon it. He unraveled the parchment and was met with many strange markings he couldn't quite make out. He scanned it for a moment, trying to find...something, "All of this looks important, but I have no clue what any of this means..." Trixie marched over to the table, her eyes examining the scroll within Sora's grasp. "Well, Trixie HAS spent some time at the School for Gifted Unicorns. It very well could be a magical spell not comprehendible to somepony of your level. Let Trixie see." She grabbed the scroll out of Sora's hooves and studied it carefully, scrutinizing every corner of it before giving it a blank stare. "How can anypony read any of this?!" She huffed as she shoved the parchment back into the stallion's hooves. "It's in Equine, but whoever wrote this had worse handwriting than Trixie's doctor! Trixie can make only make out two words. Three tops." Sora frowned before looking at the parchment again. With a sigh, he would slip that scroll, as well as a few more into one of his two pouches. "I'll take them to someone who might be able to make heads or tails of it then." The stallion turned towards the only other doors in the room that wasn't where they had come from. "Right now we need to keep going. Rainbow is still out there and I don't want to leave her alone with those Heartless any more than I need to. With a sigh, Trixie nodded her understanding, and the two of them continued further though the laboratory. As they walked, the stallion, despite the stillness of the room, couldn't help but feel his back hair stand on end. He scanned the shelves, looking for anything out of place, finding nothing weird...and yet he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Glancing over at the mare trotting next to him in silence, the Keyblade Wielder saw that she seemed just as anxious as he was. He knew that was to be expected, being in the thick of Heartless territory as they were. If he knew that she would be safe if he left her alone, he would have told her to stay behind and let him handle everything from here, but obviously that was out of the question. Still, with how nervous she was, he could at least comfort her. If not that, at least distract the poor mare. Upon reaching the door, he would open it for her to walk though. "So, Trixie," Sora began, breaking the silence as she past by, "I don't think I ever asked you. You said that you were from Trottingham, right?" The Showmare jumped at the sudden interruption to their quiet, casting a glare at the stallion. "That's right. But you already know this. Besides, why do you care where Trixie comes from?" Sora shrugged, slowing his pace so that he was walking alongside her. "Just curious, I guess. I'm a bit of a world traveler myself so I get to see a lot of new places. Just wanted to know more about where you came from?" Trixie let out a small sigh, her eyes downcast as she thought about her past. "Well...Trottingham isn't exactly the most exciting place in Equestria," she admitted, "but it's where she grew up. Trixie was just a little filly when She discovered her love for spectacle magic." "Like...sleight of hand...ah...hoof stuff?" the Keyblade Wielder asked. "But...aren't you a unicorn? Don't you already do magic?" Trixie huffed at his question. "Oh, it's much more than that. Spectacle magic is all about the presentation, the showmareship. Making the audience see something that they know can't possibly be real but still believing in it anyway." She smiled at the memory. "It's what I, Trixie, was born to do, really. And it's what brought Trixie to Ponyville all those years ago." "Guessing that's where you know Rainbow and Rarity from then...though...you guys didn't seem to be on good terms." Trixie's smile faded at the mention of Rainbow and Rarity, being replaced by a deep scowl. "Yes, well...That's complicated," she said, her voice growing a tinge cold. "They...didn't really understand my magic. Thought Trixie was just bragging for bragging sake." She stopped her hoof. "So what if she was though?! Is Trixie not allowed to tell ponies how great and powerful she is? Even if its just for show?" Sora raised an eyebrow at Trixie's sudden outburst. "What do you mean?" "Those two and a few more of that mare, Twilight's, friends started heckling me first. Just because Trixie was...in their words...boasting about her abilities." Sora could sense that Trixie was still holding onto a lot of hurt from the past, and he couldn't blame her. Not with how his friends had hurt him before. He...didn't hate them. But... Shaking the thought from his mind, he smiled at the mare beside him. "I...could be a bit bias...seeing as I'm friends with them, but...everypony makes mistakes." He smiled. "I'm sure if we all talked it out, we could all come to an understanding. After all, I think everypony deserves a second chance if they are willing to look for it." Trixie scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Easy for you to say. You don't know what it's like to be laughed at and dismissed by your peers." Sora rubbed the back of his head. "That's...not true. When I got the power of my Keyblade when I was younger, there were many who questioned if I even deserved that power. Pretty sure I got called ordinary more than a few times. But I didn't let that stop me. So...I think you shouldn't let it stop you either." He smiled at the mare, but she seemed to go quite at that, looking away. With a sigh, the stallion changed the subject. "So...ah...How did you get to being chased by those Heartless anyway...back when we first met." Trixie's eyes cut over to him, looking at the stallion from the side. "Trixie was coming here to look for something. She was in the woods when that black down formed. When Trixie actually got to the town, the only other ponies around were the two colts I found wandering on their own - Zidane and Kuja." The stallion nodded in understanding. "And it was then that the three of you were found by the Heartless and chased...right?" Trixie nodded solemnly. "Yes. Trixie hates to admit it but she was lucky to have stumbled upon your group. Otherwise, she'd be a goner by now." She shuddered at the thought before looking up at Sora. "We talked a lot about Trixie. What about you? Where do you come from, Sora?" "That's a bit of a longer story." The stallion admitted. "But to make it short, I come from a place called Destiny Island. Its where I was born and raised." "Trixie sees..." She paused. "And...are all pegasi from your island able to use that...key magic like you there?" He paused. "Well...I'm kind of a special case." He told her, leaving out the fact that he was a human turned pony. She didn't need to know that. "And it's mostly the weapon that does the magic. I can just use it." "Trixie had never heard of...what was it called again? Keysword?" "Keyblade." Sora corrected her. "And yeah...That are kinda rare to see here in Equestira." Also not a lie. Trixie let out a sardonic laugh. "If you can locate one, then Trixie sure she can as well," she stated confidently. "Imagine the power of my magic if Trixie had such a blade! Ponies from around the world would come to witness the magical might of Trixie Lulamoon!" She said with an air of grandeur, puffing out her chest proudly. "You did mention you do magic shows before." The stallion mused softly. Trixie lifted her chin. "Ha! What Trixie does isn't just any old simple magic show. She is the master of prestidigitation. Why, ponies come far and wide just to see me at work!" "Then when this is all over, I'd like to see one of your shows." The showmare nearly stumbled in surprise at the stallion's words, looking at the stallion in disbelief as she pulled herself back together. "You...ah...would?" The stallion enthusiastically smiled as he exclaimed, "Yeah! Wouldn't mind being dazzled if your show is as good as you say it is." Trixie's cheeks turned a bright shade of red at the compliment, and she looked away in embarrassment. "Well, Trixie will have to make sure that her next show is the best one yet! She'll show you and everypony else just how great and powerful she truly is! Why, Trixie is in such a good mood, that she will even allow you to invite that prissy mare and the blue one." "I'll be sure to tell them! But first we gotta save Trottingham and make sure the Rainbow and the rest are okay." The stallion told her with a determined nod. "So don't worry, stay close to me, and we'll get though this. Promise ya." Trixie nodded, the confidence that had been wavering within her restored by Sora's words. She was still scared, there was no doubt about that, at least to herself, but...this mysterious stallion's stupid smile. Was it crazy of her to follow him just because of that? She had been doing crazy things all day today already so what's to stop her from doing any more at this point? The mare fell into step beside him as they continued down the dimly lit hallway. The silence between them was filled with the sound of their hooves against the cold stone floor. It took some time, but soon, Sora and Trixie would finally reach the end, where they found a set of stairs leading further down. The stallion looked at the mare and nodded before they both descended the stairway, their hooves echoing off of the cold stone steps. As they reached the bottom, they found themselves in a dimly lit chamber. The air was thick with the smell of burnt magic, and Sora could feel the hairs on the back of his neck standing up. In front of him, was something he had seen before. Something that looked akin to that weird machine he had seen way back before he had first faced off with Ansem's Heartless. A machine, with the emblem of the Heartless upon it. "This...I know this..." Sora said softly, a growing pit within his belly forming. Trixie spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "What is this place? It feels...like something is creeping up Trixie's spine the longer she is here." He cocked an eyebrow at the mare. "Don't you remember? Back at the camp when Lightning was asking you all those questions. I'm pretty sure I told everyone that Heartless can be created and this," He gestured to the contraption. "If I remember correctly is how they do it." The Showmare frowned b efore exhaling loudly. "Trixie has no recollection of any of that since Trixie wasn't able to make out what anyone was saying. Everypony's lips were moving but no sounds were coming out. All Trixie could hear was her on voice!" The Keyblade Wielder gave an embarrassed chuckle as he scratched the back of his head. "Oh...yeah," he said, almost sheepishly before perking back up, a frown forming on his face. "What I said before still stands though; it looks like someone has been creating Heartless here for some time. If they were able to set all this up then...I...I don't know what it means but its bad in any case..." Trixie nodded in agreement, her gaze casting towards said machine. Looking a little past it, the mare would notice a faint blue glow coming from somewhere down a black hallway. Nudging the stallion next to her she pointed towards it. "Sora, look," Trixie whispered, pointing towards the hallway. "There's something down there." The stallion's eyes followed the showmare's hoof, squinting to see through the darkness. Out of curiosity, he decided to head down the hallway towards a faint blue light at its end. As he took his first steps forward, the sound of metal hitting the floor behind him made him freeze in place. Trixie and Sora both spun around to see a weird looking pot falling, clanging across the floor and spinning in time with its echoing sound throughout the room, sending shivers up their spines. Trixie tensed and Sora prepared for combat as the pot fixed itself in an upright position. Then, all on its own, the pot's lid popped open, and two beady yellow eyes peered out from the inside. Sora could feel his heart pound against his chest as he summoned his Keyblade within his maw. The pot seemed to react to that fact as it suddenly came to life, a feline like head popping out from the top as the bottom half of its body slipped from under it. it seemed like it was struggling to keep itself from toppling over, giving it an almost comical appearance. "Awwww... Look at it." Trixie mused as she made her way towards the strange pot-cat. "And how did you get in there? Aren't you just an adorable little guy." Trixie..." Sora called out to the showmare, his tone imploring her to stop before she got too close. He kept his gaze on the strange being, concerned for both their safety. "Are you worried over a cat?" The mare asked, with a scoff as she turned her head to face the stallion. "Look at it. The most it looks like it could do is-" “Trixie, watch out!” His fast movements enabled him to grab her tail and pull her back before a large claw emerged from the pot and made a swift swipe at her, the mare squeaking just as it missed her by a hair. She fell back behind the stallion as soon as she regained her balance, looking from behind him as she glared at the creatures. "What the hey is your problem?! Trixie was trying to be nice!" The stallion shook his head. "Its Heartless Trixie. Its not able to be nice back Trixie," Sora said, his Keyblade at the ready. "Its a Heartless for a reason." Trixie nodded, her eyes fixed on the Heartless in front of them. Sure that metal dragon was strange and those black Heartless were unnerving, but to think that even a creature that looks as harmless as a cat could be a Heartless as well. Just what else could they turn into. Despite the danger it posed, she couldn't help but feel a strange fascination towards it. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before, and she had seen her fair share of strange and unusual things during her travels as a showmare. That fascination would soon turn to horror however as more then a few of the creatures slowly began to appear around the room, the Pot cats slowly surrounding them. Sora's grip tightened on the Keyblade he held within his maw as he took a step forward, positioning himself between the Heartless and Trixie. "Stay behind me," he warned, his voice firm and commanding, unlike his usually playful tone. "I'll take care of these guys no problem." Trixie nodded, her eyes fixed on the feline-like Heartless as they inched closer and closer. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she watched Sora charge forward, his Keyblade flashing in the dim light of the chamber. She knew she had to do something, anything to help, but what could she do? She was just a showmare, after all. The stallion moved swiftly, launching himself over a sweeping claw. As he landed in the center of the group, He brandished his blade and spun around, sending some of them toppling into those behind them. Now with a little room to breath, he closed in on the nearest Heartless, slashing upwards and launching them into the sky. Grabbing it by the tail with his teeth, he spun in the air before launching it away, causing it to crash into a nearby wall, destroying the creature and releasing the crystalized heart within it. Trixie watched in awe as Sora continued to fend off the Heartless with ease. She knew that the stallion was skilled. she had seen it when He Rainbow and that other mare had faced off against that giant metal dragon, but seeing him in action was still a sight to behold. She couldn't help but feel useless in comparison. Still, even with his quick reflexes, the Heartless seemed to slowly be swarming the stallion. If it was just one on one, in such a tight space, there was no doubt that he would win. But being where they are, and how little movement he could adjust to, more and more of the creature's strikes were coming close to actually landing. Trixie clenched her hooves tightly, her eyes searching for something, anything that could help them. Knowing that she wasn't the best when working under pressure, she took a deep breath and tried to focus. And then she saw it - a lever on the wall just behind Heartless. She followed the line of it, seeing just what it was connected to. "Okay...Trixie...We don't want to die...and if Sora loses, we just might...Okay...Okay...You can do this Trixie!" With a determination set in her eyes, the showmare darted past Sora and the Heartless, making a beeline for the lever. As she got closer, the Heartless began to converge on her, their feline forms snarling and hissing as they prepared to attack the mare. Trixie let out a small shriek, as it did so. She closed her eyes only to feel something brush past her and the sound of metal smacking against a ceramic pot. Opening them, she found Sora, standing in front of her. "Trixie?! What are you doing?! Didn't I tell you to stay back?!" The showmare shook her head pushing her remaining fear down as she called out to the stallion. "G-Get them all in the middle of the room...or...at least most of them. Trixie has a plan and she needs to get to that lever!" "Trixie I..." Sora hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Trixie before nodding his head in agreement. He understood that she had an idea, and they needed to work together to defeat the Heartless. That was enough for him. With one giant swing, he let loose his Keyblade, the spinning weapon cutting a path all the way towards the mare's destination by knocking more then a few of the creatures out of her way. Seeing said way was clear, she quickly got back onto her hooves before rushing forward once again. Knowing that he needed to buy her some time, the stallion resummoned his Keyblade before allowing it to glow brightly within his maw. "I'll get it done! You do what ya gotta do." With that, the stallion went back into the fray, once again gaining the Heartless's attention. Trixie stumbled back as she barely avoided the attack from the rolling pot Heartless, which had a cat's head sticking out of the top. "Ugh! Trixie would rather not deal with you," she said. "But if you won't move then let me show you some of my magical skills!" She reached into her cape, before pulling out two small orbs. Without hesitation, she threw then on the ground, blast of colored smoke forming just as she did so. The Heartless stumbled back, the creature disorientated by the sudden explosion of glitter and bright colors. Trixie took this opportunity to dart past them, giving the pot a hard kick to its back and sending it sprawling to the ground away form her. Grasping the lever, she looked back to where Sora was before looking upwards. She had to wait. Wait for the right moment. The stallion, meanwhile, had complied with the girl's orders, slicing at the Heartless crowd pushing them closer to the center of the room. In his need to getting the task done however and with him being in such a small room, he couldn't stop himself from betting hurt ever now and then, the creatures slowly beginning to land blow after blow, the creatures slowly beginning to pick up on his tricks. He kept going despite the pain. "Sora! Get out of there!" The mare's words had barely left her mouth before something clicked. Acting on instinct, the stallion leapt away from the center of the room. As soon as he landed on the floor, a loud crash sounded behind him. Porcelain shattering and metal hitting the ground echoed through the air. Sora turned to face what had just happed. As the dust settled, the sight of a giant broken chandelier could be seen, as well as the crystalized hearts that the Heartless would release after being defeated. Slowly, he was beginning to put two and two together. He would look from the broken ceiling ornament and towards the showmare, who had something akin to a haughty and proud look on her face. "You did that?" Sora asked in disbelief. "You brought the chandelier down on them?" Trixie grinned, her chest puffed out with pride. "Yes, yes I did. Trixie knew she had to do something to stop them, and that seemed like the best option." The stallion was awestruck, not being able to stop the laughed that escaped him. "Well, I have to admit, that was pretty impressive, Trixie." Trixie giggled. "Well, one could expect nothing less from the Great and Powerful-" The laughter stopped abruptly as something sliced into Trixie's back, her blood spilling onto the floor. She stumbled forward, crashing into the ground hard before he could even catch her. In the place she had been standing was a single pot cat, its porcelain body broken to pieces. Sora's eyes widened in horror, a strangled gasp escaping his throat. He had been so distracted with Trixie's victory that he had let his guard down. How could he have been so careless? As he looked down at the showmare, his heart sank. She was so still, her breathing shallow and her eyes closed. The stallion roared, and his Keyblade materialized in his mouth again. He was on top of the Heartless almost instantly, slashing downward with one well-practiced stroke. The creature vanished like all the others before it, but this victory did not give him a sense of peace. Without hesitation, he ran back towards Trixie, his heart racing with fear and anger. He knelt down beside her, his hoof hovering over her wound, unsure of what to do. "Trixie? Trixie, can you hear me?" he called out, his voice desperate. Carefully, he grasped and turned the mare over, lifting her head up as he did so. Trixie's eyes fluttered open, pain etched on her features. "S-Sora...what happened?" she murmured weakly. "You were attacked by a Heartless, Trixie. You're hurt," he replied, his voice laced with worry. The showmare winced, her hoof instinctively moving to the wound on her back. "I-I see. Trixie was...careless she guesses." "Just...stay with me okay? I...Darn it!" He closed his eyes. "My magic! I have to use my magic." He tried to reach within himself, trying to remember the feeling of using magic like before. "Heal...Heal...Heal...Come on! Heal!" Sora's frustration was palpable, his attempts at using magic failing time and time again. His magic was still blocked for some god forsaken reason! "Why can't I use my magic!" Trixie looked up at Sora with a weak smile. "It's okay, Sora. Trixie will be fine." "No, it's not okay!" Sora's voice rose slightly in panic. "You're hurt and I can't even heal you! This is all my fault. I-" He paused. "That...I can us that!" Carefully he reached for one of the bags on his legs, pulling out a weird looking yellow object, spherical in shape. "I can use this." The showmare looked up at the object in confusion. "W-What is...it?" "It'll help you." He glanced at the item in his hoof, a yellow vial. "An Elixir. It's a type of item that can heal completely, but it may take time for your body to adjust to it. I had to use one myself, and I was out for days. This is the only one I have; Riku gave it to Twilight to gave it to me with specific instructions to use it only in an emergency for myself." He sighed. "But when have I ever listened to him?" Softly, he pressed the object against the mare's body. "I...If its that important...then...D-Don't..." she began but was cut off by the stallion. "You said you were gonna dazzle me remember. Promised a show and everything. So no way you are taking that back now." He pushed the sphere into her, the Elixir dissipating as soon as he did so. The mare’s eyes widened as the Elixir began to take effect and the pain in her back dissipated. However, a wave of drowsiness quickly overcame her, and she whispered softly, “Sora...I'm so…so…sleepy…” before drifting off into slumber. The stallion was about to panic until he heard her snoring fill the room, indicating she had simply fallen asleep. Heaving a sigh of relief before quietly chuckling, he carefully lifted her up and laid her against the closest wall. It was unfortunate that he had to use such a rare item, but he didn't care as long as she was safe. The stallion felt guilty for what nearly occurred, for how she had nearly died due to his carelessness. He couldn't dwell on it long though, Rainbow was still in trouble after all. He had to finish up here and help her. "Stay here for now Trixie." He told her, though he knew that she could not hear him. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't worry. And...I'm sorry..." The stallion took a deep breath before summoning his Keyblade once more charging towards the source of the blue glow. As he got closer, he could feel the ominous aura emanating from the room, causing him to shudder involuntarily. He pushed though it though, rushing though a pair of doublewide doors. As he made it into a dark room, he looked every which way for any signs of trouble before looking forward, his eyes widening by degrees. "T-That's" As the magic of his Keyblade faded away, he stared in wonder at what lay before him. In the center of the room was a blue bubble that enclosed a bright orange unicorn stallion he'd never seen before. The pony stayed suspended in mid-air, as above him there was a crystal heart with a thin thread connecting it to the stallion. > Old Friends > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Old Friends The Ruins of Trottingham Rainbow Dash and Gilda traveled through the empty cobblestone streets of Trottingham. Surprisingly, not even a Heartless made an appearance. Rainbow was glad for this reprieve, though she'd never admit it. Being chased by those creatures wasn't something she wanted to repeat anytime soon. The two walked in silence, taking in the deserted city. The buildings - tall and stately - were mostly intact. Windows were broken and doors hung open. The cobblestones were stained with soot and ash, and the faint smell of smoke still lingered in the air. It was both strange and sad to see the city this way, and Rainbow couldn't help but feel a strong sense of melancholy. She wanted to worry about the Heartless and the threat they posed if they could do this kind of damage to a city, but she had more pressing issues to worry about. Like her friend coming out of nowhere to save her plot back when she was being chased by the heartless. She was aware it could be a bit challenging to start talking again, after how things ended between the two of them in the past. Still, she determinedly began the conversation by breaking the silence and speaking first. "Gil," she said, "what made you choose this spot for a little getaway? Not the most inviting place for a holiday right now, right?" the female griffon scowled at the mare, looking back at her with a critical eye, "It's not like I chose to be here, Dash. I was simply passing through when that dark sky engulfed the entire forest I was in." She kicked a loose cobblestone in frustration. "And those stupid monsters didn't help matters either." "The Heartless. Yeah. They've been a thorn in our sides ever since they showed up in Ponyville too." Rainbow puffed out her chest as she adjusted her goggles on her head. "Yeah...Can't count how many times I had to kick their butts now." The mare smirked. "If I didn't know any better, I would think I'm an expert by now." “Ah, so you’re the expert now?” The griffon snickered, completely facing her companion. “If I remember correctly, it was me who saved you from those monsters a few moments ago, Miss Expert.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and exhaled audibly. “Alright, you got me there, not gonna lie." She sighed before looking at the griffon. "Still, gotta repeat, why are you here Gilda? And I mean the city. This place isn't safe right now.” The griffon looked away, her feathers ruffling slightly. "I'm looking for someone," she muttered. "What's it to you?" "Looking for someone?" the mare repeated, tilting her head. "Is it a friend?" "Like I said before, what's it to you, Dash?" The griffon turned to face the mare fully. "I may have saved your life but don't forget, the two of us aren't exactly friends anymore." The griffon huffed. "What was it you said again? Maybe I should find some cool friends someplace else?" Rainbow flinched at the memory. She regretted the words she had said to Gilda back then...but... "I only said that because you were being lame to my new friends, Gilda!" the mare shot back. "I wanted all of us to get along back then!" Gilda scoffed again. "Yeah, and I ruined it all, didn't I? Is that what you are gonna say?" The griffon pressed her head against the mare's own, feeling Rainbow push back in defiance. After a moment she turned away. "I guess it doesn't matter now. That's all in the past. I just need to find this person and get out of here as soon as possible." The rainbow maned mare shot in front of her. "Well, I'm not leaving you to fend for yourself," she said, determination in her voice. "We'll find your friend together, and then we'll get out of here. That way I at least don't owe you anymore." The griffon raised an eyebrow. "I don't need or want your help, Dash. Why don't you worry about your new friends back at that camp huh?" "Back at the camp...you mean...oh!" Rainbow's ears perked. "Rarity and Fluttershy. You saw them too?" "Heck if I know. I didn't stick around to find out after all. Too many chatty ponies for my liking." The griffon scoffed. "I'm just out here to find that stupid pony and then I'm outta here. Don't have to deal with you ponies and your magic ever again." Rainbow frowned. She wasn't about to let Gilda go alone. "Well, like I said, I owe you one and Rainbow Dash never back out of a debt. And besides, I can't just leave you here. What if you run into more Heartless?" "I can take care of myself, Dash. I don't need yours or anyone's help!" the griffon emphasized the point by poking the pegasus's chest. "So why don't you just butt out." The rainbow maned mare wasn't deterred by Gilda's attitude however "Look, Gilda," Rainbow began, taking a step closer to her, pushing her claw away. "I know what I said wasn't cool but neither was you hurting my friends back at Ponyville." She poked the griffon's chest. "I'm willing to let bygones be bygones for now since searching for the ponies lost in this town is more important anyway. Sides, I'm missing a few friends in town too so two pairs of eyes are better then one right?" Gilda rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "Fine, whatever. If it will get you off my back then we can work together...for now. But I don't take orders, got that?!" Rainbow smirked. "Deal. Now let's get moving." The rainbow maned mare flew into the air with a kick of her wings. "Didn't I tell you I don't take orders from anyone?!" Gilda repeated as she followed Rainbow's lead. Flying alongside her, Gilda yelled out, "Do you even know where we are going?" She ignored the griffon, and began to scan the horizon. Even in the night-like darkness that surrounded them, the rainbow-maned mare could make out several buildings in the distance. However, one structure in particular held her interest the most. "That one!" she pointed towards the tallest buildings. "The tall tower in the middle of town—that has to be Town Hall!" Gilda's eyebrows knitted together as she looked to where Rainbow was peering. "Town Hall? What makes you believe your nerdy friends are there?" she queried doubtfully. "And what about the one I'm looking for?" Rainbow grinned confidently. "It's simple, Gilda. If a bad guy wanted to do something nefarious, it'd be right in the center of town or inside the most significant construction they could find. And looky here: Town Hall is both of those." She winked. "Don't mention it." Gilda scowled but didn't argue. She knew Rainbow had a point, even if it was still a shot in the dark. Least it was better than blindly going from building to building. "Fine, let's go check it out," she said begrudgingly. "But if we meet any trouble, we are taking them down...my way." "Doesn't your way usually mean smashing stuff?" the rainbow maned mare asked with a raised eyebrow, her hooves folding about her chest. "Would you look at that?" The griffon cracked a smile. "You still remember. Almost like we were friends or something." With that, Gilda took off towards the looming Town Hall building, Rainbow, after releasing a frustrated sigh flanking her close behind. As the pair got closer, both the mare and griffon could see that quite a bit of the building was in ruins. Its once grand architecture was now nothing but rubble and broken windows, the top of the roof caved. A statue that seemed to have been the cornerstone of the town, now ruins of what it was. Neither Rainbow or Gilda knew the significance of it, the latter caring in the least more so. The Griffon was first to land on the ground, her talons clinking on the rocks. The blue pegasus landed beside her, scanning the area. Finding no signs of life outside, the rainbow maned mare turned towards the griffon. "Sora and Trixie entered from underground." the rainbow mare committed. "And since the top crashed, pretty sure the only way they could go was down...unless there really is nothing here and I nearly got my heart taken by the Heartless for nothing." "Well I didn't come all this way for nothing, did you?" Rainbow frowned and shook her head at Gilda's question. "Then lets go in, find those stupid ponies and get out. The faster the better." Not waiting for the mare, she would make her way up the stairs towards the broken doors of town hall. Rainbow Dash followed the griffon reluctantly, a nagging feeling of unease in her gut. She looked back, a frown forming on her face. After a moment the mare would follow the griffon into the broken building. As they made their way through the destroyed lobby, the mare couldn't help but notice just how much destruction there was within. The mare sighed heavily, a little joke about how someone had clearly gone out of their way to wreck the system on the tip of her tongue. Deciding it would be in poor taste she went with something else. "It's hard to believe one of those Heartless monsters could cause such destruction," the mare paused, "Okay I say that but...I, like, fought a gigantic crystal Heartless at the Crystal Empire so..." Gilda raised an eyebrow, the conversation catching her attention. "A giant what now?" "Giant Crystal Heartless. Think Pinkie called it Nega Crystal or something stupid." Rainbow answered. "Name aside. It was kinda wicked looking." "You expect me to believe that?" The griffon asked. Rainbow shrugged. "Hey, believe what you want, Gilda. But since when have I ever lied to you?" Gilda scoffed but didn't say anything else. Turning her head back to the task at hand, only to stop when something slowly began to seep from the darkness of the ground in front of her, causing her to stop Rainbow in her tracks with a quick tail flick. Beady yellow eyes were the first thing that the girls could make out, before the body of a pony soon made itself known. It wasn't just one though. Two, and then three and then more and more slowly began to follow until the mares were surrounded on all sides. Gilda gawked at the throng of ponies encircling them. "What in Equestira are those things?" She asked in shock as she eyed the ponies around them. Their bodies moved slow, almost with a mechanical precision, like they were puppets. "Shadow Ponies." Rainbow answered by getting into a defensive stance herself. "Another type of Heartless. Pretty sure Pinkie also named them." Gilda gritted her teeth, unsheathing her talons. "Just how many of these beasts are there?" "Trust me Gil. Heartless can come in all shapes and sizes. Even saw a pony-eating plant one." Gilda facepalmed. "Pony-eating plant? Geeze! Just what kind of trouble did you pull me into?" "Hey! Don't blame me! Not my fault that Heartless are running around Equestira!" "Wasn't talking about you Dash!" The griffon growled Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Then, who were you talking about?" "Forget about it! We need to-WOAH!" Gilda was cut off as she jumped over a nasty swipe from one of the creatures. quick as a flash, the griffon took to the air, using her wings to evade another one of their attacks. The rainbow maned mare followed suit after her, using her quick reflexes to dodge the shadowy chomp from yet another of the creatures. Before either griffon or pony could get too comfortable while being out of reach of the Heartless, a beam of darkness shot past the pair, hitting the wall behind. They both looked towards where it came from to discover several Shadow Ponies with horns glowing menacingly with dark energy. Already a barrage of bolts would take aim towards them. Realizing that remaining stationary would leave them vulnerable, the griffon and mare split apart, decreasing the amount of beams being directed at each of them. Rainbow groaned in annoyance as she flew around the room, narrowly dodging a barrage of dark magic. Her acrobatic maneuvers gave them little chance to hit her with their spells. "We need to get rid of those ones with the horns first!" She shouted. "No kidding, dweeb! That'll be easier said than done," Gilda replied, barely managing to evade an oncoming blast. "If you think so then you don't know me!" Rainbow Dash dashed off before Gilda could stop her, dodging beam fire as she advanced on the Heartless with the horns. Now that she was close though, they all focused their energy on her, sending twice as many deadly beams her way. Rainbow Dash dodged and darted through a shower of shadows, her wings flapping rapidly to keep her in the air. It was becoming too much for even her remarkable agility, so she decided it was time to retreat. "Okay! That was a bad idea!" "Could have told you that myself dweeb. "Gilda's voice was laced with irritation as she dodged another bolt of darkness coming at her. “I could've told you that before we left, nerd. We need to come up with something and fast.” "Or...maybe we don't need to..." Rainbow smirked. "You remember the time back in flight school? When we were playing hoofball? How were the two of us able to get that ball away from those jockhead?" Despite the chaos around them, the griffon couldn't stop the smile playing on her face. "You mean the old Crash and Dash maneuver?" "That's the one!" Rainbow shouted back. "Think you can keep up still? I have gotten pretty fast since you last saw me." Gilda chuckled. "Please, I could keep up with you in my sleep!" she boasted. "Good! Then let's do it!" Rainbow shot off towards the Heartless with the horns, drawing their attention once again. Gilda watched as the rainbow maned mare weaved in and out of the Heartless’ beams of darkness, quickly drawing all fire towards herself. Realizing that Rainbow Das was now their focus, the griffin sprang into action, soaring out of the creature's line of sight. It took little time for the griffon to close the distance between herself and the monsters, and as she did, she released a fierce screech, her talons outstretched. The horned heartless had little time to react as her claws ripped though their black bodies, each swipe destroying one after another. As she worked, the clawed pony heartless would try and make their move on her, only to be stopped by Rainbow as she smashed though more then a few of them. Soon enough, the two began to work together, Gilda tearing apart the Heartless with her sharp talons while Rainbow Dash used her agility to keep them from getting too close. Like a well oiled machine, both mare and griffon matched each others movements as if they had been doing so all their lives. Their coordinated attack was a sight to behold. The Heartless, being no match for the duo, disposed of the rest with ease. As the last of the creatures dissipated into nothingness, Rainbow Dash and Gilda shared a victorious grin before turning to each other. "You still got it," Rainbow said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Just like old times, huh?" she replied, holding out her hoof for a bump. Gilda looked between the hoof and the mare before sighing softly, a smile playing across her beak. "Yeah...whatever...Least you weren't too shabby. Anyway we should...ah!" She clutched her side. "Geeze...one of them must have nicked me back there when I wasn't looking..." She withdrew her claw, seeing a bit of blood on it. "Gah...Pony Feathers..." "Woah! Gil!" Rainbow ran towards the mare. "Geeze...And I thought I was the careless one. Looks pretty bad." Gilda flexed her wing, testing the pain before she shook her head. "It'll heal. It's just a scratch. Let's just get out of here before more of these things show up." "No way. Who knows what kinds of things those monsters carry. We gotta take care of it now." Rainbow reached into her coat pocket, pulling out a strange vial with a liquefied star within it. "And I got just the right kind of medicine." Tossing the vial towards the griffon she smirked. "Take a swig of that." Gilda looked between the mare and the bottle before looking away. "Geeze...If it was anyone else I would have clobbered them. Least I know you won't give me anything weird..." She reasoned with herself before doing as the mare asked. The effects were almost instant, the griffon feeling as if she had just woken up. Shaking her feathers, she looked back down at her side, finding nothing but a faint scar where her wound had been. "Gah! Dash! Where the heck did you get that stuff?!" "Lets just call it a perk of having friends in the right places." The mare mused with a wink. "Anyway. We should get going. Whatever they were trying to keep us from must be down below. Might just be the one you are looking for!" She ticked. "And knowing Sora, he's more then likely knee deep in trouble." "How, Dash, the way you say that almost sounds like you have a crush on this Sora dork," The griffon smirked. Rainbow Dash shot her friend a look and waved her hoof, although the mare's cheeks were tainted with pink. "You know me better than that, Gil; I'm only concerned about him." She glanced back at the griffon. "Just like how I watch over you." She held a hoof out to help her rise to her feet. Gilda cast a suspicious glance at the hoof that Rainbow had held out to help her up. Taking it in her talon, she allowed herself to be pulled up. "Geez... Every time we have an argument, I'm always the one who has to apologize, huh Dash?" "Well...I mean mostly half the time its because you were being a bit of a do-." Rainbow blinked before turning back towards the griffon. "Wait...you mean..." Gilda gently slammed her fist into the mare's side. "Don't make me say it again." "Haha...Then...Apology accepted, Gil." Rainbow grinned slyly. "Just...don't think I'm ready to sing friendship with the rest of those dweebs." The griffon told her, looking away. "Don't worry, we're take it nice and slow Gil." She clapped the griffon on the back as she passed her. "Alright, let's get moving then. I'll take the lead as always." She smirked as she looked back. "And after we're done, I can introduce you to Sora; he's a little strange, but any stallion Fluttershy takes an interest in can't be too bad. Besides, if you can't make friends with him then you can't make friends with anypony." Disappearing into the darkness of the hole, the rainbow-maned mare left the griffon to follow in her wake. Before she did, however, the griffon pulled the dagger out of the pack she carried, holding it within a shaking talon. "Right...And then I can find that stupid pony wielding the light...And then I'll be free...from that crazy mare. From all of this." Something tickled in the back of her mind as she spoke, a deep sense of...sadness? Regret? She did not know and she did not care. With a deep breath, she put the weapon back in her bag and followed behind the mare with the rainbow-colored mane. > Memories Lost > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Memories Lost Sora gazed upon the figure trapped within the blue bubble of light in the middle of the room, the orange hued stallion floating listlessly, just as Twilight had done before him when she had lost her heart to the Heartless. And just as with Twilight, the stallion's own crystalized heart could be seen, hanging by a thread off the stallion's chest. As the Keyblade Wielder approached the bubble, a weight fell upon his chest, one he had not felt since that time in Ponyville. Just who is this pony? He thought to himself. Why is he down here? Was he the reason the heartless were gathered together in front of the door? More importantly...why was he like this, just like Twilight was. The stallion frowned. "I thought this was just an Element of Harmony thing…" He spoke out loud now, his hoof gently touching the bubble, it buckling softly in soft waves. "Do...all ponies get this way when they are about to lose their heart?" Sora asked, slowly walking around it. "It's like it’s some kind of shield that protects it from happening." No matter what it was, it was strange, to say the least. At least for him and what he knows about the Heartless. Usually, when a Heartless kills someone, the one who's heart is stolen disappears from the world...the body becoming a Nobody...but with both Twilight's and this pony's case, that wasn't true. The bubble thing happened. Looking around the room he noticed that, while it wasn't as grandiose as the stage in the middle of the room was the stallion was on, there were more than a few indents in the floor where more than likely other ponies might have been trapped in bubbles just like he was. Something of which only caused the stallion more confusion. Why is he the only one here? He didn't know what, but something must have happened to them, whoever they were. Sora took a step back and looked up at the stallion once again. His eyes were closed...almost as if he were sleeping. If the stallion didn’t feel that what was happening to the one inside the bubble was wrong, he would have thought they were almost…peaceful. Still, it was wrong. With a nod of determination, he would jump back before summoning his keyblade with a flourish, pointing the tip at the bubble. As the stallion closed his eyes, he recalled the feeling he had that day in Ponyville and would channel the light within his heart, making it form at the very tip of the blade. I may not have my other magic but I still have this. Opening his eyes he would release the energy, a soft beam of light shooting out the tip as soon as he did so.It resonated with a melodic tingle before the beam pierced the bubble, hitting the heart above the stallion. Immediately, he felt a sudden shock surge throughout his body before everything went. ~ The letter I received this morning. It said I was to work with a mare named Starlight who had found strange creatures within Trottingham Forest. The surge of emotion I felt when I saw the name was indescribable. The name of a long lost foalhood friend of mine. The reason I was able to get into the Gifted School of Unicorns in the first place. And then...I felt conflicted. What if it really was her. What if...I couldn't face her again. It has been a really long time and...she...I never talked to her once. Dear Celestia, give me strength. ***** "Starlight?" Is that...you?" A purple mare turned to face me, a frown on her face before a look of disbelief formed . "Sun...burst?" "It is you!" You run towards her, your heart swelling as you did so. "It's been so long! How have you been?" "I...what..." She frowned. " What are you doing here? You...Where have you been Sunburst?" I pause. "Oh...Well I mean. I was the one they sent to help with the discovery you made." I admitted, rubbing the back of my head. "When I heard that it was a mare named Starlight Glimmer that had found a strange being I...well...I kinda jumped at the chance to see if it was the same filly I knew back when we were foals." "Oh..." She said in a harsh whisper. "So...Finally you show yourself. After all these years." I could see the hurt and anger in her eyes, and I knew that I had to explain myself. "I'm sorry, Starlight. I didn't mean to disappear like that. It's just that...I got caught up in my studies, and before I knew it, a lot of time had passed." "Your studies?" She raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you call it? Abandoning your friends for years on end?" "I...it wasn't like that...No...I mean...I..." I stutter with my words, trying and failing to explain myself. "You leave for the Gifted School of Unicorns promising to write and stay in contact...but you never did, Sunburst." Starlight's voice was stern, and her eyes betrayed a hint of hurt. "I waited for you, for years. I thought we were friends, but you just disappeared." She frowned harder. "And now you appear in front of me? After all this time?" I hung my head in shame, feeling the weight of her words. "I know, Starlight. I should have kept in touch. I wasn't thinking." I shake my head. "Maybe...if...I did...I...wouldn't have flunked Magic School..." Starlight's expression softened slightly at my words. "What do you mean, flunked Magic School?" I took a deep breath, feeling the embarrassment and shame creeping up on me. "I...I couldn't keep up with the coursework," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I thought I was good enough, but I wasn't. It...was because of you that I got as far as I did before. I'm good with theories but that's about it. You were always the more magically inclined of us two." I shake his head. "When I failed advance study, I went to secondary study, Stuff only dealing with theory and tall tales. I felt so ashamed about it...I...guess I didn't want to face you...or anypony else..." "That's...no excuse to just… Keep out of touch though. I…it hurt when I thought I would never see you again" She said softly. "So…I can’t just forgive you…not right now.." I cringe and nod. "I guess thats fair. It really was a mistake coming here then...Sorry Starlight...I...I'll just..." "You will stay right by my side until I am finished saying how much of a jerk you were for leaving me." Her magic pulled me close much to my surprise. It was warm. "And then you will make it up to me...Starting with a birthday present for every year you've been away." I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness wash over me. Maybe there was a chance for us to reconnect after all. "Okay, Starlight. I'm sorry. I know I messed up. But I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you." "Good...Then the first thing you can do is help me..." She opens a nearby door. "With this-" ***** "No matter how many times I see them, these creatures always give me the shivers." I tap the glass that held the black, yellow eyed creature. It moved and I shivered again. "Oh don't be that way Sunburst." I hear Starlight cooing as she makes her way towards me, poking my cheek with a pen. "Aren't you excited about discovering a new kind of beast?" I smile as I roll my eyes. "Would rather discover a new kind of book at the antiques store to be honest. Still It is something to see up close. How did we even capture it?" "The benefactor that hired us gave it up for study." I let out a low whistle. "That's quite the benefactor giving up such a creature. Any idea what they want us to do with it?" Starlight shrugged. "Not really. They just said to study it and report any findings back to them." I nod, turning back to the creature. It was small, about the size of a house cat, but its black body seemed to absorb all light, making it almost impossible to see in the dark. Its yellow eyes were the only distinguishable feature. I shiver again. **** I smile as I hold out a box. "Happy Birthday...this time I didn't miss it." Starlight, focused on the notes about the black creature as it was, looked my way, a look of surprise on her face. Despite barely giving the other scientist a thought when they spoke to her, she would always give me her full attention. Something I decided to take advantage of today. "Sunburst I...You didn't have to. You know I was only joking about the whole birthday thing." I can't help the laugh escape my lips. "I mean...I was gonna get you something for those days too...but...It actually is your birthday." Starlight's eyes widen in surprise as she takes the box from me. "How did you even know?" she asks, a hint of suspicion in her voice. I grin, feeling proud of myself for remembering this year. "I may or may not have snuck a peek at your file. But only to make sure it was the right day. I mean...I may have not contacted you for years but...I never forgot your birthday. Does that make me sound creepy? It makes me sound creepy doesn't it?" Starlight chuckles, shaking her head. "No, it doesn't make you sound creepy. It's sweet, really. Thank you, Sunburst." I watch as she opens the box, revealing a necklace with a small star charm hanging from it. "I thought it would be fitting. Ya know...name and all. Hope its not too weird." Starlight's eyes sparkle as she takes the necklace out of the box and examines it closely. "It's perfect..." ***** I watch in horrified amazement as Starlight commands the little black creature, making it move from one side of the room to the other with just a mere look. "This is...is..." "Amazing."She finishes for me, though that isn't what I would describe it as. I take a step back, feeling the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. There was something unsettling about the way the creature moved at her command, as if it was completely under her control. "Starlight, I don't think we should be messing with this thing outside of its cage like this. It's...I mean...." "It's fine Sunburst. I got it under control." She demonstrates as she nods her head, an action that caused the creature to jump. "See. Perfectly fine." I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as I watched Starlight continue to play with the creature. It was almost as if she was enjoying the power she held over it, and that thought made my skin crawl. I hope she knows what she's doing. **** "Starlight...I...Think we should stop this...the project I mean..." I say, sitting up in bed. "That...creature...It nearly hurt that pony." Starlight turns to me, a look of annoyance on her face. "Sunburst...this again. I have everything under control. That mare didn't get hurt, right? And I'm sure there's going to be a brake though soon...I can feel it." "I don't know, Starlight. That thing is dangerous. We have to put an end to this project before someone gets seriously hurt." Starlight rolls her eyes. "You're always so cautious, Sunburst. Sometimes you just have to take risks to achieve greatness." "But what If you get hurt? Then...What would I do?" I ask. "I just...got you back in my life...I don't want to lose you again..." Starlight looks at me, her expression softening. "Sunburst, I appreciate your concern, but I know what I'm doing. And besides, we've come too far to just give up now. I can only do this with you...so please." She wraps her hooves around me. I can feel her warmth and her heartbeat as I lean into her embrace, but the unease still lingers in the back of my mind. "Okay, Starlight. I trust you. But please, promise me you'll be careful." "I promise, Sunburst. I won't take any unnecessary risks," she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice. "Now come on, let's get some sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." **** I feel myself flicker on the edge, darkness all around me. The sensation of falling engulfs me, and for a moment, I feel as though I've lost all control of my body. Despite the sensation I never hit the ground. All I hear is a voice...her voice... "I'll make this right...I...I should have listened...I'll make this right...I need them...I'll make this right..." ~ Sora's head jolts as the memories fade away, his eyes opening just in time to see the stallion gently fall to the ground in a heap. The crystalized heart that had been above him slowly seeped into his chest. Slowly, the Keyblade Wielder would regain his faculties, a hoof pressing against his head as it throbbed. "What...was that? Were those...Memories?" He looked towards the fallen stallion. "His memories?" The Keyblade Wielder’s heart tingles softly, a feeling he remembers when the one within his heart needed him. "Sora! What happened!" He heard Ventus’s voice call out. "You just...stopped moving. Like you were in some kind of weird trance." Standing up, Sora took a deep breath, allowing himself to slowly calm down. "I don't know, Ventus. I saw flashes of memories. Memories that weren't mine." “Memories? What kind of memories?” “Of…this one's past.” He looked over towards the fallen stallion. “He…and another, a mare, were given a Heartless to study.” The stallion could feel the shock emanating from the one within him. "You're serious aren't you? Who would do something like that? Was it...The Organization?" "Wouldn't be surprised." The Keyblade Wielder responded. "Those guys are always starting trouble on other worlds." "Did...the memories show you anything?" The caramel stallion shook his head. "Bits and pieces. I was looking through the stallion's eyes so I could only see what he saw." Sora folded his hooves about his chest. "There were...a lot of faces in the background...but there was a mare he was focused on. Someone named Starlight Glimmer." "Geeze...what is with the pony names?" Ventus half joked. "Anyway...what about her?" "It looked like they were working on some kind of project." Sora admitted. "Something to do with the Heartless I think." "That doesn't seem good. Was there anything you found out about the project?" The Keyblade Wielder shook his head. "No...but...there was one thing. She...was starting to control the Heartless they had been given by someone..." Ventus’s thoughts stopped short, stunned by what Sora had told him. "You think she's responsible for all that's been going on in this town?" he asked. "I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case," Sora muttered. "And finding her might not be easy." "Is anything ever easy when it comes to stuff like this?" Sora let out a light laugh, "No, it never is." He studied his surroundings, a small frown appearing on his face. "In any case, whatever was happening here is done with. This place is totally powered down now." Ventus hummed in agreement. "Yeah, I get that feeling too. For now focus on what you can do. I'll be here if you need me." The one within Sora chuckled softly. "And next time, warn me when you are about to black out. Almost thought you lost your heart there." Sora chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll try to give more of a heads up next time. No promises though." With that the stallion was alone again. He was surprised at how not weird it felt to talk to someone within him." Getting back on track, the stallion rushed over to the one who had fallen, his mind once again replaying the memories he was able to see. After taking a deep breath, he would slowly lift the stallion's head before leaning in. He was breathing. That was a good sign. "Your name...is Sunburst. I remember?" He shook his head slowly, shaking the haze away. "You...were trying to warn her that the Heartless were bad news. Why didn't she listen?" The stallion huffed. There was no time to think right now. Carefully, he picks up the still sleeping Sunburst, rolling him onto his back as he does so. Taking one last look around, the Keyblade Wielder frowns, still conflicted on what happened to the rest of the ponies. Still, that was a worry for another day. Right now he had to get this one out of her, and then find a way to get Trixie too. It didn't take the Keyblade Wielder long before he made it back to where he had left his friend. Before he could make his way towards her however, his heart would catch in his chest as he spotted some sort of...hawk with the lower half of a lion. He had honestly never seen anything like it before in his life. He barely had time to gawk at them however, spotting just who it was that the creature was towering over. The still sleeping form of Trixie beneath it. The stallion cursed himself for leaving Trixie alone. Not wasting a second longer, he rushed towards the beast. Knowing he had to act fast, he summoned his Keyblade, feeling the familiar weight of it in his hoof. In a downwards arc he swung. The lion bird only had enough time to squawk before dodging the blow, falling backwards onto their rump as they did so. Before the creature could retaliate in kind, they would find the tip of the blade pointing at their head, a very angry stallion looking down at them as he slowly slip the one upon his back off of him. "I don't know who you are, but you better back off." he demanded. The lion-bird hybrid simply snarled in response, baring its sharp teeth. "Who the buck are you!? And are you crazy!? You could have took my head off with that thing!" Sora narrowed his eyes at the creature, his grip on the Keyblade tightening. "I'm someone who doesn't tolerate anyone hurting my friends." The stallion scoffed. "Besides, If I really wanted to hurt you wouldn't have seen me coming." "Oh, is that a fact, Spiky?" The creature asked. "Wanna put your money where your mouth is?" Before he could retort the sudden sounds of hoofsteps could be heard before the door that led into the room was kicked open "Gilda! I just heard you...Huh?" A blue mare paused mid sentence, looking between all within before laser focusing on Sora himself. "S-Sora!" "Rainbow? Y-Ahhh!" He barely had time to react as the mare pounced on him. Wrapping her hooves around him in a tight hug, Rainbow Dash squeezes him tightly before pulling away to look at him with a huge grin on her face. "Where the hey have you been!" She then frowned, punching his foreleg. "Dude! Do you know how worried I was?" The stallion rubbed his foreleg. "Haha...I could say the same for you. I wasn't the one that was getting chased by a wave of Heartless." Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Yeah, well, what can I say? I'm a pro at dodging those things." "Are you two dweebs done, or do you need a room?" The lion-bird asks, looking between the two of them with a raised eyebrow. "Gilda! I told you before! He's my friend." Rainbow responded as she glared at the one called Gilda, a slight blush on her face. "He's one of the ponies I'm here to find." She lifted herself off the stallion, helping him to his hooves. "Forget all that though. What the hey happened? I thought I heard Gilda screaming." "I was not screaming!" Gilda shot back before glaring towards the stallion. "He came out of nowhere and attacked me!" Said stallion frowned as he glared right back at her . "Well Sorry. You were the one towering over Trixie here, looking like you were about to pounce on her. What else would you have expected me to do?" The creature scoffed, crossing its arms. "I was not about to pounce on her. I just found her like that and thought she was dead." Closing his eyes, the stallion took a breath before looking down towards the sleeping showmare, "Well...She's not. And...if that's the case, sorry I jumped the gun." He raised a hoof towards Gilda. "I was just looking out for my friend. She was already hurt because I wasn't paying attention so..." Gilda rolled her eyes, ignoring the hoof offered. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Spiky. Just keep your blade to yourself next time, alright?" "Alright, alrightt. With that settled." Rainbow turned her attention towards Sora. "What the hey happened with you and Miss Sleepy over there when we separated?" She looked down towards the unconscious stallion next to the Keyblade Wielder. "And who the hey is that?" Sora shook his head before hoisting the stallion back on his back. "That's kind of a long story. Something I'll be sure to tell you while we make our way back to Fluttershy, Rarity and the others." "Huh? But what about fighting the big bad?" Rainbow asked, with a raised eyebrow. "Aren't we supposed to defeat them and take down this dark shield that's hovering over the whole of the city and forest?" The stallion made his way towards Trixie. "Whoever was here before left already I think. All that I found was the stallion trapped in the same bubble Twilight was when she nearly had her heart taken by the Heartless." "What?! Really?!" The rainbow mare asked, shocked. "And you freed him just like you did Twilight?" Sora nodded solemnly. "Yeah, and I think there were others. But I don't know where they are or what happened to them." "How...many others?" "Too many for me to count by the looks of the indents on the floor like this guy was in." The keyblade Wielder motioned towards the stallion on his back. "Anyway. I'll tell you the rest when we get out of here." "Got it...but." She turned towards Gilda. "What about the one you were looking for before? We still gotta find them." "If they aren't here...then I'm sure they will be heading towards the camp." the griffin responded. "Something tells me I'll see them there." She cast her gaze towards the stallion before looking away. "I'll take this lump of a pony." says, moving to pick up the sleeping showmare. Sora nods in agreement. "All right, we should head out then. The sooner we find the others and figure out what's going on, the better." ~ Fluttershy slowly awoke, a pounding headache greeting the shy mare as soon as she did so. She moved a hoof trying to reach for her head, only to find that she had been bound, her hooves tied together. "Ah...what? Rarity? Lightning?" Fluttershy called out, her voice shaky and weak. "Don't worry...your friends are quite safe." The soft voice of Starlight Glimmer would muse, pushing aside the tent's flaps. "In fact, they are behind you if you care to look." Fluttershy turned her head to see her friends bound and gagged, both mares knocked out just as she had been. She tried to struggle against her bindings, but the ropes were too tight. Giving up, she would cast her gaze towards Starlight. Fear racing in her heart, she spoke up, her voice shaking with fear. "Why are you doing this? What do you want from us?" "What I want..." Starlight repeated, her tone low. "What I want...is to make things right. To fix my mistake. To save the one I love..." "To...what?" The shy mare asked, clearly confused. "To save the one I love," Starlight repeated, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I made a mistake in the past, a mistake that cost me everything. But now, I have a chance to make things right. And I will do whatever it takes to do so. And to do so...I needed power." She raised her hoof, and a Heartless would appear before them. Fluttershy gasped in horror as the Heartless loomed over her, its glowing yellow eyes fixated on her. She struggled against her bindings, but they held tight. Starlight Glimmer watched with a mixture of excitement and fear as the Heartless approached Fluttershy. "Before...it was only a small connection. Now...The darkness is at my command fully. And with it, my command over Shadow Creatures." "H-Heartless..." Starlight blinked before looking at the mare. "What was that?" Fluttershy lowered her gaze as she spoke again. "T-They are called Heartless. And they are dangerous." The mare sighed before shaking her head. "Of that...I know all too well mare." "T-Then...why? Why are you working with them?" Starlight's expression turned dark as she stared at Fluttershy. "Because they give me power. Power to fix my mistakes. Power to save the one I love." She paused. "A power that had no other choice but to use to do so." Fluttershy had flinched at the mare's tone. Slowly, she would look back up at her. "T-Then...I...What happened in Trottingham...That was...you?" Starlight Glimmer nodded solemnly. "Yes. Sadly it was me. But it was for a greater purpose." She lowered her head. "And for that...I did what I had to do" She turned away as she waved the Heartless away. "I lost Sunburst once...I won't lose him again. Even if it means I must hurt my fellow ponies." "But...But there has to be another way." Fluttershy pleaded. "Working with the Heartless...they are trying to destroy our world." "Maybe So...But what use is a world with Sunburst?" She turned towards the mare. "It is why I must find the one with the light. By subduing him, my benefactors will provide me with the means to save him." "The one with the...Sora?" "Sora? Is that his name?" Starlight asked, her eyes widening. Fluttershy epped before looking away. She wanted to catch Sora…and the shy mare knew it wouldn’t be for a good reason. “I…I mean…” “Tut, tut, tut.” Starlight Glimmer smirked as she saw the fear in Fluttershy's eyes. "So that's the name of the one who wields the light. The one they wanted out of the picture." Fluttershy shook her head frantically, tears forming at the corner of her eyes. "D-Don't you dare hurt Sora! If you do...I...I..." Starlight’s eyes widened at the mare’s outburst before, Her gaze would shift from left to right as if she was thinking. And then, it would dawn on her. "Oh my...so that's how it is..." She smirked. "My, my...for the pieces to fall into my lap like this...It must be my lucky day." Slowly she made her way towards the bounded mare. "You...are a mare in love." Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise and embarrassment as she realized what Starlight had just said. "N-No, I-I'm not," she stuttered, trying to deny it. Starlight Glimmer chuckled softly and placed a hoof under Fluttershy's chin, gently lifting her face up. "It's okay, my dear. I won't judge you. Love is a powerful thing, isn't it? The feeling warming your chest. The sight of them sending your heart a flutter. Their touch brightening your day. I know it all." Fluttershy felt a shiver run down her spine at Starlight's words. There was something unsettling about the mare's demeanor and the way she spoke about love as if she knew everything. "Though...hmm...Does he care for you the same way I wonder?" She released the mare's chin. "Does he think about you the way I know you think about him?" Starlight smiled. "Quite the theory to prove I must admit.” She turned to face the mare just as she was about to leave the tent. “I am sorry about this, but I will need your help with it. I do hope you can forgive me." > Awaken Again > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sora awoke with a start. His heart raced as he threw his arms over his face in defense of some unseen blow, though he felt silly afterwards when there was no strike to block against. Gradually, as he regained control of his senses, he would finally notice just where he was. The world shrouded in darkness, the only light within coming from the stained glass window beneath him. It was the same place he ended up in with Applejack and Pinkie Pie way back when he fought Sombra…and that, in itself, wasn’t a good thing. Taking a deep breath, the stallion tried to calm his racing heart. Each thump, a dull ache within his chest. Looking down at his body, he found himself, once again, within his human form. It felt even more foreign to be in then last time he was within it. Despite that, he would get use to it once again, his fingers flexing and his legs stretching, though it would feel like he had never used them before now. Fingering he was safe, at least for now, the keyblade wielder crossed his arms about his chest, trying to recall how he had ended back up here. Though the more he thought, the more confused he became. He couldn’t remember anything "Just...what was I doing before? And why can't I remember any of it? I remembered the last time before I came here..." His mind, addled as it was, only saw...Fluttershy? A warm blush seeped out onto his cheeks. He couldn't figure out why his mind kept returning to the timid yellow mare. Of course he could remember a bit here and there with Rarity and Rainbow Dash, but it felt like she was the only one that took up any real space in his thoughts. Her soulful gaze looking down at him from…above? He shook his head, trying to force away the image of the mare. He needed to focus and If past experience had taught him anything, he had to get moving. Last time he was here, he and his friends were in trouble, and he was sure this time would be no different. Getting up from the ground, he spotted a luminescent staircase close by. With limited choices, he decided to follow it and see where it led him. It was during the lengthy journey that he couldn't help but feel like he was dragging his feet through a pool of molasses, and with every step, the sensation only intensified. The reason, he didn't know. He remembered making such a trek so many times without a problem, but this time...it was different. Eventually, he made it to the peak and would soon drop to his knees, clutching his chest and wincing from the dull pain within his heart. "Geeze...I can’t be that out of shape, can I?" He joked, though his tone with less jovial then he liked it to be. Slowly he got back to his feet, though his hand would press against his chest still, almost as if it was trying to grasp at something. He was about to move forward once again but then something...or...someone's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Sora?" At the sound of his name, the keyblade wielder's eyes widened. He spun around and saw a mare he knew—a yellow and pink creature with a white and red robe crafted by Rarity. Her teal eyes studied him with confusion and then realization as she looked upon Sora’s visage. Slowly, Fluttershy would step closer, her voice shaky, "You...are Sora...right? You...This is how you looked before you came to Equestria right...You're Sora..." The last one wasn't a question. More so a confirmation. Sora nodded, a feeling of relief flowing through him as he looked upon the yellow and pink maned mare. He wanted to say something at least a little cool, but all he could do was give her the best smile he could muster, two words slipping from his lips. “Hey…Shy…” The mare didn't need any more convincing as she sprinted into a full gallop, her hooves propelling her forward faster than even the wind if the keyblade wielder was being honest. He barely had time to register that she had jumped towards him, even more so when she had tackled him to the ground , her hooves wrapping tightly around him into a crushing hug. "Woah! S-Shy? What are you..." He pulled the mare away, despite being happy to see her too. Though the sight of her tearstained face caused him to pause. "Fluttershy...what's wrong? Why the waterworks?" "You're okay...you're...alright..." was the only thing she could mutter softly. With quivering lips, she buried her face into his chest, a fresh wave of tears flowing down her cheeks and onto his shirt. The keyblade wielder could feel her body shake with each soft, nerve wracking sob. Of course he felt overwhelmed by what she was doing, but that didn't stop him from holding her back, his arms wrapping around the timid mare. "Hey...It's okay, Shy. I'm here now." He spoke soothingly, his hand gently stroking her mane. "I'm okay..." "Sora!" The keyblade wielder looked up to find Rainbow Dash rocketing her way towards the pair, she herself moving just as fast as Fluttershy was a moment ago. She landed in front of the two, barely keeping on her hooves as she did so. She paused for only a moment as she looked between both Sora and the mare he was holding. "It is you, isn't it?" The blue mare asked, a smile on her face as if knowing the answer to the question already. It then turned into a devious smirk. "Fluttershy wouldn't let just any stallion hold her like that. No way in Tartarus." "Haha…Yeah...it's me...or...ya know. How I use to look." His gaze down towards the crying mare in his arms, smiling softly. "It's good to see two of you again." He chuckled as he looked back up at the prismatic maned mare. "You gotta tell me how you escaped the Heartless back in Trottingham. It's gotta be a pretty cool story." Rainbow frowned. "Wait...What are you talking about, Sora?" "Don’t tell me you already forgot. That crowd of Heartless you led away so me and Trixie could make it into Town Hall" Sora spoke. "I mean, Twilight told me you don’t have the best memory but It just happened not too long ago." "Dude! What?!" The rainbow mare balked, clearly freaking out. "That was hours ago. We met up way after that. Don't you remember?" His face contorted in confusion at the mare’s words. "What are you talking about, Dash?" Rainbow frowned at him before looking down, her mind racing. "That...I mean..." She looked back towards the keyblade wielder. "Sora you can't...I mean...Don't you remember anything of what happened before?" "I...Ah...Like I said…I remember me and Trixie making it to the basement...she got hurt. I helped her and left her someplace safe," he admitted, looking up at the mare. "And then...I...it's all a blur." "You...really don't remember...do you?" Fluttershy finally spoke, her tearstained face looking up at the young hero. "Remember what?" He asked, looking between both of the mares, frowning softly. The timid mare opened her mouth to speak, catching herself before releasing a heavy breath. "Sora...you were stabbed...by Gilda..." ~ Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Awaken Again Some time Before... In Trottingham Forest "-And that's pretty much everything that happened after you led that Heartless away." Sora finished his tale as the trio made their way through the dense forest, Gilda and Sora carrying Trixie and the stallion while the former of the two led them down the dirt path. Flying was out of the question for the three of them, half because of the dark that surrounded them and half because of Sora's inability to do so, despite him being a pegasus. Between himself and Rainbow (mostly Rainbow) They had convinced Gilda to not only not fly off but to lead the both of them to the encampment that the other’s had found. Since they had time to spare and since Sora did promise them a story, he would recount the time he and Trixie were apart from the rainbow maned mare. Upon his story finishing,, the blue pegasus would cast a gaze towards the sleeping mare on Gilda's back, frowning slightly, "Geeze...Trixie kinda was cool back there then...Ugh! I can't believe those words even came out of my mouth. Gonna have to wash it out with soap." Sora chuckled softly, looking towards the showmare that was upon Gilda's back. "Come on, Dash. She isn't that bad." He smirked. "Honestly, she kinda reminds me of you in a way." "You know I'm not taking that as a compliment right?" The mare deadpanned before straightening up, "Anyway, back on topic...about that Starlight mare controlling the Heartless. You really think that this is all her doing?" She asked, gesturing around them. "I'm sure Starlight had help. Someone brought her the Heartless after all." Rainbow huffed, the feathers on her wings ruffling, "Ugh...I bet it was those Organization jerks you talked about before." "Yeah...it wouldn't surprise me if they're involved in this somehow." The stallion sighed. "They are always causing trouble wherever they go and this really does seem right up their alley." Flying into the air, Rainbow clapped her hooves together, her scowl deepening. "Just wait till I get a hold of them, then. They'll regret the day they ever set hoof in Equestria." She jabbed at the air, dodging and weaving an imaginary opponent. "They won't even see me coming with how hard I'll let my hooves fly." The stallion couldn't help but smile, watching Rainbow with amusement. "I don't doubt that for a second, Dash." He then turned his attention back to Gilda. "Speaking of Starlight, you were at that camp we're going to right? Did anyone mention a mare by that name?" The griffon looked back at the stallion for only a second before looking away just as quickly, a curt and harsh "No," Escaping her beak soon after. The stallion had flinched slightly at the griffon's sharp tone but nodded all the same, a soft “I see…” escaping his lips regardless. Rainbow, on the other hand, flew forward until she was walking right beside her old childhood friend, a frown adorning her face as she spoke in a hushed tone. "Hey no need to give Sora the cold shoulder, Gee. I thought you two put what happened back at that freaky lab behind you. Besides, I vouch for the dude. And I’m pretty sure my words good." The griffon huffed, her feathers fluffing up in irritation. "I am not giving him the cold shoulder, Dash." She sighed before looking over at the mare. "I'm just…thinking." "Thinking? Thinking about what?" Rainbow’s friend frowned, her eyes keeping forwards as she spoke. "Just...stuff, okay? I can think without somepony giving me the third degree about it, right?" "Well...uh...yeah I guess...but..." the rainbow maned mare sighed softly. "I just...ya know…It just feels like you’re still mad at Sora, and I just want my old best friend to get along with my new friends." She smiled. "I mean, I like them so that counts for something right?" "Tisk...Is that a fact?" The griffon answered before allowing her eyes to fall on Rainbow Dash. "I mean...when you find a double of 'HIM' then I guess I can see why you want me to love him so much." The rainbow maned mare raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What are you talking about Gee?" "Dude. Come off it. I see the way you talk to him." The griffon frowned. "If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were talking to Locke again." Rainbow froze in her spot as Gilda said HIS name. "I..." She shook her head before catching back up to her, her voice harsh but still low. "I don't know what you are talking about Gilda." "Again...come off it Dash." The griffon spoke in annoyance. "Every time I have to listen to him, all I can think about is how much he sounds AND acts just like your old crush." "He was not my....." Rainbow placed a hoof on her head, stopping herself short of yelling, "Just...Drop it, Gilda. Sora isn't Locke. No way close." "Well duh. I can see that. Can you?" Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, her patience wearing thin. "Of course I can, Gilda! Why are you even bringing this up?" The griffon sighed softly. "Listen...I...Know it's none of my business' but you shouldn't get too attached to him. If Locke would leave without saying a word then I'm sure-"' Rainbow Dash cut her off with a glare. "Don't you dare compare Sora to Locke. He's nothing like him." Even the griffon, as strong as she was backed off at the rainbow maned mare's command. "I...ugh...Fine...I Just didn't want you to get hurt. I mean...I know I'm a jerk and stuff but..." The pegasus softened her expression and placed a hoof on Gilda’s shoulder. “I appreciate your concern, Gee, but Sora isn't Locke. When it’s time to step up, he always does. He risked his life for me and my friends.” She glanced back at Sora, who perked up as her eyes caught his own. She smiled before looking back at Gilda. "I trust him." The griffon looked away. "Fine...Sorry..." Gilda sighed as she looked away from her friend. Rainbow sighed softly as she looked back towards her old friend. "Look...I know you are just looking out for me in your own way...but Sora is a good stallion. I know you will like him once you get to know him." She smiled before gently punching the griffon's foreleg, her wings taking her into the air once more to fly back towards Sora. Gilda watched Rainbow leave, her mouth barely opening as a tight knot formed in her throat. She wanted to speak, to tell her everything, but the sight of the stallion that smiled at the rainbow maned mare nearly caused the griffon to lose control of herself. The spell Starlight had placed on her mind was still trying to take hold of her. She remembered what Starlight had told her before: "Befriend him...and then..." Gilda shivered at the thought of what she might have to do, knowing that she had no choice but to follow the mare’s orders or else…. As she reached for her bag, her claw brushed against the cool metal handle of the dagger hidden within it. She knew what was expected of her, what she had to do to be free...she could only hope Rainbow could forgive her. It broke her heart once when she left her best friend...she would hate to see what happens after everything is done. ~ Gilda raised her wings and stopped the trio in their tracks. "We're here," she said, pointing ahead at a cluster of bushes. "It's just past that brush up ahead." Gilda spoke up, her voice tense as she motioned her head forward. "I come this way all the time whenever I come back from a city run." "Finally!" Rainbow groaned as she stretched her wings. "Nothing against adventuring, and while I could go more than ten rounds with a Heartless, having a place to rest doesn't sound like a bad idea. Right, Hero?" Nodding in agreement, the stallion gave her a wide smile, "Definitely. It will be a nice change of pace if nothing else. Though it will be a short rest since we still gotta find Starlight Glimmer. If she isn't already lost Lost to the Heartless…If so then ...." The stallion shook his head before he looked over at Gilda, "Anyway, I’ll worry about that later. Thanks for leading the way back, Gilda. We couldn't have done it without you." Gilda nodded, her throat suddenly dry as she tried to push down the guilt that was rising inside of her. She looked away. "No need for thanks." "I know. But still. Thanks. And..." Sora looked away, scratching the back of his head. "I know we didn't get off on the right...hoof? Claw? Anyway, I really just wanna say sorry for attacking you before." Gilda's heart skipped a beat at Sora's words, her mind racing as she tried to keep her composure. "Yeah...whatever," she muttered, avoiding eye contact with the stallion. "It's...cool." "See? I knew you two would get along!" Rainbow smiled as she wrapped her hooves around both of her friends. "Well ya dorks? What are we waiting for?" Pulling away, her wings nearly took her to the air, but was stopped by Gilda, pulling her back down to the ground by her tail. "Hold it Dash. I'll let em' know that you're here. You and Spiky stay here till I tell you to come." Raising an eyebrow at her friend, the rainbow maned mare looked at her, confused. "What? Why do we have to do all that?" The griffon hesitated before speaking, "It's just...I think it would be better if I talk to them first. Don't want the ponies freaking out with someone they don't know crashing into the camp like she's some ripoff Wonderbolt. They were already on edge when your pony guards came in so..." Sora tapped a hoof to his chin. "Guess that makes sense. Rainbow can be a bit abrasive." He barely dodged a swipe of a blue hoof aimed at his head. "What?! It's true." "Both of your digs at my character aside." Rainbow began, glaring at the two of them. "If that's what you think is best, Gee. We'll wait here for you. Make sure to get Fluttershy and Rarity. I'm sure they would vouch for us more than anything. Knowing Rarity, she's more than likely fussing over somepony's outfit." "I don't think Rarity talks about fashion that much...Right?" Sora asked. Rainbow snickered. "Trust me, Hero. When it comes to Rarity and fashion, there's no such thing as too much." She gave him a playful nudge before turning back to Gilda. “Right then, Gee. We’ll stay here and wait. Just don’t take too long. Getting kinda hungry after all.” Gilda nodded slowly before adjusting the showmare that was still on her back. "I'll take the hat mare with me...She was hurt the worst after all. Doctors might want to see to her." "Sounds good," Sora said before glancing at Rainbow Dash. "Like Rainbow Said, we'll be here waiting for you." Gilda took off towards the bushes, disappearing from sight. Rainbow Dash watched her go before turning to Sora with a sigh. "I hope she's okay. She's been acting kinda weird." "Huh? She has?" "I don't know...maybe...Or...maybe...I don't know." Rainbow shook her head, her mind still confused. "Maybe she's still on edge after that talk she and I had before." "Oh...that. I did try and stay out of it...I could only hear you whispering a bit though..." He paused. "And then you kinda yelled and I heard a bit more than I think you wanted me to." He smiled apologetically before tilting his head. "So...Everything okay? With you and her I mean." "It's complicated..." "Friendships always are...but...She's your friend. No matter what happened, that's still a fact, right?" "Yeah...she's a bit rough but...she's my friend." Sora smiled at Rainbow Dash. "Then I'm sure everything will work out." He smiled as he gave her a nudge. "So...I'm guessing you two have been friends for a long time?" "You know it. We go way back. All that way when we were first starting Flight School." The mare sighed softly. "We've had our ups and downs but...we always had each other's back in the end, even back then. Even if she can get on my nerves at times." "Sounds like you two had a blast," Sora said with a grin. "We did...and the last time I saw her I thought it was gonna be like old times...but..." Rainbow sighed. "She...was a jerk to my friends...Mostly Pinkie Pie." Sora's smile faltered as he listened to Rainbow's words. "Oh...I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?" "Just like I said. She was a jerk." The mare shook her head. “When she acted like she didn’t feel sorry about it...I kinda told her to buzz off." "Oh…I’m…Sorry Rainbow Dash. That that happened to you and all." The stallion responded softly. "But...At least it looks like you two made up now. So..." Rainbow Dash nodded, a small smile forming on her face. "Yeah, I guess you're right. And I'm sure she'll come around and tell me whats wrong eventually. Gilda's tough, but deep down she's a good griffon. Just like a certain hero being a good stallion," she said, nudging him playfully. "I try my best to be." He told her, chuckling. "Though...I could take a tip from you in some regards." "Oh? Why's that?" "Well..." He sighed softly. "Maybe I can tell you later...It's a bit more...personal then I would like it to be, if I'm being honest. It's kinda why my brain is a mess right now." Rainbow frowned softly. "Guessing...it has to do with that Riku guy?" Sora perked up at that, his ears folding against his head. "I...yeah. A bit. How ya guess?" "A feeling I guess." Rainbow shrugged. "I mean...even when he was trying to help you back at the Crystal Kingdom he seemed kinda...I don't know...Sad...I'm sure most of the girls picked up on it anyway.” The mare rolled her eyes. “Honestly, he hides his emotions as well as you do." Sora chuckled dryly. "Yeah, that's Riku for you. He acts the coolest and the first to lose his cool..." The stallion lowered his head. The pegasus could sense the hesitation in Sora's voice, and she knew that whatever it was, it was a sensitive topic. She decided not to pry any further, instead opting to give his shoulder another soft punch. "Hey I get it. I won't bug ya about it if you don't want me to, Hero. Twilight does say friendship can get complicated." "Yeah...it can." the stallion smiled. "And thanks. Its not that I don't want to tell you. It's just...like I said. My mind is a mess still from everything." And thinking about Fluttershy isn't helping matters. "I'm sure it will be all sorted out though." "Yeah. I'm sure it will." Rainbow Dash chuckled softly before rubbing the back of her head. "Geeze. Look at us talking all sappy. Gonna change the subject if you don't mind." Looking back to where Gilda had left, the mare would frown. "So what's taking Gee so long? Shouldn't be that hard to get somepony to meet us." "That's true. Maybe Fluttershy and Rarity are busy? I mean if they are helping ponies then I'm sure they have their hooves tied." "Then what about Captain Lightning? She would come see us if she knew we were here." Rainbow paused before shivering where she stood. "Well...more than likely to yell at us but I'm sure she would come." "Also ture. Least it sounds like something she would do." Sora agreed after adjusting the stallion on his back. "And..." His ears perked as something came from the bushes. Gilda had returned, and in toe, was one of Captain Lightning's guards, wearing the silver armor many within the service to the crown would ware. Despite the visor draped over his eyes, he would look between both Rainbow Dash and Sora. "There you are." He spoke, his voice monotone. He looked towards the stallion. "Sora. This way. Lightning is waiting." The stallion chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm pretty sure she's gonna yell at me." Resignation to his fate setting in, the stallion would nod, taking a step forward towards the guard. "Alright then. Lead the way." He turned back to Rainbow Dash, motioning her to get the stallion he held off his back. "You girls take him with you. Okay? I'm sure he's just asleep but maybe the doctors can take a look over him." Rainbow Dash nodded, carefully taking the unconscious stallion from Sora's back. "Don't worry. He's not going anywhere." She looked back up at Sora with a smirk. "Good luck with the captain. I'll pray to Celesita for your safe return." The stallion deadpanned, pouting softly. "Thanks, Rainbow. As always you are my rock." He turned to follow the guard, taking one last look at Rainbow and the unconscious stallion before disappearing into the bushes. The prismatic maned mare watched him go chuckling softly. Despite her joke earlier however, she couldn't help but feel something was...off. Though she couldn't quite place it. With a sigh she turned back towards Gilda, who had been looking at the bushes Sora had just gone though, her gaze intense...and...something else? "Gilda, are you okay?" Rainbow asked, noticing the intensity in her friend's expression. Gilda snapped out of her trance and turned to Rainbow Dash. "Yeah, I-I'm fine," she replied, but her tone was distant. Distracted. Rainbow knew she was a lot of things, but the one thing she wasn't was observant when it came to her friends. Moving closer to the griffon she gently placed a hoof of her shoulder. "You sure, Gee? I mean if you got something to say, then say it. I'll listen." "I..." The griffon shook her head, her gaze falling on the mare beside her. "Rainbow...do you hate me?" Rainbow's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden question. "What? No, of course not, Gilda. Why would you even think that?" "Because...I just..." The griffon growled as she clutched her head with a claw, her body suddenly shaking as a stabbing pain wrecked her mind, "Gah…N-no…I…" Rainbow Dash's eyes widened in alarm at Gilda's sudden outburst. She rushed to her friend's side, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Gilda, what's wrong? Are you okay?" "I...Rainbow...I just got you back as a friend...heck I was even starting to think I could apologize to those stupid friends of yours...but...It's too late...I'm sorry..." Before the rainbow mare could ask what she meant the sudden right hook to her face caused the mare to crumple to the ground next to the still sleeping stallion. Gilda stood over her, her claws shaking as she looked down at Rainbow Dash's unconscious form. "Sora Dash," she whispered, despite her harsh tone, there was a hint of sadness. "It was the only way to save you...I had no choice..." She looked at her claw before clinching it tightly. "As soon as I'm free...I'll make things right...I promise...but..." She reached back for the dagger in her bag. "I doubt it would be enough after what I do..." She sighed softly before giving the mare one last look. Shaking her head, she slipped back through the bushes, leaving both Rainbow and the stallion in hidden thicket. ~ Even as Sora entered the safe confines of the camp, he couldn't shake the feeling that something felt...off... The fact that he could not see any pony around was the first clue to such feelings. He would have written it off as all of them gathering in one place somewhere deeper in the camp but...why? "Hey...ah...so...long day?" The colt asked, smiling. "Well...not like you can tell if it's day or not." The guard only grunted in the same monotone voice. Almost robotic. Sora frowned, a sense of unease growing within him. "Is everything okay? Where is everyone?" The guard didn't answer, instead leading Sora through the empty camp. The silence was unnerving, and Sora couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. Stopping in his tracks the stallion would frown. "Hey, hold up. This isn't right. Where is everyone?" Sora demanded, his voice taking on a sharp edge. The guard still didn't answer, instead turning to face Sora. His visor remained in place, but Sora could feel the cold, emotionless stare behind it. It made his skin crawl. "Answer me," Sora said, his tone firm, a hoof reaching out to grab the guard. As he did, the helmet would fall off, revealing the blank and vacant stare of the one who was leading him. The keyblade Wielder reared back before summoning his weapon. All the stallion did was stand still for a few moments before turning. "This way...She is waiting." His tone still as monotone as before. Sora raised an eyebrow of confusion before de-summoing his weapon. "It's like he's in some kind of trance..." Frowning, he turned to go back for Rainbow, only to find his way bared by two more guards, having come out of nowhere. "You must see her. She is waiting." The one on the left said, her voice monotone just like the other. Though Sora knew that voice all too well. "Dream Drop? Is that you?" He stepped closer to the mare, her gaze just as empty as the other guards. "What happened to you...to all of you?" The guard didn't respond, instead motioning for Sora to follow. "She is waiting...Do not keep her waiting." The stallion hesitated for a moment. He knew the guards were not in their right mind. Someone...or somepony was controlling them. If he attacked them now, he was sure he could win...but...he would never forgive himself if they got hurt because of him. "What about Rainbow? I need to make sure she is okay." "She is protected. She saw to that." The guard mare responded. "She is waiting. Do not keep her waiting." The stallion frowned. Whoever this person was. They wanted him and no pony else. He couldn't trust whoever this pony was just at their word, but he did see little else for him to do but do just that. If they could control these ponies this way...just what else could they do to them. He shuddered at the thought. Reluctantly, he nodded, allowing the guards to escort him deeper into the camp. The feelings of unease grew with each step as they passed empty tents and abandoned supplies. it felt just like it did back at Trottingham, which was a very bad thing. Finally, within the heart of the camp, the guards would stop Sora before pulling away, all three standing to one side before slumping over into a crumpled heap. "Guy!" Sora rushed towards Dream Drop side, turning her over, only to see that she had...fallen asleep, and it looked as if she wasn't waking up anytime soon with how loud she was snoring. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Sora couldn't help be thankful that they were alright…at least in part. "I really am sorry for the rough accommodations my friend." A voice, silky and smooth,interrupted Sora's thoughts. "That spell is still a work in progress after all. They will be fine of course but it will be one massive headache in the morning." The stallion turned to see a mare coming from a large tent, one adorned with Lightning's Cutie mark. Her coat a light shade of purple, her mane a darker shade with blue highlights. It was a mare he had seen before, back in that stallion's dreams when he touched the bubble. It was the mare that controlled the Heartless. "Starlight Glimmer..." Sora spoke, his voice tense. "Ah, so you have heard of me I see." Starlight mused, her smile never faltering. "Guessing you did a bit of homework before making your way here?" "Let's just say it came to me in a dream." Sora spoke as he stood up. "Where is everyone else?" "If you are talking about the refugees...Well...They are safe. Saw to it myself after all, though I did have to close that little hole somepony made in the barrier. Didn't want to have any other nasty surprises after all." That response was actually a surprise for the stallion, unless she was lying…though…in his heart…he didn’t feel like she was. Shaking the thought from his head the stallion took a step forward. "Starlight...I don't know what happened to you before, but using the power of Darkness won't end well for you." Starlight chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You talk as if you know me...Did I accidently leave my diary back in Trottingham too?" "I know enough...because I know about Sunburst." The mare went rigged at the name, a cold fury slowly replacing her mocking smile. "How do you know that name..." "He was in the basement of the Town Hall building. Trapped in that bubble. Right?" Sora asked, stepping closer. "I saw him there." Starlight's eyes narrowed as she glared at Sora. "I see…The fact you are able to gain such information…No wonder they want you gone.” She sighed softly. “ If you know that much then you should know why I am doing this. Why I need to master this power of Darkness. If the Heartless can cause him to become like that then they can undo it." "But that's not how the Heartless work!" Sora exclaimed, his voice rising with frustration. "You can't just control them and expect them to fix everything. You'll only make things worse relying on the Heartless's power!" "Maybe you're right," Starlight said, her voice softening. "But I have to do something. I've already lost him once...I'm not about to lose him again because of you." The stallion shook his head placing a hoof on his chest. "Starlight! I already saved him! He's free of the bubble. His heart is back with him!" The mare actually paused at the stallion’s words, her gaze focused on him. "What...what are you saying?" "I'm saying that Sunburst is free. He's here now.” He took another step closer. “You don't need to go down this path of darkness anymore." Sora spoke with a hint of hope in his voice. The mare looked conflicted for only a moment before a mirthless smile formed on her face. "Hehehe...hahahaha...For a hero to lie to save his own skin...for shame Sora." She clapped her hooves together and the Heartless would form from the shadows around Sora, surrounding the stallion. "Neo Shadow..." Despite tensing up, the stallion looked undeterred by the sight of the tall, bipedal monsters encroaching on him, instead, crouching low as he got into a fight of flight stance. His gaze would focus on the ones around him as he once again addressed the mare, almost pleadingly. "I'm not lying, Starlight. Sunburst is here with me and Rainbow, safe and sound. I'll even take you to him, but you have to stop this." He glanced around at the Heartless surrounding him. "Nothing ever good comes with working with the Heartless. I've seen it too many times to count." Starlight's expression hardened. "I don't need your help, Sora. And I certainly don't believe your lies. Now be a good pony and fall into the Darkness!" She raised a hoof and the Heartless lunged forward. Much to Starlight's surprise however, the first wave of the dark monsters would be struck down with one swipe, Sora's keyblade shimmering brightly as it fully formed within his maw. She barely had time to process what had happened before she saw the stallion move, Sora jumping high, flipping in the air before landing behind one of the monsters. In quick succession, his blade would slam into it repeatedly before he turned and kicked it away, causing it to ram into another. He turned just in time to dodge another blow from behind him, bending low before sweeping the Heartless’s feet from underneath it. Before it hit the ground the stallion would jump, up before bearing his full weight upon it, the tip of the blade burying into the Heartless’s chest. It dissipated like all the rest of it. Slowly but surely, the Heartless fell one by one, unable to keep up with Sora's skill and determination. All the mare could do was watch in awe and horror as the stallion fought off her minions with ease. She had never seen someone so versed in the art of combat before, and it was more then clear to her that he had more than enough experience in fighting these...Heartless. She chuckled mirthlessly, repeating the word in her mind. "Fitting name...for what they did to my Sunburst...and all the others..." The mare hardened her gaze. She had to take care of him now. She was about to say something but then paused, her gaze looking past the stallion. And then she smiled. Despite the Heartless being numerous, the stallion had little trouble fending them off, his blade taking them out one...even two at a time. He had faced tougher odds before. This was nothing. Dodging yet another strike from one of the tall, thin Heartless, he allowed his blade to hit it upwards, before following after it, striking it down forcefully into another, both of the Heartless dissipating in a wisp of darkness. "Is that all you got?! I can do this all...day..." The stallion, once so proud, would find his heart caught in his throat at what he saw before him. Starlight had held within her magic, a very familiar yellow and pink pony donned in a white and red cloak, her mouth closed tightly. She struggled to break free from the mare's magic, to no avail. The stallion's heart raced as he took his step forward, his voice low, his anger evident. "Let her go, Starlight! She has nothing to do with this!" The mare simply chuckled as she looked towards the mare she held tight in her magical grasp. "I am sorry it has come to this Sora, I really am, but you forced my hoof I-" Starlight barely had time to think as the stallion almost seemed to blink out of existence, appearing right in front of her, his blade raised high as a fierce blue light dissipated from around his body. Dropping the mare to the ground, she barely had time to enact a shield to protect herself. Despite that, she felt herself fly more than a few feet away from the pair, her shield cracking under the pressures of the magical blade's force. Fluttershy, now freed from Starlight's magic, stumbled towards Sora, her hooves grabbing at his own. While surprised, the stallion wasn’t unhappy about seeing the mare again. He smiled before looking past her at the lavender mare, still recovering from the shock of what had just happened. "Fluttershy...are you okay?" "Sora...I'm...So...Sorry...Run..." The shy mare struggled to say before looking up at the stallion, her eyes, glazed over just as the guards had been before. "Fluttershy...not you too..." He tried to pull away from her, but her grip...it was...unreal. "Fluttershy! Snap out of it! Whatever she did to you! You can brake it!" Fluttershy's eyes flicked to Sora's, and for a moment they were clear before they glazed over again. "No, Sora. I can't...I can't fight it..." She held on to him tight, despite the tears flowing down her face. "You have to...you...run! Please!" The stallion pulled as hard as he could, only just freeing one of his hooves from the mare's grasp. The motion would cause the stallion to turn ever so slightly, only to be met with Gilda's emotionless gaze. And after that...a sharp pain in his chest. Slowly, he would look down at the object the griffon held within her claw. A small dagger. Sharp. He looked back towards the one who had stabbed him, the glaze look that had be in her eyes slowly morphing into one of horror at what she had just done...now and before. The stallion fell back, falling into Fluttershy's hooves, the control Starlight had over the mare braking at the end. Her tears flowed freely as she held him tightly, her wings shuddering with fear and sadness. She could feel his life slipping away from him, his breaths coming out in short gasps. "Sora...please...I..." She placed a hoof over his chest, trying to stop the bloodflow. "Please...You can't...I...oh Celestia..please...Stop it...I can't..." As Fluttershy's voice trailed off, Sora's eyes slowly closed, his breaths becoming shallower and shallower. "Sora...please...I...Love you...I love you...Please...I...I…" Fluttershy Screamed. The sound of glass breaking filled the air. And all became light. > Dash's Tale > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Dash's Tale Between the three of them, Sora's recollection of events were slowly pieced back together. Finding Rainbow. Arriving at the camp. Fighting Starlight's Heartless's. He slowly began to remember it all. And...at the end...after he was stabbed, Fluttershy's words. I love you... Sora looked towards Fluttershy, who had taken it upon herself to distance herself from both Rainbow and himself. And though her hood was over her head to hide herself, Sora couldn't not see her stealing glances at him. She...loves me? I...She... He shook his head. As much as he wanted to he didn't have time to focus on that. Turning towards Rainbow Dash, he frowned. "Right...Everything sounds right so far...but...How do you know all of that? I can understand Fluttershy knowing what she knew, but you said Gilda knocked you out before." "I was." Rainbow growled as she touched a hoof to her jaw, almost as if it still stung. "That jerk caught me lacking and slugged me. And I would have been out for a while if it wasn't for those two..." "Those...Two?" The keyblade wielder asked. "Kuja and Zidane." "The two colts that were with Trixie." Sora nodded, finally understanding. "They helped you?" "Yeah. Seems they had been keeping tabs on the camp for a while after..." Rainbow frowned. "Gilda tried to...get rid of them." "I...What!? I mean...I know she...s-stabbed me..." Sora's hand clutched his chest, still feeling the tight pain within it. "But...they were...Kids." Sora lowered his head before continuing. "How did they get away?" "That's just it...they said Gilda saved them..." Sora's eyes widened. "What? But she..." A sudden wave of confusion hit the stallion's mind. "I don't...She...what?" "Gah! I know!" Rainbow yelled. "I was just as confused as you are!" She dragged her hooves down her face. "I don't know what's going on any more and its make me angry!" "R-Rainbow...Please. Calm down..." Fluttershy finally squeaked, the mare making herself known once again. "Y-Yelling won't solve anything." Sora turned to face Fluttershy, the mare quickly turning away as her ears folded back against her head. His own expression matched hers as he turned back to face Rainbow Dash. "Fluttershy's right. How about telling us what happened after you woke up then?" "That's...I kinda came in after the whole light show." Rainbow Started. "When I did..." ~ Rainbow flew to the heart of the camp just as the light had come crashing down all around the area, only stopping momentarily to shield her eyes from the sudden illumination. When she was able to see again the sight before her was something out of a war movie. The tents around the area had been torn, the ground bare of any foliage. When the dust cleared, she could see more than several ponies she recognized. Dream Drop the guards mare lay still not too far away. A purple unicorn as well. She could even see Gilda's form lying on the ground, motionless. But it was one thing in particular that caused the mare's breath to catch in her throat. Within a bubble, one not unlike the one Twilight was in when she lost her heart, was Sora and Fluttershy, the former being held tight by the latter. As quick as she could, the blue pegasus flew down towards her entrapped friends, landing just a few feet away from them. Having a better look, Rainbow couldn't help but watch in horrified fascination at the sight before her. It looked as both Sora and Fluttershy had become statures within, like time had stopped for just those two alone. Slowly, she got closer, only stopping short when she noticed the darkness on Sora's chest. It was the same dark color that coated Fluttershy's hoof as she pressed it againt him. Even if she couldn't see the color outright, she knew what it was. "That's...blood..." She said softly, her voice shaking. "That's Sora's..." "I...what...happened?" Rainbow's ears perked before turning towards the sound of the voice. It was the purple unicorn she had seen earlier. She was slowly coming to, a hoof grasping at her head. The pegasus frowned as she fully turned to face the unknown unicorn. If she was going to act, it needed to be now. And she was always one for action first. Quick as the wind, the pegasus flew, towards the downed unicorn, pinning her to the ground harshly as she did so, much said unicorn confusion. "Gah! What! Who?!" The purple unicorn struggled in the mare's grasp, her mind still reeling. "Starlight Glimmer I presume?" Rainbow said, her voice low and dangerous. "What happened here? What did you do to Sora and Fluttershy?" "H-How did you...I-I don't know what you're talking about!" Starlight protested, still struggling against Rainbow's hold. "I was knocked out and woke up to this!" "Liar!" Rainbow growled as her hoof pressed tight against the mare's throat. "The fact you didn't even deny you were Starlight means you're the right pony we were looking for. The one that's controlling the Heartless!" She leaned closer. "Now what the buck did you do to my friends. I won't ask nicely a third time." Starlight squirmed under Rainbow's hold, her face turning red as her breathing became labored. "Y-you...won't n-need to." Before Rainbow could ask what she meant, the pegasus felt the tell-tell signs of magic being used on her. Before she could reacting, the mare felt herself propelled off the unicorn, landing squarely on her back more then a few feet away. Rainbow groaned as she tried to get up, her wings aching from the impact. She shook her head to clear the dizziness and looked up to see Starlight doing the same, a hoor reaching to rub her throat. Both mare's would cast their gaze towards each other before a frowned crossed both of their faces. In a flash Rainbow was up, dashing towards the mare once again, only to bounce harshly off a wall of magic the mare erected just before the pegasus could reach her. The brash mare bounced off the ground twice before landing on her hooves, barely dodging out of the way at the last second as a fire bolt launched towards her, the mare gaining a bit of safety within the sky above. She looked down from above to see Starlight, her horn glowing dangerously as she glared at the pegasus. "Stop this pegasus! I don't want to hurt you if I don't have to." "What about my friends then huh!?" Said pegasus retored, "Hurting them is okay for you though? You've got some nerve!" Rainbow flew forward once again, this time aiming a kick at Starlight's head, only to be met with the same wall of magic as before. The pegasus grunted as she bounced off once again, landing on her back and rolling to her hooves once more. "I was only after the wielder of light. That stallion called Sora." Starlight stood her ground as her horn began to glow again. "His death was all I needed. With him gone I would be given the means to save the others! To save Sunburst!" The purple unicorn sighed looking towards where the trapped stallion was. "Having somepony...or...in this case...some creature take care of him instead of the Heartless was the right move...or so I thought." "Somecreature..." The mare's gaze flickered towards the griffon who was still unconscious. "You don't mean...Gilda..." "it was the only way to insure his death..." Starlight said softly. "As regrettable as it is. A Heartless can not take a pony's heart after all." She cast a gaze towards the stallion. "But...it would seem that Sora isn't a normal pony..." "Gilda wouldn't...she..." Rainbow trailed off, her mind racing with the implications of Starlight's words. The unicorn sighed softly. "I forced her hoof...or claw I should say. Just like how I forced Fluttershy to hold him." She sounded...regretful. "I could not...will not allow you meddling ponies to interfere with my work. Rainbow gritted her teeth as she glared at Starlight, her wings flaring out in anger. "Your work?! You're hurting innocent ponies for your own gain! That's not work, that's…That’s…That’s being a jerk!" "A jerk you say?" Starlight scoffed, her horn still glowing with magic. "If doing what no pony else is willing to do is “Being a jerk”, then so be it. This is the only way to save them all. To save my friend Sunburst. Controlling the darkness! That's the only way! The only way for it to never hurt anypony again!" The unicorn's eyes narrowed. "I will do what needs to be done...And no one, not even you, will stand in my way." Before the rainbow maned mare could say anything further, her inner instinct kicked in. Jumping back, the pegasus narrowly avoided the clawed hand of a Heartless who's shadow had seeped from the below where she had just stood. Slowly, a dark ball would bleed from the ground. It pulsed and ungulated as shall Shadows weathered and moved, almost as if they were fused together. "T-Thats the thing that was chasing me under Trottingham..." "I see you are acquainted." Starlight spoke, her voice like ice. "I call it...a Demon Tide. Fitting for what these little monsters are able to do." She smiled. "You escaped their grasp once but now...will you be able to do so again?" The mare barely had time to react, her agility and quick reflexes quickly coming into play as a wave of Heartless attacks came hurtling towards her, almost endlessly spewing from the black mass. With a combination of swift wingbeats and evasive maneuvers, she deftly dodged the incoming Heartless, narrowly avoiding their clawed strikes. "Darn it! Gotta get distance!" Rainbow muttered to herself as she flew higher into the air. She only looked down for a moment and it was all she needed to see that the mass was hurtleing after her. With a yelp, she flew higher and higher, but the Demon Tide was relentless. It seemed to be following her no matter how high she flew. "Okay...it's fast...and annoying!" the mare growled. "If it can follow me this high then there's no point in running." She turned, towards the mass. "Time to show you what I can do you black tar rejects!" Rainbow Dash's rainbow-colored trail cut through the air as she made a beeline towards the Demon Tide, her eyes focused and determination blazing. At the last moment, she executed a sharp swerve, leaving the Demon Tide bewildered as it attempted to follow her sudden change in direction. Quick as her namesake, she began to create a vortex of wind around the mass of Heartless, her wings beating with precise control, gradually trapping it within its own whirlwind of air. Successfully trapping the mass she smirked. "Don't you go anywhere! I'll be right back!" With her trademark smirk, she shot up into the sky, gaining altitude before looking down at the trapped heartless mass. Without hesitation, the rainbow maned mare kicked off the air and descended at breakneck speeds toward the vortex. As she closed in on the Demon Tide, her hooves would shoot out in front of her. "Get wrecked!" With all the force of a train, Rainbow Dash slammed into the vortex, causing a massive explosion of wind and energy. The skies were filled with a brilliant display of colors and light, creating a dazzling spectacle visible from below. Starlight could only watch as a stream of rainbow came flying down from above, landing with a thunderous boom kicking up dust and dirt into the air. She couldn't help but feel a pang of fear as she watched the display of power. As the dust settled, the unicorn could see the blue pesky pegasus standing on all fours, tired and shaken, slightly singed...but alive all the same. "Okay...that was intense..." Rainbow exclaimed. She tried to take a step forward, but in doing so, she fell to the ground, her hooves giving out from underneath her. "Gah! Geeze! That short nap Gilda gave me didn't do me any favors...Still tired from everything else that happened today..." Before she could move to get up, an ominous feeling overcame the mare. Slowly but surely, she looked upwards, her gaze finding that of a black pulsating ball slowly hovering just above her. It was glowing a dull orange, the Heartless spewing from it nonexistent, but it was still there. "Geeze...what the hey is that thing made of?" The mare muttered aloud to herself as she struggled to stand on her hooves. "No matter what I do it just won't go away..." "Heartless can not be killed that easily..." Starlight explained as she made her way towards the fallen pegasus. "Of that I know all to well." Rainbow Dash glared up at Starlight, her body tensing as she prepared for another fight. "Wrong...We've been fighting them for a while and they die like any other monster." The mare tried to move only to find herself falling once again, her energy spent. "Ehhe!" The unicorn watched as the rainbow maned pegasus fell to the ground once again. "No...You are the one that's wrong. I've tried everything. And I mean everything." The mare sighed. "The only way to defeat the darkness is by using it yourself. Once He gives me the power to do so...I'll fix everything...I'll fix everypony...I'll fix Sunburst!" "W-wah...Sunburst?" Before the mare could say another word. The feeling of dread once again overcame her. She looked up, finding that the glowing ball of darkness was active once again, the Heartless within once again pulsing to life within it. "See...I told you..." Starlight mused as she looked towards the black ball. "You can't fight it. You have to force it to listen to you. That's how Darkness is." She turned back towards the mare. "Losing a mare like you will be a waste. So I'll separate your heart...just like those monsters did with Sunburst. That way…when I am able to find a way to save him, I’ll save you too." Rainbow's eyes widened in horror as she realized what Starlight was planning. She struggled to stand on her hooves, but her body was too weak to move. "No...you can't do this...I won't let you!" she shouted with all the strength she could muster. "I am sorry...Rest while I take care of everything else." She raised her hoof, and the Heartless swarmed down. Rainbow shut her eyes, preparing for the fatal blow that seemed inevitable, only to be met with...nothing? When she opened her eyes, a remarkable sight greeted her. Three radiant orbs, one emanating with fiery energy, another resonating with the essence of earth, and the third shimmering with the fluidity of water, had coalesced into a protective magical shield before her. The Heartless recoiled and dispersed as they came into contact with this powerful barrier. Turning her weary gaze to her side, Rainbow Dash spotted the young colt, Kuja, who was clearly struggling to sustain the orbs' protective magic. With unwavering determination, he poured his magical energy into the floating orbs, using his unique abilities to harness the forces of nature in defense of Rainbow Dash. "Kuja? What...how are you...?" The rainbow maned mare started to say, but her words were cut short as a Heartless lunged at her, its claws menacingly outstretched. Just as she braced herself, another pony, the green-furred colt known as Zidane, swiftly interposed himself between her and the oncoming threat. He wielded twin blades in his mouth, and with a skillful strike, he deftly slashed at the menacing Heartless, protecting Rainbow Dash. The young colt couldn't help but smile as he expertly fended off another Heartless, before he turned to face the rainbow-maned mare with a playful wink. "Don't forget about me. Your knight in dashing armor." "Zidane...I thought I told you and your brother to stay hidden." Rainbow Dash scolded him, despite the slight relief in her tone of voice. "What can I say? I can never turn away when a mare's in need. Call it a curse, if you will. But it's a curse I gladly accept." He smiled. "Besides, it's not like I came alone after all." Before Rainbow Dash could inquire further, her attention was abruptly diverted by a figure darting in from the right, moving at breakneck speeds. The only sound she could discern was the metallic unfolding of a weapon. Then, with remarkable precision, the dark yellow figure crashed into the mass of Heartless. The metal blade it wielded sliced through the Heartless like a hot knife through butter. The figure, having efficiently disrupted the Heartless's attack on Rainbow Dash and the colts, executed a graceful leap into the sky before landing with precision in front of them, her back turned as she addressed the rainbow-maned pegasus. "I see you're alive and kicking," the familiar voice of the Captain of the Guard spoke, her tone even though tinged with a hint of relief. "Sorry I'm late... Though having a Sonic Rainbow as a wake-up call was more than enough to set me back in motion." "I...What...Captain Lightning?" Rainbow Dash all but squeaked as she looked up at Fluttershy's cousin. "Where did...Where were..." "Don't forget about me, Darling." A voice from the other side made Rainbow yelp in surprise. "Gah! Rarity!? Don't sneak up on me like that! And where in Equestria were you!? Did you not see how much I was struggling here?!” The white mare scoffed, "If you must know, I was in the same state of mind as Miss Lightning here. And I'd probably still be if it weren't for your little rainbow explosion from before." "I caught them up on what was going on when they came to, while Kuja here was making sure you didn't go and get yourself killed out there." Zidane chimed in. The older of the two colts had rushed towards his younger brother's side, the young colt having nearly exhausted all his magical energy from the protective spell he'd used to save Rainbow Dash. "And the foolish colt teleported in a flash to block the Heartless when he saw you were about to be attacked." Lightning spoke to Rainbow Dash, her voice sharp. "As relieved as I am to see you unharmed, you, and those two colts over there, are going to get a long talking to as soon as all of this is over." "Wait?! What did I do?" Rainbow Dash protested, her voice rising in confusion. Lightning's eyes glared down at the tired mare behind her, "Putting yourself in danger like that without any backup or proper strategy is completely unacceptable. You could have been killed, Rainbow. How would I be able to face Fluttershy knowing that you died on my watch?" Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to retort, But was interrupted as the ominous ball of Shadow slowly rose high into the sky, pulsing with Darkness unbound. "How about we save the admonishing for later, hmm?" Rarity spoke up, her own horn glowing brightly. "Right now, we need to focus on surviving." "I mean we now have a few more numbers but..." Rainbow's gaze fell to the ball of darkness. "My best attack barely put a dent into it. Much as I hate to say it...we need Sora...and I mean now." "Be that as it may darling..." Rarity's gaze shifted to that of Sora and Fluttershy, both still trapped within the bubble of stasis, their forms frozen in time. "Even in my limited state...I could see outside the tent...I saw what happened to Sora...If we break that bubble without knowing of a way to save him...then..." The fashionista trailed off as her ears splayed against her head. "Then...what do we do?" The blue pegasus asked, her gaze lowering. "I...Don't know. Sora's injured, Twilight's out of reach, and with those Heartless closing in..." She hesitated, her gaze shifting to the pulsating ball of Darkness rising to meet them. "I'm starting to wonder if there's anything we can do... I just...We don't have what Sora has...If we had a keyblade then…maybe…" Rarity's statement resonated deeply within Rainbow Dash, sparking a sudden revelation. Her eyes shimmered with newfound determination. "You're right! We don’t have a Keyblade, but..." Rising to her hooves, a confident grin adorned her face. "I've got an idea!" She turned toward Lightning, who was preparing to confront the encroaching Heartless. "Hey, Captain! Can you keep that swarm of trouble occupied for a while?" Lightning's eyebrows furrowed at the strange request, but nonetheless she nodded. "Why? What are you planning?" "I'm gonna go wake the hero up! It's past time that lazy bones does some actual work around here." She smirked. "Just somepony to cover me while I sound the alarmclock." Lightning hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Alright, Rainbow. I'll keep the Heartless busy for as long as I can. You go on ahead and save Sora. But if things are starting to look dicey, I'm dragging you and the others out of here." Rainbow wanted to protest Lightning's words. It was in her very being to never leave a pony behind. Especially Fluttershy. But...Lightning's glare silenced her. The rainbow maned mare knew that if it came down to it, Lightning would do what she has to do to carry out her promise. You don't become a fan of Lightning Ferron without knowing something so basic. The rainbow maned mare nodded in understanding though a smile would play across her face none the less. "No need to worry. It won't come to that because I'm going to save Sora. Then he'll show those Heartless who's boss." Rarity turned towards Rainbow Dash, concern etched across her features. "Rainbow... you're not going to do something reckless, are you?" Rainbow Dash let out a mischievous smirk. "You know me. When have I ever been reckless?" The white unicorn gaze the mare a deadpanned stare. "I don't have the number of hooves to count such a number Dash, darling." The pegasus rolled her eyes, "Okay fair point Rares. But trust me. I got this." With that, the blue mare dashed off towards where Sora and Fluttershy lay trapped, leaving Rarity, Lightning and the colts with the Heartless." Lightning would watch her for only a moment before turning her gaze back to that of the Heartless in front of her. Just as she crouched, ready to fight, she found Zidane sliping towards one of her sides. "What are you doing, colt?" Lightning's tone was a mix of urgency and command. "This isn't a place for you. Get back with the others, stay safe!" "Never listened to authorities before. Not gonna start now." The colt mused as he pulled out his double headed blade, holding it within his maw. "Besides, allowing a beautiful mare such as yourself to defend me while I do nothing. It is just not my style." The captain frowned. "And what about your brother? Are you just going to leave him?" "Of course not. He has quite the beauty herself looking after him after all." He smiled as he winked at the white mare behind him. "If that is okay with her that is." Rarity rolled her eyes, already quite use to the colt's antics. Still, she did indeed pick the gray colt up, placing him upon her back. "I'll get Kuja and anypony else I can find to safety. But please, be careful." The mare pleaded before turning away, galloping towards the nearest group of knocked out ponies. Now with it just being the two of them, Zidane would laugh. "Dear Luna...I wanna marry that mare." It was the captain's turn to roll her eyes. "If you are staying, stay focused, colt." "The name's Zidane, captain." the colt mused as he got into a battle stance along with her. "And don't worry. When it comes to what I need to do...I'm always focused." ~ Rainbow Dash skidded to a halt as she approached the stasis bubble enveloping Sora and Fluttershy. The sheer helplessness etched on her friend's face, marked by glistening tears, struck Rainbow at her core. It was an ache she knew all too well—the pain of witnessing a friend's sorrow. The sight of Fluttershy, usually the embodiment of gentleness and kindness, in such distress tugged at the mare's heartstrings. And then there was Sora, held gently within Fluttershy's embrace. His usual vibrant energy was absent, his body unnaturally still. Fluttershy supported him, her delicate frame carrying his weight with tender care. Sora's closed eyes painted a picture of serenity, yet the paleness of his usually lively complexion hinted at the gravity of his condition. "Alright Dash... you talked a big game... but... how are you going to do this..." She murmured to herself, frustration evident in her voice. "Come on... what did Sora do? He just... did it. He wanted to save Twilight, and he just... did it." Rainbow Dash's thoughts swirled with fragments of what she was told about the Elements of Harmony. How they were forged in light by a Keyblade Master. If so...if they are then... "If it's made of the same stuff... if it's created from the same light then..." She extended her hoof towards the stasis bubble, a mix of trepidation and determination in her eyes. "Don't you dare wuss out on me," she whispered to herself, her voice a resolute plea to her own courage. "You represent everything I stand for. And I am not going to let my friends down. No how. No way." At first, nothing would happen...and then...there was a spark... A sudden surge of magical energy gathered at the tip of Rainbow Dash's hoof, initially faint but gradually swelling with a luminous and familiar radiance. When the radiance finally dissipated, a serene sense of triumph washed over her. She gently clasped her Element of Harmony, pulling it close to her chest, a gesture filled with gratitude and reassurance. "Ha! I knew you wouldn't let me down! I knew it," Rainbow Dash exclaimed triumphantly, the joy in her voice resonating with the accomplishment she had just achieved. Summoning her Element of Harmony from clear across Equestria was a feat she hadn't expected to accomplish. As the thrill of her success began to settle, a realization struck her. "Oh...boy. Twilight is gonna have a heart attack when she finds out..." She shook her head. "Gah! Worry about that later. Right now! Your other friends need you." With that she turned towards the bubble, frowning. "Alright...just do as Sora does...Think about saving them. Nothing else." She closed her eyes as she held the necklace up towards the bubble. "I'm going to save you. I'm going to save you. I'm going...To save you... I-" ~ "And after a little while, that's how I wound up in this place. Then I found Fluttershy and we looked for you all over." Rainbow recounted, settling onto her flank. Though the story being retold turned out longer than she had intended, she felt a sense of accomplishment for summoning her Element of Loyalty. Retrieving the necklace from her pocket, she presented it to the Keyblade Wielder. "Am I awesome, or am I awesome?" "That's... Amazing," Sora responded, looking between the mare and her element. "I... That's really amazing." "I... I'm relieved and grateful to know that you and everypony are safe now, but..." Fluttershy's gaze shifted towards the Keyblade Wielder, her voice filled with worry. "Sora... he's still injured in the real world. If he wakes up... then... Sora is going to... and it will be all my..." Both the blue pegasus and the human shared a poignant look, a sense of sadness evident on their features. Sora attempted to speak first, trying to console Fluttershy. "Fluttershy... I don't... I don't blame you." He struggled to sit up, the pain in his chest intensifying. "You tried to warn me... It's my fault for..." "NO! Stop! It's not your fault! It's mine!" Fluttershy cried out, her voice quivering as she vehemently shook her head. The weight of guilt weighed heavily on her, the distress evident in her teary eyes. "If I had been...if only..." "Fluttershy, I..." Sora attempted to reach out a hand towards the mare, but the searing pain in his chest caused him to retract it suddenly. A sharp, agonizing scream escaped him, prompting both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash to rush to his side in an instant, concern etched across their faces. "Sora! Sora!" Rainbow yelled, her voice tinged with concern as she hovered closely, her eyes reflecting a mix of worry and determination. "Come on, Spiky! You can pull through this! I know you can!" Fluttershy, deeply distressed, sought to provide comfort through her touch, but she felt helpless in the face of Sora's agony. "I... Sora... I'm sorry... Please..." Her voice quivered, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. Turning to Rainbow, she expressed her uncertainty. "W-What can we do... I... I don't know what to do..." Rainbow Dash's determination surged as she grappled with the urgency of the situation. "We... We need to get him help. We need a doctor or... or a healer. Someone who can fix him up." "But where would we find one here, Dash!?" Fluttershy's voice wavered, tears streaming down her face. "If we wake him... He'll..." "T-Then wake him, and I'll fly him as fast as I can to... somepony... Somepony that can help him!" "That won't work. He'll die before you even reach someone." Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were taken aback by the sudden voice, both yelping in surprise before turning their attention to the unexpected speaker. To their astonishment, they were met by a figure resembling Sora—a human. This individual stood tall, possessing a lanky frame and soft facial features similar to the Keyblade Wielder. His eyes bore the same shade of blue, but the resemblance ended there. The younger human had a distinct appearance, his hair a dirty blond color, a stark contrast to Sora's chocolate brown locks. Moreover, while Sora's primary attire was black, this individual bore white colors instead. Rainbow Dash swiftly intervened, positioning herself between her friends and the unfamiliar human. "Who the hey are you!? Where the hey did you come from?!" she demanded, her hoof digging into the ground where she stood. Ventus smiled warmly, placing a hand on his hip as he regarded the blue mare before him. "Where I came from... Well, you could say I've been here the whole time. As to who I am?" He grinned, placing a hand over his chest. "My name is Ventus. And I can save Sora." > Just Like the Wind > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Just Like the Wind "Ven...tus? " That was the first word out of Fluttershy's mouth as both herself and Rainbow looked at the creature standing before them. A creature not unlike Sora. The blond haired boy smiled, giving the mare a nod. "Yeah. Though you can call me Ven if you want to Fluttershy." He looked from the yellow mare and towards the blue one. "And you too Rainbow Dash. All my friends call me Ven." The rainbow maned mare reared back. "You know...W-wait. How the hey do you know our names?" The boy smiled. "It's not just you I know. Rarity...Twilight and the rest of the girls." "B-But we've never met you before," Fluttershy said softly, her eyes widening in shock and confusion. "Yeah! She’s right! So how the hey do you know our names, pal!?" Rainbow Dash asked, her head lowering as if she was on the verge rushing him. "Well...You can blame him for that." He motioned towards Sora. "It's because of him that I'm in his heart now after all." The timid of the two mare’s gaze rested upon the human the blond haired boy motioned to, his breathing heavy and labored as he lay within her hooves. "In...His heart? What do you...What does that mean?" "This place..." The boy’s eyes looked around at the void around him. "This place Is Sora's heart. In other words, we are inside Sora's inner self." "His...inner self?" Fluttershy's eyes looked around herself before allowing them to fall to the ground below her, eyes widening at the sight. "This...picture...Is that...Sora?" Rainbow blinked before looking down herself. Not getting a good look at it, she flew high into the sky, her own eyes widening by degrees. Below her was sure enough something akin to the stained glass windows back at Canterlot. This one depicting a somewhat younger looking boy with brown hair. One she knew right away as being Sora. Beside him, in small pictures were four others. A creature that looked like a weird diamond dog. She was sure that was that Goofy person. And the duck must be Donald. Just below them was two other humans. One more masculine than the other. She could tell the one that was Riku right away...which would make the other one Kairi. All of that wasn't what surprised her though. Around the rim of the pillar, were symbols. More than a few resembling the crown cutie mark she knew Sora would have in his pony form. Beyond that though, she recognized what would come after every crown. It would be pictures of Lightning bolts...Apples...Stars...Balloons...Butterflies...and the last being gems. Even if she didn't say it, she knew right away what it all meant. Slowly the mare flew back down, landing before both her friend and the blond haired boy as her hoof grasped at her own heart. "O-Okay...maybe that's true..." Rainbow began before frowning. "But...Sora never said anything about you before." "He only just found out about me within his heart...much to both of our surprise," The boy explained. "We were going to figure it out later since he had all this to deal with. Because of that I've been watching you guys...at least when I could. I know all of you pretty welll, even though we've never had a chance to meet in person until now." "How did you even get in his heart?" Rainbow questioned with a raised eyebrow. "How did we even get in his heart?" Ventus folded his arms about his chest, an action that seemed very reminiscent of Sora when he was deep in thought, "Well...to tell you the truth...I've been here for a long time. Asleep for most of it but...a long time nonetheless." He turned to the two mares. "As for you and Fluttershy...I think Sora, because of what was happening, opened his heart to let you in." "What was happening...you mean...Sora getting hurt?" The timid of the two mare’s asked as she visibly shrank away at the boy's words, her part in him getting her once again playing within her mind. Yet despite the hurt she felt for her own actions, she couldn't help but look down with wonder at the keyblade wielder in her hooves her voice, barely a whisper. "He...let us enter?" "It's just what I think anyway." He rubbed the back of his head. "And honestly…it sounds like something he would do." "Now that you mentioned it...He said something weird like this happened when he fought some guy named Roxas back in his story." Rainbow spoke before casting her gaze back at the blond haired boy. "Still, you didn't answer how you got here, buddy." Ventus chuckled softly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Hehe...Sorry..." He looked towards the brown haired boy in Fluttershy's hooves for just a little bit before nodding. "I think I have at least a little time before I need to do what I gotta do. Still, I'll make this as quick as I can..." Lowering himself to the ground, the blond haired boy allowed himself to sit in front of the others. "Right...so...where to begin...I guess I should start with when Sora and I first connected." He looked up. "Back when he first saved me." Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise, "Saved you? How...and...um...From what?" "Well...the first time he saved me...it was when my heart was separated," He raised his head, chopping the air in two in front of him "Torn in two parts...Light on one side...Darkness on the other." "W-What? That can...happen?" Rainbow Dash asked, her curiosity peaked. "How does that even happen?" "It was....Xehanort. My master...well...My former master was the one to cut my heart into two pieces." "Geeze..." The blue pegasus whispered before her ears perked up. "But...I mean to get rid of your darkness...Isn't that a good thing?" Ventus shook his head, "I've learned that it's not so simple. Everyone, no matter how kind or how evil, harbors both light and darkness within them. It is what makes you human...or...in your case pony. if you were to cut one or the other off...what do you have left?" He shook his head. “Besides…I never asked to be cut. Darkness or not, it's mine.” Both mares were quiet at the boy's words, Fluttershy being the first to brake it this time. "So...what did Sora do then? How did he save you?" The blond haired boy gently touched his chest, the place where his heart would be. "When it was fractured... my heart, I mean... he found me. He told me he was a brand-new heart, and said he followed my light." The blond haired boy smiled softly. "I just thought he was curious so I told him what happened, I was going to die anyway...so I didn't have anything to hide. It was much to my surprise though that, without a second thought, he told me to join my heart with his. He filled in the gap that was missing and... he saved me." "As a new heart...You mean like as when he was just a foal? That's…gah…" Rainbow was about to scoff but her gaze fell back to Sora, frowning." Geeze...I don't think I could say that's unbelievable knowing that block head and where we are now." She sighed before looking back towards Ventus. "You said twice though, right? What happened the second time?" "The second time He saved me...It's the reason I'm in his heart now." The boy answered, looking down. "The darkness that formed from my heart, it wanted to merge back with me so that he could χ-blade...a weapon so powerful that it could open even Kingdom Hearts." "Kingdom Hearts...that's the place that Xehanort want's, isn't it?" Fluttershy asked, concern etched on her face. "Yeah..." Ventus frowned, his hand clenching into a fist. "Master Xehanort desired Kingdom Hearts. While my friends were fighting him he sent my darkness after me to create the χ-blade." "But why would he do such a thing?" the shy mare timidly asked, her hoof gently clutching onto Sora's hand. "He believed that a clash between absolute light and darkness was the sole way to bring forth the χ-blade," Ventus explained. "And so...he pitted me against the darkness that was in my heart..." the boy looked down. "I didn't want that...so...I did the only thing I could do. I fought my darkness...my brother...and...I shattered my own heart, destroying us both." The two mares gasped in shock at the boy's words, their eyes widening in disbelief. Fluttershy's grip on Sora's hand tightened, her heart aching for the pain the blond haired boy had gone through. "That's...that's horrible," she murmured softly. Rainbow Dash's expression turned serious as she spoke, "But you're here now...inside Sora's heart. How did that happen?" "I'm here because Sora called out to me. His voice cut through the darkness around me and I followed it to him." Slowly, he stood back up and made his way towards the suffering hero. "He was only a child when I met him that second time. I was just...a speck of light and even then...he could feel my sadness." He placed his hand back over his heart. "I...Didn't have any right to do so...but I asked if I could stay with him...at least for a little while. He didn't even stop to consider it." Ventus closed his eyes as he looked down. "He just opened up his heart and let me in. That's how I came to reside in his heart ever since." Ventus looked down at Sora, his eyes softening at the sight of the brown-haired boy's pain. "Sora saving ponies... even when he was a foal, huh?" the rainbow maned pegasus murmured. "Yeah, that sounds about right for that idiot." She gently flew to Sora's side. "You said you could save him... How are you going to do that?" "When that white pony, Celestia, brought him over with her magic and turned him into a pegasus, she unknowingly locked his magic within him," Ventus explained. "What I'm going to do is free it, whatever it takes." He held out his hand and before too long, light began to build within his palm. In an instance, an object formed. A very familiar weapon, despite its different look. "That's...A keyblade!" Rainbow gasped. "Wait! You're a keyblade wielder too?!" Ventus smiled softly, nodding his head. "Yeah. I was trained as a keyblade wielder along my friends Terra and Aqua." He looked down at the keyblade in his hand before turning his gaze towards Sora. "Using this...I think I can undo the lock that holds his magic." "Unlock...his magic?" The cyan mare spoke. "But...what would that even do?" "With at least part of his magic unlocked, he should be able to use his spells... most importantly, Cure," Ventus explained. "It's a powerful healing spell that can even bring those at the brink of death back... at least if he's fast enough to use it on someone." Fluttershy frowned as her mind began to race. Her mistakes in all of this. The part she played in hurting Sora. It could all be corrected in such a simple way. Sora could live...and she could beg for his forgiveness....But...something was gnawing at the back of her mind. Something important. Slowly, she shifted her gaze from Ventus to Sora, the boy barely breathing, even in his heart. "W-Wait...Ventus...before we start...I...What's going to happen to you?" Ventus paused, his gaze softening as he looked towards the shy mare. "You...Don't have to worry about me, Fluttershy. Sora's going to be okay soon so..." "Stop..." Fluttershy all but yelled, cutting the boy off. "You... I mean... I'm sorry but...you didn't answer the question." She glanced towards Sora. "What's...going to happen to you?" The blond haired boy sighed softly, his eyes closing for a moment before opening once more. "I...I don't know," he admitted. "Using my keyblade like this...it's going to take a lot out of me. Best case...I fall back to sleep again...Worst case...I...fade away." Fluttershy's eyes widened in shock and horror at the boy’s words. "What?! No...you can't just...fade away. There has to be another way." The other Keyblade wielder blinked, taken aback by Fluttershy's concern. Slowly, he chuckled before letting out a soft yet hearty laugh. When the laughter subsided, he gave Fluttershy a warm smile. “Geeze…Sora really does know how to pick his friends." He held up his blade, pointing the tip at Sora once again. "Still...Thanks, but there's no time now...I knew the risk and I'm sure Sora would have figured it out too...it's why I waited until he couldn't resist to show myself. He would have tried to stop me." "That...sounds like something spiky would do alright..." The rainbow mare joked, though her own voice betrayed her worry for the situation at hand. Fluttershy, on the other hand, eyes welled up with tears, her heart clenching at the thought of losing such a kindhearted being. "But...you can't just sacrifice yourself like this," she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "It's not fair." Ventus shook his head, his eyes softening as he looked towards the shy mare. "Life isn't fair, Fluttershy," he said softly. "But sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the people we care about." The shy mare lowered her head before slowly lifting it back to face Ventus, tears running down her face. "Then... if we do this... then... promise me... promise me you won't fade away. If you do...Then Sora will be...He won't forgive himself...so please!" The shy mare's gaze fell back to Sora. "Promise me that you will find a way to hang on...so that we can find some way to save you too!" The blond haired boy's eyes lowered, catching the mare's tears falling on Sora's hand, a sight that was all too familiar to him. "Geeze...you ponies..." He gently rubbed the back of his head, expressing a soft sigh. With a warm smile now gracing his lips, he raised his free hand, giving her a thumbs up, "Okay...I promise, Fluttershy. I'll do everything I can to make sure Sora's magic is unlocked. And I'll be okay when this is all over." Fluttershy let out a sob of relief, her heart feeling lighter at Ventus' words. "Thank you," she whispered. "You don't have to thank me," he responded gently. "We'll do our best for Sora...So he won't be sad anymore then he is." Now ready, more than ever before, he pointed his keyblade towards Sora. The blond haired boy focused intently, channeling the energy through his Keyblade, filling the room with a soft, vibrant light that resembled Sora's own. A gentle beam extended from the tip of his Keyblade, connecting to Sora's chest. As the beam made contact, a soft click resonated throughout the void. Sora's body was illuminated by a bright, blinding light that made both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash cover their eyes. As the intense radiance began to subside, the room's atmosphere lightened. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash slowly lowered their hooves, their eyes widening in disbelief and awe as the light dissipated. When their vision adjusted, they both let out audible gasps at the miraculous transformation before them. Sora's form had changed, his body now that of the familiar pegasus pony that they had met when all of this began. The blue pegasus's eyes widened in surprise. "Woah...He...He turned back into a pony?" "Is...Is this what was supposed to happen? Ventus?" Fluttershy's focus shifted towards the blond haired boy, only for her to gasp in shock at what she saw before her. The blond haired boy was slowly but surely fading away. As Ventus's luminous form dissipated, he cast a fleeting glance at Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, a soft smile gracing his lips. "I'm sorry... I won't be able to hold on much longer," he murmured as his figure began to fade. The radiant particles ascended, dissipating into the surrounding atmosphere. Fluttershy instinctively moved to assist, but Ventus gently halted her with an outstretched hand. "Don't... I promised, didn't I? I'll hold on. So, don't worry about me." His gaze drifted to his fading hands, clenching them tightly. "Please, tell Sora... I'll be asleep for a while. And tell him...I hope he forgives me for leaving him like this." Fluttershy nodded, tears streaming down her face as she watched Ventus fade away. "I will...I promise," she choked out. The boy smiled brighter. "Thanks..." With that said, his eyes would close as his last light vanished into the ether, leaving the shy mare and the brash pegasus alone with the now changed human once again. They were quiet for only a few moments before the rainbow maned pegasus stood up, pulling Sora with her as she did so. "We...We have to go back right now. He might have his magic but it won't mean Celestia's butt if he doesn't use it on himself now!" The timid mare nodded as she too stood up, helping her friend hold the stallion. "R-Right...but...where do we go from here? How do we get back?" Rainbow Dash's eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of a way out. "I...I don't know," she admitted. "But we gotta try something. We...h-huh?" Fluttershy raised an eyebrow at her friend who had suddenly stopped talking, her magenta eyes looking off into the distance. Following her friend's gaze she found the object of her friend's attention. It was a door. One she would swear was not there before. "W-Where did that...come from?" Rainbow Dash shook her head. "I don't know and I don't care. For all we know that Ventus kid opened it for us. Let's just go through it and get out of here. We still have a Sora to save!" She led the way towards the door, with Fluttershy following right beside her, both mare's supporting Sora's weight. As they reached the portal, it creaked open slowly, revealing a bright light on the other side. Without hesitation, Rainbow Dash stepped through the door, pulling her friends behind her. ~ All at once everything happened. Rainbow's eyes shot open just as the crystalized bubble fell away from around both her friends. Despite her spinning head, the blue mare rushed to her friend's side, slipping on the other side of Sora. Fluttershy, already gently cradling his body in her lap, tears streaming down her face, looked at the blue mare in disbelief before gasping, her gaze falling back to the wounded Sora. "H...He has to heal! He has to use his magic to heal himself!" Rainbow Dash nodded, determination in her eyes. "Right, we have to get him to use his magic." She turned her attention to Sora, gently taking his hoof in hers. "Come on, Sora. Use your magic, we know you can do it." The stallion groaned, his eyelids fluttering as he slowly regained what consciousness he had left. "Rainbow Dash?" he murmured weakly, his voice hoarse. "Fluttershy?" "We're here, Sora," The shy mare responded for the both of them. "You have to summon your Keyblade! You have to use your magic to heal yourself! Please!" "My...magic..." His eyes widened. "Ventus...he..." "He unlocked it for you," Rainbow Dash finished for him, giving his hoof a gentle squeeze. "Now you just have to use it to heal yourself, Sora. Come on, you can do it." Sora's breathing was shallow as he concentrated on summoning his Keyblade. With a flick of his hoof, the weapon appeared within it, and he closed his eyes, focusing on channeling his magic through it. The blade began to glow with a soft light, faint at first but slowly, but slowly would grow brighter and brighter. Lifting his blade into the sky, he gritted his teeth before opening his eyes, the word of power coming to him in a flash. "Heal!" Just as he says the words, a green aura danced in a circle and a flower bloomed overhead. It caressed both mare's fur, relieving what little aches either of them had before the minty scent tickling their nose. Sora breathed slowly before opening his eyes fully. Slowly but surely he sat up fully as both mare pulled away from him. Looking down at his hoof, he frowned before looking away and closing his eyes. "Ventus..." He shook his head before opening his eyes again. "Alright...Let's save our friends!" > The Key: Part One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul The Key:Part One In all her life, Lightning had never encountered creatures quite like the ones she had battled since she had gotten here—these Heartless. Even to a simple mare like her, their dark, twisted forms seemed to defy the natural order, and their malevolent energy sent an ominous chill through the air. Yet, there was no time for fear, only the instinct to fight and survive. Within one fluid motion, Lightning's blade sliced through the air, cleaving one of the small shadows in two. The defeated Heartless dissipated, leaving only a faint echo of its malevolence. They were weak, individually. If it was just a few of them, she would have been done with it long ago, but that orb, that Demon Tide, all it did was produce more and more of the wicked creatures, and the effects were starting to show. She didn’t remember how long it’s been since it had started, but the toll of the relentless onslaught was undeniable, and Lightning, despite her well trained endurance, could feel the strain on her muscles starting. Her movements, once fluid and precise, were becoming more measured as fatigue set in. Every swing of her blade required a conscious effort, and she could sense the weight of each step. Clicking her teeth, she flapped her wings, the feather appendages becoming a symphony of rapid beats as she propelled herself out of harm's way just as black claws from one of the many Heartless lashed out where she had just been. Swift and precise, she twisted and turned mid-air as her blade struck the back of her enemy, making it disappear as she had done for countless others, only for two more to replace it-a never ending cycle. A quick glance to her side revealed the young colt, his determined eyes reflecting a mix of courage and weariness. Dagger in mouth, he fought valiantly, dodging and weaving, but Lightning could discern the signs of tiring in his movements. His instincts were commendable, but the toll of the ongoing battle was evident. Even further back, Rarity could be seen, her own magic at work, using a something akin to a cloth to whip at the Heartless. It wasn't as strong as both her’s and the colt's strikes, more then likely due to inexperience and fighting her own exhaustion, still, it seemed to get the job done, at least for the small fries. Even then, Lightning knew that they couldn't keep going on like this for much longer. The Demon Tide showed no signs of stopping, and the longer they fought, the more Heartless it produced. She would have cut down the mare controlling them, but the unicorn, Starlight, wasn't giving her an inch to do so. Besides, she knew that if she left to fight the unicorn: the colts...Rarity, and her subordinates that were still unconscious would be left defenseless against the endless horde of Heartless. Lightning gritted her teeth, remembering three other of her charges. Looking back, she noticed, even as far away as she was, that Rainbow had not moved an inch ever since she had touched that bubble her cousin and the Keyblade Wielder was in. The only way she knew that the rainbow maned mare wasn't dead was due to the fact that her sharp eyes could still see her chest puffing in and out. Whatever it was she was doing it was taking too long. "I'm...Running out of options here..." the captain muttered under her breath before jumping, lashing out with her hind legs at another Heartless that dared to get in her range. She knew that the only other way to save as many ponies as possible was...retreat. To take Rarity, the colts, and whoever else they could carry away from here to as far as possible. It wasn't the best plan. It was even one she hated the most, but it was the one with the best possible outcome besides, they were already on their last leg. If she was alone things would be different. She would fight to her last breath to destroy the enemy that was in front of her. Even go out in a blaze of glory if she had failed to do so. But she was not alone. Right now she was the one in charge, and whatever it was that Rainbow Dash was doing was failing as far as she knew. With her mind made up, and a resolute nod, she fought her way towards the colt, getting closer to him in the process. Making her presence known to him she flared her wings to push the Heartless that he was fighting back, giving him enough time to take a breather as she spoke aloud. "Colt!" Her voice was commanding, quickly gaining the attention of the teenage earthpony. "We are leaving! Gather Rarity and your young brother and flee. I'll hold them off until you are out of sight and follow after you." "Leaving?!" Zidane balked, his eyes becoming wide before a frown soon replaced his shocked expression. "But We can't! Didn't the fair mare with the rainbow hair say she has a plan to save that key stallion?" The colt dodged an attack from one of the Heartless, before slashing it with his blade. "We can't leave her!" "You will do as I say, colt!" Lightning replied, her voice sharp despite her own inner turmoil about her decision. "Fighting a losing battle isn't bravery. It's stupidity!" She clicked her teeth. "Besides, if you fall here, who will be there to save your brother?" The teen flinched but shook his head nonetheless, still defiant. "Still...Rainbow and the others! If we leave then..." "Zidane," The captain spoke, using his name for the first time. She lashed out with her blade, slashing a Heartless that got too close for comfort, she stood in front of him before casting her gaze back at the colt, "It's been too long. Whatever it is that Rainbow is doing, we can't wait any longer. The Heartless are overwhelming us and I know for a fact you are on your last leg. We need to leave. Now." The colt frowned as he looked down. He knew she was right. Every fiber of his being knew she was right. He was exhausted to the point where only sheer willpower was the only thing keeping him going. He wanted to run away. To take his brother and escape into the darkness. It would have to been the smart thing to do after all. "I...understand..." "If you understand then-" "I ain't going tho." Lightning's eyes widened in surprise. "What did you say?" she asked, not sure if she had heard him correctly. "I said, I'm not going," Zidane repeated, his voice steady and firm. "I can't just leave Rainbow and the others behind." The mare frowned as she looked back towards the Heartless encroaching on their locations. "This isn't the time for horseapples colt! She swung her blade with renewed vigor, taking down two Heartless in one swipe. "We need to leave now before it's too late!" "I understand that, Captain," Zidane replied, his voice taking on a serious tone. "But the fair mare with the rainbow mane said she has a plan, and I am one to never abandon a fair mare in her quest." Lightning narrowed her eyes, before looking away, her teeth clicking. "You stubborn...are all males like this?" She stepped forward. "I'll drag you kicking and screaming if I have to, you know..." "What? And waste energy with me kicking and screaming where you could be helping the others escape?" He smirked. "Doesn't sound very productive since I will be doing just that if I have to to make you let me go. You'll waste all your energy on me." His dagger slashed out defecting a blow from a nearby Heartless. "So you either leave and save the others. Or wait for the fair rainbow maned maiden to save the day. Your choice. Either way I’m staying right here." The captain sighed as she looked away. "You're willing to bet your life on Rainbow and the others?" Zidane shrugged. "I'm not just betting on them, I'm betting on us. I believe in us. I believe in you, and I believe in me, and I believe in her." He smiled. "Besides...I don't want to leave knowing there was something I could have done to change things." He looked forward, his voice soft. "Not again." "Not again...?" Lightning asked softly, more to herself than to the colt, before sighing, drawing herself next to him. "You really are annoying." The mare crouched as she stood ready for battle. The teen grinned, his eyes shining with renewed determination. "I would argue I'm more persistent," he mused with a wink. "Sounds a lot better on paper when you are talking to cute mares?" "If you two are done with your little play," Starlight spoke, gaining both of the pony's attention. "And you said your farewells, I am putting you all to sleep." She raised a hoof. Before the Captain could speak, Zidane beat her to it, stepping out in front of the mare with a cocky grin on his lips, “Don't think it's my bedtime yet," The colt mused, looking back at Lightning with a wink and a smile before focusing on the purple unicorn once again. "Still got a lot left in me after all." "You talk brave but even I can see how tired you are now." the unicorn sighed as she looked away. "Honesty, ever since we met when I had first opened this camp for you refugees, you have done nothing but give me such a nasty side eye. I must admit...you were quite the annoyance. Always sneaking off as you did." "What can I say? I like a good adventure. As for my “side eye” as you call it, you can say it is my very own intuition." The colt mused. "It can always spot a nasty personality in a mare right away and react accordingly." He puffed out his chest. "You can't say I wasn't wrong on my assumptions. I mean look at you now. All big and bad and using monsters to fight us heroes." He shook his head. "For shame, miss Starlight." Starlight rolled her eyes. "You're still just a child," she scoffed. "You don't know anything about the world or what it takes to survive in it. All I see you doing is flailing in the dark." "Ha! Then you don't know me at all." He smirked. "But fix that nasty attitude of yours and I'll gladly talk it over with you over a cup of coffee. Your treat of course." Starlight made to respond with a curt word of advice but stopped, her eyes closing. "Enough games. I've wasted enough time on the two of you already." She raised her hoof, and the Demon Tide responded to her command, the heartless pulsing harder then ever before within the ball. "Besides...Working with idiots, I can tell when somepony is trying to waste my time. And yours kid...it just ran out." Just as she had raised it, the mare's hoof fell, it being the cue for the Heartless to strike. All in one go, a stream of Heartless shot out of the dark orb, all aiming for Zidane and Lighting. The two of them side to side, ready to face the onslaught, the colt with his dagger, the mare with her sword. A sudden tan blur shot past the two of them in a glow of blue light. Before either colt or mare would understand what just happened, a voice rung from the form, loud and clear for all to hear. "REFLECT!" At it...no...his command, a radiant barrier of light manifested in front of the two of them. Just as it did, the Heartless collided against it, their attacks repelled by the protective shield. The barrier flicked with each strike, almost as if it were about to break. Before it did however, the figure raised his head, his Keyblade glowing with a bright light before the shield shot out in front of himself into beams of dancing light, striking each and every Shadow that was still unlucky enough to be within its range. The figure stood tall, his bright blue eyes shimmering brightly as his Keyblade vanished in a burst of light. He turned to face Lightning and Zidane, offering them a bright smile, despite the seriousness of the situation. "Are the two of you okay?" Lightning's eyes widened in recognition. "Sora? You're...okay?" "Yeah. Sorry for being so late and all," the stallion replied before turning his attention back to the Heartless in front of them. The Demon Tide. "You two look like you could use a brake, so go back and take a rest for a while and leave the rest to me. I got this." Zidane, now fully recovered from his shock, couldn't stop the laugh that escaped his lips. "Lotta talk for someone who got stabbed not too long ago. You sure you don't need back up." Despite the offer, the colt couldn't help but fall on his flank, panting harshly now that all energy reserves was gone. The Keyblade Wielder shook his head. "I'd take you up on your offer but-" "He's not alone!" Both the colt and the Captain turned just in time to see Rainbow Dash fly over head wa already at Sora's side, her hoof digging into the ground harshly. "Because he's got the one and only Dash on his side!" She turned her head, smirking at the pair. "Told ya I would get the hero to save the day." "So...you did." Lightning smiled and nodded. "Good job Rainbow Dash." "Don't forget about me, Darling," Rarity chimed in, standing gracefully beside Sora. "R-Rarity?! What are you doing here?" Rainbow Dash questioned, surprised by Rarity's appearance. "It is well taken care of since I'm sure our two friends here will be seeing to their safety," Rarity explained confidently as she looked behind herself towards Zidane and Lightning. "Out of all of us that were not in that bubble, I'm the one that's least exhausted as you well know. Do not fret though; I won't get in your or Sora's way. I can, and have, handle myself quite well in stressful situations, as you well know, Rainbow Dash. "Gah...well...maybe but still." Rarity couldn't help the playful smirk that formed on her face, "Oh, darling, you're starting to sound like Sora back when we first met him. Always cautioning us to stay out of fighting while he deals with everything alone." She tilted her head. "It seems the roles have reversed a bit, haven't they?" The white mare's playful comment elicited the exact reaction she wanted from Rainbow Dash. The cyan mare red cheeks blazing brightly as she turned to glare at her prim and proper friend. "Gah! Just because I care about you guys doesn't mean I'm turning into Spiky." She huffed. "Whatever! Do what you want! Just don't come crying to me when you chip a hoof." The white mare huffed. “I’ll have you know that I-Ekk!” Sora was quick to stand in front of the mare, defecting a magical beam that had been shot in the fashionista's direction. The source of said blast coolly raised her head, glaring at the lot of them. "You ponies...really feel like you have all the time in the world huh? Joking and playing around like you are. I knew I shouldn't have wasted so much time in taking you all out." Starlight growled as her horn began to glow brightly. "And you..." She addressed Sora. "How are you alive? You were stabbed in your heart. I saw it myself." Sora closed his eyes before pacing a hoof over his chest. "If you want to know…I have friends that place their faith in me. That's why I'm still alive." he stated firmly as he summoned his Keyblade once more. Lowering his stance, he readied himself. "Besides, I still have to stop you. No..." He shook his head. "I have to save you from making the same mistake my friend made a long time ago." Starlight scoffed. "Save me? You think I need saving?" She raised her hoof once again, the Demon Tide responding to her command. "I've already made my decision, and I will see them through to the end. Darkness is the only way any of us will be free!" "You're wrong!" the Keyblade Wielder yelled, his body crouching low as he readied himself for battle. "And I'll wake you up to realize it!" The stallion's hooves struck the dirt as he galloped forwards, Keyblade in maw. Already he could see the Demon Tide drop Heartless onto the ground to meet him. Not wanting to disappoint, he launched himself forward towards the encroaching Heartless. Gripping the Keyblade firmly in his maw, the equine warrior wasted no time as he struck out at the first Heartless that dared to approach. The Keyblade cut through the shadows with a radiant glow, cleaving the darkness and sending the Heartless reeling. Approaching another, he launched the dark beast into the air before following after it, kicking it hard with his hind hoof further upwards as he backflipped. As he landed upon the ground, Rainbow Dash was already rushing over him, tackling the Heartless in midair before tossing the beast away, causing it to crash into the ground with a resounding thud. With a salute she flew towards her own group of the beast, leaving Sora to turn his sights upon the Demon Tide itself. Without hesitation, he blasted forward, his Keyblade shimmering brightly as he closed in on his target. The Heartless reacted to his approach however, a dark stream of Shadows rushing towards the stallion encroaching upon it. Almost by instinct, his blade went from his maw to his hoof before he pointed it out in front of him. With a focused concentration, he channeled his Keyblade's power into the ground, the key word slipping from his tongue. "WIND!" The air at the spot he pointed at swirled around in a controlled whirlwind, lifting dust and debris as the force intensified. Taking advantage of the swirling wind, Sora leaped within it, his form enveloped by the currents he had created. At the last second, before the Heartless had time to converge on the stallion, the gust carried him skyward, easily out of reach now that he was in the air proper. Now in the air, Sora pointed his Keyblade at the core of the Demon Tide. With the commanding yell, "FIRE!" he channeled the magical energy within the Keyblade. Suddenly, the tip of his weapon erupted in a burst of flames, and from it, several fiery projectiles shot forth. The fireballs streaked through the air, leaving trails of flame in their wake as they homed in on the Heartless below. Each impact created a fiery explosion, illuminating the darkened battlefield with bursts of light and heat. The Demon Tide recoiled from the onslaught, its shadows dancing in the wake of Sora's powerful magical assault. However, as the fiery chaos unfolded, the Heartless, undeterred, began to rise high into the air, forming a swirling mass of darkness that launched a torrent of its minions toward Sora, aiming to strike the airborne pony before he could regain his footing. Just as the Heartless surged on his positions, a blue blur swooped in with remarkable speed. With precise timing, she caught the falling Keyblade wielder mid-air, ushering him out of harms way out of the Heartless's assault. "Haha! Need a lift hero?" The mare mused, giving the stallion she held by his foreleg a wink. Sora smiled as he looked up towards his savior, "Thanks, Dash. I own you one." "Eh. I'm used to saving your butt at this point so just chalk it up to your tab. I expect you to convince AJ to give me lots of Apple Ciders when it's cider season again." Her gaze fell towards his Keyblade. "Still, when you said you could use magic, you weren't kidding. Never seen wind magic used like that. Don't get me started on those fireballs." "Thanks, Dash, but it's still not strong enough to take down that Heartless yet." The stallion sighed, looking up at the swirling mass of darkness that still loomed over them. "My magic has grown way weaker than before ever since that Keyblade Exam...Really sucks having this happen to me a third time." "Hey, we'll figure something out, Hero. Besides, we've dealt with worse, right? All we gotta do is take them down!" She smirked. "Mabey hit it with a Fast Ball Specials? Just like back at the Crystal Kingdom" "Is that what you're calling it?" He teased before looking back down, his eyes frowning. "If so then shoot me over towards Rarity instead. She could use some help." Rainbow Dash blinked before looking over to where her white furred friend was. She wasn't surrounded by any means but she did seem to be struggling against a group of Shadow Heartless. "Oh yeah, I see what you mean. One Fast Ball Special coming up!" Without hesitation, she spun the stallion around by his foreleg at high speed before letting go, the force propelling him through the air like a comet. It barely took any time for him to reach the elegant mare, his Keyblade striking a Heartless that was about to set upon her from behind. "Sora! I know with everything going on I forgot to tell you...but It is good to see you back in action as it were," Rarity exclaimed with relief, her horn aglow with magic before shooting off a beam of light towards a nearby Heartless. "And I must say, you do make a grand entrance look stylish. I never knew you could use barrier magic." "It's one of the spells I learned during my travels," Sora replied, before tossing his Keyblade, striking several of the Heartless at once that were in front of him. "Even if I do have my magic back, it's not enough. And I'm already running low. My healing spell really takes more out of me then most of them after all." Rainbow came flying in, running a Heartless into the ground before tossing it up and kicking the dark beast away. "Well, we'll just have to find a way to hold out then!" she exclaimed. "We can't let this Heartless win before we even get started on the plan!" The stallion nodded. "I know...I just hope Fluttershy can do what she has to do...and fast." "Oh! I remember seeing her just before coming here, checking up on me as it were...but then she ran off soon after." Rarity said, her horn once again aglow as she used the fabric from her bag to whip at a Heartless. "You mean to tell me that you have a plan for dealing with all these horrid creatures?" "I do..." Sora responded with a nod. "I just hope that Fluttershy can wake up our sleeping stallion..." ~ In another part of the camp, away from the ongoing battle, Fluttershy moved through the wreckage with a sense of urgency, her wings flapping hard as they ever had before. Despite her job being the safest and most simplest, she could feel the weight of the situation heavy on her back. Her mind raced to just a little while ago before she left Sora and Rainbow to help the others... ~ "We need to find Sunburst." Fluttershy tilted her head at Sora's words. "S-Sunburst...that's the stallion you saved from Trottingham...isn't it?" "What do we need him for?" The rainbow maned mare asked. "Isn't he like...knocked out and stuff?" "He is...but I think he might be the only one able to stop Starlight." He looked behind himself, frowning. "If...I remember. He has to be that way." Fluttershy's eyes widened at the mention of Starlight. "Wait...you...you said that she reacted to that name..." the shy mare gasped. "Is...That stallion...is she the one she was talking about before she...she made me...she mind controlled me...?" "It has to be." He placed a hoof over his heart. "When my heart touched his...I could see his memories. And I could feel that he had a strong connection to Starlight. I know in my heart that he's the reason she's doing all of this. Cause she feels guilty for hurting him..." "Even if that's the case. Why should we even help her?" Rainbow scoffed. "She tired to kill you. Heck! She almost succeeded!" Sora sighed, his gaze falling to the ground. "I know, Dash, but I can't help but think that she's not the real villain here. There's something bigger going on, and I think that she's just a pawn in it all. If we can wake Sunburst up, if we can get him to stop her for long enough to actually talk...I think we can save everypony." The rainbow maned mare sighed harshly, rubbing the back of her head. "Geeze! Leave it to you to try and save the pony who tired and kill you..." She shook her head. "Fine...how are we doing this?" "I don't want to leave the others...and that giant ball Heartless you were fighting. The Demon Tide. I can't leave that alone. If the other's get stuck by it they'll end up in the same state Twilight and Sunburst was in." "I...I can go find him." Sora and Rainbow gaped as they looked towards the timid mare stand up, the former of the two doing the same as he spoke. "Fluttershy, are you sure? It could be dangerous." "I...I can't fight...not like you and Rainbow Dash can." The mare spoke softly. "I'll just get in the way...so...let me do at least this. It's the least I can do...after I hurt you..." The stallion's expression softened as he reached a hoof towards the mare. "Fluttershy...you know I don't blame you for-" "But I do!" Fluttershy interrupted as he pulled away, shaking her head. "I know it wasn't me...that Starlight was controlling my mind...but...I still feel like I hurt you...so please...I can do this..." It was quite for only a few moments before Sora nodded. "Okay...if you're sure, then I'll believe in you." He smiled softly at the mare. Before she could leave however, he reached out and grasped her hoof, forcing her to stop. "After this is over...we can talk okay? I promise..." The mare shivered at his touch. His smile. It hurt to see them both. "I...I'll find him..." Fluttershy turned and ran away, both to find the stallion in question...and away from Sora. ~ "I'm sorry...Sora...I'm sorry..." She muttered to herself, her wings fluttering as she picked up her pace. an explosion from behind her caused the mare to stop in her tracks, the mare turning around, just in time to see Sora about to get attacked by the Heartless. The mare gasped as she started back to where she came from, only to stop when Rainbow Dash caught the stallion in mid air, whisking him away from danger. Fluttershy's heart pounded in her chest as she breathed a sigh of relief. She knew she had no right to be, not after putting the stallion in danger herself. She didn't care if she had been mind controlled before. It was still her hooves that held Sora tight...Still her hooves that caused him to get stabbed by Gilda. She shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts from her mind. She couldn't let those memories consume her. She had a job to do, a task that only she could accomplish. And she was going to do it, no matter what. "He...He'll be okay....He...He'll be fine." The mare spoke softly before dashing off again. It wasn't long before she came upon a nearby bush, one that seemed to have been disturbed quite a bit. At least, compared to the rest of them. Her natural forest instincts told her this was the spot Sora had come from. Slowly she flew upon the bush, scanning the ground with her sharp eyes. It didn't take long to find who she was looking for. The stallion lay there, seemingly unharmed but deeply unconscious. Fluttershy's gaze softened as she approached him, her wings fluttering nervously. Kneeling down beside the stallion, she gently checked for any signs of injuries. Relief washed over her as she realized that, at least physically, he seemed to be okay. "Sunburst?" Fluttershy spoke softly, her voice a delicate whisper. "Can you hear me?" There was no response from the stallion, not even a twitch. Fluttershy frowned, biting her lip in concern. She wasn't sure if he was just sleeping or in the same state of coma that Twilight was in before when she was saved from the bubble. Sora did say that Sunburst nearly had his heart stolen by the Heartless, just like Twilight. "Ponyfeathers..." She cursed softly to herself, "I...It took Twilight a few days to wake up after all of that...Sunburst was just saved...How can I..." She shook her head wildly. "No! It's okay...I won't give up...I...I can't let Sora down again..." She turned back to face the stallion, her mind racing with ideas. "I...I just...I....oh...wait..." She looked down at the stallion before frowning. Carefully she grasped his hoof in her own. "Sunburst...I...I don't know if you can hear me...I pray to Celestia that you can...but...it's Starlight...She...She's hurting ponies...more then that I...I think she's hurting herself..." Fluttershy's voice quivered as she spoke, tears gathering in her eyes. "I need you to wake up and help us stop her. Please...we can't do it without you. You're the only one that can stop her...because...you are the only one she cares about now...so please..." Fluttershy's voice trailed off as she looked down at Sunburst. She wasn't sure if her words had any effect on him or not. She hoped that they did - that he could hear her and would wake up soon. But she couldn't be sure. As she sat there, holding the stallion's hoof, Fluttershy couldn't help but feel the weight of everything that was happening. The battle raging on around her, the darkness that threatened to swallow them all... it was all too much. She wanted to run away from it all...to leave everything behind. Maybe if she did...she would finally be safe...she would finally be able to... The mare shook her head. "No...I...I would never forgive myself if I did that...I would never want to see my friends again if I did something so horrible...And...even if I don't deserve to...I could never...love Sora like I do now if I ran." She didn't know how long she sat there, but eventually she felt a stirring in Sunburst's hoof. Opening her eyes, she saw that he was starting to move - just a little bit, but it was something. "Sunburst?" Fluttershy whispered, gently squeezing his hoof. Orange eyelids fluttered softly to reveal aqua blue eyes. Sunburst groaned, his head feeling heavy as he tried to lift it up from the ground. "Y-you...who are...you...?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper before his gaze shifted around himself. "What...what happened? I was in the lab...and...then..." Fluttershy interrupted him, her voice urgent. "Sunburst, listen to me. Starlight, she's gone too far. She's hurting ponies, and she needs to be stopped. Sora and the others are fighting off the Heartless, but we need your help to stop her. Please, you're the only one who can reach her." "Starlight...Starlight!" He tried to push himself up, only to fall back again, the mare catching him before he did so. "I...She...I have to get to Starlight!" Fluttershy held him steady, her wings fluttering nervously. "I know, but you're still weak. Let me help you up." She carefully lifted him to his hooves, supporting him as he stumbled a bit. "We need to hurry. Sora and the others are fighting against the Heartless as we speak, and they need our help. Can you walk?" "I...Think I can...I...you said Heartless?" The stallion questioned. "Is...wait...is that the name of those dark creatures in the lab?" The stallion shivered. "They...They went wild and...they attacked everyone...I...I moved to protect Starlight but..." He shook his head. "You said we have to stop her...she...is she controlling them now?" Fluttershy nodded, "She is...Starlight is controlling them. She's using them to hurt others, and we need to stop her before it's too late." Sunburst's eyes widened in shock. "Starlight...how...I don't...She was always so kind and caring...I mean yes she was a bit rude...but..." "I...I think it's because...she wanted to save you." The mare told him. "I think…She convinced herself that using the Heartless to save you is the only way, but she's wrong." She closed her eyes. "Sora...my...My friend. He tired to tell her but she didn't listen to him." "That's...just like Starlight..She hates to be proven wrong right until the end…." Sunburst frowned as he looked towards the shy mare. "You're right. I need to get to Starlight. It usually takes time but I'm the one that can get though that thick skull of hers...Think...you could help me to her miss..." "Fluttershy...My name is Fluttershy. Its...um...Nice to meet you." "The pleasure is all mine," He said with a smile before looking ahead. "Let's go, Fluttershy. We can't waste any more time. Starlight needs me." > The Key: Part Two > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul The Key: Part Two Starlight Glimmer stood on the precipice of the battle field, her eyes fixated on the chaotic scene unfolding before her. The air crackled with the clash of metal and the magical bursts of energy as the Heartless...no...as the Demon Tide battled against Sora and his companions, Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Starlight's gaze, however, was primarily drawn towards the stallion wielding the blade made to look like a key. Remembering the first time she fought him in their initial confrontation, she had been momentarily surprised by the stallion's skills. His mastery with his blade over those Heartless she controlled, was something she had not expected in the least. Still, in the end, she had won the fight, having used that yellow mare's relationship with that stallion to throw him off his game long enough for the griffion to get the killing blow. Or so she had thought. Here she was now, standing in scorching disbelief as the stallion she thought had been out of her hair was fighting hale and whole. Even more so, he was displaying skills she had never seen a pegasus used before. She had thought that the rainbow maned mare was special, but this stallion was on a whole other level. "Who..." The mare began, speaking softly to herself, "Are you?" The dark ball of Shadows released a torrent of Heartless his way, their twisted forms contrasting sharply with the radiant aura emanating from the stallion's weapon. Even despite the odds, he would clash with it head on. Every swing, every parry, was a dance between light and darkness. Despite her frustration, Starlight couldn't help but marvel at the unnatural abilities displayed by the mysterious pegasus. Even with how tired he should have been after getting stabbed, his movements, while clearly awkward here and there, were something to behold. Not to mention his control over magic surpassed anything she had ever witnessed in Equestria. Pegasus ponies were not known for their magical prowess, yet here he was, manipulating fire, ice, wind...not to mention barrier magic, one of the hardest to master. "No..." The mare corrected herself, frowning. "What are you?" Said stallion grunted as he landed on his hooves, the Keyblade he held in one of them digging into the ground to stop himself getting pushed back any further. Looking up, he could feel the malevolent energy emanating from the pulsating ball of darkness before him, The Demon Tide looming ominously in the distance. Holding his Keyblade out in front of him, The wielder of it pointed at the Heartless before shooting off Crystalized ice from the tip of the weapon. The chilly ice shot forth from the Keyblade, slicing through the air with a glint of frost. It would not impact it however as the Heartless intercepted the blast with a stream of shadows it shot forth, taking the brunt of the attack. Clicking his teeth in frustration, the stallion jumped in the air, dodging the remaining Shadows that had not been affected by his magical missile of ice before rearing his hoof back and then throwing the magical key in their direction, destroying any that came in contact with the blade of light. As he landed upon the ground again, Rarity hurried to his side, her horn emitting a small beam of light at the tip before shooting off towards her side, striking a nearby creature that was too close for comfort. "Sora, darling! Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?" The stallion shook his head before summoning his Keyblade once more, fending off another wave of the small Shadows that dared to get too close to him. "I'm fine, Rarity. Just getting a little winded." He frowned as he placed a hoof over his heart, "Not to mention every time I use my magic it takes a little bit more out of me. I might have enough for one or two bursts left, and that's if I'm not forced to use my curing Spell." "Doesn't help that there's no end to them!" Rainbow Dash swooped down next to them, her wings flapping furiously to keep her airborne. Sweat dripped from her forehead as she unleashed a powerful gust of wind, blowing the Shadows away momentarily. "You'd think we would've exhausted all the Heartless within that stupid thing by now with the way we are kicking their butts." She growled as she landed. "Kinda feels like Fluttershy's brother who can't take a hint and leave me alone with the way its acting." Pushing the fact that he had just learned that Fluttershy had a brother aside, the stallion couldn't help but nod in agreement. "I was half hoping that something would give soon," Sora admitted, glancing towards the dark ball of Shadows. "But it seems like they're endlessly being spawned from the Demon Tide itself, almost like it's a Corridor to the World of Darkness. If we can't get rid of that, then this will never end." The prismatic mare scoffed. "Fat chance of that happening. It feels like that Starlight mare is the one feeding it all that Darkness or whatever." She growled as she spotted Starlight smirking in the distance, observing the trio. "We can't even get close to her with that thing in the way." "I've noticed." The Keyblade Wielder spoke, frowning as he remembered more than a few times he did try and reach the purple unicorn, only to have himself knocked back by a wave a Heartless striking him at his side. He lamented the amount of potions he already used from both Rarity and Rainbow Dash. He was pretty sure his pegasus friend was down to her last one. "I've never seen someone control the Heartless like she does...except maybe Maleficent." The cyan pegasus raised an eyebrow. "Maleficent? Is that the name of that crazy witch you defeated when you were a kid?" The stallion answered her with a nod before pushing forward, slicing a Heartless in half, destroying it completely. "She was pretty strong, could even turn into a dragon." He shook his head. "The only reason we won was because I had all my powers and my friends to back me. As I am now, I can't get as close as I want to without something giving." The stallion frowned as he looked towards the Demon Tide. "We need an opening...and the only way to get that is..." "That stallion you told Fluttershy to get, right?" Rainbow finished for him, before lashing out with a vicious kick sending a Shadow sprawling into vapors. "That Sunburst pony." Sora nodded solemnly. "Exactly. If his memories were anything to go by, he's the most important pony in the world to Starlight. If anyone can get through to her, it would be him." "So in the end we're just wasting time for Fluttershy to do her thing and wake the stallion right." The pegasus mare sighed. "You really do plan on saving that unicorn...even after she tired to kill you." The stallion smiled wryly, his eyes never leaving the Demon Tide. "I may not agree with her methods, but I understand why she did what she did. And besides, I can't just stand by and watch someone else fall into the darkness. That's not who I am." He frowned. "Sombra gave me no choice...but Starlight...I know I can save the light inside of her." Rarity glided towards the stallion, placing a hoof on his shoulder. "Then we will do everything we can to help make sure that happens," She frowned. "But that does pose the question on how Fluttershy is going to wake up our friend. It took Twilight a few days to wake up from nearly getting her heart taken after all, and here we are, praying to Celestia mind you, that Fluttershy can wake him up in significantly less time than that. The odds are against us." "Well saying it like that..." the cyan pegasus mused as she cracked her hooves. "It makes me want to defy those odds even more." "Of course you would say that Rainbow Dash" Rarity responded with a dry dull tone. "You are the only pony I know that would still fight with a one percent chance stacked against you." "What can I say?" the brash pegasus spoke with a wide smirk, giving the white unicorn a wink. "I'm just that awesome." The sharp yell from in front of them caused all three ponies to look ahead. In the distance, the could see that Starlight's frustration had reached its peak, the mare stopping the ground hard as the Demon Tide withdrew to her side. "Why are you fools not taking anything seriously?" Starlight's voice echoed across the battlefield, carrying a dangerous undertone. "You banter and joke as if you are on a Sunday walk when you know you are about to lose it all! Are you mocking me?!" The three she had addressed looked at each other before Sora stepped forward, his Keyblade at the ready. "We're not mocking you, Starlight. We may joke around here and there but make no mistake—we are taking this seriously. We are not going to let your Darkness destroy everything we hold dear. Not today." "Foolishness." Starlight spat before closing her eyes. "You are nothing but pretty speeches and empty words colt. Joking around...telling me you will save me from myself. Do you really think that's possible? That I'll simply turn my back on my goals and go along with your plans, like a good little mare?" "I do believe." The stallion admitted, much to the unicorn's shock and surprise. "I believe that there is still a light inside of you. The fact that you are doing all of this for your friend Sunburst proves it." "And what do you know!?" The unicorn yelled after reeling back, indignation upon her face. "What do you know about why I'm doing this?!" "Because...I lost my friends...my family...both to the Heartless and to the Darkness," Sora admitted, his voice calm and gentle. "I know what it's like to feel lost and alone, to think that there's no hope." Pointing his Keybade back at her he frowned. "But I also know that there's always a way out of the darkness." Slowly, the stallion moved the blade of light off to the side, pointing it in another direction. Relaxing his hoof, he allowed it to fall, the weapon dissipating in a gentle glow of light. "Ah...Sora...What the hey are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked, with a confused expression on her face. Rarity mirrored her friend's expression, eyeing the stallion with a mix of concern and curiosity. "If she was someone like Riku...I think fighting would be the best way to get to her...to get her to understand." He replied, his eyes never leaving Starlight's. "But...talking about what you need to talk about, it can work too. Twilight and you girls taught me that. So...I'm not going to fight you anymore Starlight." The unexpected shift in Sora's approach left Starlight momentarily speechless. "I...you...are you crazy!? I tried to kill you! I...You should...Why are you doing this!?" "I told you before. I'm going to save you." "You didn't answer my question!" the purple unicorn exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration. "Why are you doing this? Why do you care so much about saving me?" "It because...I know Sunburst's feeling for you." The stallion smiled as he took another step forward. "It was though him, that I know that you are a good mare deep down." The stallion closed his eyes. "Yes...some of the things you did...I'm sure there are no few number that will never forgive you. Maybe...they never will...but that doesn't mean you can't try." Slowly, he held out his hoof to the mare. "So please..." Starlight's inner turmoil began to flow throughout her whole body at Sora's gesture and words, her head shaking widely. When she regained her senses, the mare raised her hoof high, glaring at the stallion in front of her. "You...You don't...You...If you saved him show me! Show me that he's okay right now! Show me or I'll-!" "Starlight! Stop!" The sudden and familiar voiced had nearly given Starlight a heart-attack. Slowly but surely, her gaze shifted towards where the voice had come from. She wasn't the only one to be surprised as Sora and all the others nearby all turned, finding the source of the voice. Not too far away, were two figures, one, a yellow mare with a dull pink mane, helping another figure hobble froward, an orange stallion with fiery red hair. His shimmering turquoise eyes never once leaving Starlight, even though it looked as though he could fall over any second. Out of everyone near, Rainbow Dash was the first to speak, pumping her hoof ethusiasitly. "Fluttershy?! You were able to work him up?! Dang girl! I knew you could do it!" The shy mare shook her head. "N-No, Rainbow Dash. It wasn't me." Fluttershy's voice was barely above a whisper as she continued to support Sunburst, who was clearly struggling to stay upright. "It was him. He woke up on his own. All I did was...tell him what he needed to hear." "Fluttershy..." Sora's voice cut though the distance between the two of them and the butter yellow mare couldn't help but turn towards the stallion when he spoke. His smile was warm and genuine, his nod giving her a warm filly in her belly. "Thanks Shy..." The timid mare wanted to speak...to say anything...but whatever it was she was going to say was quickly put to rest when Sunburst tried to move, quickly forcing the mare to keep him steady lest he fell to the ground. Fluttershy's eyes widened with concern as she used her gentle touch to steady him. "Sunburst, please be careful. You're still weak," she pleaded softly. "Please..." The stallion spoke again, ignoring the mare's words. All his attention was on the mare in front of him. On Starlight. "I'm okay now...just please...stop..." She stood there, frozen in place, staring at the stallion who had once been her closest friend. Memories of their past flooded her mind...memories of what she done. Memories of causing many ponies to lose their heart so she could study the effects of the bubble. She had tried to push her emotions down before. She had tired to keep herself in check. She had to tell herself it was for the greater good. That it was all to save Sunburst. It was all to free him. All that work...and...it wasn't her...she... Her heart was pounding in her chest, as she looked at the stallion, her breathing becoming heavier and more ragged with each passing second. She knew that she should be feeling happy, that Sunburst was alive and well, but instead, all she could feel was the crushing weight of guilt that was threatening to drown her. "S-Sunburst..." Her voice was barely above a whisper, as she took a step forward, her eyes locked onto his. "Oh sun and moon I..." She took a step froward. "Starlight! Watch out!" The mare didn't know who said it. It didn't matter anyway, she only had time to look up once before she found that Heartless she had been using, the Demon Tide, launching an attack. Towards her. She tried to reach back out towards the beast but she felt nothing. It was then Sora's words repeated in her head. "Nothing ever good comes with working with the Heartless. I've seen it too many times to count." They turned on me…just like he said, Starlight thought, her eyes widening in horror as the Demon Tide closed in on her. She desperately tried to conjure a shield, to push the Heartless away, but the magic refused to respond to her frantic commands. The world seemed to slow down as Starlight watched the darkness approach her. In that moment, all she could see were the memories of her past, flashing before her eyes. She saw herself as a foal. The time she had met and befriended Sunburst. Her time together playing with him. Studying with him. She remembered the day he left. All those years apart from him. She remembered when he had come back into her life. Slowly her gaze shifted from the Darkness and towards Sunburst, the stallion struggling as he pushed himself off Fluttershy in a desperate attempt to save her. She smiled softly. Knowing that at the very least, even if she was about to pay for her sins, she was going to see him one last time. That was enough for a bad mare like her. "I'm...Sorry..." She closed her eyes, and readied herself for the end. "Reflect!" The mare gasped as she opened her eyes again, the sight of the stallion she had been fighting before coming into view, his body glowing bright blue as his magic activated. The barrier stretched wide before the Heartless stuck it, each and every Shadow bouncing off in a spark of light. The stallion drew both of his hooves towards his chest before spreading them wide, causing the magic shield to react. Beams of light shot off in all directions in front of him, just like before, shredding any Heartless that was careless enough to be within range of the attack. When the magic died Sora's gaze to shifted behind him, a wide, goofy smile forming on his face. "I knew saving a bit of my magic was the best thing to do. Are you okay Starlight?" The unicorn stared at the Keyblade Wielder, her eyes wide in shock and disbelief, unable to believe what she was hearing. After everything she had done, after all the pain she had caused, he saved her. "You...what are you...Why would you..." "Do I need a reason?" the stallion answered as he turned to face the enemy in front of him. "And I wanted to save you...that's all." The blade made like a key shifted from his hoof to his maw, shimmering with a warm glowing light. "As for you, Heartless, I think you overstayed your welcome! Rarity! Rainbow! You guys ready to show this Demon Tide the door?" "Ready as ever, Sora!" The brash blue pegasus called out, flying high in the sky above the Heartless, her hooves snapping her goggles over her eyes. "Let's show this jerk what happens when they mess with Equestria!" "Couldn't have said it better myself, darling!" The eloquent mare spoke, the magic that gripped the cloth she had been using as a weapon stretching tight as she pulled the red hood of her jacket over her head. "I've never been one to shy away from a bit of drama, especially when it involves vanquishing creatures of darkness." The stallion smiled and nodded to his two friends before turning to look back at Starlight. "It's best you get to safety with Fluttershy and the others." He frowned. "Don't...don't make me regret saving you...okay?" Starlight felt a mix of emotions swirl inside her at his words. Gratitude, guilt, confusion, pain...hurt...hope? She nodded slowly before quickly getting up, exiting the field towards the butter yellow mare and leaving Sora and his party to fight the Heartless Always the first to act, the Keyblade Wielder pushed himself towards the Demon Tide. His movements were a dance of precision and power as he weaved through the dark creatures launched his way, his Keyblade slashing through each and every Shadow that got within his range. Nearing his target, he jumped and slashed, his blade connecting with the ball of Darkness, cutting it like butter. He smirked, noticing that it began to pulse with orange light. "Not so tough without Starlight's dark heart to boost you huh?" The monster seemed to react to his taunt as a flow of Heartlesses were shot out, forcing him away from it. Flying backwards, the keyblade wielder lashed at the Heartless, destroying the bulk as he sailed across the sky. Landing back on his hooves with a grunt, he barely had time to think before he jumped away, narrowly dodging black claws as many Shadows were dropped to the ground, each and every last one making a beeline towards Sora's position. "I got ya Spiky!" Rainbow shot across the stallion before spinning in place, the air she kicked up creating a small tornado, sucking up the Heartless as they few into it. The stallion watched as the tornado of wind and rainbows engulfed the many Heartless, shooting them into the sky before the cyan mare quickly followed after them. With her unmatched speed she flew, striking the Shadow's that were trapped in the air over and over again, each one dissipating into a cloud of smoke as she unleashed her barrage of kicks and punches, leaving a trail of colorful contrails behind her as she effortlessly dispatched the beast. Finding herself dealing with the last one, the mare spun in the air before delivering a devastating strike, sending the creature head first into the ground. Done with her show of power, the mare saluted before dashing away, ready to take on whatever was next on her plate. Meanwhile, Rarity gracefully twirled her way through the battlefield, The cloth she had been using to fight formed into a hard whip. With swift and elegant movements, The fashionista weaved her way through the chaos, her whip cracking and lashing out at any Heartless that dared to come near her. "Take that you ruffians! I've had just about enough of you and your Darkness!" She huffed. "Besides, formal black was so last season." From behind her, she heard Sora's voice call out before she found the stallion in question, cutting through a Heartless that was about to pounce on her. "Sorry for butting in Rarity!" He smiled as he turned to the mare. "You doing okay?" The white unicorn flashed a charming smile at the young hero, twirling her makeshift whip elegantly before responding. "Oh, darling, I'm fabulous! Just a little dance with the shadows, nothing I can't handle." She smiled as she cracked her whip in front of herself. "Though I do have to say, thank you for the save. A true hero indeed." "Happy to help where I can..." Sora lashed out with his blade, cutting down three Heartless that neared him. "Still...Didn't know you could fight this well, Rarity." "Is it really a surprise? A lady must always know how to defend herself if no pony else is there to do it for her after all." The unicorn’s whip cracked again, this time slicing through the air and striking a Heartless square in the chest. The creature dissipated into smoke, leaving behind only a faint lingering darkness. She smiled. "Not that I wouldn't allow you to shine, of course, Darling. Upstaging the Hero was never my forte." "Appreciate the sentiment Rarity." The stallion said after a small chuckle. "But I don't mind sharing. Friendship and teamwork is always better then fighting alone." "Dang right!" Rainbow yelled as she landed beside the two. "So you really not trying to push all the work onto yourself now?" "I...Still have a lot to think about...but...I promise to never not ask for help when I need it at least." The rainbow maned mare grinned. "That's what I like to hear, Hero. Also that friendship speech..." She chuckled. "You totally give Twilight a run for her bits in delivery. Just as cheesy too." "Now now, Rainbow." Rarity gently scolded, her voice dripping with amusement. "Let's not tease poor Sora too much. After all, he did just save us from certain doom." "I saved him first." Rainbow rebutted. "Without me he wouldn't even be here!" "Yeah...though wasn't it Ventus that gave me my magic back." Sora countered. "And from what I could hear, he was going to save me anyway so..." "Gah! Details, details! Just be glad we're here to help you out at all, okay." The pegasus scoffed. "You're lucky to have such awesome friends like us." Sora chuckled as he swung his Keyblade, cutting down another wave of the Shadow's in front of him. "Trust me, Rainbow, I know how lucky I am. And right now, I couldn't ask for better friends." He smiled as he pointed his keyblade at the Demon Tide. "So lets finish this and go home! You two think you can clear the way for me?" "If it's a path you need, then it is a path you shall have, Darling." Rarity mused before getting into a battle position. "Shall we Rainbow, dear?" "Absolutely, Rarity!" The cyan pegasus replied, her wings buzzing with excitement. "Just focus on the big bad guy, Sora! We'll take care of the rest!" Sora nodded, his own determination shining just as brightly as the girls. "Thanks, guys. Let's do this!" With a powerful flap of her wings, Rainbow Dash shot into the sky, leaving trails of prismatic colors in her wake. She zoomed forward, the energy she created doing so cutting though the Heartless like a hot knife though butter. Rarity would follow after her, taking care of any stagglers as she went. Both mare's played their parts well, creating a verturelly clear path in front of the stallion. Seizing the opportunity, The Keyblade Wielder dashed forward, his Keyblade gleaming with a radiant light within his maw. He sliced through the remaining Heartless as he went, the dark Shadows dissipating into thin air. The Demon tide seemed to sense the stallion's intent, the ball of Shadow's pulsing with anger and fear. The shadows it shot out seemed to become more focused. Each one trying to intercept the stallion as he neared. Sora dodged and parried with expert precision however, deftly maneuvering though the onslaught of Shadows. The Demon Tide onslaught was relentless, but he remained unfazed. He yelled as he pushed forward with a final burst of speed,The stallion quickly closing in on the heart of the Demon Tide. Though he could feel the darkness pulsating within it, but he refused to let it consume him, his body glowing in bright light in defiance to it. Gripping his Keyblade tightly, he summoned all his strength and unleashed a powerful strike, channeling his light into the heart of darkness. Pulling the Keyblade out of the orb, he began slicing and dicing at the swirling darkness, each strike releasing bursts of radiant light that dispersed the shadows all around him. Unrelating was Sora's blade as he danced in the air, cutting through the darkness with precision and grace. With each strike, he could feel the Darkness weaking, a feeling that only edging the stallion on to continue. After more then a few more slashes, he pulled away before gripping his keyblade in his hoof. "This is all I've got! Take this!" a large light began to build at the end of his blade. It was different from the magic he was displaying before, its radiances soothing to all, despite how dangerous it looked. "Ragnarok!" The radiant light burst forth from Sora's Keyblade, transforming into a swirling vortex that consumed all that was in front of it...and that being the Demon Tide itself. The power of the stallion’s magic ripped though the darkness, obliterating any remnants of the Demon Tide and dispersing the lingering Shadows in its wake. Landing gracefully upon the ground, the stallion stuck his Keyblade into the dirt before looking upwards, watching as the last vapors of the monster vanished from sight, a giant crystal heart flowing into the sky before vanishing, like the ones before. Just as it did cracks began to form at the top of the dome that covered the entire forest, soft beams of light shimmering though each and every last one. Slowly, the cracks grew wider and wider, until finally, the dome shattered into a thousand gleaming pieces before disappearing, revealing the clear blue sky above. "Oh my..." Rarity was the first to gasp. "The sky...its back to normal." She could barely contain herself as she galloped towards his side, throwing her hooves around the stallion. "Sora, darling! You did it!" "Dude, we did!" Rainbow corrected her as she flew to the stallion folding her hooves across her chest. "But I gotta admit Hero, that was stupid awesome! Just what the heck was that attack you suddenly pulled off!? You shot like...a gazillion lights at it and made it explode! Sora smiled as Rarity let go of him, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment at the praise. "It's an old skill I picked up. Honestly, I haven't used it in a while and...ah..." As the stallion began to speak, exhaustion hit him like a truck. He would have hit the ground hard if it wasn't for Rainbow quickly flying down and keeping him steady. "Whoa, easy there, Sora," Rainbow Dash said, supporting him. "Looks like all that showing put you through the ringer." "Haha...Well...I did have to show you up, Dash." He smiled as he allowed her to pull him back up. "I had used the last of my magic to pull off that attack. Guess the blowback was a bit more then I could handle. I should be fine in a bit though." "And thus the Hero saves the day." Sora yelped before turning around, finding two familiar figures making their way towards him, the smaller of the two, Zidane, having been the one to speak. The young colt shook his head with eyes closed, "Geeze...watching you not only save the girl but pull off a miracle and beat the bad guy. Can't say I'm not totally jealous of you right now." He smiled and winked at the stallion. "I can see why the shy yellow princess fell for you. Good job, hero. Good job showing me up." "I...I...ah..." The stallion blushed at his words, his gaze falling away from the young colt as he spoke. "I don't know about that...I just...ah...I appreciate the kind words, Zidane." He smiled softly. "But as you know, it wasn't just me. We all fought together, and without everyone's support, we wouldn't have been able to defeat that Heartless at all." "Ha! True." Zidane mused as he rubbed his muzzle with a hoof, "In fact I expect one hundred mares for my part in all of this as well as-Gah! Owowow! Kuja! Little bro! That's my ear! Thats my ear!!" The smaller, silver-haired colt looked back at his brother as he pulled him by the ear with his magic. "I know. Now let's go big brother. We two should at least make sure no pony else was hurt in all that went on." Sora couldn't stop the smile that played upon his lips, watching as the younger of the two brothers dragged the older away. It was during the end of his interaction with the two that Lightning made herself known, the butter yellow furred captain smiling softly as she placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Good job kid. No...Sora." She allowed her gaze to fall on the white and blue mare respectively. "You too. Can't say we wouldn't have made it out without any of you." The stallion nodded gratefully towards the captain. "Thanks, Lightning. I'm just glad we were able to make it out of this intact." He turned his attention to the two mares. "I couldn't have done it without them though. You guys were incredible out there." Rarity blushed and waved a hoof dismissively. "Oh, it was nothing, darling. Just another day of fighting evil in style for us after all." "Yeah! And I was the best of course!" Rainbow Dash added, striking a pose in mid-air. "Wanna know why? Cause I'm Rainbow "Awesome" Dash! That's why! Rarity groaned as she rolled her eyes at her boastful friend’s boastful declaration, almost as if she wasn’t used to hearing such words from her. "Oh, Rainbow, must you always make everything about yourself?" Rainbow Dash grinned and shrugged. "Hey, when you're as awesome as me, it's hard not to." Sora chuckled at his friend's banter before turning his gaze towards Fluttershy, the timid mare having found herself standing a ways away from the group, keeping eyes on Starlight, Sunburst, and the rest of the still unconscious ponies and griffon. As soon as his eyes caught hers she couldn't help but freeze and look away, a troubled expression forming on her face as she did so. The Keyblade wielder couldn't stop his own from matching hers. With everything that had been happening, he was able to take his mind off less important issues at the time, but now...now that everything was settled, events began to creep back into his mind once again. Fluttershy's confession echoed in his mind, complicating things in a way he hadn't anticipated. The weight of her words lingered heavily on his heart, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within him. Actions that she had been making, asking him to walk with her, sitting under the stars with him. And her words that day. The day she told him that he could always rely on her. It felt so much more different now after three simple little words. "I love you," Sora he spoke, repeating her words to himself just under his breath. And like a ton of bricks, what she had done before saying such important words crossed his mind. The tears in her eyes as her mind controlled body held onto his like a vice. Right before Gilda... Sora wanted to take a step forward. He wanted to talk to her now that everything had settled. He didn't know what to say...what he was going to tell her, but he at least wanted to...talk to her. One hoof was raised before planting itself on the ground in front of him. And then he stopped. A chill ran down his spine. A reaction? No...A feeling. What kind? It was...dark... Darker then dark. and D A N G E R Before he could even think, his gaze shot upwards, The stallion's mind racing at what he saw. There in the sky, he could see them. Two figures. One he knew he knew to be Sunset Shimmer. The mare who betrayed Celestia. The princess had told him all about her. There was no way he could forget her after all she had done. The other though. He was new. A Ram like creature he had never seen before. His fur Blue. A dark shade of blue that very much went against the contrast of the sky. Despite how far away he was, Sora could feel his Pericering yellow eyes boring into his own. A type of yellow eyes he had seen before. By then everyone noticed that the Keyblade Wielder was acting weird. Confusion would play across their features before following the Keyblade Wielder's gaze, gasping at what they saw as well. The atmosphere around them grew tense as the two figures descended upon the group, floating upon a platform of darkness. Sunset Shimmer, with her fiery red and orange mane, wore a confident smirk on her face as she looked between everyone present. The goat-like creature beside her exuded an air of darkness, his yellow eyes glinting with malevolence. As the two figures landed before them, Sora couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety. He instinctively summoned his keyblade as they touched the ground in front of him, ready to defend himself and his friends if necessary. The ram held up his hoof, a gesture of peace. "Now now...none of that. I only came to observe an unexpected outcome. One that excided my expectations..." The ram-like creature spoke, his voice dripping with sinister amusement. "Had it been anyone else but you, Wielder of the Keyblade...And because it was you, it was well within my expectations you would win this day." He raised his head to the side, looking towards the stallion in question. "Because If you could not handle that...then...well...I would have been surely disappointed." Sora’s grip on his Keyblade tightened in his maw. "Just...Who are you?" he demanded. The ram chuckled softly "Of course one from the stars would not know of me. A traveler accosting every world he sees, destroying world order each time by banishing the Darkness within them." He raised an eyebrow. "All in the name of Justice, he goes about fighting the Heartless. Never allowing a world to run into its natural course." The tension in the air was palpable as the horned creature spoke. The Keyblade Wielder swallowed, his mind racing over what the ram had just said. He knows...about me...He knows I'm not from this world. Sora's heart raced as his instincts urged him to take action. But before he could make a move, Sunset Shimmer stepped forward, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Don't get any funny ideas, little hero." She stomped her hoof, and soon the stallion and his friends were surrounded. The same type of lanky creatures Sunset had summoned before. Neo-Shadows. "Now now...no need to threaten the boy," the blue ram spoke, his voice rather harsh towards his subordinate despite how calm his tone was. "He defeated the vile creature and saved the day. A hero such as he deserves a reward for all his trouble." Stepping froward, he cast his gaze down upon the Keyblade Wielder. "And so the prize will be an answer to the question you posed." The aging ram raised his head as he looked upon all as if they were below him. "You...boy...and everyone here. Allow this old ram who has been away for far too long to reintroduce himself to the world." Pulling himself back up he gave them all a wicked grin. "My name, a name that carries with it a fear-soaked epoch of darkness that will soon tear Equestria apart, as it should have been long ago." He smirked. "You may call me Grogar, the rightful Emperor of Equestria." "Grogar..." Rarity spoke, her blood turning cold at the name. Her voice shivered, filled with a mixture of disbelief and horror. "But...You...you're not real. You can't be real. You're just a story just to scare little foals into bed." "No...he's real." Lightning answered, stepping forward to place herself beside Sora. "Princess Celestia was hoping it wasn't true...that it was just the Heartless running amuck on her world...but she always figured that if it was someone controlling them...it would have been you." Grogar chuckled darkly as he shook his head, his voice resonating with an eerie power. "She was ever the optimistic mare...but always so...sure of herself. Even when she was young." "Then...it's you." Sora spoke softly before turning his gaze towards the ram. "You know about...me...and you can use the Heartless." He frowned. "It's your fault isn't it? You're the one that introduced Heartless to this world." Grogar laughed, a deep and terrifying sound that reverberated through the air. "Oh, my dear boy, you give me too much credit. While it is true that I have dabbled in the darkness and awoken the Heartless upon this land, I cannot take full credit for their existence here. The Heartless are born from the darkness within every heart." He waved a hoof. "It was just a matter of time before they made themselves known. Such is the way, that light will always be swallowed by the darkness." "That...That's crazy!" The Keyblade Wielder exclaimed. "Plunging a world into darkness just because you think it's the natural order? You're insane!" "Insane? No. I simply understand the truth of this world and all others." The ram spoke, his voice firm. "Darkness is the foundation upon which everything is built. Light may shine for a time, but it will always be consumed by the shadows." "This guy is nuts!" Rainbow spat. "I say we take this jerk out now!" "I don't know what's going on, but the blue cutie is right." Zidane spoke, pulling his twinblades from their sheaths. "This guy is trouble with a capital T!" Sora dug his hooves into the ground, glaring at the stallion. "I won't let you destroy Equestria or any other world! We'll stop you! Here and now!" The ram raised an eyebrow. "Now, now. Can you really afford to challenge me in such a tired state as you all are?" He lowered his head. "Add to that your friend's are in no condition to defend themselves against all of my Heartlesses. Can you really say you can defeat me while leaving your friend's...your family at the mercy of the Darkness?" Sora's heart sank as he looked around. Lightning had rested some . He knew she could defend herself if need by. And Zidane was ready to go as well. But everyone else? Rainbow wouldn't say it out loud but she was exhausted after all they had gone through. Rarity was the same. Fluttershy and Starlight had Sunburst to tend to. And more than a few ponies were still knocked out. Even with the shield gone and knowing that Lightning's guards were more then likely on their way here, he knew that if They attacked...not everyone was gonna make it out alive. That is what his instincts were telling him. The Keyblade Wielder frowned. "You waited all this time to show yourself...because you knew that we wouldn't be able to do anything to you...right?" "Quite perceptive for such a plain looking colt as yourself." Grogar waved a hoof. "I can see this little game of ours will be quite...interesting." "Yeah! laugh it up buddy! Big talk for someone that had to cheat!" Rainbow growled as she stepped forwards. "Cheat? Oh, my dear Rainbow Dash, there is no such thing as cheating in the game of darkness and light," he replied, his voice dripping with amusement. "I merely took advantage of an opportunity. I had some unfinished business with an associate of mine...or...former associate as it were." His gaze shifted until it fell upon Starlight Glimmer. "It saddens me to know that you have failed in the task I had given you...though I knew the outcome was inevitable." He turned away. "And because I knew it was inevitable I withdrew an appropriate compensation for my dealings with you. That was all I wanted to say. I leave you to your...what was it again? Celebration?" "W-Wait! Y...you..."Starlight eyes went wide with realization. "It was you, wasn't it? You're the one who gave me that Heartless to study! You were my mysterious benefactor...Weren't you? And what do you mean by compensation?" The ram stopped in his tracks before turning his head in her direction. "Ah...dear Starlight Glimmer. I am quite happy you caught on so quickly. Your studies into the Heartless have proven quite...inspirational. For that I left you your little...present." His gaze fell to Sunburst. "I did however acquire the many...many test subjects from your little lab. That is the compensation." "Test subje...I..." She gasped as object horror formed on her face. "No...You...You didn't...The ponies that were in the lab...The ones still in their bubbles...you...you." Sora's gaze flew to Starlight's. "Other ponies in the lab? I didn't see any..." The stallion's heart sank further as he realized what Grogar was saying. memories of seeing the indents in the ground. Many indents. Ones just like the one he found Sunburst in. "You...you have the other ponies?" The ram raised a hoof to his lips before turning away, his form shifting into the corridor to darkness, disappearing completely within it. Sunset made to follow after, only stopping short to gaze at Sora. "You lose again...hero." With that she vanished just as Grogar did, the portal dissipating in a wisp of smoke. > Two to Three > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Two to Three The morning sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange as Twilight Sparkle stirred in the soft embrace of her guest bed at Canterlot Castle, slowly edged from a dreamless sleep. Feeling the warmth of the beams, the lavender mare yawned and stretched, feeling the remnants of a restful sleep clinging to her as she did so. The young mare was only slightly confused on where she was before the other day's events replayed in her mind. Slowly, she slipped from the bed, her hooves gently touching the warm wooden floor, and made her way towards the personal washroom built adjacent to her room. As soon as she did, she was greeted by a large marble vanity adorned with golden fixtures. The mirror reflected her image back at her, revealing a slightly disheveled mare. She splashed some cool water on her face, attempting to shake off any remaining grogginess as her mind replayed the events prior. Her meeting with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna the other day had been more than a little eventful, at least in her eyes. While her initial reason for being in Canterlot was shot down by Celestia herself, she couldn't help but find renewed purpose in the fact that she would be helping with whatever it was that the Diamond Dogs rulers had been having trouble with. If their problems had something to do with the Heartless then she will give what knowledge she has to the situation. She couldn’t be allowed to make any mistakes now. After freshening up a bit more, making sure her wild bed head was fixed, and teeth brushed with the complementary toothbrush provided to her, Twilight quickly made her way to the door, only to open it and find Princess Luna standing before her, raised hoof as if she was just about to knock upon it. “Oh, it seems mine sister’s worries were not warranted.” The princess of the night mused as she tilted her head at the lavender mare. Startled, Twilight took a step back and quickly bowed to Princess Luna, her horn nearly hitting the floor as she did so. "Princess! I... I didn't expect to see you here, I...um...Good morning I mean!" The moon princess gracefully lowered her hoof and offered a polite nod. "Good morrow, Twilight Sparkle. I hope thou had a restful night within our castle," Luna greeted with a regal tone. The lavender mare straightened herself. "Ah...Yes! I mean Of course Princess. Even though it has been a while, the guest bed was just as comfortable as I remember. Thank you for asking." The moon princess’s expression softened, and a gentle smile played on her lips. "Ah yes. I do tend to forget that thou were once a student of my older sister sometimes. It would be only natural that you have stayed within the walls of our castle when you were just a foal." Twilight chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her head. "Yes, well, being a student of Princess Celestia did come with its perks back then." Coughing into her hoof she looked up towards the slightly taller mare. "I...um...Not to sound insensitive...but is there a reason that you here?" Princess Luna shook her head. "Thou do not sound insensitive, Twilight Sparkle. In truth, mine sister had sent me to waken you. She seems to think that your tendency to read though the nights in what she calls...what was the phrase again...your...Twilight Hours...Yes. That is the word. She was afraid that your Twilight Hours of reading and studying would lead to your oversleeping and missing out on the day's tasks." The smaller mare couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at Luna's words, a sheepish grin forming on her face. "Twilight Hours? I guess she has a point. I do get carried away with my studies sometimes." "Fear not, Twilight Sparkle. Many a scholar has fallen victim to the allure of the written word and I for one would not hold it against you." The princess reassured her "However, today's tasks require thy full attention and she wanted to make sure you were well rested for what is to come." Twilight nodded. "I understand...and thank you for the wakeup call Princess Luna. I'm sure that you must have been busy with other fairs." "But of course. I have many things I must do. And this was well out of the way of where I needed to go for the day." The princess agreed much to the little unicorn's shock. "You went out of your way just to wake me up?" The unicorn mare squeaked, looking away. "I appreciate it, Princess Luna. I didn't mean to make you go through any trouble." Princess Luna offered a warm smile. "'Twas no trouble at all, Twilight Sparkle. And forget not," she pointed to her horn, "I can traverse where I will with this. So it was no trouble really." Twilight Sparkle blinked, her cheeks coloring with embarrassment a second time, suddenly remembering that the Princess's could indeed teleport where they wanted within the castle if they needed to. Rubbing the back of her head, the mare smiled sheepishly at the princess "Oh! Well, yes, but I never considered...ahaha. I mean, it requires a significant amount of magic for me to perform that spell so I couldn't , but..." quickly regaining her composure, Twilight gave the best smile she could muster in light of the situation. "A-Anyway, thank you again for the wake-up call, Princess. I assume Princess Celestia is in her study?" "Indeed she is," Luna replied. She turned to leave but hesitated before doing so. "Oh, and... we've received word from Trottingham." "You mean from the girls and Sora!" Twilight gasped. "Are they okay? Is... Trottingham okay?" "Many events have, indeed, transpired, but 'tis best that you hear the details from Celestia," Luna said with a reassuring smile. "I can assure you, though, that Sora and your friends are indeed safe and sound." "That's...That's good." Twilight couldn’t help that her voice wavered with relief, knowing at the very least everypony was okay. "I'll get going now. Thanks again Princess." "Anytime young Sparkle. I pray thee a good marrow." With that the princess of the moon vanished in a pop of magic, leaving Twilight alone. Not wasting any more time, Twilight made her way to Princess Celestia's study, her thoughts, all the while, racing with a mixture of anticipation and concern. The reassurance from Princess Luna about her friends provided a much-needed sense of relief, but something about how she said it lingered in the air. As she reflected on Luna's words, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. Even now, thinking about it, the princess seemed kind of...sad? No... it wasn't sadness that she had sensed from Princess Luna, but something deeper. There was a profound emotion, a weight carried in Luna's words. It was clear that Luna knew more than she was letting on, that something did happen in Trottingham, and it heightened Twilight's curiosity about what Princess Celestia had to reveal. It didn't take long for the young mare to reach the study, the young mare bowing softly towards the guards standing at attention in front of the door before gently allowing her hoof to knock against the wooden barrier. "Hello? Princess?" "Twilight Sparkle?" Celestia spoke from behind the door, her voice calm as it was muffled by the barrier of the door. "Come in, my faithful student." Upon entering the study, Twilight found the Princess of the Sun seated at her regal desk, the only thing that had changed since the last time she was hear being the scrolls and books that surrounded the white alicorn. Celestia, having heard the door open, looked up, her expression warm yet filled with a seriousness that mirrored the weight of the impending discussion to be. "Good morning, Twilight. I do hope you slept well last night.” The unicorn mare nodded, taking the seat that sat on the other side of the table. "Yes, Princess. And thank you for sending Princess Luna to wake me up. She mentioned that you have something important to discuss with me." "A few things actually." Princess Celestia leaned back in her chair, her gaze steady and focused. "I do want to discuss how we shall be doing things soon, but first, I wanted to address the situation in Trottingham with you." "Princess Luna told me that my friends were safe and sound." the lavender mare told her. "But...something tells me that isn't all there is to it." "I figured you would think that," the princess praised her student before her magic lifted a note with the royal seal upon it, the letter slowly floating towards Twilight. "It is best that you hear it from Captain Lightning's own account from what everyone had told her. It's a detailed report Luna had received late last night when she was doing her nightly duties." Twilight accepted the letter, her magic opening it before her eyes quickly scanned over the words within it. As she read further down the detailed report, her eyes widened in shock and horror when she had reached a particular part she had not been expecting. A gasp escaped her lips, and she couldn't contain the burst of emotion that surged within her as she pretty much yelled three simple words. "Sora got what?!" "I take it you reached the part where our young Keyblade Wielder was stabbed...in the chest." Princess Celestia's voice held a somber tone, matching the gravity of the situation. Twilight's heart pounded in her chest, her hooves trembling as she processed the information before her. "I... I can't believe it," Twilight stammered, her voice barely above a whisper before looking towards her Princess. "Is he... Is he going to be alright?" "If you read on, you will find out." Quickly nodding, Twilight continued reading the report, her eyes scanning the words frantically. The further she got though it, however, the more nothing made sense. "Rainbow summoning her Element of Harmony? Her and Fluttershy talking to some boy within Sora's heart...and...that boy being another Keyblade Wielder? Just what the heck happened in Trottingham?!" As the studious mare delved deeper into the report, the events in Trottingham unfolded like a fantastical tale that defied logic and expectation—each revelation left Twilight more perplexed than the last. "Okay…okay…let's take this one step at a time…," Twilight muttered, her brow furrowed in confusion, deciding ot tackle the most fantastical part of the story first. "A boy within Sora's heart? How is that even possible?" "The connections between hearts are intricate and often defy our understanding, Twilight." The princess spoke, leaning back in her chair. "I can say, however, that the boy Fluttershy and Rainbow said they saw, the one named Ventus, seemed to have had taken up residence within Sora's heart long before he became a Wielder of the Keyblade, if you can believe it." "I don’t…is what I would have said if it didn’t have anything to do with that goofy stallion named Sora…" Twilight began before trailing off. If that was the case and Sora had this...this other SOUL inside of him all this time the…what did it mean…. "Just...what is Sora?" "That...I cannot answer for you, Twilight." The princess sighed. "Because I do not even know. I knew he was special, a boy who was chosen by the Keyblade instead of granted one…but...he may be more important than even I had realized." Twilight absorbed the weight of the revelation, her mind buzzing with the magnitude of the mysteries that surrounded Sora. The enigma of his existence deepened, and she couldn't help but feel trepidation for the path that lay ahead. "Does...any of this bother you Twilight?" the princess asked. "I mean about Sora." "Of course it bothers me, Princess." the lavender mare's voice growing louder the longer she spoke "But it isn't the whole other soul in his body thing...it's not even him being able to use magic like he does...which I knew he could do but my mind is still swirling knowing he can actually do so...no...It's the part where he got hurt. Sora is not just a friend; he's like family to me and the rest of the girls now." She lowered her head. "And poor Fluttershy must be beating herself up for her part in Sora getting hurt...even if she was controlled. Neither her or Sora...they can't be in a good headspace right now after everything..." "That is true…I can only imagine the turmoil they must be experiencing." The princess sighed again. "And then there is Grogar...a name I have not heard of in a very long time." Twilight's eyes widened in recognition at the mention of Grogar, a name that resonated deep within her memory. She had come across it in her studies of ancient Equestrian history, but she never imagined that it would be relevant in her lifetime. "Grogar..." she whispered it back, shivering softly, her voice filled with trepidation as if she was about to summon a devil. "The ancient goat sorcerer known for his dark magic and thirst for power. I thought he was just a legend, a story to scare foals." "Legends...are usually made with a grain of truth, Twilight Sparkle." Princess Celestia's voice held a weight of caution to it, something Twilight had heard before but was never used to. "Grogar was once a very real threat to Equestria, and even after dearly wishing that it wasn't the case...it seems my fears for his return were well founded." Twilight nodded slowly before looking down at the letter once again. "What...do you think will happen to those ponies? The one's Grogar took." Princess Celestia's gaze softened, her expression reflecting a mix of concern and determination. "We will do what we can to save them but I cannot lie and say I do not fear for their safety, Twilight. We must remain hopeful even in these dire times. It is why we are reaching out to our fellow creatures around Equestria. To prepare and make sure nothing like this ever happens again and to gather help in finding the missing ones.." "I...I understand princess." Though the lavender mare's voice wavered, the princess could feel her determination. "Though...what's to stop him from attacking us now?" "I suspect...he isn't ready." The Princess of the Sun responded. "Grogar, in the past, lost to a mare who was able to steal his bell, the source of his powers. Where she hid said bell is something even I do not even know." The alicorn mare leaned back in her chair. "From Captain Lightning's account, he had no such bell on him so I am to assume that he has yet to find it." As Twilight absorbed the information about Grogar and the bell, a thought nagged at her. She hesitated for a moment before voicing her concern. "Then..,.Princess, shouldn't our main focus be on finding Grogar's bell then? If we can locate and secure it, we could significantly weaken him, right?" The princess smiled softly. "That is a good question Twilight, and while finding the bell is indeed crucial, we must be cautious. Grogar is a master strategist, and by directing all our efforts solely toward the bell, we might inadvertently play into his hooves." The lavender mare furrowed her brow, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "What...do you mean Princess?" The princess leaned forward, her gaze intent on her student. "Grogar is cunning and manipulative. If he senses that we are actively searching for his bell, he might use it as a diversion. While we're focused on finding the bell to weaken him, he could be executing a larger, more dangerous plan—one that we might not see until it's too late." Understanding soon dawned on Twilight's face as what her princess was actually telling her. "So, he could be leading us away from his true intentions, making us vulnerable to a different threat." "Exactly," Princess Celestia affirmed. "We must tread carefully and gather information on both fronts. Focus on gathering our strength by uniting the other races. Focus on finding him after that. That is what we need to do right now so that even if he does find the bell before we start looking for it ourselves, it won't even matter." "I understand, Princess. Then we will keep doing what we are doing now. And that starts with talking to the two rulers of the Diamond Dogs." The princess of the sun smiled, her confidence in Twilight evident. "That's the spirit, Twilight Sparkle. I have faith in your abilities. Like always." The princess smiled. "On that note, I do believe we will have a visitor coming in soon to help with our little situation in about...now." There was a gentle rap at the door to the study, and a very familiar voice could be heard from the other side—one that made Twilight Sparkle's ears perk up with recognition. "Princess Celestia. I hope I’m not interrupting you? May I come in?" Celesita smirked, watching Twilight’s reaction. "Indeed you can. we were just about to discuss things so your timing couldn't be more perfect." The door swung open, revealing Princess Cadance standing in the doorway. Without missing a beat, Twilight Sparkle's eyes lit up with delight, and she wasted no time in rushing towards Cadance. "Cadance!" Twilight exclaimed as she jumped out of her chair, enveloping her sister-in-law and former foalsitter in a warm hug, who, in turn, couldn’t help but smile as she returned the gesture. Quickly pulling away each other, both mare's went right too it. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake!" Twilight began. "Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" Cadence finished, giggling as the two ponies completed their traditional greeting. "It's so good to see you, Twilight. It feels like it's been forever!" Both mare's laughed softly again, the lividity of the prior conversation all but gone. The pink pony princess smiled as she gently rubbed the top of Twilight's mane. "And this is from Shiny. He told me to tell you hello." "Please, give him my love and tell him I miss him too," Twilight replied, giggling softly. "But...what are you doing here? I thought you and Shining were dealing with things back at the Crystal Empire. When did you even get here?" "I just got in early this morning." The princess of love answered. "Auntie had sent a letter to me asking for a representee from the Crystal Empire. Shining thought that out of the both of us, I would be the best fit for it since I have a bit more training when it comes to matters of the state." "I guess you would be the logical choice is that is the case." Twilight replied. "Still, I'm glad to see you all the same...though I do wish it wasn't because Equestria was in danger. What...Does this make it the second or third time?" Cadence sighed, her expression growing somber. "I think this would make it the third time, Twilight. It feels like we just finished handling one crisis, and now we have to face another." "Tell me about it. I kind of miss the week by week friendship problems honesty." "Indeed." The Princess of love slowly made her way to a nearby chair, sitting down upon it. "Auntie Luna told me what happened in Trottingham as soon as I came. I can't believe someone like Grogar is real." She looked towards the widow, watching a bird fly by,. "My caretaker would often tell me stories about him as a foal." Twilight joined the pink princess in the somber mood, taking a seat as well. "And you would do the same for me…It's a lot for me to take in too. Though if Nightmare Moon was real...then I guess why wouldn't he be." Cadence nodded, a pensive look on her face. "True. Still...We've faced incredible challenges before, and each time, we've come together and found a way to overcome them. I know that we can do the same." She paused before looking towards the mare she used to watch over as a filly. "Guess you haven't had a chance to write to your friends yet? They are on their way back by train but it is equipped with magical fire to send letters. That's how auntie Luna got hers from them." "I just found out everything this morning so no...I haven't..." Twilight shook her head. "Do you think I should. I can write something up now and-" The princess of love placed a hoof over her friend's lips, quieting her, "No. I think they need time to think. And to rest." She smiled softly. "When they do come here, however, be there for them. Especially Fluttershy and Sora. I'm sure out of all of them, they are hurting the most right now. At the very least...I know if I was Fluttershy I would be blaming myself for my part in Sora' getting hurt...especially knowing how she feels about him." The lavender mare's eyes nearly bugged out of her head. "Wait! You know Fluttershy has a crush on Sora?" "She does?" Celestia asked, equally surprised before turning to Twilight. “Wait! You knew?” “I…well…I only found out before my train ride here.” Cadence chuckled softly, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she looked between the two mares. "Oh, you two are the same as ever. It doesn't take the Princess of Love to see the affection Fluttershy has for Sora. Even if it was just for a little while back at the barn party, could tell right away how she felt. The gentle way she looks at him, the extra care she takes, and the way she always seems a bit more flustered around him—it's the telltale signs of a budding crush." Twilight's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing with realization. "Geeze...first AJ and then you...guess I don't know my friends as well as I thought I did." Celestia chuckled, her regal demeanor momentarily replaced by a warm, motherly amusement. "Sometimes, my faithful student, even the most astute observers, like myself, can overlook matters of the heart. Still...If they can make it work then I shall give them my fullest blessings." "In any case, matters of the heart can wait, at least in turns with anything not dealing with the Heartless." Twilight interjected. "Right now we have Diamond Dogs to meet in a few days. So..." She turned to her friend. "Are you with me Cadenza? I’m sure we could use your help." Cadence smiled at Twilight, her eyes filled with determination. "It’s why I’m here, Twilight. Right Auntie?" The princess of the sun nodded. "Of course.” Smiling between the two mares she had raised liked daughters, Celesita gently pounded her hoof upon the wooden table in front of her. “Now that the three of us are here...let the first meeting of the Equestrian Three commence." > Reunions > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Reunions Sunset Shimmer emerged from the Portal of Darkness, the twisted gateway spewing her into the dimly lit chamber of Grogar’s hidden chamber. Already, she could feel the air crackling with an otherworldly energy, and the oppressive darkness seemed to cling to her fur like a second skin. The walls were adorned with cryptic symbols that pulsed with an ominous glow, casting an eerie light across the room. Wards, she knew, to keep those from finding them. Turning, her eyes narrowed as she beheld the figure hunched over a grand desk, a cascade of papers strewn about, each bearing the markings of Starlight's meticulous research. The figure, Grogar, was fully engrossed in the details of the arcane knowledge before him. "Master Grogar," Sunset's voice cut through the silence, carrying a tone of both respect and impatience. She approached the ram, her eyes fixed on the papers scattered across the desk, adding more to the pile as her magic levitated the recently absconded notes from the ruins of Starlight’s lab. "I've retrieved the research before those fools could get their hooves on it, just as you instructed. I am sorry to say that the Keyblade Wielder seemed to have taken a few pages of her works with him when he was within it before." The goat glanced up from his papers, his dark yellow eyes gleaming with a sinister intelligence. Gently he chuckled, his voice rumbled through the chamber, sending shivers down Sunset's spine. "Fear not, my dear Sunset Shimmer," he said, his voice dripping with dark authority. "The theft of some research, while hindering, is of no concern. The Keyblade Wielder will soon realize that he cannot escape his fate, that none of them can." The yellow unicorn couldn't shake the frustration that churned within her at his words. "If that is the case…master…” She stepped forward. "Would have been better to destroy all of them from the get go while they were weak and helpless. Why leave them alive when we could crush them and secure our dominance?" "That is true..." He turned to face the mare. "But...If you have forgotten, He asked me to keep the boy alive. He still has plans for him after all. Of course, since I always pay back my debts, I will do what I can to follow his orders..." Grogar rose from his seat, towering over Sunset with an imposing presence. The chamber seemed to darken further as he spoke, his words dripping with a malevolent undertone. “Him again…” Sunset spat, looking away. “Why is that old creature so obsessed with that dull hero?” "The Keyblade Wielder's destiny is intertwined with forces beyond our comprehension. He serves a purpose that goes beyond the mere conquest of this realm. It is not for us to question the designs of those who pull the strings from the shadows." The mare, though still frustrated, nodded, acknowledging the dark wisdom in Grogar's words. "But what of the Elements of Harmony? Why spare them as well? They've proven to be a persistent thorn in our side just as much as the Keyblade Wielder." Grogar's eyes glinted, his gaze piercing through Sunset's defiant exterior. "They are more of a special case." he turned, getting up before making his way to a nearby bookshelf. Stopping, he pulled out a book. "There is much I do not know about them. Where they came from. Why they were made." He smiled. "Even you, as Princess Celestia's former student, never knew about them." Sunset's eyes narrowedShe took a step closer to Grogar, eyeing the ancient tome he held. "The Elements of Harmony have always been a mystery, but surely, with the power we possess, we can find a way to control or eliminate them. They stand in the way of our goals." "Tell me Sunset...What would happen if we killed one of the Elements?" The ram asked suddenly. The mare hesitated, eyes wide as she contemplated the question. It was a short while before she spoke "If we were to eliminate one of the Elements, it would disrupt the balance of their power. The Elements derive their strength from each other, working together in harmony. Removing one could weaken the collective force, making it easier for us to overcome them individually. Grogar nodded, "That is one way of looking at it...or..." He frowned. "The element will find a new user to replace the one who once held it, and the balance will be restored. Changing nothing at all." Sunset frowned, absorbing Grogar's words. The realization that eliminating one of the Elements might not lead to the desired disruption unsettled her. "So, even if we manage to remove an Element, it would merely find a new host. The balance would be restored, and we'd be back to square one." Grogar continued, "Indeed. Before the current bearers, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were the living embodiments of the Elements of Harmony. The essence of the Elements has a way of seeking out new hosts when the need arises. They are not bound solely to individuals; rather, they are tethered to the qualities they represent." Sunset's eyes widened with realization. "So, if we want to disrupt the balance, we must target the very essence of the Elements, not just the bearers themselves." She knew the reason was sound. Sound enough for her at least. Deciding questioning him further would get her nowhere the mare relented...for now. She took a slow bow as she placed the paperwork on a nearby table. "I'm sorry for questioning your methods master. I spoke out of line." Grogar acknowledged Sunset's gesture with a nod, his gaze unwavering. "Questioning is the mark of an inquisitive mind. It shows you are not blindly following but seeking understanding. I can never fault you for wanting to learn more after all." Sunset straightened, giving the old ram a nod. "Thank you, Master. I shall take my leave now. To check and prepare our new guest for your experiments. " "Of course. I shall be there shortly. I'm sure Celestia already made her own plans so we can't fall behind in ours." With that, Sunset Shimmer turned and exited the dimly lit chamber, her thoughts racing with the implications of Grogar's words. She knew it would take time to fully comprehend the complexities of the Elements of Harmony and their essence. He was only being careful in that regard. Still...What she said wasn't wrong either. What was it that he was waiting for? The mare shrugged. For now she would bide her time. There were more important things to worry about after all. ~ Applejack trotted briskly through the cozy halls of Sweet Apple Acres, her hooves echoing against the wooden floors. The scent of freshly baked apple pies wafted through the air, a testament to the busy morning preparations for the Apple Family Reunion. Checking the area they will be dining for the day, which was mostly outside, the busy farm mare ensured the tables were set with a bounty of delicious apple treats. Moving towards the kitchen, she found that Granny Smith was busy overseeing the kitchen, directing the few apples who made it early in their culinary tasks. Satisfied with the progress within, Applejack continued her rounds, making her way to the barn where her brother Big Macintosh was hard at work helping with setting up a few games for the little foals to play. "Hey there, Big Mac," she called out with a warm smile as she entered the barn. The sound of hay rustling and hooves shuffling filled the air as Big Mac looked up from his work. "Eeyup," The large stallion responded with his usual stoic expression, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He adjusted the straw hat on his head and wiped a bit of sweat from his brow with a hoof. "Need a hoof with anything?" Applejack asked, surveying the assortment of games being set up. Colorful banners adorned the rustic wooden walls, and the air was filled with the excited chatter of the approaching reunion. "Nnnnnope." He looked off to the side of himself, his head pointing towards a familiar pink party pony. "Things would have taken a bit longer without Pinkie Pie to help us out." She followed Big Mac's gaze and saw Pinkie Pie in her element, bouncing around the barn with boundless energy. She was hanging streamers from the rafters, her pink mane swaying with each hop. The sight of her contagious joy brought a smile to Applejack's face. "Sure can't deny that," Applejack chuckled, watching as Pinkie Pie twirled around, giggling to herself. "She sure knows how to bring the party wherever she goes." The large stallion nodded, a subtle grin crossing his face. "Eeyup, reckon she's got a knack for it. Maybe she should make it a regular thing…throwing parties I mean." The orange farm mare raised an eyebrow at her older brother. "Did I just hear you tell a joke?" Big Macintosh's stoic expression softened, and he chuckled softly. "Well, it ain't every day I crack a joke, but I reckon a little humor won't hurt." He gave his little sister a playful nudge with his hoof. "Guess Pinkie's contagious energy is rubbin' off on me if I’m thinking like that." "Haha. Not that I'm complaining..." The farm mare sighed softly. "With how crazy things are with everything...ya know...the Heartless and what not...having a bit o' fun is a good thing I reckon." Big Mac nodded in agreement, his gaze wandering towards the horizon. "I still hate the fact you go off and fight those...monsters, AJ. Not knowing if you will get hurt or not." His sister’s smile faded slightly. "I know it's tough for you, Big Mac. But I can't just sit idly by while Equestria is in danger. A normal pony can fight them off but they only come back. So if the Elements of Harmony can do something about them like Sora's keyblade can then all the more reason for me to fight when I can." The large stallion sighed. "I get that, AJ, I do. It's just hard seeing my little sister go off into danger. Promise me you'll at least be careful out there the next time you go off and fight heart stealing monsters." "I promise to the best of my abilities, Big Mac," The farm marereplied, sincerity in her voice. "I won’t take unnecessary risks. Besides, we've got the Elements of Harmony and friends like Sora watching our backs. We'll handle those Heartless without a hitch." Big Macintosh nodded, his worry still evident in his eyes. "Alright, AJ. Just remember that we're here for you too. Your family I mean. Don’t shoulder all of this on just you and the girls, ya hear?" The orange earthpony smiled, wrapping a hoof around her older brother. "I know, Big Mac. And I appreciate that more than you'll ever know." "AJ!" Both farmers jumped as the orange one's name was called. She turned just in time to see Pinkie Pie bounding over to them, her eyes wide with excitement as she focused in on the far mare. "Hey, Applejack! Come to check on the decorations?! Everything's shaping up to be super-duper amazing, just like a party should be!" Applejack chuckled at her pink friend’s enthusiasm. "You've done wonders, Pinkie. We're mighty grateful for your help. I knew asking you was the right call." Pinkie Pie beamed. "Of course! It's what I do best. Parties are like, my thing!" The freckled mare gave her bouncy pink one a playful nudge. "Well, you sure do know how to turn a regular ol' gathering into a full-blown hoedown. Thanks for bringing some extra cheer to the reunion, Pinkie." Pinkie Pie saluted with a hoof. "No problemo! Making ponies happy is my super-duper specialty!" She looked around. "Speaking of ponies to make happy, is your little sister awake yet?" "Hmm...good question Pinkie." the female farm mare responded. "Reckon I should go check and make sure she's okay." She turned towards her brother. "You got everything taken care of here?" "Eeyup," Big Macintosh replied with a nod. "We're all set on this end. Go on ahead and check on Apple Bloom. We'll be right behind you." “Much obliged.” AJ tilted her head. “I’ll be back faster than two shakes of a lamb's tail.” Making her way out of the barn and back inside the family home, she trotted upstairs, unable to stop herself from a small smile at the memories embedded in the creaky wooden steps, thoughts of her time as a filly during this same time of year. The family reunion was an annual tradition that held a special place in her heart, bringing together relatives from far and wide. This year, however, Applejack was determined to make it the best one yet. Approaching her room, she gently pushed the door open. The warm sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow on the simple, rustic decor. Her eyes softened at the sight of her little sister, Apple Bloom, curled up in her bed, still lost in the realm of dreams. "Geeze...what am I gonna do with you?" Applejack whispered to herself, a fond smile playing on her lips. She carefully moved closer, sitting herself upon the bed gently. She almost didn't want to wake her with how cute she looked sleeping. After everything she had gone through back at the Crystal Empire, she deserves a bit of peace like this. Still, she knew her younger sister would hate her forever if she even thought about letting her sleep though the reunion. Applejack reached out and gently shook Apple Bloom's shoulder. "Wake up, Apple Bloom. It's time to get ready for the reunion." The yellow filly stirred, blinking her sleepy eyes open. "AJ? Is it morning already?" "Mhmm," Applejack nodded. "Sun's up, and we've got a lot to do before the rest of our family arrives." Apple Bloom yawned and stretched, her small hooves reaching out as she slowly woke up. All at once her mood went from sleepy to perky, remembering just what today was. "Oh, right! The reunion! I almost forgot." She looked around the room before falling to the sunny sky outside AJ’s window. "Wow, I really slept in, huh?" The little filly’s older sister chuckled. "You sure did, sugarcube. But that's alright. We've got plenty of time to get everything ready. Now, get yourself washed up and made presentable like. Granny Smith and Big Mac are already downstairs helping out." Apple Bloom jumped out of bed before making her way to the hall, stopping just short of it to turn to her older sister. She opened her mouth to speak, only to stop short before lowering her head. "I...well...Don't mean to be...ya know...but...did ya hear anything from Sora?" Applejack smiled gently as she made her way towards the little filly, carefully tilting her chin so that she could look her in the eye. "No need to worry, Apple Bloom. I haven't heard anything from Sora yet, but sometimes no news is good news, right? Sides, he's a tough one, and I reckon he's out there doing his best to keep Equestria safe." She smiled. "Sides, Rarity, Rainbow and Flutters is with em. If anypony can keep that dork out of trouble it's them three, Sugarcube." Apple Bloom nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, you're right, AJ. I'm sure he’s just fine and is already on his way back from beating the badguys." "That's the spirit, Apple Bloom," Applejack said, ruffling her sister's mane affectionately. "Now, let's get ready for the reunion. We've got a lot to do, and I'm counting on my best helper to make it a day to remember for everypony!" Apple Bloom grinned, her energy quickly returning as she hopped off the bed, quickly making her way towards the washroom. Seeing her little sister perk up made the mare just a little bit happier. Looking out a nearby window, she couldn't stop the smile that played across her face. As Apple Bloom headed to the washroom to get ready, Applejack took a moment to look out the window, the golden hues of the rising sun casting a warm glow over Sweet Apple Acres. The farmstead, bustling with activity, felt like the heart of their close-knit family. She didn't want to say it in front of her little sister, but she, too, was worried for all of her friends who had leapt into danger. "Hope they are all doing okay...if nothing else...for Apple Bloom's sake..." With a deep breath, Applejack shook off any lingering worries. She turned away from the window and joined the lively preparations downstairs, where the farmhouse echoed with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional clatter of utensils. > Internal Affairs of the Heart > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Internal Affairs of the Heart The train rattled along the tracks, carrying Sora and the others within it back home to Canterlot. The air inside the cabin was thick with a mixture of soft melancholy and uneasy foreboding. Despite the mission to save Trottingham having been successful and getting rid of the barrier of darkness, everyone on board the train couldn't help but feel the sting of defeat itching their backs, despite winning the battle. The one feeling it the most being that of the resident Keyblade Wielder. Sora lay on the narrow bunk in the cabin room, his twitching wings cueing any that would see him to the turmoil buliding within him. The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels served as a dissonant lullaby, failing to bring the peace of sleep to the pony-turned-Keyblade-Wielder. His mane fell haphazardly across his face as he stared at the ceiling. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he draped a hoof over his eyes; a veiled attempt to shield himself from the haunting memories of the recent battle. The victory in Trottingham should have brought joy, but the revelation of Grogar's sinister plans had cast a shadow over their achievements. His normally bright and optimistic gaze now reflected the weight of the burden he carried. He replayed the scene over and over within his mind and each time. Would it have gone different if he had went ahead and attacked him? Maybe…Maybe he would have won. Though he couldn't help but think he would have lost someone he cared about deeply in the process. The thought made his heart ache with a mixture of guilt and fear. Fear for what may happen because he wasn't able to act...and guilt for not being strong enough...again...when it really mattered the most. Lost in his thoughts, A familiar voice of certain brash pegasus pierced through the melancholy air from the other side of the cabin door, causing his ears to perk ever so slightly. "Hey, Sora. You awake? Mind if I come in?" Startled, the stallion quickly sat up, hooves resting on the edge of the bunk as his gaze fell to the door to his cabin. "Yeah, I'm awake, Dash. Come on in," he responded to her request. Soon, the door creaked open, revealing Rainbow Dash's cyan-coated figure against the backdrop of the train's narrow hallway. She gave the stallion a smirk as she entered, taking a moment to gauge Sora's demeanor. "You've been cooped up in here for a while. Thought I might check in on ya and make sure you aren't doing something stupid like jumping out of the train to go chase Grogar without us." She gave the stallion a smirk, telling him that it was just a bit of a joke on her end. Her blunt but caring approach brought a faint smile to the stallion's face. "Nah, not planning any solo adventures off the train anytime soon. Besides, you would be the first to catch me and bring me back if I did something like that." he replied, appreciating her attempt to lighten the heavy atmosphere. He sighed softly before lowering his head. "Ha! You bet I would, Hero," she teased, using her nickname for him. Taking a seat beside the stallion, she leaned herself back against the wall behind her. Despite coming to see him, the mare was quiet for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts, when she next spoke her voice was…soft. "So...ah...Kinda thought for sure you would have said something dumb like, 'I'm surprised you were the one to come check in on me,' or something stupid like that." "Nah, I know better than to underestimate you, Dash," The stallion chuckled. "Honestly, out of everypony, you are the one that I can never be surprised about." He smirked. "Your brashness included." Rainbow Dash playfully nudged Sora with her wing. "Hey, being brash is what makes me awesome, right? Somepony’s gotta make the calls others are too chicken to make after all." She winked, before both the mare and stallion devolved into a soft chuckle. When it had slowly subsided, the mare gave him a playful glare. "Still...gonna make you pay for that remark with a set of pranks I have in the works. I have a whole bunch of ghost themed ones lined up just for you, Spiky." The stallion slumped over in his seat dramatically. "Aww man…Pinkie told you, didn't she?" Rainbow Dash nodded mischievously. "Of course Pinkie spilled the beans. You never did make her Pinkie Promise not to do so after all." The mare laughed. "Don't worry though. I won't go too hard on you...maybe." "Dang." Sora tried to pout but soon the laughter came, the rainbow maned mare following after him in his defeated chortle. The two of them continued in the gentle levity the conversation had taken, their worries momentarily forgotten in the comfort of each other's company. When it was over, the caramel stallion wiped a tear from his eye, giving the mare beside him a wide smile. "Thanks, Dash. Kinda needed a mood lifter." "Hey, anytime, Hero. We're a team, remember? We've got each other's backs." She reached out, gently nudging his wing with her own. "I mean even if I was asked to by the girls, I could tell you were a wreck the whole time we were packing ponies onto the train and everything." She perked up. "Oh! Speaking of wrecks on trains there-of, I heard Trixie is gonna be okay. Doctor said she woke up asking about you actually." The mare raised an eyebrow, giving the stallion a wry gaze. "What did you two talk about for a self absorbed mare like to be worried over you?" He rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I didn't do too much," he replied with a shrug, "We talked a bit and I did promise to go see her show and all that. Was always interested in magic shows when I was a kid...though I never got to see one so she promised to show me." "When you were a..." She trailed off before her ears perked, as if just remembering who Sora was. Reaching a hoof to scratch her cheek, she smiled awkwardly. "Oh yeah...I always forget you weren't a pony before coming to Equestria." The keyblade Wielder snorted softly. "Yeah. I make it pretty convincing that I lived on four legs all my life since it's not my first time becoming a four legged creature." he raised a hoof to his chest, touching it softly. "Though..getting hurt the way I did was kinda new...ish." The rainbow maned mare flinched softly as she watched him. "Does it...hurt? The place Gil....I mean...the place you got stabbed?" Sora's expression turned more somber as Rainbow Dash brought up the sensitive topic. He took a moment before responding, his hoof rubbing the spot softly, "Physically, it's healed. My magic saw to that. How I feel about it though…" He lowered his hoof and his head, "I can't say I didn't miss using my spells...but...the fact Ventus had to use most...if not all of his recovered magic for me to do so...Can't say it doesn't sit right with me he had to make that choice..." Not to mention...I feel a lot more different then before...The stallion thought the last part to himself. What did Ventus do to give me my magic? "Did...you know him?" Rainbow asked, pulling the stallion from his inner thoughts. "I mean, he told me and Shy how you saved him...but...Did you know him personally?" The stallion gently shook his head, a distant look in his eyes. "Not really...but at the same time...I can't say his name doesn't sound familiar to me. Like...it's some distant memory I can't recall, even though I shouldn't have any of him." Rainbow frowned before leaning back as Sora did, her head gently hitting the wall. "Well, I don't quite get all the magical stuff, heart stuff, or whatever, but I do know one thing – Ventus wanted to save you, and that's good enough for me to call him a friend, even if I only just met him." "Well, you've got a point there." The stallion chuckled softly, at the mare's honest response. "Friendship doesn't always need elaborate explanations. Ventus wanted to help, and that's what matters." Rainbow Dash grinned, leaning forward. "Exactly! And you've got a whole bunch of friends here who've got your back, Sora." "Yeah." Sora mused before giving the mare a sideways glance. "Though It's kinda funny. The first time you and I met, you weren't too fond of me, if I remember correctly. Kinda makes a guy jealous you can make fast friends with Ventus over me." He teased. The blue mare blushed, recalling the initial encounters with the keyblade wielder, times that she could honestly kick herself over. "Uh, well, yeah...okay. You got me." See rubbed the back of her head, "I...ah...Sorry about...Ya know...being a Grade-A jerk to you." The stallion waved a hoof in front of his face. "No need to apologize, Dash. I wasn't exactly being upfront with everything I knew either, especially about the Heartless and where I came from. I had my reasons, but it doesn't change the fact that I was keeping things from you all from the beginning." "Yeah yeah, I know." She waved a hoof. "I was still a jerk though so..." She gently punched his shoulder. “You better accept my apology already, Spiky. Or I'm gonna have to kick your flank from here to Canterlot." Sora chuckled, shaking his head as he rubbed the spot she stuck. "Okay, okay. Apology accepted, Dash. And I promise not to hold it against you… So please don't do what you said you were gonna do if I don't." "Don't worry. I'll save the flank-kicking for stupid Heartlesses or dumb spiky haired ponies doing dumb spiky haired pony stuff." The stallion gave her a deadpanned look. "That sounded kinda specific, Dash." Rainbow Dash grinned mischievously. "Good. It was supposed to." The stallion rolled his eyes before casting his gaze out to the sunny side sight in front of him, the gentle flow of the river flowing softly before the as the train made its way alongside the water's edge. "So...ah...how's the rest of the girls? Rarity and Fluttershy I mean. Knowing you, you went to see them before coming to me right?" "Ugh, don't even get me started on those two." The mare groaned as she leaned forward. "They told me everything. The fact that Fluttershy is refusing to talk to you now really is getting on my nerves!" Standing up, her hoof stuck the door. "Not only that, but Rarity isn't letting you talk to her until that yellow butterball feelings are all sorted out!" She turned towards Sora. "What about your feelings about her? Don't they care what you think?" Sora's ears pinned to the back of his head at the mare's words, his mind replaying the events leading to Fluttershy's and Rarity's discissions. ~ As Sora stood amidst the weary ponies, the setting sun casting a warm glow on the makeshift train station, his gaze was drawn to Fluttershy. He had many things to worry about…from the Heartless to Grogar’s plans to the missing ponies…but the weight of her heartfelt confession lingered, creating a complex tapestry of emotions within him. The chaos of the day's events seemed to fade away momentarily as he grappled with the significance of what had been said. What she had confessed. I Love you… As much as he didn’t see it at first, he couldn't deny the mare’s actions towards him. The shared moments of laughter, the conversations, and the genuine warmth that emanated from her had left an imprint on his heart. As he took a tentative step closer to her, he found himself reflecting on the parallels with his past, particularly with Kairi. It wasn't as profound as it was with the shy mare…or at least…maybe it didn’t feel that way… but...he remembered talking...laughing...laying under the night sky with her...just like he had done with Fluttershy. He couldn't deny that he didn't have...some sort of feelings for his childhood friend back then...and yet... It wasn't fair to compare the two, he knew that, especially after what happened between himself and Kairi, but the similarities were undeniable. The only difference is...Fluttershy told him how she felt...and how she felt was... "She loves me..." He…needed to talk to her. Before Sora could make his way towards Fluttershy, the surprise in her eyes as she caught sight of him moving towards her and her swift retreat onto the train caught the stallion off guard. Confusion and concern etched across his face as he tried to make sense of her reaction. His instinct was to follow her, to address the situation and understand why she seemed to be avoiding him now of all times. However, his path was blocked by a familiar set of bright blue eyes. Rarity, with her characteristic elegance, stood in his way, a mix of sympathy and caution in her gaze. "Sora, darling, I know what you are feeling," Rarity began, her voice gentle yet firm. "And I know what you want to talk to Fluttershy about, and believe me, if it was my choice, I would let you through without a second thought. But Fluttershy asked me to keep you away from her for now." Sora felt a surge of frustration well up within him, a feeling not unfamiliar from past experiences. "W-Why?" He asked, his voice steady, despite the anger behind it. "I…She doesn’t want to talk to me? But…she…and…" Rarity sighed, "Sora please…I understand your desire for answers, dear, but Fluttershy needs some time to sort through her own emotions first. It's clear that her own confession caught her off guard along with what happened before it, and it wouldn't be fair to push her into a conversation she may not be ready for." Her hoof gently rested on Sora's chest, a comforting touch that held a subtle plea for patience. "She asked…no…begged me to tell you to wait. Okay?" Sora felt a mix of emotions, his frustration battling with the realization that Rarity spoke a truth he couldn't ignore. Fluttershy needed time, and despite his desire for answers, he couldn't force a conversation that might do more harm than good. She was hurting… Reluctantly, the Keyblade wielder nodded, his frustration giving way to a softer tone. "I... I'm sorry, Rarity. I just... I want to understand. I want to help her through this, too." "I know you do, Sora. Which is why I am here. I'll watch over her for you, if you will let me, and make sure she gets her yellow flank together," Rarity assured him, her tone carrying a mix of sincerity and playfulness. Squinting at the stallion, her hoof poked him in the chest none too gently. "That also goes for you, buster. Make sure you know what you want to say to her when she comes to you, okay? I’m sure you are just as much of a mess as she is." Sora nodded quickly, touching the spot she poked. "Y-yeah, I will. This whole situation is... a lot…yeah…" he admitted. "It is…AndI know you have lots of things on your mind right now." The fashionista smiled softly. "Saving the world...saving missing ponies...dealing with your own inner turmoil. It really is a lot…but don’t forget, though it all, deserve to be happy too, now more than ever. Don't let this," She points to his head, "Overrule this," She points to his heart, "Okay?" "I..." Sora shook his head before nodding softly. "I understand." "Good. I'll make sure to tell Fluttershy you asked about her, okay? So make sure you have your thoughts sorted out when she's ready to talk, however long that may take." Rarity patted his shoulder reassuringly before turning to board the train, leaving Sora alone once more to do just that. ~ Sora sighed, his gaze shifting towards Rainbow Dash with a soft smile. "It's fine. Fluttershy will talk to me when she's ready. And it really does give me to time think about things myself...Patience, right?" The mare rolled her eyes and huffed. "Never liked patience. It's overrated," her wings flickered with a hint of restlessness. "But I guess you're right. If you both do need time then you do need time. Doesn't mean I have to like it, though." "Thanks for worrying though. About her...and about me." Rainbow Dash softened her gaze, her impatience momentarily subsiding as a light blush formed on her cheeks. She turned away from him with a soft growl. "Yeah, well, somepony has to. Don't get used to it though." she muttered, but her voice lacked the usual bite. The stallion smirked. "Still, I think we talked enough about me and all my troubles." He gently poked the mare's cheek. "So did Lightning let you talk to you friend Gilda?" "Ugh...of course you would change the subject to her." The mare growled. He chuckled, knowing that Rainbow Dash's deflection meant that she did, indeed, speak to the griffon. "So...taking that as a yes?" The stallion teased before playfully nudging her side, "Come on, Dash. Spill the beans. Don't leave a guy hanging." "Gah! Okay we talked alright! Happy?" Sora's grin widened as the rainbow maned mare fidgeted with her hooves, clearly flustered by his persistence. "Very happy. So, what happened? Did you manage to patch things up?" "You know...for the one that was stabbed by her, you sure are eager to know if I made best friends with her or not." Sora's smile widened. "It's not like it was her fault right? She was being controlled after all. If I blame her, then I might as well blame Fluttershy which you know I would never do." Rainbow Dash sighed, her wings drooping slightly. "Yeah, yeah, I know. It's just...it's complicated, Sora. Gilda and I talked, but it's going to take time. She feels guilty about what happened, even though she couldn't control herself but she still hurt you and I…need time to get over that, okay?" "Yeah...I can understand that. Same thing happened to me and Riku after all." Sora's voice held a hint of empathy as he thought back to the times his best friend had been consumed by darkness. "But you talked, right? That's a step in the right direction." "I guess..." She cast a gaze towards the stallion. "Still gonna make her apologize to you though. Her fault or not, you still got hurt by her talons." "Rainbow, you don't have to do that. I forgave Gilda a long time ago. Holding a grudge wouldn't be fair." The mare scoffed. "You're too forgiving sometimes, you know that?" Sora smirked, "Well, forgiveness is a key part of friendship, right? Plus, holding onto grudges just weighs you down. I've learned that the hard way." "Is that why you also forgave Starlight?" The brash mare asked. "I mean...she pretty much got you stabbed and everything, and tried to get rid of us with that Heartless." "She was...different." The stallion told her after a moment, frowning a bit. "I told you before, she was only trying to fix her mistakes. She was hurt...she was alone...and the Darkness and Grogar took advantage of that. She was a victim too." "I guess you're right," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation. "But still, it's hard for me to let go of what she did." "I can understand that...and you don’t have to. It was my choice to save her so I have no regrets." The two were quiet for a while after that before Rainbow once again broke the silence. "AJ is gonna be pissed at you for getting hurt again. Twilight too." Sora rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I know. They're probably going to give me the whole lecture on being more careful and not diving headfirst into danger." Rainbow Dash snorted, "Well, you should listen to them. You can't save the world if you're constantly getting yourself injured." “What’s that? Pot calling the kettle black?” “Ugh…okay. Yeah. Fair. But my point still stands. You hurt, No save world.” "Okay…fair too, " Sora replied with a grin. "But you know how it is. Trouble just has a way of finding me." The mare rolled her eyes. "Yeah, trouble and you are like best buds or something." "Kinda wish that wasn't the case but can't argue with you there." The stallion responded as he stuck his tongue out at the mare. "Still...can't let myself lose just yet. We gotta find those ponies...and then we gotta stop Grogar." "Dang straight!" Rainbow raised a hoof into the air. "No way we are gonna let some blue jerk mess with us like that and get away with it. Next time we met, I'm going straight for his face, no questions asked." The pair laughed again, both mare and stallion enjoying the light-hearted moment amidst the chaos that had become their lives. ~ In a quiet cabin further up towards the front of the train, away from the chatter of the others, Fluttershy sat with her wings tightly wrapped around her, seeking solace in the cocoon of her own feathers. The emotional storm she had experienced left her drained, and tears had left their traces on her cheeks. Rarity, ever the caring friend, sat beside her, rubbing Fluttershy's back gently. She spoke in a soft, comforting tone, "There, there, darling. Are you done crying now? It's perfectly okay to let it all out. You've been through so much today." Fluttershy nodded, her voice barely above a whisper from behind her feathery barrier. "Yes, Rarity. I... I think I'm done now. I just..." The shy mare turned to her friend, peaking at the white mare between her feathers. "I feel horrible...asking Sora to wait after he had been though so much...and after I had...I had told him I love him...I'm...I'm a bad pony Rarity..." "You're not a bad pony, darling." The mare consoled the flustered mare with a gentle smile. "You're just a confused mare in love." "But I am horrible, Rarity." The yellow mare argued. "I couldn't even tell him myself. I had to have you do it. That wasn't fair to him..." Rarity's expression softened, her voice filled with empathy. "Darling, love is never easy. It's messy, complicated, and sometimes we make mistakes. But that doesn't make you a bad pony. Honestly, the two of you need time to process your feelings for each other right now anyway. Its a good thing you two are taking time apart." Fluttershy sniffled, her wings quivering as she clutched them tighter around herself. "E-Even if that was true. Do I even deserve a stallion like him after I...I hurt him." The shy mare shook her head. "I may not have been the one to hold the dagger...I may not have been in control...but I did hurt him. I don't know if he can forgive me for that. And even if he can, I don't even know if I can forgive myself." "Now Shy Dear, listen. I-" "And what about that...that monster! Grogar! I should have at least been there to comfort Sora after all of that...and yet...I run away...I ask my best friends to talk to him and I run away with my tail between my legs like a scared puppy." the timid mare shook her head. "Rainbow had every right to be upset with me." "You really mustn't be so hard on yourself, Fluttershy." The white mare told her softly "Rainbow Dash may have been upset, but deep down, she understands that you needed some time to gather your thoughts before you talked to Sora again. And honestly, out of all of us right now, I think she would be the best choice to send to talk to him anyway. If anypony can cheer a knucklehead up it's another kuncklehead as it were." The shy mare nodded though she still lowered her head, "It...still doesn't seem fair...I wish...it was me..." Rarity smiled. "Is that a bit of selfishness I see in you Little Shy?" The mare giggled softly. The timid mare blushed, her feathers fluffing up in embarrassment. "Oh, no! I didn't mean it like that... I just... I want to be there for him, to support him through everything he's going through." "Does that mean...you still love him?" Fluttershy's breath hitched at Rarity's question, her heart pounding in her chest. She closed her eyes, trying to steady herself, before finally giving a small nod. "Yes...yes, I do. I love him with all my heart, even if it feels like it's breaking right now." "Then never let go of that feeling, darling. Work through your emotions and come back to him stronger than before. That's the best you can do for now." "I...I understand Rarity." The mare answered softly. "Good...now...after a good cry, you know what always cheers me up? A nice tub of icecream." The fashionista slipped from beside her friend, making her way towards the door. "I just hope the fillies and colts haven't taking all of it from the kitchens." She smiled as she turned towards her friend. "I shan't be two shakes of a lamb's tail darling. Will you be alright by yourself?" Fluttershy nodded, offering a small smile. "Yes, Rarity, I'll be fine. Thank you for being here for me." Rarity returned the smile before exiting the cabin, leaving Fluttershy alone with her thoughts. The gentle hum of the train filled the room, its rhythmic vibrations providing a sense of comfort as Fluttershy reflected on everything that had transpired. Fluttershy sat in the quiet cabin, enveloped in her own contemplations. The gentle hum of the train seemed to echo the rhythm of her thoughts. As Rarity left to fetch some ice cream, Fluttershy took a deep breath, letting the solitude of the moment settle around her. Lost in her thoughts, Fluttershy couldn't help but replay the events in Trottingham. The revelation of her feelings to a then dying Sora. Meeting Ventus and letting him use his magic to save the one she loved. The intrusion of Grogar after they had just defeated the horrible Heartless. Her decision to spend some time apart so that she could work though her own feelings for the stallion...and if he even had the same feelings for her. The train continued its steady course toward Canterlot, carrying with it the hopes and fears of the ponies aboard. Fluttershy, being just one of many of them, wrapped in the cocoon of her own feathers, embraced the solitude as a chance for self-reflection. She knew that, in the quiet moments both now and later, she had to find what she wanted the most and brace herself for if what she wanted could ever be hers to begin with. > Reunion Day > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony by steel soul Reunion Day The midday sun bathed Sweet Apple Acres in a warm glow as the party of ponies talked and laughed with ponies they had not seen for a whole year, the air filled with the sweet aroma of both fresh and baked apples. Applebloom, fully awakened and washed up, excitedly raced through the bustling crowd of family and family friends, her eyes scanning the farmland as she waved absentmindedly to any that would say hi to her. Despite laughter all around her she could still make out the hushed whispers of the older ponies, and through those whispers she could make out snippets of conversations. Ones involving certain black shadow creatures she was all too familiar with. They would quite down when she passed but there was no stopping what she already knew. Guessing them black critters they talkin' 'bout are them heartless," she muttered to herself, a frown forming on her facet. "Much as ah hate to admit it, makes everythin' seem a heap more real now. Ah sure hope Sora's okay." It was after her inner musing that her ears would perk at a familiar voice in the distance. Her smile returning, she dodged though the crowd until finally spotting the one filly she was looking forward to seeing all year, a wide grin spreading across her face as soon as she did so. Without hesitation, the little filly dashed towards the slightly thicker orange one, the joy of the reunion evident in every step. "Babs! There ya are!" Apple Bloom exclaimed with a grin, spotting her friend. Said filly's ears perked at her name. her magenta maned flipped to the side as she turned, smiling brightly at the sight of her her cousin. "Applebloom!" The two fillies embraced as the yellow one reached her, their laughter echoing through the orchard. "I've been waitin' forever for this day! Missed ya tons, cousin!" Apple Bloom said, squeezing Babs tightly before pulling back to look at her with sparkling eyes. Babs returned the sentiment, her grin matching Applebloom's enthusiasm. "Same here, Applebloom! What's it been? Like...forever and a day?" Pulling away and blowing a strand of her magenta mane from out of her own face, the orange filly frowned slightly. "I got a ton of questions for you like you wouldn't believe. Something along the lines of shadow creatures attacking Ponyville." Applebloom's eyes widened. "You must be talkin' 'bout those Heartless things." She looked around before whispering. "Listen. I'll tell ya all about that when we meet up with the girls. I've got so much to go over with you it isn't even funny." Her cousin nodded, matching her voice to the other's. "Sure thing, A.B. I'm all ears whenever you're ready. But you gotta tell me the whole story. Deal?" Applebloom grinned and nodded. "Deal, Babs. I'll tell ya everything, from start to finish. But first, let's go find the others. Sweetie and Scoots been dying to meet ya. We're all at the treehouse. Ya remember the one, right? Out in the orchard." Babs chuckled weakly as she rubbed the back of her head. "Y-Yeah. The one I kicked you out of when I was hanging around that jerk Diamond Tiara and her friend." She looked away as she scratched her cheek. "Sorry about that...again..." Applebloom waved off Babs' apology with a reassuring smile. "Aw, come on, cuz. Ya know that's water under the bridge by now." Babs nodded, grateful for Applebloom's forgiveness. "Yeah, I know. It's just... I still feel bad about it sometimes, ya know?" "Well don't. We're family and family always sticks close." The yellow filly held out her hoof. "Right?" Babs smiled warmly, her apprehension melting away as she reached out and bumped her hoof against Applebloom's. "Right." She paused. "And thanks. So...we gonna go meet up with Scoots and Sweets?" Applebloom nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! C'mon, follow me!" She took off, her tail swishing behind her as she weaved through the apple trees, Babs hot on her heels, both fillies laughing and joking as the warm summer breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the sweet aroma of ripe apples. "So...Have those two knuckleheads been giving ya any trouble, Cus?" The orange filly asked, moving at a brisk trot next the Applebloom. "Diamond and that Silver girl I mean." Applebloom let out a chuckle, shaking her head. "Nah, not really. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon have actually been actin' kinda strange lately. With everything that's been going on this Summer we really haven't had a chance to run into those two bullies." She frowned softly "I mean, I've seen them around town here and there but they really are just leaving us alone pretty much." She smiled again. "Which is a good thing to tell ya the truth." The orange filly raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon not causin' trouble? That's hard to believe." She quickened her pace to keep up with Applebloom, her curiosity evident in her voice. "It is, but ya know what they say. 'Never look a gift pony in the mouth'. I say if they don't wanna mess with us, I don't wanna mess with them." Babs grinned, impressed by Applebloom's level-headedness. "Haha...Wow A.B. That's pretty grown up." She gave her cousin a playful nudge, earning a giggle from the yellow filly. "Haha...well...I guess love can do that to ya." The yellow filly mused before squeaking and covering her mouth. Despite her “ Best” efforts, The yellow filly's cousin couldn’t help but gasp before a mischievous glint filled her eyes. "Love, huh? Is there somethin' you're not tellin' me, Applebloom?" Blushing furiously, Applebloom stammered, "N-No! I mean... well... maybe... but it's complicated!" Babs giggled, teasingly nudging her cousin again. "Oh come on, spill the beans! Who's the lucky pony?" "L-Like I said. It's complicated." The filly huffed. "Sides, I'll tell ya when we get to the treehouse proper. Scoots and Sweetie already know so...I don't mind telling ya everything. You are part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders after all and members don't leave other members behind." The pink-haired filly chuckled, her curiosity piqued. "Alright, A.B, I won't press ya further. But I'm definitely lookin' forward to hearin' all about it at the treehouse." Applebloom blushed even more, her hooves kicking at the ground. "Fine, fine! Just don't go spreading it around, okay? It's a secret!" Babs nodded eagerly, a sly grin on her face. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" Applebloom couldn't help but giggle at Bab's Pinkie Promise oath, nodding in content. "Alright, that's good enough for me! Now lets git! We're keeping the girls waitin!" With their playful banter lightening the mood, the two fillies continued their journey towards the treehouse, their laughter echoing through the orchard. As they approached the familiar structure nestled among the branches of a sturdy apple tree, Applebloom pushed open the door with a flourish. "Ladies and gentlecolts, may I present... Babs Seed!" Applebloom announced with a grin, gesturing for Babs to enter. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who were deep in conversation, looked up with surprise and delight as Babs stepped inside. "Babs! You're finally here!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, rushing over to give her a hug. Scootaloo followed suit, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, Babs! Welcome back to our headquarters. It's about time we had a meeting with the full roster! Written letters are fine but speaking in person is always awesome." She raised a hoof, gently bumping it with Bab's own. "Thanks, guys! It's great to be back!" She looked around the cozy treehouse, her gaze falling on the bulletin board covered in maps and notes before turning back to the others. "So, what's the deal? What's all this about shadow creatures and stuff the older ponies were always whispering about? And did you three really go to that Crystal Empire place?" "Oh!" The orange pegasus mused. "I see Applebloom already told you about our escapades." Babs shook her head. "Not really? I mean she did mention that you guys went to that crystal place but the shadow creatures? I heard a lot of other stuff from the grownups whispers tho. That and lots of the newspapers were talkin' about not goin' outside at night if ya have to." She paused. "Oh and not to mention the extra guards me and the other fillies and colts would see on our way to the park. It's like they're gearing up for somethin'." Applebloom exchanged a glance with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo before turning back to Babs, her expression serious. "We had some of the same restrictions here too. Zecora even had to come from the Everfree Forest as a just in case measure. Though she decided to stay at a house on the edge of town. It does make visiting her easier, but I would hate to have to move from my home because of those dang Heartless, so I can imagin she feels as bad as I would." The orange earth pony shivered. "You said that name before. Heartless. Is that what they are called? Those shadow creatures in the paper" Applebloom nodded solemnly. "Yeah, that's right. They're called Heartless. They're these shadowy creatures that are drawn to darkness and negativity." She paused. "At least that is what Sora told us." Babs blinked. "Sora? Who's that?" "Oh, right! I forgot to mention him," Scootaloo chimed in. "Sora is this awesome guy we met from a different world. He's got this cool weapon called the Keyblade and he's a total pro at fighting the Heartless and-" "Scoots!" Sweetie bell yelled. "You weren't supposed to say that he's from a different world!" The orange pegasus blinked before squeaking and wincing, realizing her mistake all too late. As Scootaloo apologized for her slip-up, the treehouse fell into a momentary silence. Broken only by Bab's words. "So... you three gonna explain to me what that means or am I gonna have to nuggie it out of ya till ya say somethin'?" Applebloom exchanged a nervous glance with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, unsure of how to explain the concept of different worlds to Babs. Taking a deep breath, she decided to give it a try. "Well, Babs, this is gonna sound crazy but... hmm... ya know how our lands is called Equestria, right?" Applebloom began tentatively. Babs nodded, her eyes fixed on Applebloom in anticipation. "Well, Sora... ah... He’s not from Equestria... or anywhere anywhere on our world. He actually comes from a place No on our world. Somewhere he said that master guy call Destiny Islands." "Destiny....Islands? Who would call a world Destiny Islands?" She frowned. "Are you three pulling my chain?" Applebloom shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "No, no! Ah promise we ain't tellin' no fib, Babs. After everythin' me and the others saw, There's no way we don't believe Sora don't come from a different world. Ah mean. He's a pegasus that summons a blade that looks like a key for Celestia's sake." "E-eh? No foolin?" Babs asked with wide eyes. "It's all true!" Sweetie Belle chimed in. "Oh! But...we weren't suppose to tell anypony about it, so you really do have to keep it a secret okay. We told you because you are part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. And…A certain orange pegasus couldn’t keep her muzzle shut." She glared at said pegasus who squeaked under her gaze. “I said I was sorry!” Interjecting between the pair, Babs nodded eagerly, "Got it, Sweetie Belle. I ain't no snitch!" She leaned back in her chair. "So...ah...this Sora guy...something tells me he was the one AB was talking about on the way to the clubhouse." She smirked. "I'm I wrong?" Applebloom blushed slightly, realizing Babs had caught on. "Well...I...um...." She glanced at her friends for support. “Ha!” Scootaloo grinned mischievously, happy to have the heat off her for a time. "You got it in one go, Babs!" Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes playfully. "She's been swooning over him ever since she saw him in town!" Applebloom's face turned even redder as she tried to defend herself. "I-I haven't been swooning! I just...uh...admire his bravery and stuff." "Didn’t you tell us when you first saw him that you were in love?" The orange pegasus asked her friend, poking her cheek. Applebloom's blush deepened as she stammered, "I-I might have... It's just...you know?" She glanced nervously at Babs, hoping her cousin wouldn't tease her too much about it. “Admiration and…stuff…” Babs chuckled, her smirk widening. "Uh-huh, sure, Applebloom. Admiration, love... tomato, tomato, right?" She leaned in. "So...tell me more about this heroic colt you like so much. What's he like?" Applebloom hesitated, not sure where to begin. She glanced at her friends for help, and Sweetie Belle nudged her forward. "Go on, Applebloom. You're the one with the crush, so spill it!" Applebloom's cheeks flushed even more at her friend's words. Looking down and fidgeting, she slowly began to speak. "Well, he's really brave and kind. He's always ready to help others, no matter what. I mean...he is a bit silly at times. And can be slow...but....that just makes him even more endearing. Ya know?" "Hehe. Yeah. He's also really determined," Sweetie Belle added with a grin. "Once he sets his mind on something, he'll do whatever it takes to achieve it." Scootaloo nodded in agreement. "And he's almost as cool as Rainbow Dash." She smiled. “Which is an impossible feat, I know but he is up there os that means he’s kinda cool in my book.” "Haha…Sounds like quite the catch." She looked around. "Where is he by the way? Did he come to the reunion too?" Babs nodded understandingly. "Ah, I see. Well, it sounds like he's got his hooves full with important stuff. Fighting Heartless and all that." "Yeah," Applebloom replied with a wistful sigh. "He's always out there helping others, even if it means he can't stay for long." Sweetie Belle placed a comforting hoof on Applebloom's shoulder. "Awww don't worry Apple Bloom. I'm sure He'll be back soon and you can swoon all over him." Applebloom blushed even brighter at Sweetie Belle's teasing. "I-I don't swoon!" the little filly pouted. Her friends began to laugh softly before filling the room with warmth and laughter before the yellow filly joined with after a roll of her eyes. Wiping a bit of a tear from her eye, Babs smiled at her cousin. "So...since the cats already out of the bag. Mind telling me about this Sora guy? LIke...If he came from another world, how did he get here?" "Oh! OH! I got this!" Scootaloo squeaked as she jumped onto the table. "Allow me to tell you the tale of the second coolest pegasus Equestira has ever known! You see...it all started on a dark and stormy night... " Not too far away, a curious sharply pointed little creature could be seen. Despite its erratic movement, it seemed to stay focused on the girls within the tree house, the spikes there seemed to be its ears perking ever so slightly. ~ Applejack placed the cold barrel of apple cider on the table before giving her big brother a nod. When he returned it, she went back into the fray. When she had been told that she was going to be the lead host of this year's Apple Family Reunion, she had nothing but big plans for it. Wanting to find out all the traditional activities that they had done in the past and keep it focused on that. Now though, after everything she had been through with the girls and Sora, fighting against an evil she couldn't even comprehend, having something nice and comfy was more then enough for a time like this. Sitting back with her family, mingling with friends, and enjoying the simple pleasures of the reunion was all she needed in that moment. She was sure she would be back into it with Sora and the others. Fighting against the Heartless, putting herself in danger. But for now, Applejack was content to embrace the joy and simplicity of this moment. The laughter and chatter of the other ponies filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that she couldn't help but be swept up in. She watched as Granny Smith regaled a group of foals with stories of the olden days, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia. Applejack couldn't help but smile at the sight. As she glanced around, her eyes landed on Pinkie Pie, who was effortlessly balancing several plates of apple pie on her back. Pinkie's mane bounced with each step she took, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "Applejack! Wanna help me set up the pie-eating contest? It's gonna be super duper fun!" Pinkie exclaimed, her voice full of infectious enthusiasm. "Sure thing, Pinkie! Lead the way!" she replied, rising from her seat and following Pinkie to where the contest was to be held. She could worry about serious stuff later. For now, she was content. Her only regret is that she couldn't have the rest of her friends with her at this time She paused and looked towards the warm blue sky above her. "There's always next year...right?" Though she spoke aloud she didn't expect anypony to answer her. Tilting her head back she turned to follow after her bouncing pink friend, a smile and a half on her face. ~ As the festivities continued below, a pony with dark gray fur and a jet black mane lay hidden from everyone's sight on top of the barn. His deep yellow eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement as he bit into an apple he held in his hoof, a smirk playing across his face, "Haha...laugh it up ponies. I promise…the real festivities are only beginning." > Changed > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Changed The train's brakes squealed as it came to a halt at Canterlot Station, piercing the silence of the night. The platform was illuminated by the soft glow of lampposts, casting long shadows across the empty space. Despite the late hour, the stoic figures of the Royal Guard stood at attention, a solemn presence amidst the quietude. As the doors of the train slid open, weary travelers began to disembark, their faces etched with exhaustion and apprehension. Among them were Fluttershy and Rarity, their steps tentative as they stepped onto the platform. All around her and the other ponies that slipped from the doors of the train, The Royal Guard could be seen maintaining their vigil, their expressions unreadable beneath their helmets. In opposition to them were the doctors and attendants who had been asked to see to anypony in need of medical assistance or help any other way that they could. Family, friends, lovers, there were many there to see to the ponies in need. Fluttershy's heart went out to those who appeared in need of help, their weary eyes reflecting a mix of relief and anxiety. She glanced over at Rarity, who seemed equally concerned but maintained an air of poise and grace. She had wanted to say something, anything, but bit her tongue as soon as she spotted Sora making his way off the train alongside Rainbow Dash and surprisingly Trixie of all ponies. The mare squeaked softly as she felt the need to turn and run away before the stallion could spot her. But to her inner horror it was too late, his gaze having fallen upon the butter-yellow mare's own almost as if life was mocking her trials. In seeing his eyes, she couldn’t help but feel herself flinch, hating herself for reacting in such a way. Even more so at the expression he made soon after her reaction to him Her heart clenched as she saw the crestfallen face he made, his ears pinning to the back of his head. Guilt washed over her like a blanket, knowing that she was the cause of the rift between them now. She wished dearly to close the distance between the two of them. To talk to him. To pretend like nothing was wrong and...to feel the warmth of his smile on her once more. But her deep-rooted fear held Fluttershy in its grip. A fear that whispered doubts and insecurities into both of her opened ears. Still, despite herself, the young mare raised her head slowly before gently raising her hoof, offering the stallion a soft wave. An action that didn't go by unnoticed by the keyblade wielder, his eyes widening in surprise. He looked around himself at first before looking back at the mare, figuring that she was indeed motioning towards him. Giving the best smile he could muster on his own, he waved back. Fluttershy's heart fluttered at the simple action. It was a small gesture, it was a small gesture, to be sure, but her heart couldn't help in equal parts swell and hurt before it all. Still, she offered him a small smile of her own before turning away, following after Rarity who had been waiting for her to catch up. As soon as she did, the timid mare couldn’t help but see Rarity's smug smile softened into one of gentle amusement as she glanced at her friend. "I...ah...w-what?" The shy mare asked, looking away from the white unicorn. "Oh, nothing, darling.” Rarity mused with a soft shake of her head. “It's just lovely to see you taking steps forward, especially when it comes to matters of the heart." Fluttershy's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she shifted nervously under Rarity's gaze. "I-I suppose so. I just...I mean I didn't want to hurt him any more then I have so..." Rarity nodded. "I understand wholehearted, Darling." She offered a friend a gentle smile and a soft hug. "Come now. I'm sure our guard escort is waiting to take us to the Castle. A nice bath and a good night's rest will be good for all of us." "I...um...Okay...but..." She looked behind herself towards Sora and the other two mares. "What about our friends?" As they walked towards the Royal Guard, Rarity cast a glance back at Sora, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie who were engaged in a lively conversation. "I believe they will be just fine, darling," Rarity reassured Fluttershy. "Besides, your cousin, the Captain herself, said that she wanted to take him to the princess before he gets settled in." “Oh…” The mare responded softly before asking. “Do…you know why?” “I’m sure its nothing big dear.” The mare quickly dismissed. “More than likely to check up on things and hear a bit of his side of the story I am sure.” "I understand," she murmured, glancing back at Sora and their friends once more before turning her attention back to Rarity. "I...um...hope it goes well for him...." Rarity smiled warmly, her gaze filled with understanding. "I'm sure it will, dear. Now, let's focus on getting ourselves settled in. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." With Rarity's comforting presence by her side, Fluttershy felt a sense of calm settle over her. Together, they followed the Royal Guard escort, making their way through Canterlot Station and towards the awaiting carriage that would take them to the castle. ~ Sora turned his head towards the retreating forms of Fluttershy and Rarity once more, his gaze lowering ever so slightly as a pang of sadness tugged at his heart. He knew that it was a fleeting interaction at best. He still couldn't help but feel his chest tighten with a mix of disappointment and…Longing? A longing that he had never quite felt before. "Hey...Sora? You okay?" Sora snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Rainbow Dash's voice, turning to face her with a forced smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, though his tone lacked its usual enthusiasm. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes, clearly not convinced by his response. "You sure about that? I mean you were staring at Fluttershy's flanks for quite a while you know." She teased. The stallion’s cheeks flushed crimson at Rainbow Dash's teasing remark, his forced smile faltering for a moment before he recovered, replacing it with a hard pout. "What? No, I wasn't staring at her flanks!" "Sure looked like it to me," The rainbow maned mare teased further, nudging him playfully with her hoof. "But hey, no judgment here. Fluttershy does have some pretty nice flanks, I'll give you that." Sora's embarrassment only deepened at Rainbow Dash's teasing, and he averted his gaze, scratching the back of his head nervously. "Come on, Rainbow, cut it out," he muttered, feeling his cheeks still burning with embarrassment. “This isn’t funny, you know.” "He is right rainbow mare. Sora doesn't look like the type to ogle a mare's behind anyway." Trixie mused as she squinted at the stallion. "And Trixie is usually a good judge of character. Though she could be wrong..He is a growing stallion after all.." The keyblade wielder’s embarrassment reached new heights as the show mare joined in on the teasing, and he shifted uncomfortably under their gazes. "Seriously, Rainbow, Stop it. And It's not like that, Trixie" he insisted, his cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "I was just lost in thought, that's all." Rainbow chuckled as she gently pushed his shoulder. "Haha. Come on, Sora. You know I'm just teasing ya." She smirked. "Besides, if you wanna look at Fluttershy's flanks then by all means. I'm already rootin for you two overly sensitive idiots." "Ugh…Thanks, Rainbow," he replied, his cheeks still flushed. "But for the last time, it's not like that between Fluttershy and me." He paused. "At least...I...I don't know. It's kinda complicated and everything." "Fluttershy...she is the yellow quiet one is she not?" Trixie asked. "Trixie remembers seeing her back at Ponyville when she was there but didn't take note of her." She looked the stallion up and down. "So what is the problem? Trixie must agree with the loud-mouth that she is pleasing to the eyes. A bit thick in some areas, unlike Trixie but if you like a mare you like a mare." Sora sighed, feeling slightly flustered by Trixie's straightforwardness. "It's not about her looks or anything like that, and it's not that I don't like her...it's just..." he sighed as he looked away, rubbing the back of his head. "We were getting along fine before all of...ya know...Trottingham. Then...She...When I was about to die she told me she loved me. Now that I'm saved and everything...I...Everything she was doing with me with me before. Talking to me...hanging out...I...It puts everything in a new light and...Its a lot to take in." "Wait, You were about to die!?" The show mare exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock. "When did this happen?" "It was when you were knocked out. Keep up horn head." Rainbow scoffed as she answered the blue pegasus, pushing herself in front of Sora and Trixie out of the way. "So what's the deal? I mean if you liked it before what's your hang up now? Don't tell me you're still overly thinking stuff cause dude you seem like the type to blow a fuse doing so." "I...Like I said it's complicated okay." Sora frowned, ignoring the mare’s remark on his intelligence. "Besides, Rarity said I should really think about how I feel about it all. Fluttershy may ...she may like me but does my heart really feel the same for her, knowing how different the two of us are." "Different?" Trixie asked. "Aren't you two pegasi?" Sora squeaked before looking away. "I...well...it's a bit more than that-" "Horseapples that's the reason!" Rainbow hissed, interrupting the stallion. "If you like somepony, you like them. And if they like you too then all the better. Doesn't matter what you are or were." Sora looked away, rubbing the back of his head, clearly feeling uncomfortable discussing the matter further. "It's not just tha-" He paused before shaking his head. "Listen, Rainbow, It has nothing to do with that...at least...it's not just that it's..." he began, but before he could continue, he was interrupted by Captain Lightning, Fluttershy's cousin. Lightning approached them, her gaze sweeping between Sora, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie before finally focusing on Sora. "Sora," she said in a firm yet gentle tone, "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have requested your presence at the castle. They wish to speak with you." The stallion's eyes widened before nodding. "Right. Guessing she wants to know first hand what happened, right?" "H-Hey. We're not done talking with Spikey yet." Rainbow huffed as she stepped forward. "Besides, isn't it late? You would think the Princess would want to let the Hero of the hour rest." Captain Lightning turned her attention to towards the brash mare.. "I understand your concerns, Rainbow Dash," she replied, her voice carrying a tone of authority. "But the princesses' request is urgent, and they have specifically asked for Sora's presence in the matter. Rest assured, they are aware of the late hour, but they believe this matter cannot wait." The yellow pegasus's eyes shifted towards the stallion. “If you want I can tell them you are tired.” Sora shook his head before, turning back to face Rainbow and Trixie. "I'll go. If The princess is asking to see me now then I don't mind." "Hey! You're just trying to run away!" Rainbow hissed with a frown. The stallion shook his head once again, his expression turning firm. "I’m not, Dash," he said earnestly. "I just... I need to know what they want. Maybe it's about what happened in Trottingham. Maybe it's something else. But whatever it is, something tells me I shouldn't keep them waiting." He smiled. “I promise, I'm not running away...We can finish this later, okay...I need time to think. About what you said...About everything." The rainbow maned mare’s expression turned from anger to reluctance, coinciding the matter. "Alright, fine," she conceded, her voice softer now. "But I'm coming with you to the castle. No way I'll let you go by yourself now." "Indeed. Trixie is quite curious as well." The show-mare mused. "She shall accompany you." Rainbow Dash frowned at the show mare, giving her a hard stare. "What the hey...Who died and made you part of our group of friends." "I'm not part of your group of friends." Trixie mused, correcting the mare. "I'm Sora's friend and as Sora's friend it is only natural for me to be worried about him." Rainbow Dash reared back as if struck by Trixie's statement, her expression incredulous. "Wait, what? Who said you could just up and force Sora to be your friend?" Trixie raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Rainbow's reaction. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is not forcing Sora into anything. Trixie merely stated a fact. Sora and Trixie are friends. Our camaraderie is much more dignified and sincere than you would ever understand, Rainbow Dash. The love of magic brings ponies together after all, and my magic," She smirked. "Is the best." The blue pegasus’s wings fluttered in irritation. "Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that, Trixie. Just remember who Sora's real friends are though. And it's not some show-off like you." Trixie's smirk widened at Rainbow Dash's retort. "Oh, don't worry your colorful little small brain, Rainbow Dash," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Trixie knows exactly where she stands with Sora. And it seems like you're the one who's more concerned about your position than anyone else." Rainbow bristled at Trixie's words, her frustration evident in her expression. "Well, let me tell you something, you blue-" "Girls!" Sora stood in front of them, interrupting their fight before it came to blows. "I have enough to worry about without you two at each other's throats." He turned to Trixie. "I'm happy to be friends with you Trixie, but that also means that Rainbow and the others are my friends as well. Understand?" Trixie rolled her eyes and huffed. "Fine, fine. Trixie understands. But don't think for a second that Trixie cares what any of them think," she said, crossing her forelegs defiantly. He nods before turning to Rainbow Dash. "I know you two have a bad history but she really helped me back at Trottingham and honestly she is a nice mare. Can I please ask you to play nice with her? Maybe you two have more in common than you think?" Rainbow Dash's wings twitched in agitation once again, her eyes darting between Sora and Trixie before looking away. "Fine," she grumbled, relenting under Sora's pleading gaze. "But don't expect me to be all buddy-buddy with her, got it?" The stallion sighed. He was sure that was the best he could do for now. "Got...just don't kill each other on the way to the castle." He turned to Lightning. "Sorry about keeping you waiting." Captain Lightning nodded understandingly at Sora though the stallion couldn't help but see a pointed look on her countenance. "No need to apologize, Sora. Let's head to the castle. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are waiting." With that, the group set off towards the castle, Sora walking between Rainbow Dash and Trixie, hoping that their tensions would simmer down before they make it to Celestia's castle. "Do you have to walk so close to him? You're not his mother." The blue pegasus asked, glaring at the show mare. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, jealousy doesn't look good on you," she teased, stepping even closer to Sora on purpose. "But don't worry. I know I’m not his mother. I'm just a loyal friend who happens to care about him a great deal. Wouldn't want him to tire out before we make it to the castle after all. He was the hero who saved us all after all" Rainbow Dash's wings flared out in irritation as Trixie leaned in even closer to Sora, purposely aggravating the already strained situation. "Oh please," Rainbow retorted, rolling her eyes. "Like he needs you to hold his hoof. Sora can handle himself just fine." She paused before glaring at the other mare again. “And what do you know about it?! You were knocked out the whole time!” The keyblade wielder sighed deeply. It was going to be one of those nights. ~ It took little time for the small group to make their way within the grand halls of Canterlot castle, their hoofsteps muffled by the soft red carpet that was draped along its pristine marble floors. Trixie, with it being her first time within the palace, couldn't help but gawk at everything she saw. The intricately carved pillars, the shimmering tapestries adorning the walls, and the majestic architecture left her in awe. "Goodness," Trixie exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the splendor of the castle. "Trixie had seen the outside of the palace from time to time when she was with her mother, but she never really had a chance to be within it and it's even more impressive then Trixie could have imagined." “Tell me about it.” Sora mused as he chuckled softly at Trixie's response, gently nudging the mare with his hoof. "I've been here a few times, and it still takes my breath away.” He rubbed the back of his head and smiled. “Though I guess being an islander, any place I go to is kinda amazing…despite how many places I’ve traveled to sinc-." Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice calling out their names. "Sora! Rainbow Dash!" came a voice, echoing down the grand hall of the castle. A voice quite familiar to all present, even Trixie. The four turned down the nearby hall to see Twilight Sparkle rushing towards them with a worried expression on her face. She stopped only when she was close to the group, wrapping her hooves around Rainbow first and then Sora. "You're okay...you both are okay..." Twilight's voice trembled with relief as she held onto her friends. Sora, caught off guard by her sudden display of affection, patted Twilight on the back awkwardly. "Uh…Yeah, Twilight. We're fine," he reassured her, exchanging a confused glance with Rainbow Dash. “What he said.” The rainbow maned mare added. “I mean a bit roughed up but…” "You got hurt again, Sora," The lavender unicorn pused back, the ire evident in her voice causing all to be quite. "And all you can say is that you're fine?! I've been worried sick over you ever since I heard about what happened." The stallion shuffled awkwardly under the mare’s anger. "It's not like..." Before he could finish, a purple hoof shot towards his mouth, stuffing it to silence him.. "Save it. I already know what happened so I can't blame you...totally." She pulled her hoof away looking up at him. "When a mare wants to vent you let her vent. Okay buster." She poked his chest roughly at the last part. Sora nodded sheepishly, realizing that Twilight had a point. "Okay, okay, you're right, Twilight. I should have been more careful," he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "But I promise, I'll be more cautious from now on." Twilight rolled her eyes, sighing softly as she heard Sora's promise. "Sora, I appreciate the sentiment, but I can't accept a promise like that," she said with a knowing look. "I know the kind of pony you are, and you always throw yourself into danger without a second thought. Just...promise me you'll at least try to protect yourself better. I can't stand the thought of losing a friend like you." "I... I'll do my best, Twilight. I promise," he said sincerely. A cough from beside the two caused them both to look towards Trixie, the mare looking at the pair with a raised eyebrow. "Trixie would say get a room but she was sure Sora's heart belonged to the quite yellow one." She looked towards Twilight. "Unless you are trying to steal him away from her, in which case Trixie must tell her best friend that he can do better than this purple show-off." Twilight was taken aback by Trixie's sudden interjection, blinking in surprise at finally noticing the light blue showmare. "Trixie?! What are you doing here!? And how did you know about Fluttershy and Sora?!" "Wait, hang on!" It was Sora's turn to be surprised. "How do you know about the Fluttershy thing?!" Twilight squeaked and sheepishly looked away, rubbing her foreleg as she shifted uncomfortably. "Um, well, you see..." she began, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I found out about it from Applejack. She...mentioned that Fluttershy liked you, Sora." Sora's eyes widened in further surprise. "Wait...hang on...What?!" he squeaked, feeling a mix of shock and confusion. "How did she...I...I'm so confused right now..." Captain Lightning cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the group. "Um, sorry to interrupt this little drama show," she interjected, her voice cutting through the awkward silence. "But Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are indeed waiting for Sora. I would like to take him there as soon as possible." Sora blinked, momentarily distracted from the discussion about Fluttershy. "Right, sorry. Let's not keep them waiting any longer," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency. Twilight nodded, regaining her composure. "The princess did say something about needing to talk to him as soon as she could. If that's the case then let’s-" "I'm sorry Miss Sparkle." The captain interjected. "But she wants to see him only with the other Princesses." The purple unicorn’s eyes widened in surprise at Captain Lightning's words. "Alone? But... but why?" she stammered, her mind struggling to comprehend the situation. Sora glanced at Twilight, a mixture of confusion and concern etched on his face. "Of that, I'm not sure," Captain Lightning replied. "Princess Celestia specifically requested to see Sora alone. She said it was important to him and him only." Rainbow Dash was about to speak up, a look of frustration on her face as she prepared to confront Captain Lightning about being left out of the meeting, but quickly faltered under the captain's hard gaze. The stern expression in Captain Lightning's eyes silenced any protest before it could escape Rainbow's lips. Sora stepped in, placing a reassuring hoof on Rainbow's shoulder to catch the rainbow maned mare’s attention. "It's okay, Rainbow," he said softly, offering her a comforting smile. "If it's something I can say I’ll be sure to tell you and the rest of the girls. Promise." She glanced up at Sora, her expression conflicted before she grumbled under her breath. Ultimately she nodded in reluctant agreement. "Yeah, fine," she muttered, crossing her forelegs in annoyance. The stallion nodded before turning towards Lightning. "Lead the way cap." Captain Lightning nodded and gestured for Sora to follow her. He glanced back at his friends, giving them a reassuring smile before he followed the captain down the grand hallways of the castle. As Sora and Captain Lightning walked down the grand hallways of the castle, they were soon well out of sight of Twilight and the others. After a little while, he could see a pair of doors at the end of a lavish hallway adorned with pictures of Celestia’s sun. Just when Sora thought they were about to reach the princesses' chambers, he felt a sudden tug on his hoof, causing him to trip and stumble forward, flipping him over and forcing him to land on his back. Before he could react, Captain Lightning swiftly pinned him to the ground by his throat, catching him off guard. Sora blinked in surprise, his eyes wide as he looked up at Captain Lightning, confusion evident in his expression. "Captain, what are you doing?" he asked, his voice tinged with bewilderment and muffled by the not too gentle force she applied. Leaning down, she whispered into the stallion’s ear. "Listen, colt," she began, her tone serious. "I don't know what's going on between you and Fluttershy, and honestly, it's none of my business. But if she comes out of whatever it is you two have going on more hurt than you are right now, I won't hesitate to come for you. Got it? And no world you run to will be enough to stop me." Sora's eyes widened in shock at Captain Lightning's words, her threat catching him completely off guard. Despite that however, he nodded slowly, swallowing hard as he processed her warning. "I... I understand," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. Lightning released him and stood back, her gaze unwavering as she watched him carefully. The stallion pushed himself up from the ground after a second, still processing the unexpected encounter and not taking his eyes off the yellow mare. She looked away with a soft scoff. "I don't hate you nearly as much as I hate Snow. So be proud of that, Keyblade Wielder." "I...ah...Thanks?" Sora squeaked, not knowing who this Snow person was and not wanting to be him if this is how she treats people she likes. Captain Lightning simply nodded, her expression firm yet somewhat sympathetic. Without another word, she gestured for Sora to continue following her, and they resumed their journey towards the princesses' chambers, the weight of Captain Lightning's warning lingering in the air between them. Girls...really are hard to figure out... ~ The door to Princess Celestia's study was gently knocked upon, drawing the attention of the three princesses who had stayed behind when Twilight had ran to greet her friends at the castle entrance. The Princess of the Sun of the trio, upon hearing the gentle knock, looked towards the door with a gentle smile on her face. "Enter." At her command, the door opened, revealing Captain Lightning standing respectfully in the doorway. She bowed low before the princesses. "Your Highness Princess Celestia. Princess Luna and Princess Cadance too," she greeted, her voice respectful. "I have brought Sora as you requested." Celestia nodded. "Thank you, Captain Lightning. You may leave us now." she said kindly. "Please see to the rest of my little ponies back at the train station, amd make sure they are well taken care of. After you do that, please take the rest of today and tomorrow off. I can't imagine how tired you are right now." Captain Lightning nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Princess Celestia. While I will tell you I am still willing to do my part, I appreciate the offer and will take you up on it," she replied before turning to Princess Luna and Princess Cadance, bowing to them as well. "Princesses," she acknowledged. With another bow to Princess Celestia, Captain Lightning turned to leave the room, closing the door behind her as she departed with a soft click. In an instant, Celestia disappeared from her seat with a soft pop, reappearing right in front of Sora. Without hesitation, she wrapped her hooves around him in a tight, motherly hug, pulling him close to her chest. "Sora, you stupid child," Celestia's voice was gentle and filled with warmth despite her admonishing him, and clearly oblivious to his embarrassment at such an act. "Thank all of creation you are safe." Sora, taken aback by Celestia's sudden embrace and choice of words, blushed deeply, feeling a mix of surprise and embarrassment at being called a "stupid child" by the Princess of the Sun. However, he couldn't deny the warmth and sincerity in her voice, and he returned the hug, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance wash over him. "Princess Celestia," he managed to say, his voice slightly muffled from being pressed against her chest. "I... I'm sorry if I worried you. I didn't mean to cause any trouble." She frowned as she pulled away, her cheeks puffing. "What did I tell you about calling me by my name and title?" Sora chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry...ah...Tia," he corrected himself, a sheepish smile on his face. "Force of habit when I'm in trouble I guess." "You're not in trouble, Sora." Cadance mused with a small smile at her auntie's antics. "We were just worried about you, as anyone would be." "Indeed, young one, you are not in trouble at all," Luna reassured him. "We were merely concerned about your well-being, especially mine sister Tia here. She tends to be... overprotective at times as We are sure you are well aware." Celestia rolled her eyes playfully at Luna's comment, though her cheeks retained a faint pink hue from the embarrassment of being caught in such a maternal moment. "I am not overprotective, Luna," she protested lightly, though her tone held a more mirthful flare then a defensive one. Before the two sisters could dish it out between themselves, The princess of love would smile softly as she approached him. "All that aside. It really is good to see you again, Sora. Hale and whole whole less." Her gaze shifted softly towards his chest, her kind smile vanishing into a worried look. "Are you...okay?" The stallion nodded in response to Cadence's question, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm okay now," he replied, his voice calm and confident. He gently pounded the spot on his chest where he had been stabbed, a gesture meant to reassure both himself and those around him. "It's all healed now, thanks to my magic returning." Celestia's expression shifted slightly, a faint furrow forming between her brows as she processed Sora's words. Her gaze soon softened with concern as she lowered her head, her mane cascading around her like a shimmering veil. "I was...afraid of that," Celestia murmured, her voice tinged with regret. She raised her head to look at Sora. "That boy...the one inside of you. Or…Your heart I mean. He was a Keyblade Wielder, wasn't he. And he was the one that unlocked your magic...right?" "Yeah," he answered softly, meeting Celestia's gaze once more. "His name is Ventus. And you're right, he's the one who unlocked my magic and helped me regain most of the strength I lost." “I…see…” She looked away, with a sigh. After a second, she motioned towards the nearby couch. "Sora...can I examine you?" The stallion’s eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion at Celestia's request, but he nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Sure, Celestia," he replied, his voice tinged with curiosity. He followed her gesture and moved towards the nearby couch, taking a seat and waiting for her to begin her examination. The Sun Princess approached Sora with a gentle yet determined expression, her horn glowing softly as she concentrated her magic and allowed the tip of it to touch his forehead. With careful precision she began, her magic feeling warm to the touch. "Can I ask...what you're doing?" The stallion asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity as Celestia's magic enveloped him. He felt its soothing warmth spreading through the whole of body, like a comforting embrace from an old friend. Everyone was quite within the room, Cadence frowning softly and Luna looking on in silent contemplation, almost as if she knew the answer to the question Sora posed. After a while The princess pulled her magic away from him, her expression crestfallen. "I...See...So he had no other choice. I can not blame him...but…" "Celestia? What's wrong?" Sora asked, his voice filled with genuine concern as he rose from the couch, his eyes searching hers for answers. "Is something wrong with me?" "No! No...There isn't anything wrong with you." The mare quickly answered. "By all accounts, you are a perfectly healthy pony stallion." Sora nodded slowly, relieved by Celestia's words, but still puzzled by her somber demeanor. "Okay...so...what's with the long face then?" he pressed, his curiosity piqued. Before she could respond, Luna stepped forward, clicking her teeth in irritation. Not at Sora, per say, but at some unseen adversary in the distance. When she spoke, her tone of voice was…different. "The problem, dear Sora, is that you are a healthy, normal pegasus stallion," The stallion blinked in confusion, taken aback by Luna's repeat at what Celesita had just said. "I…I’m not getting it…," he admitted, furrowing his brow as he looked between Celestia and Luna now. "Sora...I..." The princess of the sun shook her head. "What Ventus did, to save you...was unlock your magic. But in order to do so, he had to unlock something that should never have been unlocked." Sora frowned deeper, having enough of this word play. "Okay...Not trying to sound mean and all but...can we not talk in riddles? You guys know I’m not the smartest, right?" Celestia was taken aback by Sora's sudden straightforward request, but she couldn't help but agree with his sentiment. This was no time for riddles or words of play. "I apologize, Sora," she said, her tone sincere. "Let me explain it more clearly." She took a deep breath before continuing. "What Ventus did to save you was unlock your magic. But in order to do so, he had to unlock something that should never have been unlocked, just like I said." Her voice carried a weight of sadness as she spoke."I was...afraid of it when I first heard about it in the letter that was sent from Captain Lightning. When Ventus's magic broke the seal, the letter said that you changed from your human form to that of your pony one with in your heart. Is that not right?" “I was…knocked out so…I don’t know…” Sora tried to grasp the gravity of Celestia's words. "But even if that did happen...what does that mean for me?" The sun princess took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "Because of what happened, there was a consequence I had not anticipated would happen," she began, her voice tinged with regret. "Remember how I told you I used my magic to turn you into a pony,” At Sora’s nod she continued. “ I also had to place a seal on part of your soul at the time. This seal was necessary to ensure that when the time came for you to return to your human form, there would be a blueprint, a guide for your transformation." "The part of your soul that I sealed contained not only the blueprint for your transformation, but also your magic," Celestia continued, her tone heavy with sorrow. "You see Sora, Your magic, as I am sure all magic outside of Equestia, is different from that of a pony's magic. It operates with a flow that interfered with our own." She paused before looking away. "It needed time to adjust." She turned back to face him. "Between your time when you first came to the castle and fell off the balcony and your time at the Crystal Empire when you used your wings to glide from rooftop to rooftop...how did it feel to use your wings?" Sora's curiosity piqued as he pondered Celestia's question about his experiences with using his wings. "Well," he began, recalling his past encounters, "Using my wings felt...good when I got to the Empire." He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I remember using my wings to glide from rooftop to rooftop. And then, in Trottingham, I used my wings to change direction in mid-air to avoid attacks a few times from those Heartless…I…but…” She nods. "That is because your magic was adjusting to that of ponies magic. In time you may have been able to use your spells outright as a pony...and keep the seal to your human self intact. That was the plan for my transformation magic I placed on you. As I had said before, back at the garden, I was going to bet my life to change you back…And…having that blueprint would have made it easier...but now..." Celestia trailed off, her voice filled with regret. Sora's heart sank as he slowly realized the implications of her words. "But now, because of Ventus unlocking my magic, the seal was broken," he finished for her. "And...My human form is...gone?" "Sora, I...I never expected that this could have happened," she admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow. "It was my stupidity that caused this, and it was my stupidity that never anticipated the consequences if something like this would have happened...I should have...I...." Sora's heart ached as he gazed at Celestia, sensing the genuine remorse in her words. Despite his own sadness and confusion, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the princess before him. "Celestia, it's okay," he reassured her softly, reaching out to gently touch her hoof. "I know you were only trying to help me. None of this is your fault." "Stop it..." The stallion gave the mare in front of him a hesitant pause. "I...huh?" "I said stop it!" Celestia near yelled at him, causing him to rear back. "You should be furious with me! Angry with me!" Sora was taken aback by Celestia's sudden outburst, his eyes widening in surprise at her unexpected change in demeanor. He recoiled slightly, feeling a mix of confusion and concern as he tried to process her words. "Celestia, I...I don't understand," he stammered, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Why would I be angry with you? You were only trying to help me, right." The princess of the sun shook her head, her expression filled with frustration and self-blame. "Because I failed you, Sora!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I failed to protect you, to keep you safe. And now, because of my actions, you've lost something precious to you. Your human form, your identity...gone because of my foolishness. It's just like with Sunset all over again...and..." "Celestia, please," he said gently, reaching out to comfort her. "You're not the one to blame here. None of us knew that would happen." "Sora's right auntie." Cadence pipped up, making her way to the princess of the sun and wrapping a hoof around her. "Yeah...it sucks...a lot... And I don't know how I'll live down Riku's and Kairi's teasing...mom might be surprised too...but..." He lowered his head. "I...I can't blame you...or anyone else for that matter. Besides…if anyone is to blame it’s m-." "SILENCE! BOTH OF YOU!" Luna interjected with a louder than normal voice he was not quite used to hearing from the mare of the moon. She stepped between them before looking at the two ponies. "Both of you, do not dare to cast blame upon yourselfs," She turned to Sora, frowning. "You are not of feeble spirit, and this plight does not rest upon your shoulders any more than it does upon Celestia's. None among us could have foreseen such a turn of events, and you must not harbor shame for the essence of your being." Sora and Celestia both fell silent, taken aback by Luna's sudden and forceful intervention. Her words echoed in the room, carrying a weight that demanded attention and respect. Luna turned towards her sister next, her expression softening slightly. "And as for you, dear sister, you must not bear the burden of guilt alone," Luna continued, her voice gentler now. "You acted with the best intentions, as we all did. None of us could have predicted this outcome." Cadence lowered the magical shield she had placed between them all to keep Luna's voice in check lest she wake the whole of Canterlot. Placing a hoof over her heart she smiled as she looked between all ponies present. "Auntie Luna is right," she said, her voice warm and comforting. "Blaming ourselves won't change anything. For now we should focus on the hear and now. but..." She looks between them all. "I think everypony that isn't a night owl needs a bit of rest." She turned to Sora. "And so, as Princess of Love and newly appointed Princess of the Crystal Kingdom, I suggest we all turn in for the night." Sora opened his mouth, as if to protest, but the stern looks from Luna and Cadence quickly silenced him. He swallowed his words, realizing the futility of arguing further. With a nod, he acquiesced to the suggestion of rest. "Yeah, you're right," Sora replied softly, his voice filled with a sense of resignation. "Rest sounds...good. I could use some sleep." Cadence nodded content with Sora's response. "Glad we are in agreement. A guard will show you to your room," she said, her tone reassuring. "And don't worry about the girls. I'll take care of them and make sure they head off to bed as well. There will be no questions from them that you have to answer, at least for tonight. Everypony needs some rest to clear their minds after all." "Right...Okay." The stallion sighed before turning towards Celestia, the older mare showing a bit of her long life she had lived the moment he saw her. He opened his mouth to speak before closing it again. He waited a second before smiling at her. "Tia. I meant what I said...So..." "I…Understand, Sora," she replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy. "Thank you...for everything. For protecting my little ponies...for forgiving an old silly mare like me." Sora offered her a warm smile, understanding the depth of her feelings. "You're welcome, Tia," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "Night." As he disappeared from view with a guard in armor, Celestia let out a heavy sigh before closeing the door to her study, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing down upon her. She turned to Luna and Cadence, her expression softening as she addressed them. "I...Thank you. Both of you for being here." She said softly. "I...I would have been able to handle his anger...but...his kindness...He's worse than the Element of KindnessI must admit...Hehe...I guess that is why she is drawn to him in such a way..." "It's no problem auntie." Cadence answered with a smile. "Indeed, sister," Luna said gently. "We're here for you, just as you've always been there for us. And as for Sora...his kindness is a testament to the goodness of his heart. He sees beyond our mistakes and forgives us, even when we struggle to forgive ourselves." She clicked her teeth. "Though I do wish he would not burn himself so much for mistakes that were no ponies fault least of all his. Reminds me of a certain big sister of mine." Celestia chuckled softly at Luna's remark. "I...wonder what big sister you are talking about." "Oh, just an old silly mare who may or may not have a tendency to be a bit hard on herself at times," she replied with a playful grin, purposefully avoiding naming Celestia directly. "But let's not dwell on the past. You have been up for a while yourself have you not, mine sister? Off to bed with you too." Celestia smiled at Luna's teasing response, appreciating her sister's attempt to lighten the mood. "Yes, perhaps you're right," she conceded with a soft chuckle. "I could use some rest myself." Turning to Cadence, she added, "Thank you again, Cadence, for your support and for looking after Sora's friends. I trust they're in good hooves with you." Cadence nodded reassuringly. "Of course, auntie. I'll make sure they're settled in for the night." With that, Celestia left, leaving Cadence and Luna alone. The princess of love turned to the older mare, smiling. "You really have your hooves full with the two of them, huh?" Luna chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, it seems we do. But they are worth every bit of effort, aren't they?" Cadence grinned, a playful glint in her eyes. "It has been quite some time since I saw Auntie take a shine to a pony like she does with Sora. Last time it was with a little filly I used to babysit. I saw the times she doted on her like she was her very own mother." Luna chuckled softly at Cadence's observation. "It seems Celestia has a soft spot for those who bring out the nurturing side of her. I would love to hear more about young Twilight's time in mine sister's tutelage sometime." "Oh the stories I could tell you." She smirked. "Enough to embarrass both of them of course." Luna smirked. "I dearly look forward to it, young niece." > The Timid mare and the Princess > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul The Timid mare and the Princess Canterlot Castle Early morning within one of the guest rooms The first tendrils of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange as the timid yellow mare stirred from her deep slumber. The gentle warmth of the sun's light kissed her cheeks, coaxing her awake from the depths of her dreams. With a soft yawn, Fluttershy blinked away the remnants of sleep, her mind slowly emerging from the comforting embrace of unconsciousness. But even as she rose to greet the new day, the heavy weight that was lifted from her heart upon drifting off into sleep settled upon her heart once again, dragging her down into a sea of doubt and regret. Memories flooded her mind like a relentless tide, each one a painful reminder of the trials she had faced alongside Sora and her friends, no matter if they were good or bad. And alongside those memories came the crushing weight of guilt. Guilt for pushing Sora away when she believed herself to be the cause of his latest injury and guilt her own insecurities driving a wedge between them. She wanted to cry again, but she knew that it wouldn't change anything. Crying and whining and dwelling on the past wouldn't bring Sora back to her. Or bring her back to Sora. But what else could she do? She wanted time to think, it was the reason she had told Rarity to tell Sora to wait for her to come to him, but now what? She had all this time and has yet to come to any real decision on anything, let alone her feelings for Sora. A gentle knock upon her door pulled the young mare out of her silent reverie. Fluttershy's ears perked up, and she hurriedly wiped away her unshed tears, plastering a small smile on her face. "I…um…Come in," she called softly, hoping to mask the trembling in her voice. With a gentle click it opens, revealing the lavender form of Twilight Sparkle, the young unicorn giving the mare a gentle smile as she poked her head from around the opened doorn. "Good morning, Fluttershy," Twilight greeted warmly, her violet eyes quickly taking in the yellow mare’s disheveled appearance. "Oh! I hope I didn't wake you." The timid mare shook her head, her smile faltering slightly as she met Twilight's gaze. "Um…No, not at all, Twilight. I was...just getting up honestly.” She tilted her head. “Is something the matter?" "No. At least nothing important that is.” Her friend reassured her. “I was just...um...I wanted to know if you were up for getting some food with me and the girls. We were planning on going into town and I thought...you know...why not not breakfast out to eat? It's been a while since most of us were together like this after all. What with all the craziness going on." "Oh...Um...I don't mind." Fluttershy agreed. "I...um...I need to freshen up though..." Twilight's smile brightened at Fluttershy's tentative agreement. "Great! And take your time, Fluttershy. We'll wait for you downstairs," she said cheerfully before pulling the door closed as she left. With her friend now gone, Fluttershy let out a small sigh of relief. The prospect of spending time with her friends offered a welcome distraction from the turmoil swirling within her heart. Gathering her resolve, she rose from her bed and made her way to the bathroom. Splashing cool water on her face, the yellow pegasus took a moment to collect her thoughts. She couldn't shake the weight of guilt that hung heavily upon her shoulders, nor the ache of longing that tugged at her heartstrings. But for now, she pushed those feelings aside, focusing instead on the simple pleasure of spending time with her best friends. Finishing her morning routine, the young mare made her way down towards the main hall of Canterlot Castle, spying not just Twilight and Rarity, but also Rainbow Dash and Trixie too, the latter two, of which, were having an argument of some kind. The shy mare took a hesitant step forward, her presence going unnoticed amidst the heated exchange between her best friend and the unicorn showmare, Twilight and Rarity being the only one’s to notice her approached when she slipped between the two. She watched as Rainbow Dash's wings flared out, feathers ruffled with frustration, while Trixie crossed her hooves defiantly, a smirk playing on her lips. “Did I touch a nerve, Rainbow Dash?” Trixie mused, “Must have if you are this angry with Trixie over such a little comment.” "Listen here, Trixie!" The rainbow mane mare nearly yelled. "If I have to-" "Um...excuse me?" Fluttershy spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper, but carrying enough weight to capture the attention of both the showmare and her friend. The tension in the air seemed to dissipate as they turned their attention towards the timid mare. Rainbow’s expressions softened, and her wings folding back against her sides while Trixie looked away with a huff. "Fluttershy, hey!" Rainbow Dash greeted, her tone of voice much calmer than before. "Ah...how's it going?" The shy mare looked away for only a second before giving her friend a gentle yet meaningful gaze. "I...Um...I don't know what you two are...arguing about...and I know we all had our differences...but...I think it would be nice if we could all get along today...if that's okay with you." Rainbow Dash's frowned as she glanced over at Trixie, who seemed to be contemplating Fluttershy's words if nothing else. After a moment of silence, The rainbow mare sighed and nodded begrudgingly. Rainbow frowned but soon relented. "Ugh...fine." She turned towards the blue unicorn. "Truce?" "Hmph, fine," Trixie muttered. "But only because Sora's mare asked so nicely." "Oh! B-But I'm not...I mean...that's..." Fluttershy stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the show mare’s description of her, doing her best to hide behind the pink curtain that was her mane. “I…um…hhmmhm…” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, rolled her eyes at her friend. "Don’t pay attention to her, Fluttershy. We know you're not 'Sora's mare',” She paused and couldn’t help but add the word “yet," at the end of her sentence. The shy mare, herself, couldn’t help but mumble something under her breath at her friend’s remark. Before Rainbow could ask what it was she just said, Twilight interjected between them. "Okay everypony. Now that everyone is gathered, how about we get going now. I know the perfect spot to eat, and it's close to my home so we can stop by after we eat. Been meaning to visit the family anyway." She turned towards Trixie with a smile. "I...um...The offer still stands if you want to come with us, Trixie." "No thank you, Sparkle," the mare answered, her voice her usual haughty tone when she addressed the lavender unicorn. "But Trixie has my own mother to visit in Canterlot, and it's been far too long since Trixie has seen her." She pauses before looking away from them. "But...Trixe will say thank you for the offer. It is what Sora would want from Trixie for being his friend after all." She huffed before trotting away, leaving the rest of the girls alone. “Ugh…” Rainbow rolled her eyes once again, something that was becoming quite common when she was around Trixie. “She really is taking that whole friend thing too seriously.” “Oh I say let the mare be.” Rarity mused. “Besides, it might do her some good to be friends with our, Sora. She seems like the type that doesn’t have too many friends after all and he just might be the perfect balance for that.” "I...um...Speaking of Sora.” Fluttershy timidly spoke up. “Is...I mean. Will he be coming with us?" “Don’t get me started on, Spiky.” Rainbow answered with a huff. “The dolt’s still in his room.” The shy mare breathed a sigh of relief at that answer. She had not wanted to see the stallion yet...but...a gentle ping in her heart could still be felt at being away from him once again. After processing her feelings, Fluttershy nodded slowly before her expression turned to one of concern. "I see...I...Um...was he...doing okay when you checked on him?" She looked away. “I-If you don’t mind me asking that is…” "He..." Rainbow paused before shaking her head, shrugging. "I don't know. I knocked on his door but he said he wanted to rest a bit more and didn’t want to be bothered. Something about not feeling up to going out today or something." She huffed. "You ask me, he's trying to get out of talking about what Celestia told him last night." "Now Rainbow Dash, don't go making accusations like that without real evidence." Rarity chimed in, her tone gentle but firm. "Sora is going through a lot right now like the rest of us, and we should respect his need for space if that is what he needs to do to cope with it. Perhaps he just needs time to process everything he learned from Princess Celestia." Fluttershy nodded. "I…um…I think I agree with Rarity," she murmured softly. "I'm just..." She trailed off, looking down. “I’m just worried about him…” Twilight placed a comforting hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "I wouldn't worry too much about Sora. He's proven to be no less than a strong stallion. I'm sure he'll come to us when he's ready." Fluttershy offered a small nod, though her worry still lingered in the depths of her eyes. "I know, Twilight. I just...I wish there was something more I could do to help him." "We all do, darling." Rarity mused softly. "But as of now all we can do is wait. It is what he's doing for you after all." "And listen. If he is still holed up in his room like a turtle I’ll be sure to check in on him." Rainbow said before turning to the purple unicorn before she could interject. "And I won’t drag him out if he doesn’t feel like talking. Happy?" "You...you're not...I mean...You aren't going to tell me to do it myself...like last time on the train?" Fluttershy asked her friend in a timid tone. "Naw..." The rainbow mane mare said, looking away as she scratched the back of her head. "I mean...It sucks you don't want to but...Sora did say he would wait for you so..." Fluttershy nodded, her heart fluttering at the mention of Sora waiting for her. Despite the anxiety that crept up within her, the thought of seeing him again brought a small smile to her face. She smiled at her friend. "T-Thank you." Rainbow Scoffed. "No need for thanks, Shy. though being the messenger mare is a total pain in the flank you guys are my friends so its whatevs." She raised her head, clapping both of her forehooves together. "But enough about Spiky! I'm hungry enough to eat a cake as big as the Princesses." "Did somepony say Princess?" The four girls turned with a start, finding a familiar pink princess making her way towards them. "Cadance!" Twilight exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be in a meeting with Celestia for quite some time this morning." “Haha. She let me off early for good behavior.” Cadance joked before she smiled warmly at Twilight and the group. "On my way through the halls, I couldn't help but overhear that you were all planning to go into town for some breakfast, so I thought I'd join you if that's alright." Twilight nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, Cadance! We'd love to have you join us." She turned towards her friends. “Right girls?” The others all chimed in with agreements, welcoming Princess Cadance to their group with opened hooves. Cadance couldn’t help but smile as she looked between them/. "Then if it's alright with all of you, I'll pay for today's meal." The lavender mare shook her head. "Cadance. You don't have to. I've brought enough bits for all of us." "Please Twilight. Humor me this one time." The princess said with a playful wink. "You girls saved me not once, but Twice. At my wedding and at the Crystal Empire. Let me at least show you how grateful I am to have friends like you." Twilight and her friends couldn’t help but blush at the princess’s words. Twilight coughed into her hoof before looking between the others. With nods from everyone, she turned back towards her former babysitter. "Well, if you insist, Cadance. We wouldn't want to refuse your generosity." "Indeed." Rarity mused with a smirk. "It almost feels like you are trying to become the new Element of Generosity in my stead." Cadance chuckled at the fashionista’s playful remark. "Oh, I don't think I could ever replace you in that department, Rarity. But I do believe in showing gratitude and kindness whenever I can." Rarity smiled graciously at the princess. "Well, as the current said element then, your generosity is certainly appreciated, my dear." "Well with that settled." Rainbow interjected. "What are we waiting for? Applejack and Pinkie Pie to show? Lets get some grub already." As the group made their way down the marble streets of Canterlot, the morning’s sun cast a warm glow over them as it rose higher and higher into the blue skys. The laughter and chatter of ponies filled the air, blending harmoniously with the fluttering of wings and the clip-clop of hooves. Twilight was in front of the group alongside Rarity, the former filling the latter in on the current events ever since the purple unicorn had made her way to Canterlot some days ago. Rainbow, flying above them all, seemed content to be on her own, just following after the others with gentle flaps of her wings. The last two, Fluttershy and Cadance, had taken up the rear, the latter of the two having fallen behind the others to keep pace with the shy mare. The princess smiled softly as her gaze flickered towards Fluttershy. "We haven't really talked that much, have we, Fluttershy?" Fluttershy's ears perked up at Cadance's gentle remark, and she turned to meet the princess's gaze with a shy smile. "Um, no, not really. I mean, there was the wedding...oh...but...Most of that wasn't you..." She squeaked softly. "Sorry..." The pink alicorn giggled softly, a warm expression forming on her face. "No need to apologize, Fluttershy. The wedding was quite a hectic event for everyone involved. But I'm glad we have this chance to chat now. Maybe even become good friends like I am with Twilight?" "Oh...um...I…I would like that." the timid mare answered with a gentle nod. "You were really nice and kind back at the wedding and everything. I did wish I could have talked to you a bit more too. But I did see that Shining wasn't letting you out of his sights the whole night...and I didn't want to bother you." Cadance's smile softened, and she placed a reassuring hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. "You're very considerate, Fluttershy. But please don't ever feel like you're bothering me. I'm always happy to spend time with friends, new or old, whether it's at a busy event like a wedding or just a quiet stroll through town." Fluttershy nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Cadance. That means a lot to me." "Anytime, Fluttershy." The princess’s gaze fell back forward, but only for a few moments before she gazed at the yellow mare with a side eye. "So...Sora, huh?" The timid mare nearly tripped over herself at the mention of the stallion's name, the princess of love laughing softly as he caught the tumbling mare in her magic, before putting her back into a walking position. Cadance winked. "Hehe. Got it in one, hmm?" Fluttershy’s cheeks turned a rosy hue at the teasing from Cadance. "I-I...um...I mean...Sora is...he's just...uh..." She stumbled over her words, her gaze flitting nervously towards the ground. The pink princess raised a hoof to hide the soft giggles she was producing. “Don't tell me you are actually trying to fool the Princess of love." she mused softly. "I mean…The way you were always near him and wanting to talk to him back at the barn party, there was no way I wouldn't have noticed such a thing." "W-wait...you knew...all the way back then?" the yellow mare asked with a soft gasp. "B-But I...I mean I didn't even..." "It's not that hard to see when two ponies care about each other, at least when it comes to me. The way you look at him, the way you worry about him... it was written all over your face back then...and still is now. Besides, love doesn't just happen like flipping a switch. I would have been surprised if you knew right away you liked him." Fluttershy's cheeks felt like they were on fire, the blush spreading all the way to her ears as she tried to process Cadance's words. She couldn't deny the truth in them, but hearing it so plainly spoken out loud made her heart race with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "So..." the princess mused as she leaned in. "How did it feel? When did you found out?" Fluttershy's heart fluttered nervously at Cadance's question, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words to express her feelings. "Um... it was... overwhelming, I guess. I-I mean, I didn't really understand what I was feeling at first. But then, as I spent more time with Sora, I realized that... um... I cared about him deeply. And... it felt... nice. But also scary." The princess laughed again. "Oh my...sounds just like what I went through with Shining when I first found how I felt about him." Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise at Cadance's revelation, her cheeks flushing even deeper at the thought of the princess experiencing similar feelings. "R-Really? You felt the same way about Shining Armor?" Cadance nodded with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with fond memories. "Yes, it was quite a whirlwind of emotions, I’ll tell you. I remember feeling a mix of excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty. But above all, there was this overwhelming sense of love and affection that I couldn't ignore." She smirked. "Don't tell Twily this but she's only half the reason I took the baby sitting job. The other reason was to get close to Shining Armor." "Oh my...Um..." She paused before looking at the mare. "So...you two started dating right away?" "As if!" Cadance groaned with a roll of her eyes. "My Shiny has many great qualities and I love him to bits. But...I had never met a more dense stallion in my life." The shy mare couldn't help but giggle at the princess's exasperated expression. "D-Dense? Really?" Cadance nodded, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh yes, he was completely clueless. It took some not-so-subtle hints and a lot of patience before he finally realized my feelings for him. But once he did, well, the rest is history." She smiled. "You're lucky in a way. You don't have to wait forever and a year before you're stallion knows you like him." The yellow mare lowered her head at that, the weight she felt this morning slowly returning. "I...I don't feel lucky about it." The mood between them grew somber at the shy mare's statement. Cadance, despite that, smiled softly at the young mare. "And why do you say that Fluttershy?" Fluttershy hesitated, her gaze fixed on the ground as she gathered her thoughts. "I... I guess...I mean...I..." The princess of love shook her head before raising a hoof, causing the timid and uncertain mare to become quiet. She then winked at her. "Would you allow me to guess? Maybe make a small game of it. It always helps me when I need to convey my feelings. All you have to do is nod or shake your head okay?" While hesitant at first, she shy mare slowly nodded at the Princess’s proposal, wondering where this was all going for her. "Right. First question then. And an easy one boot." Cadance smiled. "Do you love Sora with all your heart?" Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise at the directness of Cadance's question, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before giving a hesitant nod, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink. "Okay. Good." Her smile faltered ever so slightly. "This next one is more personal, then. Are you okay with me asking?" Fluttershy's gaze flickered with uncertainty, but she managed a small nod, trusting Cadance to navigate this sensitive territory with kindness and understanding. "Do you feel like you shouldn't love him?" breath caught in her throat, the timid mare couldn’t help but squeak softly at the question, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and apprehension. She hesitated for a moment before slowly lowering and raising her head in a very sad affirmative. The princess of love closed her eyes at that, nodding softly as if she had already knew the answer before continuing. "Then…If I had to guess with a question…Is it because of what happened in Trottingham?" Fluttershy's eyes began to glisten with unshed tears at the mention of that dreaded time, a place she had tried to forget but whose memories lingered like ghosts in her heart. She nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her past mistakes pressing down on her fragile spirit. "I see..." Cadance smiled softly. "Fluttershy. Can I tell you a story?" Fluttershy sniffled, wiping away a tear as she looked up at Princess Cadance. "Back when I was captured by the Changeling Queen. She taunted me nonstop.Showed me with the Crystal’s magic what she was doing to hurt my Shining at the time of my imprisonment" She shook her head. "Unable to do anything, all I could do was watch. A case made worse because she did it all in my form.” Fluttershy listened intently, her heart aching for Cadance as she recounted her painful experience. She could sense the vulnerability and insecurity beneath the princess's confident exterior, recognizing in Cadance's words a reflection of her own doubts and fears. "I...when I was saved...and we defeated the Queen. I know I looked happy and full of rainbows but..." She lowered her head. "A part of me could still see the me that wasn't me hurting my Shiny, and that I was powerless to stop any of it...and because of that...I...I didn't feel worthy of his love. All because I couldn't protect him from that...Changeling." She looked towards the shy mare. "So…I say all that because I think I know how you feel right now. About Sora. But more importantly…about yourself" "I…i…," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "After Trottingham, I couldn't help but blame myself for what happened to Sora. I felt like I failed him, like I wasn't strong enough to protect him from harm. And... and because of that...Just like you…" She trailed off. The princess nodded. "I understand. And just like you are feeling now, my mind was coming up with hundreds of reasons to break off everything. To end it so I don't hurt him because of my insecurities. But the night of the wedding, when I came to him to talk about it, before I could even get a word out he smiled and told me that he loved me." She shook her head. "It hurt to hear but it also made me the happiest mare alive. I knew we would have to talk about it. We still do honestly. I wasn't the only one hurting that day after all, but I knew, after looking deep into his eyes on that day...that I wanted to spend the rest of my days with that kind, dense stallion." Cadance's gaze fell back to the shy mare. "So...I can't tell you want to do in the end, it is your choice, but...I can give you a bit of advice. Go think about all you want to say to him. Don't hold back. And then, when you are ready, go see him and look him in the eyes and then...say what's in your heart." "I…” The mare hesitated before nodding slowly. “I…I don’t know if I can be as brave as you were…but…I'll take your advice to heart..." The yellow mare said softly. "And...um...Thank you...I know you didn't have to tell me about any of this but..." Cadance laughed softly. "Don’t mention it. It is the duty of the Princess of Love to help all those in need of guidance." Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at the princess’s lighthearted response, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort in the princess's presence. Despite the weight of their conversation, the shy mare's anxieties and doubts were at least a bit more bearable. Said princess looked forwards before gasping softly. "Oh. Seems the girls are waiting on us." The shy mare followed her gaze, seeing her friends looking towards the two of them in front of a little restaurant named Donut Jo's. The same place that the girls went to on the night of the disastrous Gala Night, the smell of fresh baked goods wafting through the opened doors. With a small epp, the yellow mare ran just a little bit faster to catch up to them, Cadance smiling softly before shaking her head. "Right. Balls in your court now Sora." > Pancakes and Sunshine > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Pancakes and Sunshine Canterlot Castle An hour or so earlier... Despite having awoken before the brake of dawn, Sora stayed trapped between the soft satin sheets upon his bed, trying to process the whirlwind of information that had been thrown at him the night before. He couldn't believe it—his human form lost to him? It seemed surreal, almost impossible. But the events of the previous night, the encounter with Celestia and her explanation, he couldn't doubt someone who held such sorrow in her heart...in her voice. He shifted uncomfortably in the soft, unfamiliar bedding of the guest room. The room itself was luxurious, fit for a prince or princess, but that only added to the weight of his situation. What was he supposed to do now? What was his mother going to say...his friends...Donald...Goofy...Riku and... He paused as he turned his body to lay on his side as he pondered further. Beyond that though, what does that mean for what he has to do? To be sure he wasn't not going to continue to help Celestia rid her world of Darkness. He may have lost his human form but that doesn’t stop him from doing what's right. And then...there was...her... Fluttershy. He couldn't help but feel even more conflicted than he had been before as his thoughts flew back to the shy timid and…he can honestly say cute mare. Fluttershy loved him, that much he knew, even when she found out that he wasn't born a pony she confessed to him. Sure he was on the verge of death at the time but she held true to it, even if she is conflicted herself for other reasons. But what about him now? Do I...love her? Heck do I even like her? Is this pony body making me like her? Were any of my feelings real...or not? Sora sighed softly as he shifted in the bed, his mind swirling with questions and doubts. He couldn't deny the connection he felt with Fluttershy, the warmth that blossomed in his chest whenever he thought of her, even now. But was that because he was a pony now? Before the stallion could ponder further, a knock upon his door caused him to sit up. He blinked before opening his mouth to say something, stopping only when the words were on the tip of his tongue. Maybe...they will go away? "Sora. Don't think I don't hear you moving around in there." He groaned. Of course it was Rainbow Dash. Knowing the blue pegasus wouldn't let him off easy if he didn’t say something he mustered his brain to make him talk. "Hey, Dash...ah...what's up?" The stallion called out, sitting up in his bed. "You're not opening the door for me, that's what's up." The mare answered with a huff. "What's the deal? You know it's me so open up already." Sora sighed softly before looking away from the door. He didn't want to be rude but... "Hey Dash?" He hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Listen...do you mind if I have some time to myself right now." Rainbow Dash's hoof paused mid-air, hovering just outside Sora's door. She blinked, taken aback by his request, before planting it firmly on the ground, a sound clearly heard by the stallion as he flinched at the noise it made. "Whoa, hold on a sec, Sora," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you trying to run away from talking about what Celestia told you last night?" The stallion winced again.. "No, it's not that, Dash," he replied, turning back towards the door to face her voice. "It's just... I need some time to myself. Honest. Besides, it..." He lowered his head, not quite knowing what to say or how to say it. Shaking his head he spoke again. "I promised to tell you...but I need more time okay?" It was quite for a long while before he heard something thud against the door. He didn’t know what it was, but was sure it was some part of the Rainbow maned pony outside of it. "Okay...fine.” Her voice rang out, not defeated but nearly so. “Just...if you come up with some stupid half backed plan on disappearing on us then I'm hauling your sorry flank back to Canterlot and telling the princess to lock you away in the dungeon." Sora couldn't help but chuckle softly at Rainbow Dash's threat. Least he knew she was okay with it. "I got ya. No running away for me, okay?" Rainbow grumbled softly. "Good. Then I better catch you outside your room later, okay Spiky?" Sora nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "You got it, Dash. I'll be out there." With that, Rainbow Dash trotted away down the hallway, leaving Sora alone in his thoughts once again. He took a moment to collect himself before allowing his back to hit the bed once more. Talking to his friend actually did lighten his mood a bit, enough for him to even think that he might have a bit of a restful nap compared to last night's fretful sleep. Closing his eyes, he was about to drift off for an early morning nap when another knock came to his door. The stallion sighed as he opened his eyes, sitting up once again. "Did you forget something, Dash?" "Oh...Ummm...I do not think she did. At least not that I can see around me." The stallion blinked at the voice that definitely wasn't the rainbow maned mare. Slipping from his bed. He quickly opened the door to find Princess Celestia, smiling softly at him, her usual adornments absent from her being. "Good morning, Sora," The princess mused gently, "May I come in?" He hesitated for only a moment. He had wanted some time to himself...But he knew he couldn't keep Celestia waiting outside his door. With a nod, he stepped aside, allowing her to enter the room proper. Doing so he found a food tray floating listlessly in behind her with pancakes of all things. He blinked at the floating food being placed upon his table before catching the mare's gaze upon him. "I...ah...Morning...ah...Tia," Sora greeted, stepping towards the table, raising an eyebrow. "This looks good. Is it all for you?" "Do you think that I'm that fat Sora?" The princess asked with a raised eyebrow of her own. An action that caused the poor stallion to immediately regret his words. "No, no, I didn't mean that! I just meant...uh..." He rubbed the back of his head, an apologetic smile forming on his face. T-Then does that mean all of this is for…?" He trailed, scratching his cheek. "Hmm...Hahaha..." Celestia's melodious laugh filled the room before she turned back to the stallion, a mischievous smile on her face. "I was only teasing, Sora. And yes, this breakfast is indeed for the both of us. I thought it would be nice for us to share a meal..." She paused before looking away, her expression now more cautious. "I-If you would have me of course. If you wish to be alone then..." Sora quickly shook his head, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "No, no! I don't mind Tia. Looks too good not to share it. Sides, I could eat something." Pulling out the nearby chair, he slipped into it, the princess following after him with her own. "Okay...then...Allow me." Slowly but surely, the princess of the sun began to work, her magic passing out portions of the pancakes and fruits between them. The aroma of fresh pancakes and syrup filled the air, making Sora's stomach growl in anticipation, and remind him just how hungry he actually was. The fruits gave off a sweet and tangy scent, while the scrambled eggs had a rich and savory smell. With plates made, the princess, without hesitation, began to dig in, a soft hmm of satisfaction escaping her as she chewed and swallowed the first bite. "It has been a while since I've eaten with somepony in such a casual way. With you hear, I thought it might be a nice change of pace to do so with somepony I don't have to put on airs around." "Really?" The stallion asked, picking up a nearby fork stabbing it into the fluffy flat cake. As he took a bite of the pancakes, He was met with a burst of sweetness and warmth in his mouth. He turned towards the mare, his eyes sparkling softly, "Thish ish delishioush, Prinshessh!" Sora complimented with a grin. "Hehe...thank you, Sora." The mare mused softly, stiffening a laugh. "But do chew and swallow before talking. The food isn't going anywhere and neither am I after all." The stallion nodded sheepishly, taking another bite of his pancakes and savoring the delicious flavor before swallowing. "Sorry about that," he said with a sheepish grin. "I guess I got a little too excited." Celestia smiled fondly at him, her gaze softening with affection. "No need to apologize, Sora. I'm just happy to see you enjoying my cooking." "Back to what I was asking before though. Do you eat alone most of the time? What about Luna?" Celestia's smile faltered slightly at the mention of Luna, but she quickly regained her composure. "Luna and I do share meals together occasionally, but our schedules often keep us apart," she explained, her tone tinged with a hint of sadness. "As rulers of Equestria, we have many responsibilities to attend to, and sometimes that means dining alone." She sighed. "I don't even get to share the funny face pancakes with my little sister like I use to back in the day." "I guess that would suck..." The keyblade wielder said sympathetically, taking another bite of his pancakes. "But hey, guess that just means more for me and you while I'm here right?" Celestia nodded. "hehe...indeed." The two fell into a comfortable silence as they began to eat properly, both mare and stallion just, enjoying the food before them As they continued to eat, Sora, despite himself, couldn't help but notice the tiny, almost imperceptible lines of exhaustion etched across Celestia's face. She had always carried herself with grace and confidence, but now there was a weariness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. At least, since the times he had met her. Even her playful tone from before was more lack luster then he thought it could ever be. And he pretty much he knew all too well why. Sitting back he looked at the princess for a long while, an action that did not go unnoticed by the tall white mare. She lifted her head up ever so slowly, before looking away, swallowing the food she had in her maw. "So...ah...Sleep well?" "Enough I guess." He shrugged. "What about you, Tia?" "I managed," she replied with a faint smile, though the weariness in her voice betrayed her words. "A rulers work is never done after all." "I see..." Sora knew he was a bit of an idiot in most things, but he knew when a friend needed someone to talk to and Celestia looked no different. He folded his hooves across his chest, "So...Gonna tell me the real reason you're here?" Princess Celestia's smile faded, and she sighed softly. "You're quite perceptive today, Sora," she admitted. "Or maybe I'm losing my touch..." "I have my moments...especially when I know my friends are hurting." Much to the stallion's surprise, the squeak she made at his words was quite adorable. "You...ah...Call me friend still?" Her tone felt hopeful, even if it was tinged in worry. "That never changed as far as I'm concerned." He told the mare with a wink. "I mean...sure...everything was a lot to take in last night, and...I honestly don't know what I will do when this is all over and the Heartless are gone." He looked down at himself. "I mean...Donald and Goofy are a duck and a dog so going around as a pony doesn't sound like the worst thing in the world. I can manage that." He sighed. "I am kinda worried what mom will say when she sees me though, let alone Riku and Kairi." "If you are that concerned...I can come with you when you return home to explain things." She said softly. "I mean it is partly my fault you are stuck like this. Maybe...I could turn some of her ire towards me." "Knowing how my mom is? She'll be pissed for about a week and lecture you every day." Sora laughed. "I mean, you may be a thousand year old mare but my mom is way scarier then you might ever be." "If it is the price I have to pay then I shall surely pay it," she said playfully. "Besides, it's the least I can do after all you've done to help protect Equestria and its inhabitants. And don’t worry, a little motherly rath is something I'm kind of used to honestly. You should see Twilight's mom." The stallion smiled brightly. "Haha...I'll take your word for it. Also...good to see you smile again, Tia. You look better when you are happy. The princess giggled softly. "I could...hehe...I could say the same to you, Sora. A smile better suits somepony as kind as you." He blushed as he rubbed the back of his head, "Then...I guess we both needed a little reminder of that...huh?" "True...still, leaving it at just pancakes, last nights apology and sacrificing myself to you're mother's rage doesn't quite sit well with me." She leaned forward. "So I came with a gift. Or more like...a wish." The stallion’s curiosity piqued as he leaned in closer, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "A wish? What kind of wish?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder. "You can ask me for anything and I'll do my best to give it to you. It's the least I can do for everything. For what you done for us and what you had to sacrifice because of my mistakes." Sora hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities. He had never been given a wish before, and the thought of having something granted to him felt both exhilarating and overwhelming. But in that moment, as he looked into Princess Celestia's kind, weary eyes, he knew exactly what he wanted to ask for. "I...Its not really a wish but...I do have something I want...if that's okay?" Princess Celestia nodded, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Of course, Sora," she replied, her voice gentle and encouraging. "You can ask me anything." "I..." He paused, leaning back in his chair and looking down. "I need some advice..." "Advice?" She asked, with a tilt of her head. "Well if it is something I am knowledgeable in then I am happy to lend it to you." She smiled softly as she leaned forwards, her hooves resting upon the table before her. "What seems to be the trouble?" "I...well..." he sighed. "I honestly don't know where to start." He looked towards the mare. "But...I guess I can go with...ah..." He paused as he rubbed the back of his head once again. "If...Grogar came to you the same way he did me...what would you have done?" Princess Celestia's expression softened as she listened to his question, her gaze thoughtful as she considered his words. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. "That...is a tough question to answer," she began gently, "What you had faced with Grogar was an incredibly difficult situation, and the decision you had to make was undoubtedly a challenging one." She paused. "If I were in your position, faced with the threat of my friends' safety and the weight of such a heavy burden, I can't say I would have done what you did, Grogar is a dangerous foe, one that should not be taken lightly. If there was even a sliver of a chance to destroy him…I would have taken it…." Before Sora could speak, she raised a hoof. "And yet...knowing that…I know you acted with the best intentions and with the safety of your friends at heart. With that in mind, I can honestly say you did nothing wrong." "I..." The stallion shook his head, "I mean...you might be right but...I still feel like I could have done more..." Princess Celestia reached across the table and placed a comforting hoof on The keyblade Wielder’s shoulder. "It's natural to feel that way in hindsight, especially when you care so deeply about your friends. But I want you to remember that you are only one person, and you can't always bear the weight of the world on your shoulders alone, even if you try your hardest to do so." She squeezed his shoulder gently. "You did what you thought was right in that moment, and that's all anyone can ask of you." "I..." Sora closed his eyes and gently laughed. "I understand...Tia. And Thanks. Guess I just...I needed that." "Always happy to help Sora." She smiled. "Though...I somehow feel that isn't the only question you needed answered." The stallion balked before looking away. "Ah...I mean...I guess not. But...Didn't want to bother you with it if I could help it..." It was Celestia's turn to laugh. "Which means this one is a bit more personal, is it?" "It...is..." He took a deep breath, his expression serious as he met Celestia's gaze. "It's about Fluttershy," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "There's so much going on right now and...I... I'm not sure how to handle my feelings for her in the midst of all of this." Princess Celestia leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "Ah, young love," she said, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "These feelings can be quite perplexing, can't they?" Sora nodded, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "I…Don’t know…maybe," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I mean, Fluttershy is amazing. She's kind, gentle, and she has this incredible way of connecting with animals and making them feel safe. In all of our walks together, I’ve watched her talk to a bear. Tell off a badger…and I saw her pet a snake like she would a puppy...Pretty sure it was a viper too." He shook his head, getting back on topic, "But...Even if I feel that way, I don't know if I can even trust my own feelings...because...well...of how I got to Equestia in the first place..." "Oh...I see now." the concerned look she had when he had began softened. "I guess It would be natural to question the origin of your feelings, especially in a situation as unique as yours," she replied, her tone gentle and reassuring. "But tell me, Sora, why do you feel that your feelings for Fluttershy may not be genuine?" "I don't...I don't know. Because I...Maybe the magic did something to my brain..." He said softly looking away from her. "N-Not that I'm blaming you are anything its just..." He paused, looking away form the mare. "Sorry..." Princess Celestia shook her head gently, her expression softening with empathy as she listened to his concerns. "Sora, you have every right to doubt yourself, especially in a situation as unusual as this," she said, her voice filled with understanding. "But I want you to know that I never tampered with your mind or your feelings. Using magic to influence someone's emotions is forbidden for a reason, and I would never violate that trust." She reached out a hoof and placed it gently on Sora's, offering him a reassuring squeeze. "Everything you've felt, from the moment you met Fluttershy to now, is entirely of your own volition," she continued, her tone gentle and sincere. "Your feelings are genuine and valid, regardless of the circumstances that led to them." The stallion stared down at their hooves, processing Celestia's words. His mind swirled with conflicting emotions, now more then ever. Every second that he had spent with Fluttershy replayed in his mind and...they were all his feelings, even if he was still unsure about him and the timid mare. Sora wanted to smile but he couldn't help but look away. "I...I don't even know if I love her like she does me. I've never had someone love me like this before. I've...I never..." "You don't have to love her back like she loves you, Sora." Princess Celestia answered. "Love is not a transaction, where you give back exactly what you receive. It's a journey of discovery, filled with ups and downs, and it may take time for your own feelings to catch up. I'm sure it took Fluttershy a long while to come up with her own decision about you, and she looks like the kind of mare to wait for your answer, no matter what it may be." "I guess you're right," The keyblade wielder murmured, looking down. "Love is...complicated, huh?" "I wish it wasn't so...but if it wasn't then I wouldn't wish to have it in my life at all." She chuckled softy. "I...ahaha...I hope that made sense. Kinda was just winging it for that saying." He couldn't help but chuckle at Celestia's playful remark, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders. "I think I get the jest of it," He sighs again before smiling. "There's a lot I have to think about now...but that's something I think I have to do on my own. Still, thanks for the help, Tia." "It's not a problem at all, Sora. Remember, you're never truly alone in your struggles. Your friends are always there for you, and...me being one of them...so am I," Princess Celestia reassured him with a warm smile. She slipped from the table, picking up the dirty plates from between them with her magic. "I'll leave you to your thinking now though...it was nice...talking to you Sora. As it always is. Thank you for indulging me today." The mare, with barely a sound. Pop out of existence, right before his eyes, almost as if she was never there to begin with. The stallion sat alone at the table, his thoughts swirling with newfound clarity. "Not sure if I'll ever be ready when I see her still...but..." He trailed off before looking towards the blue of the sky out the nearby window, the cool morning air blowing ever so softly. > A Day of Relaxation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul A day of Relaxation City of Canterlot Late Morning Five mare exited from Donut Joe's, each one satisfied after their hearty breakfast from within. Rainbow Dash, content as she was, gracefully landed on her hooves before sitting on her haunches, a blue hoof patted her belly with a satisfied grin. "Now that was a breakfast fit for a champion.” She turned towards the pink pony behind her. “Or should I say princess. Thanks for fitting the bill by the way Princess Cadance." Cadance released a soft laugh from behind her raised hoof. "Hehee. Anytime Rainbow...and please, call me Cadance. We are among friends after all." The brash mare smirked."Hey if being friends with you means eating like a princess then I'm all for it." "Now Dash, do be careful with that line of thinking," Rarity mused. "Wouldn't want to ruin your athletic figure after all." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes playfully. "Come on Rarity. You know me. I burn off these calories in ten seconds flat!" She smiled before turning towards Fluttershy, placing a hoof around her friend’s shoulder. "Now, If you wanna talk about somepony who can pack it away, then you might wanna turn to the yellow vacuum over here." Said mare blushed brightly at the blue mare’s teasing. "Well, I...I mean...I hadn't really eaten much the past day or two so...," she admitted doing her best to hide behind the fringes of her mane. "I guess with things calming down and my head...a little less of a mess...my hunger caught up to me..." "I know how you feel Fluttershy.” Twilight sympathized, “ We've all been through quite the ordeal lately," She gave the timid mare a knowing glance, "Still out of all of us...I'm glad you are feeling a lot better then when I first saw you at the castle last night." Fluttershy timidly rubbed her foreleg in embarrassment. "I...um...Thank you Twilight. And yes...I...do feel alot better now." She turned towards Cadance. "And thank you Cadance...for everything." The princess of love winked at the timid mare. "Always happy to help my friends Fluttershy.” Looking towards the sky, she nodded softly. “Now, I really should be going. I'm sure Princess Celestia is waiting on my return after all…though..." She turned towards Twilight. "You said you were going to visit your parents right, Twi? Are you sure you don't want me to at least walk you the way there? I mean I can teleport myself back to the castle if I need to when I do." Twilight smiled gratefully at her old foal sitter. "Thank you, Cadance. That's very thoughtful of you, but I'll be okay. It's not too far from here, and I could really use the walk to clear my head. I still have to work though all these papers I memorized about the Diamond Dogs. A little me time for such a task can be good. But I'll definitely see you back at the castle. Okay?" The Princess nodded understandingly before moving to gently give her sister-in-law a giant hug. "Hehe. I'll see you later then, Twilight." She turned to the others. "And all of you as well. Rainbow. Rarity...And Fluttershy." Bidding them a gentle farewell, she soon vanished in a shimmer of magical light, surprising most of the ponies who had been walking nearby. Sighing softly, The lavender unicorn smiled towards her friends. "What about the rest of you?" Rainbow Dash, always being the first one, spoke up, "I think I'm going to head over to the Wonderbolts' training grounds and work on some new tricks. Gotta stay ahead of the game, you know? Besides, like I said...I can burn off my calories in ten seconds...flat!" She gave a cocky smirk before taking off into the sky with a burst of speed, kicking up dust, much to many of the ponies around them annoyance. Rarity scoffed as she watched the blue mare in the sky with a critical eye. "My word...must she always do things so brutishly?" Turning back to the rest, she smiled softly. "As for moi, I was planning on hitting Canterlot's Spa boutique today. I was given tickets for two from Celestia herself as you may have it." She turned towards Fluttershy. "And because I have two, I thought it might be a good way for me and Fluttershy to unwind after everything in Trottingham. If you would love to join me, Darling." Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise at Rarity's invitation, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh...um...Rarity, that sounds lovely," she replied, her voice soft and appreciative. "Of course I would love to join you." "Wonderful!” The fashionista beamed. “ It'll be a delightful afternoon of pampering and relaxation." Fluttershy nodded eagerly, her heart fluttering with anticipation at the thought of spending time with Rarity and indulging in some much-needed self-care. "Yes, I'm actually looking forward to it," she murmured, her smile growing. Twilight watched the exchange between her friends with a smile. "Can't say I'm not jealous but I think you two deserve a bit of rest." she remarked, her tone cheerful. "So, we will meet back together at Canterlot Castle. I'll still have to fill Sora in on everything later on about the Diamond Dogs, but that can wait for now. Right now it's time for me to make a home visit I’ve been putting off for a while. So...see you girls later?" The three friends bid their farewells to Twilight as she made her way towards her parents' house. Rarity and Fluttershy, on the other hand, walked the other way, their hooves clopping softly down the cobblestone path as they walked side by side towards the Canterlot Spa Boutique, their conversation filled with excitement and anticipation for the relaxing afternoon ahead. The walk was short, made all the shorter as they talked. Well Rarity was doing most of the talking while Fluttershy listened and hummed softly in response to her words. It wouldn't be long before they made their way into the spa proper, the scents of lavender and chamomile filling the air around them. Of course, Rarity instantly presented her tickets to the mare behind the counter. The head masseuse smiled warmly as she took the tickets. "Welcome, dear honored guest, to the Canterlot Spa Boutique," she greeted them, making her way towards the nearby curtain. Pulling it back she gestured for them to enter. "I hope you both have a relaxing and rejuvenating experience today. Please feel free to explore our facilities and let us know if there's anything we can do to make your visit more enjoyable." Fluttershy returned the smile, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling within her as she glanced around the spa. The plush robes, softly lit rooms, and serene atmosphere promised a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the past few days. Rarity linked her hoof with Fluttershy's, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Shall we, darling?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. Fluttershy nodded eagerly, her heart aflutter with anticipation as she followed Rarity into the spa. ~ Canterlot Castle Sora, finishing getting dressed, Strapped the bags Rarity had made for him around his legs tight before standing up. Slipping a hoof inside them, he frowned when he pulled out only three bottles of his Potions. "Dang…Only a few of them left. Least I can use the ethers I have now that I have my magic back. Those should hold me for a while till that mare...ah...Zecora I think her name was, right? She's the one working on making more potions for me and the girls so...Guess I gotta be a little careful with what I use for now." He sighed softly before opening the door to his room, looking out into the hallway. His head swiveled left, and then right before he exited proper, closing the door behind himself. He folded his hooves across his chest, and closed his eyes, Not that I have any use for them now. Celestia said that I have a few days to myself...but...Hmm...What can I do? It's been a while since I was alone like this. Not since back at the islands. Opening his eyes once again he looked around himself. Actually there was usually always someone around, even back in Ponyville. If it wasn’t…umm… He blushed lightly in embarssment. If it wasn’t Fluttershy, it was Rainbow Dash…or one of the fillies. Guess…I never really had time to myself…at least not for a long period of time…” With little else, Sora began to wander the halls of Canterlot Castle, his mind racing with thoughts of what he could do during his rare moment of solitude. The familiar faces of Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were all preoccupied with their own activities, leaving him to ponder his next move. While he wasn’t per say, alone, many guards or maids and butlers running about, not too many ponies paid him the time of day. Guess I’ll just look around. Not too much else I can do after all. With that thought as his guide, Sora began to explore the corridors and champers of Princess Celestia's castle in earnest. Though he had been through it a few times, now that he had the actual time to look, he couldn't help but be in awe of the grandeur of the Castle's insides, with its tall white towers and intricately placed architecture. There were tapestries adorning the walls, every other one being that of the Sun and Moon motif. Grand chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, sparking softly and brightly, as if they were just hung. He was even sure he came across a window overlooking a moderately sized lake, with fish jumping in the water and everything "Wow...The king's castle was impressive, but this is on a whole other level," Sora muttered to himself, taking in every detail with wide eyes. The opulence and elegance of Canterlot Castle left him feeling both amazed and a bit humbled. “Sora?” The keyblade wielder epped softly before turning around, his eyes widening at the sight of Sunburst of all ponies making his way towards him. “Huh…Oh! It’s you!” With a bright smile, Sora made his way towards the other stallion before stopping in front of the unicorn, placing both of his hooves behind his own head. “Dude. It's good to see you finally up.” A quick look of concern suddenly crossed Sora’s features. “Are you sure you should be up and about, though? I mean you did just wake up not too long ago from a deep sleep and all.” Sunburst chuckled softly, "I do appreciate your concern, Sora, but I'm feeling much better now.” He shook his head. “Besides, I couldn’t let Starlight face everything here alone now can I?” he puffed his chest proudly. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve worked on less energy before…” deflating a bit, he adjusted his glasses with a smile. “And a bit of help from hard caffeine doesn’t hurt matters either.” The stallion soon smiled. “Oh…speaking of. I’m glad I found you. I never thanked you and your friends for what you’ve done for me and Starlight…If it wasn’t for you, Starlight wouldn’t be here today so...” “Hey its no biggy.” Sora dismissed with a flash of his smile. “After everything I learned, it didn’t seem right to just…ya know…Defeat her like I did Sombra.” The orange unicorn gaped at the keyblade wielder, words. “W-wait…S-Sombra? You mean the King Sombra? From one thousand years ago King Sombra?” “Yeah, that’s the one.” Sora affirmed. “He was pretty tough but I was able to pull off a win in the end of it. Even when he turned all big and stuff.” “My word.” Sunburst adjusted his glasses. “If that's true then honestly, you have to be a legend in the making to pull something like that off.” “I don’t know about that.” The keyblade wielder responded, a hoof rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. “Honestly I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere if it wasn’t for my friends helping me back then.” Both my pony ones and Riku… “Still…” The orange unicorn spoke. “I certainly wouldn’t doubt you had a big part to play in it. From what I saw, you yourself certainly have a way of bringing out the best of those around you. Your friends must be lucky to have a pony like you by their side if nothing else.” Sora chuckled softly at the complement, his hoof scratching the side of his cheek. “Feels more like I’m lucky to have them by my side.” Standing a bit straighter he frowned, deciding a bit of a subject change was in order. “By the way. How is Starlight doing? She’s not being treated too roughly is she?” The Keyblade wielder noticed a notable mood change within the stallion before him, orange ears dropping ever so slightly. “She…She’s still a little out of it, if I’m being honest. It might be because she is coming to terms with her part in everything that happened back at the city…still…Princess Luna says she will do her best to at least get the lightest sentence possible for her if she continues to cooperate with everypony here. Guess that’s the best we can do for now.” “If it's Princess Luna looking after her then I’m sure things will turn out alright.” the keyblade wielder's smile faltered ever so slightly as he looked away. “And…ah…Sorry I couldn’t do more for her myself.” The unicorn shook his head before adjusting his glasses, giving Sora a kind smile. “If it wasn’t for you, neither me or Starlight would be where we are today. I don’t think either of us can thank you enough. I at least don’t know what I would do if I lost her a second time…” Sora frowned softly, thinking back to the memories he had seen from Sunburst when he had freed him. A smile formed on his face remembering just how happy Sunburst felt when he had found his old friend…and how happy Starlight looked when she had done the same. “Well…you got her back…That’s what matters, right?” The tan pegasus smiled brightly as he placed both of his hooves behind his own head. “Just don’t lose her again, okay?” Sunburst chuckled, a light blush dusting his cheeks. “I’ll do my best, Sora. She means everything to me after all.” “There you are Sora, Trixie has been looking all over for you.” Both stallions turned around at the sudden voice, a grin spreading across the keyblade wielder of the two’s face as he saw the show mare approaching him in her usual dramatic flair, purple cape flowing behind her. Raising a hoof he waved at the blue Unicorn, "Hey Trixie. Good morning." He paused before looking off towards the sky. “Or…is it afternoon now?” The show mare shrugged. “It matters little to Trixie,” She turned towards the keyblade wielder. “What does matter is that you are up and about now. With the way that rainbow maned mare was going, she was sure you would be stuck in your room all day and she would have had to drag you out by the scruff of your tail.” She turned towards the other stallion, rasing an eyebrow at him. “And…this is?” Sunburst cleared his throat, extending a hoof towards Trixie with a warm smile. "I'm Sunburst, an acquaintance of Sora's. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Trixie." Trixie eyed Sunburst carefully, taking in his friendly demeanor and kind expression. Her initial skepticism faded as she offered a small smile in return. "Likewise, Sunburst. Any friend of Sora's is a friend of Trixie’s.” Sora couldn’t help but raise his eyebrow at the blue mare. Seems she gets along with everyone but Rainbow Dash. Shaking his head, he smiled at the mare. “Did you need something?” “No…” The mare said hesitantly. “Not particularly. Trixie just came back from…ah…visiting her mother. She was quite surprised that the guard allowed Trixie back into the castle, saying that she has special permission from the princesses themselves…Though even then…she doesn’t quite know too many ponies so…she looked for you.” “Oh?" Sora smiled at the mare. “Well if you wanna hang out I’m all for it.” He turned towards the other stallion. “What about you?” “Would love to but I am out on an errand of sorts. Getting me and Starlight something to eat from the cafeteria. She really hasn’t eaten since last night and doesn’t quite trust anypony else getting her food right now.” Sora grinned, understanding Sunburst's need to attend to Starlight. "Course, go ahead. It was great seeing you up and about, Sunburst." Sunburst nodded gratefully, offering a warm smile before turning to leave. "Thank you, Sora. Take care, and give my regards to your friends." He turned towards the show mare, adjusting his glasses as he did so. “It was nice meeting you, Trixie.” The showmare and the keyblade wielder watched him leave before they both turned towards each other. “So…ah…” He rubbed the back of his head. “What do you wanna do?” “Well…” blue unicorn began, tilting her head ever so slightly. “Trixie heard from the grapevine that you acquired a bit of magic that you had yet to show Trixie.” “H-Huh…Oh! Well…” The stallion rubbed the back of his head. “I mean…guess?” Before he could say anything else, he felt the mare grab him by his hoodie with her magic and soon he was being dragged along behind her. “Trixie would very much like to see it in action if that is the case. A pegasus doing high grade spells is almost unheard of after all. And what better way to see for myself if you were telling the truth of it all, than with a quick demonstration of said magical prowess.” She smiled. “In fact, Trixie saw the training fields nearby so that is where we are heading now.” The stallion couldn’t help but sigh as he folded his hooves about his chest, feeling his back drag against the dirt below him. “I don’t get a say?” "Of course not! Trixie is in charge here, and you are going to show off that magic of yours whether you like it or not." “Hehe…figured…” Despite everything, Sora couldn’t help but smile. He honestly didn’t like being alone anyway. ~ Middle of Canterlot City Sparkle Residents Twilight Sparkle stood in front of the familiar door of her childhood home, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before gently knocking on the door. “I’ll be right there.” The lavender mare couldn’t help but smile brightly at the voice she knew all too well. Puffing out her chest, the young unicorn stood tall just as the door opened, revealing a white and purple mare, her mane nearly identical to Twilight’s own despite it having it own flare. “Now. How can…I…” The older mare trailed off as her eyes began to widen. “Hehe…ah…Hi mom.” "Oh, Twilight, my dear!" The mare Twilight Sparkle had gotten her namesake from, Twilight Velvet, exclaimed, her voice filled with motherly affection that the lavender mare was ever so used to. "Now this is a wonderful surprise! Do, come in, come in! I just took the tea off the kettle. Was about to work on my new book after all.” “Oh!” Sparkle gasped. “I’m sorry. I guess I should have told you I was coming first. Are you sure you aren’t too busy?” "Nonsense, dear. There's always time for family," The mare reassured her daughter, placing a gentle hoof on her shoulder. “My editor can wait. Come in! Sit, sit, sit.” Twilight Velvet closed the door behind them and led Twilight down the hallway towards the cozy living room. The walls were adorned with shelves filled with books, photographs, and various knick-knacks collected over the years. The scent of lavender and vanilla filled the air, instantly transporting her back to cherished memories of her foalhood. “You haven’t changed a thing in here since me and Shining left, have you mom?” Sparkle asked, taking a seat upon one of the soft chairs nearby. Velvet chuckled softly, a twinkle in her eyes as she settled in the armchair across from her daughter. “Oh, I just can’t bring myself to change it too much. It’s full of memories of when you both were little.” She poured them each a cup of tea with her magic, handing one of her cups over towards the lavender mare. “I doubt I’ll ever get rid of it long as it keeps holding up.” Twilight Sparkle cradled the warm teacup in her magic, taking a small sip as she glanced around the familiar room. The pictures on the walls brought back a flood of memories from her childhood - family outings, Hearth’s Warming celebrations, and quiet evenings spent reading with her mother. “I’ve missed this,” Twilight admitted softly, setting the teacup down on the small table in front of her. “You should visit more often than. You make a grown mare worried everytimeshe learns something about her daughter in the news, after all.” Velvet admonished before taking a sip of her tea as well, making the lavender of the two Twilight’s cringe ever so slightly. She knew that tone of voice. It wasn’t the happiest one. Rubbing the back of her head, Sparkle laughed nervously. “Oh…yeah…haha…Guess you heard about what happened in Ponyville?” “Indeed. From the princess herself no less.” Velvet frowned. “She told me that you would write back when you were ready but…guess what I didn’t receive?” “I…” Sparkle sighed as she lowered her head. It was as she feared. The disappointed mother tone of voice. “Yeah…no…That’s my fault, mom. It's half the reason I came here to visit you too…to tell you I’m sorry in person.” "Twilight, dear, you don't need to apologize," she said softly, her tone shifting to a gentle one. "I’m the one who should be sorry, here. Here we are having a happy reunion and I bring up stuff that doesn’t need to be brought up since you are here safe and sound. You must think I’m a horrible mother.” The younger Twilight shook her head vigorously, her eyes wide with surprise at the suggestion. “No, mom, no! You’re not a horrible mother at all. I’m the one who should’ve written sooner and kept you in the loop about everything. I’ve just been… caught up in so much lately.” “So I’ve heard.” Velvet said with a shake of her head. “From saving a town to saving a whole empire alongside your brother…I knew my foals were something special but to be doing all that…and now trying to save the world…a dear old mother can only take so much before she demands answers you know.” Twilight Sparkle chuckled, a sheepish smile on her face. "I guess we do have a knack for getting into some pretty big adventures, don't we? But I promise, I'll make more of an effort to keep you updated from now on." “I don’t expect something every day. Just…a letter or two will do, most preferably after whatever next big event you and your friends get up to next.” The mother smiled. “At least let me know my own daughter is still alive and kicking.” “Deal,” Twilight Sparkle replied with a warm smile. “Now…you don’t mind telling your dear old mother why you are in Canterlot do you? I know for a fact you didn’t come to your old home just for little old me.” “Haha…well…Not at first, no, sadly.” Twilight admitted before sitting up a bit. “It might take a bit, since there is a lot to cover…don’t mind a long story do you?” “You do remember you are talking to a writer and editor of several books.” Velvet settled back in her armchair, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Darling, I live for long stories. So, tell me everything. Start from the beginning.” ~ Canterlot Entertainment District Within Canterlot Spa Boutique As Fluttershy settled into the warmth of the hot tub, a sense of relaxation washed over her. The gentle heat enveloped her body, easing away the tension that had built up over the past few days. Closing her eyes, she let out a soft sigh of contentment, feeling the soothing sensation seep into her muscles. Rarity watched with a fond smile as Fluttershy sank deeper into the water, her expression serene and peaceful. "Isn't this just lovely, darling?" She remarked, her voice filled with genuine delight. "Nothing quite like a nice soak to melt away the stresses of the day." Fluttershy nodded in agreement, a small smile gracing her lips. "Yes, it's...it's very nice," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. The warm water seemed to cocoon her in comfort, offering a brief respite from the worries and responsibilities that weighed on her mind. The fashionista leaned back against the edge of the hot tub, her eyes drifting closed as she basked in the tranquility of the moment. "I must say, Fluttershy, spending time like this with you is simply delightful," she said, her tone sincere. "It's moments like these that make me appreciate the simple pleasures in life." "I feel the same way, Rarity," she replied softly, her gaze meeting Rarity's. "Its been too long since I just…um…let go I guess." “Oh tell me about it.” The mare whined softly. “What has it been? Feels like weeks since our last spa session. Almost forgot how it feels to get pampered and indulged in relaxation.” Rarity let out a contented sigh, her horn lighting up as she levitated a cucumber slice to place over her closed eyes. “And of course spending it with a good friend is always a plus. “Mh-hmm.” Fluttershy agreed, allowing her eyes to close just the same. “Thank you…for inviting me I mean.” Rarity smiled warmly, "Anytime, darling. I know you needed it just as much as I did after everything," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "And what better way to do so than with good company and a relaxing soak?" She opened one of her eyes. “By the way Darling, before we went to get something to eat, I couldn’t help but look back and see you talking to Cadance.” Fluttershy's eyes opened wide at Rarity's words. Squeaking ever so slightly, the timid mare felt her body slowly sinking a bit lower into the bubbling tub. "Oh…um…yes," she began, her voice soft and thoughtful. "Cadance and I had a lovely chat about... well, about a lot of things, really." “Ooooh? Is that so?” The white mare smiled as her magic lifted one of the cucumber slices from her eye. “And that chat wouldn’t happen to be about a certain naïve tan stallion we both know, would it?” If there was a mark, Rarity knew she hit it, finding the suddenly blushing and flustered mare an adorable sight to behold. "Oh, um, well...” The yellow mare stammered as she tried to look anywere but towards her friend. “I suppose Sora might have come up in conversation, yes" she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. A soft chuckle escaped the white mare’s lips. “Now now, I won’t bother you to tell me everything. I’m sure it was a personal matter after all. Still, if you would permit me to ask, do you know what you want to do now?” The shy mare twirled a lock of her mane nervously under the water, the gentle hum of the hot tub providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Despite how timid she looked though, Rarity couldn’t help but see the small hint of fire in her eyes. “I…I’m still unsure of a lot of stuff…but…I…I think…That I do.” Rarity smiled. “Then I shell leave it at that, and allow you to work your magic Miss Shy. I know for a fact you are a mare that knows what she wants after all.” Fluttershy's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink at Rarity's encouraging words. She appreciated her friend's confidence in her, even if she still felt uncertain about many things. "Thank you, Rarity," she murmured, a shy smile gracing her lips. "I'll... I'll do my best." > Keyblade Crusading > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Keyblade Crusading Apple Family Orchard Cutie Mark Crusader's Treehouse Scootaloo's tiny hooves hammered against the wooden table, creating a sharp staccato that echoed through the treehouse. The other three members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and extra member Babs Seed quickly settled into their seats, their eyes bright with anticipation as the orange pegasus gained their undivided attention. "Alright girls, since we played catch up with the leader of the Manehatten branch of our little organization yesterday, we’re totally going all out on our main mission for today." Apple Bloom nodded eagerly. "We’re all ears, Scootaloo! What's the plan?" “Yeah! You seemed pretty excited when you came to get me this morning.” Sweetie Belle squeaked. “You got something up your sleeve for us to get our cutie mark today?” The pegasus filly smirked, her wings buzzing with unrestrained energy. "And for good reason too. Now hear me out. We tried everything when it came to finding our cutie mark...at least everything we could think of so far. Sooooo…I’ve been thinking long and hard about what we haven't tried." The white unicorn’s ears perked up with curiosity as her muzzle scrunched. "But…if we tried everything, what can we do if everything was already done?" "I’m glad you asked my unicorn friend!" Scootaloo mused as she pointed at the white filly. "Yes we did try everything...in Equestira. But what about the one thing that’s new that came from outside of Equestra?" Babs raised an eyebrow at the question. "The one thing that's new?" her ears perked and a soft gasp escaped her lips. "Oh wait. You's talkin' 'bout that Sora fella, aren't ya?" Scoot’s eyes lit up, nodding enthusiastically before pointing towards the other orange filly in the room. "Yes, that's exactly it, Babs!” she rubbed the back of her head, “Or...well...part of it. See I was thinking we could use the knowledge Sora told us to our advantage and find a way to do the same things he can do, see?" "Hmm...I mean it is an idea and all but I don't think we have a Gummie Ship on hoof like Sora does." Apple Bloom shook her head softly. "And even if we did, ah'm sure our sisters would be mighty angry if we try and go off world and what not." The pegasus waved her hoof dismissively. "Oh no, I'm not talking about anything crazy like that, Apple Bloom. We don't need a Gummie Ship for what I’m thinking we should do.” "What are ya thinkin', Scootaloo?" Babs leaned forward, intrigued by the orange pegasus’s idea. “Cause I’m kinda lost ya know.” “Do I really have to spell it out for you girls?” Scootaloo asked, looking between the girls as each one gave the orange mare a wistful nod. Rolling her eyes and sighing deeply, the pegasus leaned forwards. "Okay so…What if we could summon our own Keyblades?" she whispered, excitement bubbling in her voice. The room fell into a stunned silence, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind outside and the creaking of the treehouse. Apple Bloom blinked rapidly, trying to process Scootaloo's words. "Summon our...our own Keyblades?" she repeated, eyes wide with disbelief. "Think about it." Scootaloo pointed towards her head, emphasizing the point. "Imagine the adventures we could go on, the battles we could fight, and the worlds we could explore!” She glanced around at each of their stunned faces, a grin spreading across her own as she continued. “With our own Keyblades, we could be just like Sora, traveling to new worlds and helping those in need. We could finally find our true purpose and earn our cutie marks in the process!” Sweetie Belle frowned. “I think you just want to do the first part of what you said, Scoots.” “That is not the point!” The orange pegasus countered. “We will have our own keyblades guys!” Babs leaned back in her chair, a skeptical expression on her face. "I dunno, Scoots. Gettin' our own Keyblades does sound cool and all, no matter how stupid of a concept it is…but…how do we go about that?" “Already thought of a plan for that girls.” She reached into her saddle bag and slammed a map onto the table in front of them. Opening it, she pointed towards a familiar looking tree that was also a house. “We go to Twilight’s Library!” “Twilight's Library?” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, her mind racing to make sense of Scootaloo's plan. "What's going to Twilight's library gonna do for us?" “Are you girls seriously not following what I’m putting down here?” Scootaloo deadpanned. Apple Bloom exchanged a glance with Sweetie Belle and Babs Seed, confusion evident in their expressions. Finally, Apple Bloom spoke up, voicing the question that lingered in all their minds. "Okay Scoots, why don’t ya tell us what Twilight’s Library have to do with summoning Keyblades?" The orange pegasus groaned, slamming a hoof onto her face and dragging it down. “Think about it girls! Who's the one pony that would be studying everything that Sora told us back at the barn party?" As Scootaloo posed the question, realization slowly dawned on the faces of her friends, the farm filly being the first to speak out. "Oh! I get it now! Twilight might know how to help us summon our own Keyblades!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. “Oh But…Isn’t Twilight not here today?” Sweetie spoke up with a frown. “You told us that yesterday, right Apple Bloom?” Babs crossed her hooves over her chest. “Guess that would put a damper on things then? If this Twilight mare ain't around, how are we gonna get to her library?" A soft click of their teeth came from Scootaloo’s way, her hoof wagging back and forth. “If you remember, only Twilight left for Canterlot. If that's the case, who would be keeping an eye on the library at this time?” The question hung in the air for a moment before Apple Bloom’s eyes widened in realization. “Spike!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with newfound hope. “Spike’s still in Ponyville! He could help us get into the library and find out what we need to know about summoning Keyblades!” “Now hang on, AB,” Scootaloo said, “After what we did back in the Crystal Empire, no way Spike is gonna let us in on any information dealing with anything Keyblade related or the such,” She smirked. “But…if somepony were to, I don’t know, get him away from the place…” Apple Bloom's eyes widened as she caught on to Scootaloo's plan. "You're thinkin' of having somepony distracting Spike while the rest of us sneak into the library and look for information on Keyblades, aren't ya?" she asked, leaning forward. “That actually might work.” “But who do you think is gonna do that?” Sweetie Belle asked. Scootaloo deflated ever so slightly at the new question. “Ah…Well…that's what I’ve been trying to wreck my brain over for a while. What can we use to draw Spike out of the library…Rarity isn’t here…and I doubt he would leave for just anything…” “Well…if nopony else has a plal…I think I can do it.” the white filly responded with a smile The rest of the fillies looked Sweetie’s way, a chorus of, “Huh?” escaping everyone’s lips. She smiled brighter, “Well I’ve been studying Rarity for a while and I’m pretty sure I got her personality down pact. All I have to do is get Spike to cave into my feminine charms and lead him away for a while, right? Easy peasy!” "Okay, wait a minute," Apple Bloom interjected, concern evident in her voice. "Sweetie, are you sure about this? Trying to distract Spike with feminine charms might not be the best idea..." Sweetie Belle chuckled, waving off Apple Bloom's worries. "Oh please, it'll be fine! I've seen Rarity handle situations like this with ease. It's all about grace, poise, and a little bit of charm. I can do this!" The girls looked between each other at Sweetie’s confidence, all three sighing softly before Scootaloo spoke for the three of them. “Well…If she says she can do it then let her.” The orange pegasus smirked. “Alright then ladies…I think we have a plan.” The four friends exchanged determined looks, the thrill of adventure coursing through their veins. Scootaloo rose to her hooves, her wings buzzing with excitement. "Alright, cutie mark crusaders - Keyblade wielders extraordinaire! Let's make our way to the library and find out how we can summon our own Keyblades!" “RIGHT!” ~ Canterlot Royal Training Grounds A sudden chill ran down Sora’s spine as he looked off into a seemingly random direction, a frown forming on his features soon after. “Sora?” Snapped at his sudden trance, he turned towards Trixie who had called out to him, the show mare holding up a piece of burnt cardboard that the stallion’s magic had all but destroyed, its simmering embers floating into the wind. Tossing it aside, she tilted her head before speaking once again. “Is something the matter? Trixie noticed that you are spacing out.” The stallion shook the foreboding feeling off his mind, giving the mare a reassuring smile. “Naw. I’m okay. Might have just overused my magic is all.” “Well Trixie does think you had been over using your spells a bit,” The show mare remarked with a curt nod, “Perhaps she shall allow you to take a break for now. You have shown her more than enough of your skill for you to satisfy her curiosity after all.” She smiled as she held out her hoof towards him. “You shall praise your friend for being such a good…ah” She de…friend.” Sora nodded, though he couldn’t help the roll of his eyes as he reached out to clap Trixie's hoof with his own. "Yeah sure. Thanks Trixie. You’re the best. Still, a break would do me some good." He blushed brightly as he heard a small growling from his torso, his hoof quickly moving towards the offending spot. “Getting kinda hungry anyway.” He turned towards the mare with a wide smile. “Up for some grub?” "Well…Trixie can’t say no to food. Not when she is just as hungry as you are after alll." The show mare frowned. “But where can we go? Trixie doesn’t quite have the bits on her for a full meal in this expensive city after all.” “No need to go out. We can just find something here in the castle.” The keyblade wielder exclaimed. “I ate here before so I at least know the way to the servant's Cafeteria.” The blue unicorn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The servant's cafeteria? That doesn't sound very glamorous, but in Trixe’s line of work, beggars can’t be choosers. Trixie supposes it will have to do.” Gesturing for the stallion to lead, she smirked. “Lead the way, oh magical pegasus stallion.” Sora rolled his eyes again but couldn’t help but smile softly, happy to oblige her even if she hadn’t worded it in such a way. Together, they made their way back into the castle from the training grounds, the show mare doing most of the talking along the way. Despite seeing it first hand, Trixie would still go on about the stallion’s abilities. “You really are an odd case Sora.” The mare mused, for what seemed like, at least for Sora, the tenth time. “If only Trixie had found such a blade herself. Think of the tricks she could pull off” He leaned towards the stallion, giving him her widest grin. “Are you sure you don’t want to become Trixie’s assistant? Just think of the shows the two of us could put on. There would be no place with locks that Trixie could not escape.” "As tempting as that sounds, Trixie,” The stallion responded, “I think I'll stick to being a Keyblade Wielder for now. I mean I still have a world to save after all" He flashed her a playful grin. “But hey, maybe we can make up a performance after everything settles down.” Trixie pouted at Sora's reply, "She will hold you to that you know." She spun around dramatically, her cape billowing as she posed in front of the stallion. “Oh! I can already see it. The Great and Powerful Trixie and the Hero of Equestria! The best of friends and the most magical of ponies!” The stallion raised an eyebrow at the mare, a smile playing on his face. “Oh? We’re best friends now?” "Of course, Sora! Trixie has deemed you worthy of being her best friend!" She declared dramatically before turning away, her nose up in the air. "But don't let it get to your head now. You could very well lose the spot if someone better comes along after all." “Ha!” A soft laugh escaped the stallion’s lips. “Then I’ll try and stay on your good side, Trixie.” It wasn’t long before the two of them reached the castle's servant cafeteria, Sora and Trixie both greeted by the delicious aroma of freshly cooked meals. The sound of chatter and laughter filling the air all around them. “Goodness.” Trixie mused as she stepped further within, looking at all the ponies mill about with either food or friends. “Trixie has been to a few fancy restaurants before…but this is…” The stallion had to agree, knowing full well what the mare would have said. He had been within this hall before but never really paid attention to most of what was around him at the time. Now though, he could fully appreciate it. The castle cafeteria was a grand hall with high ceilings and arched windows that let a warm glow from the sun inside. He could see that the tables were round and scattered throughout the room, surrounded by chairs with intricate designs. The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings, giving the hall a regal atmosphere. Trixie was right. It really did look like an upscale restaurant. Turning back towards the mare after their group stupor, he smiled. “Should we pick a place to sit after we grab some food?” Trixie's eyes sparkled with excitement as she surveyed the bustling cafeteria, taking in the sights and smells with keen interest. "Absolutely! And let's find a spot by the window, shall we? Trixie prefers to have a view while she dines," she declared with a flourish, leading the way with the stallion following after her. After grabbing some plates and filling them with an assortment of dishes, Sora and Trixie found a spot to the show mare’s liking and began to dig in. Trixie, as she did so, recounted tales of her mesmerizing performances across different lands, the mare the most excited her had ever seen her, at least since he showed her his magic skills. Sora listened attentively to Trixie's stories, captivated by her animated retellings. Despite having been a bit of a traveler himself, he couldn’t help his need to know about new lands. A bit of a holdover from his childhood years. As Trixie finished recounting a particularly daring escape act involving disappearing fireworks, a sheet of aluminum foil and a colorful string, a pair of blue hooves hit the table in front of them, causing both mare and stallion to jump in surprise at the sudden interruption. “So this is where you were! I’ve been looking all over for your spiky butt!” The stallion blinked as he looked into the angry magenta colored eyes staring a hole right through him. If looks could kill, he would at least be down to his last hit point. "R-Rainbow Dash?" Sora stammered, taken aback by the fiery look in her eyes. Trixie frowned, her hooves folding across her chest in annoyance. "And here Trixie was, thinking that she would have a nice outing with a good friend, and who shows up but Rainbow Crash to ruin it all.” The glare turned towards the show mare. “Wanna say that again ya fake magician?” The stallion quickly placed himself between the two mares before they could really bite each other. “H-Hey there, Dash! It's…ah…have a good time with the rest?” Rainbow Dash scowled at the keyblade wielder, her gaze flickering between him and Trixie. "Don't try to sweet-talk your way out of this, Spiky. You owe me an explanation," she hissed, her tone accusatory. “First you don’t come out of your room when I come and get you. That I can forgive. Cool. Whatever. But now when I come to see if you are okay, I found not only that you are not in your room but you are hanging out with….her.” She points to the other blue mare besides Sora. “But also that you are laughing and having fun while doing so when you were a sad sack this morning!” Trixie raised an eyebrow at angry, her expression shifting from annoyance to defiance. “And what, pray tell, is wrong with 'hanging out' with me? Trixie will have you know that she is excellent company!” The show mare huffed before fixing Rainbow Dash with a challenging stare. “Hey, come on now. There’s no need for name-calling or hostility, you two,” Sora said, glancing between Trixie and Rainbow Dash. He turned towards the former. “I’m sorry I made you worry about me, Dash. I honestly wasn’t feeling the best at that point in time but…Now I do. I had a talk with a friend over breakfast and…kinda made me see some things in a new light is all.” He watched as the rainbow maned mare’s glare turned towards Trixie. “It wasn’t her, Dash. It was of the Princess kind.” “Trixie can be a princess if she wants to,” the show mare retorted as she raised her nose to the sky. “But no, it wasn’t Trixie he had breakfast with. She found him talking to a unicorn stallion when she had come back to the castle.” “Okay…fine…” Rainbow huffed. “Still, doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. You made a promise, remember? To talk about what the princess said to you last night.” She frowned. “And don’t you dare say it wasn’t anything big because you wouldn’t have acted the way you did this morning if it wasn’t.” Sora sighed, knowing that Rainbow Dash wouldn't let this go easily. He couldn’t tell her everything…not yet…but...he owed her something… Relenting, the stallion sighed and shook his head “I know Rainbow…And sorry for holding off for so long.” Taking a deep breath he looked the mare in the eyes. “Listen, the princess wanted to let me know about my magic…about how dangerous it was for…a pegasus like me to use it.” He frowned, flicking an eye towards Trixie as a soft hint. “Like…deadly dangerous. Because of what Ventus did, though, it's all better now. She just…wanted to let me know what happened.” Rainbow’s expression softened slightly at Sora's explanation, her initial anger giving way to concern. "Wait, so you mean to tell me that using your magic could have... seriously hurt you before?" “It could have before, but not now. She said I was all good to go.” "Whoa…” The rainbow maned mare sat down, frowning. “That's... intense. I had no idea your magic was that risky to use," she said, her tone softening as she glanced at Sora. "Then…you’re okay?” “Better than okay, if you have to ask.” Trixie mused. “Why, he has been showing off his magical prowess earlier today. Quite a show, too! Trixie would even say that he is a master” “Well.” Sora interjected. “I wouldn’t say that. I mean…My skills are way below what my friend, Donald can do. Kind of a wall short of a full barn in that regard…” Rainbow couldn’t help the huff of a laugh that escaped her lips. “Haha…You’ve…been hanging around AJ too long…” A faint blush hit the stallion’s cheeks at the mare’s words, rubbing the back of his head. "Well I do live with her and her family. Can’t say I didn’t pick up a thing or two from them." “Yeah…she tends influence a lot of ponies.” The blue pegasus frowned. “Still…back on topic. Are you sure you’re okay now? No magic backlash or anything stupid like that right?” Nodding reassuringly, he smiled at the mare. “No magic backlash or anything like that. My capacity for magic is still a bit low but…I’m sure it will build back over time.” Rainbow Dash nodded, a smirk playing on her lips as she reached out to ruffle the top of Sora's head affectionately. "Alright, Spiky. As long as you're sure you're okay, then I guess I can let it slide this time.” She gave the stallion a light punch on his shoulder. “And I won’t tell the others you are on a date with Trixie of all ponies.” The show mare sputtered in indignation at Rainbow Dash's words, her cheeks flushing slightly. "W-Wha! This is not a date! We're just… hanging out as friends!" "W-What she said!” The stallion added, “I wouldn’t hurt Fluttershy like that!" “Oh?” The brash mare mused with a raised eyebrow, a grin growing slowly upon her lips, “Who the hey said Fluttershy?” If Sora’s face could be any redder without danger of him passing out, it would have been, “I-It’s…I mean…I…” He looked one way. “I didn’t…” He looked another. “What I mean is…” He stood up. “Oh hey! I forgot I’m needed somewhere else!” Before any of the mare’s could stop him, he would jump over the table before practically flying out the door, leaving both Rainbow and Trixie behind and in trail of tan feathers. The stallion ran until he was out of sight of the pair, stopping only when he felt he had put enough distance between them and knew that they weren’t following him. Rainbow gave him a convenient excuse to leave after all and he happily took advantage of it. Now, once again alone, he was left with his thoughts about the whole conversation, a frown forming on his face. Geeze…Sorry…I didn’t tell you the whole truth Rainbow…how could I? If I did…I’m sure Fluttershy would…she would blame herself for what happened to me…and then I…I would lose her? Sora took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest at the thought of not wanting to see Fluttershy hurt. Do I really…care that much for her? Placing a hoof on his heart, he closed his eyes. I… ~ Ponyville Near Golden Oaks Library Apple Bloom, Sweetie belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed all peaked from around the building they were hiding behind, the four fillies scanning the area around Golden Oaks Library before slipping back behind cover, the girls moving into a close huddle. It was the apple filly that spoke first, turning towards the unicorn filly. "You sure you got this, Sweets? Might need him busy for a long while we look for Twilight’s notes." Sweetie, rolled her eyes, waving off her friend's concern as she addressed them all, "Oh please, I know what to do.” The rest of the girls exchanged skeptical glances before turning back towards their friend, the apple filly speaking for them once again. “Well…I mean, not that we doubt ya Sweets but…ya never did tell us exactly what ya plan to do.” "Oh, you know, just a little unicorn charming,” The little filly mused, “A few fluttering eyelashes, and some sweet words to top it off. He won't even know what hit him when I’m through with him!" She smiled as she slammed her hooves together. “In fact, I know he won’t know what hit him!” She turned towards her friends with a smirk “Annnnnnd if that doesn’t work, I’ll just hit him!” Before the others could stop her, she bounded away towards the door with a hop and a skip in her step. Before her friends could stop her, Sweetie Belle slipped from behind the building to make her way confidently to the door of Golden Oaks Library, her mane flowing behind her as she swayed her hips with awkward and exaggerated grace. Apple Bloom shook her head, a hoof flying towards her face. "Well, she's got confidence, that's for sure." Scootaloo chuckled softly, nudging Babs with a hoof. "If coincidence means she looks like she got a stick up her but then yeah…she gots loads of it." "Either way, let's hope she can pull this off and get Spike outta the library... if not, our plan was doomed from the start." The rambunctious white unicorn filly approached the door of Golden Oaks Library, taking a deep breath as she pushed to channel her inner Rarity, mimicking her older sister’s charm and elegance as best as she could remember. Approaching the door with a confident smile on her face, she knocked daintily at first and waited. After a few moments and finding that no one was coming, she tired again, a little harder than before but still doing her best to remain lady-like. Once again no one came. Frustrated, her hoof hit the door a bit harder this time, creating a loud banging noise she knew would echo through the quiet library. As she stepped back, huffing in annoyance, the door suddenly swung open to reveal a surprised Spike standing in the doorway, his eyes slightly bloodshot as though he had been sleeping just recently. The little drake’s eyes widened at the sight of Sweetie Belle, her expression shifting from frustration to a charming smile in an instant. "Hi Spike," the little filly greeted, adding a soft sing-song flare to her tone of voice. "It's a beautiful day outside isn’t it? Just positively radiant." “Ah…yeah… Hi Sweetie.” Spike blinked a few times, trying to process the unexpected visit from Sweetie Belle. Rubbing his eyes with a claw, he yawned before giving her a curious look. "What brings you here?” His eyes widened again as his little fins perked. “Is Rarity back!?” “No, no, no. I am sorry to say she is not…buuuuuut. How about the next best thing?” The dragon raised an eyebrow. “Fluttershy?” Sweetie frowned. “No.” “Twilight?” “No.” “…Oh! Cheer-” The filly huffed and pouted. “It’s me you dork!!” Calming herself and smiling again, she began to flutter her eyes. “A-Anyway, I was in town and I thought I would come and check up on my good friend Spike today. So…how ya been?” Spike scratched his head, looking a bit puzzled at Sweetie Belle's sudden interest in checking up on him. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet before shrugging. "Oh, you know, same old same old. Just tending to the library and organizing Twi’s research and stuff. Nothing too exciting." Sweetie Belle nodded, her eyes twinkling as she gently grabbed at the drake’s claw, holding it softly. "That's so sweet of you to help out like that. You're such a hard worker, Spike." Spike's face turned a light shade of pink as he felt Sweetie Belle’s hoof on his claw. He wasn’t used to this level of attention from her and couldn’t help but feel a flutter in his chest at her words. Clearing his throat, he tried to play it cool. “Oh, well, you know, just doing my part to help out around here. Twilight has a lot on her plate, so I try to make things easier for her.” Sweetie Belle smiled warmly at him, leaning in slightly as she batted her eyelashes. “You’re always so thoughtful and caring, Spike. It really shows what a wonderful dragon you are. In fact, Such a hard worker deserves to be treated and it just so happens that I saw a few gemstone cupcakes back at Sugarcube Corner. That’s the second reason why I’m here. I couldn’t help but think of my good buddy Spike as soon as I saw them.” The little dragon’s eyes widened at the mention of the sweet, stony, treats, his mouth practically drooling at the thought of them. Well…actually drooling honestly. Quickly wiping his mouth and leaning against the door in a very ‘not interested but also very interested’ way, he gave his shoulders a shrug, "Well, I mean...I do love gemstone cupcakes, but…I really shouldn’t go. I mean the library is…” “Oh pish posh.” The filly waved her hoof, knowing for a fact she had him in the palm of her hoof. All he needed was an extra push. “That silly library isn’t going anywhere. Besides, you mean to tell me that you are willing to leave a poor filly all alone on the day she invites you out to eat?” She pulls towards the little dragon, giving him the biggest puppy dog eyes. “I mean…if that’s how it is then…” Feeling a mix of guilt and a strange fluttering in his chest he had never felt before except for when Rarity was near, he couldn’t help but relent to the little filly’s request. She did come all the way out here for him after all. With a sigh, he nodded in agreement. "Okay, okay, you win. But Only a few. Then I gotta get back to my sle-I mean cleaning! Yes…Cleaning." With that he closed the door and allowed himself to be pulled by the arm by the white filly. What he didn’t see was said filly turning her head to her hidden companions before giving them a big wink. Scootaloo was the first to turn towards her friends with a confused look on her face. “I…Don’t even know how to explain what I just saw…” “Seems Sweets been holding back on us when it comes ta getting her way.” Apple Bloom mussed, shivering a bit. “Hate ta see that power used in the wrong hooves…” Running out in front of the other two she turned towards them with a wide smile, “Are we gonna be sitting on our flanks all day or are we gonna find those notes?” She turned towards the tree. “Lets get a move on ponies!” The girls quickly followed after Apple Bloom’s cousin, their hooves clattering against the cobblestones as they hurried to catch up. It didn’t take long before a quick turn of the nob would allow the three fillies access into the silent tree home/public library of Twilight Sparkle. Now inside, they could smell the pleasant scent of old books and crips paper. As they slowly filed into the sun lit main room, none of them could deny the cozy atmosphere that the library provided. The perfect place for some light reading when it came down to it. The shelves were neatly organized, each book finding its place with care and precision. “Don’t think I’ve ever been in here the last time I visited…” Babs spoke, looking around the area. “Not as stuffy as the public library back in Manehatten, that's for sure.” “Yeah it's okay.” Scoots pipped up, shurging. “I mean not as cool as the skating park but whateves.” “Alright, alright, enough gawking, girls,” Apple Bloom declared, taking charge of the situation. “Like Babs’s said. No time to be wasting. Let's split up and search for them notes.” She turned towards Babs. “Since ya the new gal, you git ta search around the front of the entrance and first floor, Also keep a lookout in cause Sweetie or Spike come back this way.” She turned towards the pegasus. “You get the top floor Scoots.And please be careful not to knock anything down you too. Ah’m sure Spike will notice. Ah’ll take the basement.” Her cousin nodded. "Got it, AB. I'll keep watch and search around the entrance and first floor." With a determined expression, she trotted off towards the front of the library, her eyes scanning for any signs of Twilight's notes while also keeping an eye out for any incoming visitors. Scootaloo saluted before darting towards the staircase leading to the upper level to complete her own task, her wings buzzing with excitement as she did so. Nodding to herself, Apple Bloom made her way towards the basement’s door, opening it carefully before deciding down the narrow stairway, her hooves echoing softly upon the wooden ledges as she did so. Reaching the bottom, the apple filly flicked on the lights and began her own work, her eyes scanning for anything that might be of importance to Twilight's work with the Keyblade. While the place wasn’t dusty by a long shot, Twilight always making sure to take care of her equipment, it certainly wasn’t the cleanest place. Books and boxes strolled here and there along the tables and walls. Searching this place was going to be a daunting task no matter how she looked at it “Dang..What should ah even be looking for?” She tapped a hoof to her chin. “If Ah was a notebook filled with super secret stuff on Keyblades, where would ah be?” “I would say the obvious, but I’m sure you’re not as dumb as you look.” The little filly would have nearly screamed her head off if it wasn’t for the black wing that draped over her muzzle, silencing her. She squeaked as she looked up into the deep yellow eyes of the pony in front of her - a pony she hadn’t seen before. The newcomer had a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he removed his wing, a hoof to his lips telling her to be quite as he released her from the sudden silence. Apple Bloom stumbled back a few steps, her heart racing as she tried to gather herself. “W-Who… who are you?” she managed to stammer out, eyeing the mysterious pony cautiously. “Me?” the black stallion asked, pointing towards himself before turning away from her with a shake of his head and a shrug. “No one worth mentioning honestly.” The filly huffed as she stepped towards the stranger, frowning, “T-Then what are ya doing here? This is Twilight’s home ya know.” “Oh!” He gasped, chapping his hooves to his cheeks. “Please forgive me. I didn’t know.” Smirking, he turned towards the little one. “Oh that reminds me, what are you doing here? This is Twilight’s home ya know and I’m pretty sure you are not Twilight.” Apple Bloom narrowed her eyes at the mysterious pony, sensing something off about his demeanor. She couldn't quite place it, but there was an air of mischievousness that made her hooves itch with unease. Stealing herself, she straightened her posture and replied with the lie she knew would work if anypony ever caught them…that wasn’t Spike of course, "W-we're here to help Twilight find some important notes for her research.” The stallion raised an eyebrow, “Was that before or after you and your friends tricked the little dragon out of the house so you could break in?” The farm filly’s eyes widened in shock at the sudden yet accurate accusation, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to come up with a response. She knew they were technically sneaking around the library, but breaking in felt like a strong word for what they were doing. “Hey I’m not one to judge, mind you.” The black stallion quickly added, smirking at the mini panic attack she was about to have, “I mean if you want something you gotta take right? But gee…Guessing you girls might get in trouble if you get found out here…” He tapped a hoof to his chin, pretending to be lost in thought over the situation, “What to do, what to do…This is pretty damning information I have on you three after all…oh…make it four. I’m sure that white filly is in on this too after all,” Before Apple Bloom could respond, the mysterious pony's smile widened, and he trotted around her in a playful circle, his tail swishing behind him. "Hey now, I didn’t say I was gonna tell anyone. Who am I to spoil your fun after all? So…how about this…for scarring ya….” Much to the little filly’s surprise, the stallion raised his hoof and within it, formed a keyblade. One that was very much different from Sora’s own. This one being a slick black, red and silver. A blue jewel that looked very much like an eye at the tip and the handle of the blade. “Huh…W-Wait! That’s a Keyblade!?” She gasped as she looked towards the black stranger. “You’re a keyblade wielder like Sora?” The mysterious pony chuckled at Apple Bloom's question, twirling the keyblade in his hoof with practiced ease. "Opps you found me!" he replied with a wink. "Well it's not like there is only one Keyblade Wielder after all. My brother is one too." He pointed the blade towards a nearby chest, a beam of light shooting form the tip and opening it in one fell swoop. “There. I think this is what you girls are looking for, right?” Apple Bloom's eyes widened in astonishment as the chest opened to reveal a collection of neatly organized papers and notebooks, exactly what they had been searching for. She couldn't believe her luck as she stepped forward to examine the contents, her heart racing with excitement. "Wow, you found them!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. Turning towards the stallion she beamed a bright smile. "Thank you so much, Mister!" The mysterious pony grinned, twirling the keyblade once more before making it disappear with a flick of his hoof. "Hey, No problem at all," he replied casually, his demeanor relaxed yet somehow still mysterious. "Just consider it a favor between fellow adventurers." “Still…ah…if ya don’t mind me asking, what are ya doing in Twilight’s home?” The little yellow filly asked with a raised eyebrow. “Are ya from Sora’s home? Are ya looking for him?” “Me? Naw. Never really met the guy…I do know of him though. Made quite the name for himself in the other worlds after all.” He moved past the filly, making his way up the stairs. “You could even say I’m a bit of a fan.” He turned towards her, his hoof raising to his lips. “Though I don’t want to bother him when he already has a lot on his plate. So…you mind keeping our little meeting a secret? As a favor for finding those notes for you, if I have to pull your leg.” Apple Bloom hesitantly nodded after thinking for a while, still somewhat perplexed by the mysterious pony's sudden appearance and equally sudden helpfulness. She watched as he made his way up the stairs, his figure disappearing into the shadows of the upper level. “W-Wait!” She gasped soon enough before following after him, knowing that her friends where on the upper levels. When she made it to the top though, all she saw was Bab’s looking her way with a bewildered expression. “Huh? Wait for what, A.B.?” Babs asked, tilting her head in confusion. “I…ah…” Apple Bloom struggled to find the right words to explain the encounter with the mysterious pony, her mind still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. She glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him on the upper level, but he had vanished without a trace. Shaking her head she turned back to her cousin. “It’s…I was just letting ya’ll know ah found the notes.” Babs nodded, her ears perked up with interest as she approached Apple Bloom. "That's great! Did you find them in the basement?" she asked, a curious look in her eyes. Apple Bloom hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain the mysterious pony's involvement in their discovery. She decided to keep that part to herself for now. "Yeah, I found them down there. Lets go and give them a once over. Where’s Scoots?” “Still upstairs.” The orange filly pointed. “Should I get her?” Apple Bloom nods as she pulls out her pencil and papers. “We’re gonna need all hooves on deck if we are gonna copy at least half of this stuff before Spike and Sweetie gets back.” Babs nodded in agreement, understanding the urgency of their task. "I'll go get Scootaloo. You start organizing the papers, and we'll make sure we get copies of everything Twilight needs." As Babs went to find Scootaloo, Apple Bloom spread out the papers and notebooks on a nearby table. She quickly scanned through the contents, making mental notes of the important information they needed to copy. The mysterious pony's assistance lingered in her thoughts, and she couldn't help but wonder about his connection to the world of keyblade wielders. ~ Canterlot Upper Midtown Homes Twilight Sparkle stepped out of her mother's home in Canterlot, a grateful smile on her face as she turned to bid farewell. "Thank you, Mom, for letting me drop, even if it was a bit unannounced," she said warmly.. Velvet returned her daughter's smile, her own eyes twinkling with affection. "Oh, Twilight, you're always welcome here, whether it's planned or not," she replied fondly, reaching out to give Twilight a gentle hug. "It's always a pleasure to have you visit." Pulling away she looked her daughter up and down, sighing softly. “I almost want to lock you away in here so you don’t go into danger again…but that would be  taking away your chance to shine like I know you can. I trust you’ll be careful, my little starlight.” Twilight chuckled softly at her mother's protective nature, brushing a lock of her lavender mane behind her ear. "I promise I'll be cautious, Mom. Besides, I have my friends by my side, and we always have each other's backs," she reassured, her voice filled with conviction. “Of that I am grateful for.” She released Twilight, stepping backwards a bit. “Still…stay safe okay. Both you and your friends. Especially that Sora fellow. Even with how odd of an egg he is, at least from what you told me, I can tell you all really care for him as a friend as well…Still…if tis a choice between him or you, I’ll take him getting hurt  any day of the week so…please don’t let it come to that for him.”  "I'll do everything in my power to keep us all safe, Mom. And don't worry, we'll watch out for each other, especially Sora.” “That’s all I ask.” Velvet smiled once again. “Oh…and tell him thank you for me. Without him…I might have lost my one and only daughter.” "I'll be sure to pass along your thanks to Sora, Mom," the young mare promised, her voice soft yet resolute. "He's been a true friend to me and the others, and I don't know if I could imagine him not beside us at this point." “Made that much of an impact on you did he?” Her mom asked with a wry grin. “Should I be planning your wedding?” Twilight blushed furiously at her mother's teasing, stammering as she tried to regain her composure. "Mom, no! It's not like that at all!" she protested, waving her hooves frantically in denial. "Sora and I are just friends…really good friends, but...it's not…you know, like that!" Velvet simply chuckled at her daughter's embarrassment, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Oh, Twilight, I was only teasing," she said with a warm smile. "But if he does mean so much to you, then I'm glad you have such a loyal friend by your side." Twilight let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you, Mom. And like I said, I'll be sure to convey your gratitude to Sora. He'll appreciate knowing he made a difference." As she turned to leave, Velvet called out after her daughter. "Remember to take care of yourself too…and to write back ever so often.” Twilight paused and turned back to her mother, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I will, Mom. I promise." With that she turned back and made her way down the road towards the castle, her mind occupied with thoughts of her mother and her conversation. She had told her everything that had happened, doing her best to leave out Sora being from another world of course. It was heart pounding to be sure and she was more than sure that her mother WAS about to lock her in her room for the rest of her days if she really had the power to after everything she had told her. Nerve wracking as it was, she was happy she did. And she was happy her mother didn’t try and stop her from doing what she needed to do to keep Equestria safe. Still, she could have done without her mother’s teasing. Jest or no, the studious mare didn’t harbor much feelings for the young stallion besides a close friendship. She wouldn’t say he wasn’t easy on the eyes, but just wasn’t her type of stallion. A great friend though, through and through. She paused. Just what is my type then? I never really thought about it till now. Hmm… She quickly shook her head, ridding herself of such thoughts. “No. Too much on my plate to think about such silly concepts. Right now I need to get back and get some rest. The Diamond Dogs will be coming to Canterlot in a few days and I need to get ready for them.” > Tale of Two Hearts > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul Tale of Two Hearts Above the Land of Equestira Blueblood's Airship the Highwing Prince Blueblood's Airship soared through the azure heavens, cutting through the wispy clouds like a majestic predator in search of its prey. The gentle hum of the engines reverberated throughout the luxurious cabin, where Prince Blueblood reclined in a plush velvet chair, his gaze fixed upon the ever-changing panorama outside the panoramic windows. From this lofty vantage point, the world below seemed to shrink into insignificance, reduced to mere patches of greenery and winding rivers. The hustle and bustle of the city, the chaos of the streets—all faded away into obscurity as the airship ascended higher and higher into the boundless sky. It was a beautiful feeling, flying high within the confines of the sky. Something he always envied pegasi for. He would never tell them that of course, but he could appreciate their ability to sore without the need for machines. It was one of life’s simple pleasures after all, fly above those that could not. Made even better when one is not meant to. Still, despite the relaxing atmospheres, the room he was within couldn’t be any more dower. Prince Blueblood shifted in his chair, turning towards his guests—the duo queens of the Diamond Dogs, Jennino Lanternlight and Katherina Proudpaws. With a soft click of his teeth, he tutted at the pair, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Relax, my dear queens," he said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "My airship was made for comfort, after all." He gestured around the luxurious cabin, where plush furnishings and elegant decor exuded an air of opulence and refinement. “The only reason,” The taller of the two Diamond Dogs spoke, her blue fur bristling a she adjusted herself in her seat. “I even agreed to walk onto this flying death trap was because it was powered by no magic.” She scoffed as she looked around. “That and because it was a summons from Celestia herself.” "Sister...be kind." The black and white Diamond Dog, Jennino, shook her head before turning towards Blueblood, a smile gracing her lips, “Thank you Prince, but It is not your air ship that troubles us at the moment.” She spoke, her tone soft and yet held a tone of resoluteness. Gripping the cane she carried tight, she turned towards her window as she spoke, “Despite her more...colorful words, she is just worried. So am I to tell you the truth. It pains us to know we have left our sisters to look after our home, knowing that some…black creature is out there, snatching Diamond Dogs from our very streets.” “Hear say and you know it sister.” Katherina, the taller blue dog spoke, her violet eyes flicking towards her older sister. “Do not let fear cloud your judgment, Jennino. These monsters, these Heartless, sound more like a tale a mother tells her pup’s to keep them in line.” She folded her paws across her chest. “Stealing your heart and turning into one indeed…” The prince shook his head before he turned his gaze from Jennino to Katherina, acknowledging her skepticism. "You raise a valid point, Katherina," he said, his tone thoughtful. "It's easy to dismiss tales of mythical creatures as mere superstition. However, we cannot ignore the disappearances that have plagued your streets." “Diamond Dogs leave our kingdom all the time.” The blue queen remarked, “They seek out the world beyond in search of gems and artifacts to bring home. It is a common occurrence, and the disappearances could be attributed to that wanderlust spirit.” She paused, her gaze flicking towards Prince Blueblood. “Or the actions of rival factions seeking to undermine us.” "But what Moonbeam saw deep in the caverns can't be ignored, Katherina," Jennino interjected, her voice firm as she continued the thought. "Such tales cannot simply be dismissed as figments of imagination if the ponies are coming to us with the same stories." “That place was cursed from the start sister.” The other queen spat. “And it was forbidden for her to enter there in the first place. Is it not how you got your cursed illness.” "We do not know if that was the reason or not, sister," Jennino countered, her tone tinged with frustration. "We cannot ignore the possibility that there is something sinister lurking within those caverns. If there's even a chance that the disappearances are linked to whatever Moonbeam witnessed, we owe it to our people to investigate." She sat back. “And if these shadow creatures are involved and all the more reason for us to seek the aid of the one Princess Celestia is talking about.” “You already trust this…what was he called again?” Katherina turned towards the white unicorn stallion. “A Keyblade Wielder, was it? What even is that?" Blueblood exchanged a glance with the queens, his expression thoughtful as he spoke. “I have yet to see the stallion in action myself but if Princess Celestia vouches for him then who am I to question her wisdom?” Jennino turned towards her sister, her gaze probing yet gentle. "Katherina, If you truly do not believe in the claims Moonbeam spoke of, then why did you agree to accompany me on this journey in the first place? I could have gone alone." "I may have my doubts about the validity of Moonbeam's claims,” The blue diamond dog began, “But that doesn't diminish my concern for your safety. I couldn't bear the thought of you facing potential danger alone, especially with your health already compromised." The black and white queen huffed as she sat back in her chair. “You are, as you have always been, difficult sister.” Katherina clicked her teeth in response to Jennino's comment. "You say difficult. I say loyal.” She turned away, to look out the window at the passing lands below. “No matter how much my sister’s vex me so." Prince Blueblood couldn't help but chuckle dryly as he observed the interaction between the sisters, finding their banter somewhat amusing if nothing else. Taking a sip from his glass of wine, he leaned back in his chair, deciding that the momentary squabble had come to an end and figuring that he would enjoy the rest of his flight. Oh how I don’t envy your predicament little Keyblade Wielder. If nothing else, I do wish you luck with these two…you’re gonna need it. ~ To Fluttershy, the day had seemed oh so long before the sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow though the glass stained windows of Canterlot Castle. Despite the soft warmth of the setting sun, Fluttershy couldn't shake the chill that worked its way though her spine and wings, her timid mind racing as she made her way towards her destination. It had only been a few days but, to her, it felt like years since she had last even talked to Sora, let alone be in the same room as him for a long period of time, scared as she was to comfort her own guilt for her part in the stallion getting hurt. Now here she was, making her way towards his room, her hooves echoing softly on the polished stone floors, each step a countdown to her confrontation with the stallion. No…it wasn’t a confrontation. It was…well…She didn’t quite know what it was. All she knew was that it needed to happen now. And soon too, least she lose faith in herself. Soon, the shy mare found herself standing outside Sora's room, her heart pounding with a mix of guilt and anticipation. Princess Cadance's advice echoed in her mind, urging her to face her fears and confront the hurt she had caused and…her own feelings for the stallion. Slowly, she raised a hoof, stopping short before shaking her head, her nerves getting the best of her at the worst of times. She turned to leave before stopping short, her heart held up by her conversation with Rarity earlier that day. ~~ Fluttershy was as fresh as a yellow rose after her time in the spa with Rarity. She felt rejuvenated, her aura as serene as a quiet stream flowing through the Everfree Forest. Rarity smiled at her friend's newfound confidence, admiring how the gentlest of creatures could emanate such grace and poise. "I must admit darling, Canterlot’s spa has just done wonders for you. Why if I didn’t know any better I thought I would be looking at a new pony before me. Your coat is absolutely glowing!" Rarity exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Fluttershy blushed at Rarity's compliment, her shy demeanor momentarily peeking through her newfound confidence. "T-Thank you Rarity. You look…um…just as pretty as ever as well…" she murmured softly, her voice as delicate as the flutter of butterfly wings. “It really was nice of the princess to give us those tickets.” “Indeed it was.” The fashionista agreed. “I almost hate to leave. The spa sisters back at Ponyville are magnificent at what they do back home but this is a whole different level of luxury and pampering.” She gasped. “Idea! We could make this a monthly trip! Just the two of us” Fluttershy's eyes widened with excitement at Rarity's suggestion. "A monthly spa trip? That…um…That does sound wonderful honestly!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.” Rarity nodded eagerly, her mind already buzzing with ideas. "Yes, yes, I adore the thought as well! We could try out different treatments each time, explore new pampering techniques, and simply revel in the luxury of it all. Oh, the inspiration it would provide for our creative endeavors!" She smirked. “Why…we could even invite a certain Keyblade Wielder to join us. If nothing else it will make you happy he is there.” She cooed. The yellow mare pouted but didn’t refute the unicorn’s words. Instead, she turned towards Castle in the distance, the orange sky dancing with streaks of pink and purple as the sun began its slow descent. “I…That would be nice…” Her friend’s features softened a little. “So…you really do plan on talking to him tonight then?” Fluttershy hesitated ever so slightly at her friend’s question. Just the thought of speaking to him made her heart flutter nervously, but she knew it was time to finally have that conversation with the stallion who had captured her heart. She couldn’t keep hiding from him forever after all…That wouldn’t be fair to him…or to her. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Fluttershy turned back to Rarity a soft but determined nod coming soon after. "I…I am," she said softly, her voice gaining a touch of confidence. "It scares me…but…I can’t keep avoiding him…no matter how much my brain is telling me to." She placed a hoof over her chest. “Because my heart is…its telling me that it’s time to be brave.” The white unicorn smiled softly at her friend, placing a hoof gently upon her shoulder, “Well…if its any consolation, I’ll be rooting for you two, no matter what happens.” "Thank you, Rarity," she murmured gratefully, a small smile gracing her lips. "Having your support means the world to me." With a reassuring nod, Rarity offered a gentle smile. "Anytime, darling. I’m always here for you. And remember, you're stronger than you think. You tamed that red dragon as easily as you do the little bunnies in your garden after all." Fluttershy took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with a mixture of nerves and determination. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the castle grounds, she knew it was now or never. With a gentle nod to Rarity, who offered an encouraging smile, Fluttershy turned and made her way towards the castle, the white mare following close behind her. ~~ The shy mare cursed herself inwardly as she shook her head. She was about to run away again, even after all that bravado she had displayed in front of Rarity. Genlty smacking her cheek, she turned back towards Sora’s door, steeling herself for what was to come, and gently knocked upon the wooden frame. There would be a pause before she heard a voice. "Come in." The mare’s heart raced. It was Sora's voice. A voice she had missed so dearly. It may have been just a few days, but she couldn't help but love the way her heart skipped a beat at his gentle tone. Fluttershy hesitated for but a moment before gently pushing open the door, her hooves trembling every step of the way. Inside, she could see that the room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a few candles scattered around the space. On the other side of the room she could see Sora, the stallion standing on the balcony, his silhouette outlined against the backdrop of the night sky. The shy mare couldn't help but nearly feel her heart stop at the sight of him. Even where she stood, she could see the weight of his thoughts in the way he held himself, the tension in his shoulders evident even from across the room. Before she could think about turning away however, the stallion would turn to meet her, his bright blue eyes widening at the sight of the butter yellow mare, clearly not expecting her of all ponies to be in his room. "F-Fluttershy!" He quickly turned towards the mare fully, clearly wanting to run towards her but hesitated at the last second, an unsure expression on his face. Looking away, he rubbed his foreleg, his gaze falling towards the ground. “Ah…h-hey…Flutters.” The mare’s breath caught in her throat at his hesitation. The surprise and uncertainty in his eyes mirrored the tumultuous emotions swirling inside her own heart. Despite her own feelings however, she would be the one to make the first move between them. Slowly but surely, closing the distance between them and making her way to stand beside him. She gave him a soft look before looking out onto the city lights below the castle. As she did, the stallion opened his mouth, but closed it soon after, unable to say a word to the mare. Instead he turned to look back out into the city, both mare and stallion sharing a quite moment together as thoughts and feelings mingled together in a cacophony unspoken words. As the pair stood side by side, the night air gentle against their coats, a sense of tranquility could be felt between the two awkward ponies. The bustling sounds of Canterlot city's nightlife below seemed distant and unimportant in this shared moment. A moment broken only by the timid mare's voice. "I...um...its...pretty...The city I mean." Sora nodded despite knowing that she wasn’t looking at him at the time. "Yeah, it really is, isn't it? So different from where I come from." The shy mare's gaze fell upon him. "From...your Island, right?" "Yeah." He smiled. "I remember telling you about that a while ago. My home." "Yes, you did. You talked about your friends and all the adventures you had there when you were foals." Carefully, the timid mare moved closer towards the stallion. "It sounded really special. I…um…wish I could have been there with you to see it…Maybe…" She turned to face him. “Maybe I could visit? I-If its okay with you that is…” “I…wouldn’t mind that.” The stallion answered, his tone of voice both hesitant and yet...hopeful. "When this is all over, I’ll be sure to take you on a grand tour of the place. Even if its not much there but sand wood and water." “It sounds…peaceful…” She spoke softly. “I…Think it would be perfect.” The two went silent once again, basking in the comfortable silence that had enveloped them. Something that the shy mare couldn’t help but shiver at. She had done what Cadance had told her to do before coming to Sora. To think of what she wanted to say to him. She had even written it down before hand. But now, with Sora standing beside her, his presence stirring emotions she had long kept buried, Fluttershy found herself unable to speak the words she had so carefully prepared. To ask for forgiveness for hurting him…both physically and mentally. That she doesn’t deserve a kind stallion like him. But…as her gaze fell upon the stallion, his mane blowing genlty in the night of the wind, everything she had wanted to say was thrown away. Instead, she found herself reaching out a hoof to gently touch his own, an action that caused Sora's eyes widened at the unexpected contact, but not pull away. Instead, he turned to look at the shy mare fully, his gaze searching hers for any hint of what she was feeling. “Is…something wrong, Shy?” Taking a deep breath, her heart beating rapidly in her chest, the timid mare mustered the courage to answer him. Out of everything she had wanted to say to him, there was just one thing on her mind that she couldn’t get rid of. The push she needed to know how she really felt for the stallion. "Sora...I, um... The place where you were... hurt," she spoke softly, her tone a trembling, soft tempo. "I know you said you healed it...but...um...is it really okay?" The question wasn't a surprise to Sora, since pretty much every pony he knew asked him the same thing. He smiled softly at the shy mare, repeating the same words he told the others. "It's okay, Fluttershy," he reassured her, placing a hoof over his chest. "I may not be as good as Donald is but my magic works just as well. Barely even a scar now." She nodded before slowly looking his way fully, stepping a little closer. "I...Um...I understand Sora, but...do you mind if I see it?" she asked hesitantly. "I...um...Just to make sure." The stallion hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering with uncertainty at the shy mare's request. Unlike the others, no pony else had asked him to look at it and he never offered to show it either. He didn't want to show it. Not to her. Why would he?... and yet, as he looked into Fluttershy's eyes, filled with genuine concern, he nodded slowly, relenting to the mare's request. Carefully, he lifted his hoof to his chest, pulling up his shirt to reveal the faint scar the marred his fur. Fluttershy approached him slowly, her heart pounding in her chest as he looked upon the mark. Gently, she reached out with a trembling hoof before pressing it against his chest, tracing the outline of the scar. She could feel the little indent where the dagger had pierced, a stark reminder of the danger he had faced. The danger she had...put him in. As her hoof lingered, tears slowly welled up in Fluttershy's eyes. She couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions overwhelming her - relief that Sora was okay and guilt for what he had endured due to her weakness. Her gaze fell upwards towards the worried stallion as gentle waves of tears began to slowly fall down her cheeks. "Sora..." she whispered, her voice choked, barely restrained, "I...I..." The stallion, seeing the mare on the verge of breaking down, placed a gentle hoof on her own, offering her a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Fluttershy," he said softly. "I'm okay now, thanks to you and everyone else who helped me." He gaze her a soft toothy grin. "I'm okay." "I...I just...I...I'm sorry...I...I'm sorry!" She cried before pushing herself towards him, her face burying into his chest as she began to cry her little heart out. Sora carefully wrapped his hooves around the quivering mare, holding her close as she cried into his chest. He could feel her trembling against him, her tears soaking through his shirt, but he didn't mind at all. He just held her gently, offering her silent comfort and support. The pair stayed like that for quite a while, her tears flowing freely as she released the pent-up emotions that had been weighing heavily on her heart. She had thought that she was over it now. That she had come to terms with it. I...I'm still just a crybaby...I thought seeing it would do it…to force myself to let go of my feelings and him…but…I…Don’t want that…I don’t want to lose him… Eventually, after a long while, Fluttershy's tears began to subside, and she pulled away from the stallion, her eyes red and puffy. Sora reached out with a hoof to gently wipe away the remaining tear stains on her cheeks. "Feel a little better?" Fluttershy nodded weakly, managing a small, watery smile. "Yes, thank you, Sora," she replied, her voice still shaky from her crying but she really did calm down. Sora's eyes softened as he gazed at her, his hoof lingering on her cheek for a moment longer before he withdrew it. "Good cause...I...I really hate to see you sad," he said softly. "Because...it makes my heart hurt when you are." The shy mare blushed and looked away, sniffing softly. "I...Isn't that with everypony when you see t-they are hurting?" Sora nodded. "Yeah, it is," he replied softly, "But with you, Shy, it's, I don’t know…different." He sighed softly. "And I don't even know how I feel about it..." He sighed, shaking his head from side to side as he tried to word his thoughts. "But...what I do know is...I mean what I want to...Gah...What I mean is...Gah…" He groaned as he looked away, rugging the back his head in frustration. "Geeze...how is it that Riku can make talking to girls so easy..." He shook his head once again before continuing, his gaze falling into the mare’s own. “Listen…I…I don’t blame you no more then I blame Gilda for what happened…" He told the mare, “But…I also know that just saying that doesn’t help anyone…so…I…I want you to know that I want to help you get through it. Just like you helped me all those times…” he shook his head before gently pulling her hoof into his own. “S…Sora?” “I suck at talking and a lot of other things…” The stallion held her hoof in his own, gripping it tightly, "And I...I'm still sorting though a lot of stuff, Fluttershy..." "I...” The mare’s eyes widened before she closed them again, her cheeks turning a brighter shade of pink, “I understand." She dared to pull herself closer, grasping his hoofs as he tightened around her own. "I...I might make you cry,” He continued, looking away “...I’m definitely gonna make you worry." Tears began to flow again down Fluttershy's cheeks again, but she knew, this time, they were not ones of sadness or fear. "I-I know...I...I'm prepared for that...or at least I'll try to be..." Sora opened his mouth once again but then closed it, his gaze shifting to the ground. "I'm...not cool or smart...I'm just...an ordinary...stallion." His gaze shifted to look towards her own. "And I...I'm not brave enough to say those three words to you...at least...not now...but...What I want is...I mean.” He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck as nerves tired to over take him, “If it's cool with you...we can...hang out a lot more." He looked away, rubbing the back of his head again. "I mean...if you want to." Fluttershy's heart fluttered at Sora's words, her own emotions swirling within her chest. Wiping away her tears with a hoof, she looked up at him with a soft, sincere smile, praying to Celestia that this wasn’t a dream. "I would love to spend more time with you, Sora," she spoke through her tittering voice. "If…that is okay with you that is..." "Y-yeah, it's... it's definitely okay with me," he stammered, his cheeks burning bright red as he rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I-I mean... I'd really like that, Fluttershy. A lot. So...um..." He looked around, as if he was trying to find something profound to say or take about. When nothing came into view, he cast his gaze back towards the timid mare in front of him. "I guess...we're...dating then?” Fluttershy's cheeks flushed with a deep shade of pink at his words, matching the color of Sora's own blush. She glanced away shyly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she answered in a timid voice, "Y-yes, Sora... I... I guess we are now..." "Okay...ah...cool." Smile of his own began to form before it quickly turned into a frown. "Oh...ah...well...um...what now?" The timid mare released a small squeak of nervousness at his question. She had honestly not thought this far ahead at the time, more worried about everything else she had wanted to say to the stallion. Looking down at her hooves she felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her. "I... I don't know," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've never had a coltfriend before..." "And I've...never had a...Fillyfriend? Is that the right word?" He asked. Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, fillyfriend is the right word," she confirmed. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she looked up at Sora, a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling within her. "Okay...good...um..." He looked around again before turning back to face her. "Do...you...wanna go see how the others are doing then...I mean...not much of a first date between us I guess but...we are doing it together?" A warm feeling spread through the shy mare's chest at the mention of them together. She nodded softly to the stallion's suggestion. "Yes, I'd like that," she replied softly. "Right! Lets go." He made to move but stopped when the shy mare tugged at his shirt causing him to turn towards her. "Oh...ah...something wrong, Shy?" Fluttershy's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink as she gathered her courage to make the request she had always wanted to make. "Um... S-Sora..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think... maybe... um... you could... wrap your wing around me as we walk?" The stallion blinked before looking towards his side, slowly lifting one of his wings wide before turning back to the shy mare. "Like...ah...this?" Fluttershy's blush deepened as she nodded in response to Sora's question, her eyes fixed on the outstretched wing. "Y-Yes...I...um...E...excuse me...then" she replied softly, her voice filled with nervous anticipation. Slowly she shifted towards his side, pressing herself close to him as his wing draped across her back, enveloping her in its soft embrace. "Is this okay?" Sora asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. The now happy mare nodded, her heart fluttering. "It's...um... perfect," she whispered. Her gaze feel back to him. "And...Sora...I...I'm sorry...I never told you before but...I'm sorry...I'm sorry I'm the reason you got hurt...I know you said that...you're fine but...I still have to say it...do you...forgive me?" The stallion paused at the mare's words, his mind going over his time with Celestia and her words echoing in his mind. 'You're body and mind...it may be that of a pony now...but was it when you were with Fluttershy before Ventus saved you? Did you not have some kind of feelings for Fluttershy before you were changed into a full pony? If so then you already know the answer." He smiled as he pulled the mare closer with his wing, hugging her softly, "Nothing to apologize for Shy..." the stallion gently told her. "In fact...I hate to say it, but it might have been the kick in the flank I needed to know what I really wanted. In more ways then one." He looked over towards the mare's gentle, uncertain look before giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. Just saying that...I think its the start of something new." "Sora..." she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "Thank you...for understanding...and for being so kind." "Hehe...if the embodiment of Kindness says I'm kind then it must be true." She giggled softly before pressing her head against his neck, nuzzling into him and causing him to blush. There was still a lot left to be said between the two of them. And Sora knew that…he couldn’t keep his secret from the girls forever…but right now…all of that was forgotten as he walked out of the room with the mare, not even giving it a second thought for the moment. > A Moment with Apples and Oranges > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom Hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul A Moment with Apples and Oranges Sweet Apple Acers The air was filled with laughter and the sound of hooves tapping against the ground in time with the music as the warm afternoon gave way to the cool of the night. Many within the older Apple family were still roaring to go till dawn as mothers put their tired fillies and colts to bed for the night within the repurposed barn house. The little ones that were awake would laugh and and squeak with glee, treating the whole thing as a giant sleepover with family. Elsewhere, nearing the gates of Sweet Apple Acers, Applejack walked with two other ponies, her aunt and uncle Orange. As they strolled along, the faint scent of apples lingered in the air, a reminder of the family's orchard that stretched out behind them. The two older’s ponies laughed softly, their voices mingling in casual conversation as they shared stories and caught up on family news. "Thank y'all kindly for comin' out here today, Auntie Orange, Uncle Orange," Applejack mused softly, wrapping her hooves around both of their necks in a gentle hug, "It means a heap to me." Auntie Orange embraced her niece back, alongside her husband as she spoke. "The pleasure was all ours, dear. We'll be sure to visit again soon. Was always partial to down home cooking from time to time, isn’t that right dear?" “Of course.” The stallion mused, “Do tell Granny that she outdid herself this year.” "Well shoot. She'll be glad ta hear it," the farm mare smirked as she pulled away from them. "Ya sure Ah can't offer ya to stay for the night? Ah'm sure ah can make the bed all nice and neat for ya." Auntie Orange chuckled softly, her tangerine coat gleaming in the moonlight. "That is very kind of you dear, Applejack, but we've already made arrangements to stay at a hotel in Ponyville for the night so that we can board the Train to Canterlot in the morning. We appreciate the offer, though." "Indeed, we've got everything all sorted out, my dear." Uncle Orange added. "Though I must admit, it was quite the day well spent with our distant family. It might not be a thing we do every year mind you, but we will be sure to pop in from time to time." "That and to check in on you and your siblings." His wife said with a worried expression. "Word of those...dreadful creatures have been the talk of all of Manehatten recently. What did you call them before...Heartless?" "Yeah, it's true. Ponyville was attacked by the Heartless not too long ago, matter-o-fact," Applejack's expression grew even more serious as she nodded in response to Uncle Orange's question. "It was a rough time for everypony but we all came out of it unscathed tho'. They caused a lot of chaos and destruction before we managed to drive 'em off," she frowned. "Those varmints haven't been giving ya any trouble up there have they, now that ya mention it? Ah know a few of my friends went down ta Trottingham to deal with a heap of them, so ah reckon they can pop up anywhere if that's the case." Auntie Orange shook her head. "No, thankfully we haven't seen any Heartless in Manehattan as of now and I do hope it stays that way. They sound like dreadful creatures." "I'm sure they won't come down our way honey." Her husband mused, gently placing a hoof upon his wife's shoulder. "Our police force is the best and you've seen the guards the Princess sent our way. We are as safe as safe can up in the city." "It's always good to stay vigilant. Guard or no guard," the orange farm mare responded. "Speaking of which, stay safe on the road back ta Ponyville. The roads back may be lit but doesn't mean ya should slack when it comes to keeping yourself safe." "We will." The stallion nodded softly to his neice. "It was good seeing you again, little Apple. Maybe bring your family around for a holiday in Manehatten? I'm sure the Misses would love to dress you all up like she did when you came to live with us when you were a little filly." Applejack couldn’t stop the fond smile spreading across her face at Uncle Orange's suggestion. "That sounds mighty nice, Uncle Orange. Ah'll talk it over with the family and see if we can make it happen. It'd be a right treat to spend a holiday back in Manehattan with y'all." Pulling away she hugged her aunt again once before backing off. "Right. You two best be off or we'll be here all day saying goodbye." Auntie Orange chuckled softly. "You're right, dear Applejack. Take care of yourself, and don't forget to keep an eye out for those Heartless." "I will, Auntie Orange. You two take care on your journey back, and do write a letter ta let us know when ya get to Canterlot safe and sound, ya hear?" With one final round of hugs and well wishes, Auntie Orange and Uncle Orange bid farewell to their young niece. As Auntie Orange and Uncle Orange departed, Applejack turned to find Pinkie Pie approaching with her usual exuberance. "Hey there, Pinkie! I just wanted to see Auntie and Uncle Orange off," she greeted with a warm smile. Applejack glanced at the box balancing upon Pinkie's back. "Guessin' ya headin' back home with a few pies for the Cakes?" "Yep, you guessed it! I've got a whole bunch of pies for Mr. and Mrs. Cake. They're gonna be so happy!" "I'm sure they will be." The mare chuckled with a smile. "And thanks again for helping out with the Reunion. Owe ya big time for all that ya done." Her smile faltered a bit as she looked away from the pink party mare. With a soft sigh she looked into Pinkie’s blue eyes and spoke, her tone of voice low and somber. "And...ah...listen. That time in the Crystal Empire...ya know when we were in that weird black void talking to Rockhoof and that Somnambula mare?" She rubbed the back of her head. "Ah don’t think ah ever really apologized ta you when…well…when ah was angry at Sora...and you." "Aw, Applejack, you don't owe me anything. Apology or otherwise" The mare mused as she booped her friend's nose, "We're friends, remember? We're always here for each other, no matter what. Even if one of them is being a grumpy pants. I'm sure Sora would say the same thing." Applejack chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement at Pinkie Pie's playful boop. "Heh, I knew you'd say that, Pinkie. Still...wanted ta let ya know that ah am grateful. To you, the girls...hehe...and Sora." Pinkie Pie's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with warmth and understanding. "Aw, shucks, Applejack. You don't have to thank us. We're just doing what friends do." "Don't ah know." The mare mused as she raised a hoof the bump it with the pink mare. "Ya best get going too. Ah'm gonna make sure the rest of my family is settled for the night under the stars. Stay safe ya hear?" Pinkie Pie bumped hooves with Applejack, her smile bright and genuine. "You betcha, AJ! I'll make sure to stay safe, and you do the same, okay? Tell little Apple Bloom that I'll be back, bright and early tomorrow for the second day of festivities! See ya later!" Applejack watched as Pinkie Pie bounced away, her vibrant pink mane trailing behind her like a streak of confetti. Shaking her head softly she turned back to head towards the farm, the young mare taking her time to do so. As Applejack walked back towards the farm, her thoughts began to drift to the recent battles against the Heartless. It had been a trying time for her and her friends, but they had managed to overcome each challenge together. Even if it was by the skin of their teeth most of the time. Still, a win's a win in her book. But amidst the pride, she couldn't help the lingering sense of unease she felt. The young mare couldn't help but feel a storm was on the horizon, one she knew she had to be ready for. Whatever the Heartless wanted with this world...her world...it couldn't be good. And here she was promising to stay safe knowing that no matter how strong she may seem, she didn't have the power Sora had. She didn't even know if she had the real drive to... The mare shook her head, ridding herself of such thoughts. Sora trying to sacrifice himself to save us would have solved nothing. Can't go thinking I need to do so too if the time came... As she approached Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack pushed her worries aside and focused on the task at hand. The preparations for the second day of the Reunion were well underway. many of the older ponies had came in to help for the night, taking shifts for the cooking. She smiled, waved, and nodded towards all that greeted her before she was stopped by her Granny Smith, a gentle frown on her face. "There ya are A.J." Applejack stopped in her tracks, her smile fading as she looked at Granny Smith's concerned expression. "What's the matter, Granny? Is somethin' wrong?" "Well...nothing big." She told her. "Just haven't seen the Apple Bloom and her friend's running about is all. Pretty sure ah told them to come back home before nightfall if she was gonna up and leave." Applejack's brows furrowed in concern as she listened to Granny Smith's words. "They haven't come back yet? Did they say where they were goin'?" "No...but last ah saw anypony saw of them, they were headin towards the way that leads to the treehouse they dun built." Applejack's worry deepened. The treehouse was a favorite spot for Apple Bloom and her friends to play, but it was also located near the outskirts of Sweet Apple Acres. Not too far from here but she knew that if they were still out there, in the dark, nothing good could come of it. Giving her granny a smile to alleviate her concern, the farm mare reassured her. "Don't you worry, Granny. I'll go and find Apple Bloom and her friends right away. They're probably just caught up in their games and lost track of time." She patted her granny's hoof reassuringly before swiftly making her way towards the outskirts of the farm. As Applejack ventured deeper into the orchard, the moon cast an eerie glow through the branches, creating mysterious shadows that danced on the ground. She knew she shouldn't be scared. She had face way scaryier dangers then walking though some woods. No...her worry was for her little sister and her friends. After everything they went though in the Crystal Empire, she expected them to be at least a little wary of wandering off alone. Quickly but carefully, she pushed onwards before finding her destination. Just as she does though, a loud scream would pierce the darkness from within the little house in the tree. Without a moment's hesitation, she called out, "Apple Bloom! Scootaloo! Sweetie Belle!" Her voice rang out with urgency as she rushed towards the treehouse, her mind racing with worry for her little sister and her friends. Reaching the treehouse, Applejack wasted no time. With swift movements, she climbed the stairs and burst through the door, nearly breaking it off its hinges in her haste. As she entered, her eyes quickly scanned the room, searching for any sign of danger. To her relief, she found Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and even Babs Seed huddled together inside, their flashlights illuminating their startled faces. None of them were hurt. In fact, they appeared to be cozied up in their sleeping bags in the ruins of their makeshift blanket fort, their eyes wide with surprise at Applejack's sudden entrance. "Girls, are y'all alright?" Applejack asked, her voice filled with concern as she approached them. "Gosh...d-did you plan this whole thing about A.B.?" Babs asked in a shaky tone. "Having your sister hide to scare us is a low blow." "Ah didn't plan anythin' like that. Ah came runnin' 'cause ah heard screams comin' from here!" Applejack said, her brows furrowing in confusion. The four fillies exchanged sheepish glances before Apple Bloom shuffled forward, her voice tinged with guilt. "We're sorry, Applejack. We didn't mean to worry anyone. We just wanted to have a sleepover in our fort and tell spooky stories. We lost track of time, that's all." Relief washed over Applejack as she realized the situation wasn't as dire as she had originally feared. She let out a sigh and ruffled Apple Bloom's mane affectionately. "Well, I'm glad you're all safe. But next time, make sure to let someone know where you're going, alright? You had us all worried sick." Apple Bloom nodded, her eyes filled with remorse. "I promise, Applejack. We'll be more careful next time." The other fillies chimed in with their agreements, their voices filled with sincerity. Applejack couldn't help but smile at their innocence and determination to mend their mistake. "Well then, let's head back home now," Applejack said, her tone gentle yet firm. "Granny Smith and the others are worried sick. We need to let them know that everything's alright and then you four will head on up ta bed. Gonna sleep in for the rest of the Reunion if ya stay up so late at night." The fillies nodded in agreement, gathering their things as they prepared to leave the treehouse. In doing so, they made the long walk back to the Farmhouse, Applejack taking position behind them, keeping a watchful eye on her sister and her friends as they made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres. The farm mare couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that her sister and her friends were safe. She sighed contentedly, grateful that everything had turned out alright in the end. At least this was a clean victory for her. But as Applejack followed behind the girls, a sudden chill ran down her spine, causing her to pause and glance back. For a brief moment she thought she saw...something...but there was nothing there but the shadows of the night. Shaking her head, Applejack brushed off the feeling of unease, chalking it up to her nerves after the scare with her sister and her friends. With one last glance behind her, she hurried to catch up with the fillies, eager to return home and put the events of the night behind them. ~~ After a bit of a stern talking to from their elders, Apple Bloom, her orange pegasus friend, and her cousin all slipped into the yellow filly’s room, closing the door behind themselves as they did so. When they were finally alone, the yellow filly smiled and turned to her friends. “Good thinkin' on that excuse, Babs. Thought sis had caught us for sure.” "Yeah, well, we had ta come up with somethin' quick. I thought she was gonna lay down the farm law on us if she found out about the notes we took from Twilight’s house," Babs chuckled nervously, still feelin' the remnants of her fright from Applejack's unexpected entrance. “Yeah. And then our plans would have gone up in smoke.” Scootaloo chimed in. “Still, they are safely tucked away in the treehouse so we can get them later tomorrow.” She yawned softly. “Right now though, I’m beat. Doing nothing but reading all day really makes a girl tired ya know?” "I think me and Babs did most of the reading there, Scoots," Apple Bloom spoke in a deadpan tone. "You were too busy readin' over Sora’s adventures to help us do our research." The orange pegasus raised an eyebrow. “I was though. I mean what better way to find how Sora uses his keyblade then by reading over all of his adventures! I mean, he took on a Celestia to goodness Hydra! A Hydra, Apple Bloom!” "Yeah, I heard ya the first time Scoots," the yellow filly spoke as she rolled her eyes. "Still, we haven’t found anything out yet… not to mention that we had to take the notes with us since there was way too much to copy… Hope Spike doesn’t go and find them missin'." Scootaloo shrugged, flopping onto Apple Bloom's bed. "Eh, don't worry about Spike. I'm sure he's too preoccupied with Sweetie Belles since she hasn’t been seen all day long. Geeze…she was only supposed to distract him for a little while. What could the two of them do all day?” "Eh. I say they let her be," Babs spoke, jumping up and laying down on Apple Bloom’s bed. "The better she distracts him, the less he'll know the notes are missin'. And if she can't get him out of the library again, then all the better, since we can return the notes at that time without any pony bein' none the wiser, right?" “Can’t argue with that logic.” The yellow filly agreed, slipping under the covers of her bed. “Anyway, we should get some rest. The faster we go to sleep, the faster we can wake up and tackle those notes tomorrow.” In the quiet darkness of Apple Bloom's room, the four fillies settled down for the night, their minds filled with thoughts of adventures and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Despite the gentle atmosphere around her with friends and family, the yellow filly couldn't help but feel a pit in her belly...her only thoughts, now that she had time to do so, were about the stallion she liked. > A Rare Debut > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul A Rare Debut Canterlot Castle Sora was the first to notice a few ponies staring at both himself and his new fillyfriend, his gaze catching the quick looks and his ears noticing the hushed whispers as he passed by Canterlot’s servants and guards alike. He was never really one to care about such things, the gossip of others being the least of his concerns, though he could see Fluttershy was absolutely a wreck at receiving so much attention all at once, even if it was her idea to have Sora wrap his wing around the mare as they walked. "Hey, Fluttershy, you alright?” The stallion spoke as he moved to lean over towards her, whispering into her ear. “I know it was your idea and all but…well…maybe we should walk normally?" Despite her being given an out, she quickly shook her head in response. “N-No…please. I-I don’t mind it. I-I can handle it.” the flustered, timid mare took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she pushed herself further against the stallion’s side. “It's fine…really. How else I’m I going to make it up to you for being such a…a…dummy before.” “A…Dummy?” The stallion asked, raising an eyebrow at the mare. “With…you know…asking you to stay away from me.” She clarified. “Because of what happened back in Trottingham…I mean I know we are…um…well…dating now, but I still feel like…well…I owe you for the time we were apart…all because I was…well…um…a dummy….” Sora couldn’t help but chuckle softly at that. "Shy, I don’t think you are a dummy at all," his voice was warm as he spoke, kind. "And there's nothing to make up for. We both needed space back then. It gave us time to think about things." He lifted his wing from around the mare, freeing her from her grasp. "I may suck at a lot of things but making my friends feel uncomfortable isn’t one of them.” “You don’t suck, Sora.” The shy mare countered, looking up towards him. “You can do so many things nopony can…all while being the most caring stallion I know…” The keyblade Wielder’s cheeks flushed bright red at her compliment, a bashful smile tugging at his lips. He scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment, unable to meet her gaze. “Haha…That can’t be true. Honestly I feel like I’m just getting by on other’s kindness.” Fluttershy, despite herself, pressed against the stallion’s side. "You always do more than your best, Sora. Even you have to see that by now," “I…I guess so.” He frowned. “I mean…I still screw things up and OW~” Sora looked towards his side, seeing the mare pull back from his wing she nipped. “ What was that for?” "Don’t say things like that…," the mare spoke, frowning softly. "I told you before. Don’t do that. Don’t say you are a screw up or useless or anything else like that.” She walked in front of him before turning, puffing her cheeks out at the stallion. “You’re amazing and kind and wonderful and I won’t have anypony talk like you aren’t…not even yourself…understood buster?” Sora leaned back slightly, surprised by the sudden assertiveness from the typically shy Fluttershy. Seeing that she was waiting for an answer, he nodded quickly, saluting the mare with a raised hoof to his head. “U-Understood!” Her anger subsiding, the mare quickly went back into a meek kind of mode, her cheeks blushing brightly at her own actions. “I…I’m sorry…” The stallion couldn’t the shake of his head, unable to comprehend the mare’s moodswings. "Hey, there’s nothing to be sorry for, Shy. I mean…you were just standing up for me…even if it was against myself.” He chuckled softly. “Sorry for making you worry…” The shy mare shook her head gently. “It's fine Sora. Just remember that we’re here for you. That…I’m here for you now.” A bright blush once again creeped on the stallion's face, turning his cheeks a rosy pink once again, “Yeah…haha. Thanks Flutters.” A smile graced the mare’s lips as she looked downwards, kicking softly at the ground before she spoke, “Its…well…It's the least I can do for my coltfriend” “Oh my Stars!” The pair jump at the sudden exclamation from beside them, the two quickly turning their heads towards the source of the gasp, finding Rarity standing there with her hooves pressed to her cheeks, her bright baby blues sparkling like they were lit aflamed. Without hesitation, the white mare ran their way, looking between both mare and stallion with a smile so wide, Sora was afraid it would have overtaken the whole of her face if it had gotten any wider. “You two!" The fashionista exclaimed. "Did I just hear that right? Are you two finally…” She paused for dramatic effect, “Dating?" With the word being said out loud by someone other than the two of them, neither could stop the twin blushes that appeared upon their cheeks. Sora looked away as he scratched the back of his head, leaving the yellow mare to answer for the both of them. "I…um…Yes, Rarity," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sora and I... we're together now." The fashionista let out a delighted squeal, her eyes shimmering with tears of happiness. "Oh, my dears, I am positively overjoyed!" she exclaimed, clasping her hooves together in excitement. "I knew you two would finally bury the hatchet as the saying goes!" Sora smiled sheepishly, unable to stop the butterflies in his belly from kicking up a happy storm. "Yeah, thanks, it's... it's still sinking in for us, to be honest," he admitted, his voice tinged with warmth. “We kinda wanted to…ya know…test the waters. Just hang out…Nothing big, you know?” "Oh, but it is a big deal, darling!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "Love is always a big deal, no matter how it begins. And I couldn't be happier for the two of you!" She gasped. “Oh! You have to tell me where you plan on taking her for your first date! I bet it’s somewhere romantic!” “Oh…well…” Sora rubbed the back of his head. “I mean…It's kinda too late and stuff for all of that?” He smiled awkwardly at the mare. “We were just thinking that we would hang you guys till we went to bed as our first date…” Rarity's expression shifted from excitement to disbelief as she stared at the keyblade wielder. She blinked once, then twice, and then one more time before finally giving him a deadpan stare. "Sora," she said slowly, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Please tell me you're kidding." The stallion rubbed the back of his head, looking away from the mare. "Um, well... not exactly," he admitted sheepishly, his voice betraying him with a squeak. Fluttershy, sensing Rarity’s incoming storm, spoke up softly, slipping between her friend and the stallion. "Oh…um…We just thought it would be nice to s-spend time with our friends first, thats all Rarity," she explained, her voice gentle but hesitant. The white mare’s expression softened at her friend's words, though she never lost the frown. "Honestly, you two," she muttered, her tone holding a hint of exasperation. "Hanging out with friends? No, no, no! That won’t do at all. I shan’t allow you to sully the sanctity of such a special occasion with just…ugh…hanging out with friends.” She turned away from the couple raising her hoof into the air dramatically, "No, my dears, that simply won't do. A first date is a momentous occasion, one that deserves to be celebrated in style!" “Maybe…we should take this conversation somewhere less crowded?” Sora suggested, as he looked around himself, finding that a small crowd had decided to form around the trio. “Kinda becoming the center of attention here.” Rarity blinked, her dramatic demeanor momentarily faltering as she glanced around at the curious onlookers. A delicate pink tint crept into her cheeks as she realized just how much of a spectacle they were making. Clearing her throat, she nodded quickly in agreement with Sora's suggestion. "Oh, yes, of course, darling," she replied, regaining her composure. "Let's continue this discussion somewhere more... private." With a graceful flick of her mane, she gestured for them to follow her. "My room should provide ample space for our conversation." Sora and Fluttershy exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement, grateful for the chance to escape the prying eyes of Canterlot's residents. Following behind Rarity, they made their way through red carpeted halls of the castle, Fluttershy pressing softly against the stallion all the way. ~ It didn’t take long before the trio had made their way to Rarity’s room, the white mare closing the door as soon as they entered. “There…alone at last, darlings.” Turning back towards the couple, the fashionista offered an apologetic smile to the both of them. “And…ahem…I’m terribly sorry about that…You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for the two of you to finally get together and…well…I rather did lose my composure.” The sole stallion scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "No worries, Rares. No harm no fowl right," he said with a chuckle. Besides, I didn’t mind it myself, but I didn’t want to make Fluttershy feel more uncomfortable than she already was.” Rarity nodded understandingly, her expression softening with sympathy as she turned her gaze towards Fluttershy. "Indeed, darling. I apologize for the commotion. I should have been more mindful of your comfort," she said sincerely, her voice gentle. "It's okay, Rarity.” The timid mare spoke with a kind smile. “I…um…It wasn’t all your fault. I mean, I did have Sora wrap his wing around me as we walked the halls first so ponies were already looking at us. You didn’t do anything…” “Is that so?” The fashionista couldn’t stop the smirk that formed on her lips, casting her buttle yellow fright a sideways gaze, “Quite the bold move I must admit…hehe…It seems Rainbow Dash was rather right about you after all.” Yellow ears perked at the Rarity’s words, her curiosity piqued. "Huh? Rainbow Dash said something about me?" she asked timidly, her gaze flickering between Rarity and Sora. The unicorn’s smirk softened into a gentle smile as she shook her head. "Oh, it's nothing, darling. Just a little inside joke between the two of us, is all," she replied cryptically, her tone light despite that. "But enough about our prismatic maned friend. What's important is the present, and the fact that you and Sora are finally together." She pulled her yellow friend into a hug, squeezing her softly. “I’m so proud of you my little Fluttershy! You have to tell me all about it.” Pulling away, the white mare poked the timid one’s chestt. “You shall not withhold a single detail, is that clear?” "I…well…I mean…" Fluttershy stuttered timidly before turning towards Sora, hesitating ever so slightly before speaking. "That is…if it's okay with Sora…I don’t want to step on anypony’s hooves after all…It wouldn’t be fair." “Well I mean…It's not like I have anything to hide. About it.” The stallion answered with a wave of his hoof, “Though you shouldn’t have to ask about something like that, Shy. I trust you after all." He smiled brightly as he placed both hooves behind his head. “Though…at least try and make me sound a little cool, kay?” The Fashionista beamed at their exchange, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, how positively adorable!" She clasped her hooves together before pulling the timid mare into a gentle hug once again. "You two are simply going to be the sweetest couple already, I can just tell! Now then," She turned toward Sora. “I know you two have just gotten together and everything and I’m sure you two want to catch up but that will have to wait till tomorrow. Tonight, mind you, is a girls night so I’m afraid I’m going to have to steal her for the rest of the day.” The stallion tilted his head before, shrugging. "No problems, Rares. Besides, like I said before, it's getting kind of late. I really should turn in for the night. Was kinda fighting sleep the whole time, ya know." He turned towards Fluttershy, offering her a gentle nod. "Night, Fluttershy. Uh…See you tomorrow then?” The timid mare nodded, returning Sora's smile with a shy one of her own. "Y-Yes…Tomorrow then…” “Cool…ah…haha…Later.” The stallion gave one last warm smile before turning towards the door. Before he could, however, he felt a soft yellow body gently push against him, nuzzling his neck gently. He blushed brightly as he looked down at the shy mare looking up at him with a soft, affectionate gaze. Her eyes glimmering softly under the soft light of the room. “I..ah…W-what was that for?” She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper when she finally did. "I...um...it's just a good night charm," she murmured softly, “To help you sleep…and to have good dreams…Was…that not okay?” “NO! I mean Yes…I mean…it's fine. I didn’t mind it at all so…its really fine.” The stallion answered her. “A-anyway. Night…again…later.” Finally turning away to walk out, The stallion glanced back at the shy mare, his blush returning ten fold before he gave her an awkward way. Leaving the room he closed the door. As it did, Fluttershy turned towards her unicorn friend, and quickly squeaked softly at the look Rarity was giving her, her wings quickly shielding her blushing red face full of embarrassment. “I…ah…” The shy mare tried to speak but Rarity held up a hoof to stop her, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh, darling, there's no need to be embarrassed," she said reassuringly. "You were just being your sweet self, and Sora seemed quite taken by it, I must say." She smirked. “Though…Its just like I said before, Rainbow Dash was right about you being a little minx.” “I…I’m not!” The timid mare whined, her cheeks flushed an even deeper red at Rarity's teasing. "I-I was just trying to...um...be nice…we are…d-dating after all now," she stammered, before her eyes widened by degrees at what she had just said. “We…are…we're dating?" a slow and slightly dopy smile formed on the yellow mare's face. "W-We're dating Rarity...I'm...I’m dating Sora." The white mare chuckled at Fluttershy’s flustered reaction, a knowing look in her eyes as she watched her friend process the realization. “Yes, darling, you are indeed dating Sora,” she confirmed with a warm smile. “Congratulations, by the way.” She leaned a little closer, her eyes twinkling softly, “How does it feel? How do you feel?” The timid mare could feel the heat of her face reach the tip of her ears at her friend’s probing question. Despite her clear embarrassment of the conversation the fashionista could see her yellow friend’s eyes twinkled with excitement and a smile tugging at the corners of the yellow mare’s lips as she spoke. “Oh, Rarity, I-I feel…” she hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words to convey the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. “I feel happy...and nervous...and excited all at once. I-It's like a fluttering of butterflies in my stomach.” Pausing, she shook her head softly, her gaze drifting towards the closed door where Sora had just left. “But most of all, I feel grateful...grateful that he is giving me a chance. A chance I don’t deserve…but…a chance I’ve been dreaming off...” "Oh, my dear, Fluttershy," The white unicorn couldn’t stop the joy in her voice as her heart swelled with pride. "You deserve all the happiness in Equestria, and if Sora is the one who can bring that to you, then I couldn't be happier for you, darling.” She reached out to pat Fluttershy's hoof gently, “And never say you don’t deserve happiness Fluttershy. You are the kindest and most caring pony I know. If anyone deserves it, its you…now then.” The mare gave a devious smirk as she pulled the timid mare into a tight sideways hug. “Now, be a good girl and tell me all about what happened. Leave not one detail. Do you understand?” “Oh…my…” ~ Sora closed the door to his room before allowing his back to hit the door behind him. Closing his eyes, he let out a deep sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him as reality finally dawned on the stallion. “I…Have a girlfriend. A fillyfriend…I…Must be dreaming…” Running a hoof through his mane, Sora let out a soft chuckle, his mind replaying the tender moments he shared with Fluttershy earlier. Her shy gestures, the warmth of her nuzzle against his neck, and the affection in her eyes had left an indelible mark on his heart. "I really do have a girlfriend," he murmured to himself, the words sinking in slowly. Slowly but surely, he began to softly laugh to himself, unable to fully believe it, no matter how much it seemed so far-fetched. It was like a dream. A wild dream where he turned into a pony and got a pony girlfriend. And she was cute too. Cuter than all the other mares and he had to admit there were a lot of cute mares. Maybe it was just the situation but he couldn’t help but think that Fluttershy was cuter by a mile and a half. He blushed at his thoughts, looking around as if about to be admonished by someone for having them. Seeing no one, as he thought, he stood back up before making his way towards his bed. Slipping out of his clothes, he folded them in a neat pile by his bed before slipping within it, allowing the sheets to overtake him. All the while, his thoughts were on the shy timid mare. One that was now his fillyfriend…his girlfriend. He could worry about everything else later. His inability to turn human. Thoughts of saving Equestria. Grogar. He knew he should feel bad about it. Ponies are in trouble after all. He had a duty to protect them. Still, all of his thoughts were replaced with one simple thought. “I…Have a fillyfriend.” > A New Day > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingdom hearts of Harmony By Steel Soul A New Day Canterlot Castle Slowly but surely, the ponies of Canterlot would awake to a new day, setting up their shops and seeing to their morning errands as a new day started for them all. The air was alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and freshly baked goods. The early birds could be seen, already entering their local coffee shop of choice, looking for their favorite pastries and a warm brew to start their day. Within the confines of the castle that towered over the marble city, Sora awoke, lured from his sleep as the gentle warmth of the sun kissed the stallion's cheek. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he barely had time to get himself together before a gentle knock came upon his door. He blinked before rubbing his eyes with a hoof again before looking over towards the clock the wall, an early six O’clock greeting his still sleep deprived eyes. "Uah...Rainbow? Is that you?" The stallion asked as he pulled the covers back over himself. “Do you have any idea what time it is? Why are you up so early?” "Oh…um…no…I’m sorry," came a soft reply from the other side of the door. “…Did I…um… wake you?” “F-FFluttershy?!” The stallion's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson at the sound of the timid mare’s voice from behind the door, thoughts of the night before, their confession to each other, swiftly coming to the forefront of his mind. With all the grace of a haphazard tornado, he attempted to extricate himself from the bedsheets. As he swung one of his hindlegs over the side of the bed and tried to stand up, said hoof quickly became tangled in the twisted fabric, causing him to lose his balance and fall off the bed and onto the floor with a loud “THUNK”. Thankfully he only hit his head, and only a minor dizzy spell was in the cards for the caramel stallion. Still, even in his haze, he could hear a soft gasp as the door to his room opened, hoofsteps quickly making their way towards his side. “Sora! Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy pulled at the covers until she saw the stallion’s head, upside down and looking up at her as best he could. “A-Are you okay?” The stallion winced as he reached a hoof towards the spot on his head where he fell, feeling a soft bump form from the impact. It hurt, but he quickly nodded, trying to push himself up from the floor with a slightly embarrassed chuckle. "Yeah, I'm fine, Fluttershy," he reassured her, his cheeks still burning with embarrassment. "I’m used to it by now." Sitting up in an upright position, he rubbed the back of his head. “Hehe…didn’t mean to worry you…guess I’m already at a bad start as a coltfriend…” The shy mare sighed softly at the stallion’s words, her worried expression softening, if only a little. Sitting beside the keyblade wielder, she began to help untangle him from the soft fabric. N-No….I'm the one who should be sorry for startling you, Sora. I…um… didn’t know you were…well…still asleep and…sorry…” “Hey, no, it's fine, Shy.” The stallion quickly spoke, kicking the least dreg of the sheet from his body before giving it a scowl. “Sides, me and blankets go way back. Been hounding me since the day I got to Equestria. Still haven’t won against them honestly.” Despite her earlier worry, the mare couldn’t stop the gentle giggle at the stallion’s attempt to lighten the mood, the sound of which was like a soft melody to Sora’s ringing ears. Not being able to help herself, she smiled softly at the stallion, playing along. “I…hehe…It seems like you two have quite the…um…rivalry then…” The chuckle that escaped the stallion’s lips was sheepish, though his embarrassment faded away at the mare’s teasing jest. He gave her a bright, determined smile, puffing his chest. “Yeah, we do. But I’ll get my revenge on those sheets one day. You’ll see.” The pair looked towards each other for only a second before laughter soon filled the room, unable to contain their mirth at the situation. When the fits were over Sora was the first to recover, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink as he spoke, “Ah…morning by the way, Shy.” he scratched his cheek softly as he looked away from the mare. “Ah…Sleep well? Rarity didn’t keep you up all night did she?” The timid mare shook her head, gently humming a soft no before looking away, a shy blush of her own creeping onto her face, “I mean…we did talk for a while…but…um…we went to bed right after. She let me stay in her room and I had a nice sleep,” She paused before smiling at the stallion “And...um...thank you for asking…did you sleep well?" “Ha! Like a baby.” He smirked at the mare, letting his hooves fly behind his head in his signature gesture. “Guess that good night charm you gave me really helped with that.” Pink cheeks turned an even brighter shade as the shy mare looked down at her hooves, fidgeting her fetlocks in embarrassment. “Oh! I…um…You’re welcome…Sora” the mare managed to squeak out between her studders. “I…um…I’m glad…it helped” especially when I just…well…I wanted to nuzzle you before you left last night…She spoke the last part internally, deciding to keep that a secret from the stallion. Silence soon fell between the two of them soon after, both mare and stallion lost in their own thoughts and unsure of what to say next. The Keyblade Wielder, with sure will, forced himself to glance at the timid mare beside him despite the butterflies in his belly. He couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness in his own chest, unsure of how to break the tension but knowing that he at least had to try. Finally, he cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his head as he spoke to yellow pegasus. "So, um... How-" All thoughts ceased as he heard his belly rumble loudly, the pink blush on his face spreading until he resembled a ripe tomato. All tension that was there was wiped away in that instant, the mare giggling softly before gently poking his side. “I…um…guess you are hungry then?” "Yeah, I guess I am," he admitted, his laughter easing some of the tension that had been lingering between them. "Barely ate dinner last night so…guess it's catching up to me." He scratched his cheek softly. “Hey…ah…wanna grab a bite to eat with me this morning…I mean if you are free after all.” Fluttershy's gaze softened at Sora's invitation, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite her own embarrassment. "I-I'd love to, Sora," she replied softly, her voice as gentle as a breeze through the trees. "I don't have any plans for this morning, so…um… spending time with you sounds lovely." Relief flooded through Sora at her acceptance, his smile widening into a grin. "Great! Just…ah…hang on!” Jumping to all four hooves, he grabbed his clothes and smiled at the mare. “You…don’t mind waiting on me while I get cleaned up, do you?” "N-No, of course not, Sora," she stammered, her gaze flickering away from him. "Take your time. I'll be right here." With a grateful smile, Sora hurried off to the bathroom to freshen up, leaving Fluttershy alone with her thoughts as he closed the door behind himself. The timid mare’s ears flicked upon hearing the soft sound of water from the door beyond cueing the mare in that he was more than likely taking a quick shower. Carefully, she pulled herself up on bed in front of her before lying down, her turquoise eyes closing softly as she grasped at a nearby pillow, smiling softly. Seconds later, a soft blush quickly formed on the mare’s face as she thought where it was she was laying. The very place where the stallion she was…dating was sleeping prior. Fluttershy's hooves gently grazed the smooth fabric of the pillow beneath her, still warm from Sora's body heat. The softness and warmth brought a sense of comfort to the mare as she waited for Sora to return. The timid mare barely had time to relax in her dream-like state before a sudden knock on the door startled her. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly sat up, adjusting her mane nervously before calling out to the one within the hallway. “I…um…Come in.” From behind the door the mare couldn’t help but feel a hint of hesitation before it swung open forcefully, revealing Rainbow Dash of all ponies, dressed head to hoof in Rarity’s outfit she had given her when they were on their way to Trottingham. The rainbow maned mare took stock of all that was around her before her gaze fell on her timid yellow friend, her eyes widening by degrees at the sight of her. “Fluttershy…so that was your voice.” It wasn’t a question but a statement. They shy pegasus couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter with nerves, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she nodded shyly. "Um, yes, it's me," she responded quietly. “Good morning, Dashie…” “And…” Rainbow looks around the room before peeking her head back outside the hallway, “This is Sora’s room…right?” Fluttershy nodded timidly as her friend’s gaze fell back on her, her own shifting nervously after confirming Rainbow Dash's observation. "Y-Yes, it is," she replied softly, feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. The blue pegasus frowned for only a moment before the biggest feather eating grin formed on her face. “Wow, Shy.” The blue mare closed the door as she entered into the room fully. “Didn’t know you and Sora had gone that far. Congrats.” Turquoise eyes widened in shock at Rainbow Dash's teasing remark, and yellow cheeks flushed bright pink with embarrassment. "Oh, no, it's not like that at all!" she exclaimed quickly, her voice trembling with nervousness. "W-We haven’t…I mean…we just…It's not…We’re not at that point yet, Rainbow!" The prismatic maned mare laughed softly, shaking her head. “Haha…come on. I’m only teasing ya, Shy. Already heard everything from Rare’s early this morning so…” She paused mid sentence before raising an eyebrow at her friend. “Wait…yet?” Fluttershy's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink as she tried to stammer out an explanation. "I-I mean we’re just dating Rainbow! Nothing more than that... we..." Her voice trailed off at her friend’s scrutinizing gaze. Another burst of laughter escaped Rainbow’s lips, “Oh wow you should see your face Flutters…haha.” the blue pegasus fluttered over towards her timd friend, sitting down right beside her. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to tease you so hard…well…okay I did but I took it a bit too far.” She smiled softly. “Anyway, guess you went to wake him up before I did then?” The shy mare nodded sheepishly, still feeling the lingering embarrassment from Rainbow Dash's teasing. "Y-Yes, I did," she admitted quietly. "He’s getting ready in the bathroom right now and…I’m waiting for him." She fidgets with her hooves as she speaks. Her friend leaned towards the yellow mare, causing her to look at the blue pegasus. “So…I mean I know I got the jist of it from Rares, but…is it really true?” "U-Um, y-yes," she admitted softly, feeling a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. "We... We talked about it last night, and... and we both agreed that we w-wanted to give it a try." The boisterous mare smacked the timid one’s back, not too roughly though it still stung the yellow mare, causing her to freeze up. “That’s awesome, Shy. And about time too.” Rainbow smirked. “Being the go between you two was beginning to be a bit of a drag after all.” Fluttershy winced at her friend’s words but nodded and smiled all the same, "I…um…Thank you, Rainbow. And... and I'm sorry for any trouble we may have caused you." Rainbow waved off her apology with a dismissive grin and a hoof. "Ah, don't worry about it, Fluttershy.” looked towards the closed bathroom door. “You got your stallion in the end right, so don’t sweat it.” “I…um…I did…” the timid mare squeaked. “Even if it's just…dating.” “Gotta start somewhere right?” Rainbow slipped from the bed before turning towards her friend. “I’ll leave you two to it then…Gotta go visit another friend of mine since she’s getting out of custody now.” “Friend?” Fluttershy asked before gasping softly. “Oh! You mean Gilda? Is she okay?” Rainbow Dash nodded solemnly, her expression softening as she confirmed Fluttershy's assumption. "Yeah, it's Gilda," she replied quietly. "And yeah…She's okay, still kinda shaken up by everything... and still kinda pissed at…you know who for what she did." The timid mare frowned sympathetically, understanding just how the griffon felt. "I…um…i get it," she said softly. "Even if Sora saved her…I’m not sure I can forgive Starlight either…not right now at least…” "Yeah," she agreed, her voice tinged with a hint of anger. "Starlight really messed things up for a lot of ponies... and griffons. Hard not to not give her a second chance after all of that…." The rainbow maned mare shook her head. “Well listen. I better get going or Gilda will get lost and beat up some poor schmuck that crossed her path. Say hi to Sora for me will ya?” She smirked. “And you two have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Fluttershy couldn’t stop her cheeks from, once again, burning brightly. Neither could she stop herself from grabbing a nearby pillow and throwing it at her blue furred friend. The other pegasus yelped as she dodged the attack, deciding that flying out the balcony was the best way for her to avoid her shy friend’s quiet wrath. Once again alone, Fluttershy took a deep breath, trying to calm the flutters of her heart as she watched Rainbow Dash disappear into the sky. She couldn't help but smile despite her friend's teasing and playful antics, her head shaking softly at the blue mare’s retreating form, “Rainbow you dummy…” The sound of the bathroom door opening interrupted Fluttershy's thoughts, and she turned to see Sora stepping out, a towel on top of his head. His gaze met hers for only a moment before he looked around the room, a questioning look upon his face. “I thought I heard Dash’s voice before…Was she here?” The shy mare nodded in confirmation, her cheeks still flushed from her interaction with her blue friend. "Yes, she was here," she replied softly. "She came to check on you, and we... we talked a bit." Her voice trailed off as she nervously tucked a strand of mane behind her ear. “She says hi.” Sora nodded before tilting his head at the still pink cheeked mare. “You okay? You’re looking a little red.” The shy mare felt her cheeks burn even brighter at Sora's observation, her heart fluttering nervously as she tried to compose herself. "Um... y-yes, I'm okay," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... Rainbow Dash being...well, Rainbow Dash." “Ah…I get it then.” The stallion rubbed the back of his head. “Guessing she knows about us?” "Yes, she does," the timid mare admitted softly, "She... she was actually quite supportive... after the teasing, that is." “Really?” The stallion asked with a soft smile, his cheeks burning brightly along side the mare’s own. “Well can’t say that doesn’t sound like Rainbow Dash. Though still a surprise since she seemed kinda angry with…well…everything before with us.” “She can be a really a good friend like that. Even if she is angry with you sometimes.” Turning to face the stallion she looked towards the door. “I…um…Shall we get going then? I…um…don’t want you to go hungry after all.” Sora smiled as he placed both hooves behind his head. “You got it. Follow me.” ~ Twilight Sparkle looked at herself in the mirror, adjusting the collar to her cape she was wearing before running a hoof down the black and purple vest to smooth out any wrinkles, admiring the gold trim the lined along the edges of her vest. Her magic deftly adjusted the bow beneath her folded collar, ensuring everything was just right. Though she was a Canterlot native, Twilight wasn't accustomed to wearing clothes every day. Yet, today was different; Rarity's creation was both practical and stylish, a perfect blend of function and fashion. “This is something I can honestly see myself wearing everyday…even if I don’t.” To say she was surprised when she had first received her gift later last night upon visiting Rarity’s room would be quite the understatement, even though she knew the white mare had been working on something in her off time. She was even more surprised, that same night, upon hearing the news about Fluttershy’s and Sora’s new relationship from the butter yellow mare herself. ~~~ Last night in Rarity's room In Canterlot Castle “I honestly don’t know what else to say but congratulations, Fluttershy.” Twilight spoke, gently hugging her yellow friend. “Honestly, even after both Applejack and Cadance told me that you had a thing for him, I still had a bit of doubt but…well…” Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Applejack? Wait, Applejack knew about Sora and Fluttershy?” “Well…I wouldn’t say knew.” Twilight corrected. “It's like she had a bit of a feeling. Though she did provide context clues so I can understand why she came to that conclusion.” She gave the blushing yellow mare an apologetic smile as she saw her whine and hide her face with her wings. “I mean…at least to Applejack, you really weren’t exactly subtle in your infatuation with Sora.” “Oh…Oh my…” The timid mare flushed a deep red behind the yellow curtain of feathers. “I…I mean…oh dear…” Rarity chuckled softly, patting the timid mare’s back comfortingly. "Oh darling, there's no need to be embarrassed. It is not like you were trying to hide it after all.” She turned away and huffed. “Though the fact that Applejack found out before I did does make me a little miffed.” “Awww. Don’t be too mad Rarity.” The lavender mare spoke up. “I had no Idea until AJ told me as well. I cannot say I wasn’t shocked by the news though.” She turned to Fluttershy, gently grasping her hoof. “And after everything I learned about Trottingham, I was worried about Sora and you and most. Speaking of…Are you sure you are alright? Sora too.” The shy mare nodded, squeezing her friend's hoof in return. "Sora and I... Um…we're still figuring things out, and we barely even started dating but…I can’t say I’m not happy…even after everything." She shivered softly. “Still…I…I can’t help but feel like a bad pony being happy while those who suffered are still hurting…” “You can’t think like that Fluttershy.” Twilight told her, frowning softly. “You being happy is just as important as everypony else.” She paused and closed her eyes. “And… I know it's the worst feeling not being able to save them right now but we will.” Opening them again, she smiled with determination only a friend could give. “Princess Celestia told me to believe and I’ll ask you to do the same, okay?” Fluttershy sniffled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she took in her friend's words of comfort. She nodded shakily, feeling the warmth of her friend's support enveloping her like a comforting blanket. "I'll try, Twilight," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll try to believe... for them, for us, for everypony.” “Good. We need to focus on the here and now, and right now,” Twilight told them both, “I think we should get some sleep. Big day tomorrow after all.” ~~ Twilight sighed softly, the ending of last night’s conversation replaying within her mind. Despite everything I told them, I still can’t help but worry about the ponies that were captured. Hopefully, the princess gets some kind of lead on Grogar. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a knock upon her bedroom door. Using her magic to open it, should find a guard in golden armor, saluting the mare smartly. “Good morning Ma'am. Sorry if I am interrupting you.” Twilight returned the guard's salute with a warm smile, her eyes curious as she spoke. "No need to apologize Mister Guard, what can I do for you today?" She inquired politely, her tone friendly and inviting as she gestured for the guard to enter. The guard pony stepped inside the room, standing at attention as he delivered his message. "Princess Celestia requests your presence in her study, Miss Sparkle.” "Of course, I'll head there right away. Thank you for informing me, sir." She nodded to the guard with a smile, appreciating the efficiency of Canterlot's guards. After a quick check to ensure she was presentable, the lavender mare adjusted her vest one last time before making her way out of her room and towards Princess Celestia's study. As she walked through the familiar halls of the castle, the weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders like a heavy cloak once again. She figured the time was coming for her and her friends to get back into the heat of it. They had a few days to rest and it was more then well deserved, but she knew good things did not least, no matter how much she wanted them to. Twilight climbed the spiral staircase leading to Princess Celestia's study, her mind racing with anticipation. She couldn't help but wonder what urgent matters the Princess needed to discuss with her. As she reached her destination, she gently knocked upon the ornate door, announcing herself as she did so. “Princess Celestia?” The door opened slowly, revealing Princess Celestia's serene expression as she gazed at the lavender furred unicorn. "Come in, my faithful student," she beckoned, her voice gentle yet commanding. Twilight entered the study, the familiar scent of old tomes and parchment filling her senses. The room was bathed in a warm golden glow, courtesy of the magical sun tapestries that adorned the walls. Princess Celestia gestured for her to take a seat across from her as she settled herself behind her desk. "Twilight, I'm glad you could join me. I trust you had a good rest under Luna’s moon?” The unicorn nodded, a small smile gracing her features. "Yes, Princess. Even had a chance to visit my mother yesterday evening.” Princess Celestia returned the smile, her eyes kind and understanding. "I'm glad to hear that, Twilight. Family is important, especially in times like these." She paused for a moment, her expression growing serious as she continued. "I have called you here because Blueblood says the Queens will be here tomorrow. I’ve seen a letter to Spike to let the other Elements of Harmony know to meet us at the castle today. Time is short and we must prepare our case to them. Did you retain everything you learned from Cadance and myself about them?” The lavender mare quickly recalled the information she had learned from both Princess Cadance and Princess Celestia about the Diamond Dog sisters. "Yes, Princess. I remember everything.” She frowned slightly. “I still find it hard to believe that they would split their country so easily…all because of some superstition in a cave.” "Sometimes fear can drive ponies to make choices they wouldn't otherwise, Twilight. It is crucial that we approach this situation with understanding and empathy, but also with a firm resolve to protect Equestria and its inhabitants." Celestia sighed softly. “And the fact that one of their princess sisters saw something strange within the cave itself is nothing to write off. That and the Diamond dog disappearances. The Heartless may very well be at work here. And if the Heartless are involved. So is Grogar.” The lavender mare’s eyes widened at the mention of Grogar, the name sending a shiver down her spine. “That…I know. Trust me princess.” “I do, that is why I will be leaving this investigation to you and your friends. You have proven time and time again that you are capable of handling such matters,” Princess Celestia stated, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Twilight. “Remember, the power of friendship will guide you through any darkness you may face.” She smiled. “That is all. I’m sure you are eager to meet back with your friends that are already here, right?” “Y-Yeah. I mean I did see most of them…but…I never really got a chance to talk to Sora and see how he’s doing.” She laughed softly. “Though it has to be good since he and Fluttershy are together now.” Celestia’s eyes widened at that. “Together? Is that true?” Twilight nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Princess. It's true. I wasn’t there for it but from what I’m told it happened last night. Honestly, even after Cadance and Applejack told me plain as day, I still couldn’t help but be in shock at the news. But I am happy for the both of them." Celestia smiled softly as she leaned back in her chair. “I see. Good for them then. May their love blossom like a flower in spring and never wilt like a strong pine in winter.” “That’s…A very beautiful prayer, Princess.” “And one I hope remains true, even in the darkest of times for them.” The princess sighed. “Do give him and Fluttershy my best regards when you see them again.” Twilight nodded, her heart warmed by Princess Celestia's words. "Of course, Princess. I'll be sure to pass along your regards to Sora and Fluttershy." With a final respectful nod, the unicorn turned to leave the study, closing the door and leaving the princess alone within her study. white mare turned to look out her window, her smile, hesitant as it was, growing ever so slightly. “I see…you heeded my words Sora…good for you.” She lowered her head. “If only I…” ~ Ponyville Sweet Apple Acres It was the third and last day of the Apple family reunion, and the mood at Sweet Apple Acres was nothing short of jubilant. Applejack stood off towards the side revelry, beaming with pride at the success of yet another reunion and the bonds rekindled between her family members, despite the growing troubles she knew was happening. She couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her as she watched Granny Smith regale the younger Apple foals with tales of their ancestors' adventures and grown ups laughing it up with mugs of cider in their hooves. Not too far away was a very jovial Pinkie Pie, twirling around in circles with a group of foals, her laughter ringing through the orchard. The foals giggled and tried to mimic her dance moves, their faces filled with pure delight. Pinkie's energy was infectious, spreading a sense of happiness throughout the gathering to young and old alike. Even the Cakes decided to join in, having taken the day off the spend time with new and old friends and give the the Cake twins a chance to enjoy themselves without the confines of the bakery. The farm mare tilted her hat before making hey way though the crowd, nodding to everyone she met as she did so. Reaching her destination, her barnyard home, the mare couldn’t help but fall onto a nearby couch, happy but exhausted from the past few days' events. She closed her eyes for a moment, relishing the brief solitude before a familiar voice interrupted her peaceful moment. “Taking a bit of a break I see.” the gruff voice commented, “Not that I blame ya sis.” Applejack opened her eyes to see Big Macintosh standing before her, his usual stoic expression softened by a rare smile. She chuckled softly, sitting up and patting the space next to her on the couch. “Can't be goin' at full speed all day," She chuckled softly. “I ain’t Pinkie Pie after all.” Big Macintosh chuckled, taking a seat beside Applejack on the couch. "True enough, sis. That girl’s got enough energy for all of us combined and then some." He leaned back, his gaze scanning the bustling scene outside the window. "But it's good to see everypony havin' such a good time. Family reunions sure do bring out the best in us." “I like ta think so.” Applejack mused softly, looking out a nearby window. “Always seems like our family gets bigger by the year, huh Mac?” Big Macintosh nodded, a fond glint in his eye as he watched their extended family enjoying themselves. "Eeyup, it's a mighty fine thing to see. Makes all the hard work worth it," he said, his voice filled with pride. “I’ll even say ma and pa would be proud of ya ten fold for keepin’ the tradition goin' strong all these years. Reckon they're lookin' down on us now with smiles as wide as the barn door.” Applejack's expression softened at the mention of their parents, a pang of nostalgia tugging at her heart. She nodded slowly, her gaze following a pair of fillies chasing after each other with glee. "I like to think so too, Mac. I reckon Ma and Pa are up there watchin' over us, proud as can be." She sighed. “Wanted ta make this years one the best it can be…after all…another year isn’t promised to anypony…” She shook her head. “Listen, Big Mac…my leg is itching something fierce. Usual a sign…And what with the Heartless running about…just…if something were to…” Big Macintosh placed a reassuring hoof on her shoulder, silencing the mare. “Now, Applejack, don't you go worryin' yourself over what-ifs and maybes. Ah hate to admit it, you’ve faced plenty of challenges before and come out the other side stronger for it,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “So…like ya said, somepony needs to do it and…well…my little sister saving the world makes for a pretty good drinking story…Still. Remember you can always call on the Apples. We’ll come a-running.” A knock upon the door caused both siblings to turn just as it opened, revealing Spike the Dragon, panting heavily and holding a scroll with Celestia’s sun upon it. “There you are! I…ah…got a letter for you and Pinks!” Applejack and Big Macintosh exchanged a curious glance before Applejack reached out to take the scroll from Spike, unrolling it with a hoof. As she read the message, her expression shifted from curiosity to concern, her brows furrowing slightly. “The princess…she wants us to come to Canterlot…something about an important meeting…Heartless may be involved.” She sighed, handing the scroll over to Spike, "Thank you for bringin' this to us, Sugarcube. Can you let Pinkie know as well?" Spike nodded quickly. "Of course, Applejack. I'll go find Pinkie right away," he said before rushing off to deliver the message. Applejack turned to her brother, her mind already racing with thoughts of what could be happening in Canterlot. "Guess the Vacation’s over. Mind cleaning up, Mac?" "Not a problem, sis. You go on ahead to Canterlot. I'll make sure everything's squared away here," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. “Just kick a few of those creatures for me, will ya?” The farm mare chuckled softly at her bother’s request, appreciating the light-hearted approach. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to kick one for each of the Apple Family before we’re through with them.”