> Kingdom Hearts: The Elements of Light and the Warrior of Fire > by DARKPHANTOM13 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologe: Darkness Comes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight’s P.O.V. "Come on girls, we have to find Spike and get somewhere safe!" I yelled over the roar of the flames all around us. Fluttershy and Rarity were holding up an unconscious Applejack over their shoulders. Rainbow Dash was in front of them with me while holding her 'trusty sword of awesomeness' in both hands as she frantically looked around our surroundings, making sure those...things didn’t jump us again. I, myself, had my magic ready in one hand while I held my family spell book tightly in the other. Pinkie was behind us with some needles in her hands; her normally poofy hair was straight with a serious look on her face. The six of us moved as quickly as we could through the burning town trying to find my little brother and dear friend. The screams of other people being burned alive or being attacked had died out. The only noticeable sounds that remained were the occasional screams of pain followed by abrupt silence. We neared the edge of town when we heard something coming from one of the burning buildings. Rainbow, Pinkie and I got ready in case we had to fight while Fluttershy and Rarity backed up in case it was one of those things. One of those things flew through the flames and landed on its back in front of us. It was small, about the size of a dog. The thing had pitch black skin with shoe-like feet, three-fingered claws, and had a large head with yellow eyes and two curled antennae. It suddenly disappeared in a burst of black smoke. Out of the fire came a boy a year younger than myself. He had green spikey hair with snake-like eyes of the same color. His clothes were ripped and burned. He had a snarl on his face that showed just the kind of mood he was in. In his hands were two wooden swords. Suddenly, another one of those things jumped onto his back. The green-eyed boy dropped his swords and reached for the thing. Once he got a grip on it, he slammed it into the ground and jumped up and down on it until it disappeared as well. All the while yelling out curses that a ten-year-old boy shouldn’t say or know. "Spike!" I called out as I ran to the boy and gave him a hug. "Thank goodness you’re okay!" "Urg, mah head." I heard someone groan behind me. I let go and turned around to see that Applejack had woken up, rubbing her head. "What in tarnation happened?" "You hit your head when those disgusting things attacked us and knocked you out, dear." Rarity explained. "That would explain the headache. Ya’ll can let go now. I can move on my own." Applejack said. "Are you s-sure?" Fluttershy asked out worry for the cowgirl. I started running towards the edge of town with the other girls behind me. "Come on! We have to get out of here!" "No, wait! Twilight!" I heard Spike yell at us. As we neared the edge of town, we slowly came to a stop as our minds tried to understand what our eyes were seeing. Spike finally caught up to us as we stood in our spots like statues, staring directly ahead along with us. Darkness. Nothing but soul crushing darkness. It was as if everything but the ground we stood on and the burning town behind us was erased from existence. And the endless void gave me an uneasy feeling. Just looking at it made my hair stand on end and a cold, dark shiver ran up and down my body. We just stood there with our mouths hanging open as minds tried, and failed, to make sense of what we were seeing. "H-how?" I whispered to myself. "I don’t know." Spike replied in a surprisingly calm tone. "When I was fighting off those things earlier, I noticed it was like this on the other side of town, too." Fluttershy was able to snap out of her shock to quietly ask, "So w-what do we d-do?" "I say we jump." Spike answered. He slowly started to make his way to the edge. "WHAT!?" The girls and I yelled. "What are you thinking Spike?!" I yelled at him. "There has to be a better way!" "Yeah Spike," Rainbow Dash yelled, worried about what her friend was going to do. "Don’t be an idiot!" "What other choice do we have?!" He asked as Spike turned towards us and spread his arms out. "Look around! In less than an hour almost everything disappeared! Even the freaking sky is gone! This rock is going to disappear, probably with us along with it! And that is if those things don't get us first! If you guys have a better idea, then let’s hear it!" "How about you come with me without giving me any problems." An unfamiliar voice catches our attention. We turned to see what looks like an adult male, from the sound of his voice, wearing a cloak in front of us. "Who the heck are you?" Rainbow asked as she pointed her sword at the stranger. "It doesn’t matter who I am, you brat. What does matter is that I can lead you all to safety." The man answered back harshly. "I don’t trust this fella," Applejack whispered. "He feels about as trustworthy as a scorpion with an attitude problem." "I know what you mean," I whispered back. Everything about this person is setting off every alarm in my head, and from the looks of my friends’ faces, they feel the exact same way. "Thank you, but I think we’ll be just fine on our own." I told the stranger. The cloaked person chuckled at my response and said, "What makes you think that you have a choice in the matter?" In a blink of an eye he disappeared and reappeared in front of us. He grabbed me by the neck and lifted me into the air as I tried to get out of his grip. "TWILIGHT!!!" The others yelled as they charged to help me. Out of nowhere a dome appeared keeping me and my assailant inside while keeping everyone else out. "I don’t know why my master wants you snot-nosed brats, but he always gets what he wants," the stranger said as his grip started to make it hard for me to breath. "Though he didn’t say whether or not he wanted you seven alive." I could hear my friends pounding on the barrier and shouting my name through the dome. I tried even harder to pry his hand off my throat, but nothing worked. In a last-ditch effort, I began building up my magic, focusing into one small spot as I gathered more. Once I couldn’t hold it any longer, I let it out in a massive blast of magic. It completely drained me of my magical reserves and the wind was knocked out of me when I fell to the ground, but it blew away both the barrier and, more importantly, the stranger away from me and my friends. The man landed face down on the ground. His feet were just over the edge of what was left of the ground. "Twilight!" my friends yelled as they tried to help me up. We heard groaning and saw that the man was getting up on his hands and knees with a powerful, dark aura forming around his body that made my hair stand on end. The girls and I were starting to worry about what he was going to do to us when Spike grabbed my attention. "Twilight, Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, I need you all to promise something," Spike told us. He had an extremely determined, yet somewhat worried, look on his face. "No matter what happens, you all protect and help each other. You’ll stick together no matter what and try to be happy. Okay?" "Why yes, of course darling, we promise." Rarity replied with an uneasy tone. Everyone, including myself, nodded our heads in agreement. "Good. Now you guys stay alive; I will find you. No matter what." "Spike? What are you- SPIKE?!!" I yelled as he suddenly got up and charged at the mysterious figure. "YOU LITTLE BRAT! I'M GOING TO ENJOY-" The figure yell as he stood on his knees only to be cut off by Spike slamming into him. Sending them both to the endless abyss below. "SPIKE!!!" We all screamed as my brother and first friend fell from sight. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I realized that Spike sacrificed himself for me...for us. Though before I could shed a single tear, a massive orb of darkness appeared where the sky used to be. It suddenly sucked us and everything that wasn't nailed down into it. We each managed to grab onto something to keep us from flying into the orb, but one-by-one our grips slipped and we got sucked into it. I was the last one, losing my grip on a piece of wood in the ground. When my fingers finally slipped I screamed as I flew into the orb and darkness enveloped me. "Twilight." I heard my name being called out through the darkness. "Twilight!" "TWILIGHT!" "TWILIGHT!!!" I groggily woke up to the feeling of someone shaking me and yelling in my ear. I looked around to see that I was back in my room and that Rainbow Dash was the one who woke me up. She was a few inches taller than myself with the build of an athlete. Her cyan, short-sleeved shirt, black, tight, track shirts, blue sneakers, and dark blue, fingerless gloves showed off her figure perfectly. "Another late night of studying huh egghead?" Rainbow asked with a smirk. "Oh, you have a bit of drool on your face and a lot of it on the book you were using as a pillow." I blushed as I sat up and wiped the drool from my mouth with my sleeve. "Yeah, I wanted to look over the information on all of the documented worlds again to make sure I didn't miss anything that could be important later on." I put the book away with the others in one of the suitcases I had laying around in my room. I changed my clothes for the day ahead. A pink shirt with a six pointed star on it under my favorite purple, light jacket and a simple pair of jeans. I strapped on my new shin-high boots I got from Rarity a while back. "Today is the day that we can finally go to other worlds for the first time since...that day, and I want to be prepared." "I get it, but you have to stop worrying so much. We've been training for this day with Master Luna for like, eight years now. We can handle anything that comes our way." As usual, Rainbow had confidence practically coming off of her in waves. I couldn’t help smile at that. "By the way, what were you dreaming about? You kept on mumbling in your sleep." The question wiped the smile off my face as my thoughts turned back to my dream. "I had that same dream again." Rainbow Dash must have realized what I meant as her cocky smirk was replaced with a serious look. "The day that we lost our world...the day we lost Spike." There was a sad moment of silence as Dash walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don’t worry Twilight, we’ll find him. We all Pinkie promised that after we finished Master Luna’s training that you, me, Shy, AJ, Rarity, and Pinkie would find him together. Besides, remember what Spike always use to say? 'I’m a survivor and that isn't going to change anytime soon.' It’ll take more than a little fall to make him kick the bucket." "Yeah, you're right." I said as my smile came back. "You bet your Keyblade I am," she said with a smile. My rainbow-haired friend lets go of my shoulder and made her way out of my room. "Come on, Pinkie got breakfast ready and the others are waiting for us. Our masters got something to say to us before we leave." "I’m coming," I said as I followed my friend. 'Don’t worry Spike,' I thought to myself. 'We’ll find you; and when we do, nothing will tear us apart ever again.' > Out of the Void, Into a New Adventure > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike's P.O.V. Eight Years Ago Darkness Nothing but absolute darkness. There was no movement, no thoughts. Just stillness. Then the sensation of falling. As I fell things become more clear as my mind slowly wakes up. Out of nowhere the falling stops. It took what seems like forever before my mind was fully awake. ‘Ow.’ That was my first conscious thought. My head was throbbing like crazy while the rest of my body felt like it was still asleep. Argh, my head is killing me! What the hell happened last night? … And aren't I a little young to be saying those kinds of lines? I would be laughing if my head didn't feel like it was trying to split itself open, and if my body wasn't in a coma. Why the heck is it completely dark out? Oh, right. My eyes are still closed. It's never a good sign when you have to put in a lot of effort to open your own eyes. After a little bit, I was able to fully open them, and take notice of my situation. I'm outside, and, from the look of the sky, it's early morning. Then, I notice that I'm lying on the ground, sprawled out. What the heck happened? The only thing that is coming back to me was the weird dream I had. As I tried to move my body, I noticed I was holding something in my hands… or more specifically, I was holding two items, the same two items that appeared in my dream. ‘Okay, perhaps it wasn't a dream.’ I thought to myself. I'll worry about that, and its ramifications later, right now, I need to get up. It took longer than I was willing to admit, but I was able to sit up, and see where I was. ‘Well... it's safe to say that I'm not in Endless Green anymore.’ Instead of the town that my sister, our friends, and I lived in it was a courtyard of some kind which was surrounded by mountain tops. The courtyard would have looked beautiful if it wasn't in disarray. There were a few archways that were either damaged, covered in vines, or both. There were cracks everywhere due to age, and weather damage along with grass, moss, and weeds growing out of control. It was easy to tell that nobody had set foot here in a long time. Nearby, I could see a nearly dried up creek, a few stone benches, what looks like street lamps, and what I thought was some metal training equipment that is covered in vines and rust. I noticed that it was dawn, the sun was just peaking over the mountains. I ended up staring at the beautiful array of colors that was being painted across the sky. I thought to myself, ‘I bet Twilight would love to see this.’ Suddenly, a rush of memories came back to me with the force of a train wreck. I looked around the courtyard, and remembered being attacked by black little monsters, the world literally disappearing into the darkness. And that damned cloaked asshole! I fell with him into the void in order to protect everyone. ‘Everyone!’ I quickly stood up as quickly as my slowly waking body could, nearly face planting into the ground for my trouble. I looked around for my friends, but didn't see any signs of them. “Twilight!” I yelled out as my voice echoed, hoping to get a response. “Fluttershy? Applejack? Pinkie? Rainbow Dash? Rarity? ANYONE?” No reply was heard. Nothing else was heard, but the trickling of water coming from the creek, and my own damn echo. ‘Great! Just great!’ I sarcastically told myself mentally. ‘I'm all alone… once again.’ Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something I didn't notice before. On the other side of the courtyard was a small stairway that led to a castle that was in better conditions than the rest of the place. It seemed to also float somehow… and for some reason, had a slight curve to it. ‘How the hell did I miss that? I must be very oblivious.’ Deciding to investigate the castle, I slowly made my way to the floating castle. I was hoping to find someone inside that would help me, and not be a bastard towards me just because I'm a Dragon Blood, or at the very least something that tells me where I am, and how to get out of here so I can find my sister, and friends. At the time, I didn't notice the two objects I had in my hands suddenly disappear. Third Person P.O.V. Twilight, and Rainbow Dash navigated the halls of the castle that has been their home for the past eight years. As they made their way to the mess hall, the two decided to walk slowly for the likeliness that they won't see this place again for a long time. When the two were close enough to their destination, they could hear the voices of their friends. “Aww, come on AJ. Just one little itty bitty bite?” A hyper voice begged. “No, Pinkie.” Someone said in a southern accent. “But whhhhhhyyy?” “Because, sugarcube, we have to wait for Twi, ‘N Dash to get here before we can dig in.” “By the way, darling, why did you, and Pinkie make so much food?” This time, a refined, classy female voice asked. The next voice was so quiet, and timid that it was almost a mere whisper. “It is a bit much, if you don't mind me saying so.” “This is our last meal together at New Moon Castle, so it has to be a super fabulous special last meal!” The two late arrivals enter the mess hall to see their friends surrounding one of the dining room's long tables that was filled to the brim with freshly prepared food. On one side of the table, were the two cooks who cooked the feast, and are the Earthbounds of the group : Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. Applejack was the most tallest, and physically strongest of the group, wearing her signature stetson hat on top of her golden blond, ponytailed head. Her clothes where pretty simple for the most part : a short sleeved flannel shirt, sturdy blue worn-out jeans, and some cowboy boots that accented that Southern aspect of her. She also had a red apple belt buckle, and three of the same fruits engraved onto the side of her boots. Overall, she looked like she belonged in the Wild West with determination, and strength to match. Pinkie Pie - like her name stated - was pink. There were no other words that could better describe her appearance. Her shirt, and pants were the same color as her pink, poofy hair. The only thing that wasn't completely covered in pink was her white, and pink sneakers. Even with the unholy amount of pink, the teen made it work since it somehow went with her near endless cheer, and hyperactive personality. Sitting across from the two was Rarity, a refined mage, and established fashion expert, and Fluttershy, the animal whisperer, and skilled healer of the six. Rarity's appearance perfectly reflected with her high class taste. Her hair was as stylish as ever. Her white, sleeveless dress was self-made with a trio of diamonds on her hip, and a fashionable blue belt. She wore black leggings for sensibilities' sake, and blue knee high boots that were made to not only look good, but also was sturdy. The same could be said about her other clothes. She learned the hard way over the years of training that it is a smart idea to make clothes that last with the kind of activities the group often get involved in. Fluttershy was the oldest, and nicest of the six. Though despite this, she was really quiet, and shy, often having bouts of self-doubt even with her accomplishments, and many believing her to be beautiful without even trying. She was wearing a simple pale yellow, long sleeve turtle neck, and a brown skirt that stopped below her knees. The pale pink haired girl was also wearing white leggings under her skirt. On her bare feet were a pair of unusual sandals, ones that wouldn't get in the way if the need to sprint ever occurred. Oddly enough, the first one to notice them was Angel Bunny, pet, and guardian to shy Valkyrie, demon spawn of hell to anyone else who had the misfortune of meeting him. While he looked like an ordinary white rabbit, he was highly intelligent, and often acted like an actual person. Something that perplexed a lot of people, especially Twilight, to no end. He thumped his leg to get everyone's attention, and pointed at the two new arrivals from his spot next to his master. “Well, look who finally showed up.” Applejack said as she got a plate, and started to fill it with food. The others quickly followed her example. “Sorry, it took a while to wake up little miss bookworm.” Rainbow Dash replied as she filled her plate with pancakes and bacon. “Another late night of studying.” Rarity stated rather than ask. “Yeah well... I just wanted to be prepared.” She tried to justify her action through her embarrassment. “What do ya think we've been doing all this time sugarcube?” Applejack asked while piling her plate high with anything that was meat, or apple related. “I know. It's just that Master Luna has told us how dangerous some of the worlds can be. I'm just worried is all.” Twilight told the others about her worries, her plate was far more balanced in nutrition compared to the others. “But don't you remember what Master Luna said?” Fluttershy quietly reminded the lavender mage. She filled her plate while avoiding any meat since she was a vegetarian. “It is okay to worry from time to time, but if you only worry then you won't be able to get anything done.” “She is quite right darling.” Rarity agreed, her plate was devoid of anything that was really fattening or greasy. “Master Luna has taught us everything she could teach us that is part of the reason why we are leaving in the first place. There is only so much we can learn from her.” “Yeah! We can learn, do, and see a bunch of new stuff by going to different worlds!” Pinkie energetically said. Her plate was a towering stack of anything remotely sweet. “Like giant robots, learning how walk on walls, fight zombies - ” Pinkie kept going on, and on about all the different things they could do on the journey to come, even while her mouth was full of food, to the amusement, or disgust of her friends. Soon all of them came onto a discussion as they ate together, all of them brimming with excitement about the amazing adventures that are sure to come. Meanwhile, on a Far Off World A lone figure made their way through a blazing desert on a distant world. The person in question was wearing a black, hooded trench coat, and black pants. With the hood up it was impossible to make out the person's face. The coat itself had made many people look at the person with worry since it looked like the one ones used by the long dead, yet still infamous, Organization XIII. However that is where the similarities ended. The coat itself was slightly modified, with metal symbols of a purple dragon skull surrounded by green fire on the shoulders. On the person's hands was a pair of gauntlets. The flexible material was black while the metal was a dark purple that covered his forearms, the back of his hands, and his fingers that ended on pointed tips to resemble claws with a green tint to them. Strangely enough there was a green gem embedded in the forearm of the right gauntlet. On his legs were metal shin guards of the same of color as the gauntlets. His shoes were a pair of black boots with segmented, grooved metal at the sole for flexibility, and grip. While it was impossible to see any actual physical features it was easy to tell that the person in question was quite fit, and was slightly over six feet tall. Even with the sun bearing down on the stranger, he continued to walk without a single sign of fatigue. Suddenly, the figure stops walking. “Incoming - ” A robotic voice echoed from apparently out of nowhere before it was cut off by another voice. “I already sensed it.” The second voice came from the stranger. It was male, and while it sounded slightly deep you could tell the person in question was still quite young. Far ahead, something under the sand was making its way towards the stranger at an alarming pace. When it was a block away it stopped, only to rise high into the sky to reveal itself. It had the appearance of a King Cobra. The monster was easily as over a mile long. The scale-like armor was a mix of onyx, and cobalt. It eyes were simple golden orbs that stared at the young man with an unnerving hunger. Its mouth was full of fangs with a overlapping under jaw. The tip of its tail was two barbed spikes. When it shook, it made a sound you would expect from a Rattlesnake. On both sides of the hood, was a symbol that looked like a red, and heart that was covered in thorns. The figure just stared at the monster looming over him as he began talking with a calm tone. “Well, aren't you a big one. You saved us the trouble of hunting you down.” The stranger flexed his hands as they began to be engulfed by green, and purple flames. The monster snake reared back, and struck forward towards its target at frightening speed. Just as it was a few feet from the mysterious figure, one word was said. “Burn.” The girls had just finished their meal together. The food was delicious, and the great company made it even better. However, they were now faced with a problem. “So what are going to do with the rest of the grub?” Rainbow asked as she, and her friend stared at the table still full of food. Even between the six of them, they barely made a dent in the breakfast buffet. “Don't worry! I got it!” Pinkie announced. “What - ” Twilight was about to ask before she was cut off by another voice. “That, my dear students, is part of going away present that Pinkie has helped me get ready for you.” All six of the turned around to see two new additions to the room. The two were beautiful women that, while sharing enough features to suggest that they were at least related, are literally as different as night, and day. One was the slightly shorter than the other one. Her long hair was midnight blue, and looked like there was stars in it, giving it a cosmetic aspect. Her face easily showed a lot of pride as she looked at her student with a wide smile on her face. The woman's outfit was a dress with pieces of armor on her chest, and arms in the blue, and black with stars doting it and a crescent moon at the center of her armor. The other woman was taller than her companion. Her hair was just as long but was stripped in pastel colors of blue, green, and pink. Her outfit was similar to the woman next to her, but was more dress, less armor, and had a different theme. The taller woman's outfit was white, and gold with a blazing sun at the center. Her magenta eyes, and smile held an unearthly calm to them few can come close to. “Master Luna! Master Celestia!” Twilight yelled as she, and her friends bowed before the two Keyblade Masters. “Rise, my students, for this is a momentous occasion.” Luna said. Once her students stood up straight, she continued. “This is the beginning of your journey of self-discovery, and a test to see whether, or not you have the skills, strength, and potential to be entitled Keyblade Masters.” “However,” Celestia started, her face went from a smile to a serious look. “We must warn you. As you know, your home world has fallen to darkness, and over the past few years, other worlds had the same fate. There are dark forces that cannot be ignored. You must be careful, and ready for whatever lies ahead.” “Indeed, what my sister speaks is true.” Luna agreed with a face similar to her sister's. “Finding out who is responsible for this, figuring out their intentions, and putting a stop to their plans is an important part of your test. It will also likely be the most dangerous part of your journey. With that being said, I'm sure that as long as you believe in your abilities, and each other, there is little you can't accomplish.” “Thank you for your kind words. We won't let you down.” Twilight thanked on behalf of her friends. “I know you girls won't, that's why I have a special gift for you all. Now if you will all follow us.” Luna said as the two masters made their way out of the mess hall with most of the students following them. “I'll catch up with you girls in a minute. I have to put away this food first.” Pinkie said as the five students left the room. After making their way through the countless hallways, they found their way to a hanger-like room. The five stood in an awe at the ship that sat in the middle of the room. It was a ship, a Gummi Ship to be precise. Twilight instantly recognized the design to be similar to the one that Keyblade Master Sora used in his journeys. From the glass dome for the cockpit, the small wings on the sides, to even the cannons under it. The only difference between the two was the colors. “This is a Gummi Ship.” Luna explained. “With the vessel you will be able to safely go from world to world. It will also be your home between worlds.” “This is cool and all, but I have a question.” Rainbow Dash stated. “Yes?” Their teacher replied. “Why is it pink?” It was true. The ship was completely painted in different shades of pink. The only thing that wasn't pink was the glass dome. “It's because I helped Master Luna make it!” Pinkie chirped as she appeared out of nowhere. “You see, Luna didn't actually have a Gummi Ship, just a bunch of Gummi Blocks she collected during her own travels, and never used. So she asked me to help her build it. I thought about making it look like a toothless alligator as part of a pun, and a tribute to the show, but it was already done by someone else. I decided to go with a classic Pinkie Pie flair to it.” Somehow the hyperactive teen managed to say all that in one breath. It was no surprise to the others that Master Luna had asked Pinkie to help with that task. Out of the six of them, the pink haired girl was extremely talented when it came to fixing, and building machines. While some of what she said confused them, even the masters, they just chalked it up to Pinkie being Pinkie. “Isn't a bit...small?” Applejack asked as she scratched her head after picking her hat off her head. She did have a point. While the ship looked big enough for the six of them to travel, it wasn't big enough for them to actually live in, at least not comfortably, and without future back pain. Luna was about to explain, but Pinkie beat her to it. “Actually Luna did this really cool spell that made the inside waaaay bigger than it looks outside. Like the blue police box I went into once. It has everything! A living room when we want kick back, and relax. A kitchen with everything a kitchen would need, it also has the breakfast leftovers I put earlier so, we won't have to worry about cooking for a few days. It even has ten bedrooms, each one with their own bathrooms, and closets. I already put everyone's things in separate rooms.” “Well, that is a relief.” Rarity happily said. “When you said that we shouldn't pack anything I was afraid we would have to go on our journey with nothing, but our Keyblades, and the clothes on our backs.” “We thought about that, but decided against it." Celestia commented. “But why are there ten bedrooms, if you don't mind me asking?” Fluttershy quietly asked. “That way we have a room for each of us, one for Spike when we find him, and the last one is an extra just in case.” Pinkie explained. The others didn't miss that she said ‘when’ they find Spike, and not ‘if’, as if she didn't have a doubt in her mind they would find their long lost friend. The other five Keybladers couldn't help, but smile at that and agreed with her. “I have trained you six the best I can.” Luna started with a proud smile on her face. “Now the only thing I can do is let you see the universe to see what life and the other worlds can teach you. I hope you luck on your journey to both grow as a person and Keybladers. I hope by the end of your journey that you all will be promoted to the rank of KeyBlade Masters.” The six girls looked at each other with grateful smiles to before bowing at the hip. “Thank you Master Luna, for your words, faith, and everything you have done for us for the past eight years.” All six of them stated as one. “Your welcome. Now be off and have a safe journey.” The six nodded their head before Pinkie yelled out. “I'm driving!” She ran towards the ship while the others followed either in panic, or worry about letting the hyperactive girl drive the world hopping ship. The two masters watched as the ship lifted off the ground and rocketed out of the hanger. After a minute of silence, Celestia was the first to break the silence. “You have done a wonderful job with them Luna.” Celestia told Luna. “Indeed. I will admit that I had my doubts about my abilities to teach them properly, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience for both them, and myself.” Luna replied. “Thank you for convincing me to take them under my wing dear sister.” “Think nothing of it. I knew you would enjoy it. Would you like to visit the spa at Radiant Garden? It has been a while since we had some sister bonding time.” “I don't see why not. Besides I'll have a lot more time on my hands for now on anyway." With flash of a blue, and white light, the two masters disappeared. The monster gave out one last, dying screech before falling into a field of flames. As it was burned away by the fire, a pink, crystal like heart floated into the air, and disappeared. Just outside the fire was the mysterious figure, not a scratch on him, unlike the area around which was heavily damaged from the battle. “Well, that was easy.” The same machine-like voice said again. In a blue haze, something appeared from the stranger's head. It was a floating metal orb with a green electronic eye surrounded by multiple green pointed parts. It looked at where the monster once was. “I was expecting that Heartless to be a lot tougher. I'll notify the others that we took care of it.” The machine floated its spikes from its core, and created a green energy field around it that fluctuated. After a few seconds of this, it returned to its normal shape, and turned to the stranger. It saw that he was looking into the distance off to the side. “Something wrong?” “I thought I sensed something.” The figure said. “A disturbance in the force?” The orb asked in its mechanical voice. He swore it had a joking tone to it. “No, more like...” The young man paused to find the right words. “A change in the wind. Besides, I don't have any connection to the force, and the patience to learn how to use it.” “Well, as long as it isn't the Willies again. Nothing good ever happens when you get one of those.” “It's not like our usual luck is any better. On a normal day at work, we're either in extreme danger, annoyed beyond hell, or bored out of our minds. At least we get to have some fun from time to time.” “Can you please not say ‘we’ since your definition of fun is very different from mine, and most people in general?” “Oh come on, I'm not that bad.” The orb tilted itself forward to do its best impression of a flat look. “Okay, so I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie. You have to be in our line of work.” “No, you don't. And I still don't see the appeal of some of the stunts you do at times.” “Because they're awesome! What's more badass than riding a missile like it was a skateboard, or fighting someone in the middle of a rock slide?” “If it makes our missions a bit more enjoyable for you, and by extension makes things a bit easier, that I guess I shouldn't complain. Anyway, we still have the rest of the day before we pick up your students. Do want to check out a new world? I sense a nearby planet that we haven't been to yet.” “Sure, but I say we use a DC, and set it to random.” With a flick of the cloaked figure's wrist a black and purple portal appeared before him with a low hum. “Umm, are you sure this is a good idea?” The metal orb asked with worry in its voice. “We don't exactly have the best track record when you do this.” “Don't worry Torch, I'm feeling lucky today.” The young man tried to appease his companion. “Very well.” It said with sigh. “If we end up landing in the middle of another war again I'll blame you for it.” “Dully noted. Now let’s go.” "Alright then." Torch floated back to its partner, and fazed back into his head. “Ready when you are.” “Down the rabbit hole we go.” The cloaked young man said as he walked into the portal. “Can you please stop saying that? That line is getting really old.” Torch complained from inside the portal. “And people called me too serious for my own good sometimes. Lighten up already.” The stranger replied. “I will when you get some new material.” At that second the portal closed without a trace. > The First of Many > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight's P.O.V. My friends and I stared in awe of the at the sight before us. The endlessness of the void left us speechless as we could see a number of worlds within sight and for those we couldn't clearly see were the countless stares that surrounded us. There was a brief silence as we took in the magnitude of the moment, most us thankful that we were already seated. "Oh my gosh, this is so exciting! So which world should we go to?" The driver said from her seat. But you can count on Pinkie to break any silence with the grace of a flying hammer. "How about a world that is majestic? I could use some new inspiration for my designs." Rarity suggested. "Someplace with a lot of action!" Rainbow said as she slam her fist into her palm. "Ahm up for anything." Applejack shrugged, really not caring which world they good to. "Maybe someplace peaceful and safe?" Fluttershy quietly asked. "I think we should make our choice carefully." I proposed. Before I could say anything else Pinkie Pie jumped into the driver's seat. "I'm basically fine with any world as long as I learn something new. Though we should first go to worlds where we can hopefully find information about Spike. It shouldn't be too hard since Dragonbloods are rare. Anybody who gets a good look at Spike would easily remember him." "Umm, Twilight we might have a problem with that." Rarity said. She was fiddling with the screen that was place in front of each seat before she sent what she was seeing onto the main monitor. She got up and went to get closer monitor to point out the problem. Everyone besides Pinkie looked at each other before getting up and following Rarity to get a closer look. "This screen shows us what worlds are nearby, the problem is that there is no information on their files. Not even their names. At the moment we are basically flying blind." "Oh, there is nothing wrong." Pinkie gained everyone's attention. "Since we haven't been to any worlds yet we don't know anything about them sillies." "If we don' have any information than how the Sam hill are we going to choose?" Appplejack asked "How about this!" Pinkie declared as she started to point at different worlds. "Enimie, mimie, minie, Pinkie!" She pulled on the lever for the thrusters and headed towards a random world at blinding speed. Causing the rest of us, who didn't have the time to sit in one of the chairs, to be pressed against the walls due to the G-force. From what we could see from our position the world was mostly made up of meadows with patches of forest here and there. On the bottom, to the side, was what looked like a small, old fashion village while on the opposite side of it was a black medieval castle. "PINKIIIIEEEEEEE!!!" We yelled as our friend screamed with joy as if she was on a roller-coaster. Third P.O.V. On the world below a hooded figured was making it's way through a clearing in a forest. Suddenly the figure looked up at an object as it shoot across the sky. A blue haze of light appeared beside the stranger's head before Torch appeared to look at the object. "Is that what I think it is?" The stranger asked. The object was suddenly hit by a large fireball that was launched a great distance away at it's side. The two continue the watch as the object spiral out of control crashing into the forest a few miles from their position. "If you mean a crash landing Gummi ship, then yes it was." The machine noticed his companion was staring at the object. The stranger felt something from the object. Suddenly two familiar voices whispered in his mind. "It's the others." "The six of seven." The young man's eyes widen at the whispers. Quickly realizing what the two voices mean he mentally asks, 'Are they alive?' "Yes." The two voices say as one. "Is there something wrong?" Torch asked. From darkness of the hood he could see a fang filled smile. "They sensed some fragments on that ship." The figure turned around and continued towards the small town in the distance. "They?" It asked before he realized what his friend was referring to. "Where are you going then? We have to collect them as soon as possible!" The machine urges as he follows his partner.. "Or least make sure their owners aren't going to abuse their power. If one of those dark fragments get into the wrong hands..." "It's not one of the dark fragments." The answers caused the floating machine to stop in surprise before continuing his pursuit. "What? If it's not a dark fra..." Torch cuts himself off as he thinks over the information. It's electronic green eye widen as it realized what this means. "They're here?! Are you sure?" "They haven't been wrong before." The stranger answers without breaking his stride. "Their wielders are alive?" "According to them." "And are you sure their wielders are who you think they are?" Torch questioned. "Sure enough that I would bet my UMP3 on it." The machine could only blink in shock at the statement. "...Seriously? You must be, without a shadow of a doubt, certain about this if your even joking on betting that thing. So, it looks like they have finally left Luna's protection. What are you going to do once we met them, are you going to tell them everything?" "...No. As much as I would like to do that the others don't think it would be a good idea. It will have to depend on how far along their relationship with their fragments. If they aren't truly connected to them, then it is best to letting them explore a few worlds and let them grow, get stronger. Get their feet wet, so to speak, before confronting them. Though that doesn't mean we can't give them a hint or two, but we'll have to keep my identity a secret for the moment." "So basically we're taking a page from Dark Shadow's book and be as mysterious and cryptic as possible?" The machine asked. "More or less." "You do realize you don't exactly have the best track record with being cryptic, right?" "True, but I got some tips from Dark to help in that department. The key is to speak in half truths and give as little detail as possible." "Sounds easy enough. Though I have to question why you want to keep your identity a secret?" The stranger sighed at the question, his shoulders and posture slumping as he stated, "As much as I would love to be honest with them I can't right. If they knew they would do everything in their power to make me come with them no matter what I say, and I can't do that. I have too much stuff going on to stay with them. I still have to train the girls until they are ready to have a proper master to teach them. Not to mention that there are still four dark fragments still not accounted for. I can teach those three and cover a lot more ground if it's just you and me Torch. And I doubt they would approve of some of our methods we sometimes use for our missions. " "I see your point." Torch admitted. "You can travel faster and more easily with the Dark Corridors or Flame Portals than a Gummi Ship. The fact that not just anyone can safety use either method only adds to your case. However from what you told me about them I highly doubt they would agree with your decision once they learn of it. Especially when they learn about how you knew where they were for the last three or so years." "Oh yeah, it would be a miracle sent by Bahamut himself if they didn't at least try to kill my ass, but I'll deal with that bridge when I cross it." "And I would like to let you know when that day comes I will be my upmost best to stay out of it." You didn't need to see the young man's face to tell he was rolling his eyes at his companion's declaration. His next words dripping with sarcasm. "Thank you Torch. It's nice to know that you will have my back no matter what the situation." "You are most welcome, I appreciate the kind words." "I was being sarcastic." "I know, I was being nonchalant." "...Touché." "How is rerouting the controls coming along Twilight?" Fluttershy asked as she hovered our the cockpit of the Gummi Ship using her cream colored, transparent wings made by the magic of a Valkyrie with Angel standing on top of her head. The nose of the ship was buried in the dirt with a trench as long as a city block trailing behind it with trails of smoke coming from one of it's side and engine. "I can't seem to override the system commands." Twilight answered with a huff. "It looks the computer will let only Pinkie change any settings and is set to only let Pinkie drive it unless she is incapable of driving or isn't present for a situation that requires someone to drive the ship." Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion. While not being a computer expert like the technical Twilight or the engineering Pinkie she understood the general of what Twilight said. She asked, "But how would the computer make that kind of judgement?" "Somehow Pinkie had managed to create an A.I. that runs and controls the ship's systems. Though I'm having an hard time communicating with it for some reason." "Oh!" Pinkie yelled out. She was currently placed in time out with her standing still while facing a tree. Rarity was standing near her to act as pink haired girl's warden. "I thought I forgetting something, I still have to install the voice and input module. By the way, can I get out of time out now?" "No! What part of nose diving into a world's atmosphere seemed like a good idea?! You've could have gotten us all killed!" Twilight yelled. "But that wasn't my fault..." Pinkie whined from her position as her eyes begin to water. "I was about to level out when we were shoot down by some meanie head." "Be that as it may Darling, but it is still your fault for making us such an easy target." The fashionista pointed out. Twilight sighed as she got out of the cockpit. "Rainbow, Applejack, how is it looking over there?" Twilight yelled. The last two of the group was checking at the back of the ship to see the extent of the damage. "Pretty bad," Rainbow Dash yelled. "Whatever hit us left a huge blast mark on the side, but it could have been a heck of a lot worse." "Lotsa dings and scratches, but most of it ain't tbat deep. Though the left engine is a bit of a mess. It's goin' to some tools, parts, elbow grease, and at least a few days to get it up and running again." "Don't worry about it Twilight." Pinkie said as she appeared next to the purple mage, surprising her. Twilight looked at where her friend currently is before looking where was, seeing Rarity just as confused as she was. "The ship can heal itself. All I got to do is this." She said as she pointed the object that wasn't in her hand a second ago at the ship. It looked like the combination of a short sword and an old fashion skeleton key. A single magenta streamer running around the length of the bright pink shaft. Running from the roughly balloon shaped blue handguard, to the teeth that were shaped like a piece of cake. The chain at the end of the handle ended in three small balloons. This object was known as a Keyblade, a weapon unlimited potential and power. This particular Keyblade's name was Laughter's Sake, though it is affectional called Candy Cane by it's hyperactive wielder. Before Twilight could question Pinkie light gathered at the tip of her weapon then shot out at a keyhole symbol on the side of the Gummi Ship that the other girls didn't notice. The entire craft lighted up before disappearing in a burst of light and the sound of a lock clicking. Everyone looked on at the scene with looks of awe, confusion, disbelief, or excitement. Twilight in particular was doing her best impression of a gapping fish. "Pinkie..." Twilight quietly asked as she got her mind back in order. "Did you just... unsummon the Gummi Ship?" "Yeah," Pinkie cheered as she waved her Keyblade. "It's Candy Cane's special power. It allows me to-" "Summon to you anything that you marked with your Keyblade!" Twilight finished as her eyes sparkled with excitement. She pulled out her family's Book of Magic and began to furiously write down what she just learned and it's possible uses on one of it's empty pages. "That's how you can make things seemingly appear out of nowhere." After many attempts, failures, and frustration induced rage quits Twilight finally had an understanding of a least a few of her friend's strange abilities. It almost wiped away all the stress that was building. "Yup!" Pinkie furiously nodded her head. "It took awhile to learn, but it was soooo worth it!" "That's awesome Pinkie." Dash compliment as she and the others gathered around the two. "Now lets start checking this place out!" "Um, excuse me." Fluttershy whispered, gathering everyone's attention. Angel, still on top of her head, silently told her to speak louder. She heeded his advice and said, "While I was in the air I saw a town about a mile that way." She pointed at the direction. "I think that is a good place to start, if you all think so." "Good going Shy." Dash said as she patted her friend on her shoulder. "Okay girls, this is our first adventure, lets get serious." Pinkie said as she donned the most serious face she could muster. Too bad it was ruined by the fact that she was hopping in place like a kid on Christmas morning. Her friends simply either rolled their eyes or snicker at her antics as the six girls began their journey to the town. Ten Minutes Later "Are we there yet?" Pinkie asked. "No." Rainbow answered with her voice dripping with boredom. "...Are we there yet?" "Nope." Applejack answered with the same tone. "......Are we there yet?" "No Pinkie." Twilight said as she ground her teeth, her eye rapidly twitching with annoyance. ".........Are we th-" "No Pinkie, but we'll be sure to tell you when are we there." Twilight had physically keep herself from yelling at her friend. "Ok!" Pinkie said as she saluted. "..." "..." "..." "Twilight~" Rarity whined. "How much farther, my feet are starting to hurt." "Oh don't you start Rarity!" Twilight yelled, her patience was nearing its end. "Excuse me ladies," Somebody with an electronic voice spoke. The six girls turned to the voice's direction to see a floating metal orb covered in green spikes. "but do you know the direction of the town?" The six girls just started at the strange machine. There bodies tensing, ready for action at a moment's notice. Twilight spoke up by asking, "Who...What are you?" "Oh, that is rude of me. I am a Ghost-" The machine. "You don't look dead." Pinkie interrupted. "Not that kind of ghost. I am an artificial intelligence created with the power of Light." "Wait, how does work." Rainbow asked as she scratched her head in confusion. "...Too be honest with you I'm not too sure how I was created myself." The machine looked around as if it was trying to find an answer before centering his focus back on the girls. "Anyway, you can call me Torch." "Well then, why are you trying to get to the town?" Twilight asked. "You see my partner and I were on our way there when we were attacked. During the commotion we ended up splitting up and agreed to meet up there. I was just making sure I was heading in the right direction." "Why were you and your partner going there, if you don't mind me asking?" Fluttershy kindly asked. "The two of us are travelers and that town is the only sign of civilization we've seen so far on this world." The purple haired leader quickly processed the words before realizing something. "You and your partner aren't from this world, are you." "Yes, we are not." "Why are you here then?" Pinkie asked before she gasped. "Oh! Are you two on a secret mission or something to route out some ancient evil that lurks here?" Torch just blinks at the question before answering, "No, we here because my partner wanted to kill some time by exploring a world we haven't been to yet before we go to a prior engagement." "So no looking for ancient evil?" "That's not what we had in mind when we came to this world, but if we do run into such a thing I have no doubts my friend would jump at the chance to face it." "Then why don't you come with us?" Pinkie invited. "We were heading there anyway." "As long as your friends are okay with it." Torch replied. "Can he come with us? Can he, can he, can he, can he?" She asked her friends while hopping in place at the speed of a jack hammer. Twilight sighed as she rubbed her forehead in slight annoyance. She knew once Pinkie got like this there was no stopping her. "Fine, he can come with us." "YAY!" The hyper girl cheered before walking towards the village with Torch by her side and the others following behind her. "Nice to meet you Torch, I'm Pinkie Pie, these are my friends Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Twilight Sparkle." "It is nice to meet you all." The machine bowed his head in a greeting. "Oh my gosh we are going have so much fun! Do you like cake and if you do what flavor do you like?" "Umm, I can't eat cake or anything for that matter since I am a machine." The floating orb slowly stated what should be obvious. While the two continue to their conversation, more precisely Pinkie firing question like a minigun with torch doing his best to keep up while trying to not overheat himself in the process, a much quieter conversation is happening behind them. "What do you think Applejack?" Twilight whispered to her friend. The cowgirl always had this talent for telling whether or not a person lying or not, matter how the acting or how small the lie. A talent that has helped the group in more than one situation. "He's been straight with us so far," Applejack replied. "but something is off with it-him-whatever." "What do you mean darling?" Rarity ask. "You just confirm that Torch has been nothing, but truthful with us." "The problem is how it went about it." Applejack answered. "So you noticed that too." Twilight stated as she stared at the floating orb. "What do you mean Einstein?" The rainbow haired girl asked with an raised eyebrow. "It might be due to the fact that he is a machine, but Torch has been wording his answers very carefully. Making sure that they are truthful yet doesn't give a lot of personal details." "Maybe he just doesn't want to a bunch of strangers to know about him and his partner." Fluttershy rationalized. "Maybe." Twilight conceded,but wasn't completely convinced. "Well keep an eye on Torch for now and give him the benefit of a doubt." "Say Torch, what attacked you and for friend in the first place?" Pinkie loudly asking. The others girls realized that was a question that they should have asked. "I'm not sure whether or not you six have heard of them, they were a group of monsters called the Heartless." The orb stated as if he was commenting the weather. It took a second or two before he realized that his new companions had stopped. When he turned around he saw that they had stopped dead in their tracks, most of them with a surprised and or serious expression on their face. With Fluttershy being the exception since she was hiding her face behind her, shaking in fear with Angel by her side trying to consul her. "I take it that you girls know about the Heartless." "You could say that." Dash grinded out through gritted teeth. "Aren't you worried about your friend, dear?" The fashionista asked with concern in her voice. "Oh, you don't have to worry about my friend. While I wasn't built with combat in mind he is more than capable of taking care of himself. Besides this is far from the first time we have ran into the Heartless." "Ok." Twilight accepted, while she and her friends continued their journey with their new travel companion she asked about something she noticed. "By the way, what is your friend's name? You haven't said what his name was this entire time." The purple mage was surprised when Torch's response to her query was to chuckle. "That's because my friend prefers to make his own introductions. I think it has something to do with his love of making an entrance." The cloaked stranger stood in a clearing that showed the signs of battle with indents and claws marks on the ground and surrounding trees. In his gauntlet claw he was hold a struggling small, black creature, no bigger than a slightly small dog, by it's neck. It has a humanoid shape with a bulbous head, three finger claws, and curled antenna on it's head. The most unsettling thing about was it's glowing yellow eyes, that even in it's current position showed nothing but the desire to consume and destroy everything in it's path. "Seriously, that is all you guys throw at me, a bunch of Shadows and Soldiers? I literally bet you guys with one hand. There better something stronger than you guys here or this is going to be a really dull day." Without so much as a thought he crushed the Shadow's neck, causing it to disappear in a small explosion of dark particles. The mysterious fighter clapped his hands together a few times to get rid of any dust before calmly walking towards the town. "I better get over there, Torch should have met up with the girls by now. The most important part about an entrance is the timing after all. Now should I go with loud and proud introduciton, or maybe a more subtle and mysterious approach would work better."