> Kingdom Hearts: The Emerald Blade > by The Soviet Turtle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Equestria > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thinking of you wherever you are. We pray for our sorrows to end, and hope that our hearts will blend. Now I will step forward to realise this wish. And who knows. Starting a new journey may not be so hard. Or maybe it’s already begun. There are many world, but they all share the same sky. One Sky. One Destiny. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The white walls of the limbo seem to go on for eternity. The pictures of illusions and dreams of many float around. Depicting the wishes and desires of people. In the middle of all these pictures, is a woman. She stands tall, wearing a crescent dress and blue shoes. He dress had a picture of the moon along the thigh. She had hair coloured like the night sky and wore a blue crown with a moon on it, and a dark blue necklace with a moon on it also. She also had two blue wings pop out of her back and dress, but she had them folded down on her back. She was named Luna, the Princess of the Night. Her hands glowed a deep blue as the pictures moved to her will. She examined each carefully to check for nightmares tormenting her citizens. It seemed like a slow night, many were having peaceful dreams. She was glad at this, but was slightly bored by this. She looked into the dream to see a young boy dreaming about being a knight in armour fighting a monster, while a little girl in a princess dress called for help. She smiled as she watched the boy defeat the monster and go up to the girl. She flicked through to the next to see another boy pretending to be in a video game as the hero. But something dark happened. She watched as the entire picture was encased in darkness, she tried to jump into the dream but she couldn’t. She tried a second time but it also failed. “What is this dark magic?” She then looked in horror as all of the picture where covered in darkness. She looked around to see nothing but pictures of swirling darkness. She then saw the limbo slowly turn dark. She got in a battle pose as the darkness in cased the Limbo as well. “What is going on? Who dare do this!?” she yelled. She soon saw streams of Darkness shot at her. She crossed her arms and held them up to block the darkness. As the darkness hit her arms and just passed through, she heard the words. “I have returned from the dark!” ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Luna jumped up from her bed sweating like crazy. She toke some deep breaths as she looked around to see she was in her room. She slowly got herself up as she got dressed and got out of her pyjamas. She entered the dining room wearing the dress she wore in the limbo. She saw someone else sitting at the huge table. She was slightly taller than Luna, and possessed wings as well, except they were white. She had a white dress and wore a golden necklace with a sun in the middle and a golden crown with a purple gem in the middle. Her dress was the whitest silk and wore shimmering golden shoes. Her hair was coloured pink, blue and light green and looked like it was in a constant breeze of wind. Her name was Celestia, Princess of the Sun and Luna’s sister. “Morning sister.” Luna says as she sits down. “Good morning Luna. How was the night shift?” Celestia asked. “Actually, there is something dire I need to talk to you about.” Luna said as the chef entered and set a plate in front of Luna. He bowed before he left for the kitchen again. “Oh? And what pray tell is so dire?” Celestia said. “Last night, as I watched the dreams. My ability to see into dreams was covered by darkness, and the white limbo I work in was also shrouded in darkness. The darkness struck at me as a voice that sounded familiar yelled before I woke up. I still sense the dark presence nearby.” Luna explained. “I have also sensed something dark stirring. But I believed it was nothing major. But with what you have explained. It seems something or someone dark is making their presence known.” Celestia said. The seriousness sinking in on her. “Sister. Should we contact Twilight and her friends to notify her?” Luna asked. “Yes. I will notify her to come here as soon as she can. “Celestia said, her left hand glowed gold as a parchment and pen floated over in a golden aura. She grabbed the pen with her right hand and began to write on the parchment. As she wrote, she felt this dark presence was unlike any that had been in Equestria. But it also felt similar in many ways. She hoped Twilight and her friends will help save Equestria once more. But she couldn’t be more wrong who would actually save Equestria. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Just a down the mountain and a few miles away from Canterlot castle, the town of Ponyville was located. Known for its weirdness, location near the Everfree forest, and the new castle of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Inside the castle currently was the princess mentioned, who was reading in the new library that had been installed in the castle. She wore a purple shirt with a dark blue sweeter, a light purple skirt and buttoned shoes. She had violet eyes, purple hair with one strand of pink hair. She also had two smaller purple wings pop out from her back. She flipped through her book before she noticed smoke enter through a nearby window that floated in front of her and turned into a scroll. “Princess Celestia!” Twilight floated over a bookmark and placed it in her book before closing and placing it down. She grabbed the scroll and began to read the contents. Dear Twilight Sparkle My sister and I have sensed a dark presence lurking. I would like you and your friends to join us today at Canterlot. We hope that you and your friends can once again stop whatever villain lurks in the dark. Your fellow Princess Celestia Twilight gasps as she rises to her feet and runs through the castle. “Spike!?” She soon heard the sound of yelling from one of the bedrooms. She walked down the hall as she got closer to the yells and grunts. She soon found herself outside of one of the bedrooms. “Spike?” she asked as she knocked on the door before opening. Inside we see a boy. This boy was different. He wore a green shirt with a purple zipper jacket with short sleeves. He’s jacket was undone showing his green shirt and his necklace which was a ying yang except green and purple. He wore purple pants along with green and black sneakers. He also had a brown belt around his head that help hold up his spikey green hair. He held on a brown sword and was swinging it around like he was fighting something. “Spike!” The boy stopped as he noticed the woman standing at his door. “Yeah Twilight?” “Me and the girls have to go see the Princess about an important topic. I am unsure when I’ll be back but you’ll be okay by yourself here?” Twilight said. “Sure Twi, I’ll be fine. It’s not the first time.” Spike smiled. “Okay. Well, see you soon Spike.” Twilight said before she closed the door and let Spike get back to his training. The throne room of Canterlot castle was awfully quiet. Celestia and Luna sat on their respected thrones, the guards stood at Attention quiet. The two Princesses were just waiting on Twilight and her friends. Soon the double doors were opened by two guards as Twilight and five other girls walked in. First was Applejack, she wore an orange buttoned shirt, with jeans and brown boots. Also wearing a Stetson hat, and a red band in her blonde hair. She also wore a green handkerchief around her neck. Then there was Rainbow Dash. She was wearing a blue t-shirt with black sport shorts. She wore cyan sneakers two sweatbands on her wrists. Her hair was in a mess with the colours of the rainbow and was currently in the air thanks to the two cyan wings that popped out of her back. Another with wings was Fluttershy. She wore a yellow jumper and a dark green skirt. She wore simple yellow shoes and had light pink hair. She also had wings, but they were yellow, and she wasn’t in the air like Rainbow but remained on the ground. Next was Rarity. She wore a beautiful white dress and blue high heels. She wore a little bit too much make-up and had curly purple hair. Finally there was Pinkie pie. She wore a pink shirt, pink pants, and pink shoes. And she also had poufy pink hair. She seemed to not even be walkin’ but actually bouncing along. The six girls walked up to Celestia and Luna before they bowed before them. “Please rise, there is no need to bow.” Celestia said. The six girls got to their feet as Celestia continued. “Now, as Twilight probably explained to you. Me and my sister have sensed something dark.” “Indeed. It is something we have never encountered before, but at the same time. It somehow feels similar.” Luna said. “But we cannot tell who or what this is. We summoned you here so hopefully, we can stop this darkness before it attacks.” “Don’t count on it Celestia.” A voice suddenly spoke. The princesses and girls all jumped and begun to look around the castle. The guards readied there spears for anything to attack. “Who’s there!? Show yourself!” Luna yelled. Suddenly, a dark orb began to spawn in the middle of the air. The guards pointed there spears at it as it grew, the princesses and the girls all readied for anything. Soon the orb dissolved to reveal someone, someone the Princesses and the girls knew very well. “Nightmare Moon!” Twilight yelled. Nightmare moon was a tall woman who wore a black night dress and a dark armoured helmet. She floated in the air with her hair similar to Luna’s but more dark. She also had a new feature. A strange emblem in the middle of her dress. “How are you even here!? Twilight and her friends defeated you and freed me from you dark grasp!” Luna said. Nightmare Moon just laughed and spoke. “You may have banished me from your body, but you didn’t destroy me. Your elements of harmony can even defeat someone like me who controls the darkness.” “It doesn’t matter Nightmare. We have faced worse villains since we first fought you. We’ll be able to beat you again.” Twilight said proud, the rest of the girl’s all saying ‘yeah!’ “Well, if it isn’t the little new princess. You get a castle and you think you can beat the darkness. You understand nothing about the darkness.” Nightmare Moon said as she snapped her fingers. Darkness seemed to grow from the ground as the darkness seemed to form into a weird black creature with antennas and glowing yellow eyes. The guards let out a battle cry and charge at the creatures. But their spears only went through the creatures. The creatures themselves scratched the guards and won the fight between them. Then what happened next horrified the princesses. The guards laid on the ground frozen as their hearts seemed to pop out of their chests before they floated up into the air and then disappeared. The dark creatures slowly flattened until they were flat on the grounds before disappearing. Nightmare Moon looked at the princesses and the girls and laughed at their horrified faces. “These are the weakest in my power. And your guards fall down like flies.” Celestia looks at Nightmare Moon with a hateful scorn no one in Equestria had ever seen. “What do you want Nightmare?” She asked. “Well it’s simple Celestia. Equestria. I may have gained new powers and reach out far beyond these stars, but I still desire eternal night to rule Equestria. Just surrender your posts as princesses, or I’ll drag equestrian into darkness myself.” Nightmare stated her demands. Twilight looked back to Celestia and Luna to see what they would say. The two sisters looked at each other for a while, then they looked out the window to see the country below. They finally looked at the girls in the room. Luna looked to Celestia who nodded. Luna looked dead straight at Nightmare Moon. “We will never let you have Equestria. We will defeat you once and for all.” Celestia, Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow and Applejack all smiled and looked at Nightmare Moon like they could take on anything. Nightmare Moon just looked irritated before she smiled. “Very well, have it your way. But watch just exactly what I can do to Equestria. Starting with your precious Ponyville!” Nightmare yelled before she was covered by the orb of darkness and vanished. Immediately the ground shook about, throwing the girls of their balance. “What’s going on!?” Rainbow asked. “Oh my gosh, look!” Rarity screamed and pointed to the town below. Darkness spurted up from below, encasing the whole town in a dome of darkness. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Spike swung his sword once more, his practise paying off. He stopped for a moment to take a break. “Woo. I need a drink.” Spike said as he walked to the kitchen. Spike grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and took some sips before he started chugging down the water. He finished the bottle gasping for air. He slowly gained his breath and threw the bottle into the recycle bin. “Man. This training takes a lot outta me.” Spike said. As he made his way to back to his room. On the way, he passed the room with the thrones. One for each element bearer. All the same height, and in perfect equilibrium. But he then gazed at his seat in the circle. He looked at the seat that seemed tiny to the rest. He had to ask. Why did he get a smaller chair then the girls? He was just as a part of the group as the rest…right? Am I really equal? Or am I just some little kid that drags the rest down? He then looked at the wooden sword in his hand. He began to think to back to a training session he had not too long ago. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Spike fell onto his back, he groaned as he tried to get back up and grab his wooden sword. “Come on Spike. You still have a long way to go if you’re giving up now.” Said a man, who wore a red royal suit with golden medals and buttons, white pants and formal shoes. He also had a blue sachet across his shoulder. He had blue hair and held a long wooden sword. This is Shining Armour, former Royal Captain, husband to Princess Cadence and Prince of the Crystal Empire. “Shining! You’re training him, not beating him!” Twilight said who was sitting aside next to another human. She had a light pink dress, light pink shoes and multi-coloured hair. She also had two wings pop out of her back, coloured light pink. Spike slowly got up and grabbed his sword. He got a determined look as he rushed at Shining Armour, and jumped in the air ready to break Shining’s defence. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Spike smiled at the memory but slowly began to question himself. Am I really that weak? What’s going to happen when I’m on my own? Spike sighed as he began to slump. What am I even good for? Nearly everyone else knows what there well at. Spike placed a hand over his chest. Why must I be the odd one? (Music stops) Spike was thrown off guard as the castle began to shake violently. He got on one knee as the castle seemed to be falling apart. “What is going on!?” Spike asked. He looked outside to see the sky soon darken before the castle stopped shaking. Spike instantly made a run for the front door of the castle to see what had just happened. He walked outside to see the sky entirely dark. And a huge ball of darkness above the Town hall. It had winds and debris already flying around it. “This is so weird.” Spike said. Then suddenly, two of the dark creatures popped up from the ground. Spike gasped, not knowing what it was exactly. He watched as one of the creatures jumped right at him. He quickly dodged it and quickly swung hit wooden sword down onto the creature. But he was shocked to see his sword just go through it and hit the earth. He quickly started to run for the town as the creatures missed him again. He kept on running and dodging random attacks until he found himself surrounded. He looked for a way out but the creatures seemed to block all chances he had of escaping. They closed in before they all jumped on him. He crossed his arms from the creatures descending on him. He thought this was his end, he thought it was over, but a bright light caused him to close his eyes and see nothing but light. As the light faded, he opened his eyes and gasped to see not only the creatures had disappeared, but his sword was gone and he was holding something very different. What he held seemed to resemble that of a key. It seemed to have a stem that resembled a parchment with a red ribbon tied around it, with the top having a light blue gem pointing away from the stem. The base of the stem had a little light blue box with a small red ruby that resembled a heart, surrounded by gold outlines. The handle itself was a purple colour that had sprouting crystals on each side of the base. The actual grip itself was black, and there was a keychain attached. The keychain was a green blaze that got a darker shade of green on the more outer levels and lighter into the inner levels. Spike was about to yell, but as creature had decided to attack him yet again. Spike swung the new weapon in protection and to his surprise. The creature seemed to be disintegrate into darkness and a heart floated up into the air. He looked at the blade as he realised that whatever this was, it could defeat these creatures. He quickly began to run, the strange weapon in hand as he made his way to the town hall. (Music stops) ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Meanwhile, in the Everfree forest, three girls where making their way back home after another crusade. The first girl had a yellow t-shirt, blue jeans, dirty sport shoes, and red hair with a huge red bow in it. She was Applebloom. The next girl had some purple pants, an orange hoodie and purple hair. She also had a small set of orange wings stick out of her back. Her name was Scootaloo. The last girl wore a white dress with some white shoes. She had hair that was light purple and white. She was Sweetie Belle. These three where known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They would always go and try new stuff, trying to find their talents. However, most ended up in failure and with half the town on fire. “Ah guess we aren’t good at monster luring ether.” Applebloom said as she had her hands in her pockets. “Better add that one to the list.” Scootaloo said, hands behind her head, leaning her head back to look up into the sky. “We can try again later. It isn’t our fault the tremor made our trap fall into the swamp.” Sweetie Belle said. “Yeah, but what else can we use for bait?” Applebloom asked. “We could try some apples if your sister and brother are cool with it.” Scootaloo suggested. “Maybe. We can try and get some tinned food from ma cupboard.” Applebloom said. “Um, girls. What is that?” Sweeite belle asked. The three girls were in shock as at the end of their path, a huge dome of darkness was in their way. “What’s this thing? It wasn’t here when we left.” Scootaloo asked. “Why in the hay is it between the Everfree forest and Ponyville?” Applebloom also asked. “Girls…I think that is Ponyville.” Sweetie said. The three felt an unease as they approached the dome. They walked closer and closer until they were mere feet away. “Do you think Rarity and the others are okay?” Sweetie asked. “Well, only one way to find out.” Scootaloo said as she shoulder charged the dome. But she was bounced off like it was nothing. She got herself back up as she began to pound on the dome, the other two following. The three pounded and pounded, hoping to find a way to see of their loved ones where okay. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Start music again) Spike slashed through two of the creatures as he fought on. He had to remind himself to thank Shining for those lessons he gave him on how to fight. He also noticed he hadn’t seen anyone else from the town actually out getting attacked. He hoped no one had been seriously hurt by these things. He soon found himself at his destination, the town hall. He was about to go in but he found himself surrounded by the creatures again. He got his weapon ready as he waited for them to attack. But just as they arrived, they all melded with the ground and disappeared. Spike then felt like the whole world was shaking. He got on one knee as he looked up at the ball of darkness. It had already sucked many of the houses from the ground, shattering them and debris flying around on the gusts of winds surrounding the darkness. Spike looked to see some chunks of land also fly up along with the houses. But he was in shock as he saw the town hall brake in half as the top was sucked up into the air. He then felt him slowly started to feel light, he released he was being lifted up! He ran for the remains of the town hall and tried to hold on as the wind got more forceful and started to pull more and more. As the wind got worst, more of the town was slowly consumed by the darkness. Spike held onto a broken plank for dear life, tyring hard as he could to hold on. But he couldn’t hold on any longer before he started to scream for help as he felt himself being pulled up into the darkness. He saw the remains of the destruction before his vision was encased in darkness. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The girls and princesses watch helpless as they just waited for the dome to fall and reveal what had happened to the town. They didn’t have to wait long before the ground shook once more, and the dome slowly fell apart and faded away. The girls feared that they would see there town in the dark but what they saw was far worse. There was nothing left of Ponyville but a huge crater where the town used to be. No homes, no Sweet Apple Acres, no town hall, no castle, nothing. The six girls slowly began to release their loved ones may have just disappeared. “Sweetie Belle…” Rarity said. “The cakes…the twins.” Pinkie said, her hair turning straight and bland. “Squirt.” Rainbow said. “Angel. All my animal friends.” Fluttershy said. “Applebloom. Big Mac. Granny Smith…” Applejack said taking her hat off. Twilight looked out towards the crater and placed her hands on her chest. “Spike…” > Dive to heart/Mysterious Tower > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike began to wake. He felt. Like he was falling. Falling. Falling. Falling… Spike fell, and fell and fell. Until he landed on something. He stood on his feet as he looked around. Nothing, nothing but darkness. What is this place? He took a step, and then things went weird. A blinding light appeared at his feet, he tried to look at it but he shielded his eyes because it was so bright. Once the light dimmed down he was shocked to see pigeons flying around him. He looked up in front of him as the pigeons flied off into the darkness. He then looked at his feet and was shocked as what was below him. He was standing on what seemed to be a circular glass picture. On the outside it had circles that had multiple people he had meet or knew. Big Mac, Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Luna, Celestia, Cadance, Shining Armour. It also had things he used or cherished. A gem, the crystal heart, a scroll. But in the top of the inner circle it had a huge circle with six circles, one for each of the elements. The background had a picture of Twilight’s new castle in Ponyville, but what was the biggest factor of the picture. Was himself. It was him, looking asleep, holding onto the strange weapon he used in Ponyville before. Why am I in this picture? And why is everyone else in it as well? Do not be afraid. Spike instantly jumped up, he looked around to where the voice had come from. He tried to talk, but nothing came out. He grasped he throat as he tried to talk. What’s going on? Why can’t I talk!? Your shadow is small. Spike let go as he began to look curious. Who are you? But it can grow. If you walk into the light. Spike saw a light shine down onto the ground in front of him. Go ahead. Don’t be afraid. Spike looked up questionably before he decided to walk into the light. As he did, the voice talked again. Your shadow has grown. But don’t be afraid. Spike felt the ground rumble as he saw stone pillars pop up with a beam of light shining down on them. Three popped up, and one by one, weapons appeared out of light. The first was a stick that looked like a mage stick, but on top was an orb that looked like the ying yang symbol but had the night sky with the moon and the blue sky with the sun. The next was a huge sword with a picture on the handle that looked like that of the one of the mage stick. The last was a huge shield with blue outlining it and the inner colour was black. The shield had a huge picture of the symbol on it. Choose wisely. Don’t be afraid. Why does he keep saying that? Spike decided to go and grab the sword. Just then the voice spoke again. This sword gives you strength. The power of a warrior. Invincible courage. A sword of terrible destruction. Is this your choice? Spike looked at the sword. From what the voice said. This looks like something he could use to fight. But he then eyed the shield. He thought the sword was a good choice, something appealing to give him strength. But something inside of him was telling him to choose the shield. He place the sword down and walked over to the shield. He grabbed it and looked at the shield and its details. This shield gives you defence. The power of the guardian. Kindness to aid friends. A shield to repel all. Is this your choice? Spike’s mind was telling him to choose the sword. But he looked up and nodded. The shield suddenly disappeared into light. You have chosen the power of the guardian. Are you happy with your choice? Spike looked up and nodded once more. Then let your hidden power take form. The two remaining weapons disappeared as did the pillars. Spike walked into the middle again as the strange key from the island popped into his hand. You wield the ultimate weapon. He saw those same creatures from the island start to surround him. he quickly got into his defence stance he was taught and looked around to see which one of them would jump first. Don’t be afraid. Spike acted quick as he swayed and hit the creatures. Swatting them into nothing. He defeated all the creatures before he saw a beam of light shine down onto one of the outer circles. Out of nowhere a chest spawned. The chest itself was red with gold outlines and a clear lock can be seen on it. Spike looked at the key before he walked over to the chest. He looked at the key before he tapped the box. Surprisingly the box opened and he found a bottle with a strange liquid inside. He grabbed it before putting it in one of his pockets. The light then began to shine over the edge. As it ended, glass pictures began to form a trail to what seemed to be a pillar taller then what Spike was currently on. Spike decided to press on as he walked on the floating glass. He made his way to the next pillar, which had a small background change from the previous pillar. He saw a beam of light and began to walk towards it. He looked up at the beam but saw nothing but darkness. Be careful. The closer you get to the light. The larger your shadow grows. Spike looked back and indeed his shadow had grown, it seemed to stretch out along to the end of the pillar. The shadow seemed to come to life as it formed out of the ground. Spike jumped back, he lost all colour in his face as the shadow began to grow and become more deformed. Do not be afraid. Spike began to walk back as it continued to grow. Do not be scared. Spike decided to try and run for it. But he came to the edge and nearly fell off. He got his footing before looking at something that seemed to haunt and terrify him. And never forget. A huge dragon. Coloured with darkness and yellow glowing eyes looking down on Spike. You hold the mightiest weapon of all. Spike gripped the weapon as he waited for the dragon to make the first move. The dragon seemed to reach down as an orb slowly grew in its hand. Spike charged and slashed the hand. The dragon lifted his hand up high before slamming it down. Spike managed to dodge the hand before he jumped and began to run up the arm. Spike jumped it the air and spun around. He hit the dragon in the face with his spinning attack before he landed on the ground again. He noticed the dragon get on his knees before he pushed his chest out and darkness started to shot out of it. Spike saw the dragons arm laying out a path for him, and quickly jumped on the hand, not without slashing it, and ran up the arm again. He was able to slash the back of the dragons head several times before he saw an orb coming for him. He quickly held his weapon up to defend against the orb. It hit his weapon before it faded. Spike felt his feet loss touch as the dragon began to rose again and throw Spike off. Spike landed on the ground before he dodged the dragons attack with its tail. Spike quickly reacted and jumped up in the air, slashing the dragons hand constantly. Spike jumped back to see the dragon raise his hand again. Spike got ready to jump but instead of slamming in the ground, the hand was reaching for him. Spike hit the hand away with his weapon but was grabbed by the dragons other hand. Spike tried to escape the dragons grasp but was flung high into the air. He was thrown up high as the dragon below started to create a ball of darkness. Spike began to fall as he saw the dragon hold the ball of darkness up, waiting for Spike. But Spike got his balance back and threw his strange weapon at the darkness. The weapon spun around until it caused a huge explosion. Spike continued to fall. He expected that now he would break some bones or his back with his speed and course. But amazingly, he just bounced back up on his back before landing. He got himself up as he say the dragon flat on its stomach. It look alive but it wasn’t moving. Spike wasted no time as he grabbed his weapon and began to attack the dragons head. He attacked and slashed until the dragon began to wake. The dragon raised himself up as Spike jumped backwards. But when Spike landed, his weapon seemed to vanish in his hands. He looked in shock before he jumped back onto his back, dodging another attack. Spike felt like he was sinking. He looked to see himself being encased in darkness and sink into a pool of darkness that had spawned. He struggled to escape but he slowly sunk more and more. He looked up to see the dragon looking down on him with no expression. Spike reach up in the air for help, but his hand began to be covered by the darkness and his own vision began to darken until he saw and felt nothing. Spike groaned. He felt soft grass against the side of his face. He began to open his eyes as he saw himself laying on the grass. He slowly got to his feet as he looked around. “Where am I now?” He found himself in the most unusual of places. He seemed to be on a floating piece of land, surrounded by orange clouds that illuminated the ground. He saw the peaks of grass covered mountains pop through the clouds and the sky was covered in stars and the night sky. The piece of land he was standing on had a few bushes but had one main feature. A huge tower. The tower itself seemed to bend as it got taller and taller. Its paint was that of a cream colour and the multiple roof’s where coloured dark blue. Spike saw the staircase and double doors that led to the entrance of this ‘mysterious tower’. He stretched himself to truly awaken before he walked towards the double doors. He casually pushed them open before seeing the interior. There was a small main lobby before a large staircase that seemed to lead up to the taller levels of the tower. Spike started to walk up the long staircase. The Very long staircase. This staircase goes on forever doesn’t it? Spike eventually made it to a door, which relieved him, glad he wasn’t trapped in a never ending staircase. He opened the door and entered the room. The room itself was quite roomy. Spike saw a number of books and shelves all along the walls, the books being thicker than his arm. There was also several pots, a telescope and a chalkboard. There where holes in the walls that seemed to act like open windows. He saw some tall green double doors on the right of the room, and the main piece of the room. A huge brown desk, a tall brown chair, and the old man sitting in said chair. The man in question seemed to be of age, as he had a grand grey beard. He wore a large dark blue robe and a blue wizard’s hat with yellow stars adorning it. The man had his eyes closed and his hands on his knees. Spike instantly stopped as he saw the wizard, and just stood still unsure what to do. The wizard instantly drew his attention to Spike as his eyes opened and his head instantly turned to face the boy. Spike immediately jumped back, not knowing what this wizard would do. “Well. It is not often I get visitors.” He said. His voice seemed to easily match that of a wise old man. “Tell me. What is your name?” the wizard asked. “Um...Spike, sir.” “Hmm. Well then Spike, what ,pray tell, is your purpose here?” the wizard asked. Spike began to think back as to why he was here. He looked around the room again and chuckled to himself. This seems to be Twilight’s dream room. That’s when Spike instantly remembered as to what happened to him. “My home!? Ponyville!? Are my friend’s fine!? Are they safe!? What happened to them!?” Spike yelled out loud. The old wizard gestured with his hands to calm down, but Spike looked at the wizard as began to take deep breaths before he finally calmed down. “Okay. I’m okay.” Spike said. He sighed before looking at the wizard. “I don’t know sir. I was in my home when suddenly, these weird creatures attacked and then there was this huge ball of darkness and…I don’t know what happened after that.” Spike explained to the wizard. He stroked his beard as he listened to the tale. “Hmm. It seems that your world has fallen to this new darkness. Your friends condition however… I am not sure.” The wizard stated. Now Spike was the one with the questions. “What a minute, what ‘new darkness’? And just who are you?” Spike asked. The wizard smiled before once again speaking. “I am Master Yen Sid. And I believe I can show you some of the answers you seek. However, I must ask you one more question.” The wizard explained. “Yes?” Spike waited. “You speak of dark creatures attacking your world. When these creatures attacked you, how did you fight them?” Yen sid asked. Spike looked at his hand before he held it out in front of him. The strange weapon materializing in his hand. Yen Sid stared at the weapon before lowering his head in thought. He stayed like this for a while until he looks at Spike again. “Young man. Are you aware of the weapon you carry?” Yen Sid asked. Spike looked the weapon again before shaking his head. “No, I have no idea.” “Hmm…Then it seems you need to be taught of what power you hold.” Yen Sid said. “Power?” Spike asked. Yen Sid moved his hands about, as it looked like he was casting a spell. Spike looked in amazement as above his head. Bubbles began to appear which had what he guessed was different worlds or planets. They all seemed strange. One was a planet covered entirely in water, a huge ship above and a skull and crossbones with a red bandana. Another was a huge pumpkin with what looked like a miniature black town on the bottom and a small snow coloured village on top. The last was a planet covered entirely in light brown houses and a huge clock tower hovering over it, and a tram that seemed to constantly go around it. “You may be surprised to know that your world is not the only one. There are many other worlds, and it is said that every star in the night sky is another world.” Yen Sid explained. He whisked his hand as the bubbles disappeared. “These worlds were disconnected. Unaware of each other. But that all changed when the Heartless came.” “Heartless?” Spike asked. Yen Sid waved his left hand again, and a hologram spawned next to Spike. Spike jumped back as he saw the hologram was a “Hey! Those were the things that attacked me!” Spike yelled. Yen Sid just nodded. “The Heartless represent the darkness in people heart. Darkness made real. The Heartless seek out people and the darkness in their hearts, consuming their hearts, swallowing them into the darkness.” “Not too long ago, a dark man tried to engulf all worlds in darkness. He used a sorcerous and her control over the Heartless in order to achieve this goal. He almost succeeded. But a young keyblade wielder and his friends stopped him, and helped restore the worlds. But even though he restored the worlds. The Heartless still existed, but dwindled in number. And it seemed to worsen as I do not know where the young Keyblade Wielder or his friends are. I can only hope that they are alright.” Spike listened to the tale, gripping on as Yen Sid got deeper and deeper into it. But what interested him most was this ‘keyblade’ “Keyblade?” Yen Sid turned the hologram of and pointed at the weapon in Spikes hand. Spike lifted the keyblade up and has a closer look at it. “The keyblade. Its main purpose is to defend the door to the light. It is a peculiar weapon, as the keyblade chooses its master. Not the other way around.” “Keyblade…” Spike continued to examine the giant key. “The keyblade also has the power to lock and unlock anything. Any door or gate can be unlock. And, one of the most important factors, it can lock the keyhole.” Spike stopped inspecting and looked up at Yen Sid. “Keyhole?” Spike asked. “The keyhole is the pathway to the heart of a world. The Heartless main search is for a world’s keyhole, so they can reach the heart. If the Heartless consume the world’s heart, then the world is consumed by the darkness.” Yen Sid explained. “Is that what happened to my world? The Heartless found the keyhole?” Spike asked. “I fear that if you are indeed from another world. Then the keyhole was indeed discovered.” Yen Sid told Spike. Spike began to look horrified and started to think about if his friends also made it out like he did. “And your world may unfortunately be the first of many. As this new darkness has grown and reached over to many other worlds. These worlds where separated when the key wielder I talked about before defeated the darkness. But they seem to have constructed different pathways between each other. And these also seem to be locked.” “…Where did this new darkness come from?” Spike asked. “I believe that it may have originated in your world. If yours was the first to disappear and there are others at risk. I can only assume they started there.” Yen Sid explained to him. Spike’s mind was in a wreck. His world was gone. His friend’s ether gone or somewhere far away. Everything he had known was seriously challenged by this new information. He always thought the princesses, the elements and the tree of harmony where the most powerful things in existence. But that was clearly not the case now. The heartless, this new darkness. The keyblade. He began to question the weapon itself now. Why was he chosen? This keyblade seemed to be a pretty prestigious weapon. Dangerous and powerful. So why him? Twilight and the others seemed more suited to earn this privilege. Celestia and Luna should have their own, so why him? Why did this keyblade chose him? His thoughts drifted onto thought of this ‘new darkness’. It had taken his world and was trying to take more. It had separated him from those he knew and loved. Ether they were gone or they had also been sent to other worlds. And if other worlds where being attacked. Others may have to suffer what he is going through. He looked at his keyblade once again. He realised he could save them. If he locks the keyhole in time. He’ll save them from what he’s feeling, and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling. He looked up straight at Yen Sid. “Sir. Is it possible for me to travel to these worlds?” “It is indeed. It requires a special type of ship in order to travel from world to world. And I have discovered and brought one of these ships here. “ Yen Sid explained. “Then, it is okay if I use it?” Spike asked. “It shall depend on what you plan to use it for.” “You said it yourself that the keyblade can lock the keyhole. And if this new darkness is already in other worlds, then that means they’re after the keyholes. If I go to these worlds, and lock the keyholes, I may be able to stop the darkness.” Spike explained. Yen Sid pondered before he looked back at Spike. “Young man. Are you willing to go on this quest?” “More than anything right now.” “Then I will provide you with further information and transportation.” Yen Sid said. He waved his hand and Spike was greeted with a hologram of a different creature. It seemed to look like a white empty shell of someone. “Now, if someone with a strong heart, whether they belong to the darkness or the light, become a heartless. They leave behind an empty shell. This shell begins to think and take on a will of its own. These shells do not actually exist, hence the name ‘Nobody’. Although these are nothing but shells destined to return to the darkness. They are a formidable foe.” Yen Sid explained. Spike studied the hologram before it disappeared and was replaced with something else. A person standing there wearing a black coat. “The nobody you see in front of you, are a special type of nobodies. They join with others to form a powerful organization that controls the nobodies. They take on a form similar to their previous life, and wear these cloaks to hide themselves from the darkness. They will try to deceive you, to convince you they have hearts. Do not let them fool you. They seem to be searching for something. Reaching for a goal. But I am yet to find out what this goal exactly is.” Yen Sid said as he swiped the hologram away. He then looked Spike dead in the eye and stood up tall. “Young man. Will you still persist on your journey? Even with though you are now aware of these dangers?” “Anything. If it means saving the world. And my friends. Then I’ll try anything.” Spike said proud. Yen Sid smiled and nodded. “Then there is one final piece you will need.” Spike heard the sound of engines as he looked outside to see a spaceship. It seemed to be mostly orange with tiny wings, cannons underneath and a glass dome on top for the pilot’s seats and controls. Spike ran to the window to look down on the ship. “Whoa…” “This is the gummi ship. The very same used by the other keyblade wielder on his journey to vanquish the darkness.” Yen Sid turned to look down at Spike. “I am trusting you with a very delicate piece of equipment. Take extreme care as you use it.” Spike looked at the wise man and nodded with a smile. “I will.” “Hmm.” Yen Sid gave a grunt of approval before speaking one last time. “Now. If and when you lock these keyholes, they should open new pathways which you can take you to new worlds. With every keyholes you lock, another path is waiting for you.” “I believe I have told you all you need to know. Now you are ready to go on your journey. And I suspect the further you go, then you will unlock more of your potential.” Spike nodded before he jumped out of the window and landed on the ship. Yen Sid smiled as he saw the orange ship doing multiple barrel spins straight into the sky before the ship blinked into the stars.