Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Just Another Day

Green to start music and red to stop music

Apple Bloom huffed as she stared up at her ceiling, counting the planks of wood for what felt like the hundredth time. Each line, each grain, and every knot in the timber seemed to mock her with its sameness. She had no one to blame but herself, really—or at least that’s what her family had told her, over and over again. The memory of the scolding she and her fellow Crusaders had received after returning from the Crystal Empire still stung.

“Yer lucky Granny Smith didn’t keel over from worry!” Applejack had shouted, pacing back and forth. Big Mac had been no better. His usual quiet demeanor had been replaced with a voice sharp and firm enough to make even the boldest of fillies sit down and listen. It wasn’t that he yelled—Big Mac never yelled—but there was something about his disappointed tone that struck deeper than any shout could have.

Apple Bloom scrunched her nose at the memory. What really stuck in her craw wasn’t just the lectures or the punishments, though. It was how, as part of their “rehabilitation,” she and her friends had been sentenced to a full week of chores around Sweet Apple Acres—chores that ate into her precious weekends. Weekends that were supposed to be for Crusader adventures and spending time with—

“Sora…”

Her cheeks flushed as the thought crossed her mind. The stallion—well, technically human, but he looked like a stallion in Equestria—was like nopony she’d ever met before. It was no wonder her heart skipped a beat whenever he was nearby.

And saw him alot she did.

“I kinda felt that they got in trouble because of me, so I just thought I should share in some of the work. Besides, I’m still helping around the farm, right?”

Apple Bloom smiled softly at the memory of Sora saying those words. It had been the morning after she, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo had gotten their punishment. The three of them had trudged to the barn, their spirits as low as their tails and Applejack leading them to their doom, only to find Sora already there, waiting with a goofy grin and a basket of apples balanced precariously on his back.

To anyone else, it might have seemed like a kindhearted young stallion taking pity on three fillies who’d gotten themselves into trouble. But to Apple Bloom, it was so much more. To her, it was her hero stepping in once again to lend a helping hoof when she needed it most.

At first, her feelings had been simple. She’d been drawn to Sora for his looks—the spiky mane, the easy grin, the way he carried himself with a casual confidence. But over the past three days of her punishment, as they toiled together under the warm sun of Sweet Apple Acres, she’d come to know the pony behind the Keyblade. Everything about him just felt so…genuine.

His happy-go-lucky personality. His reassuring smile as he placed a Band-Aid upon her skinned forehoof. The way he would always try to find an excuse for he and her friends to take a break, just so the three of them could laze the day away. He was kind beyond measure in her eyes, always looking out for others.

During their down time, the filly would watch the stallion as they slept under the shade of the Apple trees. Her gaze watching soft rise and fall of his chest with each breath he took. It was something she had never thought she could enjoy watching but seeing the stallion she liked so much so close and at peace, it filled the filly’s belly up butterflies so strong that she didn’t know what to do with it. She had cherished every moment she had spent with her hero, even though she knew it would soon come to an end. With the last hours of her punishment she would have to stay indoors.

Apple Bloom let out a frustrated sigh, rolling over in her bed as the weight of her thoughts pressed down on her chest. She couldn’t help but wonder if Granny Smith’s decision to keep her cooped up inside had been her way of ensuring she focused on her punishment, rather than spending more time basking in Sora’s attention.

A gentle rap at her door pulled Apple Bloom from her musings. She blinked, her thoughts scattering as her Granny Smith’s voice came from the other side.

“I brought ya some dinner, sugarcube. Open up, now.”

Apple Bloom hesitated for a moment before sliding off her bed. Her hooves landed on the wooden floor with a soft thud, and she padded over to the door, opening it just enough to peek out. Granny stood there, balancing a tray on her back with her usual patient smile.

“Here ya go,” Granny said, tilting her body to let Apple Bloom grab the tray. On it was a bowl of steaming vegetable stew, a slice of cornbread, and a tall glass of apple juice.

“Thanks, Granny,” Apple Bloom mumbled, taking the tray carefully and setting it on her bedside table.

Granny gave her a knowing look, one eyebrow raised. “You’ve been awfully quiet in here. Thinkin’ too hard about somethin’, or is it just the boredom catchin’ up to ya?”

“Ah guess ya could say that, Granny…” Apple Bloom mumbled, her gaze dropping to the floor.

The old mare gave her a warm smile, placing a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. “Somethin’ on yer mind, young’un? Want to talk about it?”

“Well…” Apple Bloom hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly. “There’s this…uh…filly who’s got a crush on a colt…but she don’t know how to tell him.” She paused, frowning as she corrected herself. “No, it’s more like…she’s too scared to say anythin’.”

Granny Smith raised an eyebrow, her expression amused. “This filly, huh? Well, what’s this colt like?”

Apple Bloom’s face lit up with a deeper blush as she thought about him. “He’s…nice. Really kind. He’s goofy sometimes and maybe a bit lazy, but he’s always willin’ to help out, even if it’s tough for him.” Her voice softened as her thoughts turned more serious. “He’d even put himself in harm’s way for his friends if it came down to it. But…nopony wants to see him hurt.” A pang of sadness flickered in her chest as memories of Sora’s battles resurfaced in her mind.

“Sounds like a mighty fine colt,” Granny said with a knowing grin. “And yer friend—she’s too scared to tell him, ya say? Why d’ya reckon that is?”

Apple Bloom lowered her head, fiddling with the corner of her blanket. “I…reckon she’s afraid. Afraid he might…reject her. Call her a silly filly or somethin’. All she’s done is get herself in trouble, and she don’t want to be a bother to him.”

Granny let out a soft chuckle, her hoof giving Apple Bloom’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Now, young’un, if this colt’s as nice as ya say, then yer friend should know better than ta think like that. A pony like that wouldn’t go hurtin’ her feelin’s on purpose.”

“Yeah, I know…” Apple Bloom sighed. “But still…”

Granny tilted her head thoughtfully. “Tell me this—has yer friend ever been scared to speak her mind before this colt came along?”

Apple Bloom hesitated, then shook her head. “Not really. She’s always been pretty brave about sayin’ what she thinks…’til now, I guess.”

“Well, then,” Granny said with a wink, “if she’s got the gumption to say what’s on her mind about everythin’ else, why not this? If this colt’s as kind as ya make him out to be, I’m sure he’d hear her out, even if he don’t feel the same way.”

Apple Bloom smiled faintly, her heart feeling a little lighter. “Yeah…you’re right, Granny. I’ll be sure ta pass on the advice to…my friend.”

Granny chortled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You do that, sugarcube. And tell yer ‘friend’ she’s got nothin’ to worry about. Any colt worth his salt’ll see her for the fine filly she is.”

Apple Bloom giggled and nuzzled her grandmother’s neck. “Thanks, Granny. Yer the best.”

Granny patted her granddaughter on the head and began making her way to the door. “Anytime, young’un. Now, don’t stay up too late dreamin’ about…uh, I mean helpin’ your friend.”

As the door clicked shut, Apple Bloom let out a giddy laugh, her cheeks glowing as she hopped onto her bed. “Right!” she whispered to herself, determination sparking in her eyes. “If I want him to notice me, I’ve got a lot of work ta do!”

She pulled out a sheet of paper and her box of writing utensils, already scribbling down ideas. Her cheeks burned as she imagined what Sora might think, but she couldn’t stop the excited giggle that bubbled out. She had a plan, and she wasn’t about to let fear get in her way.

~~~

A flash of light erupted in the apple orchard clearing, depositing three ponies in a heap on the ground. At the bottom of the pile lay Sora, groaning softly as Applejack sprawled across his back. Pinkie Pie teetered unsteadily on top of them both, swaying from the dizzying aftereffects of their maneuver.

“Wow…” Pinkie muttered, her head tilting as she shook off the daze. “That was way more tiring than I thought it’d be! I don’t even think I could bounce to the moon right now.”

Applejack let out a low groan, making no effort to decipher Pinkie’s ramblings. Instead, she tilted her head to peer at Fluttershy, who was carefully making her way over to the tangled trio. “Ugh… how long did we last this time, Fluttershy?”

The yellow mare glanced down at the stopwatch in her hoof and offered a small, hopeful smile. “A little over five minutes… That’s better than last time.”

“Only by four seconds!” Rainbow Dash complained as she landed beside Fluttershy, snatching the stopwatch for a closer look. “That’s not nearly enough time to take out a serious Heartless!”

Sora groaned as he shifted beneath the weight of Applejack and Pinkie Pie, his legs sprawled awkwardly beneath him. “Trust me,” he said with a wry grin, pushing himself up just enough to glance at Rainbow Dash, “five minutes is a lot longer than the usual time I had when I transformed into Valor Form before.”

Applejack rolled off him with a grunt, adjusting her hat as she stood. “That so? Well, if that’s the case, Ah guess we’re makin’ progress. Still feels like it takes a toll, though.” She rubbed her chest absently. “Leaves me feelin’ all… weird after.”

Sora chuckled as he got to his hooves, shaking out the soreness from his limbs. “Yeah, it’s exhausting, but that’s part of why we’re practicing. The more we do it, the longer we’ll be able to stay fused without wearing ourselves out.”

Applejack chuckled softly, adjusting her hat as she nodded toward the stallion. “True… and Ah gotta say, it’s mighty nice seein’ ya askin’ us to help ya out for a change. Most of the time, you’re all about keepin’ us outta the line of fire and takin’ it all on yerself.”

Sora chuckled softly, meeting Applejack’s gaze with a sheepish smile. “Trust me, AJ, if I can help it, I don’t ever want to see any of you get hurt. That’s just who I am. I’ve always felt like it’s my job to protect everyone.”

He paused, his expression growing more serious as his eyes shifted to the ground. “But… I’ve also know that, at least right now, I can’t do everything myself.”
Applejack’s smile softened, and she gave him a firm nod. “Now you’re talkin’, sugarcube. Ain’t no shame in leanin’ on yer friends when the goin’ gets tough. That’s what we’re here for.”

“Exactly!” Pinkie Pie chimed in, bouncing over to throw a foreleg around Sora’s neck. “Friends help each other, Sora! Whether it’s fighting bad guys, baking cupcakes, or turning into super-powered fusion ponies!”

Rainbow Dash smirked as she hovered nearby. “Yeah, and if you ever forget that, we’ll just have to remind you. Perhaps a sock to the face would get that brain of yours working.”

Sora laughed, shaking his head at Rainbow Dash’s playful jab. “Alright, Dash, I get it. No need for a hoof to the face. I’ll try to remember to rely on you guys before things get too crazy.”

Rainbow grinned, crossing her hooves as she hovered. “Good. Just making sure we’re clear. No lone hero stuff. We’re a team, remember?”

Though Sora nodded in agreement, a flicker of resolve passed through his eyes. Yeah, we’re a team, he thought to himself, but I’ll still take the brunt of the action if it means keeping them safe. That’s just who I am. I’ll find that mare…Sunset…and settle the score.

He pushed the thought aside, plastering on a warm smile as he looked toward the rest of the girls. “Alright, let’s call it a day, huh? We’ve earned some rest after all that.”

Applejack tipped her hat, relief evident in her expression. “Sounds good to me, partner. Ah reckon we’ve all worked hard enough for one day.”

“Yeah! And I’m starving!” Pinkie Pie announced dramatically, holding a hoof to her stomach. “I could eat an entire cake! Or two! Or maybe a cupcake mountain!”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes with a grin. “Of course you could, Pinkie. Though something to eat does sound pretty good right now for how much we worked.”

Applejack shot Rainbow Dash a deadpan stare, raising an eyebrow. “And what, pray tell, work did you do, partner?”

Rainbow Dash froze mid-hover, her wings faltering slightly. “Uh…” She rubbed the back of her neck, eyes darting around as she searched for an answer. “You know… supervising! Keeping an eye on the fusion process! That’s totally important work!”

Applejack’s stare remained unwavering as she crossed her hooves. “Uh-huh. Supervisin’, huh? And by supervisin’, you mean sittin’ on your flank makin’ snarky comments?”

Rainbow Dash shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. “It’s what my supervisor does,” she said nonchalantly, hovering a little higher as if to emphasize her aloofness.

Sora chuckled and stepped between the two mares, raising a hoof to diffuse the brewing banter. “Alright, alright, how about we save the debate for later and go get some food, girls? I really am starving after all that.” He shot them both a grin, his tone lighthearted but firm enough to steer the conversation back to more pressing matters—like filling their empty stomachs.

Pinkie Pie immediately perked up, bouncing in place with renewed energy. “Oh! Oh! I know the perfect spot! Sugarcube Corner! I bet the Cakes have just finished baking something fresh and delicious! Maybe even a cupcake mountain!”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes but smirked. “Fine by me. But if they don’t have anything for a pegasus in training like me, I’m raiding your pantry, Pinkie.”

As they made their way down the path to Ponyville, Applejack and Rainbow Dash fell into their usual rhythm of playful bickering, their voices carrying ahead of the group. Pinkie Pie, meanwhile, was bouncing along a few steps ahead, humming a cheerful tune that seemed to have no discernible pattern.

That left Sora and Fluttershy walking side by side at the rear of the group. The silence between them wasn’t awkward, but it was heavy with unspoken words. Every so often, Fluttershy would steal a glance at Sora, her teal eyes lingering on him for a brief moment before quickly darting back to the ground. A faint blush painted her cheeks, growing deeper with each glance she dared to take.

Sora, for his part, seemed blissfully unaware of Fluttershy’s internal struggle. His gaze was focused on the path ahead, a small smile on his face as he took in the tranquil beauty of the countryside. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the world in warmth, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze added to the peaceful atmosphere.

But Fluttershy’s thoughts were far from peaceful.

Come on, Fluttershy, she thought to herself, her wings twitching slightly at her sides. It’s just Sora. He’s your friend. You talk to him all the time. Why is this so hard?

She swallowed, summoning every ounce of courage she could muster. “Um… S-Sora?” she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sora turned his head, his expression soft and encouraging as he looked at her. “Yeah, Fluttershy? What’s up?”

“I…its…nothing…” The mare lowered head. “Sorry…”

Before Sora could stop her, she moved a little bit faster, catching up to the rest of the girls and leaving him slightly bewildered.

~~~

Shining Armor flopped onto the bed with a heavy sigh, his limbs sprawling out like a marionette whose strings had been cut. Every muscle ached from the long day’s work, a dull reminder of just how much effort he’d poured into his duties. His mane was slightly disheveled, and his usually pristine coat was streaked with patches of dust and sweat from the grueling drills.

He’d been hard at work training recruits all day—some from Canterlot’s Royal Guard and others from the Crystal Empire’s fledgling militia. Though they were eager to learn, the combination of differing techniques and levels of experience made the task more challenging than he had anticipated.

"Sweet Celestia," Shining groaned, rolling onto his back and staring at the ceiling. “Why do they always think that a battle formation can be learned in one day?” He closed his eyes for a moment, the day’s events replaying in his mind. The Canterlot recruits had impressed him with their discipline, but their rigid adherence to protocol left them struggling to adapt to Crystal Empire techniques. The Crystal Ponies, on the other hoof, had raw talent but lacked the structured training to properly channel their potential. It was up to him to find the balance, to unite them into a cohesive unit, a task he was ready to preform, for sure, but...it would take time.

Just as Shining was beginning to drift into the haze of near-sleep, a soft weight landed on him, accompanied by a delicate burst of floral perfume. His eyes snapped open just in time to see a playful grin framed by a cascade of pink and purple.

“Cadance?” he asked, blinking in surprise. His wife having appeared from out of no where it would seem, was now laying over his chest, her head resting comfortably at the nape of his neck. Her soft, pink wings folded neatly against her sides, fluttering softly.

“Hm-hmm." The mare acknowledged, not once moving from her new nesting ground that was her husband, "I’m tired. So, let me rest.”

The stallion couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped his lips. “On me?”

“Mm-hmm,” Cadance replied again, her tone light but resolute as she nuzzled his neck. “You’re warm, and this is comfy.”

“Guessing you had fun at the meetings?” He teased

Cadance groaned softly, her face scrunching up in exaggerated dismay. “Fun isn’t the word I’d use,” she muttered, her voice muffled against his chest. “It was hours of discussing trade agreements, infrastructure plans, and one particularly long debate over the placement of a new fountain.”

“Oh…yeah I saw that. The one that was crushed under that Crystal Heartless right?” He asks.

Cadance sighed dramatically, her breath warm against Shining's chest. “Yes, that one. You’d think ponies would be more concerned about why a Crystal Heartless showed up in the first place, but nooo. All they care about is whether the new fountain belongs in the market square or near the palace gardens.”

Shining chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “I mean, priorities, right? A crushed fountain is obviously the real tragedy here.”

Cadance lifted her head just enough to give him a mock glare, though the corners of her mouth twitched in a reluctant smile. “Don’t you start, Shiny.”

Shining chuckled lightly but winced mid-laugh, his smile faltering as a sharp throb shot through his horn. His hoof instinctively rose to the glowing ache at the tip of his forehead.

“Shiny?” Cadance gasped, slipping off his chest with surprising speed and moving to his side, her worried eyes fixed on him. “Is your horn still bothering you?”

He let out a quiet sigh, his hoof still pressed lightly against his horn. “It’s… fine,” he said, though the strain in his voice betrayed him. “It’s just a dull ache now, nothing I can’t handle.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Cadance said firmly, placing a hoof on his cheek to turn his face toward hers. Her eyes were filled with concern, her brow furrowed. “This has been going on since… since Sombra…”

Shining’s jaw tightened at the mention of the dark tyrant. Memories of his captivity flashed through his mind—the cold, oppressive darkness, the cruel laugh echoing in the crystal walls, and the sharp, jagged crystals sealing his magic.

“It’s better than it was,” he said softly, meeting her gaze. “But it’s not completely healed. The medics said it might take time for my magic to fully recover.”

Cadance’s hoof brushed against his, her touch gentle. “Time or not, you shouldn’t push yourself so hard. Training recruits, dealing with the guards, managing patrols… Shining, you need to rest, too.”

“I can’t just stop,” he protested, though his voice lacked its usual conviction. “There’s too much at stake. If Heartless starts targeting us again, the Empire needs to be ready. I need to be ready.”

Cadance gently grasped his hoof, her touch warm and reassuring. “We will be, Shining,” she said softly, her voice carrying the steady strength he had always admired in her. “The both of us. You’re not in this alone.” The mare wrapped her hooves around him, hugging him close.

The pair were quiet for a long while, the only sounds in the room the soft rustling of fabric as Cadance held him close and the faint hum of the wind outside. Shining let himself relax in her embrace, feeling the tension slowly melt away.

After what felt like an eternity, Cadance broke the silence with a gentle question, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you want to talk about Sunset?”

Shining tensed slightly, his body giving the smallest of reactions, but he didn’t pull away. It wasn’t the first time she had asked him that question over the past few days. Each time, his answer had been the same---

“Not really."

Cadance sighed deeply, her voice heavy, “She was my friend too… or at least I thought she was. I know she was angry when we last saw her...back when...she saw my wings...but…” Her words faltered for a moment, her lips pressing together tightly before she finished, “To be using the Heartless... to be using Darkness...I wish I understood why....”

“Why she did it won't stop me from doing what needs to be done,” he said, his jaw tightening as the words spilled out. “She knew what she was doing. Aligning herself with that tyrant king and using the Heartless—I'm not just, Cadance. It was betrayal. And not just to us, but to everything Equestria stands for.”

“I know, Shining,” she said softly. “Believe me, I’ve been wrestling with the same feelings. What she’s done… it’s going to be hard to reconcile with the pony we used to know...or if she even deserves it.” She shook her head. “I just…I Wonder how aunty is takin this…”

~~~

"Sister... why are you still awake?"

Celestia glanced up from the dusty old tome she had been engrossed in, a gentle smile gracing her features as her sister, the Princess of the Night, stepped into her private study. "I should be asking you that. It is only late afternoon after all."

Luna arched an elegant brow, her midnight-blue mane shimmering like the night sky. "Late afternoon for you, perhaps, but the evening hours approach swiftly, sister. You’ve been in here so long, I feared you might have forgotten the time altogether."

Celestia chuckled softly, her golden aura closing the tome with a satisfying thud. "Guilty as charged. I suppose I’ve let myself get carried away again.”

Luna frowned at that. "Is that so?" The princess of the moon would gaze out a window, the gentle warmth of the sun slowly waning as it dipped beyoung the horizon. "Do tell, dear sister, what is it that you are reading that has you so entrapped in its every page? If you do not mind us asking that is."

Celestia's gaze shifted back towards the book upon her table. "It is...nothing really...just an old fairytale I picked up from the old Canterlot Shelves. A story about an old mare and her foalish mistakes.”

Luna’s frown deepened, her ethereal mane flowing with a subtle shift, as though echoing her unease. She turned her attention from the setting sun to her elder sister, her tone soft but probing. "Is that not a foal’s tale?”

Celestia smiled softly, her hoof gently brushing over the worn cover of the book, a wistful look in her eyes. “It’s... one I tend to read from time to time, foalish or not.”

Luna tilted her head, her curiosity deepening as she watched her sister’s uncharacteristically tender expression. “A favorite, then? I do not recall you speaking of it before.”

Celestia let out a quiet chuckle, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and vulnerability. “Not all favorites are meant to be shared, Luna. Some things are kept close to the heart.”

Luna nodded slowly, her gaze flicking to the book as if seeing its contents through her sister’s eyes. “I see, then... I shall leave you to it.” She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her tone softer, almost hesitant. “Though... if you would permit me, sister... that tale—it is about a foolish mare making mistake after mistake until she is left with nothing... is it not?”

Celestia’s hoof froze on the cover, her expression briefly flickering with surprise before it settled into quiet acknowledgment. “Yes,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “That is the heart of it. She lets her pride, her fear, and her stubbornness guide her, and in doing so, she loses everything she holds dear.”

Luna’s gaze softened, her ethereal mane shifting like a gentle breeze as she took a step closer to her sister. “It’s been some time since I pondered that story... even longer since I last read it myself.” Her voice grew quieter, almost reflective, as though each word carried a deeper meaning. “But... I did have more than enough time to think about it in my... absence. And I always wondered... if she had laid her problems bare, shared her burdens instead of hiding them behind pride and fear... would she have made such mistakes? Would she have lost so much?” She turns away from her sister. “Or at least…maybe…it would have made her feel a little better if nothing else…”

The quiet between them stretched, filled only by the soft rustle of Luna’s ethereal mane and the faint crackle of the candles burning low. Celestia’s gaze lingered on her sister’s turned back, her heart heavy with unspoken words. She traced a hoof over the cover of the book again, as though seeking solace from its worn surface.

Finally, Celestia broke the silence, her voice gentle, almost weary. “I might turn in early tonight, sister.”

Luna turned her head slightly, her expression softening as she met her sister’s gaze. “I understand, Tia,” she said gently, her voice carrying both warmth and unspoken concern. Without another word, she began to make her way out of the study, her hoofsteps light and measured against the stone floor. The door closed softly behind her, leaving Celestia alone with the quiet once more.

As the silence deepened, Celestia let out a long, weary sigh, her composure slipping ever so slightly. Her golden aura flared gently, reopening the book that still rested on the table. She flipped through its pages slowly, the aged paper whispering softly as it turned.

Finally, she stopped, her gaze falling on an old, faded picture tucked carefully between the pages. It was a simple sketch, one she had almost forgotten was there: a filly with a bright, sun-like cutie mark standing proudly beside a younger version of herself. The filly’s eyes sparkled with unbridled enthusiasm, her grin wide and full of dreams yet to be tempered by reality.

Celestia’s breath caught in her throat as her gaze lingered on the image. Her magic traced lightly over the delicate lines of the drawing, her voice barely above a whisper. “Foalish mistakes... indeed.”

~~~

Back in Ponyville, Rarity sat at her workbench, the soft glow of a candle illuminating her sketchpad. The boutique was quiet, save for the rhythmic scratch of her pencil as it danced across the page. The unicorn’s eyes sparkled with creative focus, her horn glowing faintly as she hovered a ruler over her design.

"And that should do it..." Rarity mused, stepping back to admire her work. The sketch before her depicted an outfit that was both functional and striking—a harmonious blend of protection and elegance.

"Too much here, and it will take away from the design," she murmured, erasing a flourish she deemed excessive. “Goodness. Already done with three and working on the forth outfit…I can already feel my creativity draining fast.”

Rarity sighed dramatically, setting down her pencil as she leaned back in her chair. Her horn flickered briefly as she levitated a cup of tea to her lips, taking a delicate sip. The warm liquid soothed her nerves, but it did little to quell the growing fatigue tugging at her mind.

Rarity yawned and stretched, her joints popping softly as she glanced toward the clock hanging on the wall. The hands pointed firmly toward late afternoon. She blinked in surprise, her stomach giving a low grumble to remind her she had more than missed lunch.

“Oh, dear,” she murmured, rubbing a hoof over her growling midsection. “How long have I been at this?”

She stood from her chair, smoothing out her mane with practiced ease, and instinctively raised her voice to call for Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie Belle! Be a darling and—”

Rarity paused mid-sentence, the realization settling over her. Sweetie Belle wasn’t here. She had gone back to their parents’ house for a visit the day before. Rarity sighed softly, lowering her head with a faint smile.

“Well, that’s what I get for losing myself in my work. I’ll have to fend for myself today,” she said, glancing wistfully at the empty boutique. It was rare for the place to feel so still, and while Rarity cherished her moments of solitude, today it only served to remind her of how long she’d been cooped up with her designs.

Rarity chuckled softly to herself as she made her way toward the kitchen, her hooves echoing in the stillness of the boutique. "Becoming as bad as Twilight when it comes to late-night work," she mused with a smirk. "Next thing I know, I’ll be surrounded by scrolls and magical equations instead of fabric swatches and thread."

She shook her head at the thought, her horn lighting up to open a cupboard. Inside, a modest selection of ingredients greeted her, none of which seemed particularly inspiring. "A salad it is, then," she decided with a resigned sigh, levitating a few vegetables and a knife onto the counter.

As she began to chop her mind drifted…mostly towards their recent adventures, something she did not like too much. She had been no stranger to danger. The Nightmare Moon and Diamond Dog mishap coming to recent memory, but her time in the Crystal Kingdom had been…different. Between the Crystal Heartless and Sombra, they had been stuck between a rock and a hard place…and yet they won. Everything was supposed to be settled…and then…

That brutish mare came and…Sora…he had almost…

Rarity let out a startled “Eep!” as the knife slammed down harder than intended, sinking deep into the wooden cutting board with a sharp thunk. She froze, her chest rising and falling rapidly as the sound echoed in the quiet kitchen. Her magic faltered, releasing the knife’s handle, and she took a step back, pressing a hoof to her chest as if to steady her racing heart. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she stared at the knife embedded in the cutting board, her reflection warped in its polished surface.

“I…I think I need some rest…” She frowns. “And then I need to be pampered. I must simply ask when Fluttershy is free later. I'm in the mood pampering at the spa.”

~~~

Twilight let out a long, unrestrained yawn, her hoof half-heartedly attempting to muffle the sound. She rubbed her tired eyes, blinking at the chaotic spread of notes, scrolls, and books scattered across her table. Each document served a different purpose, yet they all shared one undeniable connection.

Sora. It always came back to Sora.

Undoubtedly, Sora had his friends and the power of the Keyblade to aid him, but… everything—no matter how small or seemingly unrelated—seemed to circle back to the stallion… ah, human.

She had reread his story more than a few times, the tale of his journey etched into her mind like a well-loved book. The first time he spoke of his home, his friends, and the Keyblade, Twilight had listened with rapt attention, unable to fully grasp the enormity of his experiences. Now, after everything they’d faced together, she found herself returning to those details, dissecting each word, each choice, searching for some greater understanding.

Though it all though, one thing stood out in front of her.

“I know the keyblade didn’t choose me…And…I don’t care. I’m proud to be a small part of something bigger…the people it did choose.”

It had been a moment that encapsulated everything about Sora—his humility, his selflessness, and his unwavering belief in the strength of others. He didn’t care about being the chosen one, the center of the story, or even the hero. He was just…Sora.

It was one of the first things Twilight had noticed about him. Everything he did, every choice he made, was for someone else. Whether it was throwing himself into danger to protect a friend, helping a stranger with a problem, or even something as simple as making sure everyone around him smiled, his actions were always selfless.

And yet…

Twilight’s mind drifted to the last time she had spoken with Riku. He had pulled her aside just before they parted ways, his expression uncharacteristically vulnerable…at least…from what Sora’s stories had told her about him.

***

Riku stood a few steps away. Despite being a tall imposing white stallion with flowing silver hair, He seemed hesitant to speak to Twilight, even though he was the one that had pulled her away from the others. After a long moment however, he did speak, his voice low…steady…

“I… I want you to look after him for me.”

Twilight blinked, tilting her head slightly. “Sora?” she asked, though the answer was obvious.

“Yeah.” He looked down, his ears flicking back. “I know it’s not fair to ask. And I know Sora’s strong—stronger than I give him credit for sometimes—but…” He trailed off, his jaw tightening as if trying to find the right words.

“But you’re still worried about him,” Twilight finished softly, a note of understanding in her voice.

Riku sighed as he ran a hoof though his mane. “I am…How can I not be when…” He stops and shakes his head. “Just…make sure he’s okay…and don’t let him go overboard. Alright?”

***

Twilight sighed, her magic lifting the quill back to the page, though her thoughts remained elsewhere. She had wanted to ask him, to pry into the silence he had left hanging between them. But some instinct had stopped her. It felt like one of those things that only Sora could have told her, if he ever chose to.

The mare leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting from the scattered papers and books to a quieter corner of the room. There, resting atop a precarious pile of books, was Spike. The little dragon was curled up, his tail tucked against his side and soft snores escaping from his muzzle.

Twilight smiled softly at the sight, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. Spike had always been her rock, her voice of reason when her thoughts became too chaotic. She considered waking him, but decided against it. He deserved the rest.

“Lucky you, Spike,” she murmured. “No worries, no mysteries to unravel. Just dreams.”

Despite her words, Twilight couldn’t help but smile. Who didn’t love a good mystery, after all?

~~~

The door to Sugarcube Corner jingled as it swung open, letting the cheerful voices and bodies of Rainbow Dash, Sora, Fluttershy, and Applejack spill out onto the cobblestone street. Behind them, Pinkie Pie waved wildly from the shop's counter, a powdered sugar cloud puffing around her as she grinned ear to ear.

"Come back soon!" Pinkie called, leaning against doorway. Despite being tired herself she wouldn’t let that stop her from serving her friends one bit like the good party mare she was. Behind her, the Cakes gave polite, more subdued waves from behind the register.

"Thanks, Pinkie. Mr and Mrs Cake! That apple pie swirl was somethin’ special," Applejack said, tipping her hat before stepping out.

Sora grinned, giving Pinkie a quick salute. "We'll catch you later, guys! And thanks for the soda!" He jiggled the cup in his hoof before taking a nice long sip. “Mango Fruit Punch is awesome.”

With the door now closing behind Pinkie, Rainbow couldn’t help but flap her wings and hover a few feet off the ground. "Oh yeah, that totally hit the spot!" the mare couldn’t help but declare, patting her belly with a smug grin. With a swift beat of her wings, she shot up into the sky, doing a lazy loop before settling on a low-hanging cloud. “I didn’t even know the cakes could make a mean pizza!”

"Well, Pinkie did say a pizza is just another type of pie," Sora mused with a chuckle.

"Only Pinkie could make something like that make sense," Rainbow couldn’t help but say with a roll of her eyes. "But hey, I’m not complaining! Sweet, savory, whatever—if it tastes good, I’m in."

“And…It was…um…rather good.” Fluttershy agreed.

Applejack adjusted her hat as her gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the sky was painted with hues of deep orange and fading gold.

"Well, it’s gettin’ pretty late," she said, her voice carrying a note of practicality. "Guess we better call it a day then."

"Yeah, you're probably right." The stallion says, sagging a bit. “Guess it's back to applebucking for me tomorrow.”

"Now don’t sound so glum, sugarcube." Applejack tipped her hat back with a sly grin. "With you pitchin’ in, ya gave us more’n enough time ta laze about fer a few days. ‘Sides, workin’ at Sweet Apple Acres ain’t all that bad, now is it?"

“It’s more the waking up early part for me,” Sora admitted with a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, who even sees the sun at that hour? It’s like it’s still waking up too.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, her grin turning teasing. “Figures. Gotta be somethin’ in them pegasus genes that makes y’all all types of lazy. First Rainbow Dash, now you.”

“Hey!” Rainbow called from her cloud, feigning offense as she peeked over the edge. “I’m not lazy! I just—uh—conserve energy! Big difference.” She points towards the stallion. “Besides, he was lazy before he even turned into a pony.”

Sora pouted, crossing his forelegs dramatically. "Wow, friendly fire much? I thought we were supposed to be on the same team, Dash."

Rainbow Dash smirked, lounging lazily on her cloud with her head propped on her hooves. "Hey, just calling it like I see it. Besides, you can’t deny it. I mean, how many naps have you taken since showing up here?"

Sora opened his mouth to retort, but Applejack quickly chimed in, cutting him off with a chuckle. "Don’t even try, sugarcube. I’ve seen ya sneakin’ a snooze under the apple trees more than once."

Sora hung his head in exaggerated defeat, his mane falling slightly into his face as the playful accusations piled on. "Alright, alright," he muttered, his tone dripping with mock despair. "I get it. Public enemy number one: Sora the Lazy Pony."

Fluttershy, ever the gentle soul, stepped closer and softly patted his back with her hoof. "Oh, don’t feel bad, Sora," she said kindly, her voice a soothing balm amidst the teasing. "You’ve been working really hard. It’s okay to rest when you need to."

Sora lifted his head slightly, glancing at her with a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Fluttershy. At least someone’s on my side."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, letting out an exaggerated groan "You’re spoilin’ him again, Fluttershy. Just like you did when you gave him the biggest piece of cake at Pinkie’s party a few days ago. I saw that, you know."

Fluttershy’s cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink, her ears folding back as she looked down at the cobblestones. "Well… he was hungry," she said in her soft, timid way. "And, um, he was asleep for days before that…How could I not want to make sure he was fed…”

Rainbow Dash huffed, crossing her forelegs as she hovered just above the ground. "Yeah, yeah, I get it, FlutterMom. But come on, he’s a grown stallion—or, well, a grown something—he can handle a little less cake." She narrowed her eyes playfully at Sora. "Besides, I’m onto you. You’ve got her wrapped around your hoof, don’t you?"

Sora threw up his forelegs dramatically, feigning innocence. "Hey, I didn’t ask for the biggest slice! It just... happened." He shot Fluttershy a cheeky grin. "Not that I’m complaining, of course. Thanks again, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy ducked her head, hiding a small smile behind her mane. "Oh, it was nothing," she murmured. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay after… everything."

Applejack clapped her hooves together, her voice cutting through the playful banter. "Alright, alright, before y’all get into another argument ‘bout cake or somethin’ else silly, I say we call this little meetin’ to rest. Night, Rainbow. Night, Fluttershy."

Sora opened his mouth to echo Applejack’s farewell, but a gentle tug at his jacket stopped him mid-breath. He glanced back, surprised, and found Fluttershy holding the fabric delicately between her hooves. Her gaze was turned away, her cheeks tinted pink as she softly mumbled, "Um…"

Catching on quickly, Sora smiled warmly. "Yeah, I’ll walk you home, Fluttershy. Just like last time."

Fluttershy looked up at him with a grateful expression, her blush deepening as she nodded. "Thank you, Sora," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. “S-Sorry for being a bother…”

Sora waved her concern off with an easy smile. "You’re not a bother, Fluttershy. Not even close," he reassured her. "Let’s get you home safely, kay?”

The two bid their goodnights to Applejack and Rainbow Dash before walking off together, their silhouettes gradually blending into the soft glow of the streetlamps as the night fully settled in. The gentle sound of their hooves on the cobblestones faded into the distance.

Rainbow Dash hovered silently for a moment, her eyes following the pair until they turned a corner. She released a gruff click of her tongue, abruptly turning her gaze away with a huff.

“Well… that’s a surprising reaction ya got right there, Rainbow.”

The pegasus stiffened at Applejack’s voice, whipping her head around to glare at the farm mare. Applejack stood a few paces away, her expression calm but with a hint of smug amusement tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about, AJ," Rainbow snapped, turning away from her friend with an exaggerated scoff. Her forelegs crossed tightly over her chest as her wings flapped once, sharply.

Applejack smirked, her tone teasing but light. "Sure ya don’t, Rainbow," she drawled, tilting her hat back slightly. "But I reckon there’s somethin’ about them two walkin’ off together that’s got ya in a bit of a twist."

Rainbow’s tail flicked irritably, her glare darting over her shoulder. "Pfft, as if. I don’t care what they do," she grumbled..

Applejack chuckled, stepping closer. "Well, I won’t press if ya don’t want me to," she said with a knowing smile. "But if ya ever feel like talkin’ ‘bout it, I’m all ears. Just sayin’."

Rainbow groaned, throwing her hooves up in frustration. "There’s nothing to talk about, okay? Geez, AJ. You’re worse than Pinkie sometimes."

Applejack tipped her hat with a wink. "Suit yourself, Rainbow. G’night now. Don’t stay up broodin’ too long." She turned and started down the path to Sweet Apple Acres, leaving Rainbow to grumble under her breath as she sank onto her cloud.

"I’m not brooding!" Rainbow yelled, frowning as she hears the farm mare laugh softly to herself.

~~~

It was turning early evening by the time Sora and Fluttershy made their way down the familiar pathway to Fluttershy’s cottage. The soft glow of lightning bugs drifted lazily around them, their gentle light illuminating the edges of the dirt path. The gentle scent of grass and flowers mingle with the soft breeze of the encroaching night.

The stallion of the pair walked at a slow and even pace, his steps carefully matching Fluttershy’s gentle rhythm as they made their way down the path. Every now and then, His gaze would drift toward the shy mare walking beside him in silence, only for him to quickly look away as if afraid of being caught.

To Fluttershy’s credit though, she always noticed his stolen glances, though she pretended not to.Despite that, her cheeks would flush a soft pink hue each time, her heart fluttering in sync with the subtle movements of her wings at her sides. The fact that he kept looking at her, even briefly, filled her with a quiet, giddy warmth that she had never felt with a stallion.

Does Sora even count as a stallion? It was a question that, on the surface, seemed silly, but it lingered all the same. He wasn’t born one…he was born a human. Male, yes but…maybe thats why she felt so comfortable around him.

Most of the stallions in Ponyville, as kind as they could be, often struggled to understand her timid nature. They were usually rougher, more direct, or impatient—qualities that clashed with her softer demeanor. It wasn’t entirely their fault; many mares in Ponyville had bold, take-charge personalities that seemed to complement those traits. It was a confidence Fluttershy could never fully emulate, no matter how hard she tried. She had long accepted that she was something of an outlier, a rarity among her kind.

And the few stallions who did tolerate her quiet nature… well, she had learned to be wary. She couldn’t quite bring herself to think of what they were after—it was too uncomfortable to even acknowledge—but she knew their intentions weren’t always genuine.

Sora though…he was different from the norm.

He wasn’t intimidating like other stallions she’d met in Equestria. He was kind, approachable, and he made her feel… safe. It was no wonder she liked spending time with him.

No… Fluttershy knew it was more than just that. Deep down, she truly believed she really, really liked him.

Maybe even… loved him?

Fluttershy’s thoughts swirled as the word echoed in her mind: Love. It was the first time the idea had surfaced, but at the same time, it didn’t seem so far-fetched or out of reach…at least not to her. Still…She couldn’t help but wonder…how?

“Something wrong, Fluttershy?” Sora’s voice broke through her thoughts, startling her slightly. His tone was light despite having a tinge of concern etched within it. It seems she had not even noticed when she had stopped moving at some point causing Sora to get ahead of her.

“Oh, I… um…” Fluttershy hesitated, her words tangling in her throat. “I was just… thinking. About… um, the fireflies!” she added quickly, motioning to the glowing lights that danced around them.

Sora tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “They’re pretty amazing, huh?” he said, looking around. “Back in my world, me and my friends use to catch and release them.”

Fluttershy blinked, her surprise giving way to curiosity. "Catch and release them?" she echoed softly, tilting her head as she resumed walking, her hooves brushing lightly against the dirt path.

Sora nodded, his smile growing as he reminisced. "Yeah. On warm summer nights, me, Riku, and Kairi used to run around on the beach catching fireflies in jars. We’d watch them glow for a while and then let them go. It was… I don’t know, simple, but fun." His voice softened with the memory, and a hint of nostalgia flickered in his eyes. "Riku always caught the most, but Kairi would try to get hers to land on her hand instead of using a jar. She said it felt more magical that way."

Fluttershy smiled at the thought, imagining a young Sora and his friends chasing after fireflies beneath the stars. "That sounds lovely," she said, her tone warm and sincere. "I’ve never tried catching fireflies before… I always thought they were too delicate to touch."

“If anyone could catch them easily I think it might be you Shy.”

Fluttershy’s cheeks flushed a soft pink at Sora’s casual use of the nickname. He said it so naturally, as if it had always been her name. It wasn’t the first time he’d called her that, but somehow, in this quiet moment beneath the growing twilight, it felt more meaningful.

“Anyway…” Sora continued as he turned around. “Was just saying before that you’re home.”

Fluttershy blinked and followed Sora’s gaze, her eyes landing on the small bridge that led to her cozy little cottage. The soft glow of its windows and the gentle sounds of the nearby stream felt comforting, but a twinge of sadness settled in her chest. She didn’t want the evening to end, even though she knew it must. Forcing a gentle smile, she glanced up at him.

“O-Oh… S-So we are… um… thank you for walking me home… again. I hope I’m not burdening you or anything, what with you being tired and all…”

Sora shook his head, his baby-blue eyes meeting hers with a warmth that made her heart flutter. “You’re not a burden, Shy,” he replied earnestly. “You girls trusted me, even after everything I told you. Let me do my part and help where I can.” His gaze shifted away, his expression faltering slightly. “Even if… this might be the only thing I can’t mess up.”

“D-Don’t say that!” Fluttershy’s voice rose unexpectedly, surprising even herself. She clamped a hoof over her mouth, her eyes wide with embarrassment at her sudden outburst. Sora for his part,froze, his eyes locking on hers, clearly caught off guard by the usually timid mare’s near-yell.

Gathering every ounce of courage she had, Fluttershy lowered her hoof and took a deep breath, shaking her head gently. “I’m sorry… but I don’t think you’re useless. And I don’t think you should ever think that either.” Her voice wavered, but her determination carried it forward. “You’ve done so many amazing things, Sora. You’ve fought for others, even when the odds were against you. Even when it was hard.”

Sora blinked, his expression shifting to one of quiet surprise. "I mean… I’m just—"

“You’ve saved my friends.” The mare couldn’t help but continue, “You’ve saved worlds. You’ve… saved me. “You’re a hero Sora…so please…don’t belittle yourself like that.”

The stallion didn’t move, his gaze fixed on her as if the weight of her words had rendered him unable to respond further Ever so slowly, she was stepping closer to him, one hoof in front of the other.

“And…even if you don’t think so…You told us that your bond with your friends gives you strength,” Fluttershy continued, her voice now just above a whisper. “Then please, at least keep believing in that. And…” She hesitated, her cheeks burning as she took one final step toward him. “If you ever need it, I want to be your strength too.”

Before she could second-guess herself, Fluttershy leaned forward, pressing her soft muzzle gently against his neck. The world seemed to freeze as she nuzzled him timidly, her heart racing in her chest. “Even if you mess up,” she murmured, her voice barely audible, “I’ll be beside you.”

Sora stood completely still, his breath caught in his throat. The delicate scent of vanilla filled his senses, and he felt her warmth against him, her soft breaths tickling his fur. His face turned a deep crimson as he slowly lifted a hoof, tentatively wrapping it around her neck in a gentle embrace.

The moment shattered as Fluttershy squeaked softly, realizing what she had done. She pulled away abruptly, her blush so bright it was visible even in the dim moonlight. Her wide eyes met his for the briefest second before she spun around and bolted toward her cottage, moving so quickly that even Rainbow Dash would’ve been impressed. The sound of her door slamming shut echoed in the quiet night, leaving Sora standing alone on the path.

He stared after her, his mind a whirl of confusion and warmth he couldn’t quite place. Slowly, he raised a hoof to his neck, touching the spot where she had leaned against him. A blush still painted his cheeks as he murmured under his breath, “What… was that?”

As Sora turned and began his walk back to Sweet Apple Acres, his usual thoughts about the next day’s work were nowhere to be found. Instead, his mind was consumed by the memory of the butter-yellow mare who lived by the edge of the Everfree.

Inside the cottage, Fluttershy leaned against her door, her face buried in her hooves as tears of embarrassment pricked her eyes. “Fluttershy, you dummy…” she whispered, her voice trembling. Taking a shaky breath, she made her way upstairs, her hooves feeling heavier with every step.

She climbed into her bed, curling up under the covers. Angel Bunny hopped onto the mattress, his usual grumpy demeanor softened as he nudged her gently. The timid mare gently reached and pulled the little rabbit close, burying her face in his soft fur as a fresh wave of emotions washed over her.

“Angel Bunny… I think… I think I love Sora.”

~~~

Sunset slowly made her way down the dark pathway of the underground cavern, a sneer ever constant upon her features at the recent events not too long ago.

She was not a pleased mare at all. Not pleased in the least.

She had failed in her duties in commandeering Sora, or more importantly, his heart. Not only that, now she had to worry about another Keyblade wielder.

Not just any Keyblade Wielder though.

That pony was a Keyblade Master.

To make matters worse for her, Queen Chrysalis was seen aiding said Keyblade Master in the last battle back at the Crystal Empire, even going so far as to save those insufferable so called “Elements of Harmony” and Shining Armor to boot. From what she had learned first hoof, both the Keyblade Master and the Queen of the Changelings are nothing to be trifled with, at least, not in the current state she was in.

“The crystal empire went south…”Sunset touched the amulet around her neck, her eyes glowing a deeper shade of red as she did so. “I won’t let them take all that I had worked for away…All that we had worked for…not when we are so close to the power I seek…”

The mare opened a nearby door, her eyes focusing on the nearby occupant, a pure black pegasus pony stallion with a familiar midnight gray mane, their golden eyes unfocused and staring towards the ground at the broken blade that rested at his heels. “Ah...I see that you're up and about.” She received a cold glare from the stallion, though he kept his head down as he did so. “Don’t be that way, my master saved you didn’t he? You were broken and he repaired you. With such powerful enemies, one would need an ally with just as much power…am I right, Keyblade Wielder?”

The black stallion looked upwards to the mare from his prone position, a bored looking expression upon his face.

“Of course, you will be more than rewarded for your service,” She mused as she neared the odd pony. “We can give you what you must desire...or...maybe even help you find the one you are searching for.”

The dark stallion raised an eyebrow, his yellow eyes piercing into the mare before him. “And what do you know about the one I’m looking for.”

“My master knows a lot of things, Keyblade Wielder. He can look into the depths of one’s heart and finds one true desire…even one as broken as yours.” She looked at the mangled mess that was once his weapon. “He might even be able to repair that mess of a weapon at your hooves, if only you would pledge your loyalty to him and him alone.”

The pony’s ears perked before he began to stand on all four hooves, cracking his neck expectantly. Gripping the broken Keyblade tight within his hoof, he held it out to her. “Fine...But don’t expect me to start calling you master or leader. The only master I have is myself, and the darkness I use.”

Sunset smiled as she nodded. “Fair enough...and excellent choice wielder of the keyblade...”

“Will you stop with that already. My name is Vanitas.” he smirked before allowing his wings to unfold, the tips looking as though they were dipped in the reddest of blood. “I’m coming for you, brother. You better get ready.”