Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony
By Steel Soul

Canterlot Docks

The bustling port of Canterlot's airship station was alive with activity despite the late evening. Ponies of all kinds moved with purpose, their hooves clattering against the cobblestone streets. The air was filled with the sounds of chattering travelers, the clinking of cargo being loaded onto ships, and the occasional whistle of an airship's steam engine.

Among the crowd, a group of familiar faces stood out. Sora, Twilight and her friends, and the two diamond dog queens made their way down the dock. Many airships were docked at the station, their large balloons illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns.

The timid yellow mare, who was sticking close to the keyblade wielder, couldn't help but gasp softly in awe at the many ships, slightly intimidated but mostly amazed by the sheer size of most of them. The mare had only seen less than a hoof full before in person and that was when she was a little filly.

"Oh my…” She squeaked softly, pulling her white, cat-eared hood down as she gazed upwards, “They're so huge…it's…almost overwhelming...And…a little scary…"

“You’re kidding right?” Rainbow Dash swooped in, wrapping a hoof around her trembling friend. "Just look at them! This is beyond awesome! Just look at the size of that one over there!" She pointed excitedly to a particularly grand airship with intricate designs and colorful banners. “No wait! That one! That’s the one that the Wonderbolts rode on during their big trip to Manehatten!”

Applejack raised an eyebrow at her blue furred friend, a smirk forming on her lips. “Heh…Never took ya for an airship enthusiast, the Rainbow Dash. Ya seem more like a fan of racing through the skies yourself then flying in one of those giant flying machines."

The prismatic mare shrugged, a grin spreading across her face that matched the farm mare’s own. "Hey, just because I love flying myself doesn't mean I can't appreciate a good airship. While not as fast as yours truly, more then a few of them can reach insane speeds if you know what you are doing."

The farm mare chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, I'll be. Learn somethin' new 'bout you every day, Rainbow. But yeah, gotta say, these ships look mighty impressive."

Sora, seeing the airships for the first time himself, couldn't help but agree. "Yeah. We don’t have anything like them where I come from back on my islands.”

Jennino nodded in agreement, keeping pace as best she could. "My sister Katherina and I arrived in Canterlot aboard one of them. It was smaller than most of these here, but it was no less well-designed. The craftsmanship of Equestrian airships is truly remarkable, I must admit."

"One would wonder, though,” Katherina mused out loud, “Why would one have so many.”

"Well.” Twilight spoke up, “Canterlot is a central hub for air travel in Equestria, connecting all the different regions and kingdoms. The airships play a vital role in transportation and trade, allowing ponies and creatures from all over to come together. Its the same with our Trains after all. Made for the needs of others."

The blue diamond dog nodded thoughtfully at Twilight's explanation. "Well, I guess I can’t argue with an explanation like that. Your princess has been quite the help with our family in the past after all." She raised an eyebrow. “Though I must admit, you are quite knowledgeable, Miss Sparkle. Where did you learn?”

The studious unicorn smiled modestly, her cheeks flushing at the compliment. "Oh, I've just always had a thirst for knowledge and learning. As for where…well…I mean I did study at the School for Gifted Unicorns…” The lavender mare perked. “Plus, Princess Celestia has been a wonderful mentor and teacher to me. She's helped me understand the importance of education and sharing what I know with others."

“I see…” Katherina spoke softly, once again growing quiet. Twilight waited for her to say more but when it became apparent she wouldn’t the lavender mare gave an awkward laugh before falling in step with Jennino, who was in front of her sister, despite her having to use a cane

“I…didn’t say something to upset her did I?” The lavender mare asked in a low whisper.

Jennino laughed softly, her tone reassuring. "Do not mind my sister, Twilight. She tends to be more reserved and contemplative, especially when she's deep in thought. It's one of the reasons she's such an effective leader in what she does."

The blue of the two diamond dog’s scoffed, something that didn’t go unnoticed by Applejack, her eyebrow raising ever so slightly.

Before she could infer further however, Twilight’s voice rang out from in front, causing the farm mare as well as everyone else to look forward.

"Oh! There it is," The purple unicorn announced, pointing to a massive yet sleek airship that was quite unlike the others in design. Its sleek, polished exterior gleamed even in the sunset’s light, adorned with intricate gold filigree and royal banners fluttering in the breeze. The airship's balloon, emblazoned with the crest of Equestria, floated above, ready to take flight.

“Woah hang on!” Sora ran ahead, his gaze flying upwards as he marveled at the airship's grandeur. “You mean that is what we are riding in! It’s huge!”

Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the group as they approached the grand vessel. "This magnificent airship is called the Celestial Voyager," she began, her voice filled with pride. "It's one of the most advanced airships in all of Equestria, designed for both elegance and functionality and-."

“Oh! Hey, I’ve heard of that ship,” Rainbow Dash spoke up, flying in front of her friends and interrupting the lavender mare, much to said mare’s annoyance. “I saw it a few times in some of the Wonderbolt magazines I picked up.” The blue mare turned on the spot, her eyes not being able to help themselves as they stared wide-eyed at the enormous airship. “I knew it was big, but this is on a whole other level…” She turned back towards the group with a raised eyebrow, “How is it that I don’t see this beast flying in the sky more often? Would really be hard to miss.”

Pinkie Pie bounced up to her prismatically maned friend, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she snatched the pegasus out of the air. "Oh! Maybe the ship is really, really shy! You know, like it only comes out when it feels super comfortable and safe. Just like Fluttershy!" She giggled, causing said mare to blush and hide behind her mane.

Twilight rolled her eyes before coughing into her hoof, gaining everyone’s attention "Ahem, actually, Pinkie, the Celestial Voyager is typically reserved for special missions and high-priority journeys. It's not used for regular transport because of its advanced technology and the resources required to maintain it. Like the windstones that power it."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Windstones? What are those?"

The lavender maresmiled, eager to share her knowledge. "Windstones are magical gems that harness the power of the wind, just as the name implies. They provide the lift and propulsion for the Celestial Voyager, making it one of the fastest and most efficient airships in existence. But they're incredibly rare and require a lot of expertise to craft."

“Oh! Now that is a gem I have never seen or heard of before.” Rarity chimed in, her eyes gleaming with interest. "I can only imagine the craftsmanship involved in crafting such a jewel. Such beauty and functionality combined must be the result of extraordinary skill." She smiled. “Just think of what one of those beauties can do for one of my dresses, I would surely be the talk of the town and then some.”

“Hehe…” Rainbow giggled softly. “Well…you would certainly blow the competition away if you had one. Literally I mean. You do know that they produce small gale level winds, right?”

Rarity's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I had no idea they were that powerful! I suppose I'd need to find a way to temper its strength if I ever got my hooves on one."

"Even then, Rarity, a small Windstone would cost a significant amount of bits” Twilight responded with a shake of her head “They're incredibly valuable and difficult to obtain. The cost alone would be astronomical."

The fashionista’s excitement dimmed slightly, but her eyes still held a glimmer of curiosity. "Well, perhaps one day. Until then, I'll just have to admire them from afar."

Applejack, who had been listening intently, spoke up once again. "So, we're really gonna be travelin' in that there ship? Ya sure we need all this just for the few of us?"

Twilight nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Applejack. Princess Celestia specifically chose the Celestial Voyager for our journey, keeping our comfort and safety in mind for the long trip ahead. She wanted to ensure we had the best possible accommodations while traveling."

The farm mare adjusted her hat, nodding softly in resignation. "Well, if it's good enough for Princess Celestia, it's good enough for me. Guess I can get used to a bit of fancy living for a few hours."

“Ahoy! Little ponies! Captain coming down!” A suave voice called out to them from above, catching everyone's attention.

Everyone turned their gaze upwards to see a familiar, striking figure descending from the upper deck. It was a white unicorn stallion with styled blond hair and mane, dressed in a pristine captain's uniform adorned with golden epaulets and intricate embroidery. His usual haughty demeanor was replaced with a more professional and commanding presence.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Elements of Harmony and their esteemed companions." He spoke again as he made his way towards the group.

"Blueblood," Rarity groaned in an unladylike manner, rolling her eyes.

Sora blinked, surprised by Rarity’s displeasure. Blueblood's reputation clearly preceded him it seems, and even though he didn't know the unicorn personally, he could tell there was a history there.

Leaning into the Fluttershy, the stallion whispered in her ear as a sudden thought came into his mind, "I didn't know Celestia had a kid."

The timid mare, trying to stifle a giggle, whispered back, "He's not her son, Sora. Prince Blueblood is her nephew."

“Oooooh…” His gaze fell back to Rarity. “Rarity doesn’t seem to like him very much.”

Fluttershy nodded slightly. "They had a bit of an unpleasant encounter at the Grand Galloping Gala." She began to panic slightly when Sora frowned. “It…um…wasn’t anything bad. At least…not too bad…but…From what I remember…there was cake in Rarity’s hair…”

The Keyblade Wielder’s eyes widened in surprise. "Cake? In her hair? Sounds like it was more than a bit unpleasant."

"Yes, it was quite a mess.” The yellow mare continued. “Rarity wasn't very happy about it." She shook her head. “Though…to be fair…the whole night was unpleasant for all of us.”

The keyblade wielder would have asked for more information but paused he saw Twilight step up to the white stallion, offering a nod of her head.

"Prince Blueblood,” The lavender mare spoke kindly, “What a surprise to see you here."

The prince descended the gangplank with an air of practiced elegance as he approached The lavender mare and her entourage . "And tis a pleasure to see you, Lady Twilight.” Upon reaching the purple mare, he gently bowed before smiling at the rest of her friends. “I am here to ensure everything is in perfect order for your journey. Princess Celestia entrusted me with overseeing the final preparations as well as being the captain of this hear ship."

Rainbow Dash hovered beside Twilight, a skeptical look on her face. "Really? They sent you?"

“But of course,” the stallion mused with a wave of his hoof. “I am second in command of our royal air fleet after all, and this ship was built, in part, with funds from yours truly. I will be the one that will be seeing you and yours to your destination.”

The purple unicorn nodded appreciatively at Blueblood's words, though a flicker of surprise crossed her face. "We appreciate your assistance, Prince Blueblood. Thank you in advance."

The stallion scoffed. “But of course, Lady Twilight. I will ensure that the Celestial Voyager is in top condition for our journey,” Blueblood replied with a smug smile, clearly reveling in his role. “Now then, who is it that will be joining me upon today’s flight?”

Twilight turned to her friends, pointing to each as she spoke. "Myself, Sora, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie will be joining the Diamond Dogs back to their kingdom. The rest are just seeing us off."

Prince Blueblood nodded, taking in the names and faces with a practiced eye. "Very well. The Celestial Voyager is ready and waiting. We should depart immediately to ensure we arrive in Caninia with plenty of time to address the issues at hand." Blueblood turned, making his way back up the ship. "Please say your farewells as quickly as you can. The ship will be departing soon."

The Diamond Dogs nodded respectfully to Twilight and the others before following after him, leaving the ponies to say their goodbyes.

The lavender mare, being the first to do so, turned to her friends. "This is it then. Our turn.” She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the journey ahead. Sora could sense a mix of excitement and apprehension in her voice as she addressed her friends. "We’ll be sure to send a message though Spike once we arrive safe and sound in Caninia."

“You better.” Rarity mused as she stepped forward, embracing Twilight tightly before moving on to Pinkie and Applejack, hugging them as well. "Take care yourselves, darlings. Please make sure to watch out for each other. Oh and Before You go.” She smiled as she pulled two packages out of her saddle bags, handing one to both the pink and orange mares. “Here. Outfits just like I made for myself and the others. You can open then,” She glared at Pinkie Pie, “Once you are settled on the airship.”

The pink mare, who’s hooves were just about to tear into said packaging, blinked before smiling awkwardly, tucking the present into her mane. “Aww! Thanks Rarity! I’m sure however it looks, I’ll be FABULOUS!”

Applejack chuckled and placed the bag on her back, nodding towards Rarity with a smile. “Mighty kind of ya, Rarity.”

“Only doing what I can.” Rarity mused before she turned, gently grasping Sora’s hoof in her own. “As for you…you keep them and yourself safe, Darling. Okay? Knowing you, it will be a tall order on the latter…but…please try.”

"I'll do my best, Rarity.” The stallion answered with a nod, “You can count on me." He gave her a reassuring smile. A smile that she returned tenfold.

“That’s all I ask.” the white mare spoke, giving him a gentle hug. “Take care.”

Rainbow Dash stepped up next, her usual confident smirk firmly placed upon her lips. Though she only gave Sora and Applejack a sharp smack on the back, she addressed them all. "You guys better come back with some awesome stories. And don't worry, we'll hold things down here until you get back."

The farm mare chuckled, adjusting her hat. "You bet, Rainbow. We'll make sure to bring back some good tales for ya."

The stallion grinned, rubbing his back where the rainbow maned mare had hit him. Though, kinda hoping it will be an uneventful trip. We will definitely bring you back some survivors."

“You better.” Rainbow teased as she saluted both Pinkie and Twilight pulling away and allowing Fluttershy to say her piece this time.

The timid mare shuffled towards the lavender mare first, giving her a hug and then to Pinkie and then Applejack, doing the same for both of them. She stopped at Sora, her eyes downcast. She took a deep breath before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wish you didn't have to go, Sora. I... I know you'll be okay, but I'll still worry."

“Like I said…I can’t promise you I’ll be safe…but…” He smiled as he gently grasp the mare’s hoof. “I will come back to you. Promise. I still have a lot to tell you. And I still owe you another date.”

Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise at her coltfriend's words. A faint blush dusted her cheeks as she met his gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh, um, I... I would like that," she replied softly. Pulling away, she allowed Sora to release her hoof. The timid mare gave him one last, lingering look before stepping back to join the others that were staying.

Twilight, being in the lead, ushered the ones embarking on the journey onboard the ship. As soon as they were on, crewmates began to call out to their positions, readying the ship to set sail. Its engines soon hummed to life, the powerful thrumming filling the air with anticipation. The four departing ponies turned to take one last look at the ones staying behind .

Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash stood together, waving as the ship began to ascend, the power of the Windstones displaying for all to see. Rarity's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she maintained her graceful composure. The timid yellow mare gave a gentle, heartfelt wave, her eyes fixed on Sora. And Rainbow Dash, always the picture of confidence, saluted them with a proud smile.

The purple unicorn, standing at the edge of the deck and leaning over the railing, called out to them, her voice carrying over the sound of the engines. "We'll be back before you know it! Take care of each other!"

Applejack tipped her hat, her usual calm demeanor unwavering. "Stay safe, y'all. We'll bring back good news."

Pinkie Pie bounced up and down, her energy undiminished by the somber goodbyes. "Totally gonna throw a party when we get back! So you girls better be ready!"

Sora, with a determined look, waved one last time to Fluttershy. "Take care, everyone. We'll see you soon!"

As the Celestial Voyager rose higher into the sky, the figures of their friends grew smaller, but the warmth of their support remained strong. Twilight took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Alright then, everypony…No going back. Right?”

The wind whipped through Sora's hair as he nodded in confirmation, the Celestial Voyager soaring higher and higher into the vast orange sky above, leaving the familiar land of Equestria behind.

~

Within a shadowy clearing deep within the forest of Sweet Apple Acers stood a black pegasus, cloaked in dark robes that billowed slightly in the wind. His sharp yellow eyes followed the massive airship as it ascended through the clouds, its powerful engines propelling it further away from Equestria.

The stallion smirked, a glint of amusement and intrigue flashing in his eyes. Taking a deliberate bite out of a crisp apple, he chewed thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving the airship. The sound of the bite echoed in the quiet of the forest, a stark contrast to the distant hum of the Celestial Voyager's engines.

"Seems my brother’s keeper is off again. Sad…Here I was hoping to meet with him in person instead of in his dreams," he murmured to himself, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. “No matter…Got matters here to attend to after all.”

The pegasus turned, his dark robes flowing around him as he moved with purpose through the dense underbrush.