Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony
By Steel Soul

A soft but persistent knocking echoed through the cozy cabin under the deck of the ship, stirring Sora from a restless sleep. Opening his bleary eyes, he glanced toward the portside window. Morning light filtered in, casting a gentle glow over the room. Outside, clouds drifted lazily past, their soft forms catching the early sun’s rays. He blinked at the sight, trying to remember when he had fallen asleep. He hadn’t planned to do so—there had been too much on his mind—but somehow, exhaustion must have won out in the end.

Knock-knock-knock.

The sound tugged him fully from his thoughts, reminding him that someone was waiting outside. He took a deep breath, shaking off the lingering haze of sleep, and threw off the blanket. The gentle creaking of the airship reminded him of where he was: floating somewhere above Equestria, heading toward the Diamond Dog Kingdom.

Sora stretched his legs, wincing slightly as the lingering aches from the previous day's journey reminded him of their presence. The air in the cabin was cool, and the soft hum of the airship's engine created a steady rhythm beneath the gentle knocking at the door.

"Coming, coming," he muttered under his breath, shaking the sleep from his limbs. With a quick swipe of his hoof, he ruffled his mane, trying to make himself look somewhat presentable before heading toward the door. With a quiet exhale, Sora opened the door, revealing a familiar face standing on the other side: Twilight Sparkle.

"Oh…Twi?" he asked, his voice still slightly raspy from sleep. "What’s going on?"

"Hehe…Sorry to wake you," the unicorn spoke, smiling softly. "But we’re almost there. I thought you’d want to know."

"Already?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of surprise. He stretched his neck, feeling the stiffness ease just slightly. "I thought we had more time."

Twilight nodded, her smile fading just a little as her expression became more serious. "We made better time than expected. The winds shifted overnight, and we’ll be approaching the Diamond Dog Kingdom sooner than we planned." She puffed out her chest. “Besides, this isn’t the princess’s best airship for nothing after all.”

“No fooling.” Sora whistled. “Pinkie and AJ up yet?”

Twilight chuckled softly, her eyes brightening a bit. "Oh, Pinkie was up before sunrise, as usual. I think she’s already bouncing around the galley, making... well, who knows what. As for Applejack, she was up not too long ago. Probably getting things ready for when we land."

Sora let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Figures. Those two never really slow down, huh?"

"Not unless they have to," Twilight replied with a smile. Then, her tone shifted again, a hint of concern creeping back in. "I wanted to check in with you before we get there. I did promise Fluttershy to look after you after all.”

Sora's smile softened at the mention of the butter yellow mare’s name, a gentle warmth spreading through his chest. He hadn't been gone that long, but it already felt like ages since he'd seen her gentle smile and heard her soft voice. He was honestly surprised how much he was already missing her.

The stallion chucked softly, shaking his head as he brought himself back to the conversation. “Thanks, Twi. But I’m fine. Really. But I’ll promise to let you know when I’m not. Promise.”

Twilight tilted her head slightly. “Pinkie Pie Promise?”

Sora blinked, momentarily confused, as he glanced down at his hoof as if looking for something. “Ahhhhh…?” He looked back towards the mare, his brow furrowing. “I think Pinkie said something about that before though never asked her on what it was…”

Twilight stifled a giggle, shaking her head, “Oh, right, tend to forget you’re still new…what with how friendly you act with everypony.”

Sora chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head with a hoof. “Yeah, guess that’s one of my specialties.”

"The purple mare coughed into her hoof before explaining, “A Pinkie Pie Promise, Sora, is a vow you cannot break. It’s... serious business around here.”

“So, what happens if I break it?” he asked cautiously.

Twilight’s expression became shockingly grave. “Let’s just say... you don’t want to find out. Pinkie takes her promises very seriously.”

Sora blinked again. “Uh… okay,” he muttered, unsure if he was ready for this kind of commitment. “Sounds like I better not break it then…”

Twilight nodded sagely. “Exactly. So...” She leaned into him. “Pinkie Pie Promise?”

Sora sighed, raising his hoof hesitantly. “Alright, alright. How do I do this?”

Twilight beamed and recited, “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” as she said the words, the mare made motions with her hoof, ending it with being placed over her eye.

Sora, still slightly confused but going along with it, repeated after her. “Right! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my- GAHH!” he yelped as he accidentally poked himself in the eye, his hoof a little too close during the final part of the promise. He stumbled back slightly, rubbing his eye with his other hoof as he blinked rapidly.

Twilight stifled a giggle, looking away as she did so. “You’re supposed to pretend to poke your eye, you know”

“Yeah, I’m starting to figure that out,” the stallion muttered, still rubbing his eye but laughing a little himself. “Guess I need some practice with these promises.”

Twilight’s giggles slowed, and she smiled warmly at him. “Well, now you’ve officially made your first Pinkie Pie Promise. Just be careful, because like I said... breaking one? Not something you want to experience.”

“If it has anything to do with dealing with Pinkie Pie, I’ll believe you.” The stallion spoke. “Anyway. We should get going, right? I’ll get ready and join you girls in a bit.”

Twilight nodded, still smiling from the moment of levity. "Sounds good. Just don’t take too long, or Pinkie might come looking for you—and trust me, she’ll find you."

Sora chuckled. "I don’t doubt that for a second. I’ll be ready in a few."

Twilight gave him a quick nod before turning and trotting down the narrow hallway, leaving Sora standing in the doorway with a smirk still lingering on his lips. He sighed, closing the door behind him as the warmth of the moment lingered in the cabin air.

He made his way over to the small mirror on the far side of the room, catching a glimpse of his reflection. His mane was an absolute mess, sticking up in every direction after a night of restless sleep. With a quick shake of his head and a few swipes of his hooves, he managed to tame it into something resembling his usual look.

Sora’s hoof lingered towards his chest as he thought about Fluttershy, the memory of her soft nuzzle bringing a bittersweet warmth to his heart. He had gotten a girlfriend. Despite the differences, it hadn’t mattered to her, and honestly it didn’t matter to him either. Sure he wasn’t sure if he loved her…not yet…but…being around her was…nice.

That’s why, if she knew the truth, it would devastate her.

Sora’s gaze dropped, his chest tightening. Losing his human form had been hard enough, but what truly weighed on him was knowing what that loss would mean to Fluttershy. She would blame herself—he could already see it, at least he thought he could. She’d think it was her fault, a consequence of what she’d been forced to do when she was under Starlight’s control. That guilt would crush her, even though none of it was her fault. Sora couldn’t bear the thought of causing her that kind of pain.

That was why he hadn’t told her yet. Why he hadn’t told anyone. But the princesses had warned him not to keep it a secret for too long. He knew they were right, but every time he imagined telling anyone, let alone Fluttershy, his heart clenched. Her gentle voice, her soft wings, the way she looked at him with such warmth and trust—it all made the truth harder to bear.

I’ll tell her... soon, he promised himself, though he wasn’t sure when that “soon” would come. He needed to find the right moment, but deep down, he knew there would never be a perfect time. She deserved to know, even if it would hurt.

Sora shook his head, trying to push the thought aside for now. One thing at a time, he reminded himself. There was a mission ahead, and the Diamond Dog Kingdom wasn’t going to wait for him to sort out his feelings.

He glanced at himself one last time in the mirror, his reflection staring back at him. The tan pony he saw wasn’t the human he used to be, but he was still Sora, and that had to be enough for now.

It wasn’t long before the stallion made his way though the halls and stepped out on deck, the fresh air hitting him as soon as he emerged, The breeze around him carrying the faint scent of the trees and mountains below. The fact that he could smell that at all was proof they were nearing their destination.

Nearby, he could already see Twilight, Pinkie, and Applejack standing together, engaged in conversation. Standing with them was Jennino Lanternlight, or Jenn, as she preferred to be called. The black and white diamond dog smiling softly as she noticed the stallion making his way towards them.

"Good morning, Sora," Jenn spoke as she offered a gentle bow, as much as her condition would allow. “I do hope you slept well enough.”

Sora returned Jenn's greeting with a bright smile of his own. "Morning, Jenn, and yeah, I slept well enough, thanks for asking.” He turned towards the railing, looking over it at the sight below. “Woah…is that it?”

Sora leaned over the railing, his eyes widening as he took in the breathtaking and eerie sight below. “Woah… is that it?”

Jenn stepped beside him, a smile forming on her face. "Yes," she replied softly. "That’s our destination."

Below them stretched a massive fissure, as if a giant blade had cleaved the earth itself, splitting the land cleanly in half. The chasm was deep and jagged, cutting through what was once a unified kingdom. On either side, buildings reminiscent of Ponyville dotted the landscape—small homes and shops.

What truly stood out were the two castles, each distinctly different yet equally imposing. On one side, a fairy tale-like castle stood, its spires and walls made of elegant stone, adorned with ivy and built in a traditional style that gave it an ancient, almost magical charm. On the other side, a castle with towering white stone structures rose up like something out of Canterlot itself. Its gleaming towers and modern design clashed with the natural ruggedness of the surrounding terrain.

Twilight joined them, her brow furrowed as she studied the split kingdom. "It’s like two worlds in one kingdom," she said softly.

Jenn nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the divided land below. "That’s exactly what it feels like," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "My sister Katherina and I…” She shook her head. “I’ll discuss it with you later. For now, allow me to introduce you all to my home.” She turned away from the railing, her voice bright and cheery. “For now, allow me to introduce you all to my home. The Diamond Dog Kingdom!”

~~~

The airship landed smoothly in a lush green field, its wooden frame groaning softly as the engines whirred down. The rolling hills around them were dotted with small clusters of homes and buildings, all leading toward the grand fairy-tale-like castle that rose on one side of the fissure. The contrast between the idyllic surroundings and the looming chasm in the distance was striking.

Sora was the first to take a few steps forward on the ram before turning towards Jenn, offering his hoof with a friendly smile. “Need any help?”

Jenn chuckled, her eyes softening as she reached out, placing her paw in Sora's extended hoof. “Thank you, Sora. You’re quite the gentlecolt.” She leaned on her cane with her other paw, taking careful steps down the ramp beside him.

Pinkie bounced down the ramp behind them, her energy a stark contrast to Jenn’s gentle movements. "Ooooh, Jenn! Your home is like something out of a storybook!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she took in the landscape.

Applejack, who was helping Twilight with a few supplies, nodded in agreement. “Sure is mighty pretty.”

“Hehe…Thank you.” Jenn mused. “I’ve seen this view more than my fair share so I’ve gotten used to it, It’s refreshing having an outsider's perspective.” As her paws finally touched the grass below she turned, finding her sister watching her from above, still on the ship. The black and white diamond dog released a small huff. “Are you sure you don’t want to see your other sisters? They do miss you deeply, despite everything.”

Katherina’s eyes closed momentarily before turning back, her expression unreadable from the distance but her voice loud and clear. “I have to see about our other sisters and my side of the Queendom. I have already been away from it long enough.”

Jenn's ears flattened slightly at Katherina's response, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. She sighed, her grip tightening on her cane as she looked down at the grass beneath her paws. "I see," she murmured softly, her voice barely audible to Sora.

The blue diamond dog showed no outward reaction to Jenn's disappointment. Her lavender eyes remained cool, distant, though perhaps there was a flicker of something deeper—something she refused to show. "Our duties require us to be apart, Jenn. You understand that as well as I do."

Jenn’s expression hardened slightly, though her voice remained calm. "I understand. But I wish you’d take a moment to consider the cost of that distance."

“I can already see the cost of that distance sister.” Katherina spoke before looking away, almost as if she regretted her words. She sighed before nodding. “It was nice seeing you again…for what little time it was.”

Jenn’s ears drooped at Katherina’s words, her face briefly betraying the hurt she felt. She smiled soon after nodding. “It was nice seeing you too, Katherina,” she replied softly. "I hope the next time won’t be so brief."

Katherina’s posture stiffened. She nodded. “Perhaps,” as she turned away, the ramp retracting slowly back into the airship, Sora felt a sudden surge of determination well up inside him. He bolted forward, waving a hoof high in the air, his voice carrying across the soft breeze.

“Katherina!” he called out, his shout catching her attention. She glanced back, lavender eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “Just so you know,” he continued with a grin, “We’re going to come and visit soon—so you better be ready for us!”

For a brief moment, a hint of surprise flickered across Katherina’s face, her steely expression cracking just a little. A smile, so slight it was barely visible, softened her usual stern demeanor. She straightened, casting a glance over her shoulder, waving one of her large paws in acknowledgment. The blue diamond dog soon vanished from sight, the low hum of the airship's engines whirred back to life following soon after. The mechanical and magical groan of the ship's gears filled the air, signaling its imminent departure. Slowly, the massive vessel began to rise, its white wooden frame creaking as it lifted into the sky, carrying Katherina back to her side of the divided Queendom.

Sora stood beside Jenn, watching as the airship ascended, its silhouette growing smaller against the sky. The wind rustled through the grass around them, carrying the faint echo of the airship’s engines as it rose higher, bound for the distant half of the divided kingdom.

Jenn’s gaze lingered on the vanishing airship, her grip on her cane tightening. Despite her composed exterior, Sora could feel the weight of her emotions in the silence that hung between them. She seemed lost in thought, eyes following the airship until it became a mere dot on the horizon.

“Are you alright, Jenn?” Sora asked gently, hoping his voice would break through her quiet contemplation. “What was that about anyway?”

Jenn kept her gaze fixed on the spot where the airship had disappeared into the sky, her ears still drooping slightly. For a moment, she didn’t respond to Sora’s question. Her grip tightened on the cane, as though she were grounding herself against the wave of emotions washing over her. “It’s... complicated,” she said softly. “And something I promise to relate to you later. For now, we should get going. As my sister said, we have been away too long for my liking, and I would love to introduce you to my sisters.”

Sora nodded, sensing that Jenn needed a change in topic. He gave her a gentle smile and asked, “Your sisters, huh? You’ve mentioned them before. What are they like?”

Jenn’s expression brightened slightly, as if the thought of her other sisters brought some warmth back into her heart. “Well,” she began, her voice lighter now, “they’re all quite different, but each one of them is special in their own way.”

She started walking slowly, and Sora fell into step beside her. Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie followed a few paces behind, listening with interest.

As they walked, Applejack glanced over at Twilight and Pinkie Pie with a chuckle, shaking her head in amusement. “Ain’t it somethin’?” she said softly, nodding toward Sora walking beside Jenn. “I know we’ve all heard the stories ‘bout him, but seein’ it in action—he really can make a friend outta just about anyone, can’t he?”

Twilight smiled, her eyes following Sora as he chatted with Jenn, clearly easing the tension that had been hanging in the air since Katherina’s departure. “Yeah, it’s amazing how he does it,” she agreed. “He just... connects with everyone so naturally. It’s like he doesn’t even have to try.”

“Of course!” Pinkie Pie agreed, the mare bouncing right beside her friends. “Sora’s like a super-duper friendship master! He’s got that ‘whoosh’ and ‘bam!’ and then—instant friends!” She giggled before nudging Twilight. “Bet we would all be out of the job if Sora was the element of harmony.”

The lavender mare smiled but shook her head. “I don’t know about that, Pinkie. But he definitely out-” She squeaked. “Sora! What are you doing?!”

Sora turned back with a bright grin, Jenn now perched comfortably on his back, her cane held loosely in one paw as she settled into the unexpected ride. “Jenn needed a little break, so I thought I’d help her out!”

Twilight blinked, her surprise quickly turning into exasperation. “Sora, you can’t just... pick somepony—uh, someone—up like that without warning!”

“It’s okay Miss Twilight.” The diamond dog cut in. “I wasn’t expecting this, but... I have to admit, it’s kind of nice and my legs are getting a little tired.”

“B-But still!” the unicorn huffed.

Pinkie Pie giggled, bouncing beside Twilight. “Oh, come on, Twilight! You pick up Spike all the time without warning!” She flashed a playful grin, giving Twilight a nudge. “You’re practically an expert at it!”

Twilight huffed, “It’s different with Spike. She’s a queen of this country and I think-”

Before Twilight could finish her sentence, Sora flashed her a mischievous grin and started trotting away, his hooves making a rhythmic clop-clop sound on the ground. “Sorry, Twi! Can’t hear you over the sound of me trotting away!” he called out, his tone playful as he carried Jenn further ahead.

“I…You! Why-! UGH!” Twilight let out an exasperated sigh. "I…really can’t stand him sometimes.”

“Haha… y’know when Sora sets his mind to somethin’, he’s gonna see it through,” Applejack chuckled, strollin’ past the lavender mare. “’Sides, you know as well as I do he’s jus’ tryin’ to cheer her up. Poor thing looked real down after sayin’ goodbye to her sister. Family troubles are never any good, that’s for sure.”

Twilight sighed, watching Sora trot further ahead with Jenn still perched on his back, her cane resting casually by her side. “I know,” she admitted, her tone softening. “He’s just... unpredictable. And sometimes that catches me off guard.”

“What about me?” Pinkie Pie asked, tilting her head.

“Well, Pinkie,” Twilight began carefully, “You’re a whole different kind of unpredictable. I’ve kind of gotten used to your... surprises. Mostly” She waved her hoof around as if to encompass Pinkie’s boundless energy and spontaneous nature. “Sora’s unpredictability just hits differently.”

Pinkie’s eyes widened with playful mock offense. “Differently? Are you saying my surprises aren’t as surprising anymore, Twilight?!” She bounced closer, leaning in dramatically. “Am I losing my touch?”

Twilight laughed, shaking her head. “No, Pinkie, your surprises still catch me off guard. I just... expect the unexpected with you at this point.”

Pinkie let out a sigh of relief, wiping her brow with a hoof. "Phew! For a second there, I thought I was going to have to up my game!" She giggled. "Can you imagine? Surprise cupcakes from the sky! Or balloon animals that turn into real animals? That’d keep you on your hooves!”

The lavender mare visibly shuddered, imagining Pinkie’s wild ideas actually coming to life. “Please, Pinkie, keep your game right where it is.”

~~~

As the small group neared the castle town, Jenn slipped down from Sora’s back, her paws finding solid ground with a slight wince as she adjusted to walking again. She told him that she really did appreciate his help but riding a pony into town would be just a bit too much. Still, she did say he could lead her a paw and allow her to lean on him a bit.

As they moved along, Sora noticed how the Diamond Dogs around them would brighten when they saw Jenn, looking downtrodden just before seeing her. Several greeted her warmly, bowing their heads with respect. She returned each greeting with a soft smile and a kind word, making every interaction feel personal.

“Your highness! it's good to see you again.” One older dog spoke, smiling.

Jenn returned the older dog’s smile with genuine warmth, her posture straightening slightly as she inclined her head. “Thank you, Strago. It’s good to see you as well,” she replied softly. “How’s your granddaughter? Still running the gem stall near the square?”

“Oh yes, Your Highness!” The old dog spoke, a paw placed on his chest proudly. Little Lila’s quite the merchant now! She even picked up some gem-cutting tricks from her father.” His gaze shifted to Sora and the others, his brow raising in curiosity. “And I see you’ve brought some new friends?”

Sora stepped forward, giving Strago a friendly wave. “Hey there! I’m Sora,” he greeted, unable to hide his curiosity as he got a closer look at the older Diamond Dog.

Strago was quite a sight. His pure white fur, contrasted with an aging, bushy gray mohawk and an equally bushy mustache, gave him a distinguished, almost regal appearance. The heavy cape draped over his shoulders swept the ground behind him, adding an air of mystery. Despite his hunched posture, he held himself with a quiet pride, his eyes sharp and filled with wisdom.

Strago’s gaze shifted to Sora, and his bushy mustache twitched with a hint of a smile. “Ah, Sora, is it?” he asked, his voice a deep, rich baritone. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance. Any friend of Jenn’s is a friend of ours.”

Jenn nodded in agreement. “And friend he is, true. He’s here to help us with a bit of…unrest we’ve been dealing with.”

The old dog’s face darkened, his cheerful expression fading as he looked down, his tail falling still. “About that…” he began, his voice thick with concern. He let out a weary sigh, casting a glance around to ensure no one else was listening too closely before continuing, “Another one went missing. This time…it was a pup. Young Eon from the east side of town.”

Jenn’s eyes widened, her grip tightening on Sora’s shoulder. “Another one?” she whispered, her voice wavering slightly. “How long ago?”

“Just the other night, Your Highness,” Strago replied, his voice barely a murmur. “He was right torn up about his mother vanishing…We tried to keep an eye on him but…he must have gave us the slip when we weren’t looking. Suspect he went into the cave after hearing about the rumors.”

Jenn’s expression turned stricken, and her ears flattened slightly, worry filling her gaze. “Eon… He was just a pup,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. “He must have been desperate to find his mother. Oh, that poor family…”

Sora’s face hardened, his gaze flicking between Jenn and Strago. “So this is what you mean by the Diamond Dogs going missing?”

Strago nodded gravely, glancing around as though even mentioning it might bring bad luck. “Aye. There’ve been a few…not many…but enough for us to take notice after a while. Though we mostly chalked it up to them moving away…still…A pup’s mother doing so out of the blue…Really am beginning to believe those caves are cursed.”

Twilight, catching up with Pinkie and Applejack by her side, trotted forward, her cheerful smile quickly shifting into a look of concern as she noticed the grim expressions on Sora, Jenn, and Strago’s faces. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice soft but laced with urgency. “Did we miss something?”

Jenn gasped softly before shaking her head. “How about we discuss this when we enter the Castle.” She turned to Strago, “I assume you told my sisters about everything?”

“Aye, Your Highness. I informed your sisters as soon as we noticed Eon was missing,” he said, his voice filled with the weight of worry. “They’ve been keeping close to the castle, watching over the town from a distance, but…they’re just as concerned as you are. I know they’ll want to hear what you plan next.”

Jenn’s expression tightened, a flicker of sorrow mixed with resolve in her eyes. “Thank you, Strago,” she replied, her tone steady. “We’ll discuss this more privately within the castle walls.”

Turning to Twilight, Sora, and the others, Jenn took a deep breath, her gaze softening. “Let’s head to the castle, where we can discuss everything fully—and where you can meet my sisters. I think they’ll be eager to hear what help you all may bring.”

Twilight nodded, her face serious. “Lead the way, Jenn. Whatever we’re dealing with, the more we know, the better we can help.”

As the group moved through the town toward the castle, the atmosphere slowly took on a subtle, uneasy tension. Word of young Eon’s disappearance hadn’t spread yet, but an unspoken sadness lingered in the air. Mothers kept their pups close, casting watchful glances around the town square as they shopped, and older dogs paused from their daily routines to share quiet, serious conversations in small groups.

“This place…” Twilight spoke, her observant eyes looking to and fro, “I can’t make it out but…it feels…”

Jenn nodded, her gaze sweeping over the town with a heavy sadness. “I know all too well, Twilight. It’s as if the life and energy that used to fill these streets has been dulled, replaced by a quiet fear.” Her shoulders slumped slightly as she sighed. “It’s been like this since we really started to notice the disappearances,” she admitted softly.

“At first, we thought it was just unfortunate accidents or them leaving, as most diamond dogs do when they want to form their own pack, but when the disappearances continued at a slow but steady rate, and rumors about the caves grew…our people began to pull away, keeping their families close and their homes guarded. It didn’t help that one of my sisters saw something strange within the caves herself…” She shook her head. “Because of that, we haven’t really been able to dig for jewels ever since, most of us having to leave to other lands to find them.”

“That explains why everything feels so subdued,” Twilight murmured. “Losing something as fundamental as the ability to dig and gather jewels…it’s like a part of who they are has been stolen along with those who disappeared.”

Applejack nodded, her gaze thoughtful. “And not bein’ able to dig…that’d be like us ponies losin’ the land we farm or the sky we fly. It’s more than just fear; it’s a whole way of life bein’ put on hold.”

Jenn’s expression turned grim, her gaze distant. “It wasn’t until I received a letter from Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, describing creatures they called the Heartless, that I started to believe something far darker was at work,” she admitted, her voice just above a whisper. “They warned me about these creatures… how they prey on the fearful and vulnerable, stealing hearts and leaving behind only emptiness.”

Just as Jenn finished speaking, a bright, cheerful voice called out, “Jenn!” Before she could react, a pair of warm, golden-furred arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a tight hug. Jenn blinked in surprise, only to see a Diamond Dog with radiant golden fur and a stylish pink dress embracing her with all the joy and enthusiasm of a long-awaited reunion.

“Oh, Jenn! I’m so glad you’re finally back!” the golden-furred Diamond Dog exclaimed, squeezing Jenn with obvious relief and delight. She pulled back just enough to meet Jenn’s eyes, her own shining with a mixture of happiness and exasperation. “You never write enough! I was about ready to come find you myself if you didn’t turn up soon!”

“I was barely gone for a weak sister.” Jenn laughed softly, though she would hug her back all the same.

The golden-furred Diamond Dog pulled back, placing her paws on Jenn’s shoulders with a playful huff. “And thats a week without a single letter! I know you were with Ka!” Her voice held a teasing note, but her eyes sparkled with genuine relief and affection.

Jenn shook her head, still smiling. “Well, I’m back now, and I’ve brought some friends with me.” She gestured to the group standing nearby. “Everyone, this is—”

“I can handle it myself.” the golden furred diamond dog interrupted. She turned to the group with a graceful bow and a warm smile. “Hello, everyone! I’m Ambrosia Muffinbuns, though you can all call me Amber.” She ran towards the nearest one, Sora, grabbing his hoof and shaking it softly. “Please! Tell me who you are! Where do you come from? And who designed your outfit, it's so…modern!”

Sora blinked in surprise as Amber grabbed his hoof, her golden eyes alight with curiosity. Her grip was gentle but enthusiastic, her excitement nearly overwhelming.

“Uh, hi! I’m Sora!” he managed, chuckling as he tried to keep up with her rapid-fire questions. “I come from a place… well, kind of far away. And my outfit? It’s, uh, kind of a special design. Actually three fairies made it for me!” He grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head with his free hoof.

Amber’s eyes widened in delight as she released Sora’s hoof, pressing her paws together in awe. “Three fairies?!” she exclaimed, practically sparkling with excitement. “Oh, that’s simply enchanting! Imagine having fairies as your personal designers! I can already tell there’s so much magic in what you wear. It suits you perfectly.”

She glanced around at the rest of the group, her curiosity undiminished. “And each of you must have your own wonderful stories, too! Equestria sounds like such a marvel. I’ve only heard tales, but to meet you all in person—it’s a dream come true!” She gasped. “Oh! But I didn’t catch any of your names either.”

Twilight, being the mare that she is, stepped forward and offered the diamond dog a smile. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. It’s wonderful to meet you, Amber.” She gestured to her friends beside her. “And these are Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and of course, you’ve already met Sora.”

“Pleasure to meet ya, Amber.” Applejack mused with a tip of her hat, “We’re all mighty glad to be here and ready to help however we can.”

“Yep yep yep!” Pinkie squeaked with a hop, skip jump, “Super excited to meet you too! I can already tell we’re gonna be best party pals!” She leaned in, whispering. “Oh and I’m the one named Pinkie by the way. Don’t want you getting me confused with AJ over there.”

Amber let out a delighted giggle, her golden eyes sparkling as she leaned toward Pinkie with an equally playful whisper. “Thank you, Pinkie. I’ll make sure not to mix you up with Applejack,” she whispered back conspiratorially, her tail wagging.

Straightening up, she cast a warm look over the group, her enthusiasm only growing. “It’s honestly such a joy to have you all here. This kingdom could use friends like you now more than ever.”

Jenn nodded, agreeing with her sister. “Indeed…but let’s take it one step at a time.” She glanced around at her friends. “We have a lot to discuss, and I think it’ll be best if we do it in the castle.”

Amber nodded, her expression growing a bit more serious. “Yeah! And Moonbeam will want to hear all of this too. She’s been working tirelessly to understand what’s happening, and I know she’ll be grateful to meet everyone.”

Twilight nodded thoughtfully. “Then let’s head there. The more we know, the better we’ll be able to help.”