Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony
Chapter 71

New Diamond Dog Queendom
New Castle

Sora stepped through the grand archway of the Diamond Dog castle, his hoofsteps echoing softly against the smooth stone floor. His eyes wandered upward, drawn to the towering ceilings adorned with intricate carvings of gemstones, stars, and mythical creatures. The soft glow of enchanted crystals embedded in the walls cast a warm, golden light across the vast hall.

“This place is huuuuuge!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, her voice reverberating through the hall. She spun in a circle, her bright eyes gleaming as she took in every detail of the castle.

Twilight Sparkle stepped up beside her, her gaze scanning the intricately carved walls and ornate decorations. “It’s… very much like Canterlot,” she observed, her tone carrying a mixture of admiration and intrigue. Her violet eyes lingered on a series of gemstones that sparkled in the soft glow of the enchanted crystals. “The architecture here has the same sense of grandeur, but it’s uniquely its own—more grounded, yet equally breathtaking.”

Amber, walking a few paces ahead, turned back to flash him a bright smile. “I’m so glad you noticed! That’s no coincidence,” she said, her golden fur glimmering in the sunlight streaming through the windows. “Princess Celestia herself was a great benefactor for our queendom. In fact…” Her voice grew a little softer, tinged with wistfulness. “This castle was meant to be the new home. A place where my sisters and I could rule together and welcome our pony neighbors.”

Twilight’s ears perked up as she stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. “Princess Celestia helped build this castle?” she asked, her voice tinged with awe. “I knew she had connections with the Diamond Dog Kingdom, but I didn’t realize she played such a significant role.”

Amber nodded, her expression bittersweet. “She believed in the unity of our people. She hoped this castle would be a symbol of what we could achieve together—a place where traditions and progress could coexist. But…” Her gaze dropped for a moment before she looked ahead again, her cheerful demeanor faltering just slightly. “Well, things didn’t go as planned.”

Amber shook her head, her golden bangs bouncing softly with the motion. “But we can talk about all that later,” she said, her voice suddenly lighter as she turned toward the group with a warm smile. “For now, let’s focus on the present. There’s someone I’d love for you all to meet—my other sister! She should be in the magical labs right now.”

“Magical labs?” Twilight’s ears perked up, her violet eyes brightening with excitement. “You have magical laboratories here?”

“Oh, absolutely!” Amber mused, her tail wagging in delight at Twilight’s enthusiasm. “Moonbeam practically lives there. She’s always experimenting with spells and studying ancient texts. She’s got a brilliant mind for it. I take it you’re interested.”

“Interested? Are you kidding? I’d love to see what kind of magic she’s working on!” said the excited, lavender mare. “The opportunity to learn about Diamond Dog magical techniques… it’s fascinating!”

Applejack cleared her throat,catching everyone’s attention. “Hang on there, Twi girl,” the farm mare tipped her hat back as she gave the eager unicorn a pointed look. “We oughta focus on that cave problem before we dive headfirst into any fancy research. Ain’t that what we’re here for?”

Twilight blinked, her enthusiasm dimming slightly as she gave a sheepish smile. “Oh… right,” clearing her throat, she nodded. “Of course, Applejack. The Heartless and the disappearances are the priority. But maybe Moonbeam’s research could help us figure out what’s going on.”

“I’m sure it will.” Jenn spoke up as she walked past everyone. “Moonbeam has been delving into the history of this land, to find if there were any secrets there. But, at least from when I was last her a few days ago, the research had been slow going. There’s so much we don’t understand yet, and many of the records are fragmented or hidden away in old dialects and cryptic scripts. Perhaps…” She paused, a soft smile forming on her face. “Perhaps a fresh set of eager eyes is just what we need.”

Twilight’s ears perked up again, and her smile returned, albeit tempered by a sense of responsibility. “If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it. Researching ancient histories and connecting dots is one of my favorite things,” she said earnestly. “If Moonbeam’s got the books then I’m sure we can figure everything out.”

Jenn gave the lavender mare a small nod. “Thank you, Twilight. I think Moonbeam will appreciate your insight—and your enthusiasm for the magic arts.”

Sora grinned as he leaned back slightly, resting his hooves behind his head in his usual relaxed manner as he gave the lavender mare a teasing smirk. “Looks like you’ve already got a new friend in the works, eh Twilight,” he teased, his tone light.

“It’s not about making friends, Sora. It’s about helping the Diamond Dog Kingdom.” Twilight paused for a moment before adding with a chuckle, “Though, I guess it doesn’t hurt if Moonbeam and I get along.”

“Oh, I think Moonbeam will adore you, Twilight.” Amber mused. “She doesn’t get many visitors who share her love for research and magic. You’ll be like a breath of fresh air for her.”

The group soon found themselves standing before a set of tall, ornate doors at the end of the corridor. The intricate carvings on the doors depicted swirling stars, cascading gemstones, and ethereal runes, all glowing faintly with an inner light. A faint hum of magic resonated through the air, giving the space an almost otherworldly feel.

Amber stopped in front of the doors, a wide smile on her lips as she gestured towards them with a flourish. “And here we are! Moonbeam’s magical labs. Brace yourselves—she’s probably knee-deep in some experiment or ancient tome. She tends to get lost in her work.”

“So… what kind of stuff does she do in here?” Sora asked, tilting his head slightly “Spells? Potions? Ancient magical doodads?”

Amber chuckled. “A little of everything, really. Moonbeam’s talents are as varied as her interests. Though her focus right now is that of this land and the magic around it. That and the weird black creatures you call Heartless. Though we only have the notes Princess Celestia provided since we…well…we never saw them ourselves…not really…”

Twilight furrowed her brow at Amber's words. “But Princess Celestia mentioned in her letter that someone did see a black creature in the caves, right. Do you think we might have a chance to talk to her?”

“Well…yes actually.” Amber told her, “because that someone was… me,” she admitted, her emerald eyes shifting away from everyone. “But I don’t know if what I saw was a Heartless or… something else, so I really can’t provide anything helpful.” She shook her head. “And honestly, I don’t know what I saw back then and I wasn’t too keen on staying there to find out…sorry…”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Twilight said gently. “If anything, your instincts to get out of there might’ve kept you safe. Sometimes it’s better to retreat and regroup than to face the unknown alone.”

Amber smiled, giving the mare a small nod. “Thanks, Twilight. It’s just… I feel like I should’ve done more, you know? I keep replaying that moment in my head, wondering if I could’ve learned something if I had stayed just a little longer.”

Sora stepped closer, his expression warm yet firm as he met Amber’s conflicted gaze. “Hey, don’t think like that,” he said gently, his voice steady and reassuring. “You saw a threat, and you made a call to run. That’s not a bad thing—it’s smart. It means you’re here now, able to tell us about it, and able to help us figure out what’s going on.”

Applejack let out a low, impressed whistle, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. “Well, I’ll be,” she said with a smirk, tipping her hat back. “That’s mighty smart of ya to say, Sora. Real good advice comin’ from you, of all ponies.”

Sora pouts as he turned toward the farm mare. “ And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Applejack chuckled, her smirk widening. “Oh, nothin’ much. Just that it’s a mite surprisin’ hearin’ somethin so sensible from the stallion who usually runs headfirst into danger without thinkin’ twice.”

Sora straightened up. "Hey, that's my job, Applejack! Someone's gotta take the first step into the fray, right? If I don't, who will?"

“I ain’t sayin’ it’s a bad thing, Sora. We all know you’re a brave one, through and through. Just… maybe remember to listen to your own advice every now and then, if ya can.”

Before the stallion could respond, a voice cut through the conversation, soft but clear, carrying a note of curiosity within its tone. “Oh! I was wondering why I was hearing voices.”

The group turned toward the partially open door at the end of the hallway. Standing in the doorway was a purple-furred Diamond Dog with bright violet eyes. She blinked at them, her head tilted slightly to the side as her gaze swept over the group. Her paw rested lightly on a staff that glimmered faintly with a magical aura, and a faint trail of glowing runes followed her every movement.

Amber brightened immediately, waving at her. “Moon! We were just talking about you.”

Moon’s ears perked up, and a warm smile spread across her face as she stepped fully into view. “Oh, were you? Hopefully, all good things,” she said with a chuckle.Her gaze swept over the group again, her eyes widening as they landed upon Jennino.

“Jenn!” the purple diamond exclaimed, moving in to hug her sister. “I didn’t know you were back in the castle!” She pulled away, frowning. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

Jennino laughed softly, shaking her head. “Because I just came back,” she replied warmly. Her tone carried a subtle mix of affection and gentle reproach as she raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t been holed up in there for days again, have you?”

Moonbeam blinked, her ears flicking back briefly as she gave a nervous chuckle. “W-Well… maybe a couple of days,” she admitted, her voice sheepish. “But it was for a good reason! I’ve been working on something really important.”

“That’s what you always say, Moon.” Amber admonished. “I know you are doing important work for us and we are all thankful for that…But you’ve gotta step outside the lab once in a while, you know. Fresh air does wonders after all.”

Moonbeam gave her an exasperated look but didn’t argue, instead turning her attention back to Jennino. “I’m fine, really. The one we should all be worried about is you, Jenn. You look more haggard than usual.”

Jennino waved a paw dismissively, her smile unwavering. “I appreciate your concern, Moon, but I’m fine. We have more pressing matters to deal with right now. Besides, I wanted to introduce you to our guests.”

“O-Of course!” She turned towards the others, offering them a kind smile, “It’s not every day we get visitors here. And judging by the looks of you, you’re not ordinary travelers.”

Twilight stepped forward, nodding politely with a warm smile. “Indeed,” she said, her wings giving a small flutter. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends—Sora, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie.” She gestured to each of them in turn as they offered friendly smiles or waves. “Princess Celestia sent us to investigate the disappearances in your kingdom and to see how we might be able to help.”

Moonbeam’s eyes widened, her ears perking up in surprise. “P-Princess Celestia?!” she exclaimed, before gasping. “Of course! So, you must be the help my sister went to get. Oh, please, come in! Get settled down! I’ll make us some tea!”

~~~

Sora leaned back slightly in his seat, savoring another sip of the sweet vanilla tea before his curious gaze wandered around Moonbeam’s lab. The lab was a peculiar mix of organized chaos, with scrolls and books scattered across tables, glowing crystals mounted on shelves, and strange contraptions emitting soft whirring sounds. He observed the intricate equipment and magical artifacts scattered around the room, his mind thinking back to Merlin’s workshop where he used to practice his magic. Mystical and yet…very quaint in some ways. Almost feeling like a home.

“This place,” Sora murmured under his breath, a small grin tugging at his lips. “Kinda takes me back.”

Twilight, who had been examining a glowing crystal on a nearby shelf, glanced over at him curiously. “Takes you back?” she asked. “To where? I don’t think you’ve been here before…” She frowned, leaning forward. “Have you?”

Sora epped at her questioning gaze, the stallion rubbing the back of his head after setting his tea down. “Haha. No I haven’t. I was saying it reminds me of Merlin’s workshop,” he explained. “A place I learned to use some of my magic.”

That little tidbit of information made Moonbeams ears perk ever so slightly. She turned towards the stallion, a question on her lips, “You know magic too?” She frowned slightly. “But I thought Pegasi couldn’t use magic like Unicorns.”

“Sora’s kinda a special case, Moonbeam,” Applejack mused with an easy smile.

“What she said.” Sora agreed. “I’m able to use magic because I have my keyblade.”

Moonbeam’s frown softened into curiosity as she turned towards Sora. “Keyblade? What’s a Keyblade?” Bright blue eyes couldn’t help but sparkle ever so slightly in excitement as she leaned over the table towards the stallion. “It sounds important.”

The stallion scratched the back of his head. “It’s… well, it’s a weapon,” he began. With a soft flash of light, the Keyblade appeared in his hoof, its intricate design gleaming faintly in the ambient light of the lab.”It’s what I use to fight off the heartless…use magic…oh! And open doors!”

Jennino couldn’t help but stare at the weapon, intrigued by it. “Goodness… I’ve heard of your weapon from Princess Celestia, but…” She paused, her gaze settling on the gleaming weapon in Sora’s hoof. “I don’t think you ever showed it to us when my sister and I were in Canterlot. So… this is your Keyblade?”

Sora smiled, holding it out a little more for Jenn to see. “Yep, this is it,” he said with a touch of pride. “It’s been with me through a lot—kind of like a partner, really.”

Amber’s blue eyes lit up as she leaned closer to get a better look at the Keyblade, her tail wagging faintly. “It looks so cute!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “And it looks like a giant key. That makes it double cute!”

Sora blinked, his confident grin faltering slightly. “C-Cute?” he stammered, glancing down at the Keyblade. “I mean…I guess…but… it’s supposed to be, like, cool and powerful… not cute.”

“It’s definitely powerful,” Moonbeam said, her voice both calm and analytical as she studded the blade within Sora’s hooves. “Even from here, I can feel the energy it radiates. Is it… an artifact? Some kind of magical relic?”

Jennino coughed lightly into her paw, drawing the group’s attention. Her calm yet firm voice cut through the momentary excitement. “Before we get too sidetracked on our young guest’s weapon, I think we should focus on the matter at paw. The ponies came all this way for a reason, and it’s important they’re fully caught up.” She frowned. “That…and…I need to know about the disappearance of the pup.”

Moonbeam’s expression fell at Jennino’s words, the light in her violet eyes dimming slightly. The weight of the situation seemed to settle over everyone in the room, the air growing thick. The once energetic Amber stood a little more still, her tail lowering as she cast a worried glance at her sisters. Sora, Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie exchanged uneasy looks, sensing the shift in mood.

Amber straightened, gripping the edge of the table as though steadying herself. “The missing pup... his name was Eon. His mother disappeared only a few weeks ago. We brought him to the castle afterward, thinking it would be safer for him here and…” Her voice caught for a moment, and she shook her head. “...because he had no one else to turn to.”

Jennino’s ears drooped slightly, her paw resting on her cane as she leaned forward. “Poor child,” she murmured. “To lose a mother so suddenly… I can’t imagine.”

Moonbeam nodded solemnly, her tone growing heavier. “We tried to help him. Everyone in the castle did—Jenn, Amber, even some of the guards. We offered him comfort, tried to give him a sense of family. But…” She hesitated, her voice faltering. “He didn’t take to any of it. He wouldn’t talk, wouldn’t eat much. He was so quiet… too quiet for a pup his age.”

“We thought he just needed time,” Amber interjected, her paws wringing together. “Time to grieve, to adjust. But... then, a few days ago, he was gone.”

Moonbeam’s paws clenched against the table. “We didn’t even notice right away,” she admitted, her voice breaking slightly. “He must have slipped out in the night. By the time we realized he was gone, it was too late. The guards searched everywhere, but... all we found were tracks leading toward the caves.”

“Do you think he went looking for his mother?” Twilight asked gently.

Moonbeam nodded, her shoulders slumping. “It’s the only explanation that makes sense. He must have overheard the rumors about the caves and thought… thought he might find her there.”

Sora's heart sank at the thought of the young pup venturing alone into the dangerous caves in search of his missing mother. He knew all too well the feeling of loss and desperation that could drive someone to take such risks. Memories that weren’t his own flashed before his eyes. Of a blond haired boy yelling against the world in confusion and anger…of a girl with stark black hair vanishing in his ar-

Sora cringed, a hoof flying to his head at the memory… of the pain that wasn’t his own.

“Sora!”

Twilight’s sharp voice pulled Sora out of the swirling maelstrom of memories that weren’t his own. His hoof was still pressed against his temple, his eyes squeezed shut as he tried to steady himself. A familiar warmth settled on his shoulder—a gentle touch that helped ground him.

“Sora, are you alright?” Twilight asked again, her tone laced with concern. “Are you alright? We were…calling you for a second there.”

Sora took a shaky breath, lowering his hoof as he forced a small smile onto his face. “I’m okay,” he said.

Twilight’s brow furrowed as she leaned in slightly, her eyes still scanning Sora’s face. “You don’t look okay,” she said firmly, her voice softer but no less insistent. “Is something wrong?”

Sora hesitated, his eyes flicking between Twilight and the concerned faces of the others. He didn’t want to worry them—not when there was already so much weighing on their shoulders. But Twilight’s unwavering gaze told him she wouldn’t accept a vague answer.

“I…” Sora started, his words catching in his throat. He sighed, running a hoof through his mane. “It’s nothing. Just… memories.” He sighs. “I’m fine…really. We should focus more on the pup instead of me though. If he’s still out there then I wanna find him.”

Applejack exchanged a knowing glance with Pinkie Pie, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly. Pinkie, usually the first to let things slide with a laugh, was unusually subdued, her bouncing energy stilled as her gaze rested on Sora. Twilight, standing closest to him, sighed softly. They all could see it—he was brushing it off, deflecting with determination rather than addressing what was clearly troubling him.

Still, as much as they wanted to press the issue, they knew he was right. Eon’s safety couldn’t wait.

Twilight straightened, her wings fluttering slightly as she spoke, her voice calm yet firm. “You’re right—the pup is our priority. And the only way to find out is going towards the source of the problems.”

"Are you all really considering going into those caves?" Jenn asked, her tone tinged with apprehension.

Twilight turned to Jenn, her expression resolute. “We have to,” she said firmly. “If the caves are where Eon might be, it’s the only way to find him and figure out what’s really happening.”

“Besides,” Sora spoke, “There’s only so much you can figure out by studying stuff and things. At some point, you’ve gotta dive in and see for yourself.”

Applejack chuckled softly, tipping her hat as a small smile played across her lips. “That’s comin’ from a stallion with experience diving headfirst into trouble, I reckon,” she joked, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and warmth.

Sora grinned, scratching the back of his head with a hoof. “What can I say? Trouble and I have a history,” he replied, his tone light despite the tension hanging in the room. “But it usually works out, doesn’t it?”

Amber’s paws slammed down on the table with a force that startled everyone, the sharp sound echoing through the room. Her blue eyes blazed as she leaned forward, her tail swishing behind her. “If you’re going, then I’m going too!” she declared, her voice resolute and filled with fire.

Jennino straightened slightly, her grip on her cane tightening as she regarded her sister with a mix of surprise and concern. “Amber…” she began, her tone warning yet gentle.

Amber shook her head firmly, cutting Jenn off. “No, Jenn. I won’t just sit here while everyone else risks their lives to help us,” she said, her voice steady despite the emotion behind it. “This is our kingdom. Our people. Eon is one of us, and I won’t stand by while others do what we should be doing ourselves.” She turns to the ponies. “Besides, you might get lost down there. Only a Diamond Dog and navigate Diamond Tunnels."

“She’s not wrong,” Moonbeam admitted. “The tunnels are a labyrinth. Even with maps, they’re unpredictable, and without someone who knows how to sense the subtle shifts in the earth, it’s easy to lose your way.”

“Could be dangerous." Sora tells Amber.

“I can fend for myself I’ll have you know.” The diamond dog mused as she placed a paw on her chest. “Besides, I trust you to protect me Mr Keyblade Warrior.”

Sora’s confident grin faltered for a moment as Amber’s words registered, and a faint blush crept across his cheeks. He quickly glanced away, rubbing the back of his head with a hoof. “Well, uh… I’ll do what I can,” he muttered, his voice tinged with embarrassment.

Pinkie Pie couldn't contain her giggle at the sight of Sora's flustered expression. She leaned in closer, her bright blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Careful, Sora, you just started dating Fluttershy after all," she teased, her voice filled with playful delight.

Sora’s blush deepened, his ears folding back as he turned towards the pink party mare “Pinkie!” he exclaimed, his voice cracking slightly. “I…What does that have to do with anything?”

“Hehe. Just keeping your head in the game.” The mare teased. “Gonna have your hooves full with Fluttershy when you get back after all. I’m sure she’ll want all the cuddles so you really can’t share them with others okay.”

Sora groaned, covering his face with a hoof. "I…I mean…Gah…Pinkke!"

Applejack chuckled at the playful banter, shaking her head in amusement. “Well, if we’re done makin’ Sora squirm, I reckon it’s time we got ourselves ready to head out.”

Twilight nodded. “Right…Then the plan will be my friends going with Amber to the Caves. I’ll stay back with Moonbeam to assist her with whatever she needs,” she confirmed. Sighing softly she looked at everyone was going with Amber. “You all be careful down there, alright. Don’t do anything too dangerous.” she pointedly looks towards the lone stallion within the room.” Got it?”

Sora gave a sheepish chuckle, scratching the back of his head. “Hey, I’m not that reckless,” he protested, though the raised eyebrows from Applejack and Pinkie Pie said otherwise. “Okay, maybe a little... but I’ll be careful. Promise.”

~~~

Canterlot
Canterlot Castle

“Celestia,” Luna spoke, setting Rainbow’s and Spike’s letter down on the table, ”I can say that whoever this Vanitus villain is, he can not remain unchecked.”

“You’re right, Luna,” Celestia agreed. “If this Vanitas is as dangerous as the letter describes, we cannot afford to wait idly.”

Rarity interjected, her voice tinged with urgency, “And we cannot overlook the most peculiar aspect of this, Princess—the fact that this Vanitas looks exactly like Sora. I surely hope that ruffian isn’t giving our Sora a bad name. He has enough to deal with as it is.”

“Still we must be careful.” Celesita spoke. “Espieally so since he too carries a keyblade of his own. That and the fact he came to Fluttershy, not to attack her but to warn her, means he sees us as little of a threat as possible."

“Either that or he is just that arrogant.” Luna quipped.

Celestia’s expression turned resolute as she straightened, her voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. “Either way, we must prepare,” she began. “First, I will dispatch a contingent of guards to Ponyville—specifically, those I’ve trained for situations like this. They are equipped to handle unexpected magical threats and can bolster the town’s defenses discreetly.”

Luna nodded in agreement. “A wise choice. Ponyville is often a target for the strange and dangerous. It’s about time it had a specialized force to ensure its protection.”

Celestia then turned to Rarity, her gaze softening slightly. “Rarity, I know you are deeply concerned for your home and your friends, as are we all. But I urge you to continue with your plan to pursue training. If we are to face a foe as dangerous as Vanitas, every bit of strength and skill will be needed. Your desire to better yourself is admirable, and it may prove invaluable in the trials ahead.”

Rarity hesitated for a moment, then gave a resolute nod. “You’re right, Princess. I don’t like the idea that such a brute is running around where my family is living…but…As I am now…I can’t help but think I would get in the way…much as it hurts to say.” She sighs before turning towards the princess. “Just…please…Protect my home…my friends…my sister.”

Luna stepped forward, her tone taking on a more commanding edge. “You have my word, Rarity. The guards we send to Ponyville will not falter, I will see to it personally. Sweetie Belle and the others will be watched over. And should this Vanitas dare to approach, he will find himself unwelcomed.”

“Well said sister.” Celestia said with a smile. She turned, making way way towards the door. “Still, it wouldn’t hurt to have more allies…I must make a call.”

Rarity tilted her head. “A call Princess? To who?”

Celestia paused at the door, her head turning to face the other two. “To an old friend.”

“The same one who brought us Sora?” Luna asked, ears perked.

Celestia’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “The same.”