Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Kingdom Hearts, Romance, Diamond Dogs, Spike, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Gilda, Adventure, Crossover, Human
Length: 368707

The weight of Sora's failure at the keyblade exam slowly began to eat away at him. In his lonely despair a door appears in front of him, opening a way to a new world with creatures he would have never thought he would see.

Sora's heart is heavy with the weight of his keyblade exam failure. But when a gateway to a new world appears before him, he sees it as a chance to redeem himself. There, he meets creatures he's never seen before as they call for his help as the Hero of Light they need to face the oncoming Darkness.

With this new task ahead of him, Sora must face his own darkness within his heart and rise to the challenge of becoming the hero he was always meant to be.

Will he succeed or will his own inner doubts take it all away?

Dearly Beloved

Now with a TV Tropes Page!

Part of the KINGDOMHEARTSVerse

SPOILERS IN THE MESSAGES BELOW

Rated T for suggestive theme.

(EDITING DONE BY NIGHTMAREKNIGHT, KILDEEZ AND MLPFAN12!!)

(Image by Me)

Published 2013-07-25 21:20:03 UTC
Last updated 2024-12-09 23:12:50 UTC

Chapter 2

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

"Awakening" (Edited)

Green to start music and red to stop music

Sora slowly regained awareness, only to be overwhelmed by a concoction of strange sensations to every one of his senses. After a long time of trying to regain composer, he opened his eyes to find nothing but darkness surrounding him. The odd feeling of falling filling his being.

Or was it sinking? He really couldn’t tell the difference.

He closed his eyes once again and allowed himself to be pulled by the strange sensation. It wasn't long before his body gently landed against a hard surface, the feeling of the warm floor welcoming him despite the emptiness of his surroundings. It almost felt like an embrace, like someone had been waiting for him all this time.

Sora...

Sora's eyes instantly snapped open at the sound of someone calling out to him. Was it the same voice from before, the one that had led him here? He could not tell.

He slowly stood up on his four legs and took stock of his surroundings. He was surprised to find that what he stood upon was like a glass window of some kind. Displayed upon it was something akin to that of a purple star. Surrounding said star, were five different pictures. Diamonds and Butterflies...apples and balloons. And last one was a lighting bolt.

Sora stared at the strange glass platform beneath him, feeling a mix of awe and confusion. The vibrant colors of the star and the symbols around it seemed to pulse with a quiet energy, as if they were alive, waiting for him to understand their significance. The intricate patterns and designs felt familiar, yet he couldn’t quite place why. The symbols—diamonds, butterflies, apples, balloons, and a lightning bolt—each held a certain weight, a power that resonated with something deep within him.

Taking his eyes off the ground, he inspected the rest of the world he was in, finding nothing but the darkness surrounding him on all sides. The contrast between the vibrant, almost glowing, images beneath his hooves and the void surrounding him was stark, and it filled him with a sense of isolation.

Sora raised a hoof and ran it through his spiky brown mane in confusion.

He froze mid-motion at what he had just did hit him like a lightning bolt. Pushing both hooves in front of him he stared wide-eyed at his new limbs. Instead of the familiar sight of his hand, with its fingers and palm, he saw a hoof—a solid, rounded, distinctly not a hand, hoof.

"Wha—?!" Sora gasped, his voice filled with shock. He quickly glanced down at the rest of his body, noticing the light tan coat covering him, the four legs where his arms and legs used to be, and the tail that swished behind him. Panic started to set in as he stumbled backward, nearly losing his balance on his new, unfamiliar limbs.

"This... this can't be real," Sora muttered to himself, his heart racing. He tried to flex his fingers—except there were no fingers to flex. The hoof in front of him remained just that: a hoof. He turned it over, as if expecting it to change back into a hand if he looked at it from a different angle, but nothing happened.

Sora took a few shaky steps, his mind struggling to comprehend the change. The sensation of walking on all fours was strange. Everything about this new form felt alien, yet there was an odd sense of familiarity, as if some part of him knew how to move in this body. He chalked it to his time spent in the pride lands.

The thing that really weirded him out was the picture on the side of his butt. It looked like a tattoo of a crown, yellow in color and neatly created. He frowned, gave the underside of his hoof a quick lick, and began rubbing at one of the marks harshly. To his surprise, the crown symbol didn’t smudge or fade, no matter how much he rubbed at it though. It was as if it was a part of him.

Giving up of his new body art, the human turned horse creature folded his forehooves across his chest and closed his eyes in deep thought.

Sora took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind. Folding his forehooves across his chest—a gesture that felt strange but somehow natural—he closed his eyes and focused on sorting through the chaos in his head.

"Okay, let's think this through," he muttered to himself, trying to approach the situation logically, despite the absurdity of it all. "I’ve been in different forms before. I was a lion cub in the Pride Lands, a vampire in Halloween Town, even a merman in Atlantica. This is just another one of those times... right? But Why am i here? Who brought me here?"

Sora paused at the last inquiry.

No. He knew who brought him here.

That voice that came out of the Secret Place on Destiny Islands.

But to what end?

Sooora…

He raised an eyebrow as the voice sounded again, but for some reason it was distorted, and fading fast.

Sooooooraaa…

He stood on all four hooves and looked around, trying to ascertain where it was coming from. In his quest to do so, he found something else. Something familiar.

Some kind of puddle of darkness was slowly inching its way towards him. The fact that he failed to see it was not lost on him, the keyblade wielder inwardly cursing to himself.

Run!

Sora turned to do just that, but found his way impeded by more of the inky blackness. To his horror, the puddle seemed to double its efforts to capture him when it saw that he had taken notice of it, eating up the inches faster and faster.

Sora tried to call out for the Keyblade, but found his efforts were in vain when it did not, or could not, heed his call.

Feeling fear at being so vulnerable the stallion flailed at the darkness encroaching on his position, though as soon as he touched it, the darkness would start to drag him into the abyss, slowly but surely coving every inch of his body.

A small whimper could be heard coming from the trapped keyblade wielder as his space diminished under the form of the shadows. As they closed in, a chilling voice filled Sora’s every sense, shaking every fiber of his being. He looked up in time to see a set of piercing red eyes fill the once-void darkness. Eyes he was familiar with. He had seen a pair like them on nearly every world he had visited.

Eyes of everlasting evil.

Black tentacles could be seen coming from the black ooze that surrounded him, each one pointed threateningly at him.

Sora’s ears folded to the back of his head as maniacal laughter filled the air around him and the tentacles came crashing down onto him without remorse.

~

A loud thump filled the air as Sora fell out of the bed with a yelp. Blue blankets falling on top of him from above and obscuring his view of his surroundings completely. He wrestled and fought with the offending clovers, grunting in frustration as he tried to rid himself of the entrapment he had found himself in. Footsteps could be heard coming from somewhere close by, followed by the opening of a door, more than likely to the room he was held within.

“What’s going…? Oh my gosh! Are you okay? Here, let me help you.”

That voice. Have I heard that voice before?

Before he could think any further on it, the blanket that had him within its submission grasp was tugged from around his being. Freed from the dark clutches of the cloth, Sora found his vision obscured by the sudden onslaught of sun beams pouring in through an open window nearby. His eyes closed tight in defiance at the light raising a arm the help in his defense.

“Are you OK? Did you hurt yourself?” The one who had came to his aid asked in concern and, if he was correct, slight amusement.

“Yes...I mean no! I’m fine. It’ll take a lot more then a heavy blanket to take me down.” he answered. His eyes slowly started to adjust to the light as he turned to face his savior. “But thanks for the...ah...help?”

Sora blinked in surprise, his eyes now fully adjusted to the light. The figure before him was definitely not what he had expected. Instead of a human, he found himself looking at a lavender-colored horse like creature with a horn on her head, a mane with deep purple and pink streaks, and those bright, vibrant purple eyes that seemed to radiate warmth and kindness. Her smile was gentle, and there was a curious, almost friendly, energy about her, despite her caution he could clearly see.

Sora's heart raced as he stared down at his own body, taking in the undeniable truth that his dream—or rather, his strange experience—had become reality. The tan coat, the four legs, the tail that swished with each subtle movement—it was all real. And there, on his flank, was the same crown symbol he had seen earlier, clear as day.

He glanced back up at the lavender horse in front of him, her kind eyes watching him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. The reality of his situation began to fully sink in, and despite all the strange things he had encountered in his journeys, this felt particularly surreal.

Keeping his tone light despite his slight unease at the situation he rubbed the back of his head. “I guess you’re the one who brought me,” he gestured around the room he was in,” here, Ah...” He paused. "Sorry...Don't think I know your name."

The horse girl giggled softly in embarrassment. “I guess I haven’t introduced myself yet, have I? Of course, that’s a given since you did just wake up. Hello. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and you are?” She held a hoof out, offering it to the stallion to help him up.

Sora hesitated for just a moment, still getting used to his new form and the strangeness of the situation, but then he smiled warmly and extended his hoof to meet Twilight's. "I'm Sora," he replied, taking her offered hoof and letting her help him up. The gesture was surprisingly natural, and it put him at ease. "Nice to meet you, Twilight Sparkle."

When he released her hoof, he tilted his head as he actually started to really examined the one before him.

As Sora looked more closely at Twilight Sparkle, he took in the finer details of her appearance. Her lavender coat was smooth and well-groomed, and her mane, with its deep purple and pink streaks, flowed neatly down her neck. The horn on her head was slightly longer than he had initially noticed, giving her an air of mysticism. Her bright, vibrant purple eyes were filled with warmth, curiosity, and a gentle kindness that seemed to put him at ease, despite the oddity of the situation.

Sora couldn't help but notice that she had an aura of calm confidence, and yet, there was a clear curiosity in her eyes, as if she was just as eager to understand him as he was to figure out where he was and what was happening.

He couldn’t help but think that this was the most adorable creature he had ever seen in all of his travels, and that includes the Dream Eaters back during the mark of mastery exam.

Kairi would be so jealous.

Seeing both this new creature and himself, of course he couldn't help but think they were the same. He must have changed to match the environment of these creatures. Since Donald was nowhere to be seen, he could only surmise that it was his clothes own power that-

Sora’s face flushed a deep shade of red as the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He looked down at his tan-coated body, and the absence of his usual outfit sent a wave of embarrassment crashing over him. His clothes—the ones that had always adapted to fit the world he was in—were completely gone. He was utterly, unmistakably, naked.

Without thinking, he let out a yelp and scrambled across the bed, trying to hide behind whatever he could find. His actions were frantic as he attempted to cover himself, despite the fact that the one form he now inhabited didn’t seem to share the same concerns about clothing as he did in his human form.

"My—My clothes!!" Sora stammered, his voice laced with panic and embarrassment. He peeked over the edge of the bed, his wide eyes searching for something to cover himself with, even though it didn’t seem necessary in this new world.

Twilight raised an eyebrow at the brown stallion’s strange actions before answering. “Hey calm down, Sora. They’re at Rarity’s. They had gotten pretty messed up when we had found you and I took them to her to fix. If you are worried about them then don't be. I promise they are in good hooves. But enough about that.”

Sora’s heart was still racing from the sudden embarrassment, but as he peeked over the edge of the bed and saw Twilight’s calm demeanor, he slowly began to relax. He couldn’t help but notice that Twilight herself wasn’t wearing anything either, which seemed to be completely normal for her. The realization helped ease his worries, though it still felt strange to him.

Slowly, he climbed back onto the bed, settling down beside her. He couldn’t help but feel a little silly for his earlier panic, especially when it was clear that clothing—or the lack thereof—wasn’t a concern in this world. Just as he sat down beside her, however, his panic began to spike once more when he felt hot fur press lightly against his body, her head pressing firmly against his chest.

A gentle “hmmm” vibrated against his being, followed by the words “Only one.” She removed her head from his body, and he released a breath he had no idea he had been holding up until now. The girl gently placed a hoof to her chin and gave Sora a thoughtful expression. A moment or two had passed before she moved again, raising the same hoof to tap the top of his head none too pleasantly.

“Ow.” He raised a hoof of his own to rub at the spot she hit. It didn’t hurt, but it wasn’t welcomed at least. “Hey, Twilight, mind telling me why I’m getting checked up like I’m at the doctor’s office?” He paused for a second before adding, “And where am I, anyway?”

"Oh, sorry about that, Sora," Twilight apologized. its not every day someone comes falling out of the sky like star. Wanted to make sure you were okay..." She paused and looked away. "Also...I was just checking something." She shook her head and waved a hoof in front of her, “As to where you are, you are currently in Golden Oak Library, which is in Ponyville.”

“Pony… ville?” Sora’s eyes widened. “So...does that make you a...pony?”

Twilight blinked, slightly confused at the question. “Well… yeah.”

“Then if that’s the case, that makes me a pony as well… right?”

“Yeeeees? Sora? Are you okay? did you hit your head?”

Ignoring her questions for the moment, Sora went about folding his forelimbs about his chest and closing his eyes in deep thought.

He was a pony now. OK, he could live with that. He would have much rather been a lion like before but it could be worst. He could have been a ghost. Not sure if he would have liked that very much.

“Hello? Equestira to Sora?”

The human-turned-pony blushed, finding he had completely forgotten that Twilight was still there with him in the room. He rubbed the back of his head apologetically as he responded. “Hehe...yeah. Sorry about that. Just thinking.” Then a question hit him. “Wait...Are you the one who found me… wherever I was. You never did tell me.” When she nodded, he continued. "Do you remember seeing anything strange around before you found me? Like anything odd? For that matter, where was I when you did find me?”

It was Twilight’s turn to be surprised, slightly overwhelmed by the onslaught of questions for the young stallion. It didn’t deter her long, however, as she recovered quickly and gave the stallion a glare that could melt ice.

“Now hold on a minute; I’m the one that should be asking you questions here."

Sora blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in Twilight's demeanor. Her glare was intense, and it was clear that she wasn’t going to let his questions go unanswered without getting some of her own in return.

He chuckled nervously, raising his hooves in a placating gesture. "Whoa, whoa, okay, I get it. You’ve got a lot of questions too."

Twilight’s expression softened slightly, though her eyes still held a firm resolve. "Yes, I do. You showed up out of nowhere, falling from the sky like a shooting star, and then there’s the matter of that giant key you were holding when we found you. I need to know what’s going on, Sora."

“Giant key?”

Twilight sighed, exasperated but still nodding at his question. “The key that was lying beside you. Yellow and silver. Little circles on the end of it. Ring any bells?”

Sora's mind raced as he tried to piece together why his Keyblade had been out when he was found. The Keyblade usually only appeared when he summoned it, or when there was a threat nearby. But if it had been lying next to him, that meant it must have been active when he arrived in this world.

The keyblade wielder frowned as before holding out his hoof towards her, which Twilight flinched from. She would have said something in response to his actions, but a yelp from downstairs caused her to look toward the door in surprise. She turned to face Sora just in time to see that very same giant key that she had been looking over down in her study, appearing instantly in his mouth.

“What the!? How did you do that?! Where did it come from?! Is that magic?! That’s impossible!” The poor mare stuttered as her eyes nearly bugged out of her eye sockets at Sora's sudden display of magic.

The sound of thumping on the stairs caused both Twilight and Sora to turn just in time to see Spike bursting through the open door, a frantic look in his eyes.

"Twilight! That key thing just up and disappeared!” And for good measure, he added, “Also, I wasn’t touching it! I swear!” Spike’s well thought-out and planned explanation stopped as his eyes took in the scene in front of him.

In reality, Sora had his hoof held out due to his belief that the giant key would appear there. This was not the case, however, as said key instead appeared in his maw, and if he was being honest with himself, quite comfortably.

Spike-o-Vision held a different scene. What he saw was his friend/sister about to be ravaged by a malicious and strange stallion they had not too long ago taken in out the kindness of their hearts.

Needless to say, Spike-o-Vision is a great anger inducer.

“Twilight! Watch out! I got ‘im!” Spike leapt forward, claws stretched out and ready to defend his sister to the bitter death.

So unprepared was the poor stallion that an easily dodged attack of this magnitude was, instead, just looked upon by the one getting attacked. With wide eyes and pinprick pupils, only one thought crossed Sora’s mind.

This was going to hurt… a lot.

~

“I’m sooo sorry, Sora,” Spike said for the tenth time tears brimming in his eyes as he begged on his knees for the young stallion to forgive him

“I said it's alright Spike. Geeze.” Sora replied for the tenth time, though he couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him.

Twilight, Spike and Sora had taken up residence in the downstairs library, the former dabbing the latter with a cotton ball soaked with alcohol as she tended to the scratches the former had acquired. He had received one good scratch across his forehead before Twilight used her magic to pry the raging dragon off of the flailing stallion.

Explanations were made and apologies ensued.

Twilight, now more composed then before, looked at Sora with a mix of curiosity and lingering concern. The events that had just unfolded left her with many unanswered questions, and she knew she needed to get to the bottom of it. As she dabbed a cotton ball on one of Sora's scratches, she finally asked, "Sora, how did you summon that key... your Keyblade? You just held out your hoof, and it appeared. Is that something you can do at will?"

Sora winced slightly as the alcohol stung his cut, but he nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, the Keyblade is connected to me. I can summon it whenever I need it, no matter where I am. It’s... well, it’s kind of a part of me."

“A key… blade?” both Twilight and Spike said in unison.

Sora nodded. “It’s a weapon I use to… well… fight monsters, basically.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, her analytical mind already dissecting the concept. "A key... as a weapon? That seems a bit impractical, doesn’t it? I mean, keys are usually used for unlocking things, not fighting."

Spike, on the other hand, couldn’t contain his excitement. His eyes lit up as he imagined the possibilities. "Impractical? Are you kidding? That sounds awesome! It’s like something straight out of a comic book! You’re like a royal guard or something, but with a magic key instead of a spear or sword!"

Sora chuckled at Spike's enthusiasm, finding the young dragon's excitement contagious. "A royal guard? That’s pretty cool, but I guess I see myself more as an adventurer."

Twilight tilted her head as she looked the stallion up and down in contemplation. “I don’t think that's the case anyway, Spike. He doesn't look any older then Rainbow Dash.” Her brow furrowed. “And I don’t think Celestia allowed ponies into the royal guard that young. You have to be at least seventeen. Maybe eighteen at the very least.”

Sora raised an eyebrow at the new name she had said. “Ce-les-tia? Is she some kind of leader of those royal guard guys?”

The lavender unicorn gasped, “You do know who Celestia is, right? The monarch of Equestria. Princess to all of ponykind."

Sora opened his mouth to respond, but quickly shut it as he remembered the rule about maintaining world order. He couldn’t just blurt out that he was from another world—doing so could cause all kinds of problems. He had to be careful about what he revealed.

Twilight noticed his hesitation and tilted her head in confusion. "Sora? You look like you were about to say something. Do you... not know who Princess Celestia is?"

Sora thought quickly, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "Uh, well... where I’m from, things are a little different. So I might not be as familiar with some of the, uh, important figures here."

Twilight’s eyes widened slightly in realization. "Oh, I see! You must be from a very far-off place if you don’t know about Princess Celestia. But that’s okay! I can fill you in on everything you need to know."

Spike, still excited, chimed in. "Yeah! Celestia’s like, the most important pony in all of Equestria. She raises the sun every morning and keeps the whole kingdom running smoothly."

Twilight nodded, her tone turning more formal as she explained. "Princess Celestia is the co-ruler of Equestria, alongside her sister, Princess Luna, who raises the moon. They’ve been guiding and protecting Equestria for over a thousand years. They’re both incredibly powerful and wise, and they care deeply about everypony in Equestria."

Sora's eyes widened at that. "A thousand years...Wow...But...how can she lived that long?"

Twilight had to reframe her eye from twitching wildly at the pony’s lack of understanding of basic pony knowledge. Sensing the oncoming storm that was "Lecturelight", it was then that Spike decided it was his job to save Sora, if only because he still felt guilty about attacking the poor stallion. “So, Sora. How did you make that key thingy teleport? From what I’m told, pegasi can only use wind magic, and that’s only to fly and move clouds. Teleportation is something that only unicorns can learn.”

Sora, grateful for the change in topic, smiled at Spike’s curiosity. "Well, the Keyblade is special. It's not exactly magic, least I don't think so, but it's connected to me in a way that lets me summon it whenever I need it, no matter where it is. Almost like its apart of my heart." He rubbed the back of his head, blushing a bit. "Sorry. Thats the best way I can explian it. Not the best when it comes to all that technical stuff."

Twilight processed the information carefully before picking up the conversation. “That is...weird...But I have seen magic do strange things before. Going off that topic though, do you remember anything about last night? You just fell from the sky without so much as a warning.”

Sora’s expression grew more serious as he thought back to the previous night. He tried to piece together the fragments of his memory, but everything was still hazy. "I remember... there was a lot of darkness. It felt like I was falling through it, like it was pulling me down. But before that, I heard a voice. I couldn’t make out what it was saying, but it felt like it was calling out to me, guiding me here. Then everything went black, and the next thing I knew, I woke up here."

A loud gurgling sound interrupted the conversation after that, and a tan hoof was placed on a tan belly, causing everyone to look towards Sora.

He blushed, his ears folding back slightly in embarrassment as his stomach loudly protested its emptiness. "Heh, sorry about that. I guess with everything going on, I kind of forgot how hungry I was."

Twilight was the first to recover as she gave Sora a smile once again. “How about we can continue this later. You must be famished, and I too could use a bite to eat. Plus telling the other girls you are awake would be a good idea too.” She made her way to her saddlebags, levitating them onto her back along with a book and a bag of what he believed to be coins. Once ready, she turned to the baby dragon. “Spike, do you want to join us?”

Spike perked up at the suggestion, his eyes lighting up. "You bet! I’m always up for a good meal." He quickly scurried over to join Twilight, eager to be part of the outing.

"Thanks, Twilight. I really appreciate it. I guess I could use a good meal after everything." Sora replied, giving her a grin.

"It's no trouble at all, Sora," Twilight said aloud, keeping her tone light and friendly. "I’m always happy to help out. Plus, it’ll be good to get some fresh air and introduce you to everypony. They’ve all been worried about you, especially after last night."

Inwardly, Twilight added another thought. And it’ll give me a chance to keep an eye on you, just in case. You seem nice enough, but we still don’t know much about you or why you’re here. I need to be cautious, for everypony’s sake.

~

Sora was very apprehensive about walking… no… trotting in public with no clothes. This, to him at least was strange due to the fact that he did it all the time back in the Pride Lands with Simba. It wasn’t until he saw that most of the town folk, if not all of them, were indeed naked as well. It made him feel a little better about being so too.

He still wished he had his jacket, though.

The tan colored stallion could see more than a few ponies looking toward their little group, though he felt that most of the looks were directed toward him. They all bore curious but friendly smiles every time he caught their eyes, which he returned with one of his own. Ponies of every color and size filled the dirt road of Ponyville, each one seemingly as friendly as the last. He could see that quite a few of them, if not all, had a butt tattoo that was different from Twilight’s and his own, and others, mostly the little ponies, didn’t.

This realization led to a question.

“Hey, Twilight, what’s with the butt tattoos?”

Twilight, who had been walking slightly ahead of Sora, almost tripped over her own hooves at his blunt question. She quickly regained her balance, her cheeks flushing slightly as she turned to face him. "What? Oh! You mean their cutie marks!"

“Cutie Mark? That’s what you call it?”

Twilight nodded, still slightly flustered by Sora's phrasing. "Yes, we call them cutie marks. They appear on a pony’s flank when they discover their special talent—something that makes them unique and represents who they are. I mean you have one too, you know."

Before he could respond, his answer was interrupted as the stallion’s gaze would catch sight of a trio of little ponies on the other side of the road. Two of them, one being an orange-coated pegasus with a magenta mane and the other being an off-white unicorn with a two-tone purple mane, were talking animatedly with each other. It was the third, however, that had given him pause.

A sun-yellow regular pony, with a mane as red as an apple and a bright pink bow tied expertly behind her head, had been looking in his direction. Her amber eyes were wide, and, he could have sworn, sparkling. He tilted his head to the side which caused the yellow filly’s cheeks to flush bright red. She quickly turned away from him, busying herself with listening to the other conversation.

“Sora? Hey, you okay?”

Sora nodded as he looked forward, finding Twilight waiting for him a bit of a ways off. “Yeah. Let's get going. Food is waiting right?” He trotted up to Twilight, following after her. He took a quick look back over his shoulder to see the gaggle of fillies once more, huddling close together.

~

Applebloom’s heart was fluttering faster than a hummingbird in spring as she watched the stallion follow Twilight and Spike. The poor filly could not stop the blush that had hit her freckled face as her gaze never left his retreating form. And when she saw his face, she couldn’t even explain the feelings that she had gotten.

No…

That's not true…

She knew exactly what it was.

“Girls…” she said, barely above a whisper, but they stopped talking all the same, giving her their full attention. “Ah… Ah think I’m in love.”

Chapter 3

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Green to start music and red to stop music

To say that both of the ponies Applebloom confessed her heart out to were more than a little surprised would have been the understatement of the century. In fact, they could only think of one word that could ascertain the amount of shock and awe that the pegasus and unicorn were feeling at that very moment. One simple four letter word that, with enough volume, could properly portray their flabbergastery.

“WHAT?!”

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle’s voices rang out in unison, their shocked exclamations causing more than a few nearby ponies to glance their way. Both fillies stared at Apple Bloom with wide eyes, their jaws practically hitting the ground. Sweetie Belle was the first to recover, blinking rapidly as she tried to process what her friend had just said.

"Apple Bloom, did you just say you're in love?" Sweetie Belle asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

Apple Bloom’s cheeks somehow grew even redder as she fidgeted on the spot, her hooves digging into the dirt. "Yeah… Ah mean, look at him! He’s so… different. And handsome, in a cute sorta way. And did ya see how kind he looked when he smiled?"

Scootaloo shook her head, still trying to wrap her mind around what was happening. "Wait, wait, wait. You just saw him, Apple Bloom! How can you already be in love?"

Apple Bloom’s blush deepened, but her expression grew more determined. "Ah don’t know how ta explain it, Scoots. But when Ah saw him, it felt like somethin’ just clicked inside me, like Ah knew he was somethin’ special."

Sweetie Belle tilted her head, her confusion slowly giving way to curiosity. "He looks twice your age tho...maybe up to Twilight's?"

Apple Bloom blinked, her blush deepening as she considered Sweetie Belle’s words. "Ah know he looks older, but that don’t really matter, does it? Ah mean, love ain’t about age. It’s about what ya feel inside, right?"

Scootaloo scratched her head, still looking skeptical. "Yeah, but there’s a big difference between having a crush on somepony and, you know, falling in love. Maybe you’re just... really impressed with him or something."

Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, though her eyes twinkled with mischief. "Yeah! Maybe it’s just a super strong crush. We’ve never really seen somepony like him before. He’s mysterious and new, so it’s no wonder you’d feel drawn to him."

Apple Bloom huffed, still determined. "Ah know what Ah feel, and it’s more than just a crush! There’s somethin’ special ‘bout him. Ah just... know it."

Sweetie Belle smiled sympathetically. "Okay, okay. If you’re sure, then we’ll support you, Apple Bloom. But you’re going to need a plan, and it might take some time."

Scootaloo grinned, finally on board with the idea. "Yeah! I mean, if nothing else, getting to know him could be fun. Who knows, maybe he’ll be the key to earning our next cutie marks!"

Apple Bloom’s eyes lit up at that. "Ya think so? Maybe we could help him with somethin’ and learn more ‘bout him while we’re at it."

Sweetie Belle giggled. "Well, first things first. You’ll need to actually talk to him, Apple Bloom. You can’t just admire him from afar forever."

Apple Bloom gulped, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Yeah, Ah guess you're right. But what do Ah even say?"

Scootaloo smirked. "Don’t worry, we’ll figure that out together. You’ve got the Cutie Mark Crusaders on your side. We’ll help you talk to him, and who knows? Maybe this will turn into something awesome!"

~

The doors to the confectionery shop known as Sugarcube Corner swung open with a jingle of a bell, allowing Twilight, Spike and Sora to enter into Ponyville’s famous pastry store. To Sora’s credit, he held himself in check as soon as he saw the oversized sugary-looking building. He knew that it was more than likely just for show and constructing a cute building out of real gingerbread was downright stupid. Still, somewhere in the back of his mind he really wanted to rush headlong toward the house with mouth wide to see if he was wrong. He was quite happy that he held out because the prize for doing so was so much greater.

Sora’s eyes sparkled as he gazed upon all the amazing treats that were on display, his mouth on the verge of salivating shamelessly. Blue eyes darting to and fro as he spotted every flavor of cake imaginable with various degrees of icing on each. Muffins ranging from blueberry to strawberry lay neatly in a basket close by. At the counter, inside its glass casing, the stallion found cookies of every shape and form, each one beckoning him with their own flavored scent. Never had he seen so many delectable sweets in one place; while he was awake, at least.

Sora turned to face Twilight, who had quite the amused look on her face. He gave her an expectant pleading smile, to which she nodded, knowing full well what he wanted. Quick as a flash, he zipped toward the counter and pressed his muzzle against the glass exterior. With longing eyes, he stared with amazement at every confectionary with increasing interest. The young boy really didn’t know where to start.

“You should try the Double Chunk Chocolate Chip Delight. My personal favorite.”

“You think so?” His eyes shifted to the left. “Those icing cookies look just as tempting, though.”

“So you’re an icing stallion, huh? Then you should definitely try the Deliciously Delectable Dreamy Drop Madness.”

“Aww geeze. Even the name sounds delicious.“

Sora had turned his head to speak to his lavender unicorn guide, only to find out that the one he was talking to wasn’t so lavender… or a unicorn for that matter.

The first thing noticed by the stallion was the curly, bouncy mane curving at an arc in front of her face, it being a deeper shade of bubblegum pink than her coat. Bright blue eyes stared back at his own, silently judging him, as if weighing her options on how to treat the stallion.

The white toothy smile she gave quickly clued him in on her answer.

Quicker than he ever expected anyone could move, or at least anyone in this town, the bubbly pink pony pulled him into a tight embrace, lifting the stallion up in the air slightly. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! It’s nice to meet you, stallion-who-fell-from-the-stars!”

Sora's eyes widened as he felt his hooves leave the ground, completely caught off guard by Pinkie Pie's incredible strength. He could feel the tight embrace squeezing the air out of his lungs, and though the scent of bubblegum was oddly comforting, the lack of oxygen wasn’t.

With gasping breath and blushing cheeks, the stallion tried to gasp out to the pink pony, but no words came due to the hooves that had cut off his much-needed air supply. With pleading eyes, the stallion threw a pleading gaze toward Twilight and Spike, both of whom were stifling giggles and laughter. After a moment or two, the unicorn made her way to the pair and tapped Pinkie’s shoulder lightly, gaining her attention.

Twilight, having seen this exact scenario play out with countless other newcomers, couldn’t help but chuckle as she stepped forward. “Pinkie, I think you might want to let him go. You’re, uh, hugging a bit too tight.”

The pink mare stared at the lavender one for a moment before dropping the stallion into a gasping heap on the ground. With her smile still present, she ran toward the entrance of the kitchen and called out for someone named Mrs. Cake.

A pleasantly plump blue pony with a swirly pink two tone mane made her way to the front counter at Pinkie’s call. A warm smile graced her lips as she greeted them with an accent that the Sora couldn’t quite place, but still felt the warmth of it all the same.

“Welcome to Sugarcube Corner dearies.” the mature mare gave Sora an extra friendly smile. “And I don’t think I’ve seen you around town before?”

Before either Sora or Twilight could respond, Pinkie Pie suddenly leaped into the air, bouncing in front of Mrs. Cake with a burst of energy. "Oh, Mrs. Cake! You haven’t seen him around because he’s brand new! He’s Sora, and he’s extra-special because he fell from the sky!" She hopped in place excitedly, her words coming out in a blur of enthusiasm. "But I can’t stay here and chat because I’ve gotta go get everything ready for his super-duper welcome party! Streamers! Balloons! Cupcakes! Gotta go, bye!"

With that, Pinkie zoomed out of Sugarcube Corner in a pink blur, leaving a gust of wind behind her. The bell above the door jingled softly as the room settled from her sudden exit.

Sora, still catching his breath from his earlier ordeal, blinked in disbelief. "Does she... always move that fast?"

Twilight laughed softly. "Pretty much. You’ll get used to it." She turned back to Mrs. Cake with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Pinkie gets a little... over-enthusiastic with new ponies."

Mrs. Cake chuckled warmly, her eyes twinkling with fondness. "Oh, it’s no trouble, dear. That’s just Pinkie being Pinkie. And you," she said, turning to Sora, "Must be the new pony she’s been talking about. Welcome to Ponyville, sweetheart."

Sora grinned, still feeling a bit overwhelmed but happy with the warm reception. "Thanks. I’m Sora. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cake."

The older mare frowned. "Is it true you fell from the sky? You're not hurt are you?"

Sora chuckled, rubbing the back of his head as he tried to reassure Mrs. Cake. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. But I’m okay, really. It was... a soft landing, I guess?"

"He’s fine, Mrs. Cake." Twilight added. "Sure he had quite the entrance, but we checked him over, and he’s all in one piece."

Mrs. Cake still looked a little concerned, but her warm smile returned quickly. "Well, I’m glad to hear that, dear. You gave Pinkie quite the excitement, though she gets excited about almost everything. Still, if you need anything or feel like you’re not feeling well, you come right back here, okay? We’re all neighbors in Ponyville."

"Thanks...but ah...next question," Sora looked to where Pinkie had vanished. "...Did she say my party?"

"Pinkie throws a welcome party for every new pony that comes to Ponyville." Twilight explained matter-of-factly. "I got one when I was new and since you’re new and had such a unique entrance... well, I’d say she’s going all out for you."

Sora blinked, still processing the idea. "So... she’s already planning a party? Just like that?"

Mrs. Cake chuckled softly, shaking her head with amusement. "Oh, that’s just Pinkie Pie, dear. She loves making new friends, and she believes there’s no better way to do that than with a big, fun party. You’ll get used to it—everypony does."

"Oh..." Sora smiled. "Well...I never say no to cake!"

"Ha! I knew I was gonna like you Sora!"

Sora yelped in surprise as Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared right beside him, seemingly out of nowhere. Her bright, toothy grin was just inches from his face.

He blinked in shock, trying to figure out how Pinkie had gotten beside him so fast. "Wha—? How did you—?"

Before he could finish, Pinkie turned her attention to Mrs. Cake with a bounce in her step. "Oh, Mrs. Cake! I totally forgot! I need to grab some super-secret party supplies from my room!" She gasped dramatically. "No party is complete without them! Oh and go tell Rarity when you see her that she's invited too!"

Without waiting for a response, Pinkie zoomed away in a blur of pink, disappearing up the stairway as fast as she had appeared. The sound of her excited hoofsteps echoed through the shop as she raced upstairs.

Sora just stood there, blinking in confusion. "Does she... always do that?"

"Dude..." Spike interrupted. "Don't think think about. Trust us."

With a rather unsure nod but a kind smile all the same, Sora turned his attention back to the counter of sweets.

~

An hour or two later, the trio that was Twilight, Spike and Sora left the confectionary shop with happy smiles and full bellies. Sora had been slightly apprehensive about any of the flower-related baked goods, but after the first bite he couldn’t help but tear into every bit of the plant life. Why he thought flowers were tasty to begin with was lost on him. More than likely it had something to do with his new body, but he decided not to dwell too much on it. No use fixing something that wasn’t broken. At the very least he didn’t have to worry about starving in this new world.

Of course, that line of questioning brought up some good points. Despite his time in the Pride Lands, he thought for sure that he would have had more trouble getting used to his new limbs then he had. That was not the case, however. He was amazed that he walked on four legs like he had been doing so his whole life. In fact, it just felt right for some reason.

Twilight’s voice rang gently in his ears, pulling him from his inner thoughts. “So Sora, did you really not know what a cutie mark was?”

Sora stiffened at the question before turning towards the mare, smiling sheepishly. “W-well, I… uh… I’ve never really gone anywhere to learn about them.” That was the truth, for the most part. "Where I come from we don't really pay attention to stuff like that."

Twilight raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Sora's response. "Really? That's interesting. I mean, everypony here has a cutie mark, and they’re a big part of who we are. It’s how we discover our special talents and our place in the world."

Sora nodded along, hoping his vague answer would satisfy her curiosity. "Yeah, it’s just... things are a little different where I’m from."

“That is...weird,” Twilight answered, “But its not completely unheard of. I do know of sects of ponies that don't even have cutie marks of their own, even as adults.” She looked back toward her own flank. “And sorry if I'm prying...I only ask because a cutie mark is supposed to represent a pony’s special talent, like how mine represents my love of stars and magic. I really don’t know what to make of your mark though.”

Sora looked back at his flank, with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t know either, Twilight. To tell the truth, I really don’t know why I have it. But for some reason it looks exactly like… my…”

Sora’s eyes shot opened at the realization. He frantically patted at his neck before shock turned panic. Bending over the ground, he began to shuffle along it in a frantic search. “W-wait...W-where is it?”

Spike raised an eyebrow as he peered around Twilight’s neck. “Where’s what?”

“My necklace!” He blurted out. “It's not around my neck!” He rose up to only dash back and forth, trying to find some glimmer of hope in his dire situation. "Did I drop it somewhere...maybe it fell when back at tree house!"

“Necklace… Necklace…” Realization dawned on Twilight. “Oh! You mean that silver crown, right? Like I mentioned earlier, your clothes were ruined a little when we found you. I did find a chain that had a little crown emblem latched onto it. The chain itself was snapped though, you see, so I had given it to Rarity to fix as well. Hey!”

Sora had jetted off as he spoke. “Sorry! Gotta get my necklace!”

“But Rarity’s is in the other direction!” She barely had time to move out of the way as Sora ran past her.

“Sora!” Twilight called out. “Wait for us!”

~

The opening of the bedroom door marked the exit of one pearl white unicorn, a pink robe tied delicately around her slender frame. After a long night of working and only a few hours of sleep, she had decided to forego breakfast for now and had let the warm embrace of hot water envelop most of her morning.

Now thoroughly refreshed, she slowly made her way down toward the stairway, but stopped as soon as she caught a glimpse of the object that had had her pull an all-nighter.

Rarity always considered herself to be quite the fashion connoisseur, always looking for that next big design after the next one, even going so far as to study different styles to find if it would make a comeback next year or not. She knew all the greatest artists and all of their styles, but she had never seen the likes of what had been graced upon her by her lavender friend. The outfit itself was dirty and torn in certain places, but those were easy enough to repair.

The simple two-piece outfit was quite the sight to behold when she was finished with it. The hoodie, onyx black in its coloration, was lined with white trimming along the bottom of the sleeves and rim of the cloth. What really caught her attention was along where the shoulders were to be; there were two hardened silver cloths that almost resembled the shoulder pads of armor, giving it an almost regal, knight-like appearance to such a simple design.

The shirt underneath was navy blue in primary color, with a splash of red curling inward toward the chest. It was, like most of the outfit, simple, but done so in a way that brought life to the overall outfit, making the viewer take a break from the overall dominating dark colors the clothes so thoroughly loved.

Attached to the hood were straps of a yellow buckle-like material, which, in her opinion, were just daring enough to work.

The overall repair of the outfit took no more than an hour, hence it was not the cause of her nearly sleepless night. No. The reason for her late night was due to the fact that such an outfit had never been seen in all of Equestria before, and not being one to pass up inspiration, she had instantly set to work sketching and taking notes, her mind racing with one idea after another. Whoever had designed this was keeping such work to themselves. She was not going to let that go unanswered for. Not one bit.

A smile crept onto her lips as she walked past the clothing and down the stairs. Just before she reached her intended destination, a knock came upon her front door. She had figured it might have been Twilight due to the fact that it was she who had given her the clothes in the first place. She had so many questions for the mare that she couldn’t help but rush to the door and open it wide for her purple friend.

She had expected somepony.

She had not expected a stallion.

Light caramel brown fur greeted her vision causing the fashionista’s eyes to widen by degrees. Despite her being only slightly shorter than the one in front of her, she couldn’t help but notice that she was staring straight at the chest of a clearly male pony. His chest was moving in and out deeply but steadily, slowly but surely regaining the breath that it must have lost. He seemed more slender than most male ponies she knew; perhaps it had something to do with him being a pegasus since most where designed for speed in the sky. Despite his slender form, she could clearly see that he was more muscular than he let on. She shifted her eyes upwards slowly, taking in every inch of the stallion in front of her.

Ocean blue eyes met those of sky coloration. She watched as the morning breeze gently played with his milk chocolate mane, as well with the fur on his face.

Dear Celestia, his face!

Though he looked her age, she couldn’t help but see that he still held much of his foalhood within his features. It gave him an almost marish quality that matched well with the rest of his figure.

She prayed to all that was holy that he didn't play for the other team.

Both ponies stared at each other, neither one moving an inch or saying a word as they did so. Rarity was, out of instinct, about to greet the stallion, but her eyes soon went from wide with admiration to wide with embarrassment and horror at a sudden realization.

She was still in her bedroom robes!

Before the stallion could even speak, Rarity quickly slammed the door on him and ran right away up the stairs.

~

Sora stood in front of the door, blinking in confusion after it had been suddenly slammed in his face. He had barely had time to process the unicorn who had opened the door—her refined appearance, despite being in a simple pink robe, had momentarily thrown him off. But now she was gone, leaving him standing on the doorstep, unsure of what just happened.

Twilight fared no better. The flushed-face unicorn mare staggered slowly toward the pegasus stallion, huffing and wheezing as she went. She had spent the better part of 10 minutes guiding the rushing pegasus from behind toward their intended destination. After a while, she fell far behind, and by the time she had caught up, she only saw a glimpse of the exchange that the two ponies were party to.

Spike had been riding on Twilight, so he was hail and healthy.

After a moment or two of catching her breath, Twilight made her way to the side of Sora’s flank. “W-what -huff- W-what d-did you -huff- do?”

"Uh, I didn’t do anything," Sora stammered, his voice a mix of confusion and concern. "I just knocked on the door, and when she opened it... she kind of, uh, slammed it right back in my face."

Twilight, now breathing normally, moved past the stallion. “That’s… odd. I’d better go see if she is okay.” Before she could use her horn to open the door, a light blue field enveloped it, doing the deed for her. A brightly lit, posh-looking room graced their presence as they peered into the now-open doorway. Sora couldn’t help but think that the place screamed of femininity. Pony displays showcasing various outfits lined the edges of the room.

His gaze shifted from left to right until it fell upon a stairway where a dainty white hoof could be seen coming into sight. The owner of said hoof followed suit. Slick white fur clung to its owner’s body, shining lightly thanks to an unseen light source. Bouncy violet locks came into view next, having their own shimmer to them. Soon the head of the white unicorn came into view, her muzzle shifted upwards in a ladylike fashion. She came the rest of the way down the stairs in a graceful fashion, though Sora (and Spike for that matter), for the life of him, couldn’t help but notice that her hips were pumping with each step she took.

Gone was the pink-robed beauty, and in its place, a pony goddess.

A gentle voice, as lovely as silk, greeted the stallion. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique. Where eve- Twilight!?”

The white-coated unicorn had failed to notice her purple friend happily waving a hoof in her direction. “Hello, Rarity.” Stopping her gesture, she cocked an eyebrow. “Are you OK? You kind of shut the door on Sora there.”

Rarity turned to look toward the pony in question with cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Oh, I am terribly sorry, dear. It was absolutely uncouth of me to do that to you. You see, I was up all night doing a request my friend Twilight gave me and I suppose I overslept, resulting in what you had seen not too long ago.” She gave him a sorrowful look. “I do hope you can forgive me for being so...well...unlike me.”

The young stallion smiled a gentle toothy grin that, much to Spike’s questioning gaze, sent Rarity’s cheeks blushing brighter than ever before replying. “Hey...Hakuna Matata.”

Rarity's blush deepened at Sora's carefree response, her mind briefly caught up in the gentle charm of his smile. "Hakuna... what now, darling?" she asked, trying to regain her composure, even though her curiosity was piqued by the unfamiliar phrase.

Sora chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his head as he held a hoof out towards the mare. "It means 'no worries.' You know, like, don’t sweat the small stuff. Besides, all that stuff you were working on is mine."

Gently taking the hoof in her own, Rarity would give the stallion a questioning gaze before realization hit. “You mean you’re the mysterious visitor Twilight found in White Tail Woods?”

“More then likely. You know about what happened?”

The white mare waved a perfectly manicured hoof. “Only in passing, dear. I had to tend to my sister and her friends after the commotion you caused last night.” Rarity paused to look towards Twilight. “To which she did not tell me that the one who fell from the sky was such a handsome young stallion.” Her voice produced a sly tone. “Trying to keep him all to ourselves, are we, Miss Sparkle?”

“What!?” Twilight’s face grew beet red at the accusation. “NO! I was just…! I mean, it was…! What!?!”

Rarity had a hard time stifling a giggle that threatened to escape her lips. “Now, now, Twilight, I’m just teasing.” She raised a hoof to meet his own, and smiled brightly. “And as for you." the mare, to Sora's surprise, curtsied. "I am Rarity, or Miss Rarity if you would prefer. It is a pleasure to meet you, dear. Now then, about your outfit… If you would allow me one second to fetch your things.” She stopped just before she reached the stairs and turned a furrowed brow in his direction. “Please forgive me, but I don't think I officially caught your name.”

“The name’s, Sora.”

“Sora…My, my, such an exotic name for a stallion such as yourself.” Rarity turned and made her way up the stairs. “I’ll be no more than two ticks, dear. Please make yourself at him.” Sora’s eyes widened as he watched her climb the steps. This time he could clearly see that her flanks were indeed pumping back and forth with each step, and, for some reason, he couldn’t turn away from the sight.

That was until he felt the stare of murderous intent beside him. Looking to his right, he saw the darkened glare of a certain purple dragon staring him down as though he was a demon in need of defeating. Sora, despite his taller size and greater strength, decided that it was not safe to stand within striking distance of the baby dragon.

Before he could move, however, Rarity returned with his clothes in tow, wrapped in a pale blue light like the door had been. “There you go darling, good as new. I have to ask, where did you acquire such magnificent clothes? Never in my life have I seen such a style produced before.” She stretched out the clothes, letting him look over them for any blemishes. “And I was amazed by the amount of enchantments surrounding it. Durability, longevity, and even minor protection against physical and magical trauma.” She lowered the outfit toward Sora, prompting him to stretch out his cannons. “The pony who created them knew what they were doing, and then some. And don’t get me started on the design! It’s so modern! It’s so refreshing! It’s so-“

“Umm… Hey, Rarity?”

The mare was slightly caught off guard by Sora’s gentle tone that pierced her revelations. “Ah… Yes, Sora Darling?”

Sora twisted and turned the cloth around in his hooves. He was at first looking for his shorts, but he figured that if they were gone in that dream world he barely remembered, then they wouldn’t be around if he got his clothes back. There was a more pressing question eating at the corner of his mind however.

“Is my necklace fixed too? I was told it was broken as well.”

Rarity tapped a hoof to her chin before widening her eyes. “You mean that silver crown? I have to say, it was rather, how do you say, plain, compared to the rest of your outfit.” She made her way to her dresser and used her magic to produce a still-broken silver chain with a little crown hanging from it. “I was going to get around to fixing it but after seeing the owner, I do believe that it’s just too garish for you simple for one such as yourself. How about something deep blue? I was thinking that-“

She stopped talking as soon as she saw the stallion shake his head. “Sorry, Rarity, but…” He paused as his gaze shifted from her to the necklace. “That necklace is just too important to me.”

Both mares and one dragon raised an eyebrow as they all said in unison, “Important?

“A friend of mine gave it to me the very first day we met.”

Twilight gasped softly. "Your friend?"

Sora nodded. "Yeah...You see.... Two big bullies would always pick on other kids on our island and...well...to get them to stop I told their parents on them."

"As you very well should." Rarity said, "I would have strung them up by their tails if I was their mother."

"I agree." Twilight chimed in. "Telling someone of authority was the right thing to do, after all."

Sora chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah...I thought so too. And it did work...for a little but. But instead of getting in trouble fully, they found out I was the one who told on them, and... well, let’s just say they started focusing on me after that."

~

Sora was slammed harshly against the ground. The white shirt and red shorts the six year old wore were muddy and slightly tattered, but despite that and the tears welling up in his eyes, he stared defiantly at his aggressors. One who was outlandishly tall and another who was rather pudgy flanked a rather tall boy with raven black hair. The boy in the middle chuckled evilly, signaling the others behind him to do so in turn.

“Whoops. Sorry, little Sora. Did I make ya cry?” He laughed again, as did the others. Sora, to his credit, tried to stand back up, but was kicked back down by the boot of the older child. “Did I say you could get up, squirt?” Sora cursed inwardly as he clutched at his stinging chest. “No… I don’t think so. Ya see, little Sora, I don’t take too kindly to being told on. You know what I had to go through?! I was grounded for a week!!” The boy’s voice grew in volume as he spoke, his voice becoming harsher.

Sora couldn’t help himself. “Heh… A week? I would have made it a month if I was your dad.” Another kick to his gut knocked the wind completely out of the brown-haired boy.

“You know what? I was just gonna rough ya up. Now... oh now you’re gonna pay for that one!” Sora closed his eyes just as he saw a kick aiming straight for his face. He heard a smack and then a thud, but felt no pain. Chancing a glance, he opened one of his eyes... only to find someone standing in front of him. This boy was just a bit taller than him, short silver hair draped slick down his head. His clothes were normal enough, but the thing that caught his attention the most was the silver crown that hung from the hook of his pants.

His savior held a fist out to where the black haired boy was before, the boy in question now splayed on his back, nursing a bruised cheek.

“What the?!” The black haired boy was livid. “Who are you?!”

The newcomer let his fist fall to his side. “Riku.” Riku’s icy glare stared straight at the boy on the ground, not faltering for a second. “Gotta say,” Riku’s voice as just as cold, despite the youthfulness of it. “Three against one was never fair to me…” Riku placed a fist into the palm of his hand, cracking it threateningly. “Hardly a challenge, to tell you the truth…”

All three boys barely had time to react as Riku blasted towards them with his fist raised, striking hard at the three bullies.

**

“That was unreal…”

Riku couldn’t help but smile at Sora’s description of the fight. It had taken some doing, but Riku, despite his smaller size compared the three bullies, was able to send them packing with their tails between their legs, much to Sora’s enjoyment.

Two thoroughly roughed up and bruised boys sat at the edge of the pier, both enjoying a new flavor of ice cream. It was sweet and salty; two flavors they thought would never go well with such a cold treat, and yet, at the moment, it was the most amazing thing in the world.

Sora, after taking a big bite of his ice cream, turned to face the silver-haired youth. He had never really had anyone stick up for him before, and here comes some random boy he never knew doing just that. He smiled brightly which caused the boy to turn to his direction.

“You look like an idiot.” Sora nearly dropped his ice cream into the sea below at that remark.

The boy turned and gave an accusing pout Riku’s way. “Is that what you say to everyone you save?!”

The silver-haired boy thought for a moment, then shook his head. “Naw… Just to you.”

Silence filled the air before a series of laughs broke out between the two boys. When it was done, Sora smiled brighter than before. “Where’d you learn how to fight? Taking on three guys at once was… well… pretty cool.”

Riku didn’t say anything at first, but decided to pull the silver crown symbol off his belt and held it out expectantly to Sora, which Sora took with little hesitation. He raised it into the light of the setting sun watching it gleam in dull radiance.

“What… is it?”

“Crown of the Kingdom,” he spoke with an air of mystery. “They say wearing it makes you ten times stronger.”

Sora's eyes nearly bugged out of his head at that revalation. “R-Really?!”

Riku laughed. “No. It’s just some junk I found in my attic. You’re pretty gullible, you know that.”

Sora’s pout returned as he tried to glare daggers at the new kid. "Did you only help me to pick on me too?" Sora yelped as the chained crown was tossed to him, the boy barely catching it in his hands.

“I Saw you not back down from those guys and that's why I decided to help you out.” Riku smirked and leaned back into a laying position, letting his arms rest behind him. “But geeze, are you are weak. So...if you wanna fight then the only way I'll train you is if you have to wear that every day. Got that?”

Sora stared dumbfounded at Riku before smiling once more. He quickly placed the chain over his head, wearing it like a necklace. The boy fidgeted slightly before carefully asking. “So… are we… friends now?”

Riku opened one eye at Sora’s question before closing it again, a smile of his own forming on his lips. “Heh. Yeah, sure… I don’t mind.”

~

Twilight, Rarity, and Spike listened intently to Sora’s story, their expressions shifting with each twist and turn of the tale. By the end of it, Rarity had placed a hoof over her heart, looking as if she’d just heard a tale straight out of a novel.

"Oh my," Rarity said softly, her voice full of warmth. "You scared me in the first half, but the last of it was ever so adorable to picture." She gave a light chuckle. "A brave young colt standing up to bullies, only to be saved by a mysterious silver-haired hero—sounds like the start of a grand adventure."

Twilight smiled softly, her analytical mind briefly set aside to appreciate the sentiment. "It sounds like you and Riku have a special bond. I can see why that necklace means so much to you. Honestly, I think such a story deservers a friendship letter to the princess."

Sora smiled lightly at their words, his gaze shifting back towards the broken necklace. Riku had just moved into the area when he had saved him from those bullies. His friend could have just as easily chosen to side with them instead, but he chose him. He was happy to have him as a friend, but as they grew, it had became more and more evident that the too slowly grew from friends to rivals, with Sora always challenging him, wanting to prove how much stronger he had become and each time losing, sometimes badly. Even now, he was still left in the dust by Riku, despite his best efforts.

A familiar feeling made Sora cringe slightly. It was the same feeling he felt when he was on the beach just the other day...Useless...Worthless...Not good enough...Was I...ever...

“Sora, are you ok?”

Sora snapped out of his thoughts, blinking rapidly as he realized where he was. Twilight's concerned voice cut through the fog in his mind, pulling him back to the present.

“Huh?” He looked up, his smile faltering for just a moment before he forced it back into place. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... remembering some things.” He gave Rarity a smile. "A-Anyway...I know its kinda selfish of me...but...do you think you could fix the chain?"

Rarity cleared her throat as she fought to keep a blush from coming upon her cheeks once more. That smile of his could kill a lesser mare. Taking the necklace within her magic, the mare would muse, “Well, while I still say it is not the best accessory in the world, I think your history with it more then makes it special in anyponies eyes.” She set the necklace on the counter before smiling towards the young stallion. “I’ll have it right as rain later tonight, so don’t you worry about a thing, dear.”

Twilight gasped. “Oh geeze, I forgot. Pinkie said Sora’s welcoming party will be tonight at eight over at the barn.”

Rarity’s eyes brightened considerably. “Perfect! I shall be done by then and shall present it to you there. Is that alright with you Sora?”

Sora smirked as he pumped his fist. “Its fine by me! See you later then, Rarity. And...ah...thanks” He set the clothes onto his back, making sure they were balanced with his wings before following Twilight out of the store.

She watched them leave, her gaze slowly shifting toward Sora’s retreating flank. “Yes… until then.”

Chapter 4

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Expected Surprises

Green to start music and red to stop.

It would soon be noon as the trio that was Twilight, Spike and Sora all decided to return to the lavender mare’s library and wait for the upcoming Welcome to Ponyville party, bidding Rarity a good bye until then.

Though they had all agreed to the same destination, they all had their own reasons for wanting to return.

Spike, as soon as he stepped though the door, went to work, putting away books here and there with practiced ease.

Twilight's had, with Sora’s permission to hold it, been to study the strange object that was known as the Keyblade. Without wasting another moment as soon as she stepped though the door, she had immediately set to work using both magical and non-magical tests to ascertain its make, properties, and overall essence. She needed to know what it was. Why something like this was never in any of the history books. It was clearly a weapon of great power, and giving a pony the power to teleport an object to them, rather they can use magic or not, was quite amazing in its own right and it was not something that she could honestly pass up studying. If she was able to figure it out… Oh the possibilities.

Sora’s reason was simple, yet proved to be, at least to him, the most difficult.

He needed to put on some clothes.

Being a boy of seventeen years of age, he knew he would be able to dress himself. Being a boy pony of seventeen years of age with hooves instead of fingers and thumbs to work with, could prove more of a challenge. Despite this he figured that if he was going to be in this pony world for a while, he would need to learn how to dress himself and, he hoped, learn how to get by without fingers. So, under the guise of needing some rest, the ponyfied Keybearer was allowed to return to the room he had awoken in and set to work equipping and removing his attire.

Sora stood in the small room of the library, eyeing his neatly folded clothes on the bed with a mix of determination and uncertainty. His new form posed a unique challenge—hooves were definitely not as nimble as hands. Still, he figured he’d get the hang of it, just like when he’d been a lion cub back in the Pride Lands. But that didn’t stop the nervous chuckle from escaping his lips.

“Alright, Sora. You’ve handled worse. You can do this.”

He reached out with one hoof to grab the shirt. After a few awkward attempts, the fabric slipped from his grasp. His ears flattened against his head in frustration. He tried again, this time using both hooves, and managed to drag the shirt closer to him. Grinning triumphantly, he slid it over his head, only for it to get stuck halfway. The sleeves flapped uselessly, and he wriggled in place like a worm trapped in a cocoon.

“Gah, this is... harder than I thought.”

After a few more moments of struggling, Sora finally managed to get the shirt on, though it sat a little awkwardly on his pony frame. The process had taken longer than expected, and he still had the jacket to put on, but he was making progress.

Sora let out a relieved sigh once he finally got the shirt on, albeit a bit crooked. He glanced at the jacket on the bed and felt a small surge of optimism. "Okay, that wasn't so bad. Just gotta keep going."

The jacket, thankfully, was significantly easier to handle. Since there was no zipper to worry about, he slipped his forelegs through the sleeves with only a few awkward shakes and adjustments. It wasn’t as snug of a fit as he remembered from his human form, but it felt good to have the familiar outfit on. He gave a small nod of satisfaction.

"Ha! Got it!" Sora grinned, feeling a bit more like himself now that he was fully dressed. He glanced at himself in a nearby mirror, noticing how strange yet familiar it was to see his usual clothes on a pony body. He was a little bummed about no pants still but he could get use to it.

With a newfound sense of accomplishment, Sora made his way out of the small room and down the stairs, feeling more like himself now that he was back in his clothes. As he descended, he could hear the faint sounds of Spike humming while he dusted and the soft scratching of a quill on parchment from where Twilight sat at her desk, scribbling notes.

Entering the main room of the library, Sora saw Spike methodically working his way through the shelves, dusting each one with an impressive level of focus. Twilight, meanwhile, was engrossed in whatever she was writing, her brow furrowed in deep concentration. Scrolls and books were scattered around her desk, as if she’d been buried in research since they got back.

Sora cleared his throat lightly, causing both Twilight and Spike to glance up. Spike waved casually. “Hey, Sora! Lookin’ good in your duds!”

"I agree." Twilight added, “Rarity did an amazing job on your outfit Sora. Hard to believe that I could hardly recognize it before, tattered as it was.”

Sora smiled at the compliments, glancing down at his clothes. "Yeah, Rarity really knows her stuff. I’m impressed she was able to fix it up so well. I feel a lot more like myself now."

Spike nodded with a grin, giving Sora an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "Rarity’s the best! She can fix anything and make it look amazing."

Twilight stood up from her desk, rolling the scroll she was writing upon up in her magic. "I still don't get why you were hung up on wearing them though. Ponies usually go around without them."

Sora chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I kinda figured that out after walking around town, but... I guess it’s just what I’m used to. Back where I’m from, everyone wears clothes all the time, so it feels weird not to."

Twilight tilted her head, intrigued. "That’s so fascinating. It must be a cultural thing, then?"

"Yeah, you could say that.” The stallion said as he looked towards the table where his Keyblade lay, noticing all the word stuff around it. “By the way, what’s all this?”

Twilight's eyes lit up as soon as Sora mentioned the Keyblade. She trotted over to the table where the Keyblade rested and beamed with excitement. "Oh, this? Well, I’ve been studying your Keyblade since we got back. I hope you don’t mind! It’s such a unique object, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever come across in all of my studies. It has magical properties, but it’s not purely magical. I’m trying to understand its essence, what it’s made of, and how it works. Look here!"

Her horn began to glow and she used her magic to levitate a pile of her notes towards him. “The material it’s made from. There is no such material like it in all of Equestria! It looks like simple metal, but it's so much more than that!”

Sora blinked at the notes she had shoved in front of his face. The diagrams and scrawled observations were fascinating, but a lot of it went over his head. He smiled nervously and rubbed the back of his head, his eyes peeking over the papers. "Wow, you’ve really gone all out on this, huh? I didn’t even realize the Keyblade was so complicated."

Twilight tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Wait, you mean you didn’t realize it was so complex? But... it’s your Keyblade, right? How can you not know more about it?"

Sora scratched the back of his head, chuckling sheepishly. "Yeah, it’s mine. But honestly, I never really thought too hard about how it works or what it’s made of. It’s been with me for a long time, and I guess I just... use it. I know it comes from my heart and that it’s connected to me, but all this technical stuff?" He glanced at the notes again. "That’s not really my thing."

Twilight sighed frustratingly, clearly not happy with his answer but she figured as much. She didn’t take Sora as someone who listened diligently in class, not that she would ever tell him that outright. Her ears would suddenly perk up at the sound of her clock chiming six times, clueing her in on what time it was. She figured that they still had at least two hours left until they needed to be at the party. Well an hour and a half at least. She had to account for the time it took to get to where they needed to go after all. She wanted to study the keyblade more but without anything to start from, that would just prove more stressful than useful. It was even worse when the owner of said keyblade knew as much about as she did. Scratch that, she more than likely knew more than he ever did.

"Wait!" Twilight exclaimed, looking towards Sora as an idea hit her. "How about you tell me how you got it and from there I can maybe have something to work off of."

"How I got the Keyblade?" he repeated, considering it carefully. He knew that revealing too much about his world could be dangerous, given the rules about maintaining world order, but surely talking about how he got his Keyblade wouldn’t be too much of a breach, right? He nods. “Sure. I can do that.”

Twilight squealed happily as she poofed a scroll and a feather into her magic. “Ok! Then let's start from the beginning. Where were you when you received your keyblade?”

Sora looked upwards as he tapped his chin in thought. “Well...It was a dark and stormy night...”

"Really?" Spike deadpanned, having taken a seat next to Twilight. "You’re gonna start off with that type of cliché?"

Sora laughed at Spike's reaction, rubbing the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. "Yeah, I guess it sounds pretty cliché, huh? But it’s true! It really was a dark and stormy night."

Twilight shot Spike a quick look, silencing his playful sarcasm before turning back to Sora with eager anticipation. "Go on, Sora. I'm listening."

“Anway,” the stallion started again. “ It was dark and stormy…about four years ago from today. I could see from my house that Destiny Island was getting hit bad with waves."

“Destiny Island?" Twilight interrupted. "I never heard of it. Is that where you lived?”

Sora shook his head. "No... It’s an island that sits not too far from my village in the middle of the ocean."

Twilight's quill paused as she processed the new information. "An island in the middle of the ocean... interesting. So, you didn’t actually live on Destiny Island, but it was close to your home?"

Sora nodded. "Yeah, my friends and I used to go there all the time. During that time, we built a raft, dreaming of sailing to other worlds.”

Spike raised his claw, a curious expression on his face. "Wait a minute... you guys were planning to sail to other worlds? How’s that even possible? I mean, wouldn't you just end up floating in the ocean?"

Sora chuckled, remembering how wild and ambitious their plan had been. "Yeah, looking back, it wasn’t exactly a well-thought-out plan. We were just kids, and we didn’t really know if it was even possible. But we had heard stories—legends, really—about other worlds, and we wanted to find them. I guess we thought the raft would be enough to take us there.” He shook his head. “Besides. Though most of that didn’t matter anyway…we didn’t even get a chance to use it.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, her quill poised over the scroll. "What do you mean you didn’t get a chance to use it?"

Sora’s gaze fell to a window nearby. “Well…let's just say things get a lot more complicated as soon as I set foot back on the island.”

~~~

The hooded figure scowled, their eyes narrowing beneath the shadow of the cloak. "Too much attention...," they muttered under their breath. Slipping deeper into the shadows of the alley, they cast one last glance at the library where Sora, Twilight, and Spike were gathered. A faint sense of frustration rippled through them.

"Taking out Twilight now would complicate things... she's too well-guarded." The figure clenched their jaw in frustration, considering their next move. "I need a more isolated target… one who won't cause an immediate uproar."

They melted further into the shadows, disappearing completely.

~~~

Ponyville

Late in the evening...

Twilight led Sora and Spike through the darkening streets of Ponyville, her horn softly illuminating the path ahead as they made their way toward Sugarcube Corner. The sound of crickets chirping filled the cool night air, creating a peaceful backdrop to their walk. Spike, perched comfortably on Twilight’s back, had been peppering Sora with endless questions about his adventures, his youthful curiosity clearly piqued.

“So you really took on a Hydra!? All by yourself?!”

Sora chuckled, shaking his head with a modest smile. "Well, not exactly by myself. I had help from my friends—Donald and Goofy. They’ve always got my back in a fight, so it wasn’t just me. The three of us work really well together.”

Spike’s eyes widened even further as he leaned forward on Twilight’s back. “Donald and Goofy? They sound awesome! What are they like? Do they fight with giant weapons too?”

Sora grinned as he thought about his companions. “Donald’s a magician—he’s got some of the most powerful magic I’ve ever seen, even if he can be a little stubborn at times. And Goofy… well, he’s kind of a knight. He’s always using his shield to protect everyone. You wouldn’t believe how strong he is.”

Twilight, listening as she walked beside Sora, couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. "A magician and a knight... sounds like an interesting group. I’d love to meet them someday."

Sora’s smile faltered slightly, though he tried to keep his tone light. "Yeah, me too. I haven’t seen them in a while. They were off helping a few of my other friends while I was…well…Doing my own thing for a while."

Twilight glanced over at him, sensing the shift in his tone. He was deflecting. She had noticed it during his story sometimes.

Twilight noticed the subtle change in Sora’s demeanor—the way his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes and how he dodged going into too much detail. It wasn’t the first time he had done that either. Throughout the walk, and even during his earlier story, she had picked up on moments where he seemed to hold back or shift the focus away from certain parts. Her curiosity, always piqued by the unknown, had her mind racing with questions.

Before Twilight could think about probing further, her ears perked up at the sound of distant voices and her gaze shifted toward the large arch that marked the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres. The familiar, welcoming sight of the farm stood out against the evening sky, the faint glow of lanterns dotting the path to the barn.

As they walked through the open gates of Sweet Apple Acres, the scent of fresh apples filled the air, carried on the gentle evening breeze. Sora inhaled deeply, the sweet fragrance instantly lifting his spirits. He looked around, his eyes widening at the sheer number of apple trees stretching out as far as he could see. Each tree seemed perfectly placed, laden with red, green, and golden apples that glistened in the fading light.

Twilight gently nudged the young stallion with her flank, gaining back his attention. “This is Sweet Apple Acres. An apple farm ran by the Apple family. One of my best friends is in charge of the place.”

“An apple farm?” He squinted his eyes. Sure enough he could make out the vague shapes of the fruit in the trees now that he was told what they were. “Wow. Never seen an apple farm before.”

“Really?” Spike eyebrow rose. “They don’t have em back where you’re from?”

Twilight, ever the scholar, quickly interjected on Sora’s behalf. “Well, it makes sense if they don’t have them back where he’s from. Apples generally don’t thrive in tropical climates. They need cooler temperatures to grow properly, and based on what Sora’s told us, his home sounds more like a tropical island.”

Sora nodded, grateful for the explanation. “Yeah, Destiny Islands is mostly beaches and palm trees. We have some fruits though. Like Coconuts and…oh! Paopu Fruit.”

Twilight’s ears perked up with curiosity at the mention of a new fruit. “Paopu Fruit? I’ve never heard of that before. What’s it like?”

Sora chuckled lightly, happy to share a piece of his home. “It’s this star-shaped fruit that grows on the island. There’s a legend tied to it—if two people share a Paopu Fruit, their destinies become intertwined, and they’ll always be connected, no matter what.”

Spike’s eyes widened. “Whoa, that’s... kind of deep for a fruit. Do you ever share one?”

Sora scratched the back of his head, looking a little embarrassed. “Not yet, but it’s one of those things people talk about a lot. It's got this special meaning, you know?”

Twilight smiled softly at Sora's explanation, sensing the sentimental value of the fruit. “That sounds like such a beautiful tradition. It must be nice to have that kind of connection to your home.”

As they walked further into the farm, Twilight would guide him towards a giant red barn nearby. As the trio got closer the first thing he noticed was the complete lack of light coming from any of the windows. He also noticed that he couldn’t even hear a sound. Not a word, peep, or whisper. It was very strange to say the least.

“Twilight…” He tried to keep his voice even, despite the sense of foreboding he was beginning to feel. “You sure this is the place where the party is supposed to be? It's a bit dark here.”

Twilight ignored the statement, giving the stallion a sly smile. Moving past him, she opened the door wide enough to enter, leaving Sora in the elements of the night. A look of apprehension came across his features as he slowly but surely followed after the lavender unicorn, if only to make sure that she was ok.

“Twilight!” His voice was just barely above a whisper. “Twilight! Where are you!?” A random flash of light beaming down upon the stallion caused him to stop in his tracks. It took time for his eyes to adjust to the sudden disturbance and when they did he found, to his surprise, a familiar pink pony standing on what he assumed was the other end of the barn. Her curly mane had been wrapped in a light blue cloth, fruit of many kinds balanced expertly on top of her head. What really surprised Sora was the fact that she was standing on her hind legs, a similar colored cloth wrapped snugly around her hips, only showing off one of her legs in a manner that made Sora want to avert his eyes due to modesty.

He looked toward her face which wasn’t smiling in the slightest, which seemed odd to Sora, due to her doing nothing but smile when he first met the mare. Instead her muzzle was in the air and her eyes closed, resembling how a fancy person would look when walking down a street in comics he read.

Her name was about to escape his lips, but before it could, she suddenly raised both of her forehooves and clopped them together twice. In that same instant, as if on cue, a stream of spotlights appeared behind her, revealing a previously hidden band, each member dressed in some kind of tropical attire. Music suddenly played as Pinkie looked Sora’s way, her face once again lit by a nice bright smile.

And then… She started to sing.

My name is Pinkamena, But Please call me Pinkie Pie,

Its what my friends do call me, so why don’t you give a try,

As she started on the next verse she began to walk, yes, she was walking due to her standing on her hind legs, slowly towards Sora. Her forehooves were placed on her hips completely overemphasizing her steps. Once again, it made Sora’s face light up like a Christmas Tree.

This party is just for yo~ou! A welcome to Ponyville!

I hope you enjoy your party! Cause I-I-I Know I will!

Pinkie had quickly closed the distance between herself in Sora. The boy in question could clearly see a look of complete happiness upon her face. For some reason he just knew that she was and that she was enjoying herself to the fullest, a real party pony as it were.

When she was just a few feet away from him she raised her hooves high in the air, causing the light to cast the darkness into submission, revealing a whole gaggle of ponies that were previously hidden by the darkness. They all had bright smiles on their features as well, each one welcoming Sora with open hooves. Said stallion smiled back, completely embarrassed but not stopping himself from enjoying everything as Pinkie’s voice once again rang in his ears.

Pinkie Party!

Pinkie Party!

In here it's better! Not at all wetter, just look and see!

We threw this party just for you, So that we can welcome you to

Where it is better, again not wetter,

PINKIE PARTY!!

The pink mare gripped him by his fore hooves and began to twirl him about. The boy couldn't help but laugh as he joined in on the song as well.

I hope you don't mind me saying, this is quite a nice surprise!

I’ve never party so ha~rd, In my entire life!

Pinkie smiled brighter As she picked up the next verse.

I'm really glad you love it! I made it with you in mind!

Come on, lets go party-Hardy! Go on and shake that grove behind!

Both Sora and Pinkie began to sing once again, this time together.

Pinkie Party!

Pinkie Party!

In here its better! Not at all wetter, just look and see!

We threw this party just for you, So that we can welcome you to

Where it is better, again not wetter,

PINKIE PARTY!!

As the last note was played she happily wrapped her hooves around the stallion in a welcoming embrace, causing everypony to cheer happily.

Well… Everypony except one very familiar white unicorn who instead gritted her teeth in a very unlady like manner.

The scent of bubblegum once again assaulted his scenes before she pulled away, a bright smile still on her bubbly face. “So, Sora! Did ya like the song? Did ya?! Huh!? Huh!? Did ya?” Her smile was bright and welcoming, soothing even.

Sora, still catching his breath from the unexpected whirlwind of dancing and singing, chuckled nervously, his heart pounding more from the sheer excitement of it all rather than the exertion. "Y-yeah, Pinkie! That was... amazing! I’ve never been welcomed like this before." He could feel his face still glowing from the attention, but the warmth and sincerity in Pinkie’s eyes made it impossible not to smile back at her.

Pinkie Pie beamed at his response, bouncing in place. "Yay! I knew you'd love it! Welcome to Ponyville, Sora!” The pink mare gave him another soul crushing hug, much to his charging.

“Ahem!”

Sora, Pinkie, Twilight and Spike (The latter two just entering into the conversation) turned to find an irritated Rarity staring indignantly at Pinkie.

“Pinkie… Dear… Could you please release Sora so that you don’t ruffle his clothes too much. I would like to see them in their full glory if you do not mind.”

Pinkie obliged after giving Sora one more quick squeeze for good measure. Letting the stallion go, the pink party pony bounced away mentioning something about checking in on the other guests. The ponies that were left in her wake watched her bounced off, disappearing into the crowd.

Sora let out a relieved breath once Pinkie finally let him go, his body still tingling from her bone-crushing hug. He smiled sheepishly at Rarity, who approached with a more refined grace, her eyes immediately darting to his clothes, clearly assessing every detail of the outfit she had worked so hard on.

“Much better,” Rarity said with a pleased smile, her previous irritation melting away. “Now, darling, let me take a proper look at you.” She circled around him, her sharp eye for detail scrutinizing the seams, the fit, and the overall aesthetic. "Yes, yes, quite marvelous! Rarity’s touch has certainly brought out the best in this outfit, wouldn’t you agree?" Her tone was half teasing, but there was an unmistakable pride in her voice.

Sora chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, I don’t know much about fashion myself, but it feels really good to wear. No tightness or anything like that. It's super comfortable, actually. Thanks again, Miss Rarity."

“Sora, darling” The silkiness in her voice returned, a soothing sound that graced all ears that were in the vicinity of it. “You can just call me Rarity.” She purred. "We are friends after all, you and I."

Sora felt his face grow warm as Rarity's smooth words sank in, her voice wrapping around him like a velvet ribbon. He stumbled over his words, blushing furiously as he rubbed the back of his head. "O-oh! Uh... r-right, Rarity. Thanks... again. I really appreciate it."

As Sora fumbled through his blushing response, behind him, Spike was winding up for a not-so-friendly leap toward the stallion. His eyes were narrowed, and his little claws were flexed, clearly not appreciating the affectionate tone in Rarity’s voice directed toward Sora.

Before Spike could make his move, Twilight’s magic wrapped firmly around his tail, halting him mid-pounce. "Easy, Spike," Twilight whispered, pulling the baby dragon back gently. "I don’t think Sora’s trying to steal your thunder."

Unaware of the thrashing Sora was about to receive, Rarity smiled. “Now then darling, I do believe I have a present for you.” Using the blue hue of her magic, the mare produced a silver crown attached to a simple chain. “I do hope you like it darling. I polished it using a special formula I created to give my jewelry that extra bit of sheen.”

Sora's eyes widened as he saw the polished silver crown pendant hanging from the chain, glistening under the light of the barn. He had been expecting Rarity to fix it, but seeing it restored to such a pristine condition made his heart skip a beat. The simple necklace held so much sentimental value for him, and Rarity’s touch had made it even more beautiful.

"Wow..." Sora murmured, "It looks amazing, Rarity." He gingerly took the necklace in his hooves, his face lighting up with gratitude. "Thank you so much. It means a lot to me."

Rarity beamed, clearly pleased with his reaction. "Oh, darling, it was my pleasure. When I saw how important it was to you, I just knew I had to make sure it looked its very best."

Sora carefully placed the necklace around his neck, the crown pendant settling back into its familiar spot against his chest. The feel of it, the weight, it all brought back memories of Riku and the adventures they shared. It was a comforting reminder of home.

He beamed at the mare. “Thanks, Rarity…really.”

Rarity’s smile grew even brighter at Sora’s heartfelt thanks. "You’re very welcome, Sora. Seeing you happy makes it all worth it. I mean You did help me out more then you know after all.” Before Sora could even question what she was talking about music started blasting all about them causing the three ponies and the dragon to look around in confusion. Ponies all about them began, what Sora believed, to dance all around them.

“Wow.” Twilight mused loud enough so that she could be heard. “Pinkie really went all out for this welcoming party. So-” She paused finding the spot Sora just occupied only to find it unexpectedly empty. Neither Rarity nor Spike had noticed that they were down one pony. “Hey! Where did Sora go?”

Both the white unicorn and the baby dragon turned in unison to the place they last saw the caramel stallion.

“Huh? B-but… he didn’t even grab his necklace. Where could he- PINKIE!! YOU BRING THAT STALLION BACK HERE RIGHT NOW” Rarity chased after the pink pony who was busily swinging Sora around in a circle by his forehooves.

~~~

The crisp night air cooled Sora’s tired body. Between Rarity’s undivided attention and Pinkie Pie’s… Pinkieness(?), most of his energy for the day had been spent. He was having a blast of a time at the welcoming party but he did feel he needed to get at least a little time to himself, mostly to think. He slipped out at the first chance he was given, making his way to an apple tree nearby the barn.

The cool breeze rustled the leaves above him, creating a soft, calming sound that contrasted with the lively party in the barn. Sora leaned back against the sturdy trunk of the apple tree, feeling the rough bark against his back as he let out a tired sigh. His mind, though, wasn't entirely quiet. The party had been fun, but now, in the stillness of the night, the unanswered questions that had been lurking in the back of his mind started bubbling up again.

"What was that door?" Sora thought to himself. "And why did it bring me here?"

He furrowed his brow, trying to make sense of it. Ever since his journey began, he had encountered countless strange places, from worlds of talking animals to vibrant cities floating in the clouds. But this? This world felt different. Not in a bad way, but different in a way he couldn’t quite place.

The way that door had just appeared out of nowhere—it didn’t make sense. The Keyblade usually had a connection to the doors between worlds, but this one had felt... off. Unfamiliar. And that led him to the next question: Why had he transformed into a pony? Donald’s magic hadn’t caused it, and his clothes weren’t enchanted to change his form, so what was the trigger?

Sora rested his chin on his hooves, staring blankly ahead. "It’s not like I’m against being a pony or anything, but… there has to be a reason."

Sora shook his head, deciding that there was no point in dwelling on the questions now. "I’m not going to get any answers tonight. Focus on what’s in front of you for now." He let out another sigh, his body relaxing slightly as he leaned back against the tree, preparing to let his mind wander away from the mysteries that plagued him.

Just as he closed his eyes, a loud, energetic yet timid voice rang out next to him. “H-Howdy!”

Startled, Sora’s head shot up, but in his haste, he smacked it against the tree trunk with a solid thud. “Ow!” he yelped, rubbing his head just as an apple dislodged from the tree and fell squarely on top of him, adding a second injury to the first. “Ow... again,” he groaned, blinking in confusion and pain.

“Haha...Smooth mister.” A slightly tomboyish voice whistled.

“Yeah. Smooth.” Another voice, this one rather high and squeaky, agreed.

Sora shook the daze from his head, forcing his mind into full wakefulness. When he was done he found three little ponies, one orange, one yellow, and the last white, staring up at him.

“Ah… Hey there…” His voice was very unsure about the current predicament, that was for certain. “Can I help you?”

The orange filly with the magenta mane smiled deviously. “Well...I don’t know about myself, but I’m sure that you can help Ap--“

She was unable to finish her sentence due to getting smacked away by the yellow filly’s abnormally strong rump. With a bright and innocent smile, the earth pony filly would carrying on as though she did nothing wrong. “Heh, heh. Don’t mind her. She always says silly things. My names Applebloom by the way. This here is Sweetie Belle.” She pointed a hoof at herself and the white filly respectively. “And over yonder is Scootaloo.” Named filly was currently preoccupied with prying herself from a hole in an apple tree. “We're just here ta welcome ya ta Ponyville.”

Sora blinked a few times, still recovering from the unexpected ambush of introductions and the apple to the head. His eyes darted from the overly enthusiastic yellow filly to the white one with the high-pitched voice, then over to the orange pegasus, who was struggling to free herself from the hole in the apple tree. He couldn't help but chuckle at the scene, despite his confusion.

"Uh... thanks, I guess?" Sora said, smiling awkwardly at the trio.

The stallion gaze fell on the yellow filly, her own shifting from one way to the next as if trying to avoid looking at him for too long. After a long second she blurts out-

“I...ah... really like your mane!”

Sweetie Belle’s hoof met her face.

Sora raised an eyebrow at the sudden outburst, his confusion momentarily overriding his amusement. "Uh... my mane?" He glanced up at his spiky, wind-tossed hair, wondering if it was somehow different than usual.

Applebloom, her face turning a bright shade of red, nodded quickly, still avoiding his gaze. "Y-yeah! It's... real cool lookin'! All spiky and stuff.”

The stallion cocked his head to the side before speaking again, giving the filly a smile. “Haha...Thanks. I usually wake up to it looking like this”

Applebloom's blush deepened, and she gave a nervous laugh. "Really? You wake up like that? That's... pretty amazin'." She shifted her hooves nervously, her eyes darting to Sweetie Belle for support, who simply sighed and gave an encouraging nod.

Sora chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, I guess I’ve always had a bit of a wild mane. It’s kind of my thing." He grinned at the trio, feeling a little more at ease now. "But hey, if you like it, I’ll take that as a compliment."

Sweetie Belle finally spoke up, giving Applebloom a playful nudge. "See? Told you it wasn’t that hard to say something nice."

Applebloom mumbled under her breath, “Wasn’t that easy either.”

Silence followed soon after, as all three ponies just looked between each other. It was only being broken by Sora as he slowly stood back up, patting the dust off his hunches. “Anyway…it was nice to meet you guys. I really should get going back to the-” A piercing scream filled the night air, causing the stallion and the fillies to stare in the direction it originated with wide eyes and pinprick pupils.

Author's Note

FORGIVE ME!!!!

Chapter 6

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by Steel Soul

The Sun and the Moon

Green to start music and red to stop music

Twilight’s library was filled with a quiet hum of conversation as the gathered ponies discussed the recent events, but Fluttershy, standing by the small kitchen area, was lost in her own thoughts. The gentle clinking of teacups and the soft hiss of the kettle were the only sounds she focused on as she prepared tea for everyone.

Her mind replayed the terrifying encounter from earlier that evening—those shadowy creatures, the "Heartless" as Sora had called them, the way they had moved with such malice, and the overwhelming fear she had felt. But more than that, she couldn’t stop thinking about Sora and the way he had protected her so effortlessly, wielding that strange key-like weapon with such skill. It was unlike anything she had ever seen.

As she carefully poured the hot water into the teapot, the scent of calming chamomile filled the room, soothing her frayed nerves. Despite the warmth of the library, Fluttershy couldn’t quite shake the lingering chill of fear.

How many more of those creatures are out there? she wondered, her hooves trembling slightly as she set the cups on a tray. And why were they after me?

Fluttershy took a deep breath as she picked up the tray of tea, feeling the weight of the questions pressing down on her. Her friends, normally so full of life and conversation, were now subdued, each lost in their thoughts. As she walked toward the central table, her gaze lingered on Sora, who sat surrounded by the others but looked just as isolated as she felt. Rainbow Dash hovered just above him, her eyes narrowed in suspicion, almost like she was trying to figure out if he was part of the problem rather than the solution.

Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity sat close together, each one clearly concerned. Twilight's quill moved furiously over a scroll, jotting down every detail they could remember from the encounter, while Applejack looked deep in thought, chewing her lip. Rarity, for once, was uncharacteristically quiet, her usually immaculate mane slightly frazzled, showing how the evening's events had taken their toll on her.

Then there was Pinkie Pie, perched on her stool, rocking back and forth with a strangely calm expression on her face. Normally, Pinkie was the one to break tension, but even she seemed to sense that this was more serious than her usual antics could handle.

Sora, still sitting in the center of the group, looked equally tense but focused. His eyes flickered between the ponies around him as if trying to read their thoughts or figure out what he should say next.

Fluttershy carefully set the tray down on the table, and the soft clink of teacups drew everyone’s attention for a moment. "I-I made tea," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought it might help calm us down."

“Thank ya kindly, Fluttershy,” Applejack said, offering a grateful smile as she picked up a cup. “Could use somethin’ warm after all that.”

Twilight too thanked the shy pegasus before taking a sip of the hot beverage, placing it upon the table beside her when she was done. Her purple eyes then turned to Sora, whose gaze was that of uncertainty.

He had already recounted what had happened earlier that evening, but the tension in the room made it clear that the ponies were still processing everything. Twilight set her tea down, her focus completely on Sora. “I know this might seem a bit...well...mean to you, and I don’t want to lessen what you did to help my friend Fluttershy. Celestia knows that you saved her...” The mare’s gaze became like steel.. “Be that as it may, you knew what they were right away. Fluttershy said so herself You being here and them attacking ponies is something that I don’t think I can call a coincidence. So, do you mind telling us who or what in the hay those things were?”

Sora shifted uneasily in his seat, Twilight’s intense gaze making him feel more like he was under interrogation than participating in a friendly discussion. He knew this conversation was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier. The teacup in front of him sat untouched as he glanced around at the expectant faces of the ponies.

Twilight was right, of course. The Heartless appearing in this world couldn’t just be a coincidence. He knew that. But explaining it all, especially without breaking the rules of the worlds, was tricky.

Sora sighed softly, his eyes lowering to the floor before he began speaking. "Those creatures... they’re called Heartless.”

Twilight's ears twitched at the mention of the name, a small shiver running down her spine. "Heartless..." she repeated quietly, the word settling uncomfortably in the air. There was something about that name—something ominous, as if it carried more weight than just the monsters themselves.

Sora watched her reaction, his own expression somber. He knew how terrifying the Heartless could be to those who had never faced them before. "Yeah, Heartless," he continued, his voice steady but laced with caution. "They’re creatures born from darkness, from hearts that have been consumed by it. Once someone loses themselves to darkness, their heart can turn into one of those things."

Applejack furrowed her brow, her hoof tapping lightly on the table. "So, yer sayin' those monsters were once ponies... or some other kind of creature?"

Sora shook his head slightly. "Not exactly. Heartless are drawn to strong hearts, but not every creature turns into one. Some just lose their hearts, and the Heartless take them. They’re not picky."

Twilight shifted uneasily in her seat, her brow furrowed as she tried to wrap her head around what Sora was saying. "Wait... are you saying they... eat hearts?" Her voice wavered slightly, the idea clearly unsettling to her.

“N-No.Its more like…” The stallion paused and hummed. “They are...Um...” he folded his arms about his chest and closed his eyes. After a few moments, he opened them again. “How did the Master explain this again? Oh! I know. Let me ask this. What's a heart?”

Twilight blinked, her head tilting slightly in confusion. "What’s... a heart?" she repeated, as if unsure she had heard him correctly.

Sora nodded. "Yeah. What’s a heart?"

Twilight pondered for a second before answering. “Well, a heart is a vital organ within somepony’s body. It is a cardiac muscle composed of four inner chambers. The chambers are responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The circulating blood delivers important nutrients and oxygen to tissues while bringing back toxins and wastes for filtering. The heart is also fired by electrical impulses.” the lavender unicorn smiled brightly. “OH! A little factoid as it were! The four chambers of the heart are called atria and ventricles. The atria are located at the top half and the ventricles on the bottom. The left side of the heart is responsible for circulating oxygenated blood into the body, while the right side takes deoxygenated blood and pumps it back into the lungs. It's always so fascinating to..." She smiled expectantly towards everypony before frowning at the blank looks they were all giving her. "What?"

Sora rubbed the back of his head. “I...ah...Don’t think that's what I mean. I was talking more about...hmm” He paused as he placed a hoof to his chest. “I meant more like feelings in the heart. Like when someone says to follow your heart or something like that.” He smiled sheepishly. “Sorry...My master explains it a lot better than I can.”

“Oh!” Twilight perked up. “Then you mean more along the lines of magic and friendship studies, Right? As in the heart is seen as the core of a being’s emotions, their desires, and their connections to others."

Sora’s face lit up with relief as Twilight clarified. "Yeah! That’s exactly what I mean." He nodded enthusiastically. "The heart isn’t just a physical thing, it’s where all your feelings and connections come from. That’s what I was trying to get at."

Fluttershy raised her hoof like a little school filly before asking. “You said master...What do you mean by that? ...if you don't mind me asking, that is.”

“Oh! Master Yin Sid is a former keyblade master I’m training under. He’s kinda strange and kinda mean but he always knows everything and everyone trusts him.”

A cyan mare, who Sora has yet to be introduced to, blew a bit of her rainbow colored mane out of her face. “Really deep there, buddy.”

“Well to be fair, Dash,” Applejack chimed in. “Don’t we do the same thing for the Princesses? Ah mean trust her and she knows stuff and what not.”

Rainbow huffed as she looked away, not quite knowing how to come back with a good snappy remark to her friends' words except, “Whatever…”

The boy rubbed the back of his head with a hoof once again. “Anyway, if I actually remember what he said correctly, He told us that peo-ah...ponies are composed of three things. The heart, which contains emotions, the soul, which carries out the heart’s orders, and...umm... The body, that serves as a vessel to the heart and the soul.”

Twilight's ears perked up as she listened to Sora’s explanation, her curiosity piqued once again. “Heart, soul, and body... That’s a fascinating concept, Sora,” she mused, already thinking of how this could relate to her studies on magic and friendship. “So, the heart is where your emotions and connections come from, while the soul acts as a bridge between the heart and the body? That makes a lot of sense in a metaphysical sense.” She frowned. “So in short of it…the Heartless were going to…well…turn Fluttershy into one of them…right?”

Rarity shuddered as she pulled a now visibly shivering Fluttershy closer to her as everyone within the room began to realize just how lucky the poor mare was that Sora was there to save her if what he said was true.

Sora’s expression grew solemn as he nodded. “Yeah... if the Heartless had taken Fluttershy’s heart, she would’ve become one of them.” His gaze flicked to Fluttershy, his heart sinking at the sight of her trembling. "I’m really sorry, Fluttershy... I wish I could’ve explained all of this before anypony got hurt."

Fluttershy, though clearly shaken, gave a small smile, her voice soft but sincere. “I-it’s okay, Sora. You saved me, and that’s what matters. Thank you.”

Applejack frowned. “Still…that explains one thing but leaves a heep bunch out. Like…Where did they come from…and why are they appearing now?”

“And I’ve never read anything about these creatures in any of my books.” Twilight added, still quite shaken. “Believe me I would know. I read them all.”

Sora sighed deeply, knowing this was the question he had been avoiding—because he didn’t have a clear answer either. He rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze dropping to the floor as he tried to find the right words. “I wish I knew for sure. Heartless don’t just... appear for no reason. They’re drawn to darkness, and wherever there’s darkness, they follow. But why they’re here, in Equestria... I don’t know.”

Rainbow flew toward Sora and started to poke his chest with a hoof. “Kinda odd since they only appeared here after you showed up, isn’t it?” There was an accusing tone to her voice that Sora did not like one bit. “How do we know that you're not the one who made them show up, huh?”

Sora took a step back, his expression tightening as Rainbow Dash’s accusation hit him. He understood her concern—ponies were in danger, and he was an outsider—but the idea that he could be responsible for the Heartless appearing here stung deeply.

Before Sora could defend himself, Rarity stepped forward, her eyes narrowing at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, honestly! How could you accuse him like that?" she said sharply, her voice filled with indignation. "Sora just saved Fluttershy’s life, and you think he’s the one to blame for those horrible creatures? Really, darling, that’s not fair at all!"

Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs and hovered in place, her expression defiant. "I’m just saying, it’s kinda suspicious that these Heartless showed up right after he did! Just because you’re the first to fall for a pretty face doesn’t mean I have to trust him too! For all we know he could be a spy!”

“Oh, you mean how like me, Spike, and Twilight were when we snuck into Canterlot? We were all dressed in black and sneaking around and I was laughing and laughing and laughing the whole way. Oh! That reminds me, I still have to buy a flugelhorn at Jack’s Joke Shop for back at the Cakes’ bakery. Though the Cakes said I'm not allowed to play back at the bakery due to the twins being there. So now I'll just have to set it on my desk with all of my other stuff I’ve collected over the years. Like my foam finger and the Grand Galloping Gala Ticket and Pandora’s box and an orange ball with 3 stars on it and my safety net and -”

“Oh, you mean like how me, Spike, and Twilight snuck into Canterlot?" Pinkie suddenly chimed in, bouncing over to the group. "We were all dressed in black and sneaking around! I was laughing and laughing the whole way! Oh! That reminds me, I still have to buy a flugelhorn at Jack’s Joke Shop! The Cakes said I'm not allowed to play it at the bakery because of the twins, so I’ll just set it on my desk with all my other stuff! Like my foam finger, the Grand Galloping Gala ticket, Pandora’s box, an orange ball with three stars on it, my safety net, and—"

"Pinkie!" Twilight interrupted, her voice exasperated. "What are you even talking about right now?"

Pinkie blinked, tilting her head. "Well, Rainbow Dash said Sora could be a spy, so I was just thinking about all the fun we had sneaking around Canterlot that one time! But Sora doesn’t seem like the sneaky type. He’s more of the 'hero with a big key' type!"

Sora, still standing there, feeling caught off-guard by the sudden change in conversation, couldn’t help but chuckle awkwardly at Pinkie’s outburst. "Yeah... I’m definitely not a spy."

Twilight sighed, rubbing her temple. "Pinkie, I appreciate the... enthusiasm, but we’re trying to have a serious conversation here."

Pinkie just smiled brightly. "I know, I know! But we can’t go blaming everypony who shows up just because something bad happens. That’s like saying the parasprites were my fault because I had all that candy!"

Twilight sighed, choosing to momentarily ignore Pinkie's rambling, and turned her focus back to Sora.

"I don’t know what to think of all this right now, Sora," she admitted. "This whole situation with the Heartless, your arrival, and these strange events... it’s a lot to take in. But for now, I do know that something bigger is happening, and we need to be prepared."

She glanced over to Spike, who had been silently observing everything, his quill and parchment ready. "Spike," Twilight called, her voice more decisive now. "Take a letter."

Spike immediately hopped to attention, ready to write as Twilight began dictating the message.

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you of a troubling development that has occurred in Ponyville. Strange creatures known as 'Heartless' have appeared and attacked one of my friends, Fluttershy. Luckily, with the help of a visitor named Sora, we were able to fend them off. However, the appearance of these creatures raises many questions, and I believe this could be the start of something more dangerous.

I will continue investigating this matter, but I may need your guidance. Please let me know if you have any information about these Heartless or if there’s anything we can do to protect Equestria.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle"

Spike finished writing the letter in record time, rolled it up, and with a quick puff of green fire, sent it off to the princess.

Twilight turned back to Sora, her expression softening slightly. "Until we hear back from Princess Celestia, I think we-”

Twilight's words were cut short by a sudden gagging sound from Spike. He let out a loud, fiery burp, and a letter materialized in a puff of smoke, much sooner than anyone had expected.

Twilight’s eyes widened in surprise as she caught the letter in her magical aura. "That was fast..." she muttered, opening the scroll hastily. Everypony in the room fell silent as Twilight’s eyes quickly scanned the parchment. Her expression shifted from confusion to concern as she read the message aloud.

"Dear Twilight Sparkle,

Thank you for your swift message. The appearance of these creatures is indeed alarming, and it is vital that we take immediate action. Please bring Sora and your friends to Canterlot at once. There is much to discuss, and we must prepare for what may come.

Yours sincerely,
Princess Celestia."

The room was filled with a tense silence after Twilight finished reading. Everypony exchanged worried glances, the gravity of the situation settling in.

Applejack was the first to speak. "Well, shoot. Looks like we’re headin’ to Canterlot sooner than we thought."

~~~

Sora let out a soft sigh, watching the condensation on the window slowly fade as the cool glass cleared. The steady rhythm of the train’s wheels on the tracks was comforting, helping to ease the tension that had been building since they left Ponyville. The scenery of Equestria, with its rolling hills and vast fields, stretched out before him, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

The boy closed his eyes and sighed deeply, his mind swimming with uncertainty and slight dread at what might happen. Sure, he was tired; waking up at seven in the morning after a long night of partying and fighting would put anyone in a dour mood, but it was more along the lines of WHO he was meeting this morning.

The Ruler of this world, Princess Celesita.

Princess? Sounds more like a goddess with what she and this Luna could do. Moving giant celestial bodies doesn’t sound easy after all.

He had to admit that moving the sun and moon the way they do does sound a little cool. Riku and Kairi would be…

Sora’s gaze shifted towards the ground at the thought of his two friends, a solemn moment passing before he regained his composure.

Still he did learn something valuable. Two simple facts that he would never forget.

Number one: Twilight loved to lecture.

He’d never seen someone so enthralled by just informing someone with the information they had. He had to admit, it surprised him to see her so happy about it. It made him happy to see her smile.

The second thing he learned: Never interrupt Twilight’s lecture.

Such a mistake would never be made again by the caramel stallion. Never… ever… again. He shuddered at the result of coming to said conclusion. Maleficent could not even hold a candle to this girl’s fury.

His gaze would shift back towards the window lazily, being greeted by a pair of deep blue irises staring back at him.

Wait… that’s not right. A window should reflect, not stare back.

Sora practically jumped out of his seat, startled by the sudden face peering at him from the train window. He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of the bright blue eyes and wide grin that greeted him from the other side of the glass.

"HI!" the pony on the other side repeated, her voice muffled but still bubbly and excited.

It took him a second to realize it was Pinkie Pie, somehow hanging upside down outside the moving train, defying logic in a way that only Pinkie could. Sora blinked again, trying to shake off the confusion. "Pinkie?! How are you—"

Pinkie giggled happily and opened the window, carefully sliding through it and plopping her flank on the seat that Sora had just been sitting in.

“Whoops! Sorry, Sora,” the pink party mare apologized in a far too happy tone. “I was just trying to surprise you, but it looks like I somehow managed to startle you instead.”

Sora, to his credit, just smiled back at his new companion. “It's okay. Just wasn’t expecting it at all.” He lifted himself up and sat next to her. “I’m sorry for being startled instead of surprised.”

Pinkie smiled brighter than ever as he did so. “Apology accepted!”

After a few moments of silence between the two of them, the boy would ask, “So… do you need something, Pinkie?”

Her gaze then fell upon him and she began to breathe in. No...That wasn’t right. It was more like she just cast a spell on him and was sucking his very being into her body. He could barely move or speak. Thoughts seemed to jumble within him as every inch of his being screamed at him to make a run for it before it was too late. He didn’t know why though. This mare had been nothing but kind to him. Free food. Free party. Free hugs. She was the living definition of good first impressions. And yet...

Sora would notice that Pinkie Pie had finished sucking up all life-giving oxygen all around her.

And then she did the only logical thing left for her to do.

She talked.

~~~

Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity sat together in the train compartment, their attention shifting every so often to the spectacle happening a few seats down. Pinkie Pie, true to her energetic self, was animatedly talking Sora's ears off, her words coming out in a blur as she gestured wildly with her hooves. Sora, looking dazed but trying his best to keep up, sat next to her, nodding every now and then but clearly overwhelmed.

Rainbow Dash, hovering nearby with a smug grin plastered on her face, glanced back at her friends. "Looks like Pinkie's doing her thing," she said, snickering. "I bet Sora's wishing he had stayed quiet, huh?"

Twilight sighed, shaking her head slightly but with an amused smile tugging at her lips. "Honestly, Rainbow. You shouldn't have set Pinkie on him like that. He's been through a lot."

“What? You said you needed to keep him busy right?” Rainbow defended.

Twilight sighed as she watched the mare and the stallion as well. “Hopefully he’ll be fully recovered by the time we reach Canterlot. We need him at least semi coherent when he meets the princesses. Now then, onto the subject of our mysterious friend.” She motioned toward Sora. “What do you girls think of him?”

“I don’t trust him!” Rainbow harrumphed.

“I do believe you made that clear already, Rainbow,” Twilight responded.

“At the train station,” Applejack continued.

“And the library this morning.” Rarity rolled her eyes.

“Last night as well…” Fluttershy whispered.

Rainbow blinked. “Oh. So yeah, that’s my verdict. What do you think, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy flinched slightly as all eyes turned to her, but she took a deep breath and spoke softly. “I-I think Sora’s kind. He saved me from those… those Heartless. I don’t think somepony who would risk their life to help a stranger can be all bad.” She gave a small, but sincere smile. “He didn’t have to do that, and he wasn’t scared at all.”

“Or maybe he’s just trying to lull you into a false sense of security,” Rainbow spat.

Fluttershy flinched again at Rainbow Dash’s sharp response, but she held her ground, her soft voice growing a bit more firm. “I-I don’t think so, Rainbow. If he wanted to hurt us, he had plenty of chances, but he didn’t.He could’ve left me there, but he didn’t.” She shook her head. “Maybe…he is hiding something from us…I just… I just don’t believe somepony like that would be trying to trick us though.”

“I think he is a proper gentlecolt as well,” Rarity mused. “and he has yet to prove to me otherwise. He may be a little naïve here and there but he has my complete and utter trust.”

Applejack gave a thoughtful nod, adjusting her hat as she spoke. "I hear ya, Rarity, and I reckon Fluttershy’s got a point too. Sora seems like a good fella, and I’m mighty grateful he saved Fluttershy." She glanced over at Rainbow Dash, who still looked unconvinced. "But I also gotta admit, somethin’ about all this still don’t sit right with me. I ain't sayin' he's lyin', but we still don't know the whole story. So, I’m holdin’ off on makin' my full judgment until we know more."

“So that’s two for trusting, one for not trusting and one indecisive.” She used her magic to pop out a quill and paper next to her, marking down her findings. “I, myself, believe that he can’t be trusted right now. Too many unanswered questions for my taste.” She marked the untrusting box once more. “So right now, it’s a tie.”

“What about Pinkie?”

At Rainbows question they all turned to where the mare was sitting, her mouth still moving a mile a minute. The topic seemed to have been diverted to dirt somehow. Sora seemed to have been frozen in place, his left and right eye slowly but surely moving away from each other as if trying to escape the onslaught of Pinkie’s... Pinkieness.

The group watched in silence for a moment as Pinkie continued her seemingly endless monologue, while Sora sat beside her, looking utterly overwhelmed. His eyes darted from side to side, as if searching for an escape route, but Pinkie showed no signs of slowing down.

Twilight cleared her throat, trying to keep a straight face despite the absurdity of the scene. "Well, I think it's safe to say that Pinkie... trusts him."

"Or she just doesn't care either way," Rainbow Dash muttered, rolling her eyes.

Applejack chuckled softly. "Well, trust or not, Pinkie’s always good at makin' folks feel welcome. Sora sure ain’t gonna forget this train ride, that’s for sure."

“Let’s just leave her out of it for now.” Twilight said. “Anyway, we can at least all agree to watch him for now, yes? At least until we see the princesses.”

"Yeah, I guess that’s the best course of action for now," Rainbow Dash muttered, though her tone still held a hint of suspicion. "We’ll keep an eye on him, but I’m still not convinced."

"I’m with you on that, Rainbow," Applejack agreed, adjusting her hat. "We’ll watch him close, but let’s not jump to conclusions just yet."

Rarity, who had been quietly observing the conversation, chimed in with a thoughtful nod. "Agreed. We don’t know his full story, and while it’s only natural to be cautious, I’d prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt for now."

Fluttershy gave a small nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think... that’s fair."

Twilight smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Good. We’ll keep an open mind and see what happens when we meet the princesses. For now, let’s focus on getting to Canterlot and finding out more about these Heartless."

~~~

The train hissed to a stop at the Canterlot station, steam rising from the tracks as the doors slid open. Ponies began slipping off the train, chatting and going about their business, the bustling city of Canterlot greeting them with its usual grandeur. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy made their way off the train first, their expressions a mix of focus and anticipation for the meeting ahead.

Twilight led the way, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings of the Canterlot station as she mentally prepared herself for the conversation with Princess Celestia, before guiding everyone foward. Beside her, Applejack adjusted her hat, and Rainbow Dash stretched her wings, taking to the air to fly off the stiff train ride. Rarity walked beside Applejack, her head held a little higher now that she was among the Canterlot Elite. Fluttershy had stayed back with Pinkie and Sora, the yellow mare’s gaze falling on the latter two.

Pinkie Pie bounced energetically, her endless chatter still aimed at Sora, who followed behind her in a daze. The caramel stallion walked with a look of utter bewilderment, as if he had just emerged from some surreal dream—or perhaps a nightmare. He wasn’t sure which it was. His mind was still swimming with all the topics Pinkie had covered, and he wasn’t quite sure how to process it all.

"—and then I told him, ‘No, silly! You don’t put cupcakes in a balloon! You put them in the oven first!’" Pinkie giggled, bouncing alongside Sora, who simply nodded absently.

Sora blinked, his eyes unfocused as he tried to collect his thoughts. He wasn’t entirely sure what Pinkie had been talking about for the last... however long it had been. Time seemed to blur together. "Uh... yeah, sure, Pinkie," he muttered, still feeling as though he were walking through some strange dreamscape.

As they made their way through the bustling streets of Canterlot, the elegant architecture and the gleaming white towers seemed almost surreal to him, given his current state of mind. He wasn’t quite sure what to focus on—the majesty of the city, the impending meeting with royalty, or the ever-bouncing Pinkie Pie who continued her relentless monologue.

Behind them, Fluttershy quietly watched the pair with a small, sympathetic smile. She could see how overwhelmed Sora was, though Pinkie seemed completely oblivious. She fluttered over to walk beside him, offering a gentle touch on his shoulder. “I… I hope Pinkie’s not overwhelming you, Sora,” she said softly, her kind eyes full of concern.

Sora glanced over at her, grateful for the gentle reprieve. “Thanks, Fluttershy. I’ll be alright,” he said, managing a small smile. “Pinkie’s just... a lot to take in, but in a good way, I guess.”

Fluttershy nodded in understanding. “She can be like that sometimes. She just gets really excited when she meets new ponies.” She glanced at Pinkie, who was now bouncing in circles around them, still chatting about something completely random. “I could ask her to slow down if you need a break.”

Sora chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Nah, it’s fine. I don’t think she’s actually talking to me anymore honestly…at least I hope not…”

Fluttershy giggled softly at Sora’s comment, her delicate wings giving a small flutter as she walked alongside him. "Oh, I’m sure she’s still talking to you… in her own way," she said kindly. "But don’t worry, Pinkie tends to slow down eventually. She just really likes making friends."

Sora smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Yeah, I can see that. She’s definitely... unique."

Sora’s gaze shifted away from Pinkie and Fluttershy, falling upon the bustling city of Canterlot as they moved through the streets. The grandeur of the city was unlike anything he’d seen before. Majestic towers gleamed in the sunlight, and the streets were filled with ponies going about their daily business. The rich architecture, clean streets, and the air of sophistication gave the city an almost dreamlike quality.

He had visited many worlds in his journey, each with its own unique charm, but something about Canterlot felt... peaceful, despite the growing tension within him. It was a stark contrast to the chaos he had faced in recent days. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply take in the beauty of the place—the ornate buildings, the way the light bounced off the spires, and the serene, almost magical atmosphere that surrounded him.

“This place is something else…” he spoke out loud. “As an islander I don’t get to see stuff like this all the time. Always amazes me.

“Well, I guess okay… I don’t really like coming here that much though. It's so big and scary...and really different from what I'm used to.” She lowered her head slightly.

Sora glanced at Fluttershy, noticing her unease as she spoke. "Yeah, I can see how a place like this could feel overwhelming," he said, his tone understanding. "It’s definitely different from a small, cozy place like Ponyville. All these big buildings, the fancy ponies walking around—it’s a lot to take in.” he smiles. “Though…you can’t say you aren’t a little excited.”

“E-excited? I don't...I mean...”

Sora beamed. “Yeah! Especially when you are with your friends. Even if you’re scared, with your friends by your side you can overcome anything and have fun doing it.”

“I...Um…” Fluttershy’s eyes met his, causing her to blush a little. “D-Do you really think so?”

Sora nodded, “Sure do. I remember when I was eight; I was lost in the forest near my village with my friend Riku.” He shook his head as he smiled. “He dared me to go in with him, to prove that I wasn’t a scaredy cat.”

“Oh my!" Fluttershy gasped in shock. "That’s just so mean of your friend.”

Sora chuckled at Fluttershy’s reaction, shaking his head lightly. "Yeah, it sounds kinda mean, but that’s just how Riku was back then—always pushing me to be braver, to step out of my comfort zone.” He chuckled. “He and I entered into the forest and instantly became lost. It was very scary, to be sure. I think I was so scared I almost started cry.” The caramel stallion kept his gaze forward as he spoke. “I still remember what he told me when he saw that I was scared, though.”

Fluttershy tilted her head slightly, her soft teal eyes focused on Sora as he spoke. "What did he say?"

Sora smiled lightly. “He told me that even if we got lost in there forever, I’d always have him by my side. So shut up and stop whining.” Sora laughed softly at the memory. “He told me that even though he had tears in his eyes too...But...It did make me feel better cause I had my best friend Riku by my side.”

Fluttershy smiled softly at Sora's story. "That’s really sweet. Even if it wasn’t the most gentle way of saying it, it sounds like Riku cared about you a lot."

“Yeah…” Sora lowered his head slightly. “So what does that make me?”

“Sora?” Fluttershy strained her ears, not quite catching what he said.

“Oh! I-It’s nothing, Fluttershy!” He pointed a hoof straight ahead. “Come on, we’re falling behind.” She looked forward, finding an annoyed Rainbow Dash floating with her forehooves crossed. “I really don’t think I want to keep her waiting. I think I’m already on your friend's hit list as it is.” He nudged her side slightly with his flank, thinking nothing of it, before running off ahead of her. Unknown to him, Fluttershy's wings twitched ever so slightly after the contact.

Fluttershy stood still for a moment, her heart fluttering unexpectedly at the gentle nudge Sora had given her. She wasn’t used to such casual touches, especially from somepony she had just met. Her wings gave another soft twitch, and she found herself blushing. “Oh…m-my…”

~~~

Sora’s eyes widened as the group neared the grand gates of Canterlot Castle. Despite the number of castles he had visited in various worlds, the sheer magnificence of this one left him in awe. The towering spires gleamed in the sunlight, and the intricate designs along the castle walls sparkled with a regal elegance. It wasn’t just the size of the place that impressed him—it was the air of history, of importance, that seemed to surround it.

“Wow,” Sora breathed, his gaze sweeping across the castle grounds. “This place is... incredible.”

As Sora continued to marvel at the grand sight before him, he noticed the activity all around the castle grounds. Ponies of all kinds were milling about—some wearing elegant robes and ornate jewelry, clearly important figures, while others looked busy, focused on their tasks as they hurried from place to place. The atmosphere was one of both sophistication and purpose, adding to the sense of grandeur that already surrounded the castle.

So wrapped up was he in the scene that he scarcely knew that someone was behind him until…

“Welcome to Canterlot, Twilight and company.”

Sora yelped as he jumped high in the air, his wings flaring outward in surprise. He was able to flap them once before falling back to the ground with a resounding thud. He lay sprawled out on the ground, blushing brightly in embarrassment as the gruff laughter of Rainbow Dash reached his ears.

“Oh? Um… Sorry about that. Didn’t mean to scare ya.”

Sora looked up to find a mare with silver royal guard armor standing in front of him. Her coat was pure white and her eyes bright amber. She looked rather young, probably in her early twenties. A horn poked from the top of her head. He could tell that she was very sincere with her apology, but it still bugged him that she still seemed very amused with his reaction.

“Dream Drop.” Twilight smiled broadly. Whether it was for the newcomer or at Sora’s expense, he would never know. “It’s good to see you.”

“Same to you, Twilight. All the guards miss seeing ya around the castle now that you’ve gone to Ponyville.” Dream Drop's bright amber eyes scanned the group of ponies standing with Twilight, her smile warm and welcoming. "These must be your friends. The other Elements of Harmony, am I right?"

Twilight nodded with a proud smile. "That’s right! Everypony, this is Dream Drop. She’s one of the castle’s top guards and a good friend. Dream Drop, meet Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash." She gestured to each of her friends in turn. "Oh, and this is Sora," she added, motioning to the stallion still recovering from his startled leap.

Dream Drop smiled and held a hoof toward the downed stallion. “It’s a pleasure, Sora. You must feel so lucky to be surrounded by all these mares. I hope you’re taking good care of them.” She gave him a sly wink.

Sora blinked in surprise at Dream Drop's comment, the blush on his cheeks deepening as he scrambled back to his hooves. He took her offered hoof and gave a sheepish laugh. "Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that. I’m just trying not to get in the way."

“Pfft,” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “I can take care of myself just fine. We don't need him.”

“Is that so?” Dream Drop smiled shrewdly and draped a hoof around Sora’s neck, drawing him uncomfortably close to her. “Well if that’s the case, then you wouldn’t mind if I took him off your hooves?” she smiled wryly, “I really wouldn’t mind a minute or two with such a cute little stallion of a pegasus.”

Sora's eyes widened in surprise as Dream Drop casually draped her hoof around his neck, pulling him close. His blush deepened, and he laughed awkwardly, unsure of how to respond to the sudden attention.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes narrowed as she darted forward, her wings flaring slightly in agitation. "Hey! Dream Drop, quit messing with him!" she huffed, hovering just above Sora. "We’ve got important stuff to take care of, remember?"

Applejack stepped forward, chuckling at the exchange. "Settle down, Rainbow. Dream Drop’s just teasin’ a bit." She gave Dream Drop a friendly wink. "Ain’t no harm in that."

Twilight stepped forward, her expression more serious. "Be that as it may, we do have urgent business to attend to. The princesses are expecting us, and we can’t afford any delays."

Dream Drop pouted at Twilight’s words “Ugh, Fine. Same old studious Twilight, I see. You really need to pay more attention to the stallions around you.” She looked back toward Sora. “Or else you’ll miss all the good ones.” She made her way to the front and motioned for them to follow her.

Rarity opted to walk alongside Sora, a menacing glare etched across her features. “Really! Who does she think she is, treating you like that? Very uncouth indeed.” She turned to look toward the stallion. “Are you OK, darling? Did she hurt you in any way?”

Sora blinked, still slightly flustered by the interaction but quickly shaking his head at Rarity's concern. "N-No, I’m fine, really! She didn’t hurt me or anything," he said, offering a sheepish smile.

He touched his cheek, feeling the warmth off them. She called me cute? Am I cute? Actually I never really looked at my face...like...really looked I guess...I guess I could be cute. And she was really cute to-

Sora squeaked at what he was thinking just now.

Why am I thinking that a pony was cute? Well the ponies are cute. Shockingly so. It's more than that though. They are cute, but it really felt different with that guard pony...Dream Drop right?

The keybearer shook his head before turning to Rarity. He didn’t know why, but this line of thinking was...Well...He didn’t know what it was but he really needed a distraction.

“Hey, Rarity, what are the Elements of Harmony?”

Rarity blinked at the sudden change in topic, clearly taken aback by Sora’s question, but quickly smiled, happy to indulge him in an explanation. "The Elements of Harmony? Why, they are some of the most powerful magical artifacts in all of Equestria, darling," she said, her tone shifting to that of a teacher eager to share her knowledge. "There are six elements in total, each representing a key aspect of friendship: Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity—" she paused, giving herself a little proud smile, "—Loyalty, and Magic.

Sora's curiosity piqued as he listened closely. "So, each of you represents one of the elements? Wow, that’s incredible! And I’m guessing, though those hints you were throwing, that you are the Element of Generosity.”

Rarity smiled warmly, clearly pleased with Sora’s deduction. "Oh, absolutely, darling! I am indeed the Element of Generosity," she said, her voice taking on a subtle, proud lilt. "It’s my responsibility to give to others without expecting anything in return, whether it’s fashion advice, my time, or simply lending a helping hoof when it’s needed."

The young stallion smiled widely. “Should have known. You really helped me out back in Ponyville. And all for nothing too. Honestly I still feel a little bad not paying you.”

“Oh Pish Posh!” Rarity waved with a hoof. “Parish that thought my dear. I was happy to help you and I won’t have you owing me anything. Honestly I got quite a bit from you anyway from your clothing design. Besides, helping and trusting my friends is something I will always do. And that extends to you too.”

Sora’s eyes widened. “Friends? With Me?”

She allowed her flank to nudge his own, causing the pegasus’s wings to twitch and his cheeks to lighten.

“Sora, you are a kind gentlecolt. I could see that the first time I met you.” She looked away from him and towards the girls in front. “You may have your secrets, that much I do know, but honestly, I can tell that you are a good pony and if nothing else, I think I can trust you. Think you can trust me?”

Sora lowered his head slightly at her words. “I...Do. Honestly, all of you have been more than kind to me...but…”

She raised an eyebrow and nodded once. “I understand.” She walked off ahead of him, but not before looking over her shoulder. “If you ever need somepony to talk to, my door is always open, Sora.” She gave him one quick wink before heading off to join the rest of her friends.

“Trusting my friends…” Sora said softly. “Did...they not trust me?” He sighed softly before following after the others.

~~~

As Sora walked into the grand throne chamber, he was struck by the elegance and the presence of the two ruling ponies at the far end of the room. The tall, regal figure of Princess Celestia stood out immediately, her shimmering pastel mane flowing gently in an unseen breeze, radiating warmth and light. Beside her, the darker alicorn—Princess Luna, he guessed from Twilight’s description of her—commanded attention in her own way, her midnight blue coat and flowing mane like a piece of the night sky itself. Despite her dignified posture, there was a hint of fatigue in her eyes, though they were sharp and curious as they studied them closely.

No…wait…

She was looking at him.
As Sora cast a soft smile at Princess Luna, raising his hoof in a friendly wave, he saw a flicker of surprise cross her features. It was subtle—just a brief widening of her eyes and a small intake of breath. But just as quickly, Luna’s face returned to its stoic, regal expression, her demeanor once again composed and unreadable.

Still, Sora noticed. His head tilted in curiosity, his usual lightheartedness pushing through as he studied her reaction. The dark alicorn, though trying to maintain her dignified air, couldn't entirely suppress a faint blush creeping up her midnight-blue cheeks. It was almost imperceptible, but it was there.

Sora couldn’t help but chuckle softly, his amusement breaking through at the sight of Princess Luna’s barely noticeable blush. Leaving the dark one be for now, he turned his gaze towards the other mare.

Princess Celestia, with her flowing pastel mane and warm, serene expression, seemed every bit the picture of grace and wisdom. Her eyes, however, sparkled with a kind of gentle amusement as if she had noticed the entire exchange between Sora and her younger sister. She didn’t address however, her attention turning towards that of the others.

“Twilight, my most faithful student, so good to see you and your friends.”

Twilight stepped forward, bowing. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, it’s good to see you both. We came as quickly as we could.”

The others bowed low, showing their respect to the rulers of Equestria, but Sora remained standing, his thoughts racing. He couldn’t shake the memory that tugged at the edges of his mind. That voice… I’ve heard it before. But where? It wasn’t just a simple memory—it was recent. Right before he had come to Equestria, through the new door in the Secret Place…

The mare’s gaze fell to him, and she smiled.

No way… It… it can’t be, but…

He went to step forward, but was stopped as something probed inside of his mind. It felt powerful, yet gentle, both at the same time. He stopped in his tracks as he felt a voice talking to him; not from his ears, but from inside his head.

Be still, Sora. There is no need for alarm.

The voice was unmistakable—Princess Celestia. But how was she speaking to him like this? He hadn’t heard her say anything out loud. He stood there, rooted in place, his heart racing as he tried to make sense of it all.

We will talk in due time... Celestia’s voice continued, her tone soothing, but now is not that moment. Patience, young Keyblade wielder.

His gaze met the white one’s own and her head tilted slightly as they stared at one another. Despite his growing concern, he did as he was told. Despite that however, so many questions started to race though his mind.

“Sora!”

The tan stallion stiffened at the sound of his name and looked to the side of him to find a very angry-looking lavender unicorn staring straight up at him from her bowed position.

“What are you doing?! Bow!”

Sora’s rushed attempt to bow ended with a rather unfortunate thud as his forehead connected with the marble floor. He winced, letting out a soft, "Ow," as the others around him stifled their reactions. Twilight shot him a look that was a mixture of exasperation and sympathy, while Rainbow Dash, hovering above, couldn’t help but snicker under her breath.

Princess Celestia, ever the picture of grace, smiled gently, though a slight twinkle of amusement flickered in her eyes. "Please, there is no need for such formality," she said, her tone warm and soothing.

Sora slowly straightened up, rubbing his forehead sheepishly. "Haha…ah…Sure," he muttered, clearly embarrassed.

Princess Celestia’s serene smile never faltered as she addressed Sora directly, her tone both warm and regal. "Sora, I have been informed of the events that took place in Ponyville, and how you risked your safety to protect Fluttershy and others from the Heartless. For that, you have my deepest gratitude. I would hate for something to happen to my little ponies.”

Sora just blushed and looked away, scratching the back of his head bashfully. “It was nothing, really. I couldn’t let someone get hurt if I knew I could protect them.” He was used to helping others. He would do so all the time. It was another matter to be thanked for doing so. He never did quite get used to that.

“Be that as it may, I am in your debt, as I am sure young Fluttershy is as well.” A high squeak sounded to her right, but she ignored it. Instead she closed her eyes and sighed deeply. “I fear, though, that what was mentioned in Twilight’s letter must be discussed with haste. What I have feared has been confirmed to its fullest extent I am afraid. That ‘He’ has indeed returned to Equestria.”

“Wait, what?!” Twilight could not help herself. “What do you mean returned?! Who’s returned?!

Celestia turned to walk past Sora and the others. She stopped when she reached the middle of the throne room and turned her head back to face them. Despite all of her years of practice at keeping her emotions in check, the princess could not help but sigh in despair. Her voice, when she spoke, was filled with the same emotion. “The Dark King of the Crystal Kingdom… Sombra.”

Author's Note

Edited by Nightmareknight

Chapter 7

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A King and A Princess

Green to start music and red to stop music

Canterlot Castle: Throne Room…

Canterlot Castle: Throne Room…

“King Sombra?” Sora’s words cut through the silence that had followed the princess’s words.

“Yes, my little pony,” Celestia answered. “The dark king of the Crystal Empire and the master of powerful dark magic.”

“Excuse me, your highness,” Twilight spoke up. “But I’ve never heard of the Crystal Empire before, or of this King Sombra pony. None of the books I own even mentioned anything like this. N-Not that I am doubting you or anything...but...”

Celestia smiled reassuringly towards her student. “It is quite alright Twilight. I can understand your confusion. The reason that you have never found anything is because everything about Sombra and the Empire was all but forgotten. Every written word or text made mentioning the king or the Crystal Empire disappeared. Vanished as if it was a leaf on the wind.” The Princess closed her eyes. “Even my sister and I had lost almost all memory of the Empire.”

Luna stepped forward with a grim expression upon her face. “Its not just that. It felt as though our memories of that time were plucked from our consciousness as if they were a ripe apple from off a tree to be never seen again, only for them to return as if nothing were amiss. ‘Tis an unsettling feeling to be sure.”

Sora sat on his haunches, folded his arms about his chest and closed his eyes. Why does this sound so familiar? Like… It’s almost like… that time with the pictures of me and my-

A sharp pain rang through Sora’s head and he quickly clasped a hoof to his head, shaking it slightly.

Wait… d-did that really happen? No...I think...I think that was with…

The voice of Twilight had snapped him out of his own confused thoughts, her mind racing to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "How is that even possible?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "An entire empire... just forgotten? And now the memories are coming back?"

The midnight alicorn huffed. “The magic of the Heartless has always been strange and powerful, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna’s horn began to glow from the tip with a deep blue light. At the peak of its shine, she shot a beam towards the ground. The light was brighter than Sora could have imagined, having to hold a hoof in front of his eyes to shield them.

When the light subsided and he could see again, the blood in his veins ran as cold as ice. A strange little creature was standing there, one not unlike the ones that Sora had fought the other day, except this one was much smaller with a round head and body, and claw-like hands and feet. Bright yellow eyes glowed with un-pony like light, a light that shook everypony present to the core.

Twilight gasped at the sight of the creature, taking a cautious step back as the Heartless stood there, its glowing yellow eyes locked onto the group. Fluttershy let out a soft squeak and hid behind Applejack, while Rainbow Dash immediately took to the air, wings flared in preparation for a fight. Even Pinkie Pie, usually full of energy, remained still as the eerie presence of the creature filled the room.

Sora, though shaken by the sudden appearance of the Heartless, instinctively stepped forward, summoning his Keyblade in a flash of light. His grip on the weapon was tight, his muscles tense. "Heartless," he muttered under his breath. "How did it get in here?"

Princess Luna, her expression grim, spoke up, her magic still radiating softly from her horn. "It did not 'get in,' Sora. This is a projection of the Heartless’ presence, drawn forth by my magic to show you the danger we face."

Rainbow Dash scoffed. “You mean these things are the Heartless? Pfft! I bet I can take it down in ten seconds flat.”

“Now hang on there, R.D.,” Applejack spoke in her country drawl. “Just cause they look harmless doesn’t mean they are. I mean, look at it. it does look a mite' devilish, doesn’t it?”

“And ghastly too,” Rarity added. “Black isn’t very slimming on them, is it?”

“Aww! Come on guys! I think it looks kinda cute in a creepy sort of way.” Everypony watched as Pinkie waved a hoof through the illusion, causing it to distort in odd ways. “Oooo! Wavy!”

Fluttershy had somehow made her way behind Sora, peering at the creature with both distaste and fear. “I-It wasn’t so cute when it tried to attack me last night.” She shuddered at the memory.

Rainbow and Pinkie Pie couldn’t help but fold their ears back at Fluttershy’s statement, remembering just what it was that they were dealing with.

Twilight, on the other hoof, was more intrigued by the look of it than anything else, opting to stay silent in contemplation; that is, until a thought occurred to her. “Wait!" She turned to the stallion. "Sora. Didn’t you say the heartless you fought looked kind of like ponies?”

Sora looked between the Heartless illusion and Twilight before letting his key dissipate in a flash of light. “Oh yeah! That’s right, Twilight.” He turned to the princesses. “I have fought these types before, but the ones from last night looked more…ah…equ…ekia…eu…”

“Equine, Sora,” Twilight finished.

Sora looked back at her and smiled broadly. “Yeah, that’s it!”

Celestia’s eyes widened at the new information. “Are you sure, Keyblade Wielder?” At his nod, her countenance seemed to take a slight nosedive into the negative territory. “That… is troubling,” she spoke under her breath. Before anypony could ask what she had said, she addressed the stallion. “Sora. I fear that we may be in more trouble than I had suspected.”

“Wait, why are you telling him, your highness?” Rainbow asked, looking at Sora with narrowed eyes.

“Because, my little pony, in the face of darkness only the key can light the way.” She motioned towards the stallion. “And Sora is the key we need to face this darkness.”

The rainbow maned pegasus gave the most confused of looks. “I… don’t get it.”

“Well duh, Dashie. She’s saying that only one who wields the keyblade can truly defeat the Heartless.” Pinkie smiled as all eyes turned to her once again, dumbfounded expressions accompanying all of their faces. The pink party pony looked between them before shrugging. "Or…you know, just a hunch."

Celestia was the first to recover, smiling softly at the pink mare. “Well… yes, it is more then a hunch, my little pony. The only way to truly defeat a Heartless is if you strike then down with their bane, the Keyblade.”

“Is that so?” Before anypony could blink, Rainbow had zoomed towards the stallion with a hoof held out. “Okay buddy, hand it over.”

Sora blinked before frowning at her. “What?”

“That key sword thingy, dummy. Why don’t you let real heroes take on this darkness stuff and you can go and have a cupcake somewhere.”

The tan coated stallion blinked slowly before a smile graced his lips. “Heh. Okay, sure.” Summoning his keyblade once again, he tossed it towards the waiting pegasus, Rainbow catching it in her hoof in one swift motion.

Rainbow Dash grinned confidently, gripping the Keyblade in her hoof. “See? Told ya, piece of cake!” She gave it a little swing, wobbling slightly from the unexpected weight. “Heavier than I thought, but I’ve got this.”

She flapped her wings and attempted to swing the Keyblade again, this time with more force. However, instead of slicing through the air like she imagined, the blade felt unresponsive, almost as if it were resisting her movements. Rainbow's grin faltered as she tried again, putting all her strength into it, but the Keyblade refused to move with the fluidity Sora had demonstrated earlier.

"What's the deal?" she muttered, narrowing her eyes in frustration.

Sora chuckled softly, watching Rainbow struggle. "It doesn’t work like that, Rainbow. The Keyblade isn’t just a weapon—it chooses its wielder." He extended his hoof, and in an instant, the Keyblade vanished from Rainbow’s grasp and reappeared in Sora’s.

Rainbow Dash blinked, staring at her now empty hoof in disbelief. "What the—? Hey! How did you do that?"

Princess Celestia stifled the giggle that had tried to escape her before answering Rainbow’s question for Sora. “I am sorry, Rainbow, but only those made into a Keyblade Wielder can wield a Keyblade effectivly.” She held out a hoof to Sora. “If you would…”

Sora nodded and summoned the key once more, this time the blade appearing in his hoof instead of his mouth. He beamed at his little accomplishment before he placed the object into Celestia’s own outstretched hoof. In a quick flash of light, the blade disappeared from the regal hoof of the princess and reappeared in Sora’s mouth once again.

“The blade cannot be used by anypony except a Keyblade Wielder,” Celestia said after letting her hoof down. "Not even I, a princess, can force it to listen to my command."

Rainbow frowned before turning to scowl at the young stallion, who seemed to have the most shit-eattingest of grins upon his face. Turning away, the mare scoffed. I can’t believe that twirp! He got me good!

“You said that the power of light can defeat these heartless, right?” Twilight voiced, cutting through Rainbow’s internal struggle. “Then what about the Elements of Harmony?”

Luna shook her head. “As far as we know, the elements, while powerful, are just not enough, at least not after being in a dormant state so long. They need time to gather their original power.”

“Besides, my most faithful student,” Celestia continued. “Only a Keyblade can truly free a pony’s heart if they have been corrupted by the heartless.”

“If that's the truth,” Twilight began, “then that means that we really are going to need Sora’s help to defeat the heartless.”

Celestia nodded gently before looking back towards the stallion in question. “Sora. I am sorry for asking you to take on such a burden, especially without your consent. I can understand if you wish not to. But...I must plea, will you help us?“

“You kidding, Princess? Of course I'll help.”

Celestia gazed towards the young stallion, a smile gracing her lips. “You accept our plea?”

Sora smiled brightly. “If the heartless are causing trouble, then I’ll do everything in my power to stop them.” He raised his blade high in the air. “On my word as a wielder of the keyblade.”

Rarity's eyes sparkled as Sora made his declaration, her lips curling into a proud smile. "Oh my, Sora, you’re like a knight straight out of an old tale! So noble and brave." She gave a small, dramatic sigh, clearly enthralled by his sense of duty. "It’s simply... gallant."

Rainbow Dash wasn’t as easily impressed. Hovering just above the group, she crossed her forelegs with an irritated huff. “Yeah, yeah, brave knight and all that,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “But let’s see some action first before we start handing out medals, huh?”

Applejack, standing nearby with an amused smile on her face, adjusted her hat before cutting in. "Now hold on there, Rainbow," she said with a chuckle, tilting her head toward Fluttershy. "Don’t forget, Sora here already saved Fluttershy from those Heartless. That counts for somethin’, right?”

Fluttershy, still blushing softly, gave a tiny nod in agreement. "Um… yes, he really did help me... I-I don’t know what would have happened if Sora wasn’t there."

Rainbow Dash blinked, glancing between Applejack and Fluttershy, then down at Sora. She hovered in silence for a moment, clearly conflicted. “Yeah, well… I guess that’s true,” she finally admitted, rubbing the back of her neck with one hoof. “But still, I’m just saying I wanna see what he can really do in a fight. Saving Fluttershy’s one thing, but we actually saved the world…like…three times already. Lets see him beat that.”

Sora’s soft laugh was lighthearted, but it did little to ease the tension in the air. He knew Rainbow Dash’s skepticism wasn’t entirely unwarranted, but still, talking about his experiences saving other worlds felt like a rule he shouldn’t break just yet. “Guess we’ll see when the time comes, huh?”

Nearby, Twilight stood quietly, her eyes focused on Sora with a look that was half curious and half uncertain. While she trusted Princess Celestia’s judgment about Sora’s character, there was still something about him that gnawed at her. Too many unanswered questions swirled in her mind—how had he come here, why was he the only Keyblade wielder, and what exactly had he been through before arriving in Ponyville?

She didn’t doubt his bravery, but Twilight couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Sora’s story than he was letting on. Her mind raced with possibilities, and though she remained silent for now, the inquisitive spark in her eyes was unmistakable.

The sound of the large throne room doors creaking open drew everyone’s attention. All eyes shifted toward the entrance as a royal guard entered, her hooves clicking against the marble floor. She approached Princess Celestia with a bow, her expression serious. “Your Highness,” she said, her voice low and respectful, “I have urgent news.”

Celestia’s regal demeanor remained calm, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes as she nodded to the guard. “Thank you. Please wait for me in the hall, and I will hear your report shortly.”

The guard bowed once again before turning and quietly exiting the room.

Celestia turned back to Twilight and her friends, her expression softening as she addressed them. “It seems there are matters I must attend to,” she said, her voice as composed as ever. “For now, that will be all for today. I encourage you to stay here at the castle tonight before returning to Ponyville in the morning. Think of it as my way for saying sorry for making you all come at such short notice.I’ll even throw in a light shopping spree for you all.”

The group looked at each other with wide eyes, especially Rarity, whose face lit up with uncontained excitement. "A shopping spree in Canterlot?" she gasped, her eyes practically sparkling with delight. "Oh, Princess, you are far too generous! I can hardly wait to see what the Canterlot boutiques have to offer!"

Twilight stood still for a moment, processing the princess’s words as the excitement of her friends bubbled around her. There’s so much I still don’t know. She wanted to press for more information, to dive deeper into the mysteries that had unfolded before them today, but she also understood that now wasn’t the time. The princess had her own matters to attend to, and Twilight knew better than to push when the situation was this delicate.

She smiles, nodding. “Thank you princess. For both of your kind offers.” the unicorn bows low before turning to the others, nodding, and leading the way out the door. With Sora being the last to leave, his gaze fell on the Princess of the Sun. He gaze the mare a look that screamed ‘I hope you are free to talk later’. Something the princess picked up right away, giving the stallion a smile and a nod.

As soon as Sora stepped outside the throne room, he found himself surrounded by the group of mares, all of them watching him closely. Rarity’s eyes were still sparkling with admiration, while Rainbow Dash hovered just above him, her expression somewhere between curiosity and skepticism. Applejack stood with a knowing smile, Fluttershy offered a small but supportive grin, and Pinkie Pie was, as usual, brimming with excitement.

Twilight stood at the front of the group, her gaze steady but thoughtful. The intensity of their collective focus made Sora rub the back of his head awkwardly, feeling the weight of all their attention. "Uh… is everything okay?" he asked, his usual confident tone faltering slightly.

Sora blinked, caught off guard by the sudden seriousness in Twilight’s question. His gaze shifted to her, noticing the intensity in her eyes that hadn’t been there moments before. “Do I mean it?” he repeated, still unsure what she was referring to. “What do you mean?”

Twilight took a deep breath, her brow furrowing slightly as she looked directly into his eyes. “Back in the throne room, you promised to do everything in your power to stop the Heartless. I know we’ve just met, and there’s still so much we don’t know about you, but… do you really mean it?

Sora tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. “Well yeah, of course.”

“So what? Are you expecting to get something out of this?” Rainbow questioned. “Bits? Diamonds? A spot on the WonderBolts?”

Sora’s eyes widened in surprise at Rainbow Dash’s sudden accusation, and he quickly shook his head. “No, no, it’s not like that at all!” he said, waving his hooves defensively. “I’m not doing this for any kind of reward. That’s not how I roll.” He tapped a hoof to his chin. “though…I could use a bite to eat if nothing else…don’t think we had breakfast yet.”

His lighthearted response, paired with his casual mention of breakfast, left the group momentarily speechless. His carefree nature stood in stark contrast to the gravity of their earlier conversation, but it was impossible to deny the sincerity in his words.

As Pinkie Pie dashed after him, her energy seemingly endless, she called out excitedly, “Hey Sora! Wait up! I didn’t get a chance to show you around Ponyville, but I can at least show you around Canterlot to make up for it!”

“Oh!” Rarity followed the duo at a half trot, half strut. “We can go shopping as well. I do love your outfit, but I wonder what you would look like in a suit. Maybe something more sleek and form fitting?”

“Um…” Fluttershy’s gaze shifted from Applejack to Twilight, and then to Rainbow Dash before finally ending up on the ground. “S-Sorry. I’m just going to…” She trotted past them to catch up with Sora and the others.

Rainbow Dash grumbled, throwing her hooves up in frustration. "I don't get it! He’s this weird colt from who-knows-where, he’s got some fancy magic sword thing, and everypony’s just cool with it? Ugh!"

Twilight gave her a sympathetic look. "I understand how you feel Rainbow Dash, but the Princesses seem to trust him and honestly if he wanted to do something he would have by now. He doesn’t seem the most…ah…well…hmmm…”

Twilight hesitated, searching for the right words. "He doesn’t seem the most... calculated, let’s say," she finally concluded with a small smile. "If he had bad intentions, I think we’d have seen it by now. He’s... well, kind of impulsive and straightforward. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you mean he’s a total doofus.”

Applejack chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Might be a little bit of a goofball, sure, but there’s somethin’ honest ‘bout that. He’s not tryin’ to be somethin’ he’s not. What you see is what you get." She tilted her hat. “In anycase, I’m gonna git. Been hankering for a spot of Donut Joe’s and now’s as good of a time as any.”

Applejack tipped her hat one last time and headed off toward Donut Joe’s, leaving Twilight and Rainbow Dash alone for a moment. Rainbow watched Applejack go before turning her attention back to Twilight, raising an eyebrow.

“So, now what?” Rainbow asked, clearly still a bit restless.

“Well,” Twilight began. “I was planning on going to the library to see if there was any information about Sombra, the Crystal Empire or the Heartless. I’m sure that Canterlot’s library has more information than Ponyville’s. Hey, would you like to-?”

“Pass!” The Pegasus zoomed off, leaving a rainbow trail behind her as she did so.

Twilight blinked, watching Rainbow Dash zoom off in a blur of color, her sentence left hanging in the air. She let out a small sigh,. "I guess I should’ve seen that coming," she muttered.

~~~

Canterlot Castle, Resident Quarters…

Sora opened the door to his room and made a beeline straight for the bed, barely sparing a glance at the elegant décor surrounding him. Without a second thought, he flopped onto the soft, silk sheets, his wings and forelegs spread out in complete exhaustion. The luxurious bedding seemed to melt away the tension and aches from the long day.

And what a day it had been.

It all started when Applejack caught up with the group and suggested a quick stop at Donut Joe’s. Afterward, Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy had eagerly shown him around the city, introducing him to the sights and landmarks of Canterlot. Applejack, on the other hand, had wisely opted to head back to the castle for some rest, shopping not being her cup of cider. But Sora had not been so lucky.

The girls—well, mostly Rarity—had dragged him to every store in the shopping district. Clothes, shoes, accessories—nothing was spared. And, to top it all off, Sora had ended up pulling the cart loaded with their countless shopping bags back to the castle. By the time they had returned, he was completely drained. He barely managed to bid the girls a sleepy goodnight before finally stumbling into his room and collapsing on the bed.

Now, as he lay there, the weight of the day began to lift, and his mind drifted. I’m definitely not cut out for this shopping stuff, he thought with a tired smile, already feeling the pull of sleep.

“Good evening, Sora.”

The calm voice startled him so badly that his wings flapped out of control, sending him flipping off the bed and landing on the floor with a loud thud and a groan.

Rubbing his head, Sora peeked over the edge of the bed, his heart racing. “W-What the—!?”

“Oh dear. I am sorry, little Keyblade Wielder.” Celestia apologized. “I did not mean to startle you.”

Maybe it was Sora’s imagination, but he could have sworn he saw a smirk on the princess’s face. He shrugged the feeling off, believing he was overthinking things. There’s no way that that was possible.

For a moment, Sora stared at her, wondering if he was imagining things. He could have sworn there was the tiniest smirk playing at the corners of the princess’s lips, but that couldn’t be right. No way, he thought. She’s way too regal for that. He shrugged the feeling off and stood up, giving his wings a little shake to settle them back into place.

“Uh, no problem, Princess,” Sora said, brushing off the surprise and trying to regain some composure. “Just... wasn’t expecting anyone to be in here.” He looked over towards the mare. “Guessing you’re here for that talk?”

Celestia smiled softly. “Right you are. I did promise you after all.” She motioned towards the balcony. “Shall we walk while we talk? The Gardens are lovely this time of night.”

The stallion looked back towards his bed. He had wanted to get some rest due to this morning’s tiring events, but the need to have at least some of his questions answered was just too much for him to ignore. With a tired sigh, Sora nodded and followed the princess out onto the balcony.

“Whoa…”

And gaped at the view that the outer part of his room provided. Even from his second story window the stallion had a magnificent view of the city of Canterlot. The lights of the night life filled the city, giving off a spectacular show of every hue of the rainbow.

His admiration turned to confusion, however, as a thought crossed his mind.

“Princess. Aren’t we going to the gardens? Why are we on the balcony?”

The princesses eyes shifted towards the stallion and a smirk appeared on her lips. She unfurled her wings to their full extent and with a flap launched herself into the air. With the grace of a leaf blowing in the wind, she glided down towards the gardens below.

Sora watched her for a second before looking back towards his own wings. He had almost forgotten that he had them. It took a second for realization to hit him. Hey, that means I can fly!

With giddy excitement, the stallion unfurled his wings as well and gave them a quick flap. He smiled as he felt the cool breeze they produced upon doing so. Smiling like a fool, he made his way towards the edge of the balcony.

I’ve flown before with fairy dust, so adding wings to the mix can only make it that much easier.

With such flawless reasoning as his steed, Sora geared himself up, stuck his tongue out to the side in concentration and leapt off the ledge, soaring into the open sky.

It wasn’t until the descent started that the stallion wished wholeheartedly that he could have taken back such an obviously flawed statement.

Celestia, having just gracefully landed on the cool grass, turned at the sound of rustling and crashing behind her. She raised an eyebrow, her serene expression betrayed only by the slightest hint of amusement as Sora tumbled out of the bush, leaves stuck haphazardly in his mane and scratches crisscrossing his coat.

“Oh my…” Celestia, despite her worry, was trying her best to suppress a giggle."Are you alright, Sora?"

Sora staggered to his hooves, shaking his head to dislodge the remaining leaves. He tried his best to look nonchalant, though the embarrassment was clear on his face. "Yeah… I'm good. Just... working on my landing," he muttered, brushing himself off. "Flying's a bit harder than I thought." he frowned looking upwards. “It’s the long way up for me.”

The princess smirked at the poor stallion. “Looks like you might need some practice before you try that again.”

The Keyblade wielder gave her a deadpan look as Celestia started to trot off. With a huff, Sora followed right after her.

They moved in silence, neither saying anything at all. He did have questions for her - many, in fact - but he was thankful for the time he was given to collect his thoughts. As they walked, Sora’s eyes strayed to his surroundings in awe. The gardens were impressive to say the least. If he looked really hard he could see shapes of some animals hiding in the darker reaches.

Sora took a deep breath, feeling the tranquility of the evening settle over him. Despite everything on his mind—his worries about the Heartless, his self-doubt—this place had a way of calming him. He glanced toward Celestia, who was walking gracefully beside him, her expression calm as she, too, seemed to take in the peacefulness of the night.

“So, little pony, how are you enjoying your time here in Equestia so far?”

"Well, everyone seems to be pretty nice." His thoughts then turned to a certain cyan pegasus. "Well, almost everyone."

Celestia chuckled softly at Sora’s response, the gentle sound mixing with the quiet rustle of the evening breeze. "Ah, I take it Rainbow Dash has been a bit... challenging?" she asked with a knowing smile, glancing at him.

Sora sighed, his wings twitching slightly as they continued walking. "Yeah, you could say that," he admitted. "She’s not exactly subtle about it either.”

“Oh, I’m sure she will warm up to you eventually. She is quite the stubborn mare when she wants to be. Plus that little joke you played was sure to liven her up at the very least.”

Sora chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, I wasn’t really sure how that would go. I just thought a little humor might help break the ice... but I’m pretty sure it just made her more annoyed." he lapsed back into silence for a second before he spoke again. “Princess…”

“Please, while it is just us, call me Celestia, little Keyblade Wielder.”

Sora looked towards the princess of the sun and smiled. “Well… if that’s the case, Celestia, then just call me Sora.”

The princess returned his smile with one of her own. “Fair enough, Sora.” She sat in the grass, letting her legs rest to one side of her. “Come have a seat. We can talk here.”

Sora nodded, a little surprised at the informality but grateful for it. He joined Celestia, settling onto the soft grass beside her. The cool breeze of the evening brushed against them, and the gentle rustling of leaves filled the quiet air.

“So…” Sora began, “You know...well...You know who I really am...right?”

Celestia smiled as she nodded. “Ever since I summoned you, Sora. Why do you ask?”

“A few things honestly..." The stallion admited. "First...Well...when I woke up in Twilight's house, I noticed my clothes were gone. You see, it’s either through my clothes or through a friend of mine’s magic that I am able to change my shape to match a world. I was changed already without either, so… was that your doing?”

Celestia’s smile widened slightly. “Indeed, Sora, it was my magic that transformed you and brought you here. A rather delicate spell, if I must say. Equal parts teleportation and transformation magic.”

Sora tilted his head. "Oh?"

“In fact, it was quite experimental,” the mare continued. “You were my very first test subject actually, Sora. I wasn’t entirely sure what would happen. There was a small chance you might have... well... imploded.”

Sora’s eyes widened in shock. “W-Wait, what?! Imploded?!” He leapt to his hooves, staring at her in disbelief.

Before the young one could get another word in edgewise, the soft and melodic sound of a very hearty laugh filled his ears. It wasn’t long before Celestia spoke once again, controlling her laughter, at least to a degree. “I’m sorry, Sora. I couldn’t help myself. And I must say, you have the most adorable little pout when you’re flustered.”

Said pouty stallion huffed before smiling himself. “Okay. Gotta watch out for you from now on, huh? I got your number, Celestia.”

Celestia stifled a giggle before continuing, her tone becoming a bit more somber. “I am sorry, Sora, but in truth, we really were desperate. My sister and I sensed the coming darkness a little too late and we had little time to prepare for it. Had we known about your clothing’s abilities then we would have thought twice about making you into a purely pony form.”

“Well, it's okay, Celestia,” Sora told her. “Long as I can change back whenever, then I don’t mind at all.”

The princess cringing did not go unnoticed by Sora.

“Yes, um… about that, Sora. The magic we used to transform you wasn’t new, but adding the effects we added is… I mean...”

Sora blinked as her words slowly began to dawn on him. “Will… I be able to turn back though...right?”

Celestia’s warm expression faltered ever so slightly, her composure slipping as she sighed, clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking. She turned her gaze away from Sora for a brief moment before speaking, her tone more measured and serious.

"Sora, the transformation spell we used is... quite complex. It wasn’t meant to be a permanent change, but it also wasn’t designed with the idea of reverting you back immediately. My sister and I had little time to prepare and had to ensure that your form here would harmonize with Equestria’s magic to protect you from the effects of the Heartless and the darkness."

Sora’s eyes widened as he processed her words, his voice hesitant. “So… I can’t change back right now?”

Celestia met his gaze, her own filled with a mixture of regret and concern. "At the moment, no. The spell that brought you here is deeply intertwined with Equestria’s magic. Reversing it will take time, research, and—"

“Time?” Sora’s brow furrowed as he cut in, his voice a mix of disbelief and worry. “How much time are we talking about here?”

The princess hesitated, clearly not wanting to alarm him further, but knowing she had to be honest. "I cannot say for certain. My sister and I will work on it, but it may take weeks, perhaps even longer. The transformation isn’t irreversible, Sora, but it requires care. The balance of magic here must remain stable, or we could risk further complications."

Sora blinked, digesting the news, before letting out a long sigh. He flopped back onto the grass, staring up at the sky. "Wow... So, I’m stuck as a pony for a while, huh?"

Celestia nodded solemnly, watching his reaction closely. "I know this is not what you expected, Sora, and I’m truly sorry. I should have explained it sooner." She shook her head. "No...No I should have came to you first before the change happened and asked...I..."

Sora looked up at Celestia, noticing the genuine remorse in her voice. He could tell she was struggling with the weight of her decision, and though the situation was far from ideal, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the princess.

Sitting up slightly, he shook his head. “Celestia, it’s okay,” he said softly, trying to ease her guilt. “You were doing what you thought was best. I get it. You had to protect your world and... well, I’m here now, right? I can still help.”

Celestia’s gaze softened as she met Sora’s eyes, but the regret still lingered. “But I should have spoken with you first, Sora. You should have had the choice. I was so focused on the urgency of the situation, I didn’t consider the impact this transformation might have on you. I regret that.”

Sora shrugged gently, his tone light. "Well, I’m here now, and I can still help. That’s what’s important, right? We’ll figure the rest out later." He smiled at her, that unshakeable optimism shining through.

The princess’s mouth moved wordlessly before slowly finding her words again, a smile slowly appearing on her lips. “Thank you, Sora. You are much too kind.”

At her words, Sora’s gaze wavered slightly. I wish...that was the truth. The young stallion sat back on his haunches, pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind. ”I do have another question, though. Why me?”

Celestia tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. “Why you?”

He nodded. “Yeah. Why did you choose me?”

Catching on, the princess looked back towards the stars in the sky. “Well, you came recommended by a dear friend of mine," she said honestly. "Somepony who I respect with all of my heart.”

Sora’s eyes widened in surprise. “Recommended?” When Celestia nodded, he lowered his head again. “That means...If I came recommended, then you know about me, right?”

Celestia nodded.

Sora was quiet for a long moment, staring at the ground as he processed Celestia’s words. When he finally looked up at her, he gave a smile—a bright one that would have seemed reassuring to most. But Celestia, with her years of wisdom and the ability to see beyond what others presented on the surface, could sense something deeper. The smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. There was something off, a weight he was trying to hide beneath that mask of optimism.

"Then I better not disappoint," Sora said with a light tone, though there was an undercurrent of uncertainty beneath his words.

He picked himself up and dusted himself off. "I better get going back. Nice as it is out here, I am way past tired. It was nice talking to you, Princess."

As Sora stood up and dusted himself off, ready to take his leave, Celestia gave a soft huff of playful frustration. She stepped closer and, with a gentle yet firm poke to his side, she grinned. "For that, you now have to call me Tia," she said, her tone light and teasing.

Sora blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her sudden playfulness. "Tia?" He repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Celestia gave a playful smile, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Yes, Tia. That’s your punishment for calling me 'Princess' again,” she teased, poking him lightly once more for emphasis.

Sora blinked in surprise, a small laugh escaping his lips as he rubbed the spot where she’d poked him. "Punishment, huh? Well, I guess I’ve had worse," he joked, the tension from earlier slowly melting away. "Alright, Tia, I’ll try to remember. But don’t be too upset if I slip up. Old habits, you know?"

She nodded, a soft laugh in her voice. “I’ll allow a few slips, but don’t make it too frequent, or there will be more pokes in your future.”

Celestia watched Sora as he began to walk away, her playful smile lingering for a moment before it slowly faded. Despite the lighthearted tone they had ended on, she couldn’t shake the lingering feeling in her heart. Even in his laughter, she sensed that Sora was carrying something heavier than he was letting on—something that no joke or teasing could completely lift.

"Sora..."

~~~

The chill of the freezing air did little to affect the black cloaked pony as she slowly entered into a rather oversized, ice covered doorway. Spread across the archway were markings so complex that she didn’t even bother giving them a second thought; there was no point since they would soon become irrelevant, anyway. Upon entering, she found herself within an icy room that held only one item: a large, pure black crystal.

The object pulsed with power and energy as she made her way towards it, her hoofsteps echoing within the cold, dark caverns.

“Well, well, well,” she mused, her voice as cold as the ice that surrounded her. “You’re looking as cool as ever, you old colt.” The crystal seemed to respond to her, pulsing angrily at her comment. She only seemed to be amused by it. “I’ll be out of your fur to let you plan your big comeback in peace, but first there’s a little problem we need to take care of."

The dark crystal pulsed again in response, this time slower.

The cloaked pony smiled underneath her tattered robe. “Tell me, big black and icy… what’s the strongest Heartless you can muster right now? I think it's time we officially brought the Realm of Darkness to the world of Equestria once again.”

Author's Note

Edited by NightmareKnight

Chapter 8

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A Day In a Life Part 1

Green to start music and red to stop music

Canterlot: Residential Quarters- Sora’s Room…

Sora couldn’t remember the last time he had slept so good. Despite being on the verge of waking up the young stallion couldn’t help but coo softly as he snuggled against the warmth of the covers, pulling his soft furry pillow closer to himself as he did so. He could feel the heated beams of Celestia’s sun shine gently upon his caramel muzzle, finding the extra warmth inviting. With a contented sigh the stallion blissfully pulled his snoring pillow in even closer, allowing it to do the same to him as they both nuzzled into each other affectionately.

Wait...

Sora’s eyes shot open as they soon came in contact with a similar pair of sleepy ocean blue orbs staring right back at him. His mind began to work overtime as it tried to make sense of what was happening right in front of him. He knew who it was that was laying beside him. Pinkie Pie was a hard pony to ever forget. Despite this, his body refused to move an inch, that was until he felt the pink pony pressed her muzzle gently against his neck as she muttered one simple word.

“Strawberries~.”

“Gah!!” Sora yelped as he scrambled backward, tumbling off the edge of the bed in a flurry of blankets and limbs. His heart raced as he stared wide-eyed at the pink pony still lounging comfortably on his bed, blinking sleepily at him.

Pinkie Pie, unfazed by his panicked reaction, gave him a lazy smile, her mane slightly disheveled. “Morning, Sora!” she said cheerfully, stretching her hooves as if waking up next to him was the most normal thing in the world. “Did you sleep well? ‘Cause I did! You’re super snuggly, like the best kind of pillow!”

Sora, tangled in blankets and utterly confused, stammered. “Pinkie?!”

“Yep Yep it's me!” The pink pony in question had hopped out of bed and had made her way towards the downed stallion. She twisted her head in an unbelievable manner so that she could see him from his point of view. “I don’t think ponies are supposed to get out of bed like that, silly. Let's get you back on your hooves, hmm?”

Without waiting for a response, Pinkie Pie placed her head against the side of his flank and gave him a slight nudge. His body tilted to the side before falling over, allowing his now thoroughly aching neck to have some relief. With some difficulty the stallion rose to a vertical base, and slowly began to stretch each of his sore limbs. When he felt that nothing was seriously damaged he turned to the pink party pony, a very noticeable blush quite evident on his furry features.

“Pinkie?! What are you doing in my room!?”

Pinkie blinked once before placing a hoof on her chin and humming. It looked as though, at least to Sora, that the mare really had to give the question some serious thought. “Let me think…” After a few long moments the hyper pony raised a hoof in the air. “Oh yeah, now I remember! I had gone into the royal kitchens to obtain my mid-midnight snack. I think I had…two cupcakes, a chocolate bar, a bowl of ice-cream…and…a cup of sprinkles. I decided to cut back last night. I need to keep my girlish figure after all.

“Anyhoof, I think I lost my way back to my room. Which is strange because usually I never lose my way around the castle, but I did last night for some reason. I must have been very tired. Maybe I should’ve had that extra piece of lemon pie. Well since I was lost I decided to just go into any old room and sleep in the bed there. I’m sure nopony would have minded. That’s when I came into this room and found you in the bed of all ponies. That’s when it hit me. I said to myself ‘Pinkie. You must have ended up in Sora’s room’ and I answered myself saying ‘well duh. Of course I did. What other pony has a mane as spiky and chocolate looking as him’.”

Sora blinked, his brain trying to catch up with Pinkie's rapid-fire explanation. His expression shifted between confusion, disbelief, and mild embarrassment as the pink pony continued her story without so much as a pause for breath.

“Wait, wait,” Sora finally managed to say, holding up a hoof as if trying to stop the whirlwind that was Pinkie Pie. “So... you just wandered into my room and... decided to stay?”

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically, bouncing in place. “Yep yep! It made perfect sense at the time! You see, it was late, and you were already asleep—so comfy and snuggly—so I figured, why not have a little snooze here? I didn’t want to wake you up, of course, ‘cause that’d be rude, and you seemed like you needed a good cuddle! So I just jumped into bed with you!”

“You jumped in bed with me?” He asked, repeating her words as in trying to make sense of them.

“I jumped into bed with you.” Pinkie’s innocent smile conveyed nothing but the truth.

“Just like that?”

“Just like that.”

Sora pinched the bridge of his muzzle with his hoof, which he was surprised that he could do. It was a completely childish and innocent reason to be sure, not that he was one to judge, but still, it was one that Sora could not even hope to comprehend.

Also, she had cuddled him. CUDDLED HIM! He had done the same to her too, but he didn't know it was her really. Still, her soft fur felt really good against his own. He could even remember the scent of bubble gum shifting up into his nostrils. It felt very-

The blush returned to his cheeks with a vengeance. He needed a subject change. “Ok, that aside Pinkie, why did you say Strawberry?”

The party pony shrugged. “Not too sure why. I think they thought it would have been funny.”

Sora raised an eyebrow. “They? They who?”

Pinkie tilted her head. “Who?”

Sora deadpanned. “Yes. Who?”

“Who is on, first silly.” Pinkie Giggled

“Wait," Sora was really confused now "…What?”

“No. What is on second. Who is on first.” Pinkie said matter-o-factly.

Sora stared blankly at her for a few seconds before turning towards the bathroom. “I’m going to go take a bath.”

Pinkie clapped her hooves together happily. “Oh goodie! I think I’ll join-“

Sora's eyes widened in pure panic as he quickly waved his hooves in front of him, cutting Pinkie off before she could finish her sentence. “Nope! Nope! Nope!” he exclaimed, his blush intensifying as his imagination threatened to run wild. “I think I’ll take this one alone, Pinkie!”

Pinkie blinked at him, her expression as innocent as ever, completely missing the reason for his sudden outburst. “Oh, okay! But if you need help scrubbing your back, just let me know!” she chirped cheerfully, bouncing around the room without a care.

Sora, still red-faced and flustered, rubbed his forehead and muttered to himself, “What is even happening right now?”

~~~

Canterlot: Public Dining hall…

Even after the nice and hot shower Sora had taken, which he had to admit, was the most pleasant shower he had ever had in his life, this morning’s events were still playing fresh in his mind. The caramel stallion sighed as the blush on his face returned, remembering the feeling of her soft fur against his own and the touch of her hot breath against his neck. He didn’t really know why, but he knew enough that If anyone caught wind of what had transpired, he was sure he wouldn’t be able to hear the end of it. Still, he really didn’t want to deal with it now, especially since his hunger was taking over him.

Following the lovely scent of pancakes and other baked goods, Sora found himself in a rather large dining hall. Many ponies, both in armor and service attire, were busy lining up to gather a plate full of breakfast for themselves. It kind of reminded Sora of his school’s cafeteria, but with much more edible looking food, and a dining area that was just too grand not to be noticed.

Not one to pass up a free meal, the stallion set off to gather a tray of vittles. His breakfast of choice: three stacks of pancakes, an apple, a donut, and a cup of orange juice. He balanced the tray quite easily between his teeth, smiling broadly as he did so. Maybe some food would get his mind off of-

“HEY SORA! OVER HERE!!”

The stallion turned to find a very excited Pinkie Pie waving him over quite enthusiastically. He also noticed that the pink pony had surrounded herself with a ridiculous amount of food. On her left was a blushing Fluttershy, who seemed to have just now caught wind of the stallion’s presence, and was slowly inching herself under the table to hide said blush. In front of the pink pony on the other side of the table was Rarity, the white unicorn tapping a hoof right beside her indicating that there was a seat open for him.

“Ah...Hey..." He had not wanted to meet the pink party pony so soon after their ‘morning’ together, especially since he really didn’t get a chance to explain to her why she shouldn’t tell anyone about it. Heck! He didn't even know where to begin. Hopefully she was kind enough to not say anything about it. With a nervous whimper, the stallion sat beside the white unicorn, trying his best to avoid eye contact with the pink pony as much as possible.

Rarity gave the stallion a coy smile as he sat, her eyelashes fluttering a little as she spoke. “So did you sleep well darling?”

Sora went rigid. W-What’s with that question? She doesn’t know, does she? Pinkie didn’t tell them, did she? Please tell me Pinkie didn’t tell them. “Ah! Y-yes…n-no…I did…didn’t…It was…ah…Interesting…”

Rarity tilted her head slightly. “Darling? Are you ok?”

He nearly dropped the fork he was holding before looking towards the white mare. “Y-Yeah, everything is fine. Nothing weird happened at all.” His eyes shifted back and forth after he had talked.

“Are you sure darling? You’re acting a little funny?”

He sunk into his chair a little mumbling something incoherently under his breath. He really felt he was screwer then screwed at this point and he decided that the truth would be for the best. He was about to open his mouth to tell just what had happened this morning but was beaten to the punch by the pink party mare.

“Aw don’t worry about him, Rarity. He’s just sulky that he had to leave the bed early that’s all.”

Sora turned to face Pinkie Pie who, in turn, had a bright smile on her face directed towards him. She didn’t tell them about what happened. More than that, she had covered for him. Holy crap, the endless stream of contemplations that her lie provided caused him to question not only about her, but the entire event that morning as well.

Sora’s eyes went wide as she winked at him and giggled.

And that's my cue to never get on this mare’s bad side ever.

He turned to face his food and eat automatically, a tinge of pink evident on his cheeks from both embarrassment and irritation.

Before Rarity could inquire any further on what the heck was going on between the two ponies, a bundle of cyan fur had made her way to the table and sat beside Pinkie Pie, cutting off any conversation prier. As Sora finally took notice of her, he could see, just by looking at her, that she didn't take mornings very well. Her mane was still unkept and frazzled and her eyes were still a bit bloodshot.

“Oh! Well good morning sunshine.” Rarity cooed. “And did we have a restful night?”

The cyan pony grumbled incoherently, waving a dismissing hoof at her friend.

Sora smiled broadly. “Not really a morning person, are ya?”

Rainbow’s scowl deepened at the sound of Sora’s voice. “Nopony asked you Spikey.”

Sora flinched slightly at Rainbow Dash’s gruff reply, his smile faltering. Haha…guess she still doesn’t like me very much, he thought to himself. He quickly shifted his attention back to his food, hoping to avoid any more hostility from the still-groggy pegasus.

Fluttershy, who had been quiet up until now, raised her hoof indicating that she wanted to speak. “Um, If you don’t mind me asking, has anypony seen Twilight and, um, Applejack?”

“Applejack set off to wake up Rainbow Dash and retrieve Twilight from the Library.” Said Rarity before shaking her head disapprovingly. “We told her not to stay in there all night but I doubted she would have listened to us anyway.”

“I guess Twilight really likes to study, huh?” Sora said with an amused smile. He had already figured out that the unicorn was one to always hit the books. While impressive, late night studying was never really his thing.

Rarity giggled. “Well, that’s our studious little Twilight for you. Applejack should have her back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail, so do not fret.”

Sora nodded and he turned to face Rainbow. To his surprise, she had been staring at him. Having caught her in the act had caused her brow to crease in an angry scowl as well make her cheeks turn a lovely shade of red.

“What?!” Her voice was as sharp as ice. More than likely at being caught by him then anything else. “Gonna gloat about that prank you did yesterday?”

“N-No...” Sora stuttered before an ideal clicked. “Actually, I was, ah, just wondering what you do.” When her brow creased further he looked away, letting the tip of his hoof scratch at his cheek. “I-I mean what do you do for work? I know Twilight is a librarian. I think Applejack works on that apple farm. Pinkie Pie works in a bakery. Rarity works in fashion and Fluttershy…” He turned to the yellow pegasus in question. “Actually what do you do Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy blinked, surprised to suddenly be the center of attention, but her expression quickly softened into a gentle smile. “Oh, um, I take care of animals,” she said quietly, her voice soft but filled with warmth. “I have a little cottage near the Everfree Forest, and animals from all over come to me when they’re hurt or need help. It’s... my passion.”

Sora raised an eyebrow. “Really? You mean like dogs and cats?”

“Well y-yes among other things…Like bears and hedgehogs and tigers…”

Sora blinked, his eyes widening in surprise. “Wait… bears? Tigers?!” He stared at Fluttershy, trying to process how the soft-spoken pegasus could handle such large and dangerous creatures.

Fluttershy blushed, giving a small nod as she brushed her mane shyly. “Oh, yes… but they’re really sweet once you get to know them. They just need a little care and attention, like all animals.”

Sora’s mouth hung open for a moment before he gave her a smile “Wow, that’s... impressive, Fluttershy. I don’t think I could handle a bear without freaking out. So what do you usually do?”

Fluttershy’s ears perked up and she smiled as well. “Oh…Well…If an animal comes to me in pain, they really need tender loving care or else they don’t heal their wounds correctly.”

“So you’re an animal nurse. That’s pretty cool.” Sora tapped a hoof to his chin. “I actually know a few animals as well. There was this lion named Simba. He was pretty cool. Oh! And a deer foal named Bambi. Oh and-“

“Hey!” Rainbow cut him off. “I thought you wanted to know what I did!”

Sora’s focus turned from the yellow pegasus to the cyan one, whose glare seemed to intensify by the second. “Oh! Ah, S-sorry Rainbow.”

“Gah! Just forget it. Not like I was going to tell you anyway.” Rainbow Dash huffed coldly.

Rarity’s eyebrow shot up. “So why bring it up at all darling?”

Rainbow’s eyes bulged. “I...Ah...W-Well…F-Forget it! I’m outta here!”

She slammed her hoof on the table, apparently trying to make a point, but in doing so, she hit the edge of Sora’s tray, causing his cup of juice to rocket upward. All eyes followed the glass until they all cringed as the cup landed face down upon the cyan pony, spilling its contents all over her head.

For a few moments, the entire table fell into a stunned silence as Rainbow Dash sat there, drenched in orange juice, her face frozen in shock. Slowly, her mane dripped with sticky liquid, and her feathers were matted down from the splash. Pinkie Pie, ever the one to break the tension, stifled a giggle, but the corners of her mouth twitched in amusement.

Sora winced, his ears folding back. "Uh... Rainbow, I—"

“Forget it!” Rainbow Dash zoomed away in a hurry, leaving a slightly damp rainbow trail behind her.

The stallion sighed as he watched her go. "Somehow this is gonna be my fault, isn't it?" He asked as the other three mares gave him an apologetic look.

~~~

Applejack trotted alongside a very groggy Twilight Sparkle through the corridors of Canterlot Castle, her hooves echoing softly against the marble floors. Twilight, still half-asleep, had one hoof covering her face, shielding her tired eyes from the bright morning sunlight streaming through the windows.

“Ya know, Twi, we told ya not to stay up all night in that library,” Applejack said, her tone a mix of amusement and mild scolding. “But did ya listen? Nooope.”

Twilight yawned, barely able to muster a response. “I know AJ…But I just had to finish that book about the Crystal Kingdom…or what little we know of it…the princess let me borrow.” She turned to her friend. “Did you know that even the books here lost all their findings about it until just a day or two ago?”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways at Twilight. “Wait, hold up. Ya mean to tell me all them fancy books in Canterlot just up and lost everything about the Crystal Kingdom?” She shook her head in disbelief. “How’s that even possible? Books don’t just forget stuff, Twi.”

Twilight rubbed her tired eyes, barely suppressing another yawn. “That’s just it, AJ. It’s like the knowledge itself was... erased. It’s not that the books forgot, more like all the records about the Crystal Empire vanished along with it.” Her eyes widened slightly, despite her exhaustion. “It’s almost like... something or somepony wanted it to be forgotten.”

Applejack’s expression turned more serious as they continued walking. “That sounds mighty spooky, Twi. If somethin’ could make a whole empire and its history disappear like that...” She trailed off, thinking hard. “What else could it do?”

Twilight nodded, her usual studious intensity starting to peek through despite her sleep-deprived state. “Exactly. That’s why I stayed up so late. There’s just so much we don’t know. The more I read, the more questions I had.” She paused, her face scrunching up in frustration. “But there’s hardly anything written down anymore! It’s like piecing together a puzzle when half the pieces are missing.”

Applejack frowned, mulling over Twilight’s words. “So, if most of the info’s gone, what do we know ‘bout this Crystal Empire, Twi? Gotta be somethin’ left for ya to stay up all night over.”

Twilight let out a tired sigh. “Not much at the moment. What I did find was pretty limited. All I know for certain is that King Sombra made the entire empire vanish when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna confronted him. His dark magic was powerful enough to seal the entire place away for centuries, along with all its history and magic.”

“And memories too it seems…” Applejack adds. “Just what is it that we are getting ourselves into, Sugarcube?”

"I wish I knew, Applejack. This is bigger than anything we've ever faced before. King Sombra didn’t just hide the Crystal Empire—he erased it from history, memories, everything. Even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had trouble recalling it until now."

“Hmm…well ah—” Applejack began, but she was cut off as Rainbow Dash came storming down the hallway, dripping wet and visibly fuming. Her mane was plastered to her face, and she left a faint trail of orange juice behind her with each furious step.

Both Twilight and Applejack blinked in surprise as they watched Rainbow stomp past them, her teeth clenched and eyes narrowed in frustration. Neither of them spoke at first, too caught off guard by the sight.

Finally, Applejack raised an eyebrow, her tone cautious. “Uh, Rainbow? Somethin’ you wanna share?”

Rainbow didn’t even slow down. “I. Don’t. Wanna. Talk. About. It!” she growled, stomping past the two mares without so much as a glance.

Twilight and Applejack exchanged a confused look before Applejack shook her head, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Looks like somepony had a rough breakfast.”

~~~

Canterlot Train station…

The group gathered at the station, waiting for the train back to Ponyville. Rainbow Dash stood a little apart from the others, her wings stretching wide as she let out a long yawn. She shot a glance at Sora, who was chatting with Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, but made no move to join them.

Twilight was off by herself, her head buried in a book she held up with her magic.

“I could’ve flown back to Ponyville by now,” Rainbow muttered, flicking her tail in irritation. "If I knew it was gonna take this long, I wouldn’t have bothered waiting for the train."

“Oh stop your belly aching RD.” The southern drawl of Applejack told her, causing Rainbow to huff impatiently. “The train will get here when it gets here. Besides, riding together is a lot more fun right?”

“Yeah it would be…” She scowled. “If it weren’t for him…”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, following Rainbow's gaze toward Sora. “Still mad about the juice thing, huh?”

Rainbow Dash scowled, her wings twitching. “It’s not just that! He’s all... nice and friendly and everypony seems to like him, but I don’t know. Something about him rubs me the wrong way.”

“Now that ain’t fair Rainbow. Yeah he’s a little odd but you’re not even giving him a chance. He really seems like a nice pony.”

“But he’s hiding something from us!” Rainbow said, gritting her teeth together. “Colts who hide something are the worst.”

Applejack had never seen her friend act in such a manner before. Sure she knew that she had some trouble with the colts from Flight School, but this seemed different. “Rainbow…are ya’ll ok? It’s not like ya to treat somepony like this.”

Rainbow’s wings twitched again as she clenched her jaw, looking away from Applejack. "Of course I’m okay. Why wouldn’t I be?" she snapped, her voice sharper than she intended. She dragged a hoof across her face, groaning in frustration. "It’s just... he reminds me of..." Her voice trailed off, and for a moment, Rainbow looked more vulnerable than Applejack was used to seeing.

Then, as if shaking off a bad feeling, Rainbow grumbled, “Ugh, can we not do this, AJ? I don’t wanna talk about it.”

Applejack frowned, her concern deepening. “Rainbow, you don’t gotta bottle up whatever’s botherin’ ya. If it’s somethin’ from the past, maybe it’s time you talk about it.”

Rainbow Dash stomped a hoof, her ears flattening against her head. “No! I said I don’t wanna talk about it, alright? Let’s just…” The sound of the train’s whistle caught everyone’s attention. “Let's just get on the train and go home.” She turned away, making a point to put some distance between her and Applejack.

Applejack sighed but didn’t push any further. “Alright, sugarcube. But if ya ever do wanna talk, ya know where to find me.”

Rainbow Dash didn’t respond, instead giving a small nod as she stared off into the distance. Applejack followed her gaze briefly, noting how Sora was chatting easily with the others, seemingly unaware of the tension surrounding him. She hoped Rainbow would come around eventually, but for now, it was best to give her friend some space.

~~~

The train ride back to Ponyville was, in Sora’s opinion, the most uneventful thing to happen to him since he’d arrived in Equestria. After all the excitement of meeting new ponies, battling Heartless, and the chaos that seemed to follow him wherever he went, this quiet, peaceful journey almost felt… strange. He sat by the window, watching the landscape roll by as the train chugged along. The steady rhythm of the wheels on the tracks was oddly soothing, but he couldn’t help feeling a little restless.

Pinkie Pie had somehow fallen asleep on the seat next to him, her head resting against his shoulder as she softly snored. Across from them, Rarity was reading a magazine while Fluttershy gazed out the window. Twilight had her nose buried in yet another book, as usual, and Rainbow Dash sat a few seats away, her head resting against the window, looking like she was deep in thought.

Sora’s thoughts drifted back to his meeting with Princess Celestia the night before. Out of all the leaders he’d met in the different worlds he’d traveled to, she was, by far, the most... approachable. She had a warmth about her that made it easy to forget she ruled over an entire kingdom. Sure, King Mickey came close—he was a good friend and an admirable leader—but there was something about Celestia that felt more... personal.

She had been open with him, not just as a ruler, but as somepony who genuinely cared about his well-being. The way she teased him, the way she admitted her mistakes—it was almost like talking to a close friend. She trusted him…despite knowing how deeply he had failed.

Sora looked down at his hoof, his smile fading as the weight of his thoughts settled in. He frowned softly, his mind wandering back to his past failures—failing his Keyblade Exam, falling short with his friends. He had tried to stay optimistic, to push forward despite the setbacks, but the doubt always lingered.

I can’t let them down, he thought, his chest tightening. Not again.

“Um…”

Sora snapped out of his thoughts at the soft voice, glancing up to see Fluttershy and Rarity both looking at him.

“Oh! Ahhh… Fluttershy. Rarity." He smiled gently towards the mares." Can I help you?”

Fluttershy glanced down at her hooves for a moment, then back up at him. “We couldn’t help but notice you seemed a bit... distant,” she said softly. “Are you sure everything’s alright?”

Rarity nodded, tilting her head slightly. “Indeed, darling. You’ve been awfully quiet, and that’s not quite like you. Is something troubling you?”

Sora felt a stinging sensation in his chest. Much as he liked these ponies, telling them something like whats on his mind was just a bit too much. “Naw. I’m fine. Just really…ya know…thinking. About home and stuff. I have been traveling for a while after all.”

Fluttershy looked back up at him, her eyes gazing deep into his own. “R-Really?”

“Yeah, maybe I’m homesick…I’m not too sure.” It wasn’t a total lie.

“Well, if you want, we can talk about where you come from.” The shy mare suggested. “It helped me when I first moved to Ponyville. All my animal friends made me feel so welcomed and at home in my little cottage.”

"Talk about where I come from, huh?" The stallion repeated, looking out the window at the passing scenery. A bit of a distraction would be nice. "I told Twilight I live on Destiny Islands…but…I don’t think I ever really explained what they looked like before.” He rubbed the back of his head. “I might not be the best at explaining though.”

Fluttershy smiled softly, her eyes gentle and encouraging. “T-That’s okay, Sora. You don’t have to explain it perfectly. We’d love to hear about it, no matter how you tell it.”

Rarity nodded, her curiosity piqued. “Yes indeed, darling, we’re all ears. I imagine a place called ‘Destiny Islands’ must be quite beautiful. Do tell us what it’s like.”

Sora hesitated for a moment, but seeing the genuine interest in their eyes, he felt a little more at ease. “Alright,” he said, leaning back a bit as he gathered his thoughts. “Well, Destiny Islands is... kind of a small place. There’s the main island, where everyone lives, and then there’s this little island where me, Riku, and Kairi used to hang out.”

~~~

Ponyville Train station…

Sora jumped out the door of the train, stretching both his front and hind legs. “I love riding trains but geez was it cramped.”

As Sora stretched, the rest of the group followed him off the train, each in their own state of relaxation or mild annoyance after the long ride. Pinkie Pie bounced out of the door, as energetic as ever despite having napped for most of the trip. Rarity stepped out with a graceful sigh, adjusting her mane. "It was a lovely trip, but I do agree, darling. Those seats were not as spacious as one would hope."

Applejack trotted past them with a chuckle. "Well, at least y'all can stretch your legs now. We’re back home in Ponyville, safe and sound."

Fluttershy felt a quiet sense of relief seeing Sora smile, even if part of her still sensed a lingering tension within him. She took comfort in the thought that he was opening up more, but she reminded herself that sometimes it took time for ponies to share their deeper worries.

Hovering a few feet above them with a disgruntled expression, Rainbow too stretched her wings, doing circles back and forth. "Finally! I thought that train ride would never end!"

Rarity followed suit, exiting after the butter-yellow pegasus. “Yes a bit confining indeed. Still, it beats having my mane ruined when carried in a pegasus chariot.”

“Says you!” Rainbow quipped, hovering just above the white unicorn. “Nothing beats flying Rarity. Nothing!”

“A day at the spa beats flying any day of the week my dear Rainbow Dash!” Rarity retorted.

“That girly fru-fru stuff?! Flying beats that, hooves down.”

Rarity huffed. “It is not girly fru-fru. Being prim and proper is just natural for a lady. ”

“Naw. I’m pretty sure I'm ok not being in a dress all the bucking time.”

Before Rarity could even come back with a proper retort Twilight stood between them. “Girls, we can save the debate for later. Right now there are more pressing matters.” She turned to Sora smiling. “Sora, I think a place for you to sleep is in order too.”

The stallion raised an eyebrow. “Well, can’t I just sleep on your couch like last time?”

The lavender unicorn shook her head. “I am sorry Sora, but I need that work space for my research. Besides, I’m sure you don’t want to sleep on some old dusty couch.” She placed a hoof to her chin. “Now then where can you sleep...?"

“WITH ME!” Rarity all but screamed. Her sudden outburst left everyone staring in stunned silence for a moment before she composed herself, coughing daintily into her hoof. “Ahem, what I meant to say is that I have plenty of space in the boutique. The guest chambers are simply sitting unused, and I’d be more than happy to offer them to our dear friend, Sora.”

Applejack gave her a look, a look only reserved for her, before looking between the other mares. “Anypony else feel like that’s a bad idea? Anypony?” Everyone, including Pinkie Pie, raised their hooves in response.

Rarity’s eye twitched slightly as she saw every hoof raised, including Pinkie Pie’s, who was smiling innocently. She let out a soft, indignant huff and tossed her mane. “I assure you all, I am perfectly capable of hosting a guest without... complications.”

Applejack smirked, tilting her hat back as she spoke. “Ain’t sayin’ you can’t, Rarity, but I reckon you might be a little too eager is all.”

Rarity gasped, a hoof flying to her chest. “Too eager? I’m simply offering our friend the best hospitality Ponyville has to offer! Is that so wrong?”

Twilight stepped in, raising a calming hoof before things escalated further. “I think what Applejack means is that maybe we should all just think this through a little more.”

Pinkie Pie bounced up, her usual cheerful energy breaking the tension. "Oh! Oh! I would totally let Sora sleep over at Sugarcube Corner, but I live with the Cakes, and they already have to deal with me and the twins! So… maybe next time!" She giggled, waving her hooves dramatically to emphasize her point.

Fluttershy, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly cleared her throat and spoke up, surprising everyone. “Um… I would offer Sora a place to stay too,” she said softly, her cheeks tinged pink, “but with all the animals I have to take care of… it might not be the best idea.”

Everypony blinked in surprise, not expecting Fluttershy to even offer. Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Really, Fluttershy? Ah didn’t think you’d be up for havin’ a guest around. Especially somepony ya just met.”

Fluttershy blushed deeper and gave a small nod. “Well… Sora is very kind. I think he’d be a wonderful guest, but… it might be a bit noisy with all the animals.” She looked at Sora and smiled softly. “I wouldn’t want him to lose sleep because of a few late-night critter emergencies.”

“What about Rainbow Dash’s house? He is a pegasus after all. He can walk on clouds.” Twilight asked.

Before Rainbow could even hope to shoot down that suggestion Sora spoke up first. “Sorry Twilight, but if her house is in the clouds, then no can do.” He pulled at one of his wings. “Found out I’m not much of a flying pegasus you see.” He cringed inwardly, thinking about the night he crashed into the bushes next to Celestia.

Rainbow scoffed and looked away. “W-Well whatever. Not like I was gonna let you anyway.”

Applejack gave Sora a gentle look. “Well since everypony else is out of the question, ah guess that just leaves me. We can put ya up at the farm. Got an extra room in the attic for when our relatives come over. You can use that’un.”

Sora blinked in surprise at Applejack’s offer, then smiled warmly. “That sounds great, Applejack. I’d really appreciate that.”

Applejack nodded. “No problem, sugarcube. It ain’t fancy, but it’ll be quiet, and you’ll have plenty of space. Plus, Granny Smith loves havin’ company over, so you’ll fit right in.”

Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly next to them. “Oh, oh! You’re gonna love Sweet Apple Acres, Sora! It’s got apples, and more apples, and… even more apples! You’ll never go hungry!” She giggled.

Rarity, while still looking a bit disappointed, smiled at Applejack. “Well, I suppose the farm will be just fine for Sora. I just hope it won’t be too... rustic for him.”

Sora chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “I think I can handle rustic. It sounds nice, actually. Tho…are you sure?” Sora asked in an uncertain tone. “I don’t want to put you out of your way.”

Twilight deadpanned. "It was ok to bother me though?" She mumbled under her breath.

“Course not Sugarcube. Besides, it's not like you’re gonna be living there for free. We at the Apple farm work for our vittles, and since you’re gonna be living there, you’re gonna do the same.”

Sora wasn’t expecting that. Still, pulling his own weight was only fair. He was never really one to just mooch off somebody anyway. “Alright, Applejack. I’ll make sure to work as hard as I can.”

The farm mare smiled. “That’s what I like to hear. Well then come on. We’ll get you settled in all nice and comfy like.” She turned to wave to her friends.” See ya’ll later ya hear?”

As Applejack led Sora away toward Sweet Apple Acres, Pinkie Pie bounced in place, her energy uncontainable. "Well, it’s off to Sugarcube Corner for me!" she announced brightly. "I missed some serious playing time with the twins and promised them a full two hours of patty-cake when I got back!"

Rarity sighed softly, a fond smile on her face as she turned to Twilight and Fluttershy. "I suppose I should return to the boutique as well. I’ve got some new designs to work on, and inspiration always strikes best after a little trip." She paused, glancing back toward the departing Sora and Applejack. "Although, I must admit, I still think he would’ve enjoyed the guest room at the boutique. Oh well…"

Twilight rolled her eyes playfully. "I’m sure he’ll be just fine at Sweet Apple Acres, Rarity. Applejack’s got plenty of room, and he’ll get a good taste of farm life. That and She’ll be able to keep a good eye on him.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. He’ll be fine," she muttered before slipping into the sky. “Anyway! I got the rest of the day off since someone is covering my shift for today so gonna go take a nap.”

“I guess I’ll go too.” Fluttershy took off into the air. “Angel bunny might be getting angry right now about me being gone so long.”

“And I must get back to the library. I have some serious rearranging to do.” Twilight smiled at each of her friends. “So guess this is goodnight?”

Rarity nodded gracefully. “Indeed, darling. Until tomorrow.” She waved goodbye to Twilight as the lavender mare headed off toward her library. "And do let me know if you need any help with those books, dear," Rarity called after her, though she doubted Twilight would take her up on that offer.

“See ya later, Twilight!” Pinkie Pie chimed in, already bouncing away toward Sugarcube Corner, her usual boundless energy on full display.

Fluttershy gave a gentle wave before flying off, her mind already thinking about her little animal friends waiting for her back at her cottage. “Goodnight, everypony.”

As the group dispersed, each heading toward their respective destinations, the peaceful evening air of Ponyville seemed to settle over everything like a comforting blanket. The streets were quieter now, with only a few townsfolk wrapping up their evening routines. But beneath the calm exterior, something else lingered unnoticed.

In the shadows, hidden from the fading sunlight, a figure stood still, watching the departing friends with silent intensity. The figure’s eyes gleamed from the darkness, following each of the ponies as they said their goodbyes, but lingering particularly on Sora as he and Applejack made their way toward Sweet Apple Acres.

“Sleep tight little Keybearer. Come morning, you and that sorry excuse for an apprentice will feel the full weight of what it means to cross my master’s plans…” She chuckled, chilling the air in cold displeasure before disappearing in a mass of darkness.

Chapter 9

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A Day In a Life Part 2

Green to start music and red to stop music

Sweet Apple Acres: Apple Residence…

“Really?! For truly!?”

Applejack raised an eyebrow at her little sister, who was bouncing with excitement. “Well, yeah. Sora’s gonna be stayin’ with us for a while. He needed a place, so ah offered.” She glanced over at Sora with a warm, amused smile. “Besides, ah couldn’t just leave a friend who helped save another friend out on the street, now could ah?”

Applejack had explained Sora’s situation to the rest of the family, and as he stood there, Sora’s eyes moved from one Apple Family member to the next, waiting for their reaction. Big Mac, Applejack’s quiet and strong older brother, nodded in approval, his usual “Eeyup” ringing out. Granny Smith, despite her age, still had a spark in her eyes and gave Sora a welcoming smile. They were more than happy to accommodate him, especially after hearing how he had helped one of Applejack’s friends in a time of need.

But no one was more thrilled than Apple Bloom, the bright-eyed filly with her oversized pink bow, who was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement.

Though Sora didn’t quite understand why the little filly was so overjoyed, he couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, chalking it up to the boundless energy of youth.

Finally calming down, Apple Bloom let out a dramatic sigh as she flopped onto the nearby sofa, her mind spinning with excitement. The stallion from her recent dreams—her very own hero—was going to be living with her and her family. Never in a million years did she imagine such a thing could happen. But here he was, standing right in front of her.

Her heart raced as her mind filled with thoughts of him: his cute face, that adorable muzzle, those bright, sky-blue eyes, and that soft, chocolate mane. And the way he wore his clothes—oh, how cute he was! Every little thing he did seemed impossibly perfect, her imagination running wild with every detail.

“Applebloom! Are ya’ll paying attention?”

Apple Bloom snapped out of her daydream, blinking rapidly as she realized her sister was speaking to her. “Huh? Wha—? Oh, uh, yeah, of course, Applejack!” she stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep red. She sat up straight, trying her best to look like she had been paying attention all along.

Applejack raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Uh-huh…Well as ah was saying, ah need ya to mind your manors and don’t bother Sora too much none. He’s here to work, not to play. Besides ah’m sure he has enough on his mind with his responsibilities he was given without having to worry about you and the crusaders dragging him on one of y'all cutiemark getting adventures.”

And there was the hoof that stepped into her ice-cream cake. “But sis, me and the crusaders could show him around Ponyville. Oh! Maybe even earn a tour guide cutie mark.”

“Didn’t y'all already try that once before?” Applejack asked as she raised an eyebrow to the filly.

“Hey! The girls and ah agreed that the only reason it didn’t work was because we were trying to give the tour to ponies that already lived in Ponyville. He’s not from Ponyville so it has to work this time.” Applebloom said with conviction.

Applejack let out a sigh, shaking her head with a bemused smile. “Applebloom, just ‘cause Sora’s new around here doesn’t mean you can drag him into one of your wild schemes. He’s got a lot on his plate, and the last thing he needs is to get tangled up in one of y’all’s cutie mark adventures.”

Apple Bloom puffed out her cheeks in defiance. “But we wouldn’t be gettin’ him into trouble, honest! We’d just be showin’ him ‘round town! Ain’t that right, Sora?”

Sora chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “Well, I wouldn’t mind a tour, Applejack. It might help me get my bearings a bit better.” He glanced at Apple Bloom with a wink.

Applejack rolled her eyes at her sister's words, though it was in a good natured way. “Well ah guess ah can’t really argue with that logic now can ah? But y'all can do that later, after he has settled in and what not.” She turned to the stallion. “Come on then, Sora. Ah'll show ya to your room and then we can get started on what y'all be doing around the farm.”

Sora nodded to Applejack and then turned to face the rest of the apple family. He smiled shyly as he let the tip of his hoof scratch his cheek gently. “Thanks for putting up with me. I promise to do my best around here.”

Big Mac gave a reassuring nod, his deep voice rumbling with a simple, “Eeyup,” while Granny Smith waved a hoof dismissively with a warm smile. “Ain’t no trouble at all, sonny. We’re always happy to help out good folks, especially ones with such fine manners.”

Apple Bloom, still buzzing with excitement, tried to compose herself, though her smile stretched wide. "We'll have tons of fun when ya finish up work, Sora! Just you wait!" She practically bounced in place, unable to contain her enthusiasm. “Oh! Ah totally gotta get the crusaders together! They’er gonna be so surprised!”

Applejack chuckled, giving Apple Bloom a playful nudge. “Alright, calm down, sugarcube. Let Sora get settled in first. There’ll be plenty of time for all that later.”

Apple Bloom nodded enthusiastically, though it was clear she was already thinking ahead. "Okay, okay, but ah’m still gonna tell the girls! They’re gonna flip when they hear Sora’s stayin’ with us!" She dashed off excitedly, her energy seeming boundless.

Applejack shook her head with a smile as she watched Apple Bloom race out of the house. “That filly’s got enough energy to power all of Ponyville, I swear.” She turned back to Sora. “Don’t worry, she means well, but she can get a little overexcited sometimes.”

Sora smiled warmly, watching Apple Bloom’s retreating figure. “No worries, Applejack. She actually reminds me of a girl I knew back on the islands. Always full of energy, always dragging me into adventures.”

Applejack chuckled. “Sounds like y’all had some good times back home.”

“Yeah, we did,” Sora replied, his expression softening with a hint of nostalgia. He shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. “Anyway… Where will I be bunking?”

Applejack noticed the subtle change in Sora’s demeanor but decided not to press further. She smiled and gestured toward the stairs. "Follow me, and I’ll show ya where you'll be stayin'."

The two ponies made their way up the stairs until they reached a lone door at the top. Applejack gave it a gentle push, stepping inside, and Sora followed closely behind. His eyes swept over the room, taking in the modest yet cozy setup.

It was a simple attic-turned-bedroom, with a lone bed placed in the center, a nightstand holding a single candle for late-night reading, and an old wooden chest tucked into the corner. It wasn’t anything grand, certainly not like the opulent rooms in Canterlot, but there was something about its simplicity that felt... right. The room carried the warmth of a family home, and to Sora, that made all the difference. It reminded him of the cozy feeling he’d had back on Destiny Islands, and it brought a sense of comfort he hadn’t realized he needed.

“Well, here ya’ are," Applejack said with a smile. "Not as fancy as those Canterlot rooms, but it’s nice and dry, and it’s got that homey feel.”

Sora returned her smile. “Thanks, Applejack. It actually reminds me a bit of when I first moved into my own place back on the islands. It’s... homey, just like you said.”

Applejack tipped her hat at him. “Aww, shucks. No need to thank me, Sora. Just helpin’ out a friend, that’s all.”

“Friend?” Sora echoed, his smile growing a little wider. "Heh... So we are friends?"

“Well, more like a friend in the makin’.” Seeing his curious expression, she continued, “Listen, Sora. Ah know the princesses gave ya their seal of approval, and that counts for a lot. But ah also know you’re holdin’ somethin’ back. Ah can tell 'cause I’m the Element of Honesty, and that means I can usually spot when somethin’s off.” She paused, looking at him kindly. “But after seein’ what ya had to fight, and knowin’ the princesses trust ya with their lives, well... I figure I can give ya the benefit of the doubt. And besides, ya saved my friend, and that’s worth somethin’ in my book.”

She placed a hoof gently on his shoulder, her gaze steady. “Now, ah get it if ya don’t wanna talk about whatever it is you’re carryin’. Seems like you don’t want us too involved in whatever’s goin’ on.”

Sora chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Haha... That easy to read, huh?”

“Like an open book. But Ah don't think that's a bad thing in itself, but if’n y'all ever do want to talk about something, just know that I’ll be ready ta listen, If ya will let me.”

Sora couldn't help but rub the back of his neck as he looked away from the mare. “Rarity said the same thing to me. Fluttershy too.”

“Did they now?" She said with an amused expression. "Well it looks like ya’ll got three mares to unload your troubles to. Especially Fluttershy. She's a pony ah know will always listen to somepony else's problems without batting an eye.”

Sora turned away from Applejack, looking towards his bed. His voice seemed to falter lightly as he spoke. “Thanks for the offer Applejack. I don't have any problems to speak of at the moment but I'll keep it in mind.” He felt the mares hoof brush along the back of his neck, causing him to turn to face the mare.

“Sugarcube, everypony has problems to speak of; just not many are willing to tell others about them.” She gave him a light hug and turned to head back downstairs. Before she went, however, she called back toward the stallion. “Ah’m the same ya know. So are Pinkie and Rainbow and the rest of the girls. We all have things that we refuse to share with each other.”

He raised an eyebrow at the farm-mare, “So why do you suggest that I talk about mine?”

Applejack smiled as she turned to face the stallion once again. “Cause ya’ll look like somepony that could really use it.” She turned to trot down the stairs before Sora could even hope to respond. “Now get settled in and meet me out by the barn Sora. We gots some apple bucking to do before the day’s through."

~~~

Golden Oaks Library…

Twilight Sparkle worked tirelessly, her horn glowing as she enveloped the entire book collection in the gentle aura of her magic. She was reorganizing every shelf, carefully aligning each tome in perfect order, as though the act itself would bring clarity to the whirlwind of thoughts racing through her mind. She needed this—a break from the overwhelming events of the past two days.

Meeting Sora, the mysterious stallion with a heart as strong as his strange abilities, had been the first shock. Then came the revelation of a civilization lost for over a thousand years, the Crystal Empire, looming on the horizon. And, as if that weren’t enough, she’d learned about the Heartless—creatures born from darkness, dangerous beings that seemed to threaten every world.

It was all just... too much to process at once.

Twilight sighed, her magic faltering slightly as her concentration wavered. She believed a bit of normality would help her regain control, to gather her thoughts and make sense of everything that had transpired. Organizing the library, returning to her usual routine, seemed like the perfect solution. It was something familiar, something stable.

"Okay, Twilight," she muttered to herself, glancing at the floating books around her. "Just focus on the task at hoof. One thing at a time." She gently slid the final book back onto the shelf, its cover glowing briefly before the magic dissipated.

Twilight glanced over at Spike, who was lying on the sofa with a noticeably dejected expression, idly twirling a claw around one of the cushions. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him. Even though Spike had been a little upset with the way Rarity had fawned over Sora earlier, he still seemed down about the fact that Sora wouldn’t be staying in the library. It hadn’t crossed her mind right away, but now she realized Spike had been excited about having another guy around to hang out with. After all, most of their friends were mares, and while Spike got along with them just fine, there was something different about having a fellow colt to bond with.

She couldn’t help but reflect on the past few days and how quickly things had changed with Sora’s arrival. He was still a mystery, but despite the oddness of the situation—and the looming threats of Heartless—there was something about him that made him easy to trust. Even she, with all her usual reservations, couldn’t deny that there was something comforting in the way he carried himself.

It helps… that he is surprisingly honest… and easy to talk to, she thought, organizing the last of her books. She smiled softly, reflecting on how her friends had taken to him so quickly. Even Fluttershy, who was often more reserved about newcomers, had shown a clear interest in making him feel welcome.

Of course, there was one exception: Rainbow Dash.

She turned back to her work, placing a few more books upon the shelves. Stopping only to look out at the bright blue sky.

~~~

Rarity's Boutique

Rarity finished up the base design of her latest masterpiece that she had been creating through the inspiration of Sora’s own clothing. With a coy smile, she hung the picture upon her work board that held six more just like it before pulling out a few bolts of cloth and some thread.

“Now for the colors. It has to be bold, yet not complicated. Maybe something in black and pink but nothing too extravagant. She likes things simple.” Rarity scanned over a few pieces of lavender cloth. “Hmm…but what could go with it? There’s just so much to choose from. How will I ever find the right color?”

She looked toward her work desk, finding the design of Sora’s clothes she had done a quick sketch of when she had them in her possession. Her thoughts immediately turned to the stallion and a light blush formed on her cheeks.

That caramel coated stallion seemed to always occupy her mind as of late, invading every inch of her being and causing her heart to run abnormally fast. For a stallion to make her feel this way without even knowing it was truly rare to hear.

“Oh dear…” She slowly made her way to her bed allowing herself to down upon it. She placed both hooves on her chest, doing her best to calm her beating heart. “How in Celestia’s name are you able to make me feel like this? Not even Blueblood was able to make me feel this way, even before I found out how much of an…an…uncouth pony he was.”

Rarity lay back on her bed, her hooves pressed gently against her chest as she tried to steady the quickened pace of her heart. She gazed up at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling as they returned to Sora, the caramel-coated stallion who, without even trying, had somehow managed to capture her attention in a way no other pony had before.

It was puzzling, really. She had met charming and handsome stallions in the past, ponies who had tried, often too hard, to win her affections. But Sora... he wasn’t like them. He was kind, genuine, and unassuming—traits that were more endearing than any grand gesture or flashy display of wealth.

She turned over to lie on her belly, pulling in a pillow to lay her head upon. “I had promised myself not to fall for another pony so fast but…” She blushed brighter as her heartbeat quickened. “To have you in my hooves Sora. Oh that would be a day to remember…”

Rarity buried her face in the pillow, her cheeks burning with a blush she couldn’t seem to shake. Her thoughts were filled with images of Sora—his warm smile, his gentle demeanor, the way he carried himself with an unspoken strength. Every time she tried to focus on something else, her mind wandered back to him, making her heart race all over again.

“I simply must get a hold of myself,” she murmured into the soft fabric, her voice muffled. “I’ve only known him for a short time. This is all just... infatuation, right?”

But deep down, Rarity knew it wasn’t just some passing fancy. There was something about Sora that felt different from the other stallions she had met. He wasn’t flashy, nor did he put on airs. He didn’t try to impress her with shallow charm or wealth. Instead, he was genuine, thoughtful, and, much to her surprise, incredibly sweet.

She sighed, lifting her head slightly to gaze out the window. The late afternoon sun bathed her boutique in a warm glow, but all she could think about was the warmth she felt whenever Sora was around.

“To have you in my hooves, Sora…” she whispered softly, her blush deepening. “Oh, that would be a day to remember.”

Rarity let herself daydream for a moment, imagining the two of them together, walking through the streets of Ponyville, Sora by her side, his wing draped protectively over her back. The thought made her heart flutter even more.

But then, reality set in. She sat up, pushing the pillow away as she tried to regain her composure. “I’m being ridiculous,” she scolded herself. “A lady of my stature cannot let herself be swept away so easily.”

She shook her head, determined to focus on her work. “I’ll just have to be patient. If something is meant to happen between us, it will. Until then, I must keep my feelings in check.”

Despite her resolve, the thought of Sora lingered in her mind, a soft smile creeping onto her lips as she returned to her work.

~~~

Ponyville: Open Field

Rainbow Dash grumbled to herself as she zipped through the sky, her frustration mounting with every passing second. The breeze whipped through her mane, but even the familiar sensation of flying—something that usually cleared her mind—couldn’t shake the thoughts swirling around her head.

“Ugh, why him?” she muttered, her wings flapping harder as if she could outrun her own thoughts. “Of all the ponies to get stuck in my head, it had to be that spiky-maned weirdo!”

She couldn’t stop thinking about Sora. It wasn’t just how he had shown up out of nowhere with that goofy grin and a Keyblade, though that certainly had thrown her for a loop. No, it was something else. Something deeper. He reminded her of somepony from her past, somepony who had left a mark on her life in a way that still made her chest tighten whenever she thought about it.

“How dare you remind me of...” she growled through gritted teeth, but the words died on her lips. She shook her head, trying to banish the memory that was creeping up on her, but it wouldn’t leave her alone.

It wasn’t fair. Sora had done nothing wrong—well, except for being annoyingly nice and brave and... infuriatingly selfless. But the way he carried himself it was too familiar. Too close to someone she had known long ago.

Rainbow clenched her jaw, her flight slowing as she hovered over the open field, her gaze hardening. "I don't need anypony like him," she muttered. "I don't need anypony reminding me of Him."

Rainbow Dash landed with a soft thud in the branches of a sturdy tree, folding her wings as she leaned back against the rough bark. She gazed up at the sky, the clouds drifting lazily overhead. Normally, this was her favorite way to relax—perched in a tree or a cloud, letting the world pass by as she took a well-earned nap. But today, there was no peace as she closed her eyes, only that of a dreamless nap.

~~~

Flutterhy's Cottage

Fluttershy was in dire straits.

"Oh, this is not like me. Not like me at all," she murmured, pacing back and forth in her cozy cottage. Her usual serene composure had all but vanished, replaced by a bundle of nerves and a mind running in overdrive. Her hooves had nearly worn a ring into the carpet from the constant pacing, her wings twitching at her sides.

She couldn’t get her thoughts to settle. After hearing Sora talk about his islands, his home, and—most of all—his friends, her mind had been a whirlwind ever since. The way he described the place he came from, a peaceful and carefree paradise, had moved her deeply. It sounded like a place where kindness and harmony flourished, so much like her own little sanctuary in Ponyville, and yet so far removed.

And then there were his friends. Fluttershy had been enchanted by the way Sora spoke of them. Riku, his closest friend, seemed to be someone Sora admired deeply, even though they had their differences and fought at times. There was something genuine in how he described Riku—like he respected him, despite their struggles.

"Tidus, Wakka, and Selphie... they sounded like amazing ponies," she whispered to herself, feeling a warmth in her chest. The way Sora spoke about them, how they all shared a bond, reminded her of her own friends—the way they would all rally together no matter the odds.

But then, there was Kairi.

Fluttershy’s steps faltered at the thought of her. Every time Sora had mentioned Kairi, his tone softened, becoming almost wistful. Kairi seemed special to him in a way that was hard to put into words—something deeper than friendship, though Fluttershy could sense he hadn’t quite figured out how to express it yet.

And that, more than anything, was what had Fluttershy’s heart in a tangle. Every time Sora spoke of Kairi, something inside her stirred. Was it... jealousy? No, that couldn’t be right. She couldn’t possibly be feeling that, could she? She didn’t even know Kairi. And the way he talked about her, it seemed he had not seen her in a long time.

It still made her heart cringe though.

When he had told her that Kairi had left a while ago, she couldn’t hold back an inward smile, which was the cause of her current worry

“Oh how can I think that way? I can’t possibly be happy that he had to say goodbye to a childhood friend, can I?” But the more she thought about it the more glad she was that Kairi was unable to be there for him. If she was nowhere near him then maybe-

Fluttershy stopped in her tracks, her heart giving a guilty flutter as her thoughts spiraled further. Oh, no, no, no, she scolded herself, her wings twitching anxiously. I can’t think that way. I shouldn’t be happy that Kairi isn’t here for him...

But despite her inner protests, the thought lingered. The idea that, because Kairi wasn’t by Sora’s side, she might have the chance to be... it made her heart race in a way she wasn’t used to. It was such a selfish thought—one that made her feel horrible for even considering it.

Her steps slowed as she made her way through the quiet cottage, her mind still buzzing with these unfamiliar feelings. Sora had been so kind to her, so open, even though they’d only known each other for a short time. He made her feel... safe, in a way that few others had. And maybe that’s why her heart felt so confused.

But then again, it wasn’t just that. Sora was the first stallion she’d ever had a real conversation with. The first one who had treated her like a friend, listened to her stories, and shared his own. And as much as she hated to admit it, those moments with him had sparked something inside her that she couldn’t quite ignore. Something warm. Something... hopeful.

And the more Fluttershy thought about it, the more that small, hopeful part of her whispered that maybe, just maybe, this was her chance to get closer to him. If Kairi was far away, unable to be there for Sora, maybe she could step in. Maybe she could be the one to comfort him, to support him when he needed a friend.

She shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the thought. No, Fluttershy, stop it! You can’t be happy about this! Kairi is his friend. You don’t even know her, and it’s wrong to feel this way just because she’s not around.

Fluttershy groaned and slumped onto the couch, grabbing a white bunny in the process, the little rabbit looking at her with concern. “Oh, Angel! What am I going to do? I want Sora to be happy. And he just looked so down. And I thought that if I can make him happy enough to...”

Angel raised his paw and tapped Fluttershy’s forehead hard. She looked at him as he gave her a glare and pointed to her and then slammed his fist together.

“Y-you’re right Angel.” She flew into the air hugging her pet happily. “I have to believe in myself. Since Kairi…no…not just her…Since his old friends aren’t around and he’s a long way from home, then I have to make sure that he feels like this is his home too.” She zipped to her dresser and pulled out some paper. “Ok then. Now what was the name of that fruit again?”

~~~

Sugercube Corner

Pinkie placed the sleeping twins into their cribs, a gentle smile on her face as she did so. She had fulfilled her promise to play with them, and though she was sad to see them tuckered out, she was happy to find that they still held a smile on their faces.

After covering the two foals in their blankets, she silently made her way out of the room, closing the door behind her. She enjoyed her job of making ponies happy. It was her one passions in life, and nothing made her happier.

So remembering Sora the way he was when he had been speaking to the princess back at the palace, almost brought her from her happy high.

The pink mare had followed after the pair of ponies that night when she had gone to visit Sora. To make sure that he was settled in. Sora, honestly at first seemed like such a happy colt, speaking to the princess in such a casual way. Pinkie knew right away that Sora was the kind of colt to make friends with everyone he met. Had his life been different, he would be one of the best party ponies in Equestia.

Most of what they said went over the mare’s head, but one thing was certain, Sora was hurt. He felt like a failure, and she knew it was eating him up inside.

There was a sadness behind that smile, something deeper that he kept hidden. The way he talked to Princess Celestia, casually at first but with a tone that hinted at a burden weighing on his heart, told Pinkie more than she had expected. Though a lot of what they discussed had been beyond her usual understanding, the one thing she couldn’t shake was the feeling that Sora was hurting inside.

He felt like a failure, and Pinkie knew that feeling all too well.

Pinkie Pie sat quietly at the counter, her usually boundless energy subdued as she mulled over her thoughts. “How can we help you if you won’t let us, Sora?” she whispered, her voice soft in the stillness of the bakery.

She already knew the answer, of course. It was the same reason she struggled to let others in when she was feeling down. Sora, like her, put everyone else’s happiness first. He probably thought, just like she did, that his own troubles didn’t matter as long as he could bring smiles to others. That if he just kept being the cheerful, goofy friend, no one would notice the weight he was carrying.

“I guess, in a way, we are both the same, Sora,” Pinkie murmured, placing a hoof over her heart. It ached a little, knowing how much they had in common—how they both hid behind their smiles, making others happy because that’s what they did best. That’s what they knew how to do.

Mrs. Cake made her way down the stairs, her gentle hoofsteps barely making a sound in the quiet bakery. She blinked in surprise when she spotted Pinkie Pie sitting at the counter, deep in thought—a rare sight for the usually bouncy, always-moving mare. Something about Pinkie’s stillness tugged at her motherly instincts, and she approached with a kind smile.

"Pinkie dear, is everything alright?" Mrs. Cake asked softly, her tone laced with concern. "You’re awfully quiet tonight."

Pinkie’s ears perked up at the sound of Mrs. Cake’s voice, and she quickly turned to face her with a bright, albeit slightly forced, smile. “Oh! Hey, Mrs. Cake! I’m fine, just... thinking.” She paused for a moment before adding with more enthusiasm, “About cakes, of course!”

Mrs. Cake raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but she knew better than to press too hard when Pinkie wasn’t ready to talk. "Thinking about cakes, hmm? That’s usually a good thing!" she said with a chuckle. "Anything special in mind?"

Pinkie Pie nodded eagerly, her signature energy returning as she bounced off the stool. "Oh yes! I’m trying to think of the perfect cake to bake for Sora. You know, something that’ll make him feel all warm and happy inside. Something that says, ‘Hey, you don’t have to carry all your worries alone, we’re your friends now!’”

Mrs. Cake smiled gently, her heart warming at Pinkie’s determination. “That sounds like a lovely idea, Pinkie. I’m sure whatever you come up with, Sora will appreciate it.”

Pinkie beamed, hopping in place as she continued. “I was thinking something big and bold, but not too fancy. Maybe with chocolate—oh! Or maybe vanilla! Wait, no, both! And I could add some stars and hearts, and maybe a little key on top, like his Keyblade! Ooooh, and sprinkles! You can never go wrong with sprinkles!”

Mrs. Cake giggled, watching Pinkie’s excitement grow. "That sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful cake, dear. I think Sora’s really lucky to have a friend like you looking out for him."

Pinkie’s bouncing slowed just a little, her smile softening. “Thanks, Mrs. Cake.”

Mrs. Cake shook her head gently, a warm, motherly smile on her face. "Just don’t stay up too late baking, dear. You need your rest too, you know."

Pinkie Pie nodded vigorously, her usual pep returning as she saluted playfully. “You got it, Mrs. Cake! But don’t worry, I won’t stop until I make the perfect cake for Sora! It’s gonna be so awesome, he won’t even be able to not smile!”

Mrs. Cake chuckled softly, watching the younger mare’s enthusiasm return full force. "I’m sure, Pinkie. " She patted Pinkie’s mane before turning toward the stairs. “Goodnight, dear.”

As Mrs. Cake made her way back upstairs, Pinkie stood still for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the kitchen. Her smile softened into something more determined, more heartfelt.

"I’ll make him smile," she whispered to herself. "A real, honest-to-goodness smile, not the kind you wear just to make others feel better." Pinkie felt her heart swell with resolve. Sora had been through a lot—that much she could tell. And if baking the perfect cake would be the first step in lifting his spirits, then that’s exactly what she was going to do.

With a bounce in her step, Pinkie trotted toward the kitchen, her mind buzzing with ideas. “I’ll make sure Sora knows he’s not alone. I Pinkie Pie Promise!”

~~~

Sweetapple Acres

Applejack smiled proudly as she watched Sora trot over to the next tree she pointed out. With a determined grin, he reared back and gave the tree a solid buck, the apples shaking for only a brief moment before tumbling neatly into the bins beneath it. Sora beamed, pumping his hoof in triumph.

"HA! That’s five in a row!" he cheered, his voice filled with excitement.

"Land sakes, Sora!" Applejack whistled, shaking her head in amazement. "Ah gotta say, I didn’t think ya’d take to apple buckin’ this fast. Took me weeks ta get the hang of it, and here ya are, makin’ it look easy." She chuckled, clearly impressed.

She had to admit, at first, she wasn’t sure how well a pegasus like Sora would handle the hard, physical labor required on the farm. Pegasi weren't exactly known for earth ponies’ level of endurance, after all. But those doubts had plummeted off a cliff as the day went on. Sora had thrown himself into the work with enthusiasm, and more than that, he was good at it. Real good.

Sora wiped the sweat from his brow, still grinning as he trotted over to Applejack. "Honestly, it kinda reminds me of home," he said, his voice softening. "Me and my friends used to build stuff on our island all the time. We even made a little hideout. Doing stuff like this... I guess it brings back good memories."

Applejack nodded, her expression softening at his words. "Well, Ah’ll tell ya what, Sora. You’ve got a real knack for hard work. If y’all ever need a place ta stretch your legs or get your hooves dirty, Sweet Apple Acres is always open for ya." She tipped her hat with a smile.

"Thanks, Applejack," Sora said, genuinely touched. "I appreciate that."

Applejack went back to her own work, but her eyes kept glancing over at Sora as he moved from tree to tree, bucking with a determination that never seemed to waver. He’d only been at it for a day, yet he was already working like a seasoned pro. And it wasn’t just the technique—he was fast, too. The bins filled with apples at a pace that would put even the best farmhooves to shame.

She had to admit, it was impressive. Most ponies who weren’t used to bucking trees struggled at first, either using too little force or exhausting themselves too quickly. But Sora had taken to it like he’d been doing it his whole life. In just a few hours, he’d cleared almost double the amount of trees a typical hired hoof would.

Sora breathed heavily after kicking yet another tree. Sweat beaded off his body, running down his fur. “Geez! I need to work out more. Guess being on the island all that time got me a little out of practice.”

“Ah reckon you’re doin’ better than ya think, Sora,” Applejack called out as she walked over, her eyes scanning the full bins around him. “Ain’t too many ponies can keep up that kinda pace their first time out here. You’re knockin’ it outta the park.”

Sora gave a sheepish grin, still catching his breath. “Thanks, Applejack. I just... don’t want to slow down, you know? It’s kinda fun, actually.”

Applejack chuckled. “Well, Ah can see that, but don’t go pushin’ yerself too hard. It ain’t about how fast you can clear a field; it’s about gettin’ the job done right and paces yerself. The work’ll still be here tomorrow.”

Sora smiled and nodded happily. “You can count on me AJ.”

“That’s the spirit Sugarcube. Now then, why don’t ya’ll go and wash up ‘fore dinner. Y'all look as though ya could use it. Don’t worry about lugging the apples to the barn. Me and Big Mac can take care of that.”

Sora gave himself a sniff and released an embarrassed chuckle as he nodded in agreement. “Ok AJ, but I’m definitely helping you next time.” He trotted past Applejack and Big Mac with a spring in his step.

Big Mac chuckled softly, the red stallion turning towards his sisters. “Keep heaping praise on him like that and one would think you have a crush AJ.”

Applejack rolled her eyes at her brother’s teasing, though a playful smirk tugged at her lips. “Oh, hush now, Big Mac. He’s a hard worker, that’s all. Ain’t no harm in givin’ credit where it’s due.”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Eeyup, sure. But ya seem mighty fond of praisin’ him. Just sayin’.”

Applejack snorted, waving a hoof dismissively. “Sora’s a nice enough fella, but I ain’t got no crush on him. He’s more like... a little brother or somethin’.” She shot her brother a sidelong glance. “Besides, Ah reckon somepony else already got her eyes set on him.”

Big Mac chuckled, giving his sister a knowing look. "Reckon I know who ya mean. Rarity, huh?"

Applejack nodded, a smirk crossing her lips. “Eeyup. She’s been all kinds of flustered ever since Sora came to town. Can’t say I blame her, though. He’s got that charm about him.”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow. “Charm, huh? Thought you said he was more like a little brother.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Ain’t sayin’ he don’t got charm. Just not the kind I’m lookin’ for. Rarity, though? She’s head over hooves for him, whether she admits it or not.”

The two siblings continued their work, sharing a quiet camaraderie as they hauled the bins of apples toward the barn. After a moment, Applejack sighed, her expression softening.

“Still, Ah do hope Sora’s able to settle in alright. He’s got a lot weighin’ on him, and Ah can tell he’s carryin’ more than he’s lettin’ on.”

~~~

It was quite some time before Sora finally slipped under the covers, the soft fabric cocooning him in warmth and comfort. With his fur freshly cleaned and his belly full from a hearty dinner at Sweet Apple Acres, he felt a deep sense of contentment settling over him. The hard work on the farm had left him physically tired, but in a way that made him feel accomplished, like he was truly helping out.

As he rested his forehooves under his head, eyes closing with a peaceful sigh, his mind still lingered on everything that had been happening. The fight against the Heartless, the looming threat of a powerful king, it all weighed on him. He’d faced challenges like this before—countless battles where the odds were stacked against him—but this time, there was a difference.

There were no Donald or Goofy by his side. No King Mickey, Riku, or Kairi. He was alone in this new world, and that thought sent a slight pang of sadness through his heart. Despite the new friends he’d made, a part of him felt isolated, like a piece of his heart was still missing.

But here, in this quiet room, with the gentle sounds of Sweet Apple Acres in the distance, he found a sense of calm. Applejack and her family had welcomed him with open hearts, and for the first time since arriving in Equestria, he felt like he had a place to belong, even if only for a little while.

He took a deep breath, allowing his worries to fade for the moment. As he snuggled deeper into the bed, a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Everything’s going to be just fine," he whispered softly to himself.

And with that thought, he drifted off to sleep, hopeful for what tomorrow might bring.

Chapter 10: Sweet Apple Fight Night

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Sweet Apple Fight Night

Green to start music and red to stop music

Sweet Apple Acres...

Sora’s eyes snapped open, his heart racing. Something didn’t feel right.

Instinctively, he rolled out of bed, landing on his hooves with a quiet thud. The calm and warmth he had felt just moments ago had vanished, replaced by a gnawing unease deep in his gut. He didn’t know why, but something was off. Something was coming.

He quickly donned his attire, slipping into his jacket and adjusting his belts with practiced ease. His Keyblade hadn’t appeared yet, but he knew it wouldn’t be long before he’d need it. As he made his way down from the attic, his ears twitched, listening for any unusual sounds that might explain the sudden sense of foreboding.

The house was quiet. Too quiet.

When he reached the second-floor hallway, he paused at the window. Peering out, he saw that the usually serene sky above Sweet Apple Acres was now hidden beneath a thick layer of clouds. Heavy and ominous, they hung low, casting shadows across the farm below. It wasn’t raining yet, but the air felt charged with something—something more than just the promise of a storm.

I gotta be paranoid, he thought, trying to calm the pounding of his heart. Everything seemed peaceful. The farm was quiet, the orchard undisturbed, and there was no sign of trouble anywhere he looked.

Sora needed to rid his thoughts of the uneasiness that he felt and only one course of action came to mind. He knocked tenderly on the door leading to Applejack’s room, hoping to gain some sort of response. When nobody came he knocked again, a little louder than before. “AJ? Are you in there?” Once again no one answered. With his apprehension, he moved on to Big Mac’s room and repeated the process. He was once again met with silence.

Sitting on his haunches, the stallion crossed his forelegs and closed his eyes.

“So they’re not here. They’re farmers. Farmers usually begin their day bright and early, right? They have to be outside. So everything is fine…right?” The feeling of foreboding still lingered within his heart. “It's gotta be nothing...I'm just..."

“Sora?”

The sound of a girl’s voice caused the boy to look to his side. He found Applebloom peering from behind an open door. The little filly’s pink bow was understandably absent and she held the remnants of sleep in her eyes. She rubbed said eyes before exiting her room completely. “What’s going on?”

“Hey, Apple Bloom,” he said softly, standing up from where he had been sitting. “I was just… checking on things. Everything’s fine, I think.” He glanced out the window again, catching another glimpse of the thick, stormy clouds that loomed overhead. “I just, uh... thought your sister or Big Mac might be up already.”

“Applejack?” She looked behind herself. “It’s about five now, so she might be in the barn. She and Big Mac always start the day early.”

“The barn…got it.” He made his way to the staircases before stopping. After a small mental battle within him, he turned back towards the little filly and placed a hoof on her head. “Applebloom, I know this is gonna sound weird, but...I need you to go back into your room. Stay there and do not come out until somepony you know comes to get you, ok?”

Apple Bloom blinked up at Sora, clearly confused by his words. “What? Why do I gotta stay in my room? Is somethin’ wrong?”

He smiled back at her trying to reassure her as much as possible. “Could you just do as I say, for now at least? There's something I gotta go check up on.”

The little filly frowned but nodded slowly. “Okay... I trust ya. But you better come tell me when everythin’s fine, promise?”

Sora nodded, giving her a reassuring pat on the head. “I promise. Stay put, alright?”

With that, Apple Bloom turned and retreated back into her room, casting one last glance at Sora before closing the door. He let out a deep breath, his heart still racing as he made his way downstairs, keeping his senses on high alert.

“Ok, Sora. Here you are worrying a little girl about something your gut is telling you. It may very well be nothing at all but...”

He made a beeline to the barn, kicking up dust as he went. “I really hope I’m wrong…”

~~~

Applejack’s heart pounded in her chest as the darkness closed in around her, the tendrils tightening their grip with every passing second. Her muscles burned from the strain of trying to pull herself free, but it was no use. The more she struggled, the stronger the shadowy force seemed to become. She could see Big Mac just a few feet away, his massive frame trembling with the effort of trying to stand, but his strength was failing. Blood dripped from the deep wound in his side, pooling on the hay beneath him.

Tears of frustration and fear welled in her eyes. She had faced danger before—timberwolves, storms, and everything in between—but this… this was different. This darkness was alive, and it wanted to consume her.

No! her mind screamed again, her will fighting against the despair that threatened to overwhelm her. Ah can’t give up! Ah gotta keep fightin’, but no matter how much she pushed, the darkness pushed back harder.

She could feel herself being dragged closer to the swirling abyss, the black void swallowing everything it touched. Her hooves scraped uselessly against the ground, the gag of shadow silencing her cries for help.

Please, somepony… anypony… Her mind was slipping into hopelessness. Sora… His name flickered in her mind like a tiny spark in the suffocating dark.

“APPLEJACK!”

Applejack opened her eyes, the suffocating weight of despair loosening for just a moment. But a bright flash of light forced her to squint, her vision blurring before settling on the sight of Sora, his caramel coat a sharp contrast to the darkness surrounding them. She felt his hooves gripping her tightly, pulling her away from the void that had been dragging her in.

"W-what in tarnation… Sora?" she stuttered, barely able to comprehend how he had suddenly appeared.

Sora’s expression was intense but filled with relief. "Applejack! Are you okay?!"

“Ah… Ah think so,” she managed to say, her voice weak but steadying. “But Big Mac, he’s hurt real bad!”

Releasing Applejack, Sora summoned the keyblade in a flash of light, turning his attention towards a set of pony shaped heartless rising from the shadows on ground. “Right...Go make sure he’s okay. I’ll be the one to take care of things here.” Not waiting for a response, Sora jumped toward the crowd of heartless, brandishing his weapon expertly in his maw.

Applejack didn’t waste a second. She rushed toward Big Mac, her heart pounding as she saw the state her brother was in. He was still breathing, but the gash looked pretty bad. "Hold on, Big Mac," she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady. "Ah’m here now."

“It looks a lot worse than it is.” The red stallion spoke, gaze shifted downward. “I fended them off as best ah could but ah…ah couldn’t...” He glared at Applejack. “Why didn’t ya run when ah told ya to run? Why didn’t ya listen, AJ?“

Applejack’s heart clenched at her brother’s words, guilt and fear swirling in her chest as she knelt beside him. She pressed a hoof gently against his side, trying to stop the bleeding, even though she knew it wasn’t enough.

"Ah couldn’t just leave ya behind, Big Mac,” she said softly, her voice wavering but resolute. “Ah ain’t the type to run and hide while my family’s in danger."

“What if ya got hurt? Or worse!” He gritted his teeth in frustration at the stubborn mare. “Besides, ya saw that thing wanted you. Ah tried to give ya a chance to escape as best ah could.”

“Ah know, Big Mac,” she retorted. “Ah know ya were tryin’ to protect me… but ah just couldn’t leave ya. Yer my big brother! There ain’t no way ah could run off and let ya face that thing alone.”

He shook his head. “Well ya stop being stubborn for one second and Listen. Just forget about me and run. Your friend might…not… ” Big Mac’s eyes grew in size as he watched what he beheld in front of him, his mouth refusing to shut.

Applejack turned her head just in time to see Sora in action. With a swift, fluid motion, he whipped his head upwards, the tip of his Keyblade connecting with the jaw of a Heartless. The impact sent the creature soaring into the air, helpless and disoriented. But Sora wasn’t done yet.

As another Heartless lunged at him, its shadowy claw swiping through the air, Sora reacted with precision. He slipped beneath the creature, his body low to the ground, avoiding its attack entirely. Before it could react, he planted his hooves firmly on the earth and kicked upward with his hind legs, striking the Heartless in the gut and sending it flying upward alongside its companion.

Without wasting a moment, Sora righted himself, standing tall as both Heartless began to fall back toward the ground. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he launched himself toward the nearest one, ready to finish what he had started.

Sora caught the Heartless by the neck with his hooves and began to spin in place, twirling faster and faster until he became a blur. When he reached the peak of his speed, he released the Heartless, sending it hurtling through the air. It collided with a second Heartless that had just begun its descent.

With precise timing, Sora flung his Keyblade at the pair, the weapon slicing through both creatures in a single arc. Their red crystal hearts were freed, floating briefly in the air before their shadowy forms dissolved into nothingness. In an instant, the Heartless were gone, leaving behind only a fading memory of their existence.

Big Mac, still lying on the ground but somewhat recovering from the shock, was the first to break the silence. "What... what in Equestria did ah just see?" he muttered, his eyes still fixed on the spot where the Heartless had vanished.

Applejack shook her head in disbelief. "Ah... ah don’t rightly know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sora, breathing heavily but still standing tall, made his way back to the two siblings, his Keyblade vanishing in a shimmer of light. "You two okay?" he asked..

Big Mac and Applejack both nodded, too dumbstruck with awe to answer Sora correctly.

Applejack was told by Fluttershy that Sora could fight but what she just witnessed was unlike anything she had ever seen. There’s no way a pony should be able to move like that. And his strength. She was sure that his small frame held a hidden reserve of strength, but to toss those monsters around the way he did was surreal.

Before she could think about it any longer, Sora had made his way over to Big Mac and made the bigger stallion slip a hoof over his shoulder. Applejack followed suit and the both of them were able to support the wounded stallion. The trio made their way out the door and back toward the farmhouse. Once inside, Applejack set to work on tending to Big Mac’s injury.

“Sora. Go on upstairs and fetch me the first aid kit. Should be in the bathroom in the bottom cabinet.”

The stallion nodded and quickly made his way up the stairs. Applejack took the time to look over the wound. It didn’t look deep, so she was sure that it wouldn’t cause any pony problems. She barely had any time to dwell on thoughts as it took only a little time for Sora to return, though to her surprise, he was accompanied by a very alarmed Applebloom.

“Applejack! Big Mac!” Her voice was shaky, and slightly frantic. “What’s going on? What happened ta Big Mac?! He’s bleeding!”

"Calm down, Apple Bloom," Applejack said gently, her voice firm but soothing as she tried to keep the situation under control. "Big Mac’s hurt, but he’s gonna be okay. Just a scratch from somethin’ nasty, but nothin’ we can’t handle."

Sora handed Applejack the first aid kit, stepping aside as she opened it and began pulling out bandages and antiseptic. As she did, she called out to her littler sister, "Now Applebloom, ah Know this is a lot to take in but ah need ya to be a good little filly and go help granny. Tell her what's going on and get her herself downstairs ta look after Big mac after ah’m done patching him up."

The little filly wanted to protest but the looks of both her older siblings silenced her outright. Nodding, the little filly quickly made her way up the stairs not looking back.

With the little one out of the way, the orange farmer got back to work. It was during this time however that a voice to her side caused her ears to perk. “I should have been there…”

Applejack turned her head towards the Keyblade Wielder, an eyebrow raising every so slightly. “Pardon?”

Sora shook his head before turning to face the mare. “He wouldn’t have gotten hurt if I was there sooner. It’s my fault he’s hurt…”

Applejack’s hoof paused mid-wrap around Big Mac’s wound as she looked at Sora. His head was down, his ears flattened against his skull, and there was a clear weight behind his words that made Applejack’s heart sink.

She narrowed her eyes, not out of anger, but because she was sizing him up, trying to get a sense of what was going on inside his head. "Sora," she said, her tone softer but still firm, "it ain’t your fault."

He didn’t look up. "I should’ve been faster. I should’ve known something was wrong."

Applejack finished bandaging Big Mac’s side, giving it a final tug to make sure it was snug. Then she turned fully toward Sora, her expression serious. "Listen here, Sora. You can’t go blamin’ yourself for every little thing. Big Mac and Ah’ve been dealin’ with threats long before you came along, and we’ll be dealin’ with ’em long after. What happened tonight ain’t on you."

"Eeeyep. Ya can't blame ya self for something like this." The red stallion added.

Sora shook his head. “But it fell on me to be there to protect you. Not just you girls but you Big Mac. And everyone else. I promised Celestia. I promised to protect all of you to the best of my ability…” His gaze fell to the ground. “I’m still not strong enough…”

Applejack’s ears splayed back. “Sora…don’t say that. The way ya wrangled those critters, you’re plenty strong, even ah can see that with the way ya fought.”

He slammed his hoof on to the wooden floor, causing everypony to jump slightly. “No! I’m not! Your brother wouldn't have gotten hurt if it wasn't for my carelessness! If only I had...if I had just..." Sora struggled to find the words he wanted to here himself say. "If it had been Riku...This wouldn't have happened. It wasn't even supposed to be mine after all..."

Applejack moved closer to the stallion. “Sora…what do ya mean? What wasn’t suppose ta be yours's?”

“SORA!!”

Sora’s ears perked up at the female voice sounding from outside. He barely turned when the equivalent of a bullet train tackled him to the ground. He was only just able to recognize the bubblegum mane and fur of Pinkie Pie as she pinned him to the ground.

“Pinkie?” His speech was slurred at best. “What are you doing here…” He regained his composure to see that the pink party pony was not smiling in the least. Her ocean orbs were filled with so much worry that it poured into Sora’s soul. “Pinkie? What’s wrong?”

“I-It’s a monster! A monster is in Ponyville!”

Sora’s eyes instantly acquired a serious edge. “A monster? Pinkie start from the beginning.”

She released the stallion, allowing him to come to a vertical base before beginning her tale. “Well I was in Sugarcube Corner, baking you a cake to cheer you up. You really seemed down yesterday even though you were smiling. I was working well into the night and onwards toward morning. I know I told Ms. Cake that I wouldn’t stay up all night but I just really wanted to make something special for you.

“Just as I was finishing my cake, which was about ten minutes ago, my Pinkie Since started to act up! Itchy left foreleg, twitching right eye, swirling left eye! I never had that Pinkie Since before but I sure as sugar didn’t like it one bit. I decided to get out of Sugarcube Corner as fast as I could. When I got outside I saw two of those shadow thingies. They suddenly appeared in front of me. I was totally caught by surprise, and not the good kind of surprise either. They were about to pounce on me when ‘BAM’ I was tackled out of the way. I looked up to find an earth pony with an hourglass cutie mark over me.

“’Ello!’” Pinkie said in an odd accent. “’I’m the Doctor’ He said, and I was about to ask ‘Doctor who?’ but he must have read my mind because before I could even talk he said ‘Just the Doctor’. Then he pulled out this weird glowing stick and pointed toward those shadow thingies and they just began to shirk away. I don’t know why but they did. Then the Doctor told me ‘You best get some help, these aren’t the Vasta Narata but they still seem to be just as dangerous’. And I was about to ask what the Vasta Narata was but he cut me off again saying ‘Another time maybe my dear girl. I believe you have someone you need to find’. I was confused at first but then I remembered that those shadow thingies were heartless and that’s when I remembered you! So I ran all the way here and here I am!”

Sora blinked once as he soaked in all the information. The only part that he was able to truly decipher was the fact that the Heartless were in Ponyville, and that was all that he needed to know until a new thought crossed his mind. “If the heartless were after you and Applejack…then the others are in danger as well!”

Now he really needed to act, and fast. He was just about to launch himself out the door when he felt something gripping his tail tight. He turned just in time to see Applejack spit his tail out of her mouth. “Applejack! What are you doing?!”

Applejack stood her ground, her green eyes serious as she met Sora’s panicked gaze. “Hold on there, partner,” she said firmly. “Ya can’t just go rushin’ in like that. Ah know yer worried ‘bout the others, and Ah am too, but runnin’ off half-cocked ain’t gonna help nopony.”

Sora gritted his teeth, his heart pounding. “But Applejack, if the Heartless are in Ponyville, then they could be in danger! I have to—”

“Yeah!? And do ya even know where the other girl's live! Do even know where ta go?!”

Sora froze at Applejack’s words, his mind racing. His hooves were ready to charge out the door, but she had a point—he didn’t know where most of their friends lived. He had seen Sugarcube Corner where Pinkie worked and stayed the night with Twilight at her place. Even visited Rarity, but that was it. He didn’t even know the layout of Ponyville well enough to find everypony in time.

His ears drooped slightly as the realization hit him. “No… I don’t,” he admitted, frustration and worry clear in his voice.

Applejack’s expression softened a little. “Look, Sora. Ah know yer rarin’ to go, but we gotta be smart about this. You rushin’ out there blind ain’t gonna help no pony.” She frowned. “We need ta get ta Ponyville but I’m also worried about the others. So we split up.” She pointed to Sora. “You go on ahead ta Ponyville. You at least know the way ta Twilight’s and Rarity’s. Go check up on them.” She turned to Pinkie. “Pinkie! Go look for RD. You’re the best at finding her…or anypony for that matter. And ah’ll go get Fluttershy.”

Sora shook his head. “What happens if you two get attacked by the heartless again? I won’t be there to protect you. I-”

Applejack stomped her hoof firmly, cutting him off. “Sora, we ain’t helpless! Ah know you wanna protect everypony, but ya gotta trust us too. We can handle ourselves.” She looked him dead in the eyes, her green gaze unwavering. “You can’t be everywhere at once, and runnin’ around worryin’ ‘bout all of us ain’t gonna do you or us any good.”

Applejack pulled out her lasso, the rope coiling in her hooves with practiced ease. "Those creatures ain’t catchin’ me off guard again," the mare responded with a huff. She twirled the rope with a flick of her hoof, as if to prove her point. "Ah’ve dealt with worse than this, Sora, and Ah ain't about to back down now."

Pinkie held up a pie in both hooves. “And I’ll give them a taste of the sweeter side of things.”

Sora had blinked only once. Those pies. Did she always have them?

He shook the useless thoughts away before returning to the matter at present. “I still don’t want you two going out there. I don’t want to put any of you in danger.” Before they could protest he held up a hoof and continued. “But…I don’t see any other way around it. Just promise me you’ll stay safe and don’t fight the heartless if you can help it. I don’t want you two getting hurt cause I wasn’t there.”

Applejack softened a bit, hearing the worry in Sora’s voice. She placed a reassuring hoof on his shoulder, her green eyes oozing with confidence. “We’ll be careful, Sora. Promise. But you gotta trust us, alright? We ain’t helpless, and we won’t be reckless neither.”

Pinkie, still holding her pies, nodded enthusiastically. “Yep! And besides, we’ve all been through tough stuff before! Remember, Sora, friendship is magic—and also pie.” She grinned widely, her carefree spirit shining through even in the tense situation.

Sora smiled brightly, his eyes returning to their usual brilliance. “OK then!” He pointed a hoof toward the door. “Let's go!” Pinkie and Sora left out the door soon after. Applejack was about to do the same when the sound of Big Mac calling her name caused her to pause.

He wanted to forbid her to go. He wanted to hold her down and make sure that she stay well away from all of whatever they were just talking about, but he knew his sister better than that. With a heavy sigh he spoke. “Ah…just…Just be careful, AJ. Ok?”

Applejack smiled before waving a hoof. “I’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. You just worry about getting Granny Smith and Applebloom to safety.” She took off towards Fluttershy’s cottage but not before glancing back at Sora’s retreating backside. “Sora…”

Author's Note

Edited by Two People!

Chapter 11

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Heartless in Ponyville

Green to start music and red to stop music

“BUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUCKBUCK!!”

Rainbow Dash’s hooves pounded against the ground as if her life depended on it, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she pushed herself to run faster. She risked a quick glance over her shoulder, her heart racing even faster when she saw two shadowy pony-shaped figures closing the distance between them.

It didn’t help matters that her wing was still aching after her earlier crash. Why did I have to pick tonight to sleep in a tree? she cursed herself. All because I was too bucking lazy to go home! She gritted her teeth, frustration boiling up inside her, but there was no time to stop, no time to berate herself.

Whatever these creatures were, they were fast. Too fast. "Come on, wings, don't fail me now!" she muttered, trying to stretch them out, but the sharp pain shot through her side, reminding her that flying wasn’t an option right now.

Rainbow chanced another look back, her heart pounding in her chest as the shadowy figures drew even closer, their eerie forms creeping toward her with unnerving speed. "Buck! I have to get out of here!" she muttered frantically, her breath ragged.

She snapped her head forward, just in time to catch a glimpse of—

WHAM!

She crashed into a tree, her body slamming hard against the trunk. The impact knocked the wind out of her, and with a groan, she slid down the rough bark, coming to a crumpled heap at the base of the tree.

Rainbow groaned, rubbing her head gingerly as a painful knot began to form. "Ugh... of course this happens..." she muttered, her wings twitching uselessly as she struggled to focus.

Her vision swam for a moment, but reality came crashing back as the soft, sinister sound of the approaching shadows reached her ears. They were almost on top of her.

“Ah...Darn it…” She closed her eyes, and hoped for a miracle.

“IT’S PARTY TIME!!”

SPLAT!

Her eyes shot open, and she blinked in confusion. Standing in front of her was none other than Pinkie Pie, holding a pie in each hoof and wearing an impossibly wide grin. One of the shadowy creatures, now completely covered in what appeared to be whipped cream and crust, stumbled backward, momentarily stunned by the unexpected pastry attack.

“Pinkie?!” Rainbow groaned, rubbing her aching head.

“That’s my name! Don’t wear it out!” Pinkie chirped, her usual bubbly energy cutting through the tension as she reached behind a tree, pulling out cannon—a massive, oversized party cannon that had absolutely no business being hidden behind that tree specifically.

“Hmm…Now that I think about it, I wonder if you really can wear out somepony’s name? If you can’t then why do ponies say such an odd saying?” She turned to Rainbow. “And if you can then why don’t more ponies put some sort of outreach program for the ponies that had their name worn out? I mean really, you think more would be known about those ponies. Can you imagine it? Ponies upon ponies whose name get worn out. What do you call them? Not by their name that’s for sure. I wonder if they would get another name similar to their first? That would be ok, right? I mean if you think about it, that would be ok. Oh! But what about my name? Not too many names for the word pink. At least none I can think of. I could be called a different color I suppose. OH OH OH! I want to be called Yellow! Yeah, Yellow sounds great! NO WAIT, ORANGE! But wait. Aren’t Applejack’s aunt and uncle named Orange? I guess I can’t be orange then. How about-“

“Pinkie! Heartless!!” Rainbow interrupted.

While Pinkie was busy ranting, the shadows had recovered from their pie-attack and were quickly closing the distance towards the duo. The party mare glanced the heartless’ way before smiling towards the rainbow maned pegasus.

“Whoops! Forgot about them,” Pinkie said cheerfully, as if it were the most casual thing in the world. She pressed a hoof on the cannon’s fuse, and with a mighty BANG, a torrent of thick cake batter blasted from the barrel, knocking the heartless back like bowling pins into the river behind them. There they could be seen floating hard and fast down the water, vanishing from sight.

Rainbow Dash blinked in disbelief as she watched the heartless get swept away, her jaw slightly ajar. “Did you just… defeat heartless with cake batter?”

Pinkie turned the cannon upright to look inside. “Whoops a second time. I put cake batter in my confetti cannon again. Huh. Go figure.”

Rainbow Dash’s eye twitched slightly before a smile formed upon her lips. She couldn’t help but laugh a little at the pink party mare. “Pinkie. You’re so random…”

Pinkie grinned, not missing a beat. “Random? I prefer spontaneously strategic! You never know when cake batter will save the day!” She gave her cannon an affectionate pat, like it was her trusty sidekick.

Rainbow Dash shook her head, still chuckling. “Well, whatever you call it, you just saved my flank. Thanks, Pinkie.”

The pink mare made her way towards the blue one, offering her a hoof. “Why didn’t you try to fly away, Dashie?”

Rainbow groaned as she pointed to her wing. “Fell out of a tree. Sprained my wing in the fall. It’ll be ok in a bit but won’t be able to use it for a while.”

Pinkie nodded, accepting her response. “Well, come on. We have to get to Ponyville. I’m still worried about everypony there.”

“You mean that those things are in Ponyville?!”

“Yep. Sora is getting his flank over there now as we speak. I know he’s supposed to be the hero of this story but heroes can always do with some extra support.”

Rainbow grinned. “Well of course, if he can’t handle things I’ll be there to show him up.” She took off, galloping at high speed. “Come on, Pinkie! Let’s show Spikey how real heroes get things done! No running away now!”

Pinkie giggled as she followed behind the pegasus. “Weren’t you running away from-?”

“PINKIE!!!”

~~~

Applejack quickly traversed the distance to Fluttershy’s cottage. She prayed to Celestia on high that she could get there before…before...

She shuddered slightly. “I…I can’t think like that. Ah will get there. Ah will save mah friends!” She put an extra burst of speed into her stride. “Just gotta think positive. She had to have gotten away. She just had to…” Despite her trying to convince herself, thoughts of Fluttershy being visibly taken away into that black whatever that was still plagued her mind’s eye. “Oh Fluttershy…please be alright…”

Her hope was held high until she came within the vicinity of Fluttershy’s Cottage, that’s when despair gave way, piercing her heart completely. The front door was completely off its hinges, laying to one side upon the ground broken and beaten.

“No…NonoNONONO!” She galloped as fast as she could to the doorway. “FLUTTERSHY!” Applejack burst into the house only to be met with silence. The early beams of the sun shined through the windows causing the disheartening sight of overturned tables and destroyed objects to make her cringe inwardly. She was too late. The heartless had been here.

“No…Fluttershy…Ah was…” She lowered her head and gritted her teeth. Even after the promise she had made to Sora that it was going to be okay. “Ah was too late…”

Applejack sat herself amidst the mess, lost in her world of despair, barely noticing the tap on her shoulder. Her ears would perk at the gentle and frightened voice behind her.

“Um…I’m sorry. If you’re too busy to talk then I’ll try again-“

Applejack’s heart practically stopped in her chest as she spun around, eyes wide and full of disbelief. Standing there, trembling slightly but very much unharmed, was Fluttershy. Her soft, teal eyes were filled with concern as she gazed at Applejack.

"F-Fluttershy?!" Applejack's voice cracked, caught between relief and shock. She stumbled forward, grabbing Fluttershy in a tight hug before the pegasus could even finish her sentence. "Yer okay! Oh thank Celestia, yer okay!"

“W-well…” Fluttershy looked back at her book case. “I was hiding when those things came into my house.”

Applejack stared at her, flabbergasted, “Wait? Ya knew they were coming?”

“Not exactly.”

The farm mare raised an eyebrow. “But you were already hiding?”

“Yes…me and my animal friends…”

“…”

"..."

Applejack embraced her friend once again. "Ya know what? Ah don't care. As long as you are safe and sound." She reared up one behind legs before marking her way toward the door. "Come on Shy. We need ta git ta Ponyville on the double."

The shy mare’s eyes widened. “W-What?! But why? Those things are still out there and...I-”

Applejack paused at the door, turning back to face Fluttershy with a determined expression. “Ah know it’s scary, Fluttershy, but we gotta go. Those things—those heartless—are all over Ponyville, and the others might need our help. Sora’s already there, and we can’t just sit back and do nothin’.”

“B-but why do we need to go to Ponyville? Wouldn’t it be safer to stay here? Where it’s safe.”

“Think about it Shy. If those things were after ya’ll then what’s to stop ‘em from going after the rest of us? They already tried to nab me after attack Big mac after all.”

“E-even if that’s that case…what can I do? I’ll just get in everypony’s way.”

“That’s not true. We need ya there, Fluttershy.” When it didn’t look like the shy mare would budge, she decided to play her ace. “Sides, Sora might need all the support we can give em.”

At the mention of Sora, Fluttershy’s ears perked up slightly, her eyes flickering with a mix of concern and hesitation. “S-Sora?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Applejack smirked. Bingo. Turning to face the mare completely she spoke once again. “See…Big Mac got hurt pretty badly when the creatures attacked the farm.” At the gasp Flutttershy gave, the farm-mare held up a hoof. “Don’t worry, it looked a lot worse than it was, and Sora was there to save us before anything bad really happened. The thing is though, he took full blame for the attack.”

“I-I’m sure it was nopony’s fault...Well maybe the heartless… But why would he blame himself?”

Applejack sighed, her expression softening. “Ah can’t rightly say, Fluttershy. Not without sittin’ down and talkin’ it out with him.” She shook her head gently. “But right now, that ain’t what’s important.”

Fluttershy blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Applejack stepped closer, placing a comforting hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “What’s important is that we’re there for him, even if he don’t ask for it.”

Fluttershy looked away, a gentle frown upon her features. "I Think..." She turned back towards her friend. "I think...Sora isn’t telling us something. I don’t think it’s bad but…I don’t think it’s good either. At least, not good for him.”

"Ah think as much too." AJ agreed. “Which is why we need to help him. Ta show him that he has friends here.”

Fluttershy thought for a moment. She couldn’t fight, not like the rest, but she did want to help Sora out as much as she could. With silent resolve she made her way to an overturned dresser and opened one of the draws. She was happy to find that it was still intact.

“Fluttershy. What in the hay is that?”

The pegasus presented the object to the cowmare. “I-it’s a…well it’s fruit made out of cloth actually.”

“A fruit?”

Fluttershy nodded. “The Paopu fruit. Or it's supposed to look like one. It’s really common where he comes from. He told me how it looks and also about how ponies give them to one another as a sign of being friends forever. Since we don’t have any here I thought that…That I could give him this instead.” Fluttershy cheeks turned a shade of red. “I wanted to let him know that I was there for him…”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. Never seen Shy so forward…still…She smiled. “I see. Well then say no more, Fluttershy. I’m sure that he would be happy for you to give him that. But how about ya do so after we make sure our friends are ok.”

Fluttershy nodded and smiled happily. The pair then departed from the cottage with both newfound hope and worry.

~~~

“Well... this isn’t good…” The Doctor murmured to himself as he stood on top of the hill, staring down at Ponyville. The blobs of darkness were gathering, all slowly converging toward Town Hall. They moved with purpose, like they were waiting for something—or someone—and he had a pretty good idea of what it might be.

He let out a small chuckle despite the grim situation. “Living shadows that aren’t part of the Vasta Narata... Now that’s a new one. Not exactly the kind of wrinkle I was hoping for, but a wrinkle nonetheless.”

A voice called out from behind him. “Professor! I think that’s everypony!”

Turning, the Doctor spotted the gray pegasus with a blonde mane, Derpy, hovering just a little off the ground, her wings flapping anxiously. He gave her a warm smile and a nod. “That’s good! Very good, in fact! It helps that they weren’t too interested in chasing after us, but we’ll take any win we can get, eh?”

Derpy landed next to him, her eyes wide with concern. “But what are those things? And why are they here?”

The Doctor sighed, his gaze returning to the ominous blobs of darkness creeping through Ponyville. “That’s the million-bit question, isn’t it? I don’t know exactly what they are, but they’re dangerous.” He shakes his head. “Is Rose still calming down the ponies here.”

Derpy nodded, her wings folding against her sides as she glanced back towards the group of ponies they had helped evacuate from the town. “Yeah, Rose is doing her best. She’s got everypony settled for now, but… they’re all scared, Doctor. I mean, one minute, they were just going about their day, and the next—those shadows appeared. It’s like a nightmare!”

The Doctor’s expression softened, but his gaze remained locked on the creeping darkness below. “Nightmare or not, we’ll figure it out. We always do, don’t we?” His tone was reassuring, but there was a slight edge to his voice, one that betrayed the weight of the situation. He couldn’t let on how serious it really was—not yet, not until he knew more.

“Twilight! Spike! Where are you!?”

Derpy and The Doctor turned to see a white unicorn with a swirly purple mane and tail frantically looking around in a panicked state.

“Has anypony seen Twilight and Spike?! I can’t find them anywhere!”

“Twilight…” The Doctor instantly ran to the white unicorn gaining her attention. “You there! Miss White Unicorn! Did you lose someone?”

“My friends!” She was practically in tears as she spoke. “I thought for sure that they were right behind me, but as soon as I got here I noticed that they were nowhere to be found. I can’t find them at all!”

Keeping a kindhearted expression, the Doctor smiled warmly at the distressed unicorn. “I’m sure they’re fine. From what I hear, Twilight is more than capable of taking care of herself.”

Before Rarity could respond, her ears perked up at the sound of a familiar voice calling her name. She turned just in time to see a caramel-colored stallion racing toward her. “Sora!” she cried dramatically and flung herself at him. Sora, though caught off guard, managed to catch her, but the momentum caused both of them to tumble to the ground in a heap of flailing hooves and manes.

"R-Rarity?! You’re okay!" Sora exclaimed, trying to steady both himself and the emotional unicorn. His gaze then shifted to the crowd of ponies gathering around them, their faces a mix of confusion and concern. "Wait… you all made it out. But… who... How?"

“That would be me. I’m the Doctor, thanks,” the brown stallion said with a casual nod, extending a hoof toward Sora.

“I’m Sora.” He took the Doctor’s hoof on his own, shaking it. “You’re the one that saved Pinkie as well, right?”

The Doctor thought for a moment, his brow furrowing in concentration. “Ah! You mean that really pink pony?” He paused, as if the realization finally hit him. “Of course her name is Pinkie... What else would I expect from this world anymore?” He muttered the last part more to himself, his tone bemused.

Sora quickly turned his attention back to Rarity, still helping her up after their dramatic tumble. “Rarity, is Twilight with you?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Rarity, still catching her breath from the emotional rush, shook her head. “No, darling… I thought she and Spike were right behind me when we fled, but when I arrived here, they were nowhere to be found!” Her eyes were filled with worry, and she bit her lip. “I’ve been searching for them ever since!”

The Doctor shifted his gaze toward the town. “If my fears are grounded, and I find they often are…” He pulled a weird device from behind his tie and pointed it towards the mass of darkness that was converging on town hall. A loud whirl was produced for only a second before it stopped. He gazed at the device before turning to face Sora. “Yep! Just as I suspected. Those things are gathering towards some sort of power. If I had to guess, that might be her. She’s somewhere in there, most likely town hall.”

Sora stared at the merging darkness, his teeth gritting slightly. “If she’s there, then that’s where I’m going.”

Rarity stood beside him. “If you’re going, then so am I!”

Sora glanced at Rarity, her determined expression mirroring his own resolve. "Rarity, it’s dangerous. Those Heartless are gathering for a reason, and if Twilight’s in trouble, I can’t let you get hurt too."

"Twilight and Spike are my friends, Sora.” Rarity told him, “I won’t sit idly by while they’re in danger! Besides, I may not be as strong as you, but I can still help. Besides, I can guide you. I know quite a few backways to go due to Sweetie always trying to run from her choirs.”

Sora was about to protest but then thought better of it. He didn’t want to put others in danger but the girls in this world were unusually stubborn. Actually, to be fair, so were Kairi and Sophie, and Yuffie and Paine, and Aritha, and the Queen and…well there was no shortage of strong willed girls he knew that would not think twice about defying his orders.

He sighed a defeated sigh as he turned to face the mare. “You don’t leave my side for a second. Okay?”

“But of course Darling.”

~~~

Sneaking around had never been Sora’s strong suit, but with Rarity guiding him, it was much easier to navigate the shadow-infested streets of Ponyville. Her intimate knowledge of the town helped them avoid most of the larger groups of Heartless, and any that crossed their path were quickly dispatched by Sora’s Keyblade. Rarity, ever the supportive companion, stayed a safe distance away during the skirmishes, offering words of encouragement as Sora cleared the way.

Everything was going smoothly—too smoothly, in fact. And that was what really unnerved Sora.

As a Keyblade wielder, he had grown accustomed to Heartless swarming him wherever he went, drawn to the power of the Keyblade like moths to a flame. But here, in the dark, shadowed streets of Ponyville, the attacks had been few and far between. It wasn’t normal. And it made Sora feel like something worse was lurking ahead.

They had been moving quickly through the town, keeping to the shadows where they could, but with each step toward Town Hall, the feeling of being watched grew stronger. It gnawed at the edges of Sora’s senses, making the air feel heavy with tension. He couldn’t help but feel like they were walking into a trap.

But he didn’t have the luxury of turning back. Twilight and Spike were somewhere in the thick of it, and leaving them behind wasn’t an option.

"Sora," Rarity’s soft voice broke the silence, pulling him from his thoughts. "We’re almost there. Just around this corner is the path to Town Hall."

Sora nodded, keeping his eyes on the shadows shifting unnervingly ahead. "Stay close, Rarity. I don’t like how quiet it is… something’s off."

“I have to admit...I’m a little worried.” Rarity continued after a short while, “Those creatures are just dreadful and...” She gulped. “Twilight is...here...somewhere. Do you think she is safe?”

Sora shook his head gravely. “I don’t know…” He put on a brave smile as he faced her. “But I promised to protect you girls, no matter what. So even if she’s in trouble right now, I’ll get her out—no problem.”

Rarity nodded, though her worry was still clear. As they continued their careful trek toward the center of town, she found herself stealing glances at Sora. He was clearly on edge, his ears constantly swiveling to catch any sound, his eyes darting from one shadow to another, alert for the slightest movement. His focus was unwavering, his stance tense, like a spring ready to snap into action at any moment.

Despite the tension of the situation, Rarity couldn’t help but trust him, despite only just meeting the stallion. He may have a youthful, carefree nature most of the time, but in a moment like this, she couldn’t deny he seemed like a force to be reckoned with—a true knight in shining armor.

It wasn’t long before the two made their way to the center of town, only to be stopped dead in their tracks by a sight that sent chills down their spines.

On the stage at Town Hall stood a pony cloaked in a tattered cape as black as midnight. Sora’s first instinct was to assume it was a Heartless, but he quickly realized it wasn’t—there were eyes, cold and piercing, glowing a deep red from beneath the hood. They stared at him with an unsettling intensity.

But it wasn’t the cloaked figure that left them in shock.

Floating beside the mysterious pony was a large purple bubble of energy, hovering just above the ground. Inside it, a sight that made Sora’s heart nearly stop in his chest.

“I-Is that…Oh Celestia! Is that her heart?!” Rarity gasped, horror lacing her voice.

Sora couldn’t respond. His shock had already given way to a surge of pure rage. Inside the bubble, floating peacefully as if in a dream, was an unconscious Twilight. Above her, a glowing pink, crystal-like heart hovered, pulsing gently with an eerie light. Below her, Spike was trapped in the same force field, desperately pounding against the barrier, his terrified eyes filled with tears.

“Twilight…” Sora swore under his breath, summoning his Keyblade in a flash of light. He tensed, ready to charge forward, but before he could act, a deafening roar shook the ground beneath them.

Without warning, a massive, spike-covered appendage came crashing down toward him and Rarity. Sora reacted instantly, grabbing her and leaping out of the way just as the ground exploded from the impact. When they landed safely a few feet away, they found themselves staring up at a monstrous creature.

It was plant-like in appearance, but unlike anything Sora had ever seen. Towering over the square, easily the size of Town Hall, its thick black stem was covered in bright red spikes. At its base were four clawed limbs, digging into the ground like grotesque roots. Its head, resembling a massive sunflower, had a gaping maw filled with sharp teeth, and two glowing yellow slits that passed for eyes. Deadly mandibles twitched at the corners of its mouth. And there, emblazoned on its chest, was a familiar, terrifying symbol—the mark of the Heartless.

“Heartless…” Sora muttered, eyes narrowing.

“T-that’s a Heartless?!” Rarity stammered, pointing a trembling hoof at the enormous creature.

Sora pushed himself to his hooves, his eyes locked on the cloaked mare. His grip tightened around the Keyblade, anger simmering beneath the surface. “What did you do to Twilight?!”

The cloaked pony lazily glanced toward the floating form of Twilight and sighed as if the whole ordeal bored her. “Well, that’s quite the question, isn’t it? I simply tried to steal her heart, but…” She tapped a hoof lightly against the glowing shield that surrounded Twilight. “This happened. Seems my usual methods aren’t as effective on every pony.” Her tone was casual, almost mocking.

“S-steal her heart…?” Rarity stammered, stepping back behind Sora, her voice filled with horror. The thought of such a thing was incomprehensible to her, and it made her stomach churn.

The mare rolled her eyes. “What? Are those fat ears of yours clogged? Yes, steal her heart. Honestly, how hard is that to understand?” She shook her head as if the entire situation was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Sora stepped forward, his Keyblade glowing faintly in his hoof, a low growl escaping him. “Get away from her!”

A creepy smile curled beneath the mare’s hood. “Aww. How cute. You think you’re in control.”

With an eerie calmness, she sat back on her haunches and clapped her hooves together twice. Instantly, the monstrous Heartless reared back, letting out a deafening roar that shook the ground beneath them. Its massive spiked appendage raised high, preparing to strike with the force to flatten them in one blow.

But Sora was faster.

Before the appendage could connect, Sora grabbed Rarity, wrapping her protectively under his foreleg. With a burst of strength and speed, he leapt back twenty feet, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow. The ground where they had been standing cracked and splintered, debris flying in all directions as the Heartless’ attack landed with terrifying force.

Rarity let out a shriek, her hooves clinging tightly to Sora as they landed safely. “T-this is madness!” she gasped, her heart pounding in her chest. “We can’t fight that thing!”

Sora quickly set her down and summoned his Keyblade, he gave Rarity a smile before turning back to face the monster, determination burning in his gaze. Without hesitation, he charged straight at the monstrous Heartless. The creature responded in kind, raising another spiked leg to strike. Sora, however, deftly rolled to the side, avoiding the blow as the Heartless’ leg crashed into the dirt.

Not wasting a second, Sora leapt high into the air, aiming to land a blow on the creature's face. But as he neared, the Heartless opened its massive maw wide, and with a thunderous snap, it closed its jaws around the Keyblade wielder.

Rarity screamed, turning her head away, unable to bear the sight of what she thought was the end of her hero.

“What the… HOW THE HELL…!?” the cloaked mare shouted in disbelief.

Rarity’s eyes snapped open at the mare's exclamation, and to her amazement, Sora was still alive, struggling to pry the Heartless' jaws apart with his fore and hind hooves. He was holding the creature’s maw open, his strength barely wavering as he fought to keep from being crushed. Rarity cheered for him from a safe distance, her heart pounding with relief.

The Heartless, enraged that its prey wasn’t succumbing so easily, began thrashing about wildly, trying to throw Sora off. The stallion, however, held firm, refusing to let go despite the Heartless' furious attempts to dislodge him.

In a desperate move, the Heartless turned toward a nearby building and charged forward, smashing through the structure with reckless abandon. Dust and debris filled the air as the Heartless crashed into the side of the house, reducing it to rubble.

For a moment, everything was still. The Heartless, dazed from the impact, lifted its head to assess the damage it had caused. The house was little more than a pile of wreckage. It let out a triumphant roar and turned its gaze toward Rarity, who stood frozen in terror.

“YOU IDIOT! ABOVE YOU!!” the cloaked mare shouted.

The Heartless had just enough time to look up before a hard, gleaming object came crashing down onto its head. Sora, having thrown his Keyblade from high above, struck the creature with precision. He held his pose for a brief second as the weapon made contact, then used his wings to guide his descent, landing gracefully a few feet away as the dazed Heartless toppled to the ground.

The Keyblade soon followed, landing point-first into the dirt beside its wielder, as if drawn by some unseen force.

Sora scraped the ground with his hoof, his expression fierce as he lowered his head in challenge. "Alright, time to finish this!" With a powerful kick, he dislodged his blade from the earth and charged forward, closing the distance between himself and the struggling Heartless.

Sora was ready for the snap of the Heartless’ jaws, easily dodging the desperate attack with a graceful leap. As he soared above the monster, he raised his head high, gritting his teeth as he called out, “FIRE!”

He fully expected the Heartless to erupt in flames, consumed by the magical inferno.

What he didn’t expect… was for nothing to happen.

What the...? My magic! It’s not—!!

His thoughts were cut short as a swift kick from the cloaked pony landed squarely against his face, sending him sprawling across the ground.

“Sora!” Rarity gasped, rushing to his side. She knelt beside him, gently cradling the dazed stallion. “Darling! Are you alright?”

With her support, Sora slowly pushed himself into a sitting position, though his mind was still reeling from the blow. “M-my magic… it’s not working…”

Before they could make sense of what had happened, the sound of laughter filled the air. The cloaked mare landed a few feet away from them, her voice dripping with sadistic amusement. “Oh, that was absolutely priceless! A top-tier comedy act! I don’t know what you were trying to do, but you failed… spectacularly. Some might even say, epically.”

Rarity’s eyes narrowed into a fierce glare as she turned toward the cloaked pony. “That was completely unfair! You’re not supposed to interfere like that!”

“Oh please!” the cloaked pony spat, her voice dripping with disdain. “You must be some kind of idiot if you think I’d let you make a fool of my Heartless without some kind of consequence. This isn’t some fantasy novel, you know.” She cast a sideways glance at Sora, her expression darkening. “And if this is all the Keyblade can do, then I don’t even have to worry about you anymore.”

A sinister grin spread across her face as a wicked-looking spear appeared beside her, wrapped in a black aura. “Still... I can’t have you running around and causing trouble, so…”

Without warning, the spear shot forward, aimed directly at Sora and Rarity, its intent clear.

Sora’s eyes widened, not from fear for himself but from shock as Rarity suddenly moved in front of him, wrapping her hooves around him in an effort to shield him.

“R-Rarity... stop... move... get away... I…” he tried to protest, but the spear was coming too fast.

Just as it was about to strike, something yanked both of them backward, causing the spear to miss its mark and hit nothing but air.

“YEEE-HAW! Looks like we made it just in time!” Applejack called out, expertly pulling her lasso that had wrapped around Sora and Rarity, untangling them as they landed safely.

“And not a moment too soon,” Rainbow Dash smirked as she hovered above them. “Looks like our HERO already needs a rescue.”

“Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy rushed over to Sora and Rarity’s side, her eyes wide with concern. “Are you two alright?”

“Of course they are!” Pinkie Pie chimed in, bouncing in seemingly from nowhere. “Did you see Sora’s slick moves? Well... at least until the end.”

“Girls!” Rarity cried out in joy, her eyes welling with relief. “What are you all doing here?”

Before any of them could answer, a sudden scream from Fluttershy alerted them to a massive fireball hurtling towards the group. Sora, quick as ever, summoned his Keyblade once more and leapt toward the incoming mass of energy. With a swift, practiced motion, he deflected it with his Keyblade, redirecting it straight back at the Heartless that had summoned it.

The creature let out a guttural roar as the fireball struck it, toppling it over and sending it crashing into a nearby building, causing it to crumble under the weight of the impact.

“Damn it! How the heck are all of you here?!” the cloaked pony screeched, pointing an accusatory hoof at Sora and the girls. “All of you should have had your hearts taken by now!”

Applejack, ready with a sharp retort, suddenly froze as her eyes locked onto Twilight and Spike, trapped inside the eerie bubble. “Twi! What the hay?! What did ya do to her?!”

“She’s trying to turn her into a Heartless!” Sora shouted, his eyes narrowing as he turned his focus back to the monstrous Heartless, now slowly rising again. “We have to end this, now!” Without another word, he dashed towards the creature, determination fueling his every step.

“Oh no, you don’t, you little—!” the cloaked pony snarled, her horn glowing a sinister dark red as she prepared to chase after Sora. But before she could make a move, her hindleg was suddenly caught by Applejack’s lasso.

“You ain’t goin’ anywhere, missy!” Applejack declared, tugging hard on the rope. “Now tell us what ya did to Twilight!”

“Don’t interfere!” the cloaked pony screamed, her voice seething with rage. Her magic wrapped around the rope, and with a dark glow, she began dragging Applejack toward her with alarming strength.

“Whoa, nelly!” Applejack dug in her hooves, trying to resist the pull, but it was no use. The cloaked unicorn’s magic was far stronger than the Earth pony’s physical strength. A wicked smile formed beneath the darkness of the mare’s hood as she prepared to yank Applejack into her grasp.

“Gotcha now, you little—!”

SPLAT!!

A pair of pies smashed into the cloaked pony’s face, cutting her off mid-sentence. Pinkie stood triumphantly on her hind legs, balancing more pies in each hoof. “Nopony messes with my friends!”

The cloaked pony let out an enraged roar, wiping the pie from her face. “GAAAHH! STOP GETTING IN MY WAY!!” She readied her magic to blast Pinkie, but before she could fire, something slammed into her side with the force of a freight train, sending her crashing into a nearby building.

Rainbow Dash landed in the spot where the cloaked mare had been standing, a satisfied smirk on her face as she dusted off her hooves. “And stay down, ya jerk.”

~~~

Sora didn't want to leave his friends behind, but with the Heartless looming dangerously and Twilight's heart at risk, he had no choice. He had to finish this, and fast. There was no telling how much time Twilight’s heart had left within the protective bubble—if it wasn’t already too late.

With a powerful beat of his wings, Sora took to the air, positioning himself high above the massive Heartless. His Keyblade gripped tightly in his jaw, he angled his body to begin a freefall, aiming directly for the Heartless’s crest. The creature saw his approach and began charging another ball of energy in its maw, a swirling mass of darkness growing with every second.

But Sora didn’t flinch. Instead of dodging or blocking, he aimed directly for the gathering energy. With all his might, he hurled his Keyblade straight into the heart of the dark mass. The weapon connected with the ball of energy, causing it to implode in a burst of dark light, swallowing the Heartless in its own attack. When the explosion cleared, the monster was left a disfigured mess, barely holding itself together.

“Time to finish this!” Sora shouted through clenched teeth. His Keyblade reappeared in his mouth as he angled himself downward for the final strike. With one more powerful flap of his wings, he shot toward the Heartless like a missile, his blade aimed directly at its crest.

The moment his Keyblade struck, a brilliant light erupted from the point of impact, blinding everyone around. The intense radiance illuminated the entire battlefield, casting away every shadow in its path.

As the light finally faded, Fluttershy was the first to open her eyes. What she saw, and what everypony else saw, would forever be etched into their memories.

Sora stood tall on the ground, the remnants of the Heartless dissolving into particles of light that floated skyward. And above him, rising slowly into the heavens, was the most breathtaking crystalized heart anypony had ever seen. Its shimmering beauty was a testament to the strength and determination of the one who had freed it.

All eyes were on the heart as it ascended higher and higher into the sky, shining brightly before finally disappearing into the vast expanse above.

Sora let out a breath of relief, his body relaxing for the first time since the battle had started. But his moment of calm didn’t last long as his eyes widened in realization. “Wait! Where’s that robed pony?!”

Rainbow Dash, who had been equally entranced by the sight of the heart floating into the sky, blinked in surprise. “Oh, shoot!” she muttered. She flew to the spot where she had last seen the cloaked unicorn, scanning the area quickly. “What the hay?! She was just right here!”

Applejack stomped her hoof on the ground in frustration. “Darn it! She must’ve slipped away while we were all distracted!”

But Pinkie Pie was already sprinting toward Twilight and Spike. “Forget her for now! We need to help Twilight, pronto!” she shouted, her voice filled with urgency.

All the ponies immediately forgot about their escaped foe and followed after Pinkie Pie toward the magenta bubble where Twilight and Spike were trapped. As they reached it, they saw Spike clutching Twilight’s hoof tightly. Though his tears had stopped, worry was still etched deeply on his face. Rainbow Dash shook her head, then whirled on Sora.

“W-what’s gonna happen to her?” she asked, her voice trembling with panic.

Sora shook his head, his expression grim. “I... don’t know. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Fluttershy was next to speak, her voice soft but filled with fear. “Can you save her?”

Sora’s ears drooped, and his eyes lowered. “I… don’t know…”

“You don’t know?” Rainbow’s voice wavered, anger rising as she stomped toward him. “You don’t know?!” She grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt, pulling him close, her tear-filled eyes boring into his. “You’re supposed to be the bucking hero! You’re supposed to protect us!!”

The sight of Rainbow’s tears made Sora’s heart sink. His own eyes widened, guilt settling in.

My fault...

Applejack quickly stepped in, pulling Rainbow off of Sora and holding her back. “Rainbow! Yellin’ at him ain’t gonna fix nothin’! You’re bein’ unfair!”

Sora hung his head, his voice barely a whisper. “...But is she’s right. I’m supposed to protect you. All of you... And I wasn’t there for Twilight. This is... my fault.”

Fluttershy, tears now welling in her own eyes, stepped beside him. “Sora…”

Rarity, her voice thick with emotion, looked at him desperately. “What can we do? How can we help her?”

Sora remained silent for a moment, but then his ears suddenly perked up. His gaze snapped to the group. “My Keyblade!”

“What about your Keyblade, darling?” Rarity asked, dabbing her eyes with a hoof.

Sora started bouncing on his hooves, excitement lighting up his features. “My Keyblade—it can unlock anything! Not just doors and chests, but gateways, and... and it can unlock hearts!”

Rainbow scoffed, still shaken. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Sora steadied himself, gripping his Keyblade tightly as he looked at each of his friends. “I’ve done this before… sort of,” he explained, his voice trembling slightly but filled with determination. “I once had to unlock my own heart to save a friend. It worked then… and maybe… just maybe, I can do the opposite now.”

“That sounds mighty dangerous, sugarcube,” Applejack said, her voice filled with concern.

“I know it is,” Sora replied, his gaze locked on Twilight’s unconscious form. “I’m not even sure my Keyblade can do this… but I have to try!” Determination burned in his eyes, though uncertainty lingered just beneath the surface.

As he started toward the glowing sphere, Fluttershy suddenly reached out, gripping his hoof gently. “Sora… what if something goes wrong? What if… you get hurt?” Her voice was soft, trembling with worry.

Sora turned to her with a gentle smile. “If something goes wrong… then I’ll do everything in my power to make it right,” he said, his voice filled with quiet resolve, though Fluttershy could see the hint of apprehension he was trying to mask.

Despite her fears, Fluttershy managed a small smile in return. “Okay…” She hesitated for a moment before gently pressing something into his hoof. When Sora looked down, he saw a small plush yellow star with a plastic leaf at one of its tips.

"Save her… please," Fluttershy whispered, her eyes filled with both hope and fear.

Sora gripped the little star tightly, his heart swelling with determination. "I will. I promise."

Summoning his Keyblade, the stallion geared himself up for a task he felt he was not ready for, but one he needed to do, one he had no choice but to accomplish. The Keyblade of Hearts his blade isn’t; but a Keyblade connected to hearts it is.

“Here goes nothing.” Sora pointed his blade at the bubble, the tip of the key brimming with energy before shooting out towards Twilight. As it did, the brightest light anypony could see began to surround the group, blinding all in in pure white.

~~~

It’s too much… I can’t fight it…

Twilight sank deeper into the darkness, its cool, inky embrace enveloping her. At first, she struggled, trying with all her might to resist it, but the more she fought, the more it pulled her in. Slowly but surely, the despair crept over her, until she couldn’t fight any longer.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she closed her eyes.

What can I do? I… I just can’t fight it anymore… Spike… Princess… Everypony… I… I’m so sorry…

The darkness swallowed her whole, pulling her into its endless depths. She surrendered to it, letting the cold waves wash over her. Until…

-ght!!

A voice. She could hear a voice. Where was it coming from?

Twilight!!

The voice called her name. It sounded urgent, familiar. Who was it?

Twilight, grab my hand!

A hand? She reached out with her hoof, unsure but desperate. A figure appeared before her, its shape blurred by the blinding light behind it. It wasn’t a pony—its elongated body was something she had never seen before. As she reached, she felt its “hand” wrap around her hoof, pulling her from the abyss. The figure’s grasp was firm but gentle, and slowly, she felt herself being lifted out of the darkness that had threatened to consume her.

She was pulled into an embrace, her head resting against the figure’s chest. Fatigue washed over her, making it hard to stay awake. She glimpsed the figure holding something—a small, star-shaped object made of felt. It was something she didn’t recognize, yet the warmth it radiated felt strangely familiar, like something she had always known deep down.

Light enveloped them both, flooding her senses. She tried to speak, to form words, but the warmth and light drowned out everything. All she could feel was the safety and comfort of the figure holding her close.

In those last moments before she slipped into unconsciousness, one final thought surfaced in her mind. One thought that left her with more questions than answers.

His heart... It feels so familiar. Strange… alien… but warm… And then, she whispered to herself:

Sora…

Chapter 12

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Heartless in Ponyville

Green to start music and red to stop music

Golden Oaks Library

Twilight’s eyes fluttered open, greeted by the soft, golden light of Celestia’s sun streaming gently through her bedroom window. She smiled, sitting up in bed and letting out a long, content yawn. Stretching her limbs, she worked out the stiffness of her body, feeling the pleasant pull of her muscles waking up alongside her. With a small sigh, she slipped out of bed and straightened the blankets, smoothing them out neatly.

"Tidiness is next to Princessness, after all," she murmured with a fond chuckle.

It was a silly saying, one Celestia used to tell her when she was just a filly, and even now, it still held meaning. Satisfied with the state of her bed, Twilight made her way to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. A light laugh escaped her as she took in the sight of her wild bedhead.

"Rarity would have a fit if she saw me like this," she joked to herself.

With a brush floating in her magic, she set to work taming her mane. Halfway through, her mind wandered as she absentmindedly smoothed out the stray strands. She was in her usual routine, yet something tugged at the back of her mind.

Wait… When had she gone to bed?

She remembered waking up the previous morning, eager to dive into her books. She had been engrossed in a particularly cheesy novel—one that was both emotionally and, in some ways, surprisingly stimulating. A faint blush crept over her cheeks as she recalled a scene from the story. The hero had saved his beloved, diving off a cliff after her, risking his life to pull her back from the brink. It reminded her of…

Twilight’s brush froze mid-air as her eyes widened.

Memories… her memories. They flooded back all at once—of darkness, fear, and the heart-pounding terror of losing everything. Her chest tightened, and her breath caught as the lingering sensations of that inky blackness filled her mind.

"I... I was somewhere I shouldn’t have been. Somewhere I didn’t want to be." Twilight's breath hitched as the memories began flooding back. She shuddered, the cold, suffocating darkness pulling her into the abyss flashing before her eyes. The fear nearly overwhelmed her. "The darkness... Those Heartless... They attacked me..."

As the realization hit, tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. She remembered now—she had been in the library, peacefully reading her book, when something had caught her eye. A shadow, moving on its own. At first, she had thought it was just a trick of the light, but then...

"Oh dear Celestia!" Twilight cried out, bolting from her room, the memories rushing back faster than her hooves could carry her.

The Heartless! They had been everywhere, swarming her. She had somehow managed to evade them, grabbing Spike and throwing him onto her back as she fled the library. She ran through Ponyville, heart pounding, as more and more of the creatures appeared, crawling over walls and rooftops. It had been like the parasprite invasion all over again—but this was far worse. It felt like the end of the world... her world.

She remembered others fleeing too, following a gray pegasus out of town. She had tried to follow after them, Rarity joining their small group soon after. Rarity had barely escaped the Heartless herself, though her sewing machine had paid the price. Twilight had been behind her, trying to protect her friend, to make sure they all got out safe. But then... everything had gone fuzzy. She couldn't remember how it ended.

"I have to find Rarity! I have to find my friends!" Twilight’s panic grew, her hooves carrying her faster. "But first, I need to find—"

"Sora?!"

"Twili—?!"

Smack!

Twilight’s frantic gallop came to an abrupt halt as she collided headfirst into a solid figure, sending her and the unfortunate pony tumbling down the stairs in a chaotic swirl of purple, blue, and rainbow. The two ponies crashed to the floor, a mess of tangled limbs and fur, both too dazed to fully grasp what had just happened.

Twilight groaned, rubbing her aching head. "What just...?" She blinked, looking around in confusion, only to gasp when she realized who was beneath her. "Oh my goodness! Rainbow Dash! Are you okay?!"

Rainbow groaned, her eyes rolling back slightly. "But mom, I don’t wanna go to flight school today," she muttered dreamily before slumping into unconsciousness.

~~~

Sweet Apple Acres

"Boy howdy, Sora! You’re really becoming quite the apple bucker," Applejack called out with an approving whistle as she watched Sora deliver a powerful kick to the next apple tree in line.

Sora grinned, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow as the apples tumbled neatly into the baskets below. "Thanks, Applejack! Though compared to you, I’m kind of a newbie." he picked up a bucket of newly fallen apples placing theme in Applejack’s waiting cart. “Only reason I’m getting good at it is because I got a great teacher.”

Applejack chuckled softly. “It may be my special talent, Sora, but you’ve turned out to be a real... uh… Savnet? Sarnet?”

“I believe the word you’re looking for is ‘savant,’ darling, though I don’t think that’s quite the right context,” a familiar voice chimed in.

Rarity’s smile didn’t waver. "But Applejack, dear, I am helping. I’m overseeing your work, ensuring everything’s going smoothly. Supervision is an important job, after all."

Applejack’s hoof stomped the ground, her scowl deepening. "If I needed supervision, I’d have asked Granny Smith."

Rarity gasped, placing a hoof dramatically on her chest. "Why, Applejack! I grace you with my presence and this is the thanks I get? Friendship truly is underappreciated these days."

"Friendship ain’t got nothin’ to do with you bein’ lazy," Applejack shot back, narrowing her eyes.

Sora, sensing the tension building, raised a hoof sheepishly. "Uh, maybe we could just—"

“In a minute, Darling/Sugarcube,” both mares snapped in unison, not taking their eyes off each other.

Sora sighed gently as he settled himself under one of the nearby apple trees, watching Applejack and Rarity engage in yet another playful argument. It wasn’t the first time he'd seen them bicker like this, and he doubted it would be the last. A light chuckle escaped him as he smiled. "Those two really seem to like going at it. Second day in a row," he mused to himself. "Must be really good friends."

But as the thought crossed his mind, Sora’s smile faded, and his ears drooped slightly. He found himself staring off into the distance, his thoughts drifting far away from Sweet Apple Acres. Good friends... His mind wandered back to his own friends—Donald, Goofy, Kairi, Riku. Were they all okay? Did they even know he was gone right now?

It was strange, being here in Equestria, so far from the people he’d spent most of his life fighting alongside. He wondered if Donald and Goofy were searching for him, or if King Mickey had some idea where he’d ended up.

Then there was Riku and Kairi…

He sighs thinking about his two best friends. He wondered how they were getting along, It had been a while since he had seen either of them ever since-

“Hi Sora!”

Sora practically jumped out of his fur, his heart leaping into his throat at the sudden voice. “Gah! Sweetie Belle?!” he exclaimed, turning around to see the small white filly beaming up at him with her usual innocent enthusiasm.

Sweetie Belle tilted her head, blinking in confusion at his startled reaction. "What's wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!"

Sora chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head with a hoof. “Sorry about that, Sweetie. You just caught me off guard, that’s all.”

The filly grinned, clearly pleased with herself. “I thought maybe you needed some company since Applejack and my sister are… um… busy.”

Sora glanced over to where Rarity and Applejack were still in the middle of their debate, voices raised but playful. He smiled faintly. "Yeah, they sure know how to keep things lively."

"Soooo… that means you’re taking a break right now?" Sweetie Belle asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Sora blinked, glancing back over his shoulder at Rarity and Applejack, who were still caught up in a lively debate that had somehow shifted to critiquing each other's appearances. He shrugged. "Yeah… I guess I am."

Before he could react, he felt Sweetie Belle grab his hoof, her small grip surprisingly firm.

“Great! Then you can help me and my friends!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

“H-hey! Wait a second!" Sora stammered as she started pulling him away. "Help you with what? What are we doing?”

Sweetie Belle grinned brightly, practically dragging him along. "You'll see!"

With that, she led him away from the bickering mares, Sora barely able to keep up with her as he wondered what he had just gotten himself into.

~~~

Rarity and Applejack watched as Sweetie Belle led Sora away, both mares barely containing their grins.

“Heh, poor Sora,” Applejack chuckled, shaking her head. “Hate to do this to him, but using the fillies is a mighty fine excuse to get him outta the way for a bit.”

Rarity gave a sly smile, glancing toward Ponyville. "Indeed, darling. And really, there’s no better distraction than our little sisters—and Scootaloo, of course. Now, we mustn't waste time. There's still much to prepare before this afternoon, right? No time to dilly-dally."

“Yeah, yeah. I’m comin’,” Applejack replied with a huff. "But we still ain’t done talkin' 'bout what ya said earlier."

Rarity smiled coyly, batting her lashes. "Oh, Applejack, darling, it was all in good fun. I truly don’t think you need that much work on your mane."

~~~

Rainbow Dash woke up to the sound of familiar voices nearby—one female, the other male. Both were unmistakable.

"Wow, Spike… just… he really did all that? How could he? It’s just not possible," Twilight’s voice was filled with disbelief.

"I don’t know, Twi… You should have seen him out there. He was like a machine. I’ve never seen anypony move the way he did," Spike replied, his voice laced with awe.

"For a pony to have that kind of strength… it’s downright… I wish I had a better way to say this without repeating myself, but… it really is impossible. And you’re saying he took on that thing all by himself?"

"Yeah! I know I was supposed to be worried about you and everything, but Sora just…" Spike trailed off before noticing movement on the couch. "Oh! Rainbow! You’re awake!"

Just as Rainbow Dash sat up, she was suddenly enveloped in a pair of lavender hooves. "Rainbow! Are you okay?! I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you coming, and…"

The cyan pegasus gave an awkward smile, gently freeing one of her hooves from Twilight’s grasp. She stretched her neck, testing for any lingering aches. "Hey, it’s okay, Twilight. Not the first time I’ve had a crash like that, and it probably won’t be the last."

Twilight let out a sigh of relief. "I’m just glad your wings aren’t broken. It was a pretty hard fall, after all."

"Yeah, that would’ve sucked," Rainbow agreed, before her expression turned more serious. "But enough about me! How are you doing? Are you feeling alright? I mean, it’s been two whole days and… well..."

"I’m… okay, for the most part," Twilight said, her tone hesitant. "Definitely not something I want to repeat." She shook her head, her mind clearly heavy with the memory. "Spike filled me in on what happened near Town Hall. It’s still hard to believe the Heartless attacked here. If… if things hadn’t turned out the way they did…"

Rainbow frowned at the thought, glancing away for a moment. "Tell me about it. So not cool." She turned back to Twilight, her expression softening. "Still, as much as I hate to admit it, Sora really did save the day. Guess he’s not all talk after all." She smirked. "Though if it had been me, I would’ve taken that overgrown weed down in 30—no, 20 seconds flat!"

But she paused mid-sentence, noticing Twilight’s peculiar expression. "What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I’m sorry, but… did you just say Sora?" Twilight asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"Uh… yeah? That’s his name, right?" Rainbow responded, her tone defensive.

Twilight nodded slowly. "Yes, I know his name. I say it all the time. But… I don’t think I’ve ever heard you call him by his name before."

Rainbow blinked. "What? Of course I’ve said his name!"

"Uhh… no, you really haven’t," Spike chimed in, trying to stifle a chuckle.

"Yes I have!" Rainbow shot back.

"I’m about 99 percent sure you haven’t. Not around me, at least," Twilight added, her voice teasing.

"Whatever!" Rainbow groaned, rolling her eyes. She glanced at the window, clearly eager for a hasty exit. "I should let the others know you’re okay. They were pretty worried about you."

Before she could take off, Rainbow turned back to Twilight, her expression softening. "Hey, Twi… you sure you’re alright? If you want, I can stick around, keep an eye on you or something."

Twilight smiled warmly at her friend’s concern. "I appreciate it, Rainbow, but I’m fine. Spike’s here with me, and I need to send a letter to the princess anyway." She paused, a far-off look crossing her face as she collected her scattered memories. That strange figure in her dreams—what was that?

Rainbow, sensing her friend’s moment of introspection, nodded. "Alright, alright, I get it. Just… call me if you need anything, okay?"

"Will do, Dash." Twilight chuckled softly, though her face held a trace of worry. "You sure you’re okay to fly, though?"

Rainbow grinned and spread her wings confidently. "Are you kidding me? Just watch this!" With a powerful beat of her wings, she took off through the window at top speed, sending papers flying everywhere in her wake.

Spike groaned, deadpanning as he slapped a claw to his face. "Great… I just cleaned this place!"

Twilight laughed lightly, shaking her head as she made her way to the kitchen. She was starving. But before she could get far, a familiar cyan face popped back in through the window.

"Oh! Before I forget, there’s a surprise party later this afternoon for So-Spikey at town hall. Pinkie told me to tell you to be there when you woke up."

Twilight raised an eyebrow, confused. "Wait… how did Pinkie know I’d wake up when you came over?"

Rainbow shrugged. "I stopped trying to figure that pony out ages ago, Twi. Just chalk it up to Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie." With that, she zoomed off once more, leaving Twilight to her thoughts.

~~~

Sora shook the water out of his fur as he trudged back onto dry land. He was glad he was a good swimmer, a skill that had thankfully carried over even in his pony form. He looked towards the trio of fillies standing nearby, each one just as drenched as he was, all wearing sheepish smiles.

“Well… I think shipbuilding is off the list of cutie marks for you girls,” Sora said with a playful grin.

“Sorry about that, Sora,” Sweetie Belle apologized, wringing the water out of her tail. “We thought the holes would make it glide faster in the water.”

Sora chuckled, tilting his head to one side to shake the water out of his ear. “Don’t worry about it. It was a good idea… well, until it started sinking… fast.”

Scootaloo flapped her wings, sending a spray of water everywhere as she joined in the conversation. “Yeah! I totally thought we were onto something there. Maybe next time, we use fewer holes?”

“Or no holes at all,” Apple Bloom chimed in, shaking water from her mane. “Maybe we should stick to things that don’t involve sinkin’.”

Sweetie Belle sighed dejectedly. “Maybe we’re not cut out to be shipbuilders, huh?”
“What? Giving up already?” Sora asked, a cocky grin playing across his face as he watched the fillies mull over their next move.

"What? No way!" Sweetie Belle huffed, puffing out her cheeks in a pout. "But, uh… what are we supposed to do?"

Sora chuckled, taking a branch in his mouth and starting to draw in the dirt. "Well… I’ve built a raft before, sorta like a ship. How about I lend you my expert skills?" He drew a few quick lines in the dirt, explaining as he went. "First, we need this... and this..."

While Sweetie Belle eagerly followed Sora’s instructions, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo hung back, huddling together in a whispered conversation.

“Alright,” Scootaloo muttered, giving Apple Bloom a nudge. “We got him alone for now… this is your chance, Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, confused. “Chance for what, Scoots?”

Scootaloo groaned in exasperation. “To talk to him! You know, maybe find out more about him, ask some personal stuff. Now’s the perfect time!”

“What?!” Apple Bloom’s voice came out louder than she intended, causing Sora and Sweetie Belle to glance in their direction. She quickly waved them off with an awkward grin, prompting an equally awkward wave from the other two fillies before they returned to their conversation. Lowering her voice, Apple Bloom continued, “Ah don’t wanna sound nosy, Scoots. What if he hates me for askin’ too many personal questions?”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “You won’t know until you try, Apple Bloom!” With a determined look, she went behind her friend and started nudging her forward, toward Sora. “As one of your love advisers, I command you to get over there and talk to him!”

Applebloom whimpered as Scootaloo nudged her closer to Sora. She was grateful for her friend’s help, but talking to him right here, right now? It felt overwhelming. Especially considering that the stallion she liked wasn’t just anypony—he was a hero, and one that had single-hoofedly saved her entire town. That thought only made her crush on him deepen, and with it, her nervousness soared.

The more Applebloom’s feelings grew, the more timid she became around him. She could barely hold a full conversation without squeaking or fumbling over her words in embarrassment.

“Ah… Ah don’t know what ta say to him,” she whispered anxiously to Scootaloo. “What do Ah even ask?”

“How am I supposed to know?! Just ask him about the weather or something!” With one last determined shove, Scootaloo pushed Applebloom right in front of Sora.

Applebloom’s heart leapt into her throat as she found herself face-to-face with the stallion. His sky-blue eyes met hers, curiosity flickering in them before he smiled down at her, his gentle expression only causing her cheeks to burn even hotter.

“What’s up, Applebloom?” Sora asked, his voice kind and casual. “Me and Sweetie were just going over a new boat design. It’s a bit simpler this time, but I think it’ll work a lot better than what we tried before.”

Applebloom could barely breathe, let alone respond. Her heart raced wildly, and every word she tried to form got stuck in her throat. When she opened her mouth, all that came out was a nervous wheeze.

Sora tilted his head, a puzzled look on his face. “Uh... Applebloom? You okay?”

Panic surged through her as she realized how ridiculous she must have looked. Oh no, oh no! What do I do?! What do I say?! This is a disaster!

Just then, she felt a small pebble hit her leg. Glancing to the side, she spotted Scootaloo waving frantically from behind Sora, trying to get her attention. When Applebloom looked closer, she noticed her friend holding up a large cue card with hastily scrawled letters: Ask about the weather!

Applebloom gulped nervously, her voice barely a whisper as she finally stammered, “H-how’s t-the weather up there?”

Applebloom let out a squeak of surprise as Sora lifted her high into the air, his hooves gently holding her by her sides. For a moment, she hung there, wide-eyed and blinking, trying to process what had just happened.

“Well? How’s the weather up there, Applebloom?” Sora asked with a playful grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

The yellow filly stared down at him, her face a mixture of shock and embarrassment, but soon a small giggle escaped her. “W-well,” she stammered, trying to play along, “Ah reckon it’s pretty clear up here!” She grinned, the tension she’d been feeling melting away.

Sora chuckled and gently lowered her back to the ground. “Good to know!” he said, still smiling. “Next time I need a weather report, I’ll ask you.”

As Applebloom landed back on the ground, she couldn’t help the wide smile that spread across her face, the nervousness she’d been feeling fading into the background. “Heh, maybe next time ya won’t have to toss me up to find out,” she joked, feeling a bit bolder now.

Sora chuckled. “Hey, it worked, didn’t it? Besides, in all fairness, I’ve been saving that little retort for a while now.”

“Really?” Applebloom asked, sitting on her haunches as she gazed up at him. “Why would ya need to save a joke like that?”

Sora rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin. “Well... I wasn’t always the biggest kid around. In fact, I used to be one of the shortest.”

Applebloom’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Really?”

“Yep,” Sora confirmed with a nod. “I got picked on because of it too.”

“B-but you’re a hero! Why would anypony pick on a hero?” Applebloom asked, baffled.

Sora smiled gently. “I wasn’t always a Keyblade wielder, you know. Growing up, I was just like any other kid.”

“No way!” Scootaloo gasped, eyes wide. “But you saved a whole town! You’ve got that magic key thing! How’s that not special?”

Sora laughed, holding up a hoof. “I promise, I was just a regular kid. Nothing special.”

Sweetie Belle leaned in, curiosity shining in her eyes. “So how’d you get that Keyblade thingy, then?”

Sora paused for a moment, grinning at the eager faces of the fillies. “Well... that’s a long story,” he began. “You see, it all started on a dark and stormy night…”

“There you are!”

Sora and the fillies looked up as Rainbow Dash swooped down from the sky, landing with a thud in front of the stallion. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Sora. You’re needed at Town Hall.”

“Town Hall?” Sora echoed, tilting his head in confusion. “Any idea why?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Don’t ask dumb questions. Just be there, okay?” She turned, ready to take off again, but Sora’s voice stopped her.

“Rainbow!" he called, causing her to pause and glance back at him. "I’m really glad you’re okay. Pinkie told me what happened… how you were being chased by heartless when she found you.” His ears folded back, guilt creeping into his voice. “If I had known they were coming, then maybe—"

Before he could finish, Rainbow tapped him lightly on the head with her hoof, cutting him off. Sora blinked in surprise, looking up to see her giving him a softer gaze than usual, something almost... gentle.

“Geez... shut up, Hero,” she said, her voice surprisingly calm. “I’m fine, so don’t beat yourself up over it.” She met his eyes for a moment, her expression firm but not unkind. “Just get moving, okay? And don’t be late, or I’ll kick your flank into next Thursday.” With that, she took off, leaving Sora standing there, slightly bewildered.

Sora blinked and turned back to the fillies. "Is she always—?"

“Intense?” Applebloom offered.

“Weird?” Sweetie Belle squeaked.

“Awesome?” Scootaloo chimed in, grinning.

Sora couldn’t help but laugh. “Right. So... all of the above, huh?” He shook his head, still chuckling. “Let’s get going, girls. I don’t think I want to keep Rainbow Dash waiting.”

~~~

Ponyville Town Hall

The fillies had led Sora back to Ponyville, the young stallion enjoying the gentle breeze on what felt like a perfect summer day. As they walked, Sora regaled them with tales of his home, Destiny Islands, and all the adventures he and his friends used to get up to. So caught up in the conversation, it took him a while to notice the large crowd gathered around the still-recovering Town Hall. Before he could question what was happening, a familiar lavender unicorn made her way toward him and the girls.

“Twilight? You’re okay!” Sora exclaimed, a look of relief crossing his face. “Geeze... I was really worried about you.”

Twilight smiled, though she still looked a bit tired. "You and the rest of my family, it seems. Celestia had to stop my parents from rushing to Ponyville as soon as they heard I'd… gotten hurt."

Sora chuckled softly. "I can imagine. You should’ve seen my mom after I came back from my first adventure. Or... was it the second? Thought she’d never let me leave the house again. Still don’t know how Master Yen Sid convinced her. I guess that’s just how moms are.”

Twilight nodded, her smile growing a bit warmer. "Sounds about right. But aside from that, I really do need to thank you, Sora. Spike told me everything that happened when I was..." She shuddered slightly before continuing, "...unconscious. So, thank you—for saving me."

Sora blushed, rubbing the tip of his hoof against his snout. “Well... I do what I can,” he said with a sheepish grin.

Twilight chuckled lightly before getting more serious. “There are a few things I need to talk to you about, but that can wait. First, there’s something important I need you to see. Come with me, we don’t want to keep everypony waiting.”

Before Sora could ask what she meant, Twilight had already grabbed him with her magic, gently dragging him toward the front of the crowd and onto a makeshift stage. Awaiting them was Mayor Mare, the beige mare with a white curly mane. She beamed at them both as they approached, gesturing for Sora to stand beside her.

Suddenly, a swarm of butterflies seemed to erupt in Sora’s stomach. His nerves were quickly catching up with him as he turned to look for an escape—only to find Applejack and Twilight blocking his way.

The farm mare chuckled, giving him a gentle push toward the podium. “Goin’ somewhere, partner?”

Sora shook his head, still very confused. "What’s going on? I don’t..."

The mayor cleared her throat, her voice polite yet commanding enough to quiet the gathered crowd. “Attention everypony! Attention! I know yesterday’s attack was frightening, and the appearance of those monsters, those shadow ponies, and that dreadful Darkflower was unlike anything we’ve ever seen. But today, we gather not in fear, but in gratitude."

Sora raised an eyebrow towards the lavender unicorn. “Shadow Ponies? Darkflower?”

“Well, we have to call them something, right?" Mayor Mare continued with a smile. "Heartless is good and all, but now that I know there are more than just the pony-shaped ones, I figured it’s my duty to name each type we've encountered so far.”

Sora chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. “Hey, no judgment. You should hear some of the names my friend came up with for the Heartless I fought before. You two would probably get along.”

The crowd laughed lightly, but the Mayor quickly brought attention back to her speech. “Now, I would like to take a moment to honor a pony who, despite being new to our town, took it upon himself to stand up and defend Ponyville from those creatures. A pony who risked his very life to protect us all.” She gestured toward Sora, her voice filled with admiration. “On behalf of all of Ponyville, I want to thank Sora for his bravery and selflessness.”

She trotted up to him, holding out a medallion. “Please accept this as a token of our deepest gratitude.”

Sora blinked in surprise, holding the medallion in his hooves. “I... wow... I mean...”

Mayor Mare smiled and leaned in. “Would the hero of the hour like to say a few words?”

Sora’s face turned bright red as he was gently nudged toward the podium, now standing in front of the entire crowd. He stared out at the eager faces below, feeling incredibly out of place. He had fought to save worlds before, but never had he received this kind of public praise. Usually, he just moved on to the next world after helping out. This was... new.

“I... I’m really not used to this,” Sora began, fumbling for words. “Honestly, if I had my way, I’d probably just ask for a cake and take a nap.”

From the front of the crowd, Pinkie Pie yelled, “TRUE THAT!” causing a ripple of laughter and lightening the mood just a bit for Sora.

He smiled sheepishly before continuing, “While I’m really thankful for all of this,” he held up the medallion, “I’m not sure I deserve all this praise. I mean, a lot of your homes were damaged because of the battle, and your lives were put in danger because I—”

Before he could finish, Mayor Mare wrapped a hoof around his neck, cutting him off with a grin. “Do you see that? Not only is he a hero, but a modest one at that! Give it up for the Hero of Ponyville!”

The crowd erupted into cheers and stomping, drowning out any further objections from Sora. He stood there, smiling nervously, his words lost in the sea of applause.

~~~

Canterlot Throne Room

Princess Celestia sat upon her throne, her golden magic gently holding up various reports and scrolls detailing information on the Heartless. Though many of the records stretched back years, they offered frustratingly little in terms of useful knowledge. It had been a long time since she’d felt the need to review any of this data, but the attack on Ponyville still weighed heavily on her mind. The fact that Twilight had been harmed—even if only temporarily—had struck her deeply.

The memory of that day two days ago was still fresh, playing over in her mind like a haunting echo. Upon hearing the news, Celestia had immediately teleported to Ponyville, abandoning her calm demeanor in favor of swift action. Seeing Twilight—her beloved student, her dear friend, her daughter in all but name—lying hurt had almost shattered her regal composure. Twilight had always held a special place in Celestia’s heart, a bond unlike any other.

And Twilight’s mother, Velvet, had been just as furious. It had taken several guards to restrain her from charging off into the wild in search of her daughter, her fierce protectiveness on full display. Celestia had forgotten for a moment just how determined the mare could be—her adventurous spirit was, after all, the reason she partnered with Daring Do.

Still, Celestia found solace in how the situation had ultimately resolved. Sora had proven himself, saving Twilight from a fate worse than death. But the danger had been far too close. She’d already sent orders to double the guard presence across Equestria, reinforcing key cities and pathways. Keyblade or not, she would never allow such an event to happen again if she could help it.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the throne room doors burst open, causing Celestia to jolt slightly in surprise. A white-coated earth pony guard in golden armor raced toward her, his breathing heavy from exertion.

"News from Northern Equestria, Your Highness!" he announced, urgency evident in his tone.

Celestia immediately sat up straighter, her pulse quickening. "Yes? What is it?" she asked, her voice calm, though her heart raced.

The guard removed his helmet and bowed low. "I am to inform you that... it has been found."

Celestia’s eyes widened, and a soft gasp escaped her before she could stop it. Her surprise quickly turned to determination as she regained her composure. She turned swiftly to the pegasus guards standing at attention beside her throne.

"Find Princess Cadence and Shining Armor immediately!" she commanded, her voice steady but filled with urgency.

The guards nodded and swiftly flew off to carry out her order, their wings cutting through the air as they departed.

Once alone, Celestia levitated a quill and parchment, her mind racing as she began to write a letter to Twilight. Time was of the essence, and the situation could not be ignored.

~~~

Ponyville - A ways away from Town Hall

“Haha... Ponies sure are a sociable bunch…”

Sora spent the evening mingling with the townsponies, who all took turns thanking him for saving Ponyville. Despite his mixed feelings about the damage caused during the battle, seeing the genuine smiles on everypony’s face made it hard not to smile along with them. After all, bringing joy to others had always been something that came naturally to him. Still, the attention and gratitude felt a little overwhelming, and he was relieved when an impromptu song and dance number by a certain pink pony gave him the chance to slip away.

He chuckled at the irony. For two years, he had been alone, always craving companionship. Now, surrounded by so many social ponies, he found himself seeking a moment of solitude.

Despite the praise and celebration, a nagging fear gnawed at him. The townsponies saw him as a hero, but that title came with a heavy burden. If he failed—like he had during his Keyblade exams—or made a mistake, it wouldn’t just be him who paid the price. Everypony would be in danger. If it hadn’t been for that Doctor, things could have gone much worse for Ponyville. Sora had looked for him and that gray mare in the crowd, but they seemed to have vanished.

Lowering his head, he muttered to himself, “Why am I beating myself up like this? I wasn’t able to protect everyone… Big Mac got hurt, we almost lost Twilight, and if Pinkie hadn’t saved Rainbow… Maybe I really am useless.”

“You know, I don’t think all that self-loathing suits you.”

Sora practically jumped out of his skin at the sound of Twilight’s voice behind him. His wings, as if reacting on their own, flapped awkwardly, flipping him upside down before he landed on his back with a thud.

Twilight stifled a giggle as she stood over him. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you like that.”

Sora raised a hoof from his downed position, sighing. “Why do I get the feeling you all enjoy sneaking up on me?”

Twilight giggled, offering him a hoof to help him back up. “Maybe a little,” she teased. “But I actually wanted to check up on you. You left the party pretty early, and I figured something might be bothering you.”

Sora tilted his head, still brushing off the remnants of his fall. “What’s up?”

Twilight’s smile faded slightly, her expression becoming more serious. “I wanted to talk to you about… what happened. After I was, well… captured.”

Sora frowned, concern written on his face as Twilight continued. “Spike told me what happened—that my heart was separated from my body. And I… I remember how it felt. The darkness, the emptiness… I never felt so hollow before in my life.”

He stepped closer, placing a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Twilight nodded but hugged herself tightly. “Yeah… I’m fine now. But back then, I was so scared. I tried to fight it, but the darkness kept pulling me in. I almost gave up until I heard a voice.” She pointed at him. “Your voice.”

“My voice?” Sora blinked in surprise.

Twilight nodded again. “Yes, I heard you calling out to me. And that’s what helped me find my way back. I need you to tell me—what happened on your end?”

Sora scratched his head as he thought back. “I remember striking the bubble that trapped you and Spike with my Keyblade, but… after that, things get hazy. I blacked out, and the next thing I knew, I felt your heart calling to me. I reached out to it with my own… and when I came to, I was holding you in my hooves outside Town Hall.”

Twilight blushed faintly at the image, her mind briefly flashing to the idea of him cradling her in his arms. Spike must have left that detail out when recounting the story.

“But, Sora,” Twilight continued, “I saw something while I was in the darkness. A figure... I don’t know how to explain it, but it wasn’t like any creature I’ve ever seen. It helped me.”

Before Sora could respond, a voice interrupted their conversation.

“Twilight!!”

They both turned to see Spike running toward them, out of breath. “Twilight… letter… from the Princess…” he gasped.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “A letter from the Princess?” She quickly snatched the scroll with her magic, opening it in a flash. As her eyes scanned the contents, her expression shifted from confusion to shock. “Oh no…”

Sora and Spike shared a worried glance. “What’s wrong, Twilight?” Spike asked.

Twilight didn’t waste a second. “Spike, go get the girls. We need everypony here right away!”

Spike blinked. “What happened? What’s going on?”

“The Crystal Empire… it’s reappeared!”

Chapter 13

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

The Crystal Empire

Green to start music and red to stop music

Ponyville…

Sora, Spike, and Twilight made their way back to the festivities, with the lavender mare quickly gathering her friends to fill them in on Celestia’s unexpected summons. After offering their apologies to Mayor Mare, they headed to Twilight's treehouse to discuss their next steps.

“Well... if it’s not one thing, it’s another,” Applejack remarked coolly as she reread the princess’s note, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice. “Just a few days after the last incident, and here we are with another case. I’m starting to think the universe has it out for us.”

“I can’t stand it either, darling,” Rarity sighed dramatically. “Don’t these brutes realize I need my beauty rest? They’re really cutting into the time I devote to managing my image.”

“Ha! As if bad guys care about our schedules,” Rainbow scoffed. “Honestly, this just gives us a chance to take the fight to them instead of being caught off guard like last time. I’ve been itching to take down a few of those stupid Heartless anyway. We barely saw any action during the last few encounters!”

“We don’t even know if this has anything to do with the Heartless, Rainbow,” Twilight pointed out, lifting a heavy tome and stowing it in her bag. “It could be something entirely different threatening the kingdom.”

“True, but experience has taught me to keep an eye out for Heartless,” Sora chimed in. “And let’s not forget that strange cloaked pony. She definitely seems like the type who wouldn’t just let things go.”

“She was...really scary…” Fluttershy added, hiding herself behind her wings. “You don't think...that she is the one the Princess's is asking us about, is she? I don't want to have to deal with any more of those heartless ponies...”

“Awww! Don’t worry Shy!” Pinkie Pie mused as she pulled the shy and shivering mare close into a crushing side hug. “Your big sis Pinky will keep those nasty wasty heartless away from your cute little head.”

“Awww! Don’t worry, Shy!” Pinkie Pie chimed in, pulling the timid mare into a warm, tight side hug. “Your big sis Pinkie will keep those nasty Heartless away from your cute little head!”

“But… Pinkie… I’m actually a year older than you—” Fluttershy started, her voice muffled by Pinkie’s exuberance.

“In any case,” Twilight interjected, capturing everyone’s attention. “We need to get ready to leave. I want all of you at the train station within the hour. We can’t keep Celestia waiting when she has an important mission for us.”

Sora and the rest of the girls nodded before heading off to get ready. He paused for a moment, glancing back at Twilight as she stuffed another tome into her saddlebag. He opened his mouth, maybe to ask her about what she had seen during their last conversation, but quickly shut it again before following after Applejack.

Twilight turned just as Sora closed the door, letting out a soft sigh. After securing her left saddlebag, she approached a nearby work desk and picked up a brand-new notebook adorned with a very familiar key. It was the one she had created after Sora had literally dropped into their lives, the mysterious Keyblade Wielder filled with secrets. What she knew about him was limited, despite how much he talked. Sure, she understood that he had friends, fought monsters, and was a genuinely kind pony, but there was so much he seemed to keep to himself.

And then there was what she had experienced when the Heartless attacked, when she was engulfed in... darkness.

A shiver ran down Twilight’s spine at the thought of that place. Sinking into the abyss, she could almost taste the darkness on her tongue—a sensation that felt utterly impossible. It was... confusing. She hated it more than anything, but what scared her was that, just before she was saved, she had felt herself teetering on the edge of surrendering to it.

Was the darkness always so... terrifying?

She couldn’t shake the thought of needing a night light for the next few nights.

Suddenly, a loud thud behind her made Twilight yelp and spin around, only to find her number one assistant leaning against a hefty backpack.

“Spike? What are you doing, and where do you think you’re going with that?” she asked, eyebrows raised.

“Where do you think?” the little dragon huffed. “I’m coming with you, Twilight.”

“Ahhhh... No,” the lavender mare replied, trying to keep her tone firm. “You’re staying here to watch the li—”

But Spike interrupted her with a stomp of his foot. “No way! None of that ‘stay and watch the library’ nonsense! I’m coming with you, and that’s final! No way am I leaving your side!”

“Spike!” Twilight exclaimed, standing tall and facing the little dragon with a frown. “First off, inside voices. And second, this isn’t up for debate. You need to stay here where—”

“—it will be safe?” Spike interjected, his voice rising. “A lot of good that did a few days ago. Have you forgotten what happened?”

“Of course I haven't, Spike! That’s why you need to stay here now. Celestia promised that something like that won’t happen again. She set up wards and assigned more guards around Ponyville just to make sure we’re protected. You’ll be as safe as can be.”

“But what about you? Who’s going to keep you safe?” Twilight flinched at Spike’s words, feeling the weight of his concern. “What if something happens to you and I’m not there? I don’t... I don’t want to feel like I could lose you again.” He lowered his head, his voice softening. “Even if it’s something small... I want to do everything I can to make sure you’re never hurt again.”

Twilight was at a loss for words for once, the mare slowly making her way towards the little dragon and wrapping both forehooves around him, pulling the little dragon into a gentle embrace. “Spike...I...I mean…”

In that moment, she became so wrapped up in her own feelings that she forgot Spike had been there with her, witnessing everything—the attack, the moment she nearly lost her heart. The memory weighed heavily in both their minds.

“Spike,” she said softly, pulling back to meet his gaze, “I know this is hard for you. You’ve seen what can happen, and it’s okay to feel scared. I’m scared too.”

His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and he nodded slowly. “I just... I don’t want to go through that again. Watching you get hurt... it was the worst feeling. Not if… not if I can protect you. So please... please don’t tell me to stay here, Twi.”

Twilight took a deep breath, then gently nodded. “Fine. You win. I don’t like it, but I guess having you near me is better than worrying about you getting into trouble while I'm away.” She leaned down and kissed his forehead, eliciting a playful scowl from the little drake, though he didn’t push her away.

“But you have to promise to stay close to me or one of the girls. Even Sora, if it comes to that. If there’s even a hint of danger, you run. That’s my one condition. Do you understand?”

Spike opened his mouth to protest, but her hoof covered it gently.

“I asked, do you understand?”

Realizing he couldn’t voice any objections, the little drake nodded solemnly, accepting her terms.

~~~

Rarity hurried back to her boutique, her mind racing as she began packing for the upcoming mission. She rifled through her collection of fabrics, musing aloud, “What to wear down there? Will it be cold or hot... or perhaps somewhere in between? I can’t have my outfits being impractical!”

Just as she was contemplating the merits of a lightweight cloak versus a warmer ensemble, Sweetie Belle’s voice chimed in from the doorway. “Rarity, what are you doing?”

Rarity turned toward her sister, a smile breaking through her focus. “Good timing, Sweetie! I was just going to come and find you but now that you are here…” She pulls out a suit case. “I’m going to need you to head back to Mother and Father’s for this weekend.”

Sweetie’s eyes widened in surprise. “But you usually watch me on the weekends! What’s going on?”

“Something important has come up,” Rarity explained, her tone shifting to a more serious note. “I won’t be able to take care of you for quite some time, and I want you to be with our parents while I’m away.”

“Oh... okay,” Sweetie replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Rarity knelt down to meet her sister's gaze. “You can help me by making sure you’re settled with them. I promise I’ll be back as soon as I can. And you know how much they’ll love having you around!”

Sweetie nodded slowly, absorbing the news. “Alright, I understand. Where are you going anyway?”

Rarity hesitated for a moment, weighing how much to share. “I have a mission to attend to—a very important one. It’s about helping some friends and ensuring everyone’s safety. You know how it is, darling. A fashionista’s work is never done!”

Sweetie looked intrigued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “A mission?” She gasped, bouncing on her hooves. “Are you going with Sora?!”

Rarity chuckled, unable to hide her amusement. “Well, yes, Sora is involved, but it’s more complicated than that. We’re all working together to face a serious situation.”

“Wow! That sounds amazing!” Sweetie exclaimed, her disappointment fading. “Can I come with you?”

Rarity huffed, shaking her head firmly. “Absolutely not! This is a serious mission, Sweetie. It will not be safe, and I need to focus on the task at hand. You’ll be much better off with our parents.”

Sweetie’s ears drooped slightly. “But I want to help! I could be useful!”

“I know you want to help, and I appreciate that,” Rarity said gently. “But no means no Sweetie. Now go on, get packed, and make your way back to mother and father’s place. Tell them I’m sorry and that something really important came.”

Sweetie huffed but nodded, turning to leave the room. Once she was out of sight, she paused, listening as Rarity fussed about, shuffling fabrics and talking to herself. Sweetie frowned, feeling a surge of determination. “I gotta tell the others,” she muttered under her breath, knowing she needed to share what was happening.

~~~

Outside Fluttershy’s cozy cottage, Rainbow Dash tapped her hoof impatiently on the ground, glancing at the door. After a moment, it swung open, revealing Fluttershy with a soft smile.

“Thank you for waiting for me, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said gently as she stepped outside. “I had to remind Angel to take care of a few of the animals that can’t move on their own while I’m away.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “How did you manage to convince that little brat to do it?”

Fluttershy’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Well, I just explained how important it was for the animals’ well-being, and I told him he’d get extra treats if he helped out.”

“Ah, bribery. Classic Fluttershy,” Rainbow teased, chuckling.

Fluttershy bit her lip, glancing down. “I’m sorry for asking you to come with me to my house. I really didn’t want to travel alone... not after what happened with the Heartless.”

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “It’s no problem, Shy, so don’t feel sorry about it. This whole thing is a mess after all.” She glanced around, her expression turning serious. “Still…I don’t see anything out there now so either way we should be safe. Guess the Princess’s wards are working.”

Fluttershy took a deep breath, her expression thoughtful. “That’s good to hear. Still, it’s nice to have a friend around. I can’t imagine how Sora’s feeling right now.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Why’s that? The dork can take care of himself, you know.”

Fluttershy nodded, her gaze drifting to the horizon. “I know he can, but… he’s alone here. I learned that all of his friends are far away, and he was the only one who made it to Equestria. He must be a little lonely. I know I would be in his situation.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Fluttershy, you should be more worried about yourself, you know. Do you really want to head to the Crystal Empire like this? I mean, there’s bound to be danger waiting for us there.”

Fluttershy fidgeted, her confidence wavering for a moment. “I know it’s risky, but… Facing something with a friend…is better than facing it alone.” She blushes softly. “A-At least that’s what Sora says…”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Sora this. Sora that. It’s like you have a crush on the guy or something.”

Fluttershy’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink as she stammered, “N-No! I mean, I think he’s nice and brave, but it’s not like that!” She looked down, fidgeting with her hooves. “I just… I admire him for being so willing to help others, even when he’s feeling alone.”

“Uh-huh, sure. Just ‘admiration,’ huh? You can tell me if you’re crushing on him. I won’t tell a soul. Promise.”

“Rainnnnnbooooow!”

~~~

Pinkie Pie bounced around her brightly colored bedroom with infectious energy, her mane a whirlwind of curls and pink as she gathered various knickknacks and supplies to stuff into her saddlebag.

“Okay! Party streamers? Check~! Confetti? Check~! Sprinkles for sprinkle emergencies? Triple check!” The mar chirped to herself before giggling softly. “Oh gosh! I’m starting to sound just like Twilight does when she goes Twilight Mode. Guess my friends are rubbing off on me.”

Rushing towards her closet, she swings it open before digging through the pile of games and toys, tossing things around. “Now I’ll also need a good instrument. You know! For spontaneous celebration. Now then… No… No, not this. Where the heck did I even get this?! Oh, I know! Where’s my horn?” She starts digging further before frowning. “Oh, shoot! I remember now. It's still at the horn cleaners after that cupcake incident... Well…I guess I can go without.”

She gasped, slapping her hooves to her cheeks,“Oh gosh! I almost forgot! Can’t forget the snacks!” she exclaimed, racing over to her mini-fridge. She quickly grabbed a few cupcakes and a pack of gummy candies, tossing them in without a second thought. “Fuel for adventure!”

With her bag now bursting with essentials, Pinkie zoomed downstairs, her excitement bubbling over. Before heading out, she spotted Mr. and Mrs. Cake in the bakery, busy preparing for the day.

“Mr. Cake! Mrs. Cake!” Pinkie called, rushing over. She enveloped them in a big, cheerful hug. “I’m off on a super-duper important mission! I’ll be right back!”

The motherly mare smiled warmly, though she couldn't help but raise a hoof to wipe a bit of flour from Pinkie's cheek. "Oh, Pinkie dear, I know you can’t always tell us where you're running off to," she said gently, her voice full of motherly concern. "But please, promise you’ll stay safe, wherever this super-duper important mission is taking you."

Mr. Cake nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed with a touch of worry. “We’ll be here when you get back, Pinkie. Just… don’t go doing anything too risky, alright?”

Pinkie gave a dramatic salute, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. "You got it, Mrs. Cake, Mr. Cake! I’ll be back before you can say 'cupcake surprise with extra sprinkles!' And I’ll bring back some fun stories too!”

With one final squeeze, Pinkie released them from her bear-like hug and darted toward the door, her bag jostling with supplies as she prepared to join her friends for the latest adventure. Before she left, she gave one more exaggerated wave, her usual wide grin on display. “Don’t bake all the cakes without me!” she called, and in the blink of an eye, she was gone, leaving a pink blur in her wake.

As the door swung shut behind her, Mrs. Cake sighed fondly, shaking her head. “That Pinkie Pie… I do wish she’d tell us what’s going on sometimes. First its Nightmare Moon and then the whole thing with that chaos fellow. Now she’s going of to Celestia knows where on some important mission. You would think she was a super hero or some such.”

Mr. Cake chuckled, wiping his brow with a towel. “Well, with how often she runs off to save the day, maybe she is, dear. Superheroes don’t always wear capes, you know—though I wouldn’t put it past Pinkie to pull one out of thin air if she needed one.” He grinned at the thought of Pinkie Pie donning some over-the-top, candy-themed superhero costume.

Mrs. Cake smiled softly, though concern lingered in her eyes. “I just hope she’s being careful. I know Pinkie’s got a heart as big as Sugarcube Corner, but... it’s always a little worrying when she runs off into danger like this. And who knows what kind of mischief she’s getting wrapped up in.”

~~~

Sora trotted alongside Applejack as they made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres, the sun hanging high in the sky, casting warm light over the rolling hills and apple trees. He didn’t have much to pack himself—just his Keyblade, which he could summon at will—but he figured it wouldn’t hurt to follow Applejack to the farm in case she needed any help. That and he needed time to think.

As they approached the farmhouse, Sora hung back a little, letting Applejack lead the way. The mare pushed open the door, greeted by the familiar sight of her brother Big Mac and Granny Smith. Big Mac was busy stacking crates of apples, while Granny Smith sat in her rocking chair, humming to herself as she shelled peas.

Spotting both Sora and AJ, Granny Smith smiled. “Well bout time you two came back from them there festivities.”

Applejack chuckled softly, tipping her hat back as she stepped inside. "Yeah, Granny, reckon it’s been a long day already, but duty calls again." She glanced over at Sora, who offered a small, sheepish smile as he trailed behind her.

The old mare raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me that there princess called you ta Canterlot again?”

Applejack sighed, adjusting her hat with a weary smile. "Not exactly Canterlot this time, Granny. Princess Celestia’s sendin’ us up to the Crystal Empire. Somethin’ important’s come up, and we’ve been called to help."

Granny Smith’s eyebrow stayed raised, her eyes narrowing slightly as she rocked back in her chair. "Hmph. Can’t seem to go a week without some big ol’ disaster poppin’ up, now can ya? Ya just be careful up there, Applejack. I don’t like the idea of you gallopin’ off into danger again."

Applejack stepped over and placed a hoof gently on Granny Smith’s shoulder. "I know it seems like trouble’s always followin’ us, Granny, but this is somethin’ we gotta do. Celestia wouldn’t call on us if it weren’t important."

Big Mac, who had been quietly stacking crates of apples, glanced over at his sister with a furrowed brow. "Maybe I should go with ya. Just in case," he rumbled, his deep voice carrying a hint of concern.

Applejack shot him a look, shaking her head firmly. "Now hold on, Big Mac. I appreciate the thought, but you know somepony’s gotta stay here to keep things runnin’. You’re needed on the farm, especially with Apple Bloom and Granny to look after. I can’t leave them without ya."

Big Mac’s jaw tightened as he thought it over, his protective instincts kicking in. "Eeyup, but I don’t like the idea of you goin’ up there alone."

Applejack gave him a reassuring smile. "I ain’t alone, Big Mac. I’ve got Sora and the rest of the girls with me. We’ll be just fine, promise. And besides, if anything goes wrong, the farm needs ya more than I do. Can’t leave Granny and Apple Bloom without somepony strong here."

Big Mac sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly as the logic of the situation sank in. "Eeyup, I s’pose you’re right."
Applejack glanced over her saddlebag once more, her brow furrowing as she noticed something missing. "Shoot, I forgot somethin' in my room. I’ll be right back!" She dashed up the stairs, her hooves clattering against the wooden floor as she disappeared from view.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Big Mac shifted his weight and moved in front of Sora, gesturing silently with a nod for him to follow. Curious but understanding the seriousness in Big Mac’s expression, Sora obliged, stepping outside with the large stallion.

The warm afternoon air greeted them, along with the sounds of the rustling apple trees in the breeze. Big Mac didn’t say anything right away, instead taking a deep breath as he looked out over the farm. After a moment, he turned to face Sora, his face set in a serious, yet conflicted, expression.

"Look," Big Mac began, rubbing a hoof along the back of his neck, clearly trying to find the right words. "I know Applejack’s strong. Stronger than most ponies I know. But that don’t mean she ain’t... well, that don’t mean she don’t need somepony lookin’ out for her."

Sora nodded, understanding where this was going. He knew how protective Big Mac was of his family.

"I wouldn’t ask nopony else this," Big Mac continued, his tone quiet but firm. "But I need ya to make sure she don’t get in over her head. She’s got a habit of thinkin’ she’s gotta take care of everythin’ herself, and sometimes... sometimes that means she don’t see when she’s the one who needs takin’ care of."

Sora’s expression softened. He knew exactly the kind of selfless stubbornness Big Mac was talking about. Applejack wasn’t the type to ask for help, even when she needed it the most. "I get it, Big Mac," Sora replied, his voice steady with assurance. "I’ll make sure she’s okay. She won’t be alone out there."

Big Mac nodded slowly, though the weight of his concern was still evident in his eyes. "Eeyup. I know you will. Just... make sure she don’t do nothin’ reckless.”

The keyblade wielder smirks. “Don’t worry. If Push comes to shove I’ll take any blow meant for your sister. Promise.”

Big Mac’s brow furrowed slightly, his eyes locking onto Sora’s with a seriousness that cut through the usual calmness of the big stallion. "I ain't askin’ ya to take a blow for her, Sora," he said quietly, his voice low and firm. “I’m just-”

Big Mac’s words were cut short as the front door creaked open, and Applejack stepped outside, her saddlebag securely in place. She adjusted her hat with a casual flick, glancing between the two stallions with a curious look. “What’s goin’ on out here? Y’all plottin’ somethin’ without me?”

Sora quickly plastered on a wide grin, trying to shake off the heaviness of the conversation. “Nah, just a little brotherly chat. Nothing to worry about.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced but too focused on the task at hoof to press further. “Uh-huh. Well, if y’all are done, we need to get movin’. The others are waitin’ on us. We ain’t got all day, and I reckon Rainbow’s gonna get impatient if we keep her waitin’ any longer.”

Sora chuckled and fell in line beside her, giving one last glance back at Big Mac. The large stallion stood in the doorway, his gaze following them as they left. The tan stallion waved before following after AJ.

Big Mac watched as Sora trotted off with Applejack, his green eyes following them down the path until they disappeared from view. He stood there for a moment longer, his broad frame silhouetted in the doorway of the farmhouse. Something lingered in the back of his mind, a feeling he couldn’t quite shake. He didn’t fully understand it, but it gnawed at him all the same.

He knew Sora had meant every word when he promised to look out for Applejack. Big Mac could see that plain as day. But there was something in the way Sora spoke, something in the way he carried himself that left Big Mac feeling... unsettled. It wasn’t a lack of trust—Big Mac knew Sora had a good heart and strong determination.

Big Mac replayed Sora’s words in his head, his brow furrowing slightly. "If push comes to shove, I’ll take any blow meant for your sister." It was said with such certainty, with a sense of finality that didn’t sit right with him. Sora meant well, no doubt about that, but the idea of him putting himself in harm’s way—of him willingly taking a hit to protect Applejack—made Big Mac uneasy.

Big Mac turned to head back inside, shaking his head as he muttered to himself. "I just hope… at least for your sake… it don’t come to that.” The weight of his concern still lingered as he crossed the threshold of the farmhouse, letting the door creak shut behind him.

Had he stayed just a moment longer, he might have caught a glimpse of movement from the bushes near the edge of the path, three small filly like figures jumping out of a pile of bushes and rushing after his sister and Sora.

~~~

Within the hour, the group of eight arrived at the train station and began boarding the train Celestia had specially prepared for them. Much to their surprise, it was a luxurious setup, and Rarity’s excited squeals could be heard echoing through the train.

“First class with our own cabins!” Rarity marveled as she explored what she believed to be the largest of the rooms. “Celestia really went all out for us, didn’t she? An on-board kitchen, fully stocked, with cabins that have the most beautiful, soft-looking cots! I must say... a lady could get used to this lifestyle.”

Applejack, already sprawled in one of the comfortable chairs, waved a hoof dismissively at Rarity’s musings. “Y’all gotta think more practical, Rarity. We’ve been travelin’ nonstop, barely gettin’ a lick of rest. Not to mention that last tussle we had with that nasty critter. Celestia probably figured we could use a place to rest up proper.”

“Be that as it may, darling,” Rarity replied with a dramatic flair, “it’s still quite impressive.”

As Rarity stepped aside, she allowed Spike and Sora to struggle past, both pushing a comical number of suitcases that had been stuffed with Celestia knows what.

“Geez... What’s even in here?” Sora groaned, glancing down at Spike. “Feels like we’re bringing an entire house.”

Spike, despite straining under the weight, looked up at him with a determined expression. “No complaining, Sora! As stallions, it’s our duty to make sure the girls are comfortable.”

“But... doesn’t she have magic? Can’t she carry some of this herself?” Sora asked, raising an eyebrow.

Spike shot him a scandalized look. “And ask her to strain herself before the trip even starts? You gotta be kidding me!”

Sora opened his mouth to respond, but before he could get another word out, Twilight appeared in a flash of magic behind the pair. She gave Spike a fond smile before turning her attention to Sora.

“Mind if I steal Sora for a bit, Spike?” Twilight asked with a soft tone. “I need to talk to him... in private.”

Sora blinked in surprise and glanced at Spike. “You sure you’ll be okay here until I get back?”

Spike, red-faced and visibly struggling under the weight of the bags, waved him off. “No problem! I got this!” he managed to say, just before the suitcases wobbled and collapsed on top of him with a yelp.

Sora winced but found himself whisked away by Twilight’s magic before he could offer any help. She floated him down the train car, much to his mild annoyance, until they reached a more secluded spot, away from the prying ears of their friends.

Twilight finally set Sora down—albeit upside down, much to his chagrin—and stood in front of him, her face serious.

“So... what’s going on, Twi?” Sora asked, crossing his forelegs over his chest while still floating, trying to act casual despite his current position.

Twilight took a deep breath, her eyes steady but troubled. “It’s about what we were discussing earlier. By that tree, remember? The... creature I saw.”

Sora tilted his head, which was extra amusing given his upside-down position, before he remembered. “Oh yeah! You mentioned seeing something... You said you knew it or recognized it?”

Twilight took a deep breath, her eyes focused on Sora as she steadied herself. “It’s about what we were discussing back by that tree… you know, the creature I mentioned.”

Sora, still floating upside down in Twilight’s magic, crossed his forelegs over his chest, an action that looked unintentionally amusing in his current position. After a moment, his expression shifted as he recalled what she was referring to. “Oh yeah! You said you saw some kind of creature, right? And that you felt like you knew it?”

Twilight nodded slowly, her brow furrowed. “Well, I didn’t see it clearly. It was more like... I sensed it. The darkness had almost completely overtaken me when it appeared. Even though I couldn’t make out its form, I… I felt like I knew it somehow. It’s hard to explain, but for a moment, it felt... familiar. And what’s even stranger…” She hesitated, glancing at Sora with a conflicted expression. “It almost sounded like you.”

Sora blinked, his eyes widening in surprise. “It sounded like me?”

Twilight gave a small nod, gently setting him back on his hooves as she spoke. “Yeah... it was distant, but it felt like you were calling out to me at that moment. I know you used your Keyblade to help me, but... I don’t understand what happened from your side. Can you explain it?”

Sora scratched his head, looking uncertain. “I’m not really sure what to say, Twilight. When I went to save you with my Keyblade, I just... pointed it at you and wished I could save you. That’s it. I’ve had my Keyblade for years now, but it still surprises me. I learn something new about it almost every week.”

Twilight let out a frustrated sigh, the annoyance clear in her features. “That just brings up more questions, Sora. Ever since you arrived, I’ve been trying to understand everything—the Heartless, the battles, the darkness, and that pony who tried to take my heart and turn everypony in town into Heartless. It’s overwhelming. I don’t know where to turn for answers, and how can I trust something I don’t understand?”

Her gaze fell on Sora, searching for reassurance, a plea hidden in her eyes.

Sora hesitated, his expression softening as he looked away. “I... I wish I could help you, Twilight. I really do.”

Hearing this, Twilight’s ears drooped, and she looked down, her voice soft. “Me too, Sora.”

Just as she was about to walk away, she felt a gentle tug on her tail. Turning around, she saw Sora holding onto it, a serious look in his eyes, something that she wasn’t quite use to seeing.

“If it means anything…” Sora began, his voice quiet but earnest. “It’s not about trust or anything like that.” He hesitated, glancing away. “There’s a lot I haven’t told you, Twilight. Things I can’t share; things that might even help explain what’s going on. But…” His voice trailed off.

Twilight’s eyes locked onto Sora’s, her full attention now on him. “But what, Sora?”

Sora smiled, “I know it’s a lot to take in and because I can’t say anything you can’t trust me fully. And that’s okay. You don’t have to. But I promise you, I’ll give everything I have to protect you and your friends and this world. I’ll protect you even if you never trust me. Because I don’t want to leave my friends hanging again…”

Before Twilight could ask what he meant by “them,” Sora turned away, leaving her standing there with more questions swirling in her mind.

“Again? What does he mean by that?” she muttered to herself, preoccupied with her thoughts. So distracted was Twilight that she didn’t even notice when twelve small hooves—belonging to three very familiar fillies—snuck onto the train behind her.

~~~

The princesses of the sun and moon gazed upon the stained glass window depicting two ponies, one a stallion and the other a mare not unlike the two alicorns, positioned in the shape of a heart. While the imagen itself was beautiful in its own right, the two princesses could find no solace within the depiction of two of their subject’s greatest victories depicted within the glass.

Princess Celestia sighed softly as she stepped back from the stained glass window. "It's strange, isn't it, Luna? No matter how many victories we celebrate, the shadows always seem to return."

"I agree, sister. For every triumph, there are new threats lurking in the dark. Our ponies have faced so much already, yet the burden of vigilance never seems to lessen." She pauses before looking at her sister fully, “Are you certain you don’t want me to go as well, sister?” Luna finally spoke up, her tone of voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

“I’m certain Luna. Princess Cadence and Shining Armor are already there and the others will be joining them soon enough. Besides, we have our own challenges to deal with if you have forgotten Sister”

"We have not, sister. Our cities and towns still need us after all," The lunar princess responded, with a frown. “The empire’s magic is powerful, though. We cannot allow it to fall again my sister. Especially to the…” Luna Shuddered. “Heartless.”

“I know that all too well Luna. I have faith that both my student and her friends, as well as the young Keyblade Wielder will find a way to stop the dark king, and when they do I know that they will be that much closer to being ready for what truly awaits them. Especially Sora and Twilight.” Despite saying such words, it hurt her deeply not to fully get involved in the coming conflict. She knew that this is what Sora and Twilight needed more then anything. Especially Sora. She could still feel the doubt within his heart when they had last parted. In order for him to win, his heart would need be put to the test.

“I have faith in your student as well sister.” Luna agreed, “And the gallant wielder of the key has more than proven himself to us.” She turned to look away. “It just pains me to have to see them go through this without us truly supporting them in a better way.”

Celestia smiled softly. “I know how you feel dear sister, but-.”

“Princesses?”

The sister alicorns turned towards where they had been called from, The elements of harmony as well as Sora and Spike making their way towards the duo. Celestia gave them a gentle smile as she whispered to Luna, “Trust me little sister. I know they will be more than ready to take on their task.”

The group would stop before the princess, Twilight stepping up and bowing low to her teacher. “We came as soon as we could, Princess Celestia.”

“Yes my dear student,” Celestia replied. “I am sorry to call you so soon after your troubles within Ponyville.”

Applejack tilted her hat as she stepped up and spoke for everypony within the group. “Don’t y’all fret none, your highness. We’re up to any task y’all can give us, as long as we can kick those dang Heartless out of Equestria fer good.”

“Yeah!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed hovering in the air. “So tell us what's what? What's all this about the Crystal Empire?”

The sun princess nodded. “While my memory is still quite limited due to the effects of the curse Sombra had placed upon the Crystal Empire, what I do remember is this.” levitating a purple crystal from a glass case onto the floor, the princess would fill it with magic, igniting it to form a transparent image of what looked like a city made of crystals, and at its center was a castle of the same design. “One thousand years ago a unicorn whose heart was black as night took over the Crystal Empire with a horde of Shadow Beast at his beck and call.”

“Heartless…” Sora surmised as the beautiful scene turned into that of pure horror. The young stallion grimaced as well as many of the others, as they watched the heartless chase every mare, stallion, and foal in the streets, herding them toward a wicked looking unicorn. Sora could already feel his distaste for the dark stallion rising.

“Indeed, Sora,” Celestia continued. “It was easy for that unicorn, King Sombra, to take the throne due to the previous queen’s illness. With the army of darkness at his command and the power of dark magic within him, he had little to no resistance to oppose him. That is until me and mine sister challenged him with the elements of harmony at our command. He was ultimately overthrown by us, turned into nothing but a shadow due to the elements power, and banished to the ice of the arctic north.”

Luna nodded. “A fitting end for a tyrant such as himself.”

“A fitting end it may be but I still wished we had a way to make him change his ways.” Celestia continued. “Still, despite our win and before he was fully banished, Sombra was able to put a curse upon the Empire, a curse that caused it to not only vanish into thin air, but also wipe our memories of such a place.” She said the last part with an air of despair. “It shames me to have fallen victim to such forbidden magic.” She turned to face them. “And it pains me that I was unable to protect the crystal ponies from harm, but with you, my faithful student, your friends, and the hero of light, there might be a way to crush Sombra’s rule once and for all.”

“So...All we gotta do is take down some tyrannical overlord before he can get his hooves on a city made of crystal, all while fighting hordes of heartless who would want nothing better than to steal our hearts.” Rainbow smirked as she pumped her hoof. “Can you say best day ever?”

“Rainbow!” Applejack Called out. “Be serious!”

“What? I am serious!” She began throwing light jabs in the air. “Seriously gonna show that fake king a thing or two! Maybe even three if he gets unlucky enough to meet me”

Before the farm mare could retort, Twilight would interrupt, a look of determination donning on her features. “How do we even begin, princess?”

The alicorn of the sun smiled brightly as she spoke to her student. “By joining Shining Armor and Princess Cadence in the Crystal Empire.”

Twilight eyes widened. “My brother is there?”

The sun princess nodded. “Indeed he is. He and your former foal sitter are seeing to the kingdom’s defenses even as we speak. With them by your side as well as the Keyblade of Light, I have every confidence that you will succeed in repelling Sombra.” She smiled at the rest. “You all will.”

The lavender mare looked toward her teacher and ever so slightly her confident expression began to dwindle as she thought about what had happened back at Ponyville. More specifically, what had happened to her and all of her friends. “But…What if we fail?”

Celestia shook her head. “You won’t…”

“But…What if-“ Twilight was cut off by her teacher placing a hoof upon her chest.

“You won’t, Twilight. As long as you always believe in what's important.”

Twilight looked toward the ground for a while before raising her head up high once again. “You can count on me, your highness!”

Celestia smiled knowingly at the young mare before nodding towards her. As the group turned to leave, Celestia would speak up one more time. “Sora, if I can have a word with you.” She paused as Sora and the others looked towards the princess, the alicorn of the sun looking between them all before continuing. “Alone, if that is fine.”

Twilight turned to try and protest but would soon hold her tongue as her gaze shifted towards Sora, remembering the talk they had upon the train. With a sigh of defeat, the lavender mare would give the princess a curt nod before leading the others out of the room, leaving the princesses with the Keyblade Wielder. Now that they were alone, Celestia would smile down upon the young stallion who, in return, casted his gaze upwards towards her, giving the princess a slightly unsure smile of his own.

“Was there...something I can help you with Princess?” the boy would ask.

Celestia frowned. Actually, it looked more like a pout to Sora. The sudden boop to his nose didn’t help with the silly situation either.

“H-hey!” The hero rubbed the spot she poked, looking down at his nose cross-eyed. “What was that for, princess?”

The white alicorn huffed indigently. “Sister dear, can you tell Sora that I will not speak to him until he addresses me correctly.”

The princess of the night rolled her eyes. "Sora, my sister says that she will not speak to you until you address her correctly."

Baffled on all sides, the stallion would raise an eyebrow at the two princesses. “I…oh! S-Sorry. I meant Celestia, right?”

The taller princess huffed again, not at all acknowledging the stallion or his words.

Luna couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped her. “Hehe..Try again young Keyblade Wielder. I think she told me that if you mess up you have to call her by her…ahem…nickname.”

The stallion blinked before shaking his head, releasing a soft chuckle. “ Haha…Right. Sorry…ah…Tia. And it's good to see you again.”

The sun princess smiled as she turned to face the hero once again. “And I am happy to see you too, Sora. It seemed like you were quite...oh what was the word now...melancholy?” at Sora’s raised eyebrow the princess would add. “It means down in the dumps as it were.”

“Oh…”Sora couldn’t stop the edge of embarrassment creeping into his tone. “Sorry...Just been thinking a lot.”

Celestia’s face softened at that. “I know that you might be pressed for time, but...Do you want to talk about it?”

Sora shook her head after waiting a moment to think things through. “No...I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” Besides, I don’t want to cause anyone any trouble. We already have enough as it is. Have to keep my head in the game. The young stallion told himself.

Celestia frowned slightly before giving the young hero a gentle nod. “As you wish, Sora.” She smiled softly at the wielder of the keyblade, placing a hoof upon the top of his head, giving it a gentle ruffle. “But if you ever wish to talk, I will be here. Just remember, everypony, no matter who they are, always needs someone to tell their troubles to.”

"hehe...So I've been told." Sora responded. "Still...thanks for the offer...I'll keep it in mind Tia."

"That's all I ask Sora. Now, off with you. Don't want to keep the ladies waiting any more than they are, do you?"

Sora nodded before leaving, the Princess's words weighing heavily on his mind. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight...and Celestia...Geeze. I can't be that easy to read...right?

~~~

Canterlot City…

With Sora now returned to the party, Twilight led the small group as they made their way out of the castle, the young mare’s mind racing. So much was hanging in the balance, and Celestia had entrusted her with saving a whole empire this time. Was this too much for her to handle? Was she the right pony for the job? She had put on a brave front in front of her teacher, but she knew deep down it was all an act. She had practically been shaking in her horseshoes. Twilight chanced a glance towards Sora. The hero having taken in the sights around him as he trotted along, Fluttershy, the kind mare that she was, walked beside him in silence.

Normally the stallion would be talking to the shy mare, but even now, she could see that he wasn't quite himself. Was it...her fault?

Twilight shook her head as the encounter upon the train began to eat away at her. Maybe I went a little overboard with him on the train. He’s a little weird but he’s honestly been nothing but helpful to us. And what he said before...

The lavender mare sighed, lost in her thoughts as she was. She instantly became aware of herself though due to a certain farmpony wrapping a foreleg around her shoulders, a kind smile placed upon her features. “Ya alright sugarcube? Ya look more worried then a snake at a badger convention.”

Twilight knew that when it came to AJ worrying about you, nothing but the truth would would do, especially when it came to her best friends, with a heavy sight Twilight laminated .”I...Well...I guess me and Sora got into a bit of a fight...well...Actually it was more of me talking and telling him how i couldn't’ trust him i guess.” Saying it out loud made the mare cringe ever so slightly.

“Oh? So that’s what ya two were doing over there. For a minute ah thought he confessed his heart to you and you shot him down.”

Twilight's cheeks turned a lovely shade of red. “What!?”

The farm-mare chuckled gently, nudging the mare. “Just joshing with you, Twi.” After allowing her chuckle to calm down and for Twi’s pout to lessen, she would continue. “So what were you two fighting about?”

“It’s…It’s about his secrets he’s keeping from us. Is it really so bad that he has to hide it? I know we all have our secrets but with what was going on...”She shook her head.

“That critter’s got me more curious than a cat with a mouse. Ah too am wondering what he’s hiding under dat hood but...” She mused gently before looking at her friend. “Still it’s best to make up with him. ”

She looked up at AJ. “Me make up with him?”

“Well yeah. You and ah know he’s too dense to even try to come close to you now, probably feels like it’s best to stay out of your way. Wouldn’t be surprised if he thought the argument was entirely his fault.”

“You’re probably right. Still. Are you sure he would accept it? I was pretty mean.”

AJ shook her head. “Sure as sugar, Twi. He doesn’t look like the type to hate his friends forever over one fight.”

Twilight lowered her head as she pondered Applejack’s words. AJ’s right. I guess I should apologize. He did risk his own life to save mine after all. With renewed determination, the purple pony slowed her trot down till she was walking on the other side of the stallion, Sora, quickly taking notice of this and looking away awkwardly, almost fidgeting as he did so. Both were silent for a long while content with just making their way down the stony Canterlot pathway

It was then that Twilight would stop, which in turn caused Sora to do the same as soon as he saw that she had stopped walking. He raised an eyebrow towards the mare, tilting his head every so slightly at the strange actions of the mare.

“Ah...Twilight?” Fluttershy squeaked softly. “Are you okay?”

The lavender mare smiled softly, yet somewhat sadly before she began to sing.

Sora forgive me, I request,

Fighting is something I detest

Would you sit and hear my plea,

I want to know If you forgive me?

Twilight looked toward Sora, and with the glow of her horn began to raise him up off the ground, much to his dismay.

Sora you’re my friend, can’t you see?

She then released him without warning, much to his dismay, and Rainbow’s enjoyment.

But not knowing things sets my mind at unease.

Sora clapped his hooves after Twilight had seemed to have solved the square root of pie. He had no way of knowing if that was true but hey, it sounded right.

“I’ve always written about friendships bliss,

I just wasn’t prepared for this

Are we friends, or are we not, I can’t be sure.

Sora stepped in and raised his head a bit, his voice too taking on a melodic tone.

Of course we are.

As she smiled he would do the same, both their heads rising a little higher.

I’m just scared of the unknown, please understand.

I really do.

She stopped teleporting and hung her head down as she began to sing again.

I ask you, forgive me I implore,

You’re my friend to the very core ,

I am sorry,

Oh yes I’m sorry,

Forgive me because I am sorry ~

Her song ended as they made their way toward the train station. Sora, tilted his head, looked back at the castle and then back toward Twilight. “Ah...what just happened?” He seemed to have picked his sense of humor back up somewhat.

“The power of music Sora...The power of Music.” Pinkie Pie answered, as she bounced past him towards the nearby train, causing the poor stallion to question everything even more.

Rainbow and Applejack followed suit, the former giving the stallion a roll of her eyes while the latter shrugged and gave him a gentle nudge and a smile. Rarity nodded and smiled as well, and Fluttershy blushed as she told him that she would try to save him a seat, that is, if it was okay with him. At his nod the mare smiled softly and made her way into the train, blushing brightly as she did so. Spike punched Sora’s foreleg as he passed by, not hurtfully but still not soft either. If anything it was both a warning and a sign of friendship, something that Riku would do to him all the time. When it was just Twilight and Sora, the stallion turned to face her.

“I’m the one who should apologize, Twi. I’m keeping secrets from you…from all of you.” He looked away. “I know I just just tell everyone but-“

Twilight placed a hoof on his chest. “Sora…You have your secrets and I can respect that. Don’t get me wrong though, I still want to know what you're hiding. You’re clearly not your average pony after all. Still, forcing secrets from somepony I consider a friend is never good either.” She smiled softly as she pulled the young stallion in for a hug, much to his chagrin. When she pulled away she was met with eyes wide with confusion and cheeks burning with embarrassment. “You can tell me…no…you can tell all of us when you’re ready, Sora. I’m sure whatever it is, it can’t be as bad as you think it is.” She trotted onto the train, leaving Sora alone.

Sora could only watch as she left, her words running circles within his mind. With a shake of his head he couldn’t help the smile that played on his lips. “These girls...geeze.” The hero would hop onto the train just as the whistle blew, the door closing shut behind him.

Author's Note

If someone can come up with better lyrics for the Sora and Twilight duet then please by all means...help a brother out

Chapter 14

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Friendship and Siblings

Green to start music and red to stop music

The void stretched endlessly before Sora, engulfing him in a suffocating darkness he could not escape. The stallion tried to move, testing his limbs, but he couldn’t help but find they were stuck in place, as if bound by invisible chains.

“W-What is this…?” His gaze fell to his lift. "Where am I?" And then to his right.

So this is where you ran to?

“What?!” Sora’s eyes widened at the voice that spoke to him from everywhere at once. “W-Who’s there? Show yourself!"

You thought you could slither away from me and I wouldn’t find you? Thought you would have learned by now Ventus.

“W-what?” Sora frowned as he looked around, trying to ascertain where the voice was emanating from. “Ventus? What are you talking about? Who are you? Who’s there?” Sora growled. “Stop playing games with me!”

Games? Hahah…I’m not playing games here you know. The voice dripped with venom. You’re not even worth the effort. I’m just here to reclaim what’s inside your heart.

Sora felt his chest tighten. “M-my heart?”

See…you have a little something I need. The one I’m addressing knows it. I know he can hear me. Can’t you…Ventus?

Sora shook his head. “What are you even talking about?”

You wouldn’t remember? The voice spoke. And why would I tell you anyway? I can’t find you now. But I will…You’re hate…your anger…your self loathing…There’s no way I can’t find you.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Sora snapped, his frustration mingling with his growing fear.

The Keyblade Wielder froze, almost as if the voice was fully addressing him now

Oh Sora. You can play dumb all you want but I know you…maybe better then you know yourself. I know you feel hate for those that left you. So much anger directed toward yourself for being so weak, so much despair filling every fiber of your being. And jealousy for the one who always came out on top no matter what. All of these things you try to cover up with pretty words and self-assurances, but I can see right through you. And if I can, just think of what your friends think of you. You can ever escape your heart afterall.

Sora shut his eyes, not liking what he was hearing. He wanted to deny it. To tell the being in front of him that he was wrong, but some part of him, in the back of his mind, couldn't help but feel that there was some sort of truth behind what the voice was saying. Still he couldn’t give up, not so easily. “You’re wrong. I’m not like that. I trust my friends!”

Oh but I’m never wrong when it comes to stuff like this kid. And I know you know it.

Sora stayed quiet as the being spoke. He wanted to shut it off; all of it.

You can refuse to listen all you want, but I know that your heart is drinking it all it. You can’t escape from the truth no matter how hard you try. It would be better if you just let me clear it all away and give yourself over to the dark-UGAH!

Sora felt something force the tight feeling that enveloped him off of his chest, freeing his body from its hold. As the taint slipped away his being the hero could feel himself fall back into the void of the darkness of sleep. The last thing he saw just before his eyes closed was a ball of pure light floating gently towards his chest, filling his being with a warmth that was all too familiar to him and yet he could not recall from where.

Sora...Don’t ever give up.

A name crossed Sora’s mind, one that was so old and yet it felt so new.

“I...I know you...you are...are...”

~~~

Train Heading for the Crystal Empire
Sora’s Cabin

Sora awoke with a start to a pair of soft blue eyes staring straight into his own, a look of genuine concern etched into the face that they were attached to.

“Um…” Fluttershy spoke in a loud whisper. “Are you ok? you...Seemed to have been having a frightful dream.”

The stallion blinked, his mind still disoriented as the remnants from his dream faded from his mind. “F-Fluttershy?” he croaked, his voice shaky as he tried to gather himself. He pushed himself up slightly, realizing he was lying down in a train cabin, not in the endless void that had suffocated him moments ago. His eyes darted around for a moment, grounding himself in the sight of the familiar surroundings—the gentle swaying of the train, the soft clinking of the wheels on the tracks.

The train... to the Crystal Empire.

His attention turned back to that of Fluttershy, her aqua blue orbs looking upon him with worry, waiting for an answer. Running a hoof through his mane, he gave the mare a soft smile. “No…I’m fine Fluttershy.” He allowed his hind legs to swing off the side of the cot before yawning and stretching, working the kinks out of his system. It was then his gaze fell to the window, noticing the time of day. “Is something going on? It doesn't even look like it's morning yet.”

Fluttershy looked off to the side as she spoke. “Well, um…Yes…W-We have a few…um…extra passengers on board…”

“Passengers?” Sora’s mind instantly grew alert as he jumped to his hooves. “Is it the Heartless!?”

Fluttershy cringed at the sudden loud volume of the stallion, but answered all the same. “W-Well no...But...Maybe it's best if you come and see for yourself...If thats ok with you."

He stepped down from the cot, “Alright,” he said, a little more cautiously. “Lead the way.”

~~~

“What the hey were ya’ll thinking?! Sneaking onto the train! A train, mind you, going to one of the most dangerous places on Equestria right now! Did ya’ll have stupid oats for breakfast?!”

Sora exchanged a glance with Fluttershy as they hurried toward the source of the commotion. They turned a corner, and there, sitting at the train’s bar table, were none other than the Cutie Mark Crusaders—Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo—all looking thoroughly guilty as Applejack berated them.

“What the? Scoots? Sweetie? Applebloom?” At all three names the fillies would turn to face the Sora. “Where the heck did you three...I mean. How did you three get on this train?”

“Sora!” Applebloom was the first to rush towards the colt, wrapping her hooves around his foreleg tight and giving the stallion the most hopeful of smiles. “Thank goodness ya’ll are here! Tell ’em we ain’t meant no harm by it! Honest!”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo added as she ran up to him, her wings buzzing. “We just…We just wanted to go with you guys, that’s all.”

“What they said!” Sweetie Bell squeaked for good measure, taking refuge under Sora.

Applejack stomped her hoof in agitation as all three fillies ran to their would be savior. “He ain’t got nothing to do with this!”

“That’s right girls.” Rarity added, the mare, though appearing to be calm couldn’t have been more livid with how icy her tone was. “He has enough to worry about and you three just added to that.”

“B-But he's just gonna go and beat up the bad guys anyway, right?” Sweetie Belle stammered, her ears folding back against her head.

“Yeah! There's no way that we are in danger with you guys and him around.” Scootaloo boasted. “I bet even between Rainbow and him, they will have it all covered before breakfast starts!”

Rainbow tried to keep her look of annoyance at the girl’s antics but the boast did give the cyan mare a bit of an ego boost. A kick from Twilight caused the pegasus mare to bright back down from her high however. “Y-Yeah-Even if that is true, what you kids did isn’t cool, ya know?”

Twilight stepped forward, her expression serious but not unkind. “That’s not the point, Scootaloo. It’s not about how strong we are or how many bad guys we’ve beaten. This mission could be more dangerous than anything we’ve faced before.”

All three fillies flinched at that.

“Sora…W-We just wanted to support you…” Applebloom said in a low tone of voice as she turned to face the young hero. “I just wanted to help ya and...”

“I...I mean…” Sora sturred softly as he looked away from them. What could he even say to the three of them. If he was being honest with himself they reminded him of he and his own friends. He tried his best to come up with something to say but this wasn’t something he was well equipped with dealing with at all. Before he could allow himself to falter any further in his inner musings, Fluttershy stepped in front of him, giving the three fillies a rather stern look.

“Girls, I want you three to come here in front of me.” All three fillies looked at each other worriedly before complying with the yellow mare’s words, the fillies shuffling their hooves in front of the usually shy mare.

“Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo,” she began, “we know you wanted to help. But sometimes, helping means staying safe and trusting your friends to handle things.” Fluttershy’s expression softened as she knelt down to their level. “I understand how you feel. You wanted to support your friend and I’m sure Sora is happy to know you count him as one…but…” Her eyes closed. “Really think about what you did here today. What are your poor parents saying right now?”

The fillies’ ears flattened as Fluttershy’s words sank in, their guilt now etched clearly on their faces.

The yellow mare continued despite that. “I know I would be worried sick if one of my animal friends went missing without warning.” She opened her eyes to see tears starting to flow down the little fillies cheeks. Fluttershy wrapped her hooves around them, pulling them in as she cooed them softly. “Now now…Don’t cry. Despite what you have done, I know in my heart that you had good intentions. You didn’t mean to hurt anypony, but what you did here today was wrong. Do you understand?”

The three fillies sniffled as they pressed against Fluttershy, nodding slowly in unison.

Fluttershy nodded before she looked up to the rest of her friends, smiling sadly. “Would it be okay If I keep them by my side…at least until we return to Ponyville?”

Applejack sighed softly, stepping forward to gently pat Apple Bloom on the head. "That sounds like a good idea, Fluttershy. I reckon these three need to stay where we can keep an eye on 'em, and there ain't no better pony for the job than you."

Rarity nodded, her icy tone from earlier completely thawed. "I agree. I trust you to make sure they stay out of trouble, Fluttershy." The white mare huffed, "Though I must say, we’ll have a long talk about this when we’re back in Ponyville, Sweetie."

Fluttershy smiled and ushered the three fillies to the next cart with a gentle push of her wing, neither of the fillies making any rebuttal to stop her.

When she left, Sora instantly turned to the first mare that was in the vicinity, which was Pinkie Pie for some reason. “Wow...that was…”

Pinkie smiled and booped his nose. “Pretty intense? I know right. Nothing can stop her when Fluttershy is in Mommy Flutters mode.”

Sora blinked as Pinkie booped his nose, his surprise quickly giving way to a chuckle. "Yeah, pretty intense," he agreed, rubbing his snout. "I didn't know Fluttershy could be that... firm."

“Yes…Well that would be our Fluttershy.” Rarity spoke, “She will shame you with her kindness if you let her.”

Twilight nodded as she handed over a rolled up scroll over to her number one assistant, the dragon burning it up with a flick of his flames. “The Princess will inform everyone back in Ponyville that the three fillies are with us thanks to the letter I just sent. So we don’t need to worry too much on that issue at least. On another note, It shouldn’t be too much longer before we reach our destination. Everypony should get their things in order now. Wanna make sure we don’t leave anything behind after all. Rainbow, can you do a sweep of the train, make sure that there are no other small surprises around.”

The rainbow maned mare saluted. "Can do Twi. Got it covered."

"Thanks." Twilight sighed deeply, making her way back towards her own cabin. "Today is already starting off bad..."

Everyone would follow Twilight's example, each one tuning back to go to their respective cabins. As Sora began to head toward his own, Rainbow Dash quickly swooped in front of him, blocking his path.

"Hey, ah…Spiky," Her tone was…soft? Well as soft as Rainbow’s could be.

Sora blinked. "Something wrong, Rainbow?"

The cyan mare huffed. as she looked away from him, “So, uh…Thanks and stuff.”

Sora raised an eyebrow, slightly confused. “Err…For what?”

“Geez do I have to spell it out for you? This is hard enough as it is!” She poked his chest. “Thanks for saving Twilight. Thanks for saving Ponyville. I never got a chance to tell you...so...there...”

“Oh.” Sora blinked before looking away, rubbing the back of his head as he smiled at her, “Well, I couldn’t have done it without all of you. You and the girls really saved me and Rarity back there as well.”

“Yeah, I was pretty amazing wasn’t I?” the cyan braggart would muse, though her smile would become one that was actually genuine, at least in Sora's eyes. “But…Can’t say you don’t deserve any props. I mean, the way you took on that giant plant was...okay.”

Sora smirked at the mare. “Ha! Just okay?”

“That's pretty high praise coming from the one pony who’s gonna upstage you. Anyway, you better keep it up, Hero, or else I might just have to step up and take over all the work.” She told the stallion, causing both Sora and herself to release a mirthful laugh between the two of them.

When the two had finally calmed down, the mare gave the young stallion a gentle smile as he did the same for her, both ponies looking into each other’s eyes before a noticeable blushed began to appear on the cyan mare’s cheeks, causing her to look away. “Anyway gotta go do that thing Twilight wanted me to do. Later, Hero!" She quickly excused herself, leaving Sora alone within the cart.

The young stallion couldn’t help but smile as he rubbed the back of his head, the spot that Rainbow had playfully struck, and mused softly to himself. Today may have started off rocky, but…

“I best get ready. Twilight would properly kill me if I'm late...or maybe make me learn something. Both likely.”

~~~

Rainbow quickly closed the door to her cabin, her back leaning heavily against the door as she did so. She raised a hoof to her pounding heart, trying her best to calm herself down. “Geeze...What's wrong with me? When did I start getting buddy buddy with him anyway?” She let the back of her head hit the door with a soft thud. “Is it because...he reminds me of...him...”

~~~

Sora was barely down the hall towards his room when he was stopped by the sound of a nearby door opening, the sight of a surprised Fluttershy greeting him.

“Oh! Sora I...Um…” She rubbed her foreleg before turning to face the dry eyed fillies in her cabin room.. “You girls be good. I need to...To talk to Sora for a little while..” She closed the door after all three nodded silently, the mare turning to face the young stallion, biting her bottom lip in apprehension. “I...Um...I mean…”

Sora titled his head at the mare. “Something wrong Shy? The girls are doing okay. Right?”

“Oh! No they are fine.” Fluttershy reassured him. “A little...well...depressed about everything but I think they will be back to themselves in no time. They are strong fillies after all. It more about me...I just wanted to say that...well...I’m so sorry you had to see me yell at the girls before. They really did make a terrible mistake this time and I was just so...Disappointed with them.”

Sora couldn’t stop his eyebrow from raising at the yellow mare’s admission. That was yelling?

He shook his head before weaving a hoof in front of his face. “Hey don’t mention it Shy. I do feel sorry for them but can’t say that any of you girls shouldn’t be angry with them. Just kinda reminded me of some of the things me and my friends back at home use to get into. I think I can kinda see why mom and dad always got mad.”

The shy nodded slowly before lowering her head. “And that's not all...Um...I...I wanted to say I was sorry about something else but with everything that was going on I couldn’t at the time. I know I shouldn’t have and you might hate me for this, but…that is to say, I heard you mumbling in your sleep.” She waved her hooves in front of him when the boy’s eyes began to widen. “D-Don’t worry. You didn’t say anything coherent, but you…you really seemed afraid of something. You looked so...I mean...Are you okay?””

Sora’s heart sank as remnants of the dark voice from his dreams began to fill his mind with what it had said. He shook words and the feelings from his mind before answering the shy mare. “It was just a nightmare, don’t worry about it.” He didn’t need to have her worry over him. Not when he is the one who is supposed to be the protector. “I’ll be fine, Shy. I’ve had plenty of them after all”

“I...Understand.” Fluttershy told him but she knew it was far from the truth. Though she had underplayed what she had seen, she knew that it was something a lot more then just a simple nightmare. Despite the small amount of time she had known him, she had always felt that that young stallion wore his emotions on his back.

And this time was no different.

Sora always seemed like an open book and the fact that he was trying to close himself off was little more than disheartening. Still, despite that, the shy mare would move to hug the stallion, surprising both him and herself at such an action. When she had pulled away, she couldn’t help but catch the red blush that had formed on the stallion’s cheeks, something she was somehow proud of.

She smiled softly at the now fidgeting stallion, which was just an adorable sight to see if she was being honest. “Don’t...Overwork yourself. Okay Sora? I know I’m not the strongest...or the bravest...But If nothing else I promise to be there for you if you need me.”

At Sora’s nod the mare would return to her cabin, the stallion once again left on his own.

~~~

The wind blew relentlessly around the small group of ponies as they exited the train, and despite the warmth of the fur on his back, the cold air chilled Sora to his very core. Geeze...Not even Mulan’s world was this cold.

Rarity held her head up high and bore a smug smile as she stepped out into the snow, fully dressed in a winter coat and scarf, topped off with a very fashionable hat. “Ha! And you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves.”

Spike, who took it upon himself to carry all of Rarity’s bags despite Sora’s offer to help, stood behind the mare, struggling to hold on to his charge. “I didn’t say a wo-” the poor drake was cut off as three over eager fillies bowled the little dragon over, bouncing into the snow.

“Wow!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “There’s so much snow!”

Sweetie Bell shivered slightly. “Yeah, too much snow if you ask me.”

Applebloom bounced out in front of the girls. “Hey! Maybe we can get our cutie mark by snow shoveling.”

A soft spoken ‘ahem’ from Fluttershy caused all three fillies to stand at attention. “Now girls, no wandering off and no crusading. I don’t mind watching you but you must stay by me at all times.” The girls sighed dejectedly but agreed with the older mare nonetheless.

Applejack smiled as she placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Mighty nice of ya to do this for us Shy.”

“I agree.” Rarity added. “Once this is done, we will gladly take them off your hooves.” She turned to the girls. “It will also give us time to think of a fitting punishment for when they get home.” The Cutie Mark Crusaders all looked away from the rest of the group, each one having a look of innocent worry.

Sora raised a hoof to block against the wind as he ventured further out into the snow, checking the surrounding area. It didn’t take long for the young stallion to notice, off in the distance, a lone figure making its way toward them. He quickly moved in front of them all, summoning his Keyblade as he did so. “I think we have company everyone.”

As the figure became more visible, Sora could see that he, unless it was a very muscular female, had a pure white coat, maybe even purer than the snow. The ponies two tone blue mane flapped in the wind, along with the black scarf he had wrapped around his neck. The picture that was on his flank seemed very reminiscent of Twilight’s for some reason, a fact that was proven correct when the stallion raised the goggles upon his head and called out a name that was very unfamiliar, but at the same time he knew exactly who he was talking to without question.

“Twily!”

“Shining Armor!”

The lavender mare wrapped her hooves around the white stallion, further proving Sora’s suspicions. He couldn’t stop the smile that formed on his face as he made his way to the brother and sister duo. “So, you must be Twilight's brother, right?”

The stallion in question turned to look toward the younger caramel one, his eyes narrowing as he looked Sora up and down. “And you must be the Hero of Light Princess Celestia told me about.” Shining rubbed his chin as he tilted his head at the younger stallion. “You look a lot younger than I thought you would be.”

“Yeah I know right!” Pinkie said, bouncing in front of them. “Hard to believe, right, but he’s him. The Hero of Light! Or the Knight of Light I like to call him. Knight Light for short!”

The ponies just stared at Pinkie for the longest of times before renewing the conversation.

“Don’t worry Shiny. I know that he doesn’t look like much-”

“Hey!”

“-But he did save my life, me and my friends all vouch for him.

Shining’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “What do you mean he saved your life. What happened?!”

Twilight’s eyes widened as well. “The Princess didn’t tell you!?”

~~~

Celestia's Study Within Canterlot

Celestia busily worked through some paperwork that she had been given detailing all of the tactical positions that she had set to guard against any and all Heartless attacks when a sudden realization struck the pony princess. She turned to Luna and her ears sprayed back against the top of her head, her hooves slamming against her work table. “I Just remembered that I forgot to tell Shining Armor about what happened to Twilight!”

The princess of the night, despite all of her steadfast princess training, could not help but smack a hoof against her forehead at her own sister’s words. “For the love of Faust…”

~~~

Back at the outskirts of the Crystal Empire…

Shining closed his eyes as he drug a hoof down his face in annoyance. “Okay...Okay...You and I are going to have a long talk about this later Twily.” He turned toward the direction that he came from. ”We better get moving. There are things out here that we really don’t want to run into after dark.”

Fluttershy gulped, pulling Applebloom and the rest close to her. “What kind of things?”

Shining Armor looked toward the raging snow storm in front of him, frowning. “Let’s just say…the Empire is not the only thing that’s returned.” The Prince made his way to Sora, a hard expression on his face. “I want you to be our rear guard. If you’re as good as Twilight claims you to be then that should not be a problem for you…right?”

“Yeah…I can handle it, don't worry.” Sora smiled as she pounded his chest.

Shining nodded and turned to lead the way. “Alright everypony. Follow me and keep close. Keep the children in the middle as we trek. Let’s move out”

~~~

The black coated pony stood beside the crystal pool as it showed the image of Sora and the others making their way to the Crystal Empire. She touched the glass, more so towards Sora than anypony else. “You…You made me look like an utter foal…” She cursed under her breath. “You will pay little Hero…All of you will pay…”

“And pay they shall…” A cloud of smoke snaked its way around her lifting her chin as a chilling voice filled the crystal like room.

She pulled away from it and gave it a dark glare. “Keep your hooves to yourself King. It was your Heartless that cost me the battle.”

The cloud chuckled. “Heh…so you say, but I was still weak then. Now…” The cloud began to take shape, morphing into that of a pony’s head. Deep red eyes focused hard on the cloaked mare. “This time…They will be dealing with my full power. I will show them the fear of Darkness!”

Chapter 15 Rise of Darkness

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Rise of Darkness

Green to start music and red to stop music

The relentless wind of the blizzard battered the small group of ponies, every step feeling as though they were trudging through thick, wet, cold lead. They huddled close, fearing that the storm's dense veil would swallow them whole if they strayed too far from one another, and be lost to the wilds of the frozen storm.

Though he was managing, Sora couldn’t help but feel pants would have been nice, despite his pony fur keeping most of the cold away. It was just something he wasn’t used to. He was an islander after all, cold days like this were far and few between back home.

Squinting ahead, he saw that his companions were struggling just as well, especially the three little fillies clinging tightly to Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity respectively, their tiny bodies faring the worst against the unforgiving cold.

Gritting his teeth, Sora pressed forward, the sting of the wind biting into him. How could anything survive out here? Let alone an entire Empire? This cold is brutal.

Shining Armor’s voice suddenly broke through his thoughts, though his words were anything but reassuring. “Something keeps trying to get in. We think it’s the Unicorn King who originally cursed the place!”

Sora barely made out Twilight’s voice through the storm as she responded. “B-But Princess Celestia said we were sent to find a way to protect the Empire. If King Sombra can’t get in, then it must already be protected!”

Before Shining could reply, a deep, otherworldly sound pierced the howling wind, overpowering even the raging storm around them. Sora’s eyes darted wildly, searching for the source of the noise. “What the… What was that?!”

Fluttershy drew the trembling fillies closer, all four of them shivering from both cold and fear. “I-It’s one of the things, isn’t it?!”

Shining Armor slammed a hoof into the snow and spun to face the group, his expression hard with determination. “We need to get to the Crystal Empire! NOW!”

Before anypony could react, a thick, swirling cloud of darkness began to form behind them, growing larger and more menacing with each passing moment. As it towered over them, blood red eyes would snap open, freezing the ponies hearts worse than the cold itself.

Sora was the first to snap out of the shock, eyes fixed ahead as he shouted one urgent command.

“RUN!”

And run they did.

Scooping up Spike onto his back and causing him to leave all of Rarity's belongings, Sora kept pace with the mares and the stallion while still staying at the end of the group, ready to defend against any attack that may come their way. He chanced a glance backwards, only to find the cloud of darkness chasing after them without remorse. He clicked his teeth and put on an extra sprint in his step.

A Bright dome of light could be seen over the horizon causing Shining to smile with relief. “Look! We’re almost…”

His jubilation died on his lips before he could even finish what he started to say. Every pony present behind Twilight’s brother could see what had caused the sudden interruption. Many of the same Shadow Pony’s Sora and the others had seen before could be seen rising out of the snow, their beady yellow eyes focused on their targets.

“Twilight…” Spike called out pointing a shaky claw finger toward the waiting creatures. “They got…”

“Horns!!” Twilight finished. “ They have horns! They can use magic!”

Rainbow threw her forelegs in the air. “YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!”

Applejack stood in front of Fluttershy and the fillies. “This looks badder than a swarm of grasshoppers in a corn field…”

“You’re telling me!” Pinkie said with a sigh. “How can I make friends with the crystal ponies if Meanie McShadow Pants stops us from reaching the place!”

Rarity gulped as she made her way behind Sora. “You don’t suppose they would let us through if we asked nicely would they?”

Rainbow landed and dug her hoof into the snow growling angrily, answering for the stallion before he could. “These guys only understand one thing, Rarity! A good old fashioned hoof to the face!”

Shining Armor gritted his teeth and fell back so that he was right next to Sora. “I need you to take the girls and go on ahead! Find a way to get them to safety!”

Sora took not his eyes away from the heartless. “What about you? What are you going to do?”

“I’ll take care of the one right behind us!” Before Sora could object to him facing the big bad king alone, Shining would gallop at full speed towards the encroaching shadow, his horn flaring with a readied spell.

Seeing that he was left with no other choice, Sora galloped ahead, tossing Spike over to Applejack with a quick buck of his hips. Freed from his burden, the hero ran ahead of the girls, summoning his key blade as he went. “I’ll make an opening! You guys take it when-Woah!!” He yelped as he just nearly dodged a beam of dark energy as it shot past the stallion, nearly clipping off more than just a few strands of his mane.

“They have magic Sora!” Twilight called out, summoning a shield to cover herself and her friends as a wave of magic began to assault them . “Uhn! Rushing in without a plan is way too dangerous.”

Sora gritted his teeth as he watched Twilight's shield take on the full brunt of the magic. “Darn it! If only I had my magic then then maybe I could...wait...” Sora’s eyes sparkled and a bright smile played on his lips. “Magic. Magic!!” He turned to Twilight. “Twilight! I can’t use magic! But you can! I need you to form a shield around me!”

Every pony looked at the stallion with shocked expressions, all of them saying the same thing. “What!?

He made his way to Twilight’s side and whispered into her ear and, when he was finished, the mare pulled away, looking at the stallion with uncertainty.. “A-Are you sure that will work, Sora?”

“Don’t know…” Sora’s smile never left his lips as he turned to face the Heartless. “But it always worked when I winged it before! What's stopping it from doing so now?”

“Do you want me to make you a list?!”

He turned to face the incoming Heartless, Keyblade held firmly in his grasp. "Just get the shield ready! We can do it Twi. I trust you. Do you trust me?”

Twilight hesitated for a brief moment, glancing between the oncoming threat and Sora’s determined face. Her mind raced, analyzing every possible outcome. She frowned. “I would have to be close to you. The further away you are from my magic the more I have to produce to keep it together.”

"Then hop on my back and hold tight!"

Twilight blinked in surprise. "W-What?"

"You heard me!" Sora responded, already crouching slightly to make it easier for her. "If you have to stay close, then it's the best way! This way, you won't have to worry about keeping the shield together from a distance."

Twilight hesitated for a moment, clearly taken aback by the idea. But time was running out—the Heartless were drawing closer, and they couldn’t afford to waste another second. Taking a deep breath, Twilight hopped onto Sora’s back, her hooves wrapping tightly around him. "Okay, okay! Just don’t drop me!"

"Don’t worry!” Sora smirked. “ I’ve got you!!" He turned to face the others, “All of you, get behind us but stay close. Me and Twi are gonna smash our way through these heartless!”

The girls all complied just as Twilight formed the energy around her and Sora. A big purple orb enveloped the Stallion, encasing the two ponies.

“All right Twi!” Sora called out. “Let's show them what we can do!” Like a hamster in a mobile ball Sora began running at full speed. The orb around them glided effortlessly in the snow as it made its way toward the front line of the heartless army. The heartless, seeing this, began to shoot the same dark energy toward the ball, but it had little effect as it just bounced right off the glowing surface, sometimes sending it right back toward its owner. Disorientated, the heartless could not even escape as the Sora/Twilight ball of energy bowled them over, sending more than a few flying into their brothers.

It took little time before Sora and the girls and Spike, made it though near the back of the heartless army. Before he reached the end of the line, however, Sora would jump high in the air allowing the ponies behind him to dash under Twilight and himself. Raising his keyblade in the air, he allowed the tip of it to touch Twilight’s shield and a white glow began to resonate with her magic.

“On my mark Twilight!”

Twilight's eyes widened in understanding, her horn glowing brighter as she focused on maintaining the shield while preparing to release it on Sora's command. The weight of the Heartless’ magic and attacks kept slamming against them, but with the added resonance of Sora’s Keyblade, the shield shimmered with an intense power.

“I….Unh! I’m ready!” Twilight called out, her voice strained.

“Then release it! Now!!” he shouted, the tip of his Keyblade still touching the shield.

In an instant, Twilight did just that. The purple barrier shattered outward in a radiant burst, sending shockwaves of energy rippling across the battlefield. The wave of magic cascaded through the ranks of Heartless below, knocking them back and disintegrating many of them into wisps of darkness. The force of the release was so strong, it sent Sora and Twilight spiraling through the air, though Sora managed to keep control with a graceful spin before landing back on the snow-covered ground.

Sora twirled around to see the effects of he and the mare's handwork. "That should slow them down! Twilight we...Twi?" He felt Twilight slouch on his back, her cheek heavily leaning upon him and her grip loosening. “Twilight!? What’s wrong?!”

“I…I used…too much…energy…” She huffed, her grip around his neck slipping more and more.

Sora’s heart raced as he felt Twilight’s grip weaken on his back. His mind quickly assessed the situation—the shimmering dome of the Crystal Empire was within reach in front of him. And a slew of Heartless were reforming behind him, further keeping him away from reaching Shining Armor.

There was only once choice he could make.

“We need to get you to safety,” he said, more to himself than anyone, and with a burst of speed, he galloped toward where the others were waiting near an opening in the dome. He frowned as he approached, “Get going! Don’t stop! The Heartless are right behind me!”

Rainbow, upon seeing Sora and Twilight, flew straight towards them. “There you are! What happened to Twilight?! And what about Shining Armor?!”

“Twilight is down, we have kids with us! Getting them to safety first is the best thing we can do right now.”

“B-But we can’t just leave him!” Rainbow tried so desperately to argue, more out of frustration than anything.

Sora nodded “He can take care of himself for now. As soon as we get the others inside then I can go back for Shining!”

Rainbow scowled. “B-But...We can’t...I mean...He’s Twilight’s brother and…!!”

“Go…”

All the mares turned to look toward Twilight, who was raising herself off the stallion. “The fillies…They have to come first…Go...”

Rainbow gave a look of defeat as she tried in vain to rebel. “B-but…Twi…He’s your…We can't just...I mean..." She struggled to come up with something but to no avail. The cyan mare would soon feel a tug on her tail and found Applejack pulling upon it.

Applejack gave Rainbow Dash a firm but understanding look as she tugged on her tail. “Ah know it’s tough, sugarcube, but Twilight’s right. We can’t risk the young’uns, and Shining Armor wouldn’t want us to, neither.”

Rainbow closed her eyes tight and shook before flying upward and toward the dome, the rest following soon after. As soon as they entered they were greeted with a sight unlike any other. Crystals as far as the eyes could see. The buildings, the road, even most of the décor being made of many different crystals. But that was nothing compared to what lay within the middle of the crystal city.

Rainbow Dash clenched her eyes shut and gave a frustrated shake before launching herself upward and toward the safety of the dome, the others swiftly following her lead. As soon as they crossed the threshold, they were greeted by a sight unlike anything they had ever seen.

Crystals stretched out in every direction, shimmering in the light. The buildings, roads, and even much of the décor were crafted from a myriad of different crystalline structures, each more breathtaking than the last. But the true marvel was at the very heart of the city.

Sora’s eyes widened in awe at the sight of the massive crystal spire towering above them all, even more imposing than the highest structures he’d seen in his many adventures. It reached far beyond the clouds, gleaming in the sunlight with an ethereal beauty. It was a stark contrast to the harsh winter storm outside the dome, where everything was cold and unforgiving. Inside, it felt like a warm, bright summer day, the air calm and welcoming.

The ponies around him gasped in amazement, marveling at the brilliance of the city, but Sora couldn’t afford to join them in their awe. His focus was elsewhere.

Without wasting a second, he carefully slipped Twilight off his back and passed her into Rarity’s waiting hooves. “Take care of her,” he said quickly, his eyes hardening with determination.

Rarity nodded, her expression serious as she cradled Twilight. “Don’t worry, darling. We’ll make sure she’s alright.”

With Twilight safely in Rarity’s care, Sora wasted no time. His heart raced with urgency as he bolted toward the exit of the dome, ready to leap back into the fray.

But as soon as he stepped outside, he froze.

There was nothing.

No Heartless.

No Sombra.

No Shining Armor.

Nothing but the swirling, empty storm.

"What... no... nonoNONONO!" Sora’s voice cracked with panic as he sprinted into the snow, the cold biting into him. He de-summoned his Keyblade mid-run, his breaths coming in short gasps. “SHINING ARMOR! SHINING ARMOR, WHERE ARE YOU?!”

His desperate calls were swallowed by the bitter wind, the only response the relentless howling of the storm around him.

Sora’s legs slowed, dread creeping over him. "No... I was too late..."

Sora collapsed into the snow, his heart heavy with the weight of failure, once again. His breath came in ragged gasps as he raised a trembling hoof to his chest, feeling the tightness there, a tingle of despair threatening to overwhelm him.

He stared blankly into the storm, the biting cold numbing his body, but not the ache inside. I should’ve been faster...

Suddenly, the firm grip of a hoof pulling him snapped him out of his spiral. Sora glanced back, his blurry vision sharpening as he saw Applejack, the mare dragging him toward the safety of the barrier.

“Come on, Sora!” she shouted over the howling wind. “Ain’t no time to be lyin’ out here!”

Sora blinked, the haze of panic slowly lifting. “Applejack… I... I... Shining Armor...”

Applejack’s grip didn’t loosen, her strength unwavering as she tugged him further back toward the protective dome. “Ah see but you ain’t helpin’ nopony if you freeze out here! Now come on, we gotta regroup!”

Her words cut through the fog in his mind, bringing Sora back to reality. He shook his head, trying to focus. "But Shining..."

“We’ll figure it out,” Applejack insisted, her voice softer but still firm. “But first, you gotta get back on your hooves, Sora. We need ya, and so does Twilight.”

Sora frowned as he reluctantly allowed himself to be pulled back toward the barrier, the warmth and safety of the Crystal Empire contrasting sharply with the icy despair gripping his heart. He took one last, desperate look into the swirling blizzard behind him, searching for any sign of Shining Armor.

But there was nothing.

His heart sank as he lowered his gaze to the snow beneath his hooves, guilt weighing heavily on him. I'm sorry.

Chapter 16

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

The Princess of Love In the Kingdom of Crystal

Green to start music and red to stop music

Crystal Empire Throne Room…

“Oh my goodness! Twilight!”

Sora watched as a rather pretty pink pony, one not unlike Celestia and Luna, came bounding weakly towards his side. Her three toned mane seemed as if it had seen better days...maybe even weeks. The tell-tell signs of sleeplessness and fatigue seemed the most apparent on the poor mare. The young stallion could see a hint of a constant bluish glow emanating from her horn, something he couldn’t help but notice.

The pink pony gently nuzzled the unconscious unicorn that laid across Sora’s back and would then turn to face the others, a look of concern on her haggard features. “What happened to Twilight?” Her gaze scanned everyone within the room, a look of dread forming on her face. “A-And where’s Shining Armor? I don’t see him anywhere here. Is he hurt?”

No one could meet the pink pony’s gaze as she looked to all of them for some kind of answer. It was only after a heavy sigh from Applejack that the country mare decided to speak up on everyone’s behalf.

“Twilight and Sora used their magic ta get us inside, Princess Cadence,” The farm mare explained. “The whole of outside was crawling with those freaky shadow ponies. Twilight had a hoof in helping us out and just overdid it is all.” She placed a comforting hoof on the unconscious unicorn’s side. “She’s plum worn out, but all she needs is a bit of rest and she’ll be right as rain soon.”

“And Shining?” Cadence asked with baited breath. “What happened to him?”

“He…T-That is we…” Applejack looked away as she finally relented. “We don’t know.”

It almost looked as if the princess's world shattered at Applejack's answer.“W-What?”

Sora stepped forward, shifted Twilight on his back so he could at least be a little more comfortable as he spoke. “He stayed behind to face King Sombra so we could escape.” the keyblade wielder answered. “He gave us all the opening we needed to make it to safety.” Sora looked away from the alicorn mare. “I…It’s my-“

Before he could finish, Pinkie Pie darted in and wrapped him in a tight hug, careful not to disturb Twilight. “Shining stayed behind to hold off that big ol’ King Dark Pants so he couldn’t come after us. Sora really wanted to go back and help him—he really, really did!” she said with uncharacteristic solemnity, her usually bright eyes shadowed by worry.

Applejack stepped closer, nodding in agreement. “Shinin’ made sure we knew what we had to do, Cadence. He told us ta get everypony else to safety first.” Her voice softened as she glanced at her little sister, who was standing close by. “Even Twilight agreed. We didn’t have a choice.”

A myriad of emotions flashed across Cadence’s face—fear, disbelief, sorrow. She closed her eyes for a moment, visibly struggling to regain control over her rising panic. When she opened them again, her voice was barely above a whisper, trembling yet determined. “Please... tell me everything.

~~~

It took little time for Sora and Applejack to relay what had happened back in the frozen wasteland that surrounded the Crystal empire, and despite how she was trying to keep herself in check, anyone with eyes could see that the pink princess was shaking ever so slightly with pent up emotion.

“-When I went back out to help him,” Sora spoke, his tone somber. “They were gone, every last one of them.” He hung his head down. “If I had stayed by his side then-“

“Then the others would have been put in danger as well.” Rarity interrupted, placing a hoof on his shoulder. “You did what you had to do in order to protect us, Sora. Nopony will fault you for that.” She shot a glance toward Rainbow, who seemed to be looking away from them all as they talked. “Or at the very least I wouldn’t.”

“S-She’s right Sora. As strong as I have heard you are, you are but one pony. You can't be everywhere at once.” Cadence told him, gaining the stallion’s attention. “It…It pains me that Shining Armor has been captured but holding you or any pony responsible would be foalish on my part. I’m sure you all did everything you could to help him.” Her words seemed laced with sorrow as she spoke, and she seemed to struggle as she said the next few words. “We…we can discuss it later. Right now we must worry about the kingdo-Nggh!!”

Everypony gasped as the alicorn cringed, her horn fluxing in power, almost like like she was hit with a power surge. A flash of light caught Sora’s eyes as his gaze shifted towards the window. To his shock, the shield that had been keeping the heartless at bay seemed to be flickering in and out of existence.

“Princess!” Applejack ran to her side, catching the pink pony before she could topple over. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

The alicorn sighed. “I…I have been able to use my magic to spread love and light throughout the empire. I think that’s the only reason King Sombra has not been able to get in.” She rubbed her aching horn as her magic once again picked up. “Shining Armor’s spell kept getting countered by King Sombra and because of that…”

Rarity gasped. “So that means that...You have been awake all this time?!”

“It’s because of that shadow varmint!” Applejack spat. “No wonder ya look worse for wear, Princess. Ya can’t stop your magic for even a second to rest.”

Cadence, though clearly unsteady, straightened up as much as she could, brushing off Applejack’s concern with a weary but determined smile. “It’s... it’s alright,” she insisted, though her voice trembled. “I’m fine. I have to be.” She wobbled slightly but managed to stand, her horn flaring again as the bluish light pulsed, though it was weaker than before.

Her smile faltered slightly, though, as Rainbow landed in front of her, frowning. “I’m sorry, Princess,” Rainbow said. “But you look anything but fine.”

Rainbow is absolutely right,” Rarity spoke in agreement, her brow furrowed as she stepped closer. “Just look at yourself, darling. You simply can’t keep pushing like this.”

“But if the barrier fails,” Fluttershy whispered, her voice trembling, “then… you-know-who will come for us.”

“I won’t let that happen.” Sora stepped forward, looking between everyone. “I had promised to do my best to stop Sombra! That's why I’m here, after all!”

“It’s why we’re all here, Sora,” Applejack said, gently but firmly correcting him. “And we’ll do our best together. We’re in this fight as a team after all.”

Cadance smiled and nodded. “Neither I nor Shining have been able to collect any information due to me putting all my strength into keeping the spell going and-” Her voice broke as she spoke “Shining looking out for signs of trouble in the arctic. We haven’t been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies.”

“Crystal Ponies!” Rarity cried, her eyes glowing brightly. “There are Crystal Ponies?!”

Everyone looked towards the fashion mare with a look of ‘Really?’

Cadence was the first to recover, clearing her throat “Yes, Rarity, there are Crystal Ponies. They’re the heart of the Crystal Empire,” she explained. “But ever since Sombra returned... they’ve been too frightened and disoriented to offer us much help. Their memories are foggy, and many of them are afraid even to speak.”

Rarity blinked, her enthusiasm dimming slightly as the weight of the situation hit her. “Oh... I see. That’s... dreadful.” She paused, then added more softly, “Still, Crystal Ponies... how marvelous they must be.”

“Focus, Rarity.” Applejack admonsed her, “We ain’t here ta gawk at ‘em. We need ta figure out if any of ‘em can tell us somethin’ useful.”

“Indeed…” Cadance continued,. “We have to believe that one of them knows how we can protect the empire, without relying on my magic.”

“Well what are we waiting for?!” Rainbow Exclaimed. “The faster we figure it out, the faster we can save Shining Armor, and the faster we can kick that Dark King’s flank!” She made a beeline toward the door leaving behind a rainbow trail in her wake. The rest of the mares followed suit, leaving only Applejack, Cadence and Sora behind.

“Here Sora,” Applejack slid Twilight off his back and placed her upon her own. “I’ll stay here and take care of Twi and the princess. You go on ahead and find out everything you can so we can save this here town.”

Sora hesitated for a moment, looking between Applejack, Cadance, and the unconscious Twilight. “Are you sure, Applejack? I can stay here and—”

Applejack shook her head firmly, adjusting Twilight on her back. “No need ta worry ‘bout us, sugarcube. We’ll be fine. You’re the one with the Keyblade and the know-how when it comes to fightin’ that dark magic. We need ya out there.”

“She’s right, Sora.” Cadence agreed. “ I’ll keep the barrier up as long as I can, but the sooner we find a solution, the better chance we all have.”

The stallion nodded. “Got it…” He turned toward the princess. “Don’t worry. Will find a way to stop Sombra and save Shining Armor.” He smiled as he held out a hoof to her, “You have my word…as a friend?”

Cadence blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Sora’s gesture, but her expression soon softened. Despite the exhaustion weighing heavily on her, she managed a warm, albeit fragile, smile. She raised her hoof, touching it gently to his. “As a friend,” she echoed, her voice filled with gratitude. “I trust you, Sora. I know what you are capable of…what you all are…and I believe in all of you.”

As soon as Sora disappeared around the corner, following after the others, Applejack would soon feel Cadance’s weight shift against her, the alicorn leaning heavily on her side. The strength Cadance had tried so hard to maintain in front of the others seemed to crumble away. Silent tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, and despite her efforts to stay composed, her emotions were now visibly raw.

“I know I want to believe...I know I do...but...but...My Shining...”

Applejack placed a hoof around the princess as the saddened Princess began to bawl her eyes out.. “Trust me princess,” She smiled. “He’s not the type of stallion to leave a pony hanging. I know that for a fact.”

The farm mare’s gaze shifted towards the barrier in the distance. The only thing keeping this Kingdom from falling into darkness.

Like it or not...We all are counting on ya Sora.

~~~

Despite Sora’s grand gesture the boy really didn’t have a clue on what to do or where to go. If he was being honest with himself, he wasn’t the best when it came to coming up with a plan. He was always the go and get em kind of guy. Still, he had made a promise to Cadance. Something he wasn’t going to back down from.

“So whats the plan big guy?”

Sora nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard Spike's voice, the unexpected question breaking through his train of thought. He turned his head to see the little drake ridin gupon his back

“Spike! When did you—how did you—I thought for sure you stayed behind to help out with Twilight and AJ.”

Spike grinned down at Sora from his spot on the Keyblade wielder’s back, completely unfazed by the surprise in Sora’s voice. "Nah, Twilight’s out cold, and AJ said she’s got everything under control. Figured you might need some backup, so here I am!" He puffed out his chest a little, clearly proud of himself for tagging along. “And besides…seems like you need it. Seeing that you are just running around like a silly filly.”

“Heheh. That obvious huh? I’m not really the type to go around and gather information if I can help it, so anything you can provide might make it easier for all of us.” Sora looked around at all the buildings taking in the sights as he continued to speak. “So Spike…What do you suggest we do first? Because to be honest, I’m a bit lost.”

The drake thought for a moment, pondering that very question before slamming a fist into his open claw, an idea popping into his head. “I got it! Whenever Twilight is stumped on something, she always turns to her favorite catchphrase.”

Sora raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

Spike grinned and nodded enthusiastically. “Yep! ‘When in doubt, check it out!’” When Sora’s gaze refused to change expressions, the drake continued, “It means whenever she’s stuck, she heads straight for the library or somewhere that has information. So, I say we find the Crystal Empire’s library and dig up whatever we can about the Crystal Heart or Sombra’s curse.”

“Oh!” Sora brightened up at that. “That does sound like a good idea!” He paused. “THough something tells me she never said those exact words…”

Spike chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Okay, maybe I paraphrased a bit. But trust me, it’s pretty much what she means! And hey, if we’re lucky, some Crystal Ponies might hang out there and be able to give us some extra clues. Double win!”

“Alright, Spike, I’ll take your word for it.” Sora smirked. “Alright…never thought I would say this but… Let’s find that library!”

~~~

As Fluttershy, Rarity, and the Crusaders walked through the eerie streets of the Crystal Empire, the oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on all of them. The soft clinking of hooves on the crystalline streets was one of the few sounds to break the silence, aside from the faint hum of the flickering barrier overhead.

Sweetie Belle stayed close to Rarity, casting worried glances at the shimmering shield above them. "Rarity, do you think that... that barrier will hold?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. Her eyes flicked between her sister and the sky, concern etched on her young face.

Rarity, ever the composed big sister, smiled gently at Sweetie, though even she couldn’t completely hide her own worry. "Of course, darling," she said, giving Sweetie a comforting nuzzle. "Princess Cadance is doing everything she can, and we’ve never let a little darkness stop us before, have we?"

Scootaloo, trotting alongside Apple Bloom, tried to sound brave. "Yeah! Besides, Rainbow and Sora’s here too, right? He’s got that big key sword thing, and Dash gots her powerful hooves. No way they are getting beaten by that dummy Sombra.”.

"Ah hope you're right, Scoots," Apple Bloom said softly, looking down at the ground as she walked.

The group would pause and notice a few Crystal Ponies they passed, all of them just a little bit skittish and distant, their gazes confused and uncertain.

“Oh dear,” Rarity spoke. “The poor dears. Sombra’s influence has clearly left them shaken, but if we’re to find any useful information, we must try to speak with them.”

Fluttershy nodded, though her own anxiety was more then evident. “I-I know, but they look so scared... I’m not sure they’ll want to talk to us about what happened. It might be too much for them.”

“We won’t know until we try, darling. We simply must be gentle and kind in our approach.”

As they turned a corner, they spotted a small group of Crystal Ponies huddled near the base of a building, whispering nervously amongst themselves. Rarity took a deep breath and put on her most reassuring smile. “Follow my lead, Fluttershy.”

Approaching slowly, Rarity cleared her throat softly to announce her presence. “Excuse me, darlings. I hope we’re not intruding, but we were hoping you might be able to help us.”

The Crystal Ponies looked up at Rarity and Fluttershy, their eyes filled with apprehension. One of them, a mare with a pale blue coat and a mane dulled by fear, stepped forward cautiously. “Help you? W-With what?”

"Yes, darling," Rarity said gently. "We’re trying to gather information that could help us protect the Crystal Empire from King Sombra.”

At the mention of King Sombra, the mare visibly shuddered, her eyes darting around in fear as if she expected the dark king to appear at any moment. The other Crystal Ponies huddled closer together, their apprehension growing.

Fluttershy stepped forward, her voice soft and soothing. "We don’t want to frighten you," she said, her kind eyes full of understanding. "We just want to help. If you remember anything, even the smallest detail, it might make all the difference."

The pale blue mare hesitated, looking to her companions, who whispered anxiously among themselves. She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don’t remember much. It's like everything from before Sombra’s return is... a blur. But there’s something—something about the the plaza…the base of the Crystal Castle…Something was suppose to be there but…we…”

Fluttershy exchanged a glance with Rarity, her eyes widening. “The plaza? You think something could be there?”

The mare nodded hesitantly, still struggling to piece together her foggy memories. "Yes... I think so. There was always something important about the plaza... about the base of the Crystal Castle. It feels like that's where the heart should be, but... it's all so jumbled."

Fluttershy’s eyes softened with sympathy. "That’s okay. You’ve already helped us a lot. Knowing the plaza is important might be just the clue we need."

“Come on Fluttershy.” Rarity spoke, already turning and rushing away, “We best go investigate this Plaza. Go over it with a fine tooth comb if we must!”

“Oh…Oh dear.” Fluttershy bowed her head towards the other ponies. “T-Thank you…and sorry…” She turned and followed after her friend, telling the fillies to keep close.

~~~

Elsewhere within the City of the Crystal Kingdom

High above the streets of the Crystal Empire, Rainbow Dash soared through the sky, scanning the city below. And though her eyes were sharp and never missed a beat, her mind was anything but focused. The image of Shining Armor staying behind to face Sombra gnawed at her. As much as she tried to push the thought away, it kept creeping back, stirring an anxious frustration inside her.

"Sora should’ve done something," she muttered under her breath, her frustration bubbling up. "He’s got that Keyblade and all. I mean... How could he have just…gah…Just left him out there?"

She asked the question out loud but she already knew the answer. He did it for the fillies. He did it to save Twilight and the others, including myself. Still, she wasn’t just going to let him off the hook that easily. She couldn’t allow herself to.

“He should’ve been faster,” she muttered again, the words bitter on her tongue. "He’s supposed to be the hero, right? He’s supposed to save everyone!”

But as soon as she said it, Rainbow winced. That wasn’t fair, and she knew it. He was ready to take all of the blame on himself and if Pinkie hadn’t stopped him...

The rainbow maned mare shook her head “Gah! I know that! I know that he did try his best to save him…but…he just …he-”

Her mind questioned her relentlessly, wondering why she was trying to push the stallion away. Obviously she cared for him, for his well being, so why not accept him.

“Because he’s just like him! That’s why! GAHHHH!!”

Rainbow Dash’s wings faltered for a split second as the truth she had been avoiding finally bubbled to the surface. He’s just like him.

~~~

Dressed in a sleek black spy outfit, complete with a matching hat and night-vision goggles, she tiptoed dramatically from corner to corner, sneaking past oblivious Crystal Ponies as she scanned her surroundings.

"Operation Sneaky-Pie is a go!" she whispered to herself, her voice comically exaggerated. She slid behind a crystalline bench, her eyes darting left and right. "The mission: gather intel on the Crystal Heart and avoid detection from any dark and shadowy bad guys."

Pinkie peered around a corner, spying a group of Crystal Ponies huddled together, chatting quietly. Her eyes narrowed as she zoomed in on them through the goggles. "Suspects spotted... initiating spy mode." With a flourish, she pulled out a notebook and pencil, ready to jot down any clues.

With over-the-top caution, Pinkie darted closer, her movements exaggerated as she slunk along the ground like a cat. She even hummed her own sneaky theme song as she moved. "Dun dun duuuun, sneaky sneaky Pinkie Pie, doo doo doo..."

As she got closer, she could hear bits and pieces of the Crystal Ponies’ conversation.

“I still don’t know if we’re really safe,” one of the Crystal Ponies whispered, her voice trembling. “If Sombra is trying to break through the shield, what do we do? Is there anywhere we can run? Anywhere to hide?”

Another pony, a stallion with a pale green coat, sighed heavily. “I don’t think there is. This is our home, and if he gets inside... there’s nowhere else to go. The Crystal Empire is all we have.”

“Those other ponies that came in.” Another spoke up. “Maybe…Maybe they defeated him?”

“Aha! They’re talking about us!” Pinkie whispered excitedly to herself.

The group of Crystal Ponies continued their conversation, unaware of the pink mare lurking nearby.

The mare who had spoken earlier, her voice filled with uncertainty, shook her head. “I don’t know... They seemed strong, but Sombra is... different. He’s not like any other threat. If he gets inside the empire, it’s over.”

The pale green stallion furrowed his brow. “If only we had…we had…that…” He shook his head, a hoof gently grasping it. “I…I don’t even remember…what it is…but if only…”

Pinkie Pie’s ears perked up at the stallion’s words. “He doesn’t remember something that could protect them all!” she whispered to herself, scribbling in her notebook. He must’ve done something to mess with their memories, she thought, tapping her chin. Just like with Celestia and Luna…this is going to be a tough case! “BUT PINKIE IS ON THE JOB!”

Pinkie Pie froze as all the Crystal Ponies turned to look in her direction, wide-eyed and confused. She had been so caught up in her thoughts that she’d accidentally said the last part out loud. Their eyes were now glued to the bright pink mare in a spy outfit, standing not-so-sneakily behind a crystal bench with her notebook still in hoof.

"Uh-oh," Without missing a beat, she pulled a small pouch from her outfit and dramatically tossed it to the ground. "Cover blown! Initiate escape plan!"

A puff of pink smoke exploded around her with a loud poof, filling the air with a sweet, cotton-candy scent. When it cleared, she was gone.

~~~

Within the Crystal Kingdom's Library

It wasn’t long before Sora and Spike, after asking around town, found themselves standing in front of the Crystal Empire Public Library. Both of them grinned excitedly, their spirits high as they hyped themselves up for the next step in their mission. They were ready to find the information they needed, stop King Sombra, and save Shining Armor. But the moment they stepped inside, their expressions quickly changed to shock and awe.

“Holy Smokes…” Spike’s eyes widened in disbelief, the first of the two to recover. “Twilight would totally have a nerdgasm if she saw this place! It has to be almost as big as Canterlots!”

Sora gulped, staring up at the seemingly endless rows of books, stretching across multiple floors. “This is the largest amount of paper I’ve ever seen in my life,” he muttered, feeling a little overwhelmed. He turned to Spike. “Where do we even start? How do we start? This could take forever.”

Spike thought for a moment, not really knowing himself, that is until some movement caught his eye. “Hey, what about her?” He pointed a claw to an elderly mare walking towards them. “She looks like she works here.”

The mare, another one of the crystal ponies, stopped a short distance from the pair, adjusting her glasses as she gave them a once-over, slightly confused to see them. Sora putting on the friendliest face he could, made his way towards the old mare. “Hey. Scuse me. Mind if we ask you something?”

The elderly crystal mare blinked at Sora, her eyes squinting slightly as she adjusted her glasses again, as if trying to get a clearer look at him and Spike. "Well, I suppose I can try to help, dearie," she said, her voice a little shaky but kind. "What is it you're looking for?"

Sora smiled brightly, doing his best to put on a friendly face. "We’re looking for a book," he began.

The mare tilted her head slightly before gesturing to the countless shelves around them. “Well, as you can see, we have plenty of those.”

Spike rolled his eyes before shoving Sora’s head down to make himself more visible. “What my friend here means is, we’re looking for a specific kind of book—something on the history of the Crystal Empire.”

Sora glanced up at Spike, puzzled. “A history book? Why that?”

Spike grinned smugly. “Think about it. The best way to figure out how the empire used to protect itself is by learning its history. Maybe they had defenses we can use now.”

Sora’s eyes lit up in realization. “That’s actually a great idea, Spike!” He turned back to the librarian, his smile widening. “Do you have any history books?”

The mare tapped a hoof on her chin, repeating the word “history” to herself as if trying to recall something buried deep in her mind. After a long pause, she finally responded. “Ah yes… history.”

Sora and Spike leaned in expectantly, waiting for some direction. But after a moment of silence, Spike blinked and spoke up. “So… where would that be exactly?”

The mare squinted, her face scrunching in concentration. “I… I can’t seem to remember.”

Both Sora and Spike groaned in unison.

“Looks like we’re on our own,” Spike said with a sigh, glancing up at the towering shelves. He turned to Sora with a determined look. “I’m pretty good at finding books, but this is gonna take a while. I think we’ll need the girls’ help for this one. Can you go find them while I get started here?”

Sora gave a quick salute. “Got it! I’ll be back in no time!”

With that, he dashed out of the library, leaving Spike to dive into the sea of books, hoping the others could help speed things along.

~~~

Rainbow Dash soared through the sky, her wings cutting through the air as she made a beeline toward the Crystal Empire’s plaza. Her mind raced as fast as her flight, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

As she descended, she spotted Rarity, Fluttershy and the fillies below, searching around the base of the Crystal Castle. Rainbow landed with a thud, gaining both of the mare’s attention. She trotted over to them, a look of agitation upon her features.

“Nothing,” she announced, her tone sharper than intended. “I’ve been all over and questioned so many ponies, but barely any of them are talking and if they are, it's just about how much they fear Sombra this or scared of Sombra that.”

Rarity sighed, brushing a bit of dirt off her hooves as she turned to Rainbow Dash. “I’m afraid we’re not faring much better, darling. We’ve managed to gather a few bits of information here and there, but it’s all so vague and scattered.” She gestured around the plaza, her frustration evident. “The Crystal Ponies we’ve spoken to can hardly remember anything at all it seems. Just something about this place here.”

Fluttershy shook her head sadly, her eyes filled with sympathy. “It’s heartbreaking,” she said softly. “The poor Crystal Ponies... they’re so scared, and most of them can’t even remember why. Sombra must have been such a terrible pony to leave them feeling like this, even when their memories are clouded.”

“That’s exactly what I found out too!”

Fluttershy let out a startled yelp as Pinkie Pie suddenly dropped down from above, suspended by a rope attached to who-knows-what, dressed head to hoof in a tight black spy outfit, complete with night-vision goggles. Upon touching the ground, the poin mare pulled the zipper down her costume before huffing softly. “Too bad my cover was blown before I could get any more info!”

Rainbow Dash rubbed her temples in frustration, shaking her head as she tried to process everything. "So... we're back to square one?"

Scootaloo, seeing that it was her time to shine, had just opened her mouth to suggest an idea when Sora's voice cut through the plaza.

“Hey! Girls!”

They all turned to see the stallion galloping toward them, a look of relief within his eyes. The stallion skidded to a stop in front of them, panting slightly from the run. “Whew! Glad I found you guys!” he exclaimed, catching his breath.

“Sora!” Fluttershy exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the stallion. “There you are? Is everything okay?”

“And where the hey have you been?” Rainbow asked, her hooves folding across her chest.

Sora gave them an apologetic grin. "Haha…Sorry. Me and Spike might have found something tho.We were at the Crystal Empire Library. It’s massive—like, bigger than I imagined—and we think it might have some info on how to stop Sombra. But it’s gonna take forever to find anything useful with just the two of us, so Spike asked me to come and get ya.”

Rainbow Dash groaned, running a hoof through her mane. "The library? Seriously? Ugh, I knew this would turn into another one of those boring research missions."

“It’s better than running around willy nilly." Rarity mused. "In fact, I'm sure it's something Twilight would have done, and she wouldn't have been wrong either."

Rainbow Dash sighed, still not entirely convinced but clearly outnumbered. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Twilight would be all over this library thing... Fine. Let’s just get it over with, then." She turned towards Sora. “Lead the way, Hero.”

~~~

Spike was hunched over a large, ancient-looking tome when the group arrived at the Crystal Empire Library. The little drake couldn’t stop the smile on his face as he waved to his friends. “Hey guys! Glad you could make it to the study session.” He pointed towards a few books near him. “I already found some that seemed promising.”

Rarity smiled warmly as she trotted up to Spike, her eyes twinkling with pride. "Well done, Spike! Always one step ahead of the game, aren’t you?"

The little dragon blushed brightly at Rarity's praise, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Aw, it's nothing," Spike muttered, trying—and failing—to hide the huge grin spreading across his face. "Just trying to help out, you know?"

Rainbow Dash let out an exaggerated sigh as she plopped down onto a nearby cushion, her wings drooping in dramatic frustration. "Ugh, I hate reading anything that's not Daring Do," she groaned, folding her hooves across her chest. "Why do all the answers to saving the day always have to be hidden in dusty old books?"

Fluttershy, already picking up one of the books, turned her attention towards her friend. “Well…to be fair…it did help us back when Nightmare Moon came…”

“I’m with Rainbow on this one.” Sora spoke up. “But right now this is the best plan we got. So…The faster we find a solution the faster we can save everyone.”

Rainbow Dash let out another sigh, though this time it was a little less dramatic. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Doesn’t mean I have to like it, though."

Soon enough, the ponies would get to work, Fluttershy and Rarity positioned themselves next to Spike, helping him flip through the books he had already gathered. Their eyes scanned the ancient texts, looking for something that might help.

Rainbow Dash, though still grumbling under her breath, zipped up to the upper levels of the towering library shelves. She grabbed books at random, her speed allowing her to cover more ground.

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo took the lower shelves, moving quickly between rows and pulling out any books that looked even remotely useful. Applebloom tapping each one for Sweetie to pull out with her magic and place on a cart. Scootaloo would then buzz the pile of books towards the other’s waiting for them.

Sora, all the while, worked at his own pace. He wasn’t the best at reading, an overall slacker at school sometimes, but he was diligent if nothing else. It was just like going though Jimmy’s Journal or the reports he would sometimes find in his travels to other worlds. He wouldn’t quite understand it but if something stuck out he figured the others would know more.

As minutes turned into hours, the quiet hum of the Crystal Empire Library was punctuated only by the soft sounds of flipping pages, the occasional thud of a heavy book being placed back on the shelf, and the distant buzz of Scootaloo pushing yet another cartload of books toward the group.

“Is it just me,” Rainbow asked after flipping through what she believed was her hundredth book. “Or do we seem to be putting all our effort into a lost cause?”

“Rainbow’s right!” Scootaloo complained. “How do we know a history book even exists?”

“Scoots, it would only make sense that if Cheerilee’s class has a history book, then so would any other place around Equestria.” Sweetie Bell deadpanned. “Maybe you would know this if you stayed away more in class instead of sleeping through most of it.”

“Well maybe you should…stupid.” Scootaloo folded her hooves about her chest, proud of her retort.

Sora groaned at the book he had just flipped though, tossing it to the side when he was done. “Darn it! Not that one either! Not one of these books seems to have what we’re looking for!”

“We can’t just give up though!” Applebloom called out from a book pile she was sifting through. “There’s gotta be something.”

“I’m not giving up Applebloom.” Sora said reassuringly. “ But there has to be a better way to-“

Before Sora could finish his sentence, Spike’s excited voice echoed through the library. “I found something!” The little dragon came running toward the group, a large, ancient-looking book clutched tightly in his claws.

“GASP! You did!? YIPPIE!” Pinkie bounced up and down on her tail as she cheered. “This calls for a ‘Spike found the Book’ party!”

Sora’s ears perked. “What did you find, Spike?” he asked eagerly.

Holding the book up, he showed off his prize to the others. “I think this might be it! A History book! At least from what little I read in it!”

“Way to go Spike!” Rainbow whistled, “Who’s the dragon?”

Spike puffed out his chest proudly, holding the ancient book up higher for all to see. “That’s right! I’m the dragon!” he declared with a grin, clearly enjoying the praise.

So enticed was the dragon with himself that he failed to notice the black and red blur coming at him until it was too late. Knocking the drake upside the head, Spike hit the floor and dropped the book, causing it to slide upon the ground far out of anyone’s reach.

Just as it stopped in its momentum two more of the same creatures that had hit Spike popped into existence around the tome, the bag-like monsters bouncing about as if they were dancing for joy.

"Heartless!" Sora shouted, his Keyblade appearing in his grip in a flash of light.

Rainbow Dash stared at the bouncing, bag-like creatures in disbelief, her brow furrowing. “Those things are Heartless too? They look like... weird little bags with stick pony legs! Seriously?”

Sora nodded, his expression serious as he kept his eyes locked on the creatures. "Yeah, they're Heartless, alright. A friend of mine named them Red Nocturnes, Yellow Ophras and Blue Rhapsodies. They’re small but the magic they use is no joke.”

“How did those dreadful things get past the barrier that Cadence has up?” Rarity spoke aloud. “I thought it was supposed to protect us from any dark magic.”

“Forget that for now! Look!” Pinkie called out, pointing a hoof toward the heartless. “I don’t think they want us to have that book!”

The little Heartless zipped around erratically, bouncing and spinning, but never straying too far from the ancient book that had slid across the floor. Their chaotic movements almost seemed playful but it really did seem like they were guarding the tome with clear intent.

“I think you’re right Pinkie! Which means that whatever's in there is something we need!” Sora took up a battle stance “Everyone stand back! I’ll take care of them!” Before he could charge in, however, Rainbow zipped forward, landing beside him with a confident smirk.

"Not without me, you’re not," The mare declared, her wings flaring out. "I’m not letting you have all the fun."

On the other side of the stallion, Pinkie Pie popped up, bouncing in place and giggling excitedly. "Ooooh, I wanna play too!" she chirped, "These Heartless look like they’re having a party, and I love parties!"

Sora balked, eyes wide in surprise. "Wait! No! You girls stay back! I can—"

“No way!” Rainbow cut him off. "I’ve been waiting to smash some Heartless since we got here. I’m so not sitting this one out."

"Yeah! And besides, you know what they say! The more the merrier!" Pinkie winked. “Don’t worry! We got this!”

Sora blinked, looking between Rainbow and Pinkie, his hesitation clear. "But—"

"No buts!" Rainbow interrupted again, "We’re Fighting rather you like it or not! So ship up or shape out!”

Sora huffed in frustration, shaking his head slightly as he gripped his Keyblade tighter. He muttered under his breath before nodding. He would have preferred not to involve them in the fight, wanting to protect them from the dangers he had faced before, but it was clear now that they weren’t going to back down.

"Fine!" Sora relented, giving a determined nod. "But stay sharp! These Heartless might look silly, but they’re no joke!"

Rainbow Dash grinned triumphantly, her wings twitching with excitement. "Now that’s the spirit! Let’s make this quick."

Pinkie Pie giggled, bouncing in place. "Yeah! Quick and fun! Let’s show these little bouncy Heartless how to party!"

The stallion couldn’t help but smile despite his earlier frustration. If nothing else, It was good to fight along with someone again. He adjusted his grip on the Keyblade, focusing his attention back on the Heartless. "Alright, let’s go!"

The Heartless immediately shifted their focus toward the trio of aggressors, their erratic movements becoming more calculated. The nearest Red Nocturne began to glow with a faint red light before launching a ball of fire toward the group.

Sora was the first to react. He swung his Keyblade, deflecting the fireball away from the group with practiced precision. The flames fizzled harmlessly as Pinkie and Rainbow Dash darted to either side, the pink mare going for the blue and Rainbow the red.

Pinkie bounced toward the Blue Rhapsody, her unpredictable movements making it difficult for the magical Heartless to land any of its cold attacks. The icy blasts it fired were dodged with Pinkie's signature energy as she giggled and twirled around the creature. "Ice guess you can’t hit me, huh?" she taunted with a grin. “Looks like you’re all Snow and note frostbite!”

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash zoomed straight for the Red Nocturne, her speed making her a blur of colors. The Heartless charged another fireball, but Rainbow was too fast, darting around it with ease. “Come on, is that all you’ve got?” she jeered, dodging a blast of fire before landing a powerful kick to the Nocturne, sending it spinning. “Hey! Coming at ya Pinkie!”

Pinkie Pie, mid-giggle and holding the Blue Rhapsody down as she tickled it with a feather she’d somehow conjured from nowhere, perked up at Rainbow’s shout. “Coming at ya, Pinkie!”

She looked up just in time to see the Red Nocturne spinning through the air toward her. Without missing a beat, Pinkie grinned, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “I got it!”

In an instant, she darted to the side, reaching behind a nearby bookcase and pulling out her trusty party cannon from who-knows-where. The Red Nocturne flew right into the cannon’s barrel, its fiery body sizzling faintly as it landed inside.

“Perfect landing!” Pinkie cheered as she spun the cannon toward the Blue Rhapsody, which was just getting back on its feet after her playful assault.

With a dramatic flair, Pinkie Pie slammed her hoof down on the cannon’s button. “Party’s over!”

The cannon boomed, sending the Red Nocturne hurtling toward the recovering Blue Rhapsody. The blue, almost in a panic, blasted its magic, hitting the red Heartless and turning it into a block of frozen ice.

Pinkie being Pinkie, couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “Hey! No need to give somepony the ‘Cold’ Shoulder.” The pink pony gasped before ducking as another bolt of ice shot just over her head. “Hey, that wasn’t very ‘Cool’! You forgot to yell ‘Freeze’!” Not being able to hold herself back, she laughed uproariously, rolling on the ground as she did so.

As the pink pony laughed her flank off, the Ice Heartless charged itself up for another attack. Its retaliation, however, was cut short however due to a wayward book knocking it out of the sky and onto the ground below.

"Ha!!" Scootaloo shouted triumphantly, standing a few feet away with a smirk on her face. “Take that, ya freaky excuse for a saddlebag!”

“Scootaloo!” Fluttershy hooked a leg around the orange filly pulling her in just as a yellow bag heartless appeared in front of them. Fluttershy, Rairty and the fillies starred in wide eyed shock as the heartless began to surge with electricity ready to strike. Before it could do so however, Sora’s keyblade sliced clean through it, causing it to dissipate in a cloud of smoke and its crystal heart to disappear into the air.

Sora quickly spun on his hooves, dodging another blast of lightning from a Yellow Opera as it zoomed toward him. His Keyblade shimmered with light as he deflected the magical attack, sending it careening into the distance, where it dissipated harmlessly. Without missing a beat, he charged forward, striking the heartless with a flurry of blows, each hit as precise and powerful as the least. The Yellow Heartless let out a final spark before vanishing in a puff of darkness, its heart floating away.

He smiled as he allowed his keyblade to vanish from his maw, "That was close. Are you girl’s o-”

Before Sora could finish his sentence, he was suddenly tackled to the ground by a blur of yellow and red. Apple Bloom had leaped at him, knocking him over in her rush of concern. "Sora! Are ya okay? Did ya get hurt?!" she asked, her voice full of worry as she peered down at him, her hooves pressing lightly on his chest.

"I’m fine, Apple Bloom! I promise," The stallion told her after recovered from the sudden filly attack. Grinning, he gently lifted the filly as he sat up. "You don’t need to worry about me—this is what I do.” He turned towards Fluttershy and the others. “Like I was about to say though, are you girl’s okay?"

Fluttershy, still holding Scootaloo close under her wing, nodded, her eyes wide but grateful. "Y-Yes, we’re okay... thanks to you, Sora," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly as she released the little filly from her protective embrace. "You saved us... again."

"That was far too close for comfort, darling.” Rarity mused as she let out a sigh of relief, placing a hoof over her heart. “But yes, we’re fine, thanks to your impeccable timing." She tossed her mane slightly before adding, "Though I must say, these Heartless are simply dreadful to deal with. They have absolutely no respect for personal space!"

The fashionista’s sister bounded towards the stallion, her eyes lighting up."Oh gosh! That was so cool! And that Keyblade is so cool!”

Scootaloo buzzed her wings excitedly, breaking free from Fluttershy's gentle grip. "Yeah! I mean, did you see the way Sora deflected that lightning? That was awesome! And Rainbow Dash too! She was like a Heartless Fighting machine! Zooming this way and that way! You guys totally kicked Heartless butts out there!"

Sora chuckled at Scootaloo's excitement, and his grin widened as he stood up. "Thanks, Scootaloo! You were pretty awesome yourself back there with that book throw." He gave her a playful wink, causing the filly to puff out her chest proudly. She then felt something sharply pull at her ear, the cause of which being Rarity.

“Yes yes, very good. Don’t do that again.”

Scootaloo yelped as Rarity gently tugged at her ear, pulling her away from the praise with a disapproving look. "Ow! Rarity! I was helping!" Scootaloo protested, her wings buzzing in frustration.

Rarity sighed dramatically, though her expression softened as she gave Scootaloo a stern but gentle smile. "Yes, darling, and while I can appreciate your... enthusiasm, throwing a book at a dangerous creature like a Heartless is not something we want to make a habit of, hmm?" She released Scootaloo's ear, patting her on the head. "Let’s leave the fighting to those who are a little more experienced, alright?"

Scootaloo rubbed her ear but nodded, her earlier pride dimming a little. "Yeah, okay... but I still think I did a good job."

Rarity, her attention shifting away from Scootaloo, enveloped the ancient book with her magic, lifting it carefully into the air. "Now, enough distractions. We have more important matters to attend to." She floated the book over to Sora. "Here you go, darling. I believe this is what we were all risking our necks for."

Sora nodded as he took the book into his hooves. “Yeah, they were going through a lot of trouble to get this back.” He smiled as he opened the book, the rest of the mares gathering around him as he did so. “Lets see what they were trying to keep us from finding out.”

~~~

The sting of ice against his back was the first thing Shining Armor registered as he stirred from unconsciousness, a dull throbbing in his head from a blow he couldn't even recall receiving. He tried to move, but his limbs were immobilized, encased in crystallized ice. He instinctively attempted to ignite his horn, but the effort was futile—black crystals embedded around it siphoned away his magic as quickly as he tried to summon it.

"D-Darn it... that could've gone way better..." he muttered.

A voice, smooth yet laced with malice, interrupted his thoughts. "You can say that again, little captain."

Shining stiffened at the sound of the mare’s voice, his gaze snapping toward one of the cavern entrances where a cloaked figure approached. He glared hard at her, masking his unease with defiance. "I don’t know who you are or what you want, but I promise you this—you won’t get away with it."

The mare sauntered closer, unphased by his threat. She wrapped a hoof around his neck, pulling him closer. "Oh, Captain Shining Armor, your threats would be intimidating... if they weren’t so hollow. After all, here you are, helpless and alone. Defeated by the Sombra’s Heartless."

"Heartless, huh? So that’s what those things are called." He shot her another glare. "And what about you? Are you working with Sombra? Who are you?"

The mare feigned surprise, bringing a hoof to her chest dramatically. "Oh my! You mean to say you’ve forgotten me?" She chuckled, a low, sinister sound. "Though I suppose that’s not so surprising. After all, it has been a while since we last saw each other. You know, back when I disappeared through that mirror." She stepped closer, a smirk curling on her lips. "And here I thought you’d remember an old acquaintance, Captain."

Shining’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "The mirror… your voice…" Realization dawned on him. "No… it can’t be…"

The cloaked mare laughed, the sound dripping with mockery. She raised a hoof and swept her hood back, revealing a vibrant yellow coat and a mane of fiery red and yellow. Her eyes glinted with a menacing red glow. "Oh, but it is. Sunset Shimmer, at your service, Your Highness." She gave a mocking bow, her smirk widening.

Shining’s jaw dropped, shock and disbelief clear in his expression. "Sunset Shimmer... Princess Celestia’s former student?" His shock quickly turned to anger. "What are you doing here? Nopony heard from you after you disappeared into that mirror! And why in Tartarus are you working with Sombra?!"

Sunset shrugged, her smile cold and smug. "Working with Sombra? Oh, no, no, no. It’s more of a mutual arrangement. We just happen to share a common enemy, that’s all." She leaned in closer, her face inches from his, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What’s the matter, Shiny? Are you mad?"

Shining Armor glared, his frustration mounting. "Why? Why are you doing this? You’re a pony! You were Celestia’s student! You were meant for so much more than this!"

"Why?" Sunset’s eyes flared with rage as she took a step back. "I’ll tell you why! Because Celestia stole from me what was rightfully mine!" Her voice grew more venomous with each word. "She cast me aside and replaced me with that insufferable Twilight Sparkle!" She spat the name like poison. "I was supposed to be the greatest! I was destined for power! But she took it all away... and now, both she and her little protégé are going to pay. With their hearts."

Shining Armor struggled violently against his icy bonds, fury blazing in his eyes. "You leave Twilight out of this, you witch! I swear, if you hurt her—"

Sunset cut him off with a cruel laugh, waving a hoof dismissively. "Hurt her? Oh, Shiny, I think you’ve misunderstood. It’s not about hurting her. It’s about destroying her. Everything she holds dear—gone. And you? Well..." She glanced at his frozen limbs, a sinister smile playing on her lips. "You’re in no position to stop me. You’ll be staying here, in these caverns, right where Sombra was meant to be imprisoned. Helpless. Trapped. Watching as everything you care about crumbles."

She leaned in close, pressing a mocking kiss to his cheek. "But don’t worry. If you behave, maybe I’ll let Cadance keep you company. You know, out of respect for old times."

Shining Armor roared in fury, struggling against the ice with all his might. "You won’t get away with this, Sunset! You hear me?! I’ll never forgive you for this!"

Sunset stepped back, cackling as she walked toward the cavern entrance. "It was nice catching up, Shiny. But I have a kingdom to overthrow and a world to plunge into darkness. You? You’ll just sit here and watch."

As Sunset’s laughter echoed through the cavern, Shining Armor’s curses followed her. The clinking of her hooves grew quieter, and soon, she disappeared from sight, leaving Shining trapped, furious, and helpless.

From the shadows above, a pair of glowing green, catlike eyes observed the scene in silence, watching... waiting.

Chapter 17

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Return of Sombra Part one - The Strike

Green to start music and red to stop music

Sora wandered the grand halls of the Crystal Castle, keeping a vigilant eye out for any signs of trouble. While he wanted to help the girls uncover the secrets within the history book they had found, he knew his skills were better suited to continuing where Shining Armor had left off—protecting the crystal city itself.

Not to mention, the recent Heartless scare had put him on edge, wary of any other nasty surprises the Dark King might have snuck within the palace. He had taken it upon himself to ensure no more Heartless slipped past the protective dome. Even though Applejack had and Rainbow had asked to join him– the latter in her own roundabout way– he had convinced them—no easy feat—that Twilight and the others needed their help more. Besides, he could handle himself if the situation demanded it. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate their support; he just needed some time to sort things out on his own.

More than anything, he needed to figure out his next move. The book was a good place to start, and he was confident they could unearth valuable information, but then what? Saving the kingdom was one thing, but finding Shining Armor and defeating Sombra was another challenge entirely.

What do I do now? he asked himself, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

Only do what you can...What more can anyone ask of you?

“But Celestia is counting on me…If I screw up here then…”

"But it's not enough just to do what I can," he muttered, his voice barely audible in the empty corridor. "Celestia’s counting on me… They're all counting on me. I can’t just hope it’ll all work out like I would usually do." He wasn’t used to this—doubt gnawing at him, telling him that maybe, just maybe, he wasn't enough to turn the tide.

The voice echoed once more, gentle but firm, cutting through his spiraling thoughts. You can’t do everything on your own, Sora. No one expects you to.

Sora shook his head “I just...Don’t want to put anyone in danger again. I was barely able to save Applejack and her family. I was lucky with Twilight. Then there is Shining Armor. I couldn’t save him at all.”

I’ve seen what happens when someone takes on everything by themselves…I know you have too. Don’t follow that path Sora.

Sora lowered his head. “I know that...I know. but-”

But you don’t want to fail in protecting them, right? That’s why you want to keep them from fighting if you can.

Sora nodded begrudgingly.

Sora, they’re your friends. Even if you just met them, the fact that you were able to connect with them, like you do everyone you meet, just proves more and more how they will take it if you told them. If anyone would understand it’s them. Fluttershy more than anyone.

“Huh?”

Never mind. Besides, the point is that they wouldn’t abandon you because of something stupid like that. It’s not like either Kairi or Riku abandon you, or anyone else either Sora. You know them better than that.

“Yeah, but if I hadn't failed the Keyblade exam then I would be right there alongside them. It really sucks.” Sora said with slight annoyance.

The keyblade exam eh? You like to use that excuse a lot too.

Sora frowned at the response from his inner self.

Come on…for someone who always has an open heart for others you really like to put up barriers when you don’t want others to know about what’s wrong with you. Sora, I can see inside your heart right now, and tell that’s not what you’re really mad about.

Sora looked away. “That’s not the… wait, what?” The stallion stopped moving and looked from side to side.

Do I have to spell it out for you? You-

“W-who are you!?” Sora suddenly yelled out loud, looking around frantically. “Where are you!? How are you speaking to me!?”

What do you mean?! I…I…I’m speaking to you? I’m speaking to you. I’m speaking to you!

“Yeah! That's what I said!”

I…I don’t know…I…Sora…Its me…Its me…Ventus…

The name echoed in Sora’s mind, stirring a feeling buried deep within him. Ventus... why does that sound so familiar? He repeated the name again, his brow furrowing as he struggled to recall why it seemed to resonate so strongly. It was like a forgotten melody—something he felt he should know, but couldn’t quite grasp.

“Ventus... who are you?” Sora asked aloud, his voice uncertain but steady as he looked around the empty corridor. "How do I know you?"

A pause hung in the air, as if the voice itself was hesitating. You… you don’t fully remember me. That’s okay, Ventus responded. I didn’t expect you to. But… we’re connected, Sora. Our hearts, they’re linked. You took me in when I had nowhere else to go. You helped me when I couldn’t help myself…

Before the stallion could respond or comprehend what in the world was going on, a sudden noise coming from just down the hall caused the stallion’s ears to perk up. “What the? That sounded like…” Wasting no time, the stallion galloped at full speed towards the source of the noise, gearing himself up for a possible attack.

~~~

Twilight groggily awoke, rubbing her tired eyes as she sat up. A sharp throb pulsed through her head, and she winced at the familiar sensation.

“Ugh… must have overused my magic again,” she muttered to herself.

Blinking a few times to clear her vision, the lavender mare let out a yawn and stretched her legs. "Huh? Where am I?" She glanced around, taking in the glittering crystal décor that surrounded her, from the elegant furniture to the sparkling walls. The sight was unlike anything she had ever seen before, and for a moment, she was entranced by the beauty of it all.

But then, like a tidal wave, the memories of that morning came rushing back to her. The reality of her situation hit hard, and three crucial facts rose to the forefront of her mind.

First: she was in the Crystal Empire.

Second: she and the others had come here to defeat Sombra.

And third: Shining was…

"Oh no! Shining!" Panic surged through her as she leapt out of bed, bolting for the door. She swung it open with her magic, only to collide headfirst into another pony. The impact sent them both tumbling, rolling over each other before coming to a stop in a tangled heap on the floor. Twilight found herself lying on top of the other pony, stars dancing in her vision from the collision.

She shook her head to clear the dizziness and looked down, only to find herself staring into a pair of familiar blue eyes. Beneath her was Sora, his caramel-colored gently rubbing his sore head. He blinked up at her, clearly as surprised as she was.

“Twilight!? You’re awake!”

Twilight’s ears perked up at the sound of Sora’s voice. She scrambled off him, her cheeks flushing as she quickly got to her hooves. "Sora! I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there," she stammered, still a bit dazed from the collision. Her eyes darted anxiously. “F-For that tho. Shining! Where is he?! The last thing I remember was…was…” She clasped a hoof over her mouth. “T-the heartless and King Sombra. They… What happened? What happened to Shining?”

Sora shook his head, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Twilight. I don’t know. We got you and the others to safety, but when I went back for him… by the time I made it outside, there was no one there. No Heartless, no King Sombra… and no Shining Armor.” He looked away, his voice heavy with regret. “I… I’m sorry I couldn’t do more to save him.”

Seeing Twilight’s ears begin to droop, Sora quickly tried to reassure her. “Hey, don’t lose hope,” he said, offering her a small, encouraging smile. “Cadence is confident that he’s okay.” He thumped a hoof against his chest. “And if that’s the case, then I promise I’m going to do everything in my power to bring your brother back. No matter what.”

“Sora…” Twilight said softly, nodding as a light smile formed on her lips. “Thank you. I know you did your best. I was the one who told you to go, so if anyone’s to blame, it’s me.” She steadied herself on all four hooves and reached out to help him up. Sora accepted her offer, gratefully taking her hoof as he got back on his feet. “If Cadence believes he’s okay, then I trust both her and you. But… what are you doing here, anyway? What’s going on with the Crystal Empire?”

“You won’t believe it, but—” Sora began, launching into the story of the day’s events. As he described their visit to the Crystal Library and how Spike had played a key role in finding the hidden knowledge, he noticed Twilight's eyes light up with enthusiasm. However, her mood quickly shifted to shock and then anger when he mentioned the Heartless attack on Spike and their attempt to destroy the book.

“How did they even get past the barrier?” Twilight asked, her voice rising. “I thought Shining said this place was protected.”

“It is… and it isn’t,” Sora explained. “Cadence is using her magic to spread love and happiness throughout the empire, but it’s taking a lot out of her. If we don’t find a solution soon, then…”

Twilight's expression grew more serious as she turned away, deep in thought. If what Sora said was true, then time was running out. Cadence was powerful, but even an alicorn's magic had its limits. If the Heartless were targeting that book, then…

“Sora, where is the book?” she asked, her tone urgent.

~~~

“Twilight!”

The voices of her friends filled the throne room as they rushed to greet her. Every mare and filly (and one small dragon) enveloped the purple unicorn in a warm embrace. Twilight returned the hug as best she could, wrapping her hooves around her friends.

“It’s good to see you all, too,” she said with a small smile. “Sorry for making everypony worry.”

“Aww, shucks, Twi. As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters,” Applejack reassured her.

“Applejack is right, darling,” Rarity added. “Besides, if it hadn’t been for you and Sora, we wouldn’t have made it here at all. You deserved at least a little rest.”

Twilight shook her head, her expression resolute. “Not if it means Cadance and Shining Armor are suffering. If I can’t pull my weight, then the whole empire is at risk. I’ve already wasted enough time—it's time for me to do my part.”

Though some of her friends wanted to protest, they all knew there wasn’t time for debate. There was a kingdom to save and a dark king to defeat.

“So,” Sora said as he stepped forward, handing the book to Twilight, “where do we start?”

Twilight was quick to flip the pages of the book, smiling brightly as she did so.

Princess Cadance needs our help,
Her magic will not last forever.
I think we can do it,
But we need to work together.
We have to get this right.
Yes, we have to make them see.
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history.

Rainbow slammed the table, gaining everyone’s attention, pointing towards the opened page.

It says that they liked jousting,

Rarity nodded before adding.

They flew a flag of many hues.

Applejack motioned towards the opened window that overlooked the many bushes outside.

Made sweets of crystal berries,

Gently grasping the book, Fluttershy turned towards a particular page with many colorful sheep prancing in a field.

They had a petting zoo with tiny ewes

Oh, we have to get this right
Yes, we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history

Pinkie Pie pulled out a weird looking horn tossing it in the air upon doing so.

There was a crystal flugelhorn
That every pony liked to play

Sora saluted as he too added to the song, his voice ringing loud and clear.

And the Crystal Kingdom anthem
Can you learn it in a day?

Oh, we have to get this right
Yes, we have to make them see
We can save the Crystal Ponies with their history

Twilight closed the book with a determined smile, the echoes of their excitement still hanging in the air. “It’s clear now—before Sombra came to power, it was the crystal ponies’ love and friendship that kept dark forces at bay. If we can recreate that with the Crystal Fair, it might give us an edge in dealing with Sombra.”

Sora nodded in agreement, sliding the book back in front of him and flipping it open once more. “Sounds like we’ve got our work cut out for us.” As he skimmed through the pages, something caught his eye near the end. “Wait… what’s this? The Crystal… Heart?” The image of the heart looked oddly familiar to him.

Twilight’s magic enveloped the book as she pulled it toward her for a closer look. “Good eye, Sora. It says here that the Crystal Heart is the main focus of the fair. If it’s that important, we’ll need one for the festival. I could probably craft a replica out of crystal using my magic.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Sora said, grinning as he turned to face the group. “Let’s get this fair up and running!”

“Now you’re talkin’!” Applejack cheered, stomping a hoof. “I’m ready to get this rodeo started! Yeehaw!”

“I’ll bring the flugelhorn!” Pinkie Pie sang out, bouncing with excitement.

“Y-yes,” Fluttershy added, her voice soft but steady. “Let’s all do our best… for everypony.”

“Quite right, darling,” Rarity chimed in. “I shall give it nothing less than my very best.”

“What are we standing around for?” Rainbow Dash said, already halfway to the door. “Come on, everypony, let’s roll out!”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders: Empire Savers! YAY!” shouted the Crusaders in unison, their enthusiasm contagious.

Twilight glanced around at her friends, feeling the determination and hope radiating from everypony. She dipped her head in a nod, her resolve solidifying. “Let’s save the Crystal Empire!”

~~~

So…having a fair to save the day. Never seen that before, gotta be honest.

Sora looked around to find the voice that had spoken to him, only to remember that the only one it could belong to was the one that was inside him. “Ventus?

Yeah, it’s me, Ventus replied, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. And don’t talk too loudly. Someone might think you are crazy.

“Right, good point,” Sora whispered back. “I’d rather not have everypony thinking I’ve lost it.” He paused.“By the way, you were silent for a while. What happened?”

Didn’t think I should interrupt. It was a nice song.

“Eh haha... yeah.” Sora watched as a pair of foals trotted by, their crystal-coated bodies shimmering in the sunlight. “I can’t believe it’s actually working. Just look at them—everyone seems so much livelier.”

Tell me about it. If it works, it works. I won’t question it, Ventus replied, But I’m a bit more concerned about you and me right now.

“You and me?” Sora repeated, folding his hooves across his chest as he closed his eyes in thought. “Oh! You mean this—our ability to talk to each other?”

Yeah, exactly, Ventus confirmed. I mean, I’ve been in your heart for a long time, but this is different. It’s like a door has opened that wasn’t there before. We’re actually having a conversation now.

Sora nodded slowly, his brow furrowing. “It is strange… but I think I remember you helping me before. When I was struggling during the Keyblade Exam, you protected me when my heart was starting to fall into darkness.”

I… did? Ventus’s voice was filled with uncertainty. I don’t remember doing that.

“I’m pretty sure,” Sora insisted. “At least, I think I am. I was unconscious for a while, so everything's a bit… hazy.”

Before Sora could delve further into the conversation, a sudden force yanked him into the air. He yelped in surprise, flailing his limbs in panic as he was carried skyward. When he looked up, he saw a familiar face and a pair of cyan hooves gripping him. “Rainbow!? What the heck is going on!?” he shouted. Then he noticed something unusual. “And what’s with that cloth in your mouth?”

Rainbow Dash glanced down at him briefly before veering toward the castle, where Twilight was busy putting the final touches on a newly crafted Crystal Heart. As soon as they landed, Rainbow dropped Sora onto the ground and hurriedly draped the purple flag she’d been carrying over the crystalline monument, earning a frown from Twilight.

“Rainbow!” Twilight balked. “What in the hey are you-”

Before she could say any more, Rainbow cut her off. “Guys! We have a problem!”

Sora and Twilight exchanged a quick, concerned glance before voicing the question that hung in the air. “What?” they asked in unison.

~~~

To say Twilight was distraught would be an understatement. She had completely overlooked the torn page in the Crystal Kingdom History book, and it appeared to be the very page that held the key to keeping the empire safe. She paced back and forth on the balcony, wearing a groove into the floor as her usually neat mane stuck out in wild, disheveled strands.

“How could I have been so careless?” she muttered, frustration evident in her voice. “I should’ve realized the Crystal Heart was a real artifact! I should’ve noticed the missing page! Did the Heartless tear it out when they got hold of the book? We need that Crystal Heart—without it, everything we’ve done will have been for nothing! Oh no, oh dear, oh no, oh dear—”

Before she could spiral further into panic, Cadence placed a shaky hoof on her shoulder, bringing Twilight to a halt. “It’s okay, Twilight. We’ll… we…” Her voice faltered, and her legs gave way beneath her.

Before Cadence could hit the ground, Sora darted forward and caught her, holding the alicorn steady in his hooves. Her horn sputtered weakly, sparks flickering from it as the ponies around her gasped in alarm.

“That can't be good…” Sora said grimly.

He glanced toward the magical barrier surrounding the empire and saw it flickering in and out of existence. With every blink, the dark shadow at the edges crept closer, gradually engulfing the once-green land outside. Sora's eyes widened as the shadow advanced. “Double not good! It’s Sombra!”

As he looked down, he saw Cadence recovering, her eyes closing as she focused all her energy on restoring the barrier. Slowly, it reformed, pushing back the encroaching darkness. But just as Sora thought they were safe, he noticed something—a dark mass slipping through the barrier before it closed, landing on the ground below and growing into a menacing black crystal. From the crystal, Shadow Colts began to emerge, one after another.

“Oh no! Heartless!”

Twilight rushed to the edge of the balcony beside him, her eyes wide with alarm. “What?! We have to stop them! If they get near the fair…!”

Sora unfurled his wings and set his forelegs on the railing. “Leave it to me! I’ll take care of them!”

Rainbow Dash flew up. “I’m coming too!”

Before the stallion could respond, Twilight grabbed the blue mare with her magic. “Sorry, Rainbow! I need you to tell the others to keep the fair running!”

“What?! Why?!” Rainbow protested, “I wanna kick some Heartless flank too!”

Twilight shook her head. “If the crystal ponies see the Heartless, they’ll panic and try to use the Crystal Heart immediately. And we haven’t found it yet! We need to keep them calm for as long as possible, and that’s where you and the others come in. Sora will deal with the Heartless before they cause any chaos, and I’ll search for the heart.” She turned towards the stallion. “Right, Sora?”

He gave a firm nod. “Yeah! Leave it to me! I’ll keep everyone safe!” Without wasting a moment, he launched himself from the balcony, wings spread wide as he glided down toward the rooftops below. He then bounded from rooftop to rooftop, racing toward the Heartless.

Once Sora was out of sight, Twilight turned back to Rainbow Dash, who still looked frustrated. “I’m sorry, Rainbow. I want to help him too, but we have to prioritize the crystal ponies.”

Rainbow sighed, her wings flapping as she hovered above the balcony. “Yeah, you’re right, Twi.” She knew it was true, even if it didn’t make the situation any less frustrating. She cast a glance in the direction Sora had gone. “Stupid hero, getting all the action.” As she flew into the sky, out of earshot from the others, she growled softly to herself. “You’d better be careful, Sora.”

~~~

Sora landed with a skid on the grassy plain. He flapped once, ignoring the pain of disuse as he righted himself. “Ok…wings…They’re more trouble than I expected, but I think I’m getting the hang of it.” His gaze fell on the black crystal that loomed over him, heartless slowly pouring out of the shadow that it casts.

He looked back towards the crystal castle one last time before turning towards his long-time enemies. Summoning his Keyblade he caused every Heartless to look his way.

“Okay Heartless. I won’t let you or Sombra have your way!” With a swing of his weapon he dove into the first batch of Shadow Colts, his keyblade shimmering in the light of the sun.

“I’ll show you the power of the Keyblade!”

~~~

“What!?”

Fluttershy, Spike, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders stared at Rainbow Dash in disbelief, reeling from the news. Rainbow had already informed Rarity and Applejack about the situation before tracking down Fluttershy and the kids. After pulling them aside to a more secluded spot, she had explained what was happening, and their stunned reactions were exactly what she’d expected. Despite the lively sounds of the fair just beyond, a tense silence hung over the small group until Spike broke it with a shaky voice.

“S-So, let me get this straight… The Heartless are inside the dome, attacking Sora, and Twilight has to find the Crystal Heart to have any chance against Sombra?”

Rainbow nodded grimly, her gaze drifting toward the direction Sora had flown before she’d left Twilight. “Yeah. Sora’s handling the Heartless while Twilight’s trying to find any clues about where the Crystal Heart could be hidden. She told us to—H-Hey! Spike!? Where are you going?!”

The young dragon had darted past her, making a beeline for the Crystal Castle. As he ran, he glanced back over his shoulder and shouted, “No time! I’m going to help Twilight!”

Rainbow blinked, exchanging a bewildered look with Fluttershy, who seemed just as stunned. “Well… I guess I feel a little better knowing Spike’s there to help Twilight. But that still leaves Sora out there alone.”

Fluttershy averted her gaze, her worry evident. “I-I’m worried about him too. But… we have to trust that Sora can handle it. He’s fought the Heartless before, after all.”

“Yeah… well… In any case, I’ve already brought Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity up to speed, so we should be good for now. But if things go south because of that creep Sombra…”

Fluttershy nodded slowly. “I know what you mean… but I don’t think it will come to that. We just have to have faith that Sora and Twilight will pull through.”

“Yeah, I know.” Rainbow paused, glancing around. “Hey, where’s Scootaloo? And Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle?”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened, and she began to search the area more frantically. “What? But they were right here!”

Rainbow’s gaze flicked between the castle and the direction Sora had gone, a sinking feeling settling in. “You don’t think…?”

Fluttershy’s worry tipped into full-blown panic. “T-They wouldn’t… would they?”

Rainbow gave a flat stare as her wings twitched with agitation. “Are you kidding? We’re talking about those three.”

Without wasting another second, the two mares sprinted toward the source of the black crystal, silently praying to Celestia that they were wrong.

~~~

Sora's Keyblade cleaved through another Heartless, the familiar sensation of victory pushing him forward as he leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding a clawed strike from a second foe. Mid-spin, his blade flashed, cutting down the creature in one fluid motion. Landing smoothly on his hooves, Sora darted toward the next target, his Keyblade a blur as it tore through the advancing enemies. His movements were precise, automatic—like a finely tuned machine—responding effortlessly to each threat around him.

In the distance, a group of Heartless gathered, pooling their dark magic into a growing, pulsating orb of energy. Sora’s sharp eyes caught the glow immediately. Without missing a beat, he launched himself off the back of a nearby Heartless, soaring high into the sky. With a swift motion, he hurled his Keyblade at the magical sphere, and upon impact, it detonated, wiping out the surrounding enemies in a brilliant explosion. As he descended, Sora recalled his Keyblade, the weapon returning to his hoof just in time to pierce through a waiting Shadow Pony beneath him.

Back on solid ground, Sora steadied himself, glancing ahead as more Heartless began to rise from the earth. He couldn't help but smirk, determination flaring in his eyes. "Heh… bring it on. I could do this all day!"

~~~

Applebloom peeked out from behind the purple crystal where she and her friends were hiding, her eyes wide with admiration as she watched the battle unfold. Without a word, she, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle had managed to slip away from Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. They had quickly made their way to where the Heartless were appearing, riding Scootaloo’s scooter. It wasn’t hard to find—especially with the commotion Sora was causing in his fight.

The three fillies stared in awe at the scene before them. Even from a distance, they could clearly see Sora in action, fighting off the endless wave of Heartless. Every swing of his Keyblade, every movement he made, seemed effortless, as if it was second nature. Compared to the fight in the library, this looked like nothing more than a warm-up for him.

“Jeez… look at him go!” Scootaloo whispered, her voice filled with awe as she watched from behind a fallen crystal pillar. “How can anypony fight like that—oh! Did you see that? He just took out three of them at once!”

Sweetie Belle, though more cautious, couldn't hide her amazement either. “Wow, he really is a hero. I mean, I knew he saved Ponyville, but I never got to see him fight like this.”

Applebloom blushed, her heart racing as she watched Sora move with such skill and grace. “Yeah… he really is incredible.”

Sweetie Belle, still nervous about being so close to the action, fidgeted. “Okay, I think we’ve seen enough. We should get back before anypony realizes we’re missing. I really don’t want to get into more trouble with our sisters.”

“Aw, come on, Sweetie,” Scootaloo protested, still perched on the crystal, eyes glued to the battle. “Just a little longer. Sora’s got this under control! And it’s not like they can see us from way over here.”

“Yeah!” Applebloom chimed in, nodding eagerly. “We can’t leave now! What if Sora needs our help?”

Sweetie Belle tugged on Scootaloo’s tail with her teeth, trying to pull her down. “I’m sure he’s fine, Applebloom! Now come on, Scootaloo, get down before they spot us!”

“H-Hey! Let go!” Scootaloo yelped, her wings flapping in protest. “That hurts, Sweetie!”

Undeterred, Sweetie Belle tightened her grip. “Not until you get down! We need to get back to Fluttershy and the others!”

“Girls, stop it!” Applebloom whispered frantically, glancing between her bickering friends. “We can’t—”

“I said, let go!” Scootaloo pulled hard, breaking free of Sweetie Belle’s grip, but in the process, she lost her balance and tumbled over the crystal, landing with a thud on the other side.

Though she wasn’t hurt, Scootaloo froze as she realized every Heartless had turned to look directly at her.

“Oh… pony feathers…”

~~~

Sora’s Keyblade came crashing down on yet another Heartless, the creature dissolving into darkness like all the others before it. Panting slightly, Sora jumped back to catch his breath, a smirk tugging at his lips as he held his Keyblade between clenched teeth. "You guys don’t even come close to the toughest Heartless I’ve fought. I bet I’ll have this wrapped up way before-"

“I said, LET GO!”

THUD

The Heartless that had been focused on Sora suddenly shifted their attention in unison toward the new voice.

“Huh? Hey! Where are you—” Sora’s heart dropped as he spotted the source of the commotion. “Scootaloo?! What are you doing—” His eyes widened in horror as he realized what was happening. The Heartless had found easier prey. And nothing was more vulnerable than a defenseless filly.

“S-Scootaloo… RUN! RUN!” Sora shouted, trying to rush to her aid, but a swarm of Heartless blocked his path, surrounding him. “Get out of the way! Stop!”

Scootaloo, scrambling to get back on her hooves, winced in pain as her sprained foreleg gave out beneath her. Panic set in as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle leaped out from behind the crystal, rushing to help their friend.

“D-Darn it! No!” Sora yelled, frantically slashing at the Heartless in front of him, but their sheer numbers held him back. He took hit after hit, but he didn’t care—he had to reach them. “LET ME GO!”

The Heartless ignored his pleas, laser-focused on the fillies who were now desperately trying to lift Scootaloo.

Sora reached out with his hoof, his heart burning with desperation. "I won’t… I WON’T LET YOU! LET GO!”

Sora! Focus!

“Huh?” Sora blinked, his mind racing. The voice in his head—it was familiar.

You can save them. I know you can.

Save them? Of course… he could save them.

Just focus. Remember the first time you used it.

“The first time… I used it… The first time…”

Sora’s eyes snapped open as the memory flooded back to him. The feeling. The flow. The motion.

In an instant, his body moved on instinct. Time seemed to slow as he swung his Keyblade in a wide arc, cutting through the Heartless holding him down. A brilliant blue light enveloped his body as his wings flared open. With one powerful flap, he vanished, leaving a streak of blue light in his wake.

The Heartless closest to the fillies didn’t stand a chance. Sora reappeared in front of them, his Keyblade striking true between the eyes of the creature. The glow around him faded as quickly as it had appeared. He blinked, staring down at his hoof, watching the last traces of that strange energy dissipate.

“T-That was…”

“Sora, look out!”

Sweetie Belle’s voice snapped him back to reality, and Sora dove to the side just as another Heartless crashed into the spot where he had stood. He flipped through the air, landing smoothly on his hooves between the fillies and the advancing Heartless.

“You three okay?” Sora asked, his eyes never leaving the enemy as he positioned himself protectively in front of the girls.

“Y-Yeah…” Apple Bloom replied, her voice shaky. “B-But Scootaloo hurt her leg…”

“Alright,” Sora said, his voice resolute. “Stay behind me. I’ll protect you.”

The fillies huddled close as Sora braced himself for the incoming wave of Heartless. They were closing in, their dark forms looming like a tidal wave of shadows. Sora gripped his Keyblade tighter, ready to meet them head-on, his battle cry building in his chest.

But before he could charge, a sudden rainbow blur swooped down, scooping him and the fillies up in one swift motion. Rainbow Dash carried them clear of the advancing Heartless, speeding through the air just as the dark creatures converged on the spot where they had been.

She didn’t make it far, though. With a groan of effort, Rainbow’s wings faltered, and she crashed to the ground just a few feet away, sending all of them tumbling over one another in a chaotic heap.

Sora was the first to recover, blinking in surprise as yellow fur filled his vision. He looked up to see Fluttershy, her worried eyes locking onto his. “Sora! Dash! Girls! Are you okay?!”

“Ah…” Rainbow Dash groaned from her spot beside him, stretching her wings as she got up from the pile. “I could be better…”

Sora chuckled, shaking his head as he stood. “Are you kidding? That could’ve been way worse.”

“I’ll agree with that one,” Scootaloo muttered, flinching as she gingerly tested her injured leg.

Apple Bloom, ever the optimist, smiled. “Ah’m just glad we’re all okay!”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Of course you agree with Sora.”

Apple Bloom shot back, “Ah could say the same about you and Rainbow!”

Sweetie Belle, caught in the middle, squeaked, “Does it really matter who’s right if we aren’t out of the woods yet?”

She was right. The Heartless were already reforming, their glowing yellow eyes fixed on the group. Fluttershy acted quickly, scooping up Scootaloo. “I-I’ll get the girls to safety!”

The fillies didn’t argue, following after Fluttershy as she flew them to cover. Sora turned to face the Heartless, ready for another round—only to find Rainbow Dash standing beside him, her hoof digging into the ground.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” Rainbow said, her eyes flashing with determination. “I’m not gonna sit on the sidelines while somepony else plays the hero.”

Sora was about to protest, the words on the tip of his tongue to tell Rainbow Dash to leave it to him—especially since he didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. But he glanced back toward Fluttershy and the fillies, realizing that if any of the Heartless managed to slip past him, they could be in serious danger. He couldn’t risk that, not with the girls so close.

His eyes shifted back to Rainbow, who was standing firm beside him, her wings twitching with anticipation. As much as he hated to admit it, he could use the help.

“Alright,” Sora said with a slight nod. “But stay sharp…” He smirked. “And try not to make me save you too often.”

“Is that a challenge?” Rainbow’s wings twitched, her competitive side flaring up.

Sora’s Keyblade appeared in his hoof. “Maybe. But we both know who’s going to win.”

The Heartless surged forward.

“Let’s show them what we’ve got.”

~~~

Applejack let out a deep sigh, having just managed to redirect yet another pair of curious crystal ponies away from the covered fake Crystal Heart. She wasn’t one to lie, but keeping these ponies distracted without spilling the truth was proving to be a lot harder than she’d expected. With every promise of a grand unveiling or suggestion to check out another stand, her energy drained just a little more. It was working, for now, but she knew it wouldn’t last forever.

“Geez… these crystal ponies are nosier than a mouse in a cheese barn,” she muttered, taking a moment to catch her breath. But that moment was short-lived, as she spotted a cloaked figure making their way toward her and the crystal. With a weary sigh, Applejack moved to intercept the newcomer. "Kinda sunny out to be wearin’ a cape like that, don’t ya think? Why don’t ya go take a load off and try some crystal nectar over yonder?"

The cloaked pony tilted their head, giving her a curious look.

"Uh, or if nectar ain’t your thing, you can give the crystal pie a try." Applejack pointed to a nearby stand. "It’s hoof-lickin’ good."

The stranger chuckled softly, his voice clearly male and surprisingly young for someone his height. "Thanks, but I’m actually looking for someone. Gonna have to pass."

Applejack raised an eyebrow, her suspicion growing. "Who are ya lookin’ for?"

The stranger chuckled softly, his tone casual but with a hint of something Applejack couldn’t quite place. "I’m looking for a pony who’s kind of goofy, always rushing into things, bit of a dork." His voice, while young, had a calm confidence to it.

Applejack’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion building as she tried to make sense of his vague description. "Goofy and a dork, huh? Kinda sounds like Pinkie Pie.”

The stranger chuckled again, shaking his head. "Nope, not her. The one I’m looking for is a guy. Kinda scruffy, always wears a jacket, and tends to get into trou-."

He abruptly stopped mid-sentence, his ears perking up as if he heard something that Applejack couldn’t make out over the noise of the crowd.

"Sorry, gotta run." Without another word, the mysterious pony darted off, leaving Applejack standing there, confused.

“Well, that was mighty strange,” she mumbled to herself, tapping a hoof against her chin. “Who was he lookin’ for…?”

Her eyes suddenly widened as realization dawned on her. "Wait a sec… did he mean—?"

But before she could finish the thought, her gaze snapped back to the fake Crystal Heart, where two more curious ponies were approaching. "Hey! Hold your horses! We’re not ready for the grand unveiling yet!"

~~~

Fluttershy crouched low behind her hidden perch, her heart racing as she watched the incredible sight unfolding before her. Her eyes were wide with awe as she observed one of her dearest friends, Rainbow Dash, and one of her newest, Sora, working together in perfect harmony against the Heartless. The way they fought side by side, despite any past conflicts—mostly on Rainbow’s end—was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Rainbow Dash was a whirlwind of cyan, darting in and out of the Heartless swarm with relentless precision. She took down the Shadow Colts with practiced ease, tossing them into the air with powerful blows before delivering a flurry of strikes that left the creatures helpless. She was a force of nature, her movements so fluid and fast that the Heartless barely had a chance to respond before they were launched skyward. Once in the air, the creatures were at her mercy, as she pummeled them repeatedly with her hooves.

Meanwhile, Sora remained grounded, but he was just as fierce. His Keyblade swung in powerful arcs, cutting down wave after wave of Heartless with every strike. His movements were graceful yet strong, as if each step was carefully calculated, and every swing of his blade was filled with purpose. Though his style was vastly different from Rainbow Dash’s, the two were perfectly in sync, almost as if they could sense each other’s movements without having to communicate.

Fluttershy watched in amazement as Sora knocked a Heartless into the air with a single upward strike, the creature sent soaring right into Rainbow’s path. Without hesitation, Rainbow Dash dove in, catching the Heartless mid-air with a rapid series of kicks and punches, keeping it airborne with each hit. Her hooves flew like lightning, making it look as if the Heartless was a mere plaything in her grasp. With a final, well-placed dropkick, she sent the creature hurtling back toward the ground, right where Sora had just finished clearing out another group of Shadow Colts.

“Look alive, hero!” Rainbow’s voice cut through the air, the playful warning carrying a note of genuine camaraderie.

Sora grinned at the call, his Keyblade spinning with ease as he dashed forward. In one swift motion, he struck the Heartless before it could even touch the ground, dissipating it with a single blow.

Rainbow Dash hovered for a moment, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. Though she’d never admit it out loud, she was impressed. Sora was definitely holding his own, and more than that—he was fighting like a true hero. Shaking her head to dispel any thoughts of admiration, she muttered to herself, “Can’t let the hero show me up.” With that, she dove back into the fray, her wings propelling her forward with renewed energy.

Fluttershy’s gaze shifted toward the three fillies huddled beside her. They were just as captivated by the scene as she was, their wide eyes glued to the battle before them.

Apple Bloom, her bow trembling slightly, kept her focus entirely on Sora. She barely blinked, her breath catching every time a Shadow Colt got too close to the stallion. The tension in her small body was palpable, and it was clear she was holding her breath in anticipation of every attack.

Scootaloo, despite the pain in her leg, was nearly bouncing with excitement, torn between watching her idol, Rainbow Dash, and the new hero who had captured her imagination. Her wings buzzed with energy as she tried to keep up with both their movements. “This is so awesome,” she whispered, eyes gleaming with admiration.

Sweetie Belle, on the other hoof, peeked through her hooves, hiding her face whenever she thought Sora or Rainbow Dash were in danger, only to peek out again moments later. Her nervous gasps were punctuated with small sighs of relief every time they pulled off an incredible move or narrowly dodged an attack. She was scared, but there was no way she was going to miss any of the action.

All three fillies watched in breathless anticipation, their worry mingling with excitement. Despite their fear, they couldn’t look away, drawn into the spectacle unfolding before them.

Fluttershy’s attention drifted back to Sora, her heart aching as she watched him battle tirelessly. Her ears flattened against her head, and she lowered her gaze slightly, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. I wish I could do more for you, Sora... she thought, her throat tightening. I want to be out there with you, fighting by your side, instead of just hiding here.

She knew her place was with the fillies, keeping them safe. That was the most important thing she could do right now. But a part of her longed to help Sora directly, to stand beside him in the face of danger, even if the mere thought of it terrified her. She didn’t want to be afraid—not when her friends needed her the most.

I don’t care if I’m scared... I want to help, Fluttershy thought, her hooves trembling slightly. She clenched her jaw, determination settling in her heart. If there came a moment where she could make a difference, she wouldn’t hesitate.

But for now, all she could do was watch, hope, and pray to Celestia that they would make it through this.

~~~

Sora landed on his hooves, skidding to a stop a short distance from the Heartless horde. Right beside him, Rainbow Dash was hovering, her wings flapping tiredly.

“Hey, you okay, Rainbow?” The stallion asked, getting back into a fighting posistion.

“I’m fine, Hero,” Rainbow said with a wave of her hoof, though the sweat dripping down her forehead told a different story. “I just need to catch my breath... and then I’ll wipe out the rest of them.”

Sora chuckled softly, then shifted his gaze to the dark crystal from which the Heartless were still pouring. Oddly, it seemed smaller than when he’d first seen it. “I think we’re almost out of the woods.” He huffed. “If only I could use my magnet spell to gather them all together… then I could take them out in one go.”

“Gathering them?” Rainbow tapped a hoof to her chest with a proud smirk. “I can handle that. Ever hear of tornadoes? I’m basically a master at it.”

Sora raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “You can summon a tornado?”

“Summon one?” Rainbow laughed. “I am the tornado!” She proved her point by lashing out with a hind kick, sending a charging Heartless flying.

Sora paused for a moment, considering her idea, then nodded with a wide grin. “Alright then, make a tornado around me!”

Rainbow gaped at him, clearly taken aback. “Are you nuts?”

Sora’s grin didn’t falter. “Trust me.”

Rainbow stared at him for a second longer, weighing his words before giving a resolute nod. “Okay, Hero. You asked for it!” She shot into the sky, her wings slicing through the air as she began to fly in tight circles around Sora. Dust and debris kicked up as her speed increased, and soon, the swirling vortex of wind grew stronger, sucking the nearby Heartless into the whirlwind.

Sora braced himself, standing firm at the eye of the storm as more Heartless were pulled into the spinning vortex. The wind howled, and the dark creatures flailed helplessly as they were trapped by the powerful current Rainbow had created. With her speed increasing, Rainbow ascended higher, carrying the Heartless with her in the rising tornado.

Sora’s focus sharpened. This was his chance. With a determined gleam in his eyes, he launched himself into the swirling chaos, his Keyblade flashing as he spun through the air. His strikes were swift and accurate, cutting down Heartless after Heartless, their dark forms disintegrating into nothingness with every swing.

Rainbow, though exerting all her energy to keep the tornado stable, couldn’t help but grin at the sight of Sora tearing through the Heartless with such ease. “Haha! No way... You’re one crazy madpony!” she shouted down to him, laughter escaping her despite the intensity of the moment.

Sora twirled through the tornado, clearing out Heartless with every strike until he reached the peak of the vortex. His wings flared open, catching the wind’s updraft as he steadied himself at the top. “Rainbow! Up here!” he called out, raising a hoof.

Rainbow looked up just as he shouted and saw him holding out his hoof for her to grab. With a smirk, she stopped circling, letting the tornado slowly dissipate, and shot toward him. Grabbing his hoof, she swung him downward with all her strength. “Go get ‘em, Hero!”

Sora spun through the air like a corkscrew, his Keyblade extended. He tore through the remaining Heartless in one powerful descent, cutting through the dark creatures like they were nothing. Hundreds of crystal hearts were released from the Shadow Colts as they disintegrated, the dark energy vanishing into the air. Sora landed gracefully, his hind hooves digging into the ground to slow his momentum. He spun his Keyblade once before striking a pose, a cocky grin plastered on his face.

“Done and done! Too easy,” he cheered in victory.

Rainbow Dash landed beside him, beaming. “That was so awes—” She caught herself mid-sentence, coughing into her hoof and trying to play it cool. “I mean... yeah, that was pretty cool.”

Sora chuckled, shaking his head as he looked at her. “You were pretty awesome too, Dash.”

Before the cyan mare could even respond back to him, Fluttershy and the fillies came dashing towards the pair, the yellow mare stopping in front of Sora, both tears and happiness emanating from the mare. “I’m so glad that the two of you are alright! I was so worried...and scared...But you both are safe, right? You’re not injured are you?” The shy mare’s gaze kept towards the caramel stallion’s own, a simple blush forming on his cheeks as she fussed over him.

“Nah, I’m fine,” Sora said with a reassuring smile. “It looks worse than it is.”

Fluttershy sighed in relief, placing a hoof over her heart. “Thank goodness. I don’t know what I would have done if you got hurt.”

The rainbow maned mare huffed as she glared at her yellow friend. "Yeah...no...I'm fine. Don't worry about me or anything, Flutters...”

“That. Was. SO. WICKED!” Scootaloo squealed, bouncing excitedly on Fluttershy’s back despite her injured leg. “You two are like... superheroes!”

“Yeah! You two were amazing!” Sweetie Belle chimed in, her eyes wide with excitement. “From... y’know, what I saw when I wasn’t hiding behind my hooves…”

Applebloom, her eyes shining with admiration, attached herself to Sora’s leg and nuzzled him. “Ya saved us again, Sora.”

Sora blushed even more, clearly flustered by the filly’s affection. Rainbow rolled her eyes with a smirk, giving a lighthearted huff. “Yeah, yeah, let’s not get all mushy. We’ve got more work to do.” She gestured toward the castle. “We still need to help Twilight find that Crystal Heart thingie!”

“Oh, right! The Crystal Heart,” Sora nodded, turning toward the castle. “Let’s head back and see if Twilight’s found anything—”

Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden explosion rocked the ground beneath their hooves. All eyes shot toward the Crystal Castle just in time to see the top of the tower blow apart, debris scattering in every direction.

Chapter 18

Sora and the girls could only watch in horror as the top of the crystal palace exploded, sending shards and fragments raining down. The anguished cries of the crystal ponies echoed through the air, reaching them even from this distance.

“Wha… what just… what just happened?” Rainbow finally stammered out, her eyes glued to the disaster before her. “What in Equestria just happened?”

No one answered at first, but as a dark figure began to emerge from the smoke atop the shattered tower, it soon became clear.

From the wreckage rose a creature straight from a nightmare. Even from afar, Sora could make out its daunting size and unsettling features, stirring up memories of similar beings he had faced in his darkest battles. This massive, crystal-armored figure resembled the Heartless he knew all too well, though it was even larger and more menacing. A crystal helmet obscured its face, leaving only its glowing yellow eyes and writhing antennae visible. Those hollow, soulless eyes scanned the surroundings before the creature released a thunderous roar, as if daring anyone to challenge it.

And, in the distance, someone did.

Not far from the creature’s reach was a small white shape, carrying what looked like pink and purple figures on its back and forelegs. Though it was difficult to make out from where he stood, Sora felt a jolt of recognition. Those figures… He knew them.

“That’s… Cadence and Twilight!” The stallion gasped, “Darn it! We have to get back to the castle!” He turned to lead the charge, but the sound of shattering glass suddenly cracked through the air behind them, causing him pause. He and the girls spun around, just in time to see the magical barrier disintegrate right before their eyes. Freezing winds and biting snow surged toward them, chilling them instantly, but even the cold was overshadowed by the sinister darkness that began to descend.

Heavy hoofsteps echoed as a dark unicorn emerged from the swirling shadows, his crimson cape billowing around his sleek, metallic gray form, casting a dark and imposing presence. His unnatural green eyes glowed, filled with an ominous, dark energy that radiated power and malice.

"Hehehehe… HAHAHAHAHA!" The stallion’s laughter echoed through the storm, wild and unrestrained. A twisted grin spread across his face, sharp teeth glinting as his gaze settled on the ponies before him. "Well, well… my little ponies. Consider yourselves fortunate to witness the return of the one true king of the Crystal Empire."

The Dark King had returned. Sombra was back!

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

Return of Sombra-The Fight

Despite the chilling danger before them, Rainbow’s gaze kept flicking to the towering Heartless attacking her friends back at the crystal tower. She wasn’t one to depend on anypony, least of all in a fight, but this time, she swallowed her pride and leaned toward the stallion beside her, whispering out of the corner of her mouth in a slightly strained voice. “Alright, hero… if you got a plan to win this, might be a good time to pull it out of your flank.”

If Sora heard her, he didn’t show it. His mind was racing, his instincts torn between the immediate threat in front of him and his friends in trouble down at the castle.

I need to help Twilight and Cadence, but… this guy… I can’t take my eyes off him. If I do…

His gaze shifted briefly to Fluttershy and the fillies huddled beside her. Despite her fear, the timid mare stood protectively in front of the young ones.

I can’t leave them alone. Not with him. But I can’t stay here either.

A calm, familiar voice surfaced within his mind. Sora, breathe. I know you want to help your friends, but we can’t be in two places at once.

I know that, Ventus! he thought back, a surge of frustration mingling with desperation. But I can’t just leave either of them!

You don’t have to, Ventus replied, his tone reassuring. You just have to trust your friends the way you ask them to trust you.

Sora took a deep breath, grounding himself. He moved closer to Rainbow, meeting her gaze with newfound resolve. “Rainbow, you’re the fastest, right?”

Rainbow snorted, though her voice held a hint of worry. “Fastest of the fastest, hero.”

“Then I need you to get to Twilight and Cadence. Whoever’s with them might need a pony like you by their side.”

Rainbow narrowed her eyes, catching his intent. “What about this poser? You just gonna take him on by yourself?” Her voice held a mix of irritation and deep-seated concern. “I can’t just leave you—I mean, all of you here with this jerk.”

“And we can’t leave Twilight and Cadence, either,” Sora countered, a confident smile breaking through as he looked back at her. “I’ve handled creeps like him before. You don’t have to worry.”

Rainbow hesitated, then smirked. “Alright, hero, you win. I’ll leave you to handle this wanna-be king. Just don’t complain when I take down that Heartless before you can even blink.” She turned toward the castle, her wings flaring in preparation, but she cast one last glance over her shoulder. “And don’t get yourself killed, got it? Protect Fluttershy, or I’ll be the one kicking your flank!”

Sora laughed, finding comfort in her fire. “Honestly, I’m more afraid of you than I am of this guy, so I got that covered.”

Rainbow smirked at the remark before she took off in a blur, leaving Sora face-to-face with the dark king, who had watched the exchange with a mocking smirk.

“Done with your little plotting, boy?” Sombra taunted, his voice a dark, menacing rumble. “Not that it matters. Your friends’ fates were sealed before this even began.” His green eyes gleamed with amusement as he continued, “Still…I do hope you can at least provide me with a little entertainment before I destroy you.

Sora planted his hooves firmly, meeting Sombra's gaze with unwavering determination, his Keyblade gripped tightly. “I’ve fought bullies like you before, Sombra. You’re nothing special.”

Sombra’s grin only widened, his emerald eyes gleaming with dark energy. “Amusing...” His horn crackled with shadowy magic, red scythes of energy manifesting and swirling around him. “But your bravado will be short-lived.”

“And you talk a big game,” Sora taunted, “But I’ll defeat you like all the rest.”

Sombra’s eyes narrowed, his laughter dark and echoing. “Do you think I’m as easy to defeat as the Heartless you’ve faced? I will crush you, then the princesses, and after that, all of Equestria will be mine!” Red, translucent scythes formed around him, each blade shimmering with a deadly edge. “If a boy is all that stands in my way… then I’ve already won.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever, dark and spooky.” Sora said with a roll of his eyes, giving Sombra a smirk as he spun his Keyblade. “How about you quit the monologue, and we just get this fight started already?” He planted his hooves, his expression full of confidence. “I didn’t come here to listen to some wannabe king brag!”

Sombra’s eyes flared with annoyance, his scythes hovering menacingly around him. “Very well, boy. If you’re so eager to meet your end—come and face the true power of darkness!”

~~~

As Rainbow Dash sped through the icy winds toward the crystal palace, she suddenly heard the sharp clash of metal and the thunderous rumble of dark magic behind her. Instinctively, she skidded to a halt mid-air, her ears swiveling to pick up the sounds of the intense fight echoing through the storm.

She turned her head, eyes narrowing as she saw flashes of light and darkness flicker through the haze of snow. Sora, she thought, feeling a pang of concern mixed with admiration. The guy really was crazy, throwing himself right at Sombra like that. But even she had to admit, his determination was something else.

She hovered in place, biting her lip, her loyalty tugging her back toward the battle. “C’mon, Rainbow,” she muttered to herself, “He’s got this. He’s tough… tougher than most ponies I know. And he’s trusting you to help the others…”

Still, the sound of Sora’s Keyblade striking against Sombra’s dark magic echoed again, sharp and fierce, like a promise that the battle was far from over. She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to turn back toward the palace.

“Just… don’t do anything stupid, hero,” she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of pride and worry. With a quick beat of her wings, she bolted toward the palace, her mind racing as she fought to shake off the feeling gnawing at her gut. Sora was counting on her to help Twilight and Cadence—and she wasn’t about to let anyone down.

~~~

Sora flipped backward, narrowly evading the blade of Sombra’s scythe as it struck the ground where he’d just stood. Regaining his stance, he charged forward, only to find another scythe waiting, poised to slice him in two. Quick as ever, Sora dropped low, sliding under the blade with ease. Without losing momentum, he leaped, twisting his body to dodge yet another scythe as it narrowly grazed his side. Landing on his hooves, he sprinted straight toward Sombra, determination fueling his every step. Another of the dark king's scythes loomed in his path, ready to strike with deadly force.

But Sora was faster. With a skillful flick of his Keyblade, he parried the strike downward, redirecting it, and with a twist of his head, he hooked the weapon under Sombra’s scythe and forced it from the dark unicorn’s magical grasp. As the scythe fell, Sora sprang into the air, catching it in his hooves. Spinning mid-air, he aimed a powerful slash down toward Sombra.

But as the blade connected, Sora’s face twisted in confusion—it passed straight through Sombra, as though the king were nothing but mist. Before he could react, the scythe was yanked from his grip, and the blunt end struck him hard in the chest, sending him reeling. Doubling over in pain, he heard Sombra’s sharp laugh of satisfaction. Sombra raised his other scythes high, preparing to bring them down on Sora’s unguarded back.

Sora rolled to the side just in time, evading the deadly strike by a hair. Regaining his footing, he flipped backward, putting distance between himself and Sombra, and hurled his Keyblade straight at the dark king. Sombra sneered, watching the weapon approach with dismissive amusement.

“You think a simple blade will—GAH!”

Sombra’s taunt was cut short as the Keyblade began to glow with an intense light, a brightness unlike anything Sombra had felt before. The blade struck true, forcing him out of his untagable from, the stallion shifting back into flesh and blood. He recoiled, stunned by the unexpected pain as the keyblade landed a blow right on his chest.

Taking advantage of the opening, Sora charged forward, his Keyblade rematerializing in his grasp with a gleaming light. He leaped, bringing the weapon down in a powerful arc toward Sombra.

But this time, Sombra was ready.

With a clang of metal against metal, Sombra blocked the strike with his armored foreleg, the plate acting as a makeshift shield. Their eyes locked, and they found themselves locked in a tense standoff, neither willing to yield.

Sombra’s voice was low and menacing as he pushed back. “Impressive, colt… It’s rare to find a pony who can stand against me like this.” His smirk grew. “Especially one as young as you.”

Sora gritted his teeth, pushing against the dark king’s strength, refusing to give in even an inch. But just as quickly as he’d engaged, Sombra vanished in a wisp of dark smoke, reappearing several paces away.

The king’s tone softened to an almost complimentary tone. “Such power for one so young. Your strength, speed, reflexes… They are rare gifts.” He gave a sly smile. “It’s almost a shame to waste such talent for such fruitless endeavors."

“What are you getting at, Sombra?” Sora spat.

“Something I rarely offer to anyone…” The dark king chuckled softly. “A place at my side, boy. With me as your mentor, I could teach you the true depths of your power—the power of darkness. Imagine what we could accomplish together.”

“What?” The keyblade wielder spoke, slightly taken aback. “What are you talking about Sombra?”

“What I am saying, boy, is that I have a proposition for you.” The dark king held out his hoof offering it to the keyblade wielder. “I want you to join me. With me as your teacher in the Darkness, I can show you the way to your true potential!”

Sora scoffed, stamping a hoof. “Yeah, right! Like I’d ever turn my back on my friends!”

Sombra’s smile twisted into a sneer. “Your friends,” he echoed mockingly, “Clinging to such a feeble word.” He took a menacing step forward, his voice lowering into a serpentine whisper. “You could be so much more, Sora. You could be unstoppable, feared by all. Why waste your strength fighting for them when you could rule over them…have anything you want.”

“Enough with the mind games!” The stallion shouted. “I’m not joining you, and I’m sure not betraying my friends! Not for all the power in the world!”

Sombra’s expression hardened, his voice turning colder. “A pity, truly…” He smiled. “On two accounts.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sora scoffed

Sombra chuckled darkly. “For one…It’s unfortunate you’ve refused me. Killing a pony with your potential is… wasteful.” His horn began to glow, dark energy swirling around him. “As for the other account… it will be a pity when your own misguided loyalty becomes your undoing.”

Sora shook his head, readying his Keyblade. “What?”

~~~

Fluttershy had been tense the entire time, watching every blow Sora exchanged with Sombra, her heart sinking each time he took a hit. Fighting had never been her way, but feeling so helpless—unable to do anything to aid him—made her feel even worse. Sora was risking his life for them, Rainbow was out there risking hers for Twilight and Cadance, and she was certain that Applejack and Pinkie were doing everything they could too.

She knew, deep down, that she was doing her part by protecting the fillies. So why did she still feel so... useless?

“Hey! They… they stopped fighting!”

Sweetie Belle’s voice snapped Fluttershy back to the present, and she blinked, frowning slightly as she saw that Sora and Sombra had, indeed, paused their battle.

“Aww!” Scootaloo complained. “It was just getting good, too.” She turned to her friends with excitement. “I mean, I’ve seen Sora fight Heartless before, but he’s never moved like that! Almost as awesome as Rainbow Dash.” She looked back at the scene. “But… why’d they stop fighting?”

“Oh! Ah know!” Apple Bloom piped up. “Bet that dark unicorn’s tryin’ to get Sora to join the dark side!”

Sweetie Belle gave her a curious look. “What makes you think that?”

“Isn’t that what all big villains do? When they think they’re losing, they try to see if the hero will join them,” Apple Bloom explained confidently, then flinched at the looks she got from her friends and Fluttershy. “Uh… I may have read a few of Spike’s comics…”

“Doesn’t matter what he’s saying!” Scootaloo scoffed, puffing out her chest. “There’s no way Sora would ever join him! He’s Rainbow’s friend, so that means he’s already on the cool side!”

Fluttershy smiled at Scootaloo’s declaration. She knew deep down that Sora would never side with someone like Sombra. Even to her, he never seen to type to do something so evil. She placed a hoof over her heart, remembering how gentle Sora had been when he’d saved her before. Sora wasn’t the kind of pony who’d hurt those with good hearts. He’d never let himself be swayed by darkness.

But as she opened her eyes again, her expression changed. Sombra was grinning—and not at Sora.

No, his gaze was focused somewhere else.

Fluttershy’s heart raced as she realized who he was looking at.

Without another thought, she pushed all three fillies away from her as hard as she could. She barely registered their cries of alarm before her vision was filled with shadow. The last sound she heard was their panicked voices, calling out her name as everything went dark.

~~~

Sora's head whipped toward the fillies' voices as they all shouted Fluttershy’s name. His heart sank when he realized that Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen with them.

"Looking for somepony, boy?"

Sora turned sharply to face Sombra, shock overtaking the confusion he'd felt moments before. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of Fluttershy, trapped in tendrils of darkness that coiled from Sombra’s shadow. Her soft, shuddering voice reached him.

“S-Sora… I’m… I’m sorry… I…”

“Fluttershy!” Sora cried, a mix of horror and fury building within him. He rushed forward but froze as the tendrils around her neck tightened, causing her to gasp for air.

Sora’s heart thundered as he stared at Fluttershy, her frightened eyes meeting his through the darkness binding her. He tightened his grip on his Keyblade, his whole body tensing as a cold fury ignited within him. Sombra’s smug grin only deepened, sensing the anger radiating from his opponent. He made to move but stopped when the black stallion’s voice rung.

“Tsk, tsk…” Sombra chided with a twisted grin. “I wouldn’t get any closer, little Hero. Unless, of course, you’d rather I end this pitiful mare’s suffering sooner.” He leaned in closer to Fluttershy, his muzzle just inches from her face, his gaze still locked onto Sora. “If this is the kind of company you keep, I see why you wouldn’t want to join me,” he sneered, lifting Fluttershy’s chin as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Yes… I see why indeed.”

“Sombra!” Sora shouted, his voice raw with emotion. “Let her go. Now.”

Sombra's grin only widened, a low, dark chuckle escaping him. “Oh, but I think I’m rather enjoying this,” he said, his tone taunting. He lifted a hoof, stroking one of the dark tendrils coiled around Fluttershy’s neck, tightening it just enough to make her wince. “You see, boy, I’ve always found fear to be a far more… effective tool than brute strength alone.”

Sora took a step forward, his voice trembling with rage and desperation. “Sombra, I swear, if you hurt her—”

The dark king scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Oh, spare me the heroic speeches.” With a flick of his horn, the tendrils around Fluttershy’s neck tightened, causing her to choke out a pained gasp. “Now be a good hero and be quite. You don’t give the orders here, boy. And the more you defy me, the more she suffers.”

Sora’s ears flattened as he swallowed his rage, his gaze hardening as he clenched his teeth.

“See?” Sombra mocked, keeping his cold gaze on Sora as he examined Fluttershy with a wicked smile. “Isn’t it so much easier when you let others control you? Such a delicate creature…” He caressed her cheek with a hoof, delighting in Sora’s glare. “I wonder how long she’d last before darkness broke her.”

That was enough for Sora. He lunged forward, his Keyblade blazing with light. But as he did, Sombra’s dark scythes appeared, surrounding him and slamming down, pinning him in place on the ground.

Sombra strode toward Sora, his hooves landing with heavy, menacing thuds. “THIS! IS! WHAT! HAPPENS! TO BAD COLTS WHO DON’T LISTEN!” Each word was punctuated by a brutal kick to Sora’s side, making him double over in pain. When he was done, he sneered at Sora’s weakened form. “Those who resist only invite suffering by my hoof.”

“You… monster…” a soft, defiant voice spoke behind him.

Sombra paused and turned, his eyes narrowing at Fluttershy, who, despite her tears, was glaring at him with fierce determination.

“What was that?” he growled, barely able to contain his anger.

Fluttershy took a shaky breath, her legs trembling but her gaze unwavering as she faced down the dark king. “I said… you’re a monster. Hurting others to feel powerful… there’s nothing strong about you!”

Sombra’s expression twisted in fury as he stalked back toward her. “A good mare knows when to keep quiet.” He raised his hoof, prepared to strike her. “Looks like you need a lesson.”

Fluttershy braced herself, squeezing her eyes shut as she awaited the blow.

Splut!

Fluttershy blinked, confused. Something wet had splattered against Sombra’s head. She opened her eyes to see a layer of whipped cream and pie crust covering him. Sombra whirled, growling, only to be met with an orange hoof crashing into his face, sending him sprawling and breaking the dark spell holding her. She stumbled forward, collapsing into Pinkie Pie’s waiting embrace.

“Gotcha, Flutters!” Pinkie Pie whispered with a comforting smile, holding Fluttershy close. “No big meanie’s gonna hurt you while we’re here!”

Sombra, now coated in pie and stunned by the sudden strike, staggered back to his hooves, his fury evident as he wiped the whipped cream from his face. “You insolent—!” he began, his voice dripping with rage.

“Aw, did I interrupt your villain monologue?” Applejack taunted, planting herself firmly between Sombra and the others, her stance unyielding. “Funny thing, Sombra. Where I come from, we don’t take kindly to bullies—especially ones who pick on mares like Fluttershy.”

Sombra scoffed, flicking remnants of the pie crust from his face, his sneer twisting into a dark smile. “You ponies really don’t know your place, do you?” His voice dripped with disdain as he straightened, his shadowy form looming over them.

Applejack tipped her hat, preparing to charge, but Pinkie placed a hoof in front of her. “You go help Sora. Leave this guy to me.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “You sure, Pinkie?”

Pinkie grinned, bouncing on her hooves. “Of course! When have I ever let you down?”

Applejack hesitated, glancing between Pinkie and Sombra, but she caught the confident gleam in Pinkie’s eyes. “Alright, Pinkie. Just give a holler if you need backup,” she said, giving her friend an encouraging nod before turning to help Sora, who was struggling to his hooves nearby.

As Applejack moved away, Sombra’s gaze locked onto Pinkie, his expression a mix of disdain and irritation. “You think you can take me on alone?” he sneered. “I’ll make you regret such arrogance, you foolish mare.”

Pinkie only laughed, her usual light-heartedness somehow managing to fill the space with warmth and defiance. “Oh, Sombra, you’re talking to the wrong pony about regret!” She reached behind her, producing an arsenal of pies stacked precariously high. “I’ve got more tricks up my mane than you can shake your scary horn at!”

Sombra’s eyes narrowed as he gathered dark energy, his horn crackling with power. “Enough of these games!” He launched a wave of shadows toward her, but Pinkie leaped out of the way with a twirl, landing gracefully on her hind legs as she balanced one of her pies in her hoof.

“Who’s playing games?” Pinkie retorted with a grin. “I’m just getting started!” With a practiced spin, she hurled the pie straight at Sombra, who barely had time to dodge before another followed right after. Pinkie kept up a steady stream, each pie soaring with surprising accuracy, forcing Sombra to stumble backward as he blocked and dodged.

Sombra growled in frustration, his horn glowing with darker energy as he tried to keep up with Pinkie’s relentless pie barrage. Every time he blocked or dodged, another pie was already flying toward him, splattering against his coat and adding to the frosting and crumbs that clung to him. His once-imposing form now looked ridiculous, and Pinkie didn’t let him forget it.

“Come on, Sombra! I thought you were supposed to be scary!” Pinkie teased, bouncing nimbly out of the way as he fired a beam of dark magic at her. She darted around him, keeping up a steady stream of taunts. “What’s wrong? Pie got your tongue?”

Sombra snarled, his patience wearing thin. “Enough! You’re foalishness ends now!” His horn ignited, and the ground below Pinking Shaking before it erupted. Tendrils just like the ones that had trapped Fluttershy shot up from the ground, aiming to do the same to the pink party mare.

Just as the dark tendrils shot up, twisting toward Pinkie with alarming speed, Sora leaped into the fray, his Keyblade blazing with radiant light. In a single, precise strike, he sliced through the shadows, each tendril dissolving into wisps of darkness before they could reach her.

He landed in front of the mare, glaring. “Not this time Sombra! You’re done!”

Sombra snarled, his shadowy form flickering as he beheld Sora standing protectively in front of Pinkie, the radiant light of his Keyblade casting away the darkness around them. “You think you can defy me, boy?” Sombra sneered, his voice laced with venom. “I am the true ruler of the shadows! You and your pathetic light are nothing compared to my power!”

Without a word, Sora surged forward, his Keyblade blazing with pure, unwavering light. He struck Sombra’s magical shield with relentless force, each impact sending shockwaves rippling through the air. The dark king gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his defenses, but Sora’s strikes were relentless, each blow stronger than the last, driven by an unyielding determination to protect his friends.

Cracks spidered across Sombra’s shield, thin at first but widening with every hit. Sora’s expression was fierce, his focus unbreakable as he poured all his strength into his strikes. With one final, powerful swing, his Keyblade shattered the shield, and before Sombra could react, Sora’s blade connected with his face, sending him reeling.

Sombra staggered, stunned by the sheer force, but Sora didn’t let up. He pressed forward, delivering blow after blow with his Keyblade, each strike filled with a fierce resolve. The dark king began to crumple, his once-imposing figure reduced to a target for Sora’s unstoppable assault.

Finally, with a devastating upward swing, Sora struck Sombra square in the chin, the impact lifting him off the ground and launching him into the sky. The dark king’s form twisted and flickered, his defiant sneer replaced by shock and pain as he soared through the air, his control slipping.

As Sombra hung suspended, Sora summoned all the light within him, his Keyblade radiating with a brilliant glow. He leaped into the air, his voice ringing out with unshakable confidence. “This is it!”

With one final, earth-shaking swing, Sora’s Keyblade collided with Sombra’s form, the dark stallion crumbling to the ground in a heap. The keyblade wielder landed beside Sombra’s crumpled form, his chest heaving as he tried to steady his breath. “That…was for Fluttershy,” he muttered, his Keyblade fading as he turned back to his friends—only to be swept into a crushing hug by Pinkie.

When she finally pulled back, her bright blue eyes met his, filled with a gentleness that Sora hadn’t often seen in her.

“Sora…” she said softly, her smile a bit hesitant at first. “Are you… okay now?” Her voice was uncharacteristically quiet as she spoke.

Sora blinked, a little taken aback by her question. “I…Y-Yeah I’m fine…” He gave her a smile.

Pinkie’s smile grew a little brighter, the worry in her eyes easing as she let out a small sigh of relief. “Good,” she said, her voice returning to its usual upbeat tone. “Because you were really, really scary for a moment there, Sora!” She giggled, nudging him playfully. “But if you’re okay now, then it’s all good!”

Sora chuckled, scratching the back of his head, a bit embarrassed. “Guess I got a little intense, huh?”

Applejack stepped up beside him, giving Sora a friendly nudge. “A little intense?” she teased, raising an eyebrow with a playful smirk. “Sugarcube, you looked about ready to tear that stallion to pieces! Not that I can blame ya, after what he put Fluttershy through.” She tipped her hat, a warm glint in her eyes. “Glad to see you’re okay, partner. Would’ve been a shame to lose such a dependable farmhoof.”

Sora chuckled, glancing over at his friends with a warm smile. "Well, I promised a certain rainbow-maned mare I'd come out on top," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Couldn’t go letting her down now, could I?”

Just as Sora finished speaking, he was nearly knocked off his hooves as the three fillies rushed over, their eyes wide with awe and admiration. The yellow filly, Apple Bloom, leaped right into his hooves, wrapping her forelegs around his neck and hugging him tightly.

“Sora! Ah was so worried!” She nuzzled into his cheek before pulling away. “Are y’all okay!? Did he hurt ya anywhere?!”

“Took a few hits, but I’ve had worse.” He chuckled, giving her a gentle pat on the back. “Besides, with you girls cheering me on, there was no way I was gonna let Sombra get the better of me.”

Apple Bloom pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his face to make sure he was really alright. “Good,” she said with a little sniffle, quickly wiping her eyes. “Ya had us scared half to death back there! When he knocked ya down, Ah thought—” She shook her head, trying to stay strong. “Ah thought we were gonna lose ya.”

“Are you kidding, Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo said, her wings fluttering with excitement. “There’s no way Sora would let some evil old shadow king take him down! He’s, like, unstoppable! And Half as cool as Rainbow Dash! No way he was gonna lose to that jerk.”

“Sora…”

As the girls’ chatter quieted, Fluttershy’s soft voice reached him, a gentle reminder of her presence. She stepped forward, her expression tender yet slightly hesitant. “Sora…” she began, her voice just above a whisper, “I…Are you okay? Really?”

The stallion couldn’t help but smile softly at her question. “Yeah…I’m fine. Honest. I should be the one asking that of you though.” he frowns. “I…Because of me you were put in danger and…”

Fluttershy shook her head gently, interrupting him before he could finish. Her soft gaze met his, filled with unwavering kindness. “Sora, please don’t think that way. You were trying to protect all of us… I could see how hard you fought.” She stepped a little closer, her voice trembling slightly. “If anything, I’m… I’m just glad we’re all safe.”

“Might want to put a hold on that, Sugarcube,” Applejack spoke, her gaze shifting toward the towering Crystal Castle in the distance. Even from here, they could see the massive Heartless tearing through the streets, its crystalline body glinting ominously in the light. “We gotta high-tail it over there, and fast. Don’t know how much longer Twi and Cadance can hold up… even with that strange pony with bat wings lending a hoof.”

“YOU THINK THIS IS OVER?!”

Everyone turned to seeSombra, battered and barely holding himself upright, staggered to his hooves, his eyes blazing with rage. “You Foals…I Will make you pay…for this humiliation!”

Everyone turned, their expressions shifting to shock and alarm as Sombra, bloodied and bruised, forced himself upright. His form flickered, barely holding together, but his eyes blazed with a hatred that seemed to fuel his very being. Shadows seeped from him like smoke, swirling in a twisted aura of vengeance.

"You foals… I will make you pay… for this humiliation!" he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. Dark magic crackled at his hooves, pooling into tendrils that slithered across the ground, reaching toward them with menacing intent.

Sora tightened his grip on his Keyblade, his stance immediately shifting to shield his friends. "Not this time, Sombra!" he called out, his voice steady and unwavering. "You’ve lost. Just give it up already."

Sombra sneered, the darkness coiling around him growing thicker as his form seemed to warp, his face twisted with rage. "I’d sooner see this kingdom fall to ruin than accept defeat!" His voice thundered, causing the ground beneath them to rumble.

Applejack took a protective step forward, her expression hardening. “If ya think we’re just gonna stand here and let you hurt anypony else, you got another thing comin’, Sombra.”

Pinkie looked around at the others, her usual smile replaced with a fierce determination. “Yeah! You’re not scaring anypony anymore, Sombra!” she declared, her stance firm beside Applejack.

The mad king scoffed. “So be it!” He reached out to the sky, foaming at the mouth with anger as he screamed to the heavens. “Darkness! Come onto me! Fill me with all your everlasting power!!”

As Sombra’s furious cry tore through the air, the sky above began to darken, twisting into a swirling vortex of shadows. Bolts of dark lightning crackled through the air, drawn to him like moths to a flame, each bolt amplifying his presence until he was nearly engulfed by a churning, chaotic mass of darkness. His form began to change, growing larger and more grotesque, his eyes burning with a crimson fury as his body became a monstrous fusion of shadow and malice.

Applejack held her hat against the wind caused by his transformation. “What in tarnation is he doing?!”

Pinkie clutched the fillies close as they ran towards her, the foul wind picking up around the small group. “Oh no! This one’s bad!”

Sora quickly positioned himself in front of Fluttershy, the stallion’s gaze never leaving Sombra as he gave his heart into darkness fully. As the transformation reached its peak, Sombra let out a roar that shook the ground beneath them, his new monstrous form towering over the ponies. His body was now a swirling mass of darkness, twisted with jagged, crystalline armor that shimmered with malevolent energy. His eyes blazed with an unearthly glow, and his voice echoed like thunder.

A creature of nightmares now stood where the Dark King had fallen, worst then the one attacking the Crystal Castle.

“None of you will leave here alive!” he bellowed, his clawed hand sweeping forward, sending a wave of shadow crashing toward them.

Without a second thought, Sora grabbed Fluttershy’s hoof, his voice urgent but steady. “Everyone, run for it! Now!”

He pulled Fluttershy back as the monstrous Sombra’s wave of shadow surged toward them, the dark energy crackling and twisting with lethal intent. Applejack and Pinkie didn’t need any more prompting; they herded the fillies away, moving as fast as they could against the wind and darkness.

“Pinkie!” Applejack called out in a huff, her voice cutting though the sea of panic.

“Yeah AJ?” Pinkie answered, looking to her side.

“Ah ever tell ya ah hate bad guys!?” said Applejack.

“Nope I don’t think ya did!” Pinkie answered.

“Oh…well ah do!” Applejack groaned.

“Applejack! Pinkie! Wait!”

Applejack halted at her sister’s urgent command, glancing back to see what her sister was taking about. The farm mare’s eyes widened in alarm as she spotted Sora kneeling beside Fluttershy, who was on the ground, wincing as she struggled to get back up.

“I…I think I twisted my hoof on a rock!” Fluttershy cried, pain evident in her teary eyes. She looked up at Sora, guilt and worry mixing in her expression. “Sora… I-I’m so sorry. I…please, don’t stop for me. You have to go.”

Sora shook his head with determination, stepping protectively in front of Fluttershy, his gaze fixed firmly on the monstrous Sombra advancing toward them. “No way I’m leaving you, Fluttershy,” he said, his voice steady and resolute. “You protected me before… now it’s my turn to return the favor.”

Applejack stepped up beside Sora, her stance solid as she faced the monstrous Sombra without a hint of hesitation. “You’re not doin’ this alone, partner,” she said, determination blazing in her eyes. Pinkie bounded to his other side, her usual smile replaced with a fierce look of resolve.

Sora glanced between them, concern crossing his face. “What about the fillies?” he asked, glancing back.

“They’re safe enough for now,” Applejack replied, her gaze never leaving Sombra. “But nowhere’s safe as long as these monsters are running wild. We either stand and fight here, or we lose everything.”

Pinkie nodded, her normally bright eyes narrowed in focus. “Yeah! We’re not letting some overgrown shadow ruin everypony’s day!” she added, a rare, serious tone in her voice.

Sora looked at them, a surge of gratitude filling him. “Alright, together, then,” he said, his grip tightening on his Keyblade. The three of them stood firm, a line of unwavering determination against the looming darkness.

Sombra roared, his monstrous form surging forward with tendrils of shadow reaching out like claws.

Sora raised his Keyblade, his voice steady and filled with resolve. “Let’s give him everything we’ve got!”

~~~

Canterlot:

Princess Celestia unfurled yet another scroll from the pile beside her, her expression growing more solemn with each one. The report detailed yet another pony who had mysteriously vanished without a trace, joining the ever-growing list of disappearances. It wasn’t just ponies, either—she’d received no response from the Kirin village and had grown increasingly worried about the dragons who had also gone silent. Each disappearance felt far from random, each one selected with a dark purpose she couldn’t yet discern.

She sighed deeply, setting the scroll aside. “He’s planning something… I can feel it. But what?”

Just then, a powerful surge of energy rippled through the air, making Celestia’s heart skip a beat. It was unlike anything she’d felt before—an energy both foreign and ominous. In a flash, she teleported from her study, reappearing before the vault that housed the Elements of Harmony. Her horn lit up, quickly unlocking the powerful wards surrounding the chamber, and she threw open the gates, her heart pounding.

With a steadying breath, she levitated the ornate box over to herself and lifted the lid. Her fears were confirmed.

“The Elements… they’re gone!”

Chapter 19

Applejack…Awake…

The farm mare stirred at the sound of her name echoing through the darkness. She groaned softly as she blinked her eyes open, finding herself laying upon a surface that shimmered with otherworldly light…light that was only warm. She soon moved her stiff limbs, getting the feeling as though she had bucked every tree within Sweet Apple Acres…again. Slowly, the farm mare pushed herself up on trembling legs, her hooves clinking against the smooth, glassy surface.

“What in tarnation…” she muttered under her breath, her green eyes scanning her surroundings.

But there was nothing.

Darkness stretched endlessly around her, vast and all-encompassing. It pressed against her from every direction, so thick and consuming that it felt as though the warm light beneath her hooves was the only thing keeping it at bay. Applejack’s breath hitched as unease began to creep in.

“Where… where am I?” she asked aloud, her voice trembling slightly as it carried into the void.

Applejack…

The voice called out again, soft and resonant, like a whisper carried on the wind. Applejack’s ears perked up, swiveling to pinpoint the direction, but the vast darkness surrounding her offered no clues. She cautiously stepped forward, the glassy surface beneath her hooves glowing faintly with each step.

“Who’s there?” she called out, “Come on now, no need to be sneakin’ around. Just show yerself!”

The silence stretched, save for the echo of her own voice. Then, slowly, a faint light appeared in the distance, growing steadily brighter as it approached. Applejack squared her shoulders, bracing herself for whatever—or whoever—was coming.

The light soon halted at the edge of the glassy surface Applejack was standing on, revealing a set of stairs carved from the same shimmering material. They ascended upwards into the void, each step glowing faintly as though lit from within. In the distance she could see another large pillar, the stairs connecting them both.

Her eyes narrowed as she took in the sight of the ethereal staircase before making them fall on the massive pillar beyond. Standing up straight, she adjusted her head and muttered under her breath, “Guess that's the only way ta go…Well, ain’t no sense in standin’ around like a stump in the mud.”

With a cautious step, she moved toward the base of the stairs. Her hooves clinked against the glassy surface, a soft glow forming with each step as she moved forward. She paused at the first step, craning her neck to peer upward. The stairs seemed endless, spiraling into the void and fading from sight.

“Alright, whoever y’are, I’m comin’,” Applejack said firmly, more to herself than anyone else. With a determined exhale, she began her ascent.

Each step felt sturdy underhoof, despite knowing that there was nothing keeping it that way. The light beneath her brightening slightly as though acknowledging her presence. The sensation was strange—solid yet ethereal, warm but not uncomfortable. It was unlike anything she’d felt before.

Halfway up, she stopped, looking down over her shoulder. The glassy platform below was now a distant, dim circle, swallowed by the surrounding darkness. She gulped, a twinge of vertigo making her legs quiver. “Whew, don’t look down, AJ. Jus’ keep movin’,” she murmured, pressing onward.

As Applejack stepped onto the final platform, a wave of relief washed over her—but it was short-lived. The glow from the towering pillar surged, blinding her in an explosion of vivid, radiant pink.

“Wha—?!” Applejack barely had time to react before she was yanked forward, her breath whooshing out of her lungs as something soft yet shockingly strong wrapped around her. The warmth was almost overwhelming, like being smothered in a blanket that smelled faintly of cotton candy and vanilla.

“OHMYGOSH YOU’RE FINALLY HERE!” a voice squealed, high-pitched and brimming with infectious energy. “I was so worried about you, Applejack! When I found myself in this dark void I was all scared and alone and frightened but then I heard this voice and then some pretty stairs appeared and I followed them all the way up here and then I found Sora and then you came and I hugged you and now I feel better!”

“P-Pinkie?! Slow down!” The farm mare sputtered, her voice muffled against the pink party pony’s crushing embrace. She finally managed to pry herself from the mare, catching the breath she had knocked from her lugs before speaking again. “Yer talkin’ faster than a squirrel on chatter day, girl. What in the hay is goin’ on here? Where are we?”

Pinkie tilted her head, her perpetually cheerful expression faltering for a moment. She plopped down onto her haunches, one hoof tapping her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I’m not entirely sure, but it’s gotta be some kind of magical dream realm, right? Oh! And look! We both have our Elements on too! Which is weird because I was sure we left them in Canterlot!”

Applejack blinked before she looked down to find that she did indeed have her Element on. “Well ah’ll be… You’re right Sugarcube. Must have been so out of sorts that ah never noticed it was on me.”

Applejack lifted a hoof to touch the familiar golden necklace resting snugly against her chest. The orange gem in the shape of her cutie mark shimmered faintly in the warm glow of the platform. The sight of it steadied her nerves, if only a little.

Pinkie held up her own Element—a necklace bearing a blue balloon-shaped gem. “I know, right?” She gasped, “Ooooh! Maybe the Elements were like, ‘Hey, these gals could use some extra sparkly accessories today!’” She grinned, hopping back onto all four hooves. “Fashion emergencies can happen anywhere, you know.”

Applejack sighed, the corners of her mouth quirking upward despite the unease gnawing at her. “Pinkie, sometimes ah don’t know if yer tryin’ to make me laugh or if you really believe half the stuff that comes outta yer mouth.”

“Both!” Pinkie replied cheerfully.

The farm mare shook her head. “Anyway…ya mentioned Sora before right? He’s here too?”

“Oh yeah,” the pink mare spoke with a sheepish smile. “He is here…but…There’s something I forgot to mention. So…before I let you know…I’m gonna need you to not freak out on me, okay?”

“What do ya mean Pinkie?” Applejack questioned, growing a little afraid at her friend’s mood change, “Did something happen to Sora? Is he alright?!”

“Applejack he’s fine.” Pinkie Pie assured her. “It's just...It's something you need to see for yourself.” The pink pony sighed before moving out of the orange mare’s line of sight. When she had, Applejack’s eyes would widen at what she saw.

The creature in front of her was tall and lanky, standing upon its hind hooves, almost like Twilight’s assistant, Spike, does. Black clothing that was very familiar was donned upon the creature, the jacket more so familiar to her then anything else. Seeing its face, she could see it was rather flat, not in an ugly way mind you, but it definitely wasn’t that of a pony or any other equestrian she had known. A spiky brown mop of a mane sat upon the top of their head, the only piece of hair she could see upon them since their peach skin was not covered in anything else.

The creature stood awkwardly always from the mare, looking away from both them, one of its fingered claws scratching its cheek softly.

“Pinkie Pie,” Applejack said slowly, her voice low and steady despite the rapid pounding of her heart, “you’d better start explainin’, and fast. What in tarnation am I lookin’ at?”

The pink party mare she had questioned shuffled nervously in place, an uncharacteristic hesitation coloring her usually bubbly demeanor. “Well, um… I told you I found Sora right?” She gestured toward the creature with both forehooves, as if presenting it for the second time. “Tadaaa…”

Applejack blinked, her jaw dropping slightly. “That’s Sora?” she asked.

The creature—no, Sora—winced at the incredulity in Applejack’s voice, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. “Uh… hey, AJ…”

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

The Return of Sombra-The Truth

Applejack’s brow furrowed as she tried to reconcile the pony she knew with the strange figure standing before her. Her eyes darted from to and fro, as if trying to comprehend something within her mind. When she was done, her took a step forward, her hoof stomping on the ground.

“Sora...Explain.”

“OH! I want to know too! I bet it’s supercoolawasommazing!” Pinkie Pie squeed with glee, the pink mare bouncing around the stallion as she spook. An act that actually caused Sora to be a ease…at least compared to Applejack's aggression.

He turned towards the orange mare, rubbing the back of his head as he spoke, “It’s...well...It’s kind of hard to explain I guess.” He told them. “The short of it is…This is how I usually look. Like a human.”

“Now hold on a second. You’re tellin’ me you ain’t actually a pony?” Applejack’s voice was low, but the weight behind her words made Sora wince. At his hesitant nod, her eyes narrowed into a scowl as she took another step foward. “So you’ve been lyin’ to my friends this whole time?”

Sora flinched, the accusation hitting harder than he expected. “No! I mean… I guess, kind of? But only about being a pony! Everything else I’ve told you is true!”

Applejack’s glare didn’t waver. “And how do ah know you ain’t lyin’ about that too?” she shot back, her tone sharp and unforgiving.

Sora opened his mouth to respond but faltered, fumbling for the right words. “I… I swear, I haven’t lied about anything else. It’s just… explaining everything isn’t exactly easy.”

Applejack snorted, crossing her hooves stubbornly. “Well, I ain’t movin’ an inch till I hear the whole truth. So you’d best start talkin’.”

“Mayhap save such tales for another time, fair Applejack?”

The sudden voice echoed through the void, causing all three to jump. Applejack immediately squared her shoulders and stomped a hoof, her sharp gaze scanning the emptiness around them. “What the hay?! Who’s there? Come out and show yourself, ya varmint, and quit playin’ games with me. Ah’m not in the mood!”

“Oh, I don’t know, Applejack,” Pinkie chimed with a cheerful bounce. “I think games can do a pony good, no matter who you are. Especially if there are prizes! Or snacks!”

The farm mare huffed harshly and spun to face her friend, her frustration bubbling over. “Will ya cut it out, Pinkie? We’ve got enough on our plate without yer shenanigans!”

Pinkie blinked at her, her usual smile faltering. Before she could respond, Sora stepped between them, his frown firmly in place. “Hey, come on, Applejack! She’s just trying to lighten the mood! There’s no need to snap at her.”

“Like you’ve got any right ta say somethin’ like that after all the lyin’ ya did to us!” The farm mare snapped, jabbing a hoof in his direction.

Sora flinched but held his ground, his voice growing firm. “At least I’m not the one yelling at my friends when they didn’t do anything wrong!” His words were sharp, cutting through the tense air and landing squarely on Applejack, causing the farm mare to take a step back, her fiery anger ebbing, if just a little.

“Ah… ah mean…” she stammered, her voice wavering. She looked away from Sora and Pinkie, her ears folding back as the weight of her actions settled on her. Despite everything…Sora was right. She knew she was upset—angry even—at Sora for keeping whatever truth this was from them. But snapping at Pinkie? Lashing out at someone who’d done nothing wrong? That wasn’t like her. She wasn’t the Element of Accusations. She was the Element of Honest.

Applejack took a deep breath before her green eyes flicked between Sora and Pinkie, her voice softer but still tinged with unease. “This is just… Ah mean… It's a lot ta take in right now. Where we are, what’s goin’ on… Ah don’t even know if we’re…” She hesitated, the word catching in her throat. “…dead.”

Pinkie’s ears drooped slightly, her usual bubbly demeanor dimming for a moment. “AJ…”

Applejack pushed on, her voice cracking slightly as she spoke. “Ah’m worried about Apple Bloom, Twilight, and everypony else. They don’t even know where we are, let alone what’s happenin’ to us…or…Us to them. And on top of all that…” She gestured toward Sora with a hoof, her movements sharp and frustrated. “Throwin’ this on me outta nowhere… It’s just… it’s a lot, alright?”

“Ahem…”

A bright light began to shine from above, prompting the trio to look up in unison. Descending gracefully from the radiance was a striking pegasus mare, her body adorned in the finest silk they had ever seen, its ethereal glow emphasizing her elegance. Draped across her head was a white covering resembling a crown. Her sharp lavender eyes sparkled with a quiet wisdom, and her smile widened gently as she landed on the shimmering floor. Her orange coat shimmered brilliantly, even in the oppressive darkness surrounding them.

Beside her, a massive stallion touched down with a resounding thud, his presence commanding immediate attention. Applejack half-feared the glass platform beneath them might crack under his sheer weight. The bearded stallion released a hearty, gruff laugh as he dusted himself off, his mighty hoof brushing over his face in a gesture of ease. His smile radiated warmth and strength.

“It feels good to have a voice again after all these years,” the mare spoke, bowing deeply with a voice that carried an ancient elegance. “And it is a pleasure to meet you, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Sora.”

Applejack’s eyes narrowed as she took a cautious step forward, something vaguely familiar about the stallion tugging at her memory. “How do y’all know our names?” she demanded. “And more importantly, just who are ya?”

“An excellent question, little lass,” the stallion rumbled, his voice calm yet booming, carrying an accent none of them could place. “The answers require a tale—one of grand scale and epic purpose. A tale I believe you’ll want to hear.”

Pinkie’s face lit up as she squealed with excitement, springing into the air. “Oh, story time! My favorite!” In an instant, she had conjured a lawn chair and a bag of popcorn, sitting at the edge of her seat with wide eyes and a grin.

The mare chuckled softly, her amusement evident. “I see you’ve come prepared, Pinkie Pie.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, ignoring the pink mare’s usual ability to be unpredictable, and sat on her haunches, her gaze falling to the newcomers. “If it gets me closer to understandin’ this mess we’re in, then I reckon I’ve got no choice but to listen.”

Sora crossed his arms and stood silently, his brow furrowed as he focused intently on the two mysterious ponies as well.

The mare, seeing she had everyone’s attention, cleared her throat gracefully before she began. “Our world was not always the peaceful place you know today. In the time of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s youth, when they were still learning under the guidance of a dear friend of ours, a great darkness plagued the land. The Pony of Shadows emerged, spreading his influence across Equestria and summoning creatures you now know as the Heartless. They were relentless, devouring the light wherever they went.”

She paused, her gaze sweeping over her audience. “We discovered that light could harm these creatures, but it was not enough. When we were on the brink of despair, a being unlike any we had seen before arrived. He was not of this world, yet he wielded a weapon of incredible power—one that shone with the light of hope.”

“This being fought tirelessly. He stood against monstrous Heartless—some as large as castles—and never once asked for anything in return. Through his actions, he gave us something we had long since lost: hope.”

“Hope…” Applejack murmured, her scowl softening.

“But even he could not fight forever…at least…not alone,” the mare said, her voice heavy with emotion. “We attempted to replicate his weapon, to stand alongside him in the battle, but the light’s power was too great for us to wield since we were not the chosen. It was then that an idea took root.”

The stallion of the duo stepped forward, his grin wide. “Aye, and with his help, we created a weapon that could channel the light, splitting its power into six crystals. With them, we could finally push back the darkness. But…they were without wielder…”

“That is… until six ponies, all from different corners of the world, came together,” Somnambula continued, her voice carrying a sense of reverence. “They had heard of our plans and felt, deep in their hearts, that the weapons were calling to them.”

Sora, unable to contain himself, stepped forward. “Those weapons then…,” he interrupted, “you’re talking about the Elements of Harmony, aren’t you? And the six ponies… you and him were two of them, right?”

Applejack whipped her head toward Sora, her eyes wide with disbelief. “What?!” she exclaimed. “That can’t be true.”

The mare gave a serene smile, placing a hoof lightly against her chest. “Oh, but it is, fair Applejack. My dear friend Rockhoof and I, Somnambula, were among the original six. Rockhoof bore Strength, the Element now known as Honesty, which you carry. I bore Hope, which you now call Laughter, young Pinkie Pie. Together, alongside four others, we became the Pillars of Harmony. With the Key Warrior’s guidance and the Elements’ light, we managed to push back the darkness and restore peace. Though remnants of the Pony of Shadows’ influence lingered, we were able to rebuild and protect our world with the power of the Elements.”

Applejack’s jaw dropped as she turned toward Rockhoof, a spark of recognition lighting up her eyes. “Rockhoof… the Rockhoof? I knew ya looked familiar!”

Pinkie gasped loudly, her hooves shooting up in excitement. “Wait, wait, wait! You know him, AJ?”

The farm mare’s cheeks turned a light shade of pink, realizing how loud she’d been. She adjusted her hat nervously, avoiding Pinkie’s curious gaze. “W-Well, not know him, exactly,” she stammered. “But me and Apple Bloom used to read stories about him. He’s a legend! The strongest pony in all the land, and a farmer’s son, too.”

Rockhoof let out a deep, hearty laugh that reverberated through the void. “Aye, it’s good to know the tales still inspire young ponies. And from what I see, the Element of Honesty has found a worthy bearer in you, lass.”

Applejack’s face brightened at the praise, a small, shy smile forming on her lips. But it quickly faded as her mind filled with questions, her expression clouding. She lowered her gaze, her voice quieter but firm. “If all that’s true… then why are you two here? In this… void?”

Rockhoof’s smile dimmed slightly, and Somnambula’s expression grew somber. She shook her head gently, her lavender eyes filled with an unreadable emotion. “That is a question we cannot answer fully at this time, dear Applejack. There are greater matters that demand your attention, and answers will come only when the time is right.”

“Ah…OH YEAH…” Pinkie Pie gasped. “We were fighting that mean ol king of darkness! Or at least we were fighting him. And we beat him too! That was until he was all like, ‘Use Ultimate Cheatcode, GO’ and turned into a big monster type thingy! And I was like ‘Ohs Nos!’ and AJ was like ‘Darn-tooting’ and Sora was like ‘Don’t worry Fluttershy! I’m coming for ya!’”

Sora's face turned bright red as Pinkie Pie reenacted the chaotic moment, more so her version of his events. “W-Wait! Hold on a second! I never said any of that! I was just… just protecting her! That’s all!” The human didn’t understand why he was trying to defend himself on that aspect though. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the pair of ponies standing in front of him. “A-Anyway! What happened to us after that? Honestly… I have no idea.”

Applejack swallowed hard, her voice tinged with unease. “We… we didn’t die, did we?”

Somnambula shook her head. “Fear not, you three are not dead. Relief washed over the trio for a moment, but Somnambula’s gentle expression turned somber. “However, that’s not to say you won’t be… in about twelve seconds.”

“What?!” Sora and the girls exclaimed in unison, alarm evident in their voices.

“This is a dream state,” Rockhoof explained, his deep voice calm yet firm. “Time has slowed here, but the events of the real world continue to unfold. As we speak, you three, the Element of Kindness, and those poor fillies are moments away from being obliterated by the dark one’s attack.”

Each of them processed the dire news in their own way, but there was no denying that the situation was grim.

Applejack was the first to speak, pulling her hat low over her eyes as if bracing herself. “So… we’re as good as gone, huh?”

Somnambula shook her head gently, her voice tinged with sorrow. “Whether you fall or prevail is up to you, Applejack—and Pinkie Pie.”

“What do you mean?” Applejack asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.

Rockhoof turned his gaze to Sora, his expression serious. “The power of the Keyblade Wielder is crucial to victory, but it cannot stand alone.”

“Huh?” Sora tilted his head, his confusion evident.

“Remember, young Keyblade Wielder,” Somnambula explained. “It was a Keyblade Wielder who helped forge the Elements of Harmony. It stands to reason the Elements would respond to you, even if you are not the same one.”

Sora cupped his chin in thought. “So… you’re saying the Keyblade and the Elements of Harmony can work together? How, though?”

“That,” Somnambula replied, her voice tinged with regret, “is something only you and your friends can discover. We can only offer what knowledge we have.”

Applejack reached up to touch the Element of Honesty hanging around her neck, her gaze distant as she mulled over the information. After a long pause, she turned to Sora, her expression guarded. “Tell me somethin’, Sora. Did ya know about any of this?”

Sora shook his head quickly, startled by the question. “No. This is the first time I’ve ever heard a story like this.”

Applejack narrowed her eyes. “Then tell me—if the Keyblade Wielder in your story didn’t hide who they were, why did you?”

Sora ran a hand through his spiky hair, visibly searching for the right words. “Well… when I got here, Princess Celestia used her magic to turn me into a pony. So technically, I was a pony.”

“That don’t excuse the fact that ya lied to us all this time,” Applejack countered. “Did she tell ya not to say anythin’?”

“Well… no,” Sora admitted, glancing away.

“Then why didn’t ya?” Applejack pressed.

Sora sighed, looking down. “I was….” he trailed off.

Applejack softened slightly, tilting her head. “Afraid we wouldn’t accept ya?”

Sora looked up at her in surprise. “I… how did you…?”

“It’s just a feelin’,” Applejack replied simply. “Was that it? Or was there more?”

Sora hesitated before nodding. “Well…kinda…. The other part is… it’s a Guardian of Light’s duty to protect the balance of worlds. We’re not supposed to reveal who we are or that we can travel between worlds unless there’s no other choice.”

Applejack’s shoulders sagged slightly as she pressed further. “So… was everythin’ you told us about yourself a lie? Your life back home?”

“No!” Sora’s voice was earnest, his eyes wide with sincerity. “I grew up with my friends on Destiny Islands. This necklace was a gift from my best friend. And… uh…” He hesitated, scratching his cheek. “I’m afraid of ghosts.”

Applejack blinked, caught off guard. Despite herself, the corners of her mouth twitched upward into a faint smile. “Afraid of ghosts? You never told us that.”

“Oh…” Sora rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Yeah… could you maybe forget I said that then?”

Before Applejack could respond, Pinkie Pie threw a hoof around Sora, pulling him into a hug. “No way, Sora! That’s a golden detail, and Mama Pinkie’s never lettin’ it go!”

Sora groaned, slumping in defeat. “Great…”

Applejack cleared her throat, her frown returning as she fixed her gaze on Sora. “Even so, Sora… ya lied to us from the start. I don’t know what to think about all this, or even how to feel right now. It’s just… a lot to take in.”

“What do you want me to say then, Applejack?” Sora replied, his tone carrying a mix of frustration and regret. “That I should’ve gone against what Master Yen Sid told me? He’s been doing this a lot longer than I have. Besides, what was I supposed to do? Just walk up and say, ‘Hey, I’m a human from another world’?”

“No! I mean…” Applejack hesitated, her voice faltering as her eyes lowered to the ground. “Ah don’t know… ah just…” She trailed off, unable to find the right words.

“You know what!?” Pinkie Pie suddenly yelled, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “We’re wasting time!” She spun to face Applejack, puffing out her chest with determination. “Don’t worry, AJ. I’ve got this.”

Before Applejack could respond, Pinkie bounced over to Sora, grabbing him by the ear and pulling him down to her level. “I’ve only got one question for you, mister!” she declared, her eyes narrowing into a serious squint.

Sora winced at the tug, flailing slightly. “W-What is it?”

Pinkie leaned in, her voice low but firm. “Did you enjoy my party or not?”

Sora froze, blinking in confusion at the unexpected question. He stared at Pinkie for a long moment before a small smile tugged at his lips. “Yeah, I did, Pinkie. It was the best party I’ve ever been to in my life.”

Pinkie kept her serious expression for a moment longer before breaking into a wide, beaming grin. “Whelp! That’s all I needed to hear—he’s alright in my book!”

“What?!” Applejack exclaimed, her brow furrowing in disbelief. “What kinda question is that supposed to be?”

“The ultimate question, obviously!” Pinkie replied matter-of-factly. “No bad guy would ever admit to liking a Pinkie Pie party. Therefore, Sora’s a good guy!”

Applejack groaned, slapping a hoof to her face as Pinkie giggled. The pink party mare released his ear before nuzzling his cheek affectionately. “Besides, sure he lied about what he was, but he never lied about who he was with his actions. And that’s somepony who goes out of his way to protect the ponies and things he cares about—even friends he’s only just met. So don’t let one little fib keep you from being friends with him, AJ. He’s really, really sorry—look!”

Pinkie hopped onto Sora’s back and placed her hooves on either side of his face, pulling his cheeks down into an exaggeratedly sad expression. “See? Look at that face! He’s basically a sorry marshmallow!”

“Pinkie…” Sora groaned, his face burning red from embarrassment.

“I never said I’d stop being friends with him, Pinkie,” Applejack said, her voice softening as she looked down, the last traces of her anger fading. She let out a deep sigh before lifting her gaze back to the pair. A small, sincere smile graced her lips. “But from now on, Sora, I expect nothin’ but the truth. When we get back, you’re gonna tell the rest of the girls, too. There’s no point in hidin’ it anymore.”

She made her way towards the human placing a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. “You’ve done too much for us to even think about losin’ you as a friend. You risked your life to save Twilight and Fluttershy, and you even saved mine. You might not be a pony, but stuff like that don’t matter to me. You’re still one of us. You’re still our friend. And friends… well, friends forgive each other, don’t they?”

Sora’s shoulders relaxed, and he let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. A small, grateful smile spread across his face. “Yeah… friends do forgive each other. Thank you, Applejack.” He smiled at her. “So…does that mean I can stay at the Apple Farm?”

Applejack blinked at Sora’s question, momentarily caught off guard. Her expression shifted from warm to amused as she let out a small chuckle. “Sora… you were never not allowed to stay. We’d never turn away a friend, especially not one who’s done as much as you have. But don’t think you’re getting away from doing any choirs now that we know you ain't a pony!”

Pinkie Pie jumped between the two, throwing her forelegs around them and pulling them into a bone-crushing hug. “YAY! We’re friends again!” she cheered, her voice brimming with joy.

“Indeed you are,” Somnambula said gently, her serene voice cutting through the moment. Her form, along with Rockhoof’s, began to flicker, their bodies slowly fading into shimmering light. “Hold onto the friendships in your hearts. In the deepest darkness, it will always be your guiding light.”

As the human and farm mare pulled away from Pinkie’s enthusiastic embrace, a gentle glow began to envelop them. Applejack and Pinkie Pie exchanged a glance before their attention turned to Sora, who stood firm as he summoned his Keyblade. The familiar weapon appeared in his hand with a burst of light, and he raised it high. A ripple of energy coursed through the air, the shimmering glow of the Elements of Honesty and Laughter responding in kind. Their radiant light began to flow, intertwining with the Keyblade’s power.

Applejack raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with a mix of humor and curiosity. “Sora… do ya even know what you’re doin’?”

Sora shook his head, his eyes fixed on the light gathering around them. A confident grin spread across his face. “Not really. I’m kinda just winging it.”

Applejack rolled her eyes with a chuckle. “Figures.”

A brilliant beam of light erupted from the Keyblade, shooting skyward before arching down toward the ground below. As it struck, a surge of overwhelming power washed over the trio, filling them with a renewed sense of strength and purpose.

“With my friends by my side, I know we can win!” Sora declared, his voice steady and determined. “We’re going to protect everyone and defeat the Pony of Shadows—King Sombra—once and for all!”

The light around them intensified, bathing them in its radiant glow. It pulsed with warmth and power, enveloping them completely as their surroundings began to blur. The sensation of weightlessness overtook them as they prepared to face whatever awaited them next.

Just before the light consumed them entirely, Somnambula’s voice echoed faintly, her words haunting yet filled with purpose.

“I never said Sombra was the one you needed to defeat, Key Warrior.”

~~~

Sombra unleashed a massive orb of darkness from his gaping maw, the destructive sphere hurtling toward the ponies with ferocious speed. But before it could strike, a flash of radiant light cut through the darkness, slicing the attack cleanly in two. The two halves of the orb dissipated harmlessly into the air, leaving Sombra snarling in rage as his glowing eyes locked onto the source of the interruption.

As the blinding light faded, a familiar figure emerged from the settling dust. Sora stood tall, his caramel coat and chocolate-brown mane catching in the breeze. But something about him was different—radiantly so. Gone was his usual black attire, replaced by a striking crimson jacket as vibrant as the reddest rose, adorned with glowing fleur-de-lis on each sleeve. His entire outfit shimmered with an unearthly energy, crackling with sparks that danced like miniature stars, a testament to the raw power coursing through him.

However, it wasn’t Sora’s new appearance that drew Sombra’s attention—it was the weapons he held. Standing upright on his hind hooves, Sora wielded two Keyblades, one in each forehoof. Each weapon radiated a light of its own, their brilliance a stark contrast to Sombra’s shadowy aura.

Sora glanced at the Keyblades, taking a moment to admire their intricate designs. The first was golden and brown, its teeth shaped like an apple slice, with Applejack’s Element of Honesty embedded in its chain. The second was wild and pink, with sharp, jagged edges framing Pinkie Pie’s cutie mark near the hilt, her Element of Laughter dangling proudly from its chain.

“Wow…” Sora murmured, twirling the Keyblades effortlessly in his grasp. “It’s been a while since I used this form.”

A soft voice broke through his thoughts. “S-Sora…” Fluttershy whispered, her wide eyes filled with awe and concern as she reached out a hoof toward him.

Sora turned to her, his intense gaze softening into a gentle smile. “Fluttershy… I’ll be back... I promise.” His voice was calm yet firm, filled with a quiet determination. “I’ve got a lot to explain to you and the others when this is all over. But right now, I need you to trust me. I’ll protect you—all of you.”

Fluttershy nodded hesitantly. Sora returned his attention to Sombra, his grip tightening around the glowing Keyblades. With practiced precision, he spun them in his hooves, their light carving arcs through the air. Once the blades stilled, he settled into a battle-ready stance.

“Can you fly out of here?” Sora asked without turning back.

Fluttershy blinked, startled, before answering softly. “I… I think so…”

“Good. Get the fillies and take them somewhere safe,” Sora instructed, his tone gentle but firm. “Leave this to me.”

With a resolute nod, Fluttershy flapped her wings and took off, heading toward the frightened fillies in the distance. Sora waited until he could no longer sense her presence behind him, his focus returning fully to the towering shadowy beast in front of him.

Sora smirked, twirling both Keyblades once more before leveling them at Sombra. “Alright, Sombra,” he said, his voice brimming with confidence. “I hope you’re ready… because I’ve got two Keyblades and a whole lot of energy. And right now? I’m in the mood to party!”

Author's Note

Shardina (c) of Renee-Moonveil
Archery (c) of Scootaloocuteness

Keyblades

Keyblades by xilenobody143

Chapter 20 The Return of Sombra-The Drive

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Return of Sombra Part one - The Drive

Green to start music and red to stop music

Sora gasped as the light faded, the rush of heated air around him igniting every one of his senses. Taking stalk of himself, the keyblade wielder quickly realized he was back in his equine form—though there were more than a few striking differences.

First, his attire. Instead of his usual black outfit, he was clad in a jacket as vivid and red as a rose, shimmering with a mystical yet familiar light he knew all too well. The energy coursing through him seemed to radiate outward, an electrifying current flowing from his head to his hooves.

Second was what was within his hooves. Two keyblades. The one in his left being that of a large orange and tan blade, the fork of the key being that of an apple slice. In the other, his right, a pink blue and yellow blade. Balloon’s adorned on nearly every inch of the key. The sheer power from both the blades and himself made his entire body hum with strength, and one word blazed through his mind as he stood there, energized and ready:

VALOR.

“Wow…” The stallion spoke to himself, his voice barely going above a whisper. “It’s been a while since I’ve used this…”

What in tarnation is goin’ on?! Where am I?!

Said stallion froze, his eyes widening at the unmistakable sound of Applejack’s voice. But where was she?

“What? AJ? Is that you? Where are you?”

Wait! That voice! Sora?! Where are ya?!

Now Sora was completely confused. That was Applejack—but how? It sounded like she was speaking into his mind.

Oh! Applejack! You’re here too? Pretty neat, huh? came another voice, bubbly and all too familiar. Sora couldn’t stop the flinch at the sheer volume as Pinkie Pie’s lively tone echoed in his mind. Then, just as quickly, he felt a pang of guilt and sorrow radiate from her. Oh no! Sora! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you! I’ll tone it down! Sorry!

“Pinkie? Is that…you?”

Sure as sugar is! The pink mare chimed in a sugary tone. Pretty weird huh?

Jeez… What in the hay is going on? The voice was AJ’s now. Why the hay can ah see what ya’ll are seeing now Sora? And what the hey is this power. Ah feel all…energized.
“I... I don’t,” Sora admitted,.“But…I know this form. I used to use it all the time back when I was looking for Riku….”

“Sora?”

The gentle voice startled him, making him whirl around. Standing behind him was Fluttershy, looking up at him with wide eyes, her expression a mixture of awe and confusion.

Despite the situation, Sora’s heart couldn’t help but skip a beat as a wave of dread surged through him, the promise he had made AJ back in the black void coming to the forefront of his mind. The promise to tell the truth…about everything. Would they accept him as AJ and Pinkie had…Would…Fluttershy?

The mere thought of her turning away from him caused a sharp pain in his chest. It was unbearable, even more so than he had expected. Why did the idea of losing her hurt the most?

Before the fear could take root, he felt the jarring sensation of a phantom hoof striking his face, snapping him out of his spiraling thoughts.

Sora! Applejack’s voice was firm, her tone brooking no argument. Ah don’t know what’s goin’ on, but ah can feel what you’re thinkin’. Right now, ya need to focus. Save Fluttershy and the rest of us first. We’ll figure the rest out after. By the end of it, promise us the truth, and ah promise you’ll still have a friend in me. He could feel her emotions soften, the warmth of her smile somehow palpable in his mind. You’re not a bad…whatever you are. You’ve proved that much. And ah’m sure Fluttershy and the others will feel the same as me and Pinkie.

Absolutely! Pinkie’s voice rang out with its usual exuberance. You’re super awesome, Sora! I Pinkie Pie Promise to always be your friend, no matter what!

Their words washed over , chasing away his despair like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Renewed, Sora turned his attention back to Fluttershy, offering her a gentle smile.

“Fluttershy….” His voice was calm yet firm, filled with a quiet determination. “I’ve got a lot to explain to you and the others when this is all over. But right now, I need you to trust me. I’ll protect you—all of you.”

Fluttershy nodded hesitantly, not quite understanding but knowing the stallion was serious all the same. Getting her confirmation, Sora returned his attention to Sombra, his grip tightening around the glowing Keyblades. With practiced precision, he spun them in his hooves, their light carving arcs through the air. Once the blades stilled at his sides, he settled into a battle-ready stance.

“Can you fly out of here?” Sora asked the timid mare without turning back.

“I… I think so…”

“Good. Get the fillies and take them somewhere safe. Leave this to me.”

The shy mare hesitated for a second before nodding, despite knowing he wouldn’t see it. Quick as she could, Fluttershy flapped her wings and took off, heading toward the frightened fillies in the distance. Sora waited until he could no longer sense her presence behind him, his focus returning fully to the towering shadowy beast in front of him.

Sensing she was far enough away, the stallion released a sigh, twirling both Keyblades once more before leveling them at Sombra. “Alright, Sombra,” he said, his voice brimming with confidence. “I hope you’re ready… because honestly… I’ve got two Keyblades and a whole lot of energy. And right now? I’m in the mood to party!”

Dangnabbit, Sora…

Yay!

~~~

Fluttershy wobbled slightly as she touched down, her wings trembling from both exertion and nerves. Before she could fully steady herself, the three fillies swarmed her, their voices overlapping in a chaotic flurry of questions and concern.

“Fluttershy! Are ya okay? Where’s my sister!? And Pinkie Pie to boot!” Apple Bloom asked, her amber eyes wide with worry.

“Is Sora coming? He’s okay, right?” Sweetie Belle added, the little filly grasping the mare’s foreleg.

“What’s going on out there?” Scootaloo asked trying to run past the timid mare only to be caught by her wing. The orange filly frowned, looking up towards Fluttershy. “It looked like a crazy light show! Whats happening?!”

“Girls, please,” Fluttershy said softly, her hoof raised in a gentle gesture to quiet them. “We…We have to get away from here. It’s not safe.”

The fillies quieted slightly at Fluttershy’s words, their gaze falling past the yellow mare. The distant flashes of light and the thunderous booms from Sora’s battle served as a chilling reminder of the danger looming nearby.

Still…

“But what about mah sister and Sora?” Apple Bloom pressed, her voice cracking with worry. “They wouldn’t leave me behind. We can’t just run away!”

“And Pinkie?” Sweetie Belle added. “We can’t leave any of them…can we?”

Scootaloo stomped her hoof, wings buzzing anxiously. “Yeah! We should stay and help! We’re not scared!”

Fluttershy knelt down, lowering her head to meet their gaze. Her wings gently opened to envelop all three of them. “I know you’re worried…And I know you’re all very brave. But right now, the best thing we can do is get somewhere safe. Sora, Applejack, and Pinkie… they’re all doing everything they can to protect us. We…we have to trust them…okay?”

The fillies exchanged uncertain glances. Sweetie Belle shuffled her hooves nervously, while Scootaloo frowned, reluctant to back down. Apple Bloom looked torn, her resolve wavering as she bit her lip.

“But what if somethin’ happens to ‘em while we’re hidin’?” Apple Bloom asked, her voice almost a whisper.

Fluttershy closed her eyes for a moment, drawing in a deep breath before opening them again. There was a quiet strength in her gaze now, a determination that surprised even herself. “If something happens, then and only then will we find a way to help them,” she promised. “But right now, they need to know we’re safe. They’re counting on us to be strong and to trust them. Can you do that for me?”

The fillies hesitated, but the sincerity in Fluttershy’s voice seemed to reach them. Slowly, Apple Bloom nodded, followed by Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo grumbled under her breath but finally gave a reluctant nod as well.

“Good,” Fluttershy said, her soft smile returning. “Let’s stick together. Stay close to me, and we’ll find a safe place to wait.”

She led them toward a cluster of dense crystals at the edge of the field, her ears swiveling constantly as she listened for any sign of danger. The fillies followed closely, their trust in her growing with each step.

Behind them, the sounds of Sora’s battle continued to echo across the landscape. Fluttershy glanced back once, her heart heavy with both hope and worry. She whispered under her breath, too softly for the fillies to hear:

“Sora… please be safe. I…We believe in you.”

~~~

The keyblade wielder launched himself backwards after deflecting a nasty attack, his Keyblades cutting through the darkness with radiant arcs of light. The monster before him had power, but he’s dealt with his kind before. This would be no different.

With a quick leap, he closed the remaining distance between the two of them, twisting his body in midair to bring both Keyblades down in a cross-slash aimed at the beast’s core. Or he would have if Sombra hadn’t raised one of his arms, deflecting the attack with ease. Spreading his arms, A massive clawed limb formed out of the darkness within his chest, launching toward Sora with devastating force. Stuck in the air, all he could do was block, raising both Keyblades just in time to absorb the brunt of the attack. The force of the blow sent him hurtling backward, his hooves skidding across the uneven ground as he fought to maintain his balance.

“Okay…that hit harder than expected,” Sora muttered, his arms still feeling the effects of the blow, stinging with vibration. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the beast, searching for a weakness, some sort of opening. If only he had his magic. That would definitely even the playing field between them.

”So, what’s the plan, partner?” Applejack’s voice cut through his thoughts, steady and grounding. ”You can’t keep takin’ hits like that and expect to win. We gotta be smart about this.”

“Yeah! You’ve got us now, so you don’t have to do it all on your own!” Pinkie chimed in, her bubbly enthusiasm somehow warming the corners of Sora’s mind. ”Let’s think of something fun and clever! Like… a super-duper Keyblade surprise attack!”

“Pinkie, this ain’t the time for foolin’ around!” Applejack snapped, her frustration palpable. “We’re in the middle of a—SORA, BELOW!”

The warning jolted him, his body reacting on instinct as he leaped to the side. A massive spike of darkness erupted from the ground where he’d just been standing, narrowly missing him but leaving a jagged crater in its wake. The sheer force of the attack sent chunks of earth flying, some grazing his coat as he landed in a low crouch.

Sora barely had time to steady himself as the dark king turned monster appeared behind him, a massive clawed hand sweeping sideways with brutal force. The keyblade wielder raised his weapons in a desperate attempt to block but he was too late. The impact sent him flying through the air, his body twisting and arching uncontrollably as pain radiated through every limb.

“Gah!” Sora cried out, gritting his teeth against the searing ache. For a moment, his vision blurred, and he felt nothing but weightless as he soared through the air.

“SORA!” Pinkie’s voice rang out in his mind, shrill with panic. “I’ve got you! Just… hold on!”

The stallion felt a strange tug in his chest, like a burst of warmth that radiated outward to his hooves. His right forehoof, still gripping the pink Keyblade, moved seemingly of its own accord, guided by a will that wasn’t entirely his own. The tip of the Keyblade glowed brightly, a cascade of vibrant colors swirling around it like a painter’s brush blending hues.

“What the—?!” Sora managed, his voice hoarse with surprise.

Before he could fully process it, a giant, shimmering ball of light shot forth from the Keyblade, arcing downward toward the ground below. It expanded rapidly, its surface glowing with every color of the rainbow, soft and warm like the promise of safety in the storm.

Sora’s body collided with the glowing sphere, and instead of the harsh crash he’d braced for, he landed with a gentle thud. The sphere absorbed the force of his fall, cradling him in its soft, bouncy surface like an oversized trampoline. He blinked in shock as the ball rippled beneath him, dispersing the kinetic energy and leaving him unharmed.

“I…know that spell…” Sora muttered, his eyes wide as he stared at the glowing sphere beneath him. The warm, bouncy surface rippled faintly, a playful echo of the spell’s whimsical nature. Memories surged forward unbidden, flashes of his Mark of Mastery exam and the surprising utility of a spell that had seemed almost silly at first.

He pressed a hoof into the colorful sphere, feeling its resilience and gentle hum of energy before it popped, allowing him to fall to the ground with ease. He looked down at the pink keyblade, frowning. “But how…I couldn’t use magic before…How can I use that spell of all things now? How am I able to do that?”

“Beats me” Pinkie’s voice chimed in his mind. “I didn’t know what I was doing either , but I just thought, ‘Sora needs something fun and bouncy right now!’ and BAM—giant colorful light ball!”

“I…Gah… okay but…I…” He shook his head. “No…Think about that later.” Sora turned sharply, his hooves digging into the ground as he faced Sombra’s looming shadowy form. He leveled his Keyblade towards it, the faint shimmer of light along its edges growing brighter. “I might not be my best magic,” he smirked, “But this will be more than enough to deal with you!”

The word of magic came as though he had always known it.

“Balloon!”

A ball of magic shimmered into existence in front of him at his command, glowing with radiant hues of blue, pink, and yellow. It hovered for a moment, wobbling slightly before stabilizing. Sora’s eyes narrowed as Sombra’s massive shadowy form began to advance, the ground trembling beneath its weight.

Without hesitation, Sora dashed forward and leapt onto the glowing sphere just as the monster got close enough. The magic buckled slightly under his weight but held firm, its resilient surface rippling like a tightly wound spring. Sora crouched low, his muscles tensing as the monster loomed closer, its massive claws sweeping through the air toward him.

“Let’s see how you handle this!” Sora shouted, pushing off with all his might.

The Balloon spell reacted instantly, propelling him skyward with a burst of elastic energy. He rocketed into the air, the force of the launch sending him high above Sombra’s monstrous form and narrowly dodging the monster’s attack by the skin of his teeth. The rush of wind around Sora whipped at his mane and tail as he flipped gracefully upwards, the stallion soon adjusting his stance midair as he pointed his keyblades downwards.

“Balloonga!”

Another shimmering sphere of magic formed before him, radiating the same colorful brilliance but oh so bigger then the first. Gripping his Keyblade tightly, Sora twisted midair, angling himself toward the magic sphere. With a powerful swing, he struck the glowing Balloon with precision, sending it hurtling downward with incredible force. The spell rocketed through the air, its colors intensifying as it barreled straight toward Sombra’s face.

The impact was immediate and spectacular. The Balloon detonated against the monster’s head, erupting in a burst of vibrant light and playful energy. The explosion sent ripples of force cascading outward, stunning the beast and causing it to stagger. Its guttural roar turned into a distorted, confused howl as it swung wildly, confused.

With a powerful flap of his wings, Sora propelled himself forward, the rush of air around him adding to his momentum as he closed the gap between himself and the staggered monster. With one mighty swing of Applejacks blade he landed a true blow on the monster’s head before twisting in the air, following it with another strike. And then another

Again and again,Sora lashed out, his movements fluid and unyielding. The beast roared in fury, its claws swiping aimlessly as the relentless assault left it disoriented. Finishing his attack, Sora then kicked off the Sombra’s head, flipping backwards before pointing both blades at the creature before him. “Take this! Balloon!”

The stallion began swinging at the air, each swipe of his blade sending one of the magical orbs blasting toward the monster, their radiant colors painting streaks of light across the dark battlefield.

One… two… three… four… five times.

Each Balloon orb struck with pinpoint accuracy, detonating on impact with dazzling bursts of vibrant energy. Sombra’s massive form reeled from the relentless barrage, its once-menacing roar now a distorted, enraged screech as he toppled over, falling onto his back.

Sora landed soon after, panting softly as he did so. “Geeze…I think that was most of my magic…I really am out of touch…”

“Land sakes!” Applejack’s voice rang in Sora’s mind, her pleased tone warm and steady, a stark contrast to the tension still crackling in the air. “I said it before, and I’ll say it again—that’s some fancy hoofwork, Sora! You had me worried there for a second, but ya pulled through. Didn’t think we’d have been able to, but look at him—he looks like he’s down for the count this time!”

“Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, AJ,” Pinkie’s voice chimed in, playful but tinged with caution. “Bad guys usually get desperate when they’re on the backhoof! That’s when they pull out the really crazy stuff!”

A sudden blast of wind nearly knocked Sora off balance, forcing him to shield his face with a foreleg. Dust and debris swirled around him, and his wings flared instinctively to steady himself. When he looked up, his eyes widened in alarm. A trail of dark dust flowed upward, and Sombra's massive, shadowy form hovered high in the sky.

“NO!” Sombra bellowed, his voice warped and otherworldly, carrying a resonance that made the ground beneath Sora tremble. “I WILL NOT BE BEATEN! I REFUSE TO BE BEATEN BY A FOAL! IF I CAN’T WIN, THEN I’LL DESTROY IT. I’LL DESTROY IT ALL!!”

Sombra’s maw stretched unnaturally wide, his grotesque shadowy form twisting in ways that defied logic. The air around him crackled with raw, volatile energy, and Sora’s heart sank as he realized what was happening.

The monster was building power again—only this time, it wasn’t an attack aimed solely at him. It was something far worse.

“What in tarnation is he doin’?!” Applejack’s voice cried out, her usual steady tone edged with panic. “Sora, that ain’t lookin’ good!”

“That’s not good at all! Not one teensy bit!” Pinkie’s voice chimed in, her usual cheer now tinged with fear. “He’s gonna blow everything up! We gotta stop him!”

Sora had no time to waste. Acting purely on instinct, the Keyblade wielder leapt as high as he could into the air, quickly angling the pink Keyblade toward the ground. With a burst of energy, he summoned another Balloon spell, its puffy, glowing form materializing beneath him. As soon as he landed, the elastic surface propelled him skyward, the momentum launching him straight toward Shadow Sombra without hesitation.

But Sombra wasn’t about to let himself be caught that easily. His massive, shadowy wings beat slowly yet powerfully, carrying him higher and higher, just out of Sora’s reach. Undeterred, Sora repeated the process, summoning another Balloon to bounce from in his relentless pursuit.

Each attempt ended the same way: Sombra rising further into the air, always staying just beyond Sora’s grasp. The frustration grew with every failed attempt, the gap between them feeling insurmountable.

“Darn it! He keeps flying away!” Sora grumbled, landing on yet another shimmering Balloon. It rippled under his weight before launching him upward again. “I can’t reach him at this rate!”

"There has ta be a better way!" Applejack’s voice rang out in desperation within Sora's mind, her usually steady tone edged with urgency. "We can’t just give up now!"

Sora gritted his teeth, landing on yet another shimmering Balloon and feeling the strain in his wings. “I’m not giving up! Not until the end. But what else can I do?” he muttered aloud, frustration creeping into his voice.

“I don’t know.” Pinkie admitted soon after, "But I do know we can do it, Sora! I know we can! Saving the world is a piece of cake for somepony like us. If only we could use his own attack against him..."

Sora’s eyes widened as Pinkie’s words clicked into place, the beginnings of a plan forming in his mind. He blinked, his heart pounding with sudden realization.

“Pinkie... AJ...” he murmured, a small, determined grin spreading across his face. “I got an idea....but...I'm gonna need you to trust me."

Deep within, he could sense both Applejack and Pinkie Pie focusing intently on him, their presence warm and reassuring despite the danger swirling around them.

“Sora, ah don’t know what you’re plannin’,” Applejack spoke “but if you say it’s our best shot, then ah trust ya.”

“I totally trust you, Sora! I mean, you’re you! You’ve got this!”

“Thanks, you two,” he said aloud, his voice firm yet warm. “I couldn’t do this without you.” He frowned as he looked upwards. “Now…I’m gonna show him how Friends are my power!”

Turning away from Sombra, Sora angled the pink Keyblade toward the ground. Drawing on every ounce of magic within him, he began releasing spell after spell, summoning a series of magical balloons that lined up in a row before him. Each shimmering sphere pulsed with vibrant energy, their colors swirling as they hovered in place.

With each cast, he felt the magic within him ebbing away, the strain growing heavier as his reserves dwindled. The drain was nearly overwhelming, leaving him teetering on the edge of exhaustion. But despite the toll, Sora pressed on, his resolve unwavering. He wouldn’t stop—not until he was satisfied.

Once done, Sora turned back to face Sombra, his chest heaving as he steadied himself against the magic he had just expended. The monster loomed high above, its massive shadowy form pulsating with dark energy. The build-up was complete—Sombra had finished charging his attack.

With a deafening, otherworldly roar, the beast unleashed its power. A colossal beam of pure darkness erupted from its maw, surging toward Sora like a tidal wave of destruction. The air around it crackled with raw energy, and the ground trembled beneath the force of the attack.

Sora’s eyes narrowed as he braced himself. “Here it comes!” he shouted, gripping his Keyblades tightly. With a sharp motion, he crossed them in front of him, their light forming a shimmering barrier just as the beam reached him. The impact was instant and overwhelming, the sheer force of the attack driving him backward.

The momentum hurled him straight into the first balloon he had summoned. The vibrant orb popped almost instantly under the pressure, the force barely cushioned as Sora was propelled into the next. The second balloon held a little longer, its elastic surface absorbing more of the energy before bursting in another explosion of light.

Each balloon in the chain acted as a buffer, slowing him down little by little. The force of the beam lessened with every pop, the colorful magic dispersing the raw power of Sombra’s attack in ripples of light. Sora gritted his teeth, holding firm against the relentless dark energy, his wings straining as he fought to maintain control.

~~~

Fluttershy, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo stood frozen in place, their wide eyes locked on the sky above. The battlefield trembled around them, but they hardly noticed, their attention completely captured by the sight of Sora hurtling backward through the air. Each impact sent him crashing into one of the strange glowing orbs he had summoned, the colorful magic bursting around him like fireworks.

“Sora!” Fluttershy gasped, her hooves trembling as she watched. She felt helpless, her wings twitching with the instinct to fly up and do something—anything—to help. But the sheer force of the battle unfolding before her rooted her to the spot.

At first, Sora seemed to be shooting through the glowing orbs like a cannonball, each one popping in a brilliant flash of light as it failed to halt his momentum. The girls flinched with every burst, their hearts sinking further with each impact. Fluttershy’s wings trembled, caught between her instinct to help and the knowledge that she couldn’t do anything to stop what was happening.

But it was Scootaloo who noticed it first. Her sharp eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, her tiny wings buzzing faintly as if trying to lift her off the ground. “Wait!” she said, her voice breaking the tense silence. “He’s... he’s slowing down!”

Fluttershy blinked, her teary eyes snapping to Sora as he collided with another Balloon. This time, the orb stretched and rippled, holding firm for a split second longer before bursting. The force of the dark beam visibly weakened, the next Balloon absorbing even more of the energy before popping in another explosion of light.

“He is slowing down!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mixture of relief and awe. She glanced at Scootaloo, then back at the sky, her tiny hooves clutching at Fluttershy for support. “It’s working!”

Apple Bloom’s amber eyes widened as she watched Sora tumble through yet another Balloon, his movements visibly less frantic now. “Ah don’t know how he’s doin’ it,” she whispered, her voice hushed with amazement, “But he’s holdin’ on. Those balloons—they’re savin’ him.”

Fluttershy’s heart thudded in her chest as hope began to flicker within her. She held the fillies close, her gaze locked on Sora’s figure as he steadied himself against the chain of magical orbs. Each pop sent ripples of light cascading across the battlefield, the darkness of Sombra’s attack thinning with every collision.

It would be on the very last one that it would finally stop, the ball of energy Sora had landed within buckling and stretching…but not braking.

The shy mare stepped forward a little, her eyes widening. “Wait…is he…”

Before she could finish, the balloon snapped back, releasing all its pent-up energy at once. Sora barely had time to register what was happening before he was launched forward at breakneck speeds, the force sending him hurtling straight toward Sombra like a comet of light.

“Sora!” Fluttershy cried as she watched the streak of radiant energy that was Sora cut through the sky.

The fillies gasped, their eyes widening as they followed Sora’s trajectory.

“He’s going right for him!” Scootaloo yelled, her wings buzzing. “He’s…That’s so awesome!”

Sweetie Belle clung to Fluttershy, her voice high-pitched and frantic. “But what if he—”

“He won’t!” Apple Bloom interrupted, her gaze fixed on Sora’s glowing figure. “He’s got this. Ah just know it.”

~~~

High above, Sombra’s monstrous form twisted and writhed, its glowing eyes narrowing as it realized what was happening. The massive shadowy beast let out a guttural roar, its claws flailing in an attempt to swat Sora away. But the Keyblade wielder was moving too fast, his trajectory locked and unwavering.

As Sora hurtled closer, the light from his Keyblades intensified, their brilliance cutting through the oppressive darkness like the dawn breaking over a stormy horizon. With every ounce of strength he had left, he angled himself toward Sombra’s chest, the cracks of light already spreading through its unstable form.

Sombra’s roar echoed across the battlefield, his voice twisted with rage and desperation. “NO! NO! I AM KING! I AM DARKNESS!” His massive claws lashed out wildly, but his movements were too slow, too uncoordinated to catch the streak of light hurtling toward him.

Sora gritted his teeth, the cracks of light in Sombra’s form growing brighter as he closed the gap. His Keyblades flared, their glow intensifying until they burned like twin suns in his grasp.

“No!” Sora yelled, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. “You’re gonna lose it all!”

With a final burst of energy, Sora slammed into the Heartless with unstoppable force. The impact was blinding, a collision of light and shadow that rippled outward in a deafening explosion. His Keyblades pierced through Sombra’s core, cutting straight through the swirling mass of darkness that had once been his form, coming out of him on the other side.

Sombra’s roar turned into an anguished scream, the cracks in his body shattering completely as light burst forth from within. The towering shadowy form writhed and twisted in agony, fragments of darkness splintering off and dissolving into the air.

“ACCURSED! KEYBLADE!” Sombra bellowed, his voice growing weaker as the light consumed him. His claws flailed one last time before his form collapsed inward, imploding into a brilliant flash of radiance.

As the last remnants of Sombra dissolved into nothingness, a radiant sight caught Sora’s eye. From the dispersing darkness, a heart unlike any he had ever seen emerged. Pure white and glowing with a brilliance that rivaled the heart of the worlds, it floated in the air, its light bathing the battlefield in a warm, serene glow. The heart lingered for only a moment before it began to drift away, veering toward the Crystal Castle in the distance.

It was then that Sora noticed something else—the Heartless that had once loomed over the castle was gone as well. The realization brought a small, tired smile to his face.

“Heh… Guess that means… we won,” he murmured, his voice weak but content. “I can… take a nap now… right?”

The words barely left his lips before his body gave in to the exhaustion he had been fighting. His eyes closed completely, and his Keyblades disappeared in bursts of fading light. With no energy left to keep himself aloft, Sora began to plummet toward the ground, his wings slack and unmoving.

Inside his mind, Applejack’s voice rang out in alarm. “Sora! Sora, wake up! You’re fallin’, sugarcube!”

Pinkie Pie’s panic was just as palpable, her usual cheer replaced with urgency. “No, no, no! This isn’t part of the plan! You’re supposed to land safely and celebrate with cupcakes, not crash!”

Despite their desperate attempts to rouse him, Applejack and Pinkie Pie’s calls failed to awaken the magic-drained Keyblade wielder. Their connection to Sora brought them nothing but silence—until a voice neither of them expected rang out, cutting through their shared worry like a beacon.

“Sora!”

It was Fluttershy.

The timid mare was soaring through the air, her wings beating furiously as she closed the distance between herself and the plummeting hero. Her heart pounded with every flap, and she silently prayed to Celestia that she could reach him in time. The wind tore at her mane and wings as she pushed herself harder, moving at a speed so incredible that even Rainbow Dash would have been impressed.

As Sora fell faster and faster, Fluttershy’s determination only grew. She grit her teeth, forcing her wings to work even harder. The ground loomed closer, but she wouldn’t give up—not on him. With one final burst of effort, she reached him, her hooves wrapping around Sora’s limp frame as she pulled him tightly against her chest.

“Hold on, Sora…please! Hold on!”

Fluttershy did everything she could to pull out of the dive, angling her wings to slow their descent. But despite her best efforts, her flying skills had never been as refined as her prismatic friend’s. She couldn’t achieve the sharp turn she needed, and the ground rushed up far too quickly.

Out of pure desperation, Fluttershy shifted her body beneath Sora’s, cradling him as she prepared to take the brunt of the impact. Her wings flared in a last-ditch effort to slow them just a little more, her only thought to shield him—her hero, who had risked everything time and time again for her and her friends.

“Sora… I… I…” Fluttershy whispered, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her cheeks. She buried her face into the crook of his neck, holding him as tightly as she could. “I…”

Before she could finish, a sudden jolt sent a gasp escaping her lips. Fluttershy squeaked in surprise as she felt a pair of strong, cyan hooves wrap around both her and Sora. Her wide eyes shot upward, meeting the familiar magenta gaze of Rainbow Dash.

“Geeze! Come on, Shy,” Rainbow Dash grumbled, her voice carrying a mix of exasperation and relief as she steadied her wings to slow their descent. “Can’t I leave either of you alone without getting into life-threatening danger?” Her tone was half-joking, but the undercurrent of seriousness in her words was unmistakable.

The shy mare could only stare up in disbelief, her eyes wide as tears began to stream down her face. Her voice came out soft and trembling, barely audible over the sound of the wind. “Rainbow… you… you saved…”

Rainbow Dash gave her a sly smirk, her cocky demeanor returning in full force. “Of course I did. The true hero has to save the day, as always.” Her playful tone carried just enough warmth to reassure her friend.

Her gaze shifted to Sora, unconscious but safe in Fluttershy’s hold. The smirk softened into a more genuine smile as she added, “Gotta say though, the hero didn’t die. Least that counts for something. Not bad for him, huh?”

As Rainbow Dash landed, she carefully set both Sora and Fluttershy down on the ground. Fluttershy winced slightly as she adjusted herself, making sure to avoid putting weight on her sprained leg. No sooner had Sora’s body touched the ground than a shimmering light began to envelop him, growing brighter and brighter until it forced both pegasi to shield their eyes.

When the light faded, the sight before them left them both stunned. To their complete surprise, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were now sprawled awkwardly on top of the unconscious stallion, both mares looking just as drained as he was.

“Pinkie Pie? Applejack?” Rainbow blurted out, her magenta eyes darting between the two earth ponies in utter confusion. “Where the buck did you two come from?”

Applejack groaned, lifting her head slightly before letting it drop back down with a weary sigh. “Ugh… Long story, Sugarcube,” she muttered, her drawl heavier than usual. “Barely know myself, but we’ll tell ya all about it later—after ah deal with this headache.”

Pinkie Pie let out a weak giggle, though it quickly turned into a wince as she clutched her head. “Heehee… Let’s do that again… Owies…” she said, her usual enthusiasm dulled but still present, her face contorted in a mix of pain and her trademark manic grin.

Sora let out a low groan, his eyes fluttering open as he slowly stirred beneath the weight of the two earth ponies sprawled across him. His body ached, and his mind felt foggy, but as consciousness returned, his first words came out in a groggy mumble. “Wha… huh… What happened? Did I win?”

Rainbow Dash smirked, standing over him with her hooves planted firmly on her hips. “Well, well, well. Look who decided to wake up,” she teased, her tone light but playful. “I kinda knew you were a slacker, but falling asleep in the middle of the sky? That’s a new one.”

Sora blinked up at her, his lips curling into a cheesy, tired smile. “Guess that’s what happens… when a battle’s too easy,” he quipped, his voice hoarse but filled with his usual charm.

Applejack groaned as she lifted herself from off the pile, causing Pinkie to fall off of herself and onto her back. She glared at everyone present. “Y’all can swap jokes later. Right now, ah’d like to stop feelin’ like ah’ve been run over by a stampede.”

On cue, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo came rushing toward the group, their little hooves kicking up dust as they ran. Their eyes were wide with relief, and their voices overlapped in an excited chorus as they closed the distance. All three filly’s pounced.

Apple Bloom was the first to speak, her tear-stained cheeks pressing against Sora’s as she nuzzled him fiercely, her small frame trembling with relief. “Sora!” she cried, her voice cracking with emotion. “Ah thought… Ah thought ya weren’t gonna wake up! Don’t ya ever scare me like that again, ya hear?”

“Please, Sora had that in the bag,” Scootaloo said, jumping to the stallion’s defense even as her voice wavered with emotion, betraying just how scared she had been. She buzzed her little wings, puffing out her chest in an effort to sound confident. “I mean, he’s the second coolest pony ever—next to Rainbow Dash, of course—so of course he was gonna be alright!”

Sweetie Belle sniffled, brushing at her tear-streaked cheeks with a hoof as she leaned in beside Apple Bloom. “Maybe, but he still scared us,” she said with a pout, her wide eyes brimming with concern. “You can’t just do something so dangerous and not tell us you’re okay afterward, Sora! That’s... that’s not fair!”

Sora, still pinned beneath Apple Bloom’s fierce nuzzle, gave them a sheepish grin. “Sorry, girls,” he said, his voice soft but sincere. “Didn’t mean to make you worry. I guess I owe you all an apology.”

The group turned as Twilight and Rarity approached, their arrival adding to the growing sense of relief. Twilight looked tired and a little worse for wear, her mane slightly frazzled, but she was hale and whole, the lavender mare walking steadily toward them. Her eyes immediately locked onto Sora, and she let out a long, weary sigh, her tense shoulders finally relaxing.

“You’re okay… that’s…” Twilight’s voice wavered slightly, the tension from the battle still lingering in her tone. But then she smiled, a warm and genuine expression breaking through her fatigue as she extended a hoof toward Sora. “I’m glad.”

Sora looked up at her, still pinned beneath Apple Bloom, and managed a small, tired grin. With some effort, he reached up and grabbed her hoof, allowing her to help him to his hooves. “Hey…when my friends are in trouble, you can’t keep me down for long,” he said, his voice light, though the exhaustion in it was clear.

Rarity approached the group, her delicate hoofsteps contrasting with the rough battlefield around them. She offered a soft smile as her gaze settled on Sora. “Thank goodness this is finally over,” she said, though her expression quickly shifted to a frown. “But please, darling, try to keep the death-defying stunts to a minimum next time. I don’t think my poor heart can handle much more of this.”

Pinkie Pie giggled and draped a foreleg around Rarity in a playful sideways hug. “Oh, come on, Rarity! You know us heroes—we can’t stay away from danger for too long! It’s part of the job description!”

Twilight rolled her eyes at Pinkie’s antics but said nothing, instead turning her attention to Sora. Her expression became more serious, her earlier relief giving way to something more thoughtful. “Sora,” she said softly, her tone steady but carrying a hint of hesitation. “I… I think we need to talk.”

Sora, still dusting himself off as he carefully untangled himself from the pile of ponies, paused and looked up at her. He smiled back at the lavender mare, though her tone made his smile falter slightly. “Yeah, I think I need to talk to you too,” he said, glancing around at the group. “To all of you. Though… What's on your mind, Twilight? Something tells me it’s not the same thing I was planning to talk about.”

Twilight took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she met Sora’s eyes. “It’s about the Keyblade… or rather, another one,” she said. Her voice grew quieter, tinged with a mix of confusion and concern. “I saw somepony else wielding one—just like yours.”

Sora’s eyes widened in shock, his breath catching. “What?!” he exclaimed, the weariness in his voice giving way to sudden urgency. “There’s another Keyblade wielder here?!”

Before anyone could respond, a piercing scream shattered the air, cutting through the group’s confusion like a knife. Everypony turned toward the source of the sound, their hearts dropping as they saw Fluttershy thrashing desperately, her body being dragged into the ground by a sinister black shadow.

“AH! Sora! Girls!” Fluttershy cried, her voice trembling with sheer terror as she reached out with her forelegs. “I—I can’t! Please, help me! Don’t let it take me!”

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash yelled, immediately launching into the air to save her, but she barely got off the ground before she was yanked back. Tendrils of the same shadowy darkness coiled around her hindlegs, dragging her down with alarming speed. “What the hay is this crud?!” she shouted, struggling against the encroaching darkness. Her eyes darted to the others, her panic intensifying as she saw that everypony else was in the same predicament.

The shadowy tendrils had spread rapidly, pulling at Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and even the fillies. Their struggles were futile as the inky blackness gripped them tightly, dragging them toward the ground.

Sora wasn’t spared either. He tried to summon his Keyblade, but the darkness wrapped tightly around his hooves and even his mouth, silencing him and rendering him unable to fight back. His muffled cries of resistance filled the air as the sinister force dragged him down.

“Sora! Twilight! Somepony do something!” Rainbow shouted, her voice tinged with desperation as the darkness consumed more of her. She flailed her forelegs wildly, trying to break free, but the shadows were relentless. “Don’t let it—!”

Her voice was abruptly cut off as her body sank completely into the ground, leaving only a single cyan hoof reaching out toward the sky before it, too, vanished. Within moments, the clearing was silent, the sinister shadows leaving no trace of Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, or any of the others behind. The battlefield was eerily still, as though they had never been there at all.”

Chapter 21

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Heartless

Green to start music and red to stop music

Sora awoke with a start

Instincts kicking in, he leapt to his hooves, Keyblade materializing in his mouth in a flash of light. His sharp gaze darted around, searching for danger, but no immediate threat emerged…at least for now. Slowly, he raised himself from his fighting posture, the keyblade vanishing once again before taking in his surroundings with growing unease.

The world around him was alien and ominous. A deep, dark purple haze shrouded the sky, tinged with an unsettling glow that seemed to sap the warmth from the air. Wisps of clouds floated beneath a sun that gave no light, only an oppressive presence. Beneath him, the ground was a desolate stretch of dark sand, lifeless and endless as far as his eyes could see.

In the distance, jagged mountains rose unnaturally, their peaks curved and twisted like claws frozen mid-swipe. The sight made Sora's chest tighten—a distorted landscape that seemed shaped by malice itself.

"This place..." The stallion murmured, his voice barely reaching the octave above a whisper. "Almost reminds me of the Realm of Darkness." Memories stirred within him of himself and Riku stranded in a place just like this. He frowned.

"If I'm here, then the others..." His heart dropped, remembering the sight of his himself and his friends vanishing into the darkness that engulfed them. "I need to find them—before the Heartless do. I just hope they're—"

He froze mid-sentence, his entire body locking up as something caught his eye.

Not far from where he stood, a shimmer of magic flickered—a barrier of light, familiar and unmistakable. It looked like the same kind of protective spell that had once held Twilight's heart in Ponyville. Within that shimmering bubble lay a group of ponies, their forms unmistakable even at this distance. They were stirring, beginning to wake, just as he had.

"Just what the heck is going on?"

~~~

The Apple siblings were the first to stir, the filly of the two voices cutting through the silence and rousing the others into full wakefulness.

“What the…Where are we? Apple Bloom? Apple Bloom, where are ya!?” Applejack called out, her voice thick with worry.

“Ugh… Right here, big sis,” Apple Bloom groaned, holding her head. “Can ya not yell so loud? Feels like a buffalo stampede’s runnin’ through my skull…”

Ignoring her sister’s protest, Applejack pulled the filly into a tight hug. “Ah’ll yell as much as Ah need to if it means knowin’ you’re okay, sugarcube.”

“Where is this place?” Scootaloo muttered, grimacing as she rubbed her temples. “The last thing I remember… everything went black.”

“My mane! Oh, it’s ruined!” Rarity wailed dramatically, the mare pulling a comb from her saddlebag and frantically trying to straighten out her frazzled locks.

“Glad some ponies have their priorities straight,” Rainbow Dash grumbled sarcastically. She began walking around, her gaze shifting left and right. “Are we in some kind of magical bubble?” She tapped the dome, causing a gentle ripple to flow through it like a drop of water in a puddle.

Twilight’s brow furrowed, her gaze narrowing as she studied the magical barrier. “It’s not just some random bubble, Rainbow,” she said grimly. “This magic… I recognize it. It’s the same signature as Heartless magic. I can feel it.”

Applejack tensed at the revelation, pulling Apple Bloom protectively closer. “That don’t sound good, Twi. Got any ideas on what we should do next?”

“A few, but without more information, it’d be reckless to try anything drastic.” Twilight admitted with a bit of frustration in her tone of voice. “We need to figure out a way out of here, but blindly using magic could make things worse.”

“Wait a second!” Pinkie Pie suddenly gasped, her eyes wide with realization. “Has anypony seen Sora?!”

Twilight’s breath caught as her eyes darted around the group, everyone else following after her. Sure enough, Sora was nowhere to be seen, and the absence sent a chill through the lavender mare’s spine. “Someone or something must have separated us”, she thought, swallowing a growing sense of dread. “But…for what reason?”

“Um… I think I see somepony outside the bubble,” Fluttershy whispered, pointing toward the distance.

Everypony turned in unison, their eyes locking onto a figure in the distance.

“My stars! Fluttershy’s right!” Rarity exclaimed, moving closer to get a better look. “And that somepony is Sora!”

“Yeah, that’s definitely him,” Rainbow Dash said with a faint smirk, relief softening her tone. “That dorky, spiky hair’s a dead giveaway. What’s he doing out there, though?”

Twilight’s frown deepened, her unease growing. “I don’t know, but I don’t like this one bit. Everypony, huddle up. I’m teleporting us out of here. I don’t want to take chances with whatever this is.”

Her horn flared to life, surrounding them all with a soft lavender glow. Twilight braced herself, channeling the teleportation spell—

But nothing happened. The glow flickered and sputtered like a candle struggling in the wind.

“Uh… Twi?” Applejack said cautiously. “Ah think somethin’ went wrong.”

“What!?” Twilight’s voice edged toward panic as she tried again, her horn glowing uselessly. “No… This doesn’t make any sense! My magic’s being blocked.” She turned to Rarity, desperation in her eyes. “Can you try?”

Rarity nodded, despite her own worry. Focusing hard, she summoned forth her magic—but the result was the same. Her horn glowed, but the spell fizzled into nothing. “I… I don’t understand. It’s like something’s smothering our magic.”

Rainbow Dash shot into the air with a flap of her wings. “Well, if magic’s no good, then we’ll just break out the old-fashioned way!”

“Rainbow, wait!” Twilight cried, but it was too late.

Rainbow Dash barreled into the dome at full speed, only for a surge of crackling energy to explode on impact. She screamed as the shock jolted through her body.

“Rainbow!” Applejack shouted, sprinting toward her friend.

“Over here, AJ!” Pinkie Pie called, crouching low and ready. Understanding instantly, Applejack galloped full-tilt, leaping onto Pinkie’s back. With a powerful buck, Pinkie launched the farm mare high into the air. Applejack caught Rainbow’s tail in her teeth mid-fall, yanking her free from the bubble and flinging her safely into Pinkie’s waiting hooves.

“Rainbow!” Scootaloo cried, rushing to her idol’s side as the others gathered around.

Twilight quickly knelt beside Rainbow, pressing a hoof to her neck and listening carefully. She let out a sigh of relief. “She’s going to be okay. It was a strong shock, but weather pegasi are trained to handle lightning. She just needs some time to recover.”

“That’s not the point!” Applejack said angrily, glaring at the shimmering barrier. “Somepony knew exactly what we’d try and set this trap to hurt us. And because of it, Rainbow got hurt anyway!” She ground her teeth, her voice low and dangerous. “Whoever’s behind this better hope Ah don’t find ‘em.”

Fluttershy whimpered softly, glancing back toward Sora, who was now running toward them. “Please… be safe…” she whispered, her voice barely audible as the hero drew closer.

~~~

Sora had watched everything unfold with growing confusion, the bizarre situation unfolding before him making little sense. But when Rainbow Dash cried out in pain, confusion turned to fear. Without hesitation, the stallion surged forward, hooves pounding against the dark, barren ground as he sprinted toward his entrapped friends.

Hang on, girls! I’m coming! I’ll save you!

Just as he neared the bubble, however, a crackling beam of magic shot out of nowhere, striking the ground directly in front of him. The force of the blast sent him sprawling backward, forcing him to land on his back with a hard grunt.

Dazed, the stallion quickly scrambled to his hooves, his ears ringing from the explosion, looking up, a chill ran down his spine as a portal of darkness tore open nearby, and a figure stepped out—a pony cloaked in black, her presence unmistakable.

“Well, well, well,” she purred, her tone dripping with mockery. “Look who it is—the little hero.” She spat the last word as though it were a joke.

Sora frowned as his Keyblade materialized in his maw. Lowering his head, he scraped a hoof against the ground, his voice hard and uncharacteristically grim. “You… You’re the one who attacked Ponyville!”

The mare chuckled, her laugh as dark as the world around them. “Ah…So you remember me then. Good. I do love leaving a lasting impression. It’s something of a talent, you could say.”

Sora growled, his grip on his Keyblade tightening. “I’m guessing this bubble is your doing. Let them go, now!”

The mare tilted her head, her crimson eyes glinting ominously beneath her hood. “Oh my, such mighty demands from the big bad hero.” She smiled wickedly beneath her hood, “But I don’t think you’re in any position to tell me what to do. In fact…” Her grin widened as cries of alarm erupted from behind her.

Sora’s heart sank as he looked past the mare. The bubble holding his friends had begun to compress, shrinking inward as the ponies inside shouted and scrambled in fear.

“What are you doing?!” Sora shouted, panic rising in his chest. “Let them go!”

The mare tutted, shaking her head. “Now, now, let’s not be hasty. I’ve got a delightful little game in mind. Here’s how it works: you either make your Keyblade disappear, or the bubble keeps shrinking, crushing your beloved friends. What do you say little hero?”

Sora hesitated, his mind racing. He didn’t want to believe she would harm them, but the sight of the bubble tightening around his friends left no room for doubt. With a flash of light, his Keyblade vanished, though his glare remained locked on the mare.

“There, that’s a good boy,” she cooed, her tone mocking. Her movements were slow and deliberate as she sauntered toward him, her hips swaying dramatically. “Now we can start the fun.”

With a wicked laugh, she conjured several shimmering blades of magic, their edges crackling with dark energy. “Here are the rules. The longer you stay on your hooves, the longer the bubble holds. If you touch the ground with anything but your hooves, the bubble shrinks.” She swiped at him with a blade, and Sora leaped back, narrowly avoiding it.

“If you summon your weapon, the bubble shrinks,” she continued, swiping again and forcing him to dodge. “And if these blades so much as graze you…” She let the implication hang in the air, her smirk growing as she watched him dart away from another attack. “Well, you get the picture.”

Sora’s jaw tightened, his fear for his friends fueling his resolve.

“Ready?” she asked, her tone dripping with glee. “One. Two. Three… Go!”

The mare lunged, her blades whirling toward him with terrifying speed. Sora’s instincts took over as he dove to the side, narrowly evading the attack.

The mare’s laughter rang out, echoing across the barren wasteland. “Oh, you’re good! I can tell you’re going to be so much fun. Do try to last, little hero. I want you to suffer for making a fool of me. And when I’m done with you, I’ll present you to my master as a broken little trophy.”

Her words struck a nerve, but Sora couldn’t afford to react. Every ounce of his focus was on the twisted game she had forced upon him. Lives were at stake—his friends’ lives—and he wouldn’t let them down.

He couldn’t.

~~~

“Ugh… Dangit. Y’all alright, Apple Bloom? Girls?” Applejack asked, her voice steady despite the tension in her shoulders as she scanned their surroundings and eyed the bubble warily.

“I… I think so, sis,” Apple Bloom replied, her voice trembling slightly as she stared at the shimmering walls of the bubble with wide, fearful eyes. “Ain’t hurt or nothin’.”

“Y-Yeah. We’re fine,” Scootaloo added, though the shakiness in her tone betrayed her unease. “No sweat… right?”

“What… what happened?” Rarity stammered, shakily rising to her hooves. Her legs felt weak, the memory of the bubble compressing still fresh in her mind. She glanced down at her sister who was hiding between her forelegs, shaking just as much as her older sister was.

“The bubble started shrinking!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed suddenly, cradling Rainbow Dash’s head in her lap. “It was so scary, but then it just… stopped! Maybe it got bored or something.”

“This ain’t time for jokes, Pinkie!” Applejack scolded, her voice firm but not unkind. “There’s gotta be a reason for all this.”

“Sunset Shimmer…”

The name fell from Twilight’s lips, drawing everypony’s attention. Their gazes followed hers, landing on a cloaked figure outside the bubble. She was locked in conversation with Sora, and the tension between them was palpable.

Applejack was the first to break the silence. “Y’all know her, Twi?”

Twilight shook her head, her scowl deepening. “Not personally. She revealed herself to me and Spike back at the castle. She… she told me to ask Celestia who she was.”

The cryptic response only raised more questions, but Twilight pressed on before anyone could speak. “We need to get out of here—now. She’s behind this. I know it. If we stay here any longer, we’re putting ourselves and Sora in even greater danger.”

A groggy voice interrupted their growing panic. “Jeez… did somepony get the number of that storm cloud?”

All heads turned toward Rainbow Dash as she stirred, blinking blearily as she tried to sit up.

“Rainbow! You’re okay!” Pinkie shrieked, pulling her into a bone-crushing hug. “I was so scared when you got hurt, and I didn’t know what to do, and—”

“GAK! Pinkie!” Rainbow wheezed, struggling against her friend’s enthusiastic grip. “Can ya let me go before you crush every bone in my body?”

As soon as Pinkie released her, Scootaloo darted forward and hugged Rainbow tightly. “I knew you’d be okay! No magic could keep the coolest pegasus in Equestria down!”

Rainbow chuckled weakly, patting the filly on the head. “Darn right. But… yeah, let’s not do that again if I can help it.”

Rarity watched the scene unfold with a relieved smile, glad to see Rainbow’s spirit still intact. But her attention was soon drawn away by a faint, shaky whisper. Turning, she spotted Fluttershy standing a short distance away, her gaze fixed on Sora and the cloaked mare. The pegasus’s fur was visibly paler than usual, her body trembling.

“Fluttershy?” Rarity asked gently as she approached her. “Are you alright, darling? Did you get hurt?”

Fluttershy didn’t respond right away, her voice barely above a whisper when she finally spoke. “He’s not using his sword…”

Rarity blinked, tilting her head in confusion. “Darling, what do you mean?”

Fluttershy turned to face her, panic clear in her wide eyes. “His Keyblade, Rarity. He’s not using it. Why isn’t he using it?”

Her words sent a chill through Rarity as she turned her gaze back toward Sora, the realization settling heavily over her. Something was very, very wrong.

~~~

“What’s the matter, hero?!” Sunset shouted, her voice laced with venom as she unleashed a barrage of magical blasts toward Sora. “Not feeling so heroic now, are you?!”

Sora darted to the side, his hooves pounding against the ground as he narrowly avoided each arc of magical energy slicing through the air. He didn’t bother to respond, his focus locked on outmaneuvering her while his mind raced for a solution. As he dashed around her, his gaze flicked toward the bubble holding his friends, a flicker of worry breaking his concentration.

That moment of distraction was ripe for the taking.

With a sharp surge of crimson magic, she struck the ground in front of Sora once gain, the sudden upheaval sending him stumbling and nearly losing his footing. Sunset’s horn flared once more, firing a concentrated blast directly at him soon after.

Thinking fast, Sora kicked a piece of loose debris into the air, using it as a makeshift shield. The blast collided with the rock, absorbing most of the attack’s force but still sending him flying backward. Sora hit the ground hard, bouncing once before twisting mid-air to land on all fours.

Without hesitation, he bolted toward Sunset, determination burning in his eyes. If he couldn’t attack with his blade he had other means of fighting after all.

Sunset smirked at his approach, her horn glowing as she fired a series of magical bolts in rapid succession. The stallion, however, was fast. He weaved through them effortlessly, leaping into the air as he neared her. With a quick flip, he aimed a precise kick, hoping to end the fight swiftly.

But Sunset was ready.

Her wicked grin widened as a shimmering red shield erupted around her Just before he landed his strike. His hoof struck the barrier with a loud crack. He was there for only a second before red lightning lashed out at him, surging through his body and sending waves of pain through him. With a flash, the shield disappeared, and Sora collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain.

Sunset laughed maniacally, her voice echoing across the desolate terrain. “AHAHAHAHA! Oh, this is just too good! You’re too predictable, you know that?” She smirked as she looked behind herself watching as the bubble slowly began to shrink once again, Sora’s friend’s cries of distress cutting though the air once more. “What’s the matter, hero? Done already? Get up, or your friends are going to end up as pony paste!”

With a flick of her horn, she conjured magical blades, slashing at the ground near Sora as he rolled out of harm’s way and struggled back to his hooves. He glared at her with a fire in his eyes that even Sunset couldn’t ignore.

The mare shivered but smiled all the same. “That’s the spirit, hero. Now then…” Her horn flared, the blades hovering menacingly around her. “Shall we continue?”

~~~

Apple Bloom squeezed her eyes shut as another of Sunset’s magical strikes came dangerously close to impaling Sora. The stallion dodged at the last second, narrowly escaping harm. When the filly dared to open her eyes again, she let out a shaky sigh of relief and turned toward her sister. “What’s Sora doing? Why doesn’t he use his giant key thing?”

Applejack glanced down at the worried filly, her expression tight with unease. Her gaze shifted back to the chaotic battle in front of them. “Ah don’t know, little sis. He should’ve taken that mare down already.”

Her ears twitched as she caught the sound of Twilight muttering under her breath. Turning to face her friend, Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Twilight? Did ya say somethin’?”

Twilight’s head shot up, her eyes wide with realization. “He can’t. He can’t fight back.”

“What?” Sweetie Belle’s voice cracked as she looked at Twilight, confusion and fear in her young eyes. “What do you mean? He’s taken down monsters way bigger than him! He can handle her—I know he can!”

Twilight shook her head firmly. “No, you don’t understand. He can’t fight back… because of us.”

Fluttershy stepped closer, her voice trembling. “What are you saying, Twilight? What do you mean ‘because of us’?”

Twilight gestured to the shimmering bubble surrounding them. “This bubble, our magic being useless, Sora not using his Keyblade—it’s all connected. Don’t you see?” She pointed toward Sora, her voice rising in urgency. “I’ve been watching closely. Every time Sora touches the ground, the bubble shrinks. And earlier, when he summoned his Keyblade, it did the same thing.” Her eyes burned with frustration. “She’s using us to control him. She’s making us his weakness.”

The weight of Twilight’s words settled over the group like a storm cloud, leaving everypony frozen in shock and disgust. They exchanged uneasy glances, their horror evident as the full implication of Sunset’s twisted game sank in.

For a long moment, no one spoke, until Rarity broke the silence. Her voice quite. “Twilight… What do we do?”

Twilight’s gaze darted around the bubble, her mind racing for answers. No magic. No Keyblade. A death game with a madmare… What can I do?

Her frantic thoughts were interrupted by Fluttershy’s panicked cry. “Sora!”

Everypony turned toward the battle, their collective gasp echoing as they took in the sight before them.

~~~

Sora stood shakily, cradling his injured right foreleg close to his chest. Bright red blood dripped steadily to the ground, staining the barren landscape beneath him. His breath came in shallow gasps as he locked eyes with Sunset Shimmer, her twisted smile gleaming as she drew back the blade she had struck him with. The crimson liquid slid down its length, glistening in the dim, oppressive light.

"Ah… there it is," she purred, her voice eerily gentle, almost motherly. "I know it hurts, but isn’t pain such a beautiful reminder that you’re alive? And that scream…” She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing with sadistic delight. “So full of anger, regret, helplessness. Your heart is like an open book, little hero, and I know every inch of it.”

Sora growled, shaking his head in defiance despite the pain wracking his body. “You don’t have to do this. Stop while you still can!”

Sunset’s smile twisted into something even darker as she whipped her blade through the air, catching him across his left shoulder. He hissed in pain, leaping back instinctively and using his wings to create distance between them.

But Sunset only laughed. “Oh, no. This is far too much fun.” She brandished her blades, their sharp edges glinting menacingly. “Now be a good boy and make it last, hmm?”

Sora skidded to a halt, his mind racing. She hasn’t gotten faster… it’s me. I’m slowing down. I’ve been dodging too much, wasting too much energy. I have to stop her now… I have to save everyone!

Before he could act, another blast of Sunset’s magic caught him off guard, striking him just as he landed. The searing pain tore through his already battered foreleg, and he collapsed to the ground with a cry.

For a moment, the world was a blur of pain, and he thought he heard someone calling his name, but it was drowned out by the ringing in his ears. He tried to push himself up, his legs trembling violently under the strain, but before he could fully rise, Sunset’s hoof lashed out, sweeping his legs out from under him and sending him crashing back to the ground.

Sunset loomed over him, her expression one of mock pity. “Poor little hero. Just as my master suspected—you’re nothing without that Keyblade of yours.” She leaned closer, her tone almost playful. “Honestly, you’re not even worth his time. Maybe I should just kill you now and take that Keyblade for myself.”

She paused, her ears flicking as her lips curled into a sly smile. “Oh, but your friends… they’re quite worried about you, aren’t they?” Her horn flared, and with a wave of magic, the red hue of the bubble trapping the mares shifted into that of clear glass. “Ya know what...I’m actually feeling generous today. What with the idiot Sombra out of the picture and the hero at my hooves. How about I allow you to say your goodbyes before we end this little game of ours, hmm?”

She kicked Sora onto his side, forcing him to look at his friends. Their faces were etched with horror and anguish.

“You… you monster!” Rarity sobbed, tears streaming down her face. “Don’t you dare touch him again, or I swear I’ll—”

Sora’s pained cry from the mare stabbing his hurt leg silenced her, the white mare clutching a hoof to her mouth, unable to finish her sentence.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash pounded against the glass-like barrier, their hooves sparking with painful bursts of electricity, but they didn’t stop.

“Wow… it really does look like your friends care about you, huh?” Sunset sneered. “But I wouldn’t waste my breath on needless stuff after all. You all don’t have much time left you see. After all, he’s about to meet my master, and I’d prefer to save all the screaming for him.”

She delivered another vicious kick to Sora’s side, forcing him to double over in pain. Before he could recover, she slammed a hoof down onto his face, pressing him harshly into the ground. “What about you, hero? Got any parting words for your adoring fans?”

Sora coughed weakly, lifting his gaze toward the trapped mares. His eyes filled with shame as he looked down, his voice trembling. “I’m… sorry… I… just… please… let the girls go. You can take me just…”

“Don’t you dare!” Rainbow Dash shouted, slamming a hoof against the glass barrier. Her voice cracked with desperation. “You’re supposed to be the hero! You’re supposed to be the strongest!” She shook her head as tears began to form in her eyes, “Darn it, Sora! Don’t give up! We need you! All of us need you! Without you, we can’t do this! Now get your flank in gear and fight!”

Sunset threw her head back, laughing maniacally. “Oh, this is rich! Is this the power of friendship I’ve heard so much about? A little pep talk is supposed to magically give the hero the strength to win?”

Her laughter faded into a sneer as she leaned down, gripping Sora’s mane with her magic and yanking him up to eye level. “Let me remind you how the real world works: you either survive, like me, or you die. And just to prove my point…” Her lips curled into a wicked grin. “And just to prove my point, I’ll make you a deal. My master really doesn’t need you so how about he changes you back into a human.” Sora's eyes widened at that and she cooed softly. “Oh yes…I know what you really are keyblade wielder. We can send you back home…a little worse for wear but hey…you’ll be alive…and all you have to do is say let me live.”

Despite his pain, the stallion’s eye cut towards the mare as a low growl escaped his lips, “I’d rather die than let you hurt my friends.”

Sunset shrugged, her smirk unwavering as she pinned his head back to ground with her magic, ignoring the horrified cries of the mares. “Wrong answer. Guess you all lose.”

With a flick of her magic, she turned Sora’s head to face the glass bubble. “Care for front-row seats, hero? Let’s see how long it takes before their screams stop.”

Her horn flared, and the bubble began to slowly contract. Sora’s hazy vision blurred with tears as he watched his friends fight desperately against the inevitable. His body trembled as he tried to force himself to move, but the pain was too much.

The mares’ cries echoed in his ears, their voices piercing through his failing resolve. Hot tears streaked down his face as he choked out, “N-No… I… I’m sorry… I… I’m—”

Suddenly, a blinding flash of green light illuminated the battlefield, followed by a sharp cracking sound.

“What!? WHAT!?” Sunset shrieked, her triumphant grin twisting into shock. A loud impact echoed, as if something—or someone—had struck her.

Before Sora’s vision faded completely, he caught a glimpse of a hoof landing firmly in front of him. Light gray fur rippled in the otherworldly wind of the dark realm, a reassuring presence radiating from its owner.

A familiar voice spoke, calm and steady. “Kairi says, ‘Thanks for making her worry, lazy bones.’”

Sora’s lips moved faintly as consciousness slipped away, one word escaping in a whisper.

“Ri… ku.”

Author's Note

So did change a few things here and there. Made it a bit less edgy but kept the tone the same. Hope ya enjoy the rework

Chapter 22

World:Unknown

Location:Unknown

I sat atop our master’s tall tower that rested upon a small mass of land, staring off into the distance. The clouds wisped at the edges like a gently flowing quite river. The sun’s warm rays touched my skin, but they did little to lift the heavy weight I felt inside. My hand moved instinctively to my bandaged chest, and a sharp pain flared, making me wince. Once it subsided, I released a deep sigh, my gaze drifting upwards towards the blue of the sky.

“Where…did it…”

“Ha! There you are.”

The voice behind me made me jump. I turned towards the intruder, being careful not to worsen my already aching rips. A tall, lanky figure with wild, spiky red hair stood at the top of the ladder. He smirked before flipping up effortlessly, landing with practiced ease. From his coat pocket, he pulled out two wrapped ice creams, holding them up with a grin.

“Knew I’d find you up here,” he said, triumphant. “Even took a gamble and got two of these bad boys. Figured you could use something better than the stuff Master Yen Sid tries to call food.”

“Axel,” I said, blinking in surprise before tilting my head. “How’d you even know I’d be here?”

“First off,” he said, frowning in mock offense, “it’s Lea. Get. It. Memorized.” He tapped my forehead lightly with one of the ice creams for emphasis. “And second, it’s obvious. It’s exactly the kind of thing he would do—find the highest spot around just to brood.”

“He?” I asked, my brows furrowed as I took one of the icecreams. “He who?”

“You know who. Roxas. C’mon, Sora, keep up.”

I paused, staring at him for a moment before the name clicked. “Oh… Roxas.” I unwrapped the ice cream, its coolness already melting slightly in the sun. “I still don’t get it, though. Why come looking for me?”

Lea leaned back against the tower wall, peeling the wrapper off his ice cream and taking a bite. “Whenever Roxas was feeling down, he’d find a spot like this—somewhere with an amazing view. Said it always helped him feel a little better. Thought maybe it’d work for you, too. Gotta admit, though, this place puts Twilight Town’s tower to shame.” He gave a chuckle, his gaze drifting out to the endless sky. “Still, it’s got its own charm so no need to compare."

I stayed quiet, my focus shifting to the ice cream in my hands. The silence between us stretched until Lea broke it.

“You okay, Sora?”

I didn’t respond, my head hanging low.

“Guess that’s a no,” he said, sighing as he ruffled his hair. “Look, I get it. You’re upset, and yeah, maybe things didn’t go perfectly. But it’s not all your fault, you know.”

“I lost my temper during that heartless attack,” I muttered. “Made everything worse. I…my head just wasn’t—”

“I know Sora…but…you can’t take all the blame…right?” He turns to look towards the clouds. “Still…you should have stayed back. Your head wasn’t quite in the game after all.”

I sighed, the weight in my chest tightening further. “I couldn’t just stand there, Lea. That house… if I hadn’t stepped in, it would’ve been destroyed. I didn’t care about myself in that moment—I just couldn’t let that happen.”

Lea turned his head slightly, studying me with an expression that was hard to read. “Yeah, I get it. That’s who you are, after all. The guy who jumps in, no matter the odds, no matter the cost.” He smiled faintly, though there was a touch of something somber in his voice. “But sometimes, Hero, you gotta remember that even you have limits. Taking a hit like that doesn’t make you invincible—it just makes you hurt.”

I didn’t respond, my eyes fixed on the half-melted ice cream in my hand.

Lea chuckled, nudging my arm gently, careful not to aggravate my injuries. “Don’t beat yourself up too much. You did what you thought was right. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but hey, you saved that house, didn’t you? Small victories, Sora. Take ’em where you can.”

I managed a weak smile, the smallest crack in my guilt. “Thanks… I think.”

“Anytime.” He took another bite of his ice cream, savoring it before leaning back again. “And hey, you’re on the bench for now, sure, but it’s not forever. Give yourself time to heal—physically and mentally.”

The reminder stung, but I knew he was right. “I just hate feeling like this,” I admitted quietly. “Like I let everyone down.”

Lea was quiet for a moment, the wind filling the silence between us. He finished off the last of his ice cream, tossing the stick aside before turning to look at me. “You know,” he said, his voice softer now, “they asked me to check on you.They wanted to know how you were holding up.”

I was quiet for a while before saying. “Tell them I’m okay. They don’t need to worry.”

Lea raised an eyebrow at my response, his lips pulling into a slight frown. “That’s what you want me to tell them? ‘I’m okay. Don’t worry.’ You think that’s gonna fly with them?”

“If…it came from me….” I looked back, smiling. “I’m sure. It will.”

Lea sighed, rubbing the back of his head, his spiky hair shifting slightly under his hand. “Yeah, sure,” he said, his tone carrying a mix of reluctance and understanding. “I’ll pass your note, Mr. ‘I’m Fine.’ But don’t be surprised if they don’t buy it.”

I chuckled weakly, the corners of my mouth twitching upward. “Thanks, Lea. I mean it.”

He dropped his hand and shot me a smirk. “Don’t mention it. It’s what friends do right? Oh…by the way. Master Yin Sid wants to see you about sneaking out of the medical ward.”

I laughed softly, though the movement sent a sharp ache through my ribs, making me wince. “Ouch... Yeah, not looking forward to that,” I admitted, still managing a weak smile.

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Restful Respite Part 1

Green to start music and red to stop music

The warm gleam of the morning sun shimmering upon his fur slowly pulled the stallion of the memory dreams. His eyes fluttered open, blinking against the soft light as his thoughts slowly began to piece themselves together.

With a quiet groan, he slowly pushed himself upright, the stiffness in his body making him wince slightly. His eyes swept across the unfamiliar surroundings as he tried to ground himself, piecing together where he was. The soft hues of the room, the neatly arranged shelves, and the faint scent of parchment felt oddly familiar.

“This is... Twilight’s house,” Sora muttered, his voice raspy with the remnants of sleep. He ran a hoof through his mane, his thoughts racing to make sense of how he’d ended up here.

Patting himself down instinctively, his hooves brushed against his fur, checking for injuries or anything out of place. “How did I get here?” he murmured, a growing sense of unease bubbling up inside him.

His gaze fell upon a wooden chair beside the bed. To his surprise, his neatly folded clothes rested on the seat, along with a pair of vibrant red saddlebags hanging from the chair’s back. He tilted his head, reaching out to inspect them. The saddlebags’ elegant yet practical design stood out, though they carried a simplicity that spoke of care.

“Where did these come from?” he wondered aloud, turning them over in his hooves.

Shaking his head, Sora closed his eyes, focusing inward. “Ven?” he called out, his voice carrying a hopeful edge.

No answer.

“Ventus? Can you hear me?”

Still, silence greeted him.

Worry crept into his chest as he folded his forelegs, his brow furrowing. Memories of the last thing he’d seen—a figure standing over him before darkness consumed him—flashed in his mind. He clenched his jaw, frustration and confusion mingling in equal measure.

“I…I was fighting that pony and then…I…I lost and—-” he gasped. “The girls!”

In his urgency, Sora leapt from the bed, only to have his hooves tangled in the sheets. With a startled yelp, he tumbled to the ground, his momentum carrying him into a chaotic roll that left him bound in a cocoon of fabric. He squirmed and thrashed, frustration building with each failed attempt to free himself.

The sound of hurried hoofsteps ascending the stairs reached his ears, but Sora barely registered them over his struggle. The door burst open, and the unmistakable voice of a mare called out, “Sora?”

Sora froze mid-roll, his ears twitching at the familiarity of the voice. A moment later, a gentle but firm tug freed his head from the offending blanket. Blinking up, he found himself face-to-face with a pair of warm, green eyes filled with concern and amusement.

“Applejack?” he said softly, a tentative smile forming on his lips. Relief washed over him as he murmured, “You’re... okay.”

The farm mare chuckled, shaking her head as she offered a hoof to help him up. “Sure as sugar, Ah am. Need a hoof, partner?”

He accepted her help, standing on shaky legs and rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. “Thanks, AJ. Hate to admit it, but that’s the second time this has happened to me.” He paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Well... second time in Equestria, at least.”

Before he could say more, Applejack pulled him into a tight, bone-crushing hug. His eyes widened in surprise as he stiffened, heat rushing to his cheeks. Hesitantly, he wrapped a hoof around her, feeling her grip tighten as if afraid to let go.

Sora coughed lightly as Applejack finally released him, stepping back but keeping her hoof resting gently on his shoulder. Her green eyes scanned him carefully, her concern as evident as the warmth in her expression.

“Ya gave us quite the scare, sugarcube,” she said, her voice soft but firm.

Sora gave her a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his head. “Guess I’ve been making that a habit lately, huh? Sorry, Applejack…” He shook his head. “If only had had been a little stronger then—”

Before he could finish his thought, Applejack reached out and gave his nose a firm, no-nonsense boop. The unexpected gesture made him blink in surprise, his train of thought derailed.

“Don’t,” Applejack said firmly, her voice brooking no argument. She narrowed her eyes slightly but softened her gaze as she continued, “There ain’t no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts,’ Sora, not when it comes to what happened back at the Crystal Empire.” She shook her head before gently placing a hoof on his shoulder, her emerald green eyes staring straight into his blue ones. “What ya did for us, what ya were willin’ to do to keep us alive... well, Ah doubt many ponies woulda done the same if they were in yer hooves. Ya risked your life for us Sora… And Ah ain’t gonna let ya sit here beatin’ yerself up over it.”

"Still... not like it mattered in the end.” The stallion countered. “I was still..."

A hoof pressed against his lips, silencing him. With a shake of her head her eyes would slowly sweep over every inch of his frame, a soft whistle escaping between puckered lips. “Well, I’ll be…” she muttered under her breath. Stepping back, Applejack broke into a bright smile. “Boy howdy, Sora! That magic medicine really worked wonders, didn’t it? Guess he wasn’t lyin’ after all.”

Sora blinked, tilting his head in confusion. “He? He who?”

Applejack opened her mouth to answer, but a sudden crash from downstairs cut her off. She let out a hearty chuckle and started toward the door. "Reckon it's best if Twilight explains that one. She's got a way with rememberin' all the details, seein' as she did most of the talkin' with him." She stopped and glanced back at him, her brow furrowing slightly as he swayed, tryin' to steady himself. "Ya holdin' up alright, sugarcube? Need a hoof gettin' steady?"

“Just a little tired, but I can shake it off,” Sora replied with a wave of his hoof. “Come on, let’s go see Twilight already.” He made his way to the chair where his folded clothes were neatly placed. As he began putting them on, his eyes caught sight of the red saddlebags once more. “Hey, where did these come from?”

Applejack followed his gaze to the bags hanging off the chair and smiled softly. “Those right there, Sora, are a get-well gift from Rarity,” she said. “She was workin’ on ’em the whole train ride back. Said she wanted ya to have somethin’ that’s both practical and stylish—y’know how she is.” Her smile turned a bit thoughtful. “She’s still at it, actually. Told me she’s got some big ol’ project in the works. Both her and Twilight have been holed up in her boutique, actin’ all secret-like. Ah reckon they’re just tryin’ to keep their minds busy after all that went down.”

Her smile wavered just a bit, and she glanced off to the side. “Truth be told, we’ve all been dealin’ with things in our own ways. Pinkie Pie’s been runnin’ herself ragged, makin’ sure everypony in town’s alright—more than she usually does, if ya can believe it. And Fluttershy? She’s been lookin’ after ya ever since ya keeled over. She’s been comin’ by near every day, refusin’ to let up. Took me promisin’ to take over for a spell just to get her to rest up some.”

Sora felt heat rise to his cheeks. “R-Really? Geez…. I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble.”

Applejack shook her head, her smile warm and easy. “Aw, don’t go mentionin’ it, sugarcube. It’s the least we could do after everythin’ you’ve done for us.”

Sora rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Still… Thanks.” He was about to follow her when his ears perked up “Oh! And Rainbow Dash? Is she okay?”

Applejack’s expression darkened slightly as she sighed. “Ah’m not too sure, to be honest. Ain’t seen much of her lately, aside from her weather duties. She’s been keepin’ to herself. Sometimes I hear her rantin’ up in the clouds, but she’s too high for me to catch what she’s sayin’.”

Sora sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I see…”

Applejack gave him a hearty pat on the back—hard enough to make him stumble forward a step. “Now, don’t go lettin’ it weigh ya down too much,” she said with a reassuring grin. “She’ll come around. We all took ya gettin’ hurt pretty hard, and she’s just sortin’ through it in her own way. No matter what she might say, Rainbow Dash don’t leave her friends hangin’. And after all you’ve done for us, she knows you’re one of ’em.”

Sora nodded, a faint smile forming as he steaded himself from the hard pat. “I get it. Still… doesn’t mean I didn’t mess up during that last battle.”

“But we’re still here, ain’t we?” Applejack countered firmly. “And that’s because of you. So from the bottom of mah heart, thank ya for that.” Her smile faltered, shifting into a stern frown. “But don’t ya ever do it again, ya hear? Nearly scared me half to death, seein’ ya take such a beatin’. Had poor Apple Bloom cryin’ her eyes out.”

Sora winced at the mention of Apple Bloom, the thought of her tears twisting his stomach. He managed a sheepish grin. “Ah… yeah. I understand.”

Applejack gave him a deadpan stare, stepping closer and pressing a firm hoof against his chest. “Ah mean it, Sora. Don’t. Do. That. Again.”

“Y-Yes, ma’am!” Sora squeaked, snapping into a quick salute.

~~~

"There has to be something! There just has to be!" Twilight cried out, frantically flipping through one book after another. Each page turned with increasing frustration as she muttered under her breath. "Nothing in this one... or this one... or this one!" Her growl of irritation punctuated the growing pile of discarded tomes.

From a safe distance, Sora observed her. Even without meeting her eyes, her stress was evident. Her mane was frazzled, stray strands sticking out at odd angles, and her tail twitched sporadically like a ticking clock. If he were honest, he’d admit he was more than a little intimidated by her intensity.

"Hey, Twi, guess who's up and about?" Applejack's voice rang out cheerfully from the doorway.

Sora stiffened immediately, sensing the shift in the room’s atmosphere. Twilight froze mid-rant, her quill suspended in the air as though time itself had stopped. Slowly—painfully slowly—she turned her head to look at him, her expression unreadable but deeply unsettling.

"You're awake..." she said, her tone sending a shiver down Sora's spine.

Every instinct screamed at him to bolt. There was a perfectly good window nearby, and the thought of diving through it seemed increasingly appealing. But before he could act, Twilight disappeared in a flash of lavender light, reappearing inches in front of him. He barely had time to register her presence before she tackled him to the ground, her magic pinning him firmly in place.

"You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for you to wake up, Sora!" she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "I almost used a memory spell on you—Princess Celestia told me not to, but I was so close! Then Applejack told me about the original Elements of Honesty and Laughter and how some human—yes, a human—helped create them! Not just any human, but one with the same powers you have! The same weapon! How is that even possible? Who is Riku? Why won’t you tell me what I need to know?!"

"Whoa there, sugarcube," Applejack interjected with a chuckle, stepping in to place a calming hoof on Twilight’s back. "How ‘bout you let him answer one question before ya throw another at him?"

Twilight blinked, realization dawning as she glanced down at Sora, who was giving her a nervous, wide-eyed smile. A deep blush spread across her cheeks as she quickly scrambled off him, her ears folding back in embarrassment.

"I-I’m so sorry, Sora!" she stammered, shuffling awkwardly. "I just… There are so many questions, and AJ said you’d be the best pony to get a straight answer from for them. I got carried away."

"No worries Twi.” told her, a smile on his face. “I had promised AJ and Pinkie I would tell you and the others everything I know anyway. I at least owe you all that much after what I put you through."

"I know...but still…I’m sorry. It's just…Everything is happening so fast. The world as I know it just got a whole lot bigger and it's a little...overwhelming." Twilight gave Sora a gentle look. “And…ah…sorry for not saying this earlier but, well…” Twilight pulled the stallion close and wrapped her hooves around his neck. “I’m glad you’re okay. Seeing you hurt like that and everything and there was nothing I could do to help you. I’ve honestly never felt so helpless in my life." She pulled away to look at him. "Riku said-“

"Hang on…so… that was Riku," Sora interjected softly, cutting her off. His voice wasn’t harsh or accusing, just quiet, a realization settling in.

“How did—?” Twilight began, but Sora answered before she could finish.

“I saw his… well, his fur,” Sora admitted. “And he spoke to me before I blacked out. He might have changed forms like I did, but I’d recognize his voice anywhere.” He looked down for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then met her gaze again. “Is he here? Did he say why he came?”

Twilight had wanted to know what he meant about changing forms but decided to wait. It was more then likely something he was going to explain anyway. Instead she shook her had at his question. “No… he didn’t explain much. But he did leave us a few potions, said they were for you. He even gave me extras, just in case.” Her brow furrowed in thought. “When he found out your magic wasn’t working—which I’m still struggling to understand, by the way—he told us to use them on you and left… with Queen Chrysalis.”

Sora blinked, processing her words. “Hold on. Back up a second. Who’s Queen Chrysalis?”

"She’s a story for another day, Sora." Twilight began before frowning. “Right now, she’s not what’s important. You are. And the secrets you’ve been hiding.”

Sora shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting to Applejack. The farm pony gave him a reassuring nod and a warm smile, silently encouraging him. With a deep sigh, he turned back to Twilight, his expression serious. “It’s… a long story,” he admitted. “One that I really want to tell with everyone around....”

Twilight’s demeanor softened at his response, her warm smile returning. Her horn glowed softly as she levitated her saddlebags onto her back. “Then let’s gather the others. And yes, you’re coming with us.” She smirked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Something tells me you’d vanish into thin air if I left you to your own devices.”

Sora crossed his forelegs and pouted. “I would not!” he protested.

Twilight giggled, shaking her head. “Sure, sure, whatever you say. Now, come on, mister. Let’s not keep the others waiting.”

He rolled his eyes before following after Applejack and Twilight, a thought popping into his mind as he neared the doorway. “How long was I out, anyway? AJ didn’t tell me.”

Twilight’s smile faltered, turning sheepish as she rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. “Ah, well… about… five days?”

“FIVE DAYS?!”

~~~

“OH MY GOSH, SORA! YOU’RE OKAY! I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU! YOU WEREN’T MOVING, AND THEN WHEN YOU WERE, YOU LOOKED LIKE YOU WERE IN SO MUCH PAIN! I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO! I TRIED MY BEST, JUST LIKE THE OTHER GIRLS, BUT I KNEW YOU’D PULL THROUGH BECAUSE YOU PINKIE PROMISED TO TELL US THINGS, AND YOU CAN’T BREAK A PINKIE PROMISE! BUT FOR A SECOND, I WAS SCARED YOU MIGHT HAVE! BUT YOU DIDN’T, AND YOU’RE HERE, AND I’M SO HAPPY!!”

Sora barely managed to process Pinkie Pie’s rapid-fire outburst, let alone comprehend how much breath it must’ve taken to deliver it. The moment he’d stepped inside Sugarcube Corner with the others, Pinkie had spotted him and launched herself into a full-speed tackle, wrapping him in a bone-crushing hug and lifting him clean off the ground. All he could do was flail and wheeze, utterly helpless against her exuberance.

“Pinkie, remember what I said about letting ponies breathe,” Twilight reminded her, shooting her a knowing look.

Pinkie blinked, then loosened her grip, though she still clung to Sora in a firm embrace. The stallion gasped for air, finally able to move, and awkwardly returned the hug. His small gesture of affection made Pinkie giggle with delight before she bounced back and beamed up at him.

“So! Are you gonna tell them? Huh? Huh? HUH?!”

“I…I promised I would but…” The stallion looked around nervously, though there didn’t seem to be anyone besides them. “ Could you keep it down, Pinkie? I really am trying to keep this just to those who need to know…ya know?”

Pinkie tilted her head, her ever-present grin softening slightly as she considered his words. “Ohhh, I get it! Super-secret, hush-hush, only-for-your-truest-bestest-friends kind of story!” She tapped her chin thoughtfully before whispering, “Don’t worry, Sora, my lips are zipped! Like, actually zipped!” She mimed zipping her mouth shut and tossing away an invisible key.

“Ah get wantin’ to keep it quiet,” Applejack whispered. “But is it really that big a deal if anypony else hears ya?”

“It’s…it's complicated AJ. The Keyblade, the Heartless, the whole ‘other worlds’ thing.” He sighs, turning towards Applejack. “Heartlesa and stuff like that is one thing, but everything else about me…I have to make sure to keep tabs on that. World Order and all that. I’m telling you guys everything cause…well…I owe you after what happened.”

Applejack gave a small nod, her expression thoughtful. “Ah still don’t fully get it, but... that ‘world order’ stuff sounds mighty important. If it’s somethin’ you’re tryin’ to protect, then we’ll do our best to help ya keep it safe. But don’t go thinkin’ ya owe us anything, ya hear? Friends don’t keep score—they just look out for each other.”

“Pffft!” Pinkie giggled, bouncing in place. “Says the mare who almost bit poor Sora’s head off when he didn’t spill the beans earlier!” She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically. “Oh, Applejack, the irony is almost as thick as Granny Smith’s apple jam!”

Applejack’s face flushed as she turned sharply to Pinkie. “Now hang on a minute, Pinkie! I was frustrated, sure, but I wasn’t that bad!”

“Oh, you were totally that bad!” Pinkie chimed, cupping her own cheeks with her hooves. “You were all ‘Sora, you better tell us what’s goin’ on, or so help me!’” She scrunched her face into a playful mockery of Applejack’s serious expression, her exaggerated country accent making Sora chuckle despite himself.

Applejack groaned, covering her face with her hat for a moment before sighing. “Alright, alright, maybe I got a little heated. But can ya blame me? We’re his friends. We just wanna help, is all.”

Sora shook his head. “It’s fine, Applejack. I get it. Honestly…” He frowns. It’s what I did to them after all so…

Pinkie clapped her hooves together, her cheerful energy filling the room like sunlight breaking through the clouds that was Sora’s thoughts. “Well then, what are we waiting for?! I’ll close up shop, and we can go round up the others!” She bounced toward the counter, humming a lively tune as she flipped the shop’s “Open” sign to “Closed.”

~~~

"You’re awake..."

Those were the first words Sora heard as he stepped into Carousel Boutique, the elegant establishment of Rarity Belle. The fashionista’s usually vibrant voice carried a somber tone, and the caramel stallion found himself under her scrutinizing gaze. Rarity stared at him for a long moment, her furrowed brow deepening as the seconds ticked by, and all he could do was stand there, feeling as though her piercing eyes could see into his very soul. Finally, she let out a deep sigh and pressed a hoof against his chest.

"You do realize I’m very upset with you right now, don’t you?" Her voice was tinged with barely restrained irritation.

Sora nodded sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Good," Rarity said sharply, though her expression softened as she stepped forward to wrap her hooves around his neck, pulling him into a gentle hug just as the others (minus Pinkie Pie) had done. “With that out of the way…I’m so relieved you’re alright, darling." Her voice wavered, and tears began to roll down her cheeks. "When that brute was hurting you…using us to hurt you…I…I didn’t know what to do…I…."

The stallion gently pulled the mare away, shaking his head. "It’s not your fault, Rarity. I promise I’m not angry at you. How could I be?"

Rarity sniffled, dabbing at her eyes with a silken handkerchief that she seemed to conjure from nowhere. "Oh, Sora, you're too kind for your own good.” She smiled softly. “Still…thank you.” Her gaze shifted to the pair of bags resting upon his back. “My dear Sora, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing wearing those bags I made you in such a manor?”

Sora blinked and glanced back at the bags. "Oh! Uh… I thought they were like the regular ones you ponies use—you know, the kind you wear on your back. I did think they felt a little strange when I put them on, though."

Rarity let out a delicate tsk and enveloped the bags in her shimmering blue magic, gently lifting them off him. "That’s because, my dear Sora, these aren’t meant to be worn on your back. They’re designed to attach to your hind legs, creating a more balanced and modern look." She lifted her chin with pride as she continued, "I was inspired by your unique style and thought of ways we could integrate practicality with elegance. These are part of a new line of accessories I’m working on, blending fashion and function seamlessly."

Her smile turned a touch too mischievous as she moved closer to Sora’s side. "Now, allow me to demonstrate how they’re properly worn. If you don’t mind, of course," she purred, her hoof reaching toward his flank with an air of precision.

Before she could proceed, however, Applejack intervened. In one swift motion, the farm mare snatched the bags from mid-air, her sharp reflexes startling even Rarity. Applejack then shoved the saddlebags into Sora's hooves with a firm but friendly grin.

"Here ya go, partner," Applejack said, her tone a touch pointed as she glanced at Rarity. "Ah reckon he can figure it out himself just fine. No need to fuss over him too much."

Rarity huffed softly but refrained from arguing. "Very well. But do let me know if you need assistance, Sora. A proper demonstration can make all the difference."

"Um… Ah… Sorry if I’m bothering you. I can come back later if that’s okay."

Everypony turned to look, finding the familiar butter-yellow pegasus blushing and hesitating under their gazes. Her timid presence filled the room with an air of gentle uncertainty.

"Fluttershy! Darling, you’re here!" Rarity exclaimed, a warm smile lighting up her face. "I’m afraid we’ll have to postpone your fitting for now, but I promise to make it worth the wait."

Fluttershy shook her head quickly, stepping inside. "Oh, it’s okay, Rarity. I understand…" Her voice trailed off as her eyes locked onto Sora. The caramel stallion shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, guilt flickering in his expression.

It wasn’t long before Sora watched her in surprise as she quickly made her way towards him, her hooves wrapping gently but firmly around his neck in a hug. "I… I was so worried about you, Sora.” She spoke, her voice a broken whisper.

His initial shock melted into a soft smile as he placed a hoof on her shoulder, a gesture that usually would have made the shy mare flinch. This time, though, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she hugged him tighter.

When she finally pulled back, Sora avoided her gaze, scratching the back of his head. "Applejack said you took care of me while I was out… If that’s true, then thank you. I guess I caused you all a lot of trouble, huh?"

Fluttershy’s eyes widened, and she shook her head vigorously. "Oh, no… It wasn’t trouble at all. I… I’m okay. Really…" Her voice grew quieter, and she looked down, uncertainty clouding her expression.

“Fluttershy,” Applejack said gently but firmly, her tone coaxing. “Remember what we talked about.”

The pegasus hesitated, her wings twitching nervously before she took a deep breath. Her voice wavered as she looked up at Sora. "Sorry…okay…I…I was devastated. I thought we’d lost you. Forever. I… I don’t know what I would’ve done."

Her words struck harder than Sora expected, making his chest tighten with a pang of guilt. "I’m sorry, Shy. I…"

Before he could continue, Fluttershy pressed her head against his chest, her voice barely a whisper. "I know. I’m sorry too. I know I’m being selfish, saying how much it would’ve hurt to lose you, but I can’t help it… I can’t help feeling that way—not when it comes to you, Sora."

Sora swallowed the lump in his throat, unsure how to respond to her words. Her vulnerability left him at a loss, his heart aching at how deeply she cared.

“Honestly,” Twilight chimed in, stepping closer, “I think that goes for all of us. Right girls?”

"Absolutely," Rarity mused. "You’ve done so much for us, Sora. It’s only natural for us to feel this way."

Applejack nodded. "Ya may not see it, sugarcube, but yer family to us now. And family don’t just leave each other to fend for themselves."

Pinkie Pie, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly popped up beside Sora with a warm, sincere smile. "And family throws the best ‘Get Well Soon and Thank Goodness You’re Okay’ parties ever! I already have a cake planned. It’s gonna have your face on it! Well, not your actual face, that’d be weird, but a frosting version! It'll be delicious and super cheerful, just like you!"

Sora blushed but couldn’t stop the smile on his face. “Geeze…way to embarrass a guy, girls.” he released a deep sigh before looking away from them. "I’m sorry for putting you all through that. And for keeping things from you—about me, where I come from, what I actually do… and what might be happening now."

Twilight frowned, her ears drooping slightly. "Princess Celestia said something similar to me when she told me about Sunset Shimmer." At Sora’s confused look, she continued, "That’s the name of the mare who attacked us in the Crystal Empire. The princesses have a lot to explain too, and I plan on getting as much information as I can from them tonight. We’re meeting at Applejack’s barn for privacy. Spike should already be there setting things up. I think he has some words for you too, Sora."

Sora raised an eyebrow. "What about Rainbow Dash? Don’t we need to find her?"

“That’s not gonna be a problem, silly billy,” Pinkie Pie interjected, popping up beside the timid mare and the keyblade wielder. Before anyone could react, she wrapped her hooves around both of them in a tight embrace. “Now, let’s get going! This party isn’t gonna start itself!"

With a bounce, she began dragging the two along with her, ignoring their startled protests.

“Pinkie!” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Wait, hold on—” Sora stammered, flailing in her grip.

But Pinkie just giggled, carrying them toward the door. Rarity, Twilight and AJ just laughing softly as they followed after the trio

~~~

"Sora!? You’re awake!? And you’re okay!"

"Dude! That battle was insane! You were, like, totally awesome!"

"I was so worried! Promise you’ll never scare us like that again!"

As Sora stepped into the barn at Sweet Apple Acres, he barely had time to react before three familiar fillies barreled into him, each one latching onto him with all their might. Their mix of cheers and sniffles filled the space as they clung to him. Despite their overwhelming energy, Sora couldn’t help but chuckle, wrapping his hooves around them and pulling them close.

“Haha… Looks like I’ve been apologizing to everyone lately,” he said with a lighthearted smile, gently ruffling their manes. “But seriously, I’m sorry for worrying you all. I’ll do my best not to make it a habit.”

Scootaloo smirked, pushing his hoof away from her head. "You better, you dork. But I knew you’d pull through—you’re a hero, after all!"

Sweetie Belle sniffled, wiping a tear from her cheek, before giving the orange pegasus a playful nudge. "Says the one who cried the hardest when we got to him after the battle."

Scootaloo’s face flushed bright red as she tackled Sweetie Belle. "D-Did not! That was Apple Bloom! I was just… uh… worried! That’s all! Now shut up!"

Apple Bloom ignoring her friends looked up towards the stallion, her big amber eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she asked, “Are ya really okay, Sora? Like, really and truly okay?”

He reached out a hoof, gently placing it on the top of her head as he petted her mane. “I promise, Apple Bloom. I’m really okay now. I’m a little sore, sure, but I’ll be just fine.”

Apple Bloom rubbed her nose with a sniffle, a small, relieved smile breaking through her teary expression. "Good," she said softly. She leaned up and pressed a quick, gentle kiss to Sora’s cheek.

Sora blinked, caught completely off guard, but before he could react, Apple Bloom had already turned away, her cheeks flushed pink. She hurried off, calling out to her two friends who were now rolling on the ground, locked in a playful tussle.

“Haha… You really have a way with foals, don’t you?”

Sora turned to see Princess Cadance approaching him, Shining Armor walking at her side. Jumping to his hooves, the Keyblade wielder couldn’t hide the smile of relief that spread across his face. “Cadance… Shining Armor… You’re both safe. I was really worried about you.”

“We could say the same about you, Sora,” Shining replied, returning the smile. “Honestly, I got off easy compared to what you and the others had to endure.”

Cadance laughed softly. “Let’s just say we’ve all had our fair share of troubles and leave it at that, hmm?” She turned to Sora, dipping her head gracefully. “Still, I must thank you for protecting my sister-in-law and dearest friend.”

Sora’s cheeks flushed at the praise, and he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “There’s really no need to thank me, Your Majesty. I didn’t do much, honestly.”

“That’s absolutely not true, Sora,” Princess Celestia interjected as she stepped into view, her younger sister following close behind. “Because of your actions that day, many lives were saved—including those of your newfound friends. Despite the challenges, you’ve left an impression on them that will last for years to come. And I dare say it’s a positive one.”

Sora opened his mouth to object but thought better of it, deciding against arguing with the Princess of the Sun. Before he could dwell on his doubts, the rest of the group began to filter into the barn, their lively chatter filling the space.

“Good! Everypony’s here,” Twilight announced, settling herself not far from Sora. Her quill and parchment appeared in a flash of magic as she gave him an expectant look. “Not to rush you or anything, but I think it’s time we heard the truth about who you are.”

“Twilight, dear, I know you’re eager, but perhaps we could give Sora a bit more time to recover,” Celestia suggested gently, casting the stallion a sympathetic glance. “He only just woke up, after all.”

Sora shook his head with a small smile. “Thanks, Celestia… but I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. After everything that happened—and what Pinkie and Applejack saw in the Crystal Empire—I doubt I could hide it even if I wanted to.”

Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle both stared at Sora with wide eyes, their jaws slightly agape as they watched him speak so casually to Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia, however, seemed unfazed, her radiant smile growing even brighter at Sora’s words. “Very well,” she said warmly, inclining her head slightly. “Your honesty and willingness to share your story are commendable, Sora. We’re all eager to listen when you’re ready.”

Sora tapped a hoof to his chin thoughtfully. “Right… Now, where to begin.” After a moment, his expression brightened. “Well…I guess the best place would be back when it all started for me and my friends back on the island...Me and my friends, we all dreamed of sailing away to worlds unknown...”

As Sora launched into his story, the gathered ponies hung on his every word. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of sharp magenta eyes watched from above, silently observing the young Keyblade wielder and listening intently to his tale.

Chapter 23

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Restful Respite Part 2

Green to start music and red to stop music

“And well…I went through the door and found myself on your world. The rest you guys pretty much already know.”

Sora, finally having finished his tale, sighed softly as he allowed his gaze to fall towards one of the barn’s nearby windows. It had been late morning when he had started telling the ponies his whole story, about the time of him finding the keyblade all the way until he had stepped though the portal into their world. Now it was deep into the afternoon, the sky uncharacteristically gray outside. It looked as if it was going to rain.

The silence hung in the barn like a blanket, heavy but not unwelcome, as everypony processed Sora’s incredible tale. The only sound was the faint rustling of the hay and the occasional gentle flicker from the candle lights that they used the illuminate the bar.

Then, out of nowhere, Scootaloo shattered the stillness.

“Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh! That was epic!” The filly couldn’t help but squeal, her small wings buzzing like a hummingbird as she launched herself into the air. With speed that would have made Rainbow Dash proud, she zipped across the barn and grabbed onto Sora’s leg, her wide, starry eyes staring up at him with unrestrained admiration.

"Not only are you an alien," she gushed, "but you’re just as cool as Rainbow Dash... barely… but that’s cool too, ‘cause nopony is as cool as Rainbow Dash… except you now! Barely! But still!”

Apple Bloom puffed out her cheeks as she too made her way towards the stallion, grabbing his other foreleg as she addressed her orange colored friend. “But he isn’t a alien alien Scoots.”

“What do you mean he’s not an alien?!” Scootaloo argured as she turned to the apple filly, looking as if she had been scandalized. “He’s from another world! If that doesn’t scream ‘alien,’ I don’t know what does!”

“He’s not tho’… not like those creepy critters in them scary movies,” she clarified as she looked up towards the stallion. A soft blush hit her face, staring into his big blue eyes. “But… ah… he is really… cool.”

“And absolutely selfless,” Rarity chimed in from where she had been sitting. She dabbed delicately at her eyes with her embroidered handkerchief, her voice soft. “From being forced to fight your best friend to using that horrid Keyblade on yourself to save your friend’s heart… I can scarcely imagine the pain you must have endured.”

“Even ah gotta admit that you paint a might tall tale, Sugracube.” Applejack spoke as she adjusted her hat. “But…havin’ seen ya in action myself, seen the things you can do with that there Keyblade, I can’t rightly deny any of it. You’re the real deal, Sora. And I reckon we’re mighty lucky to have ya here with us.”

“I…ah…Does that mean we’re cool?” Sora asked hesitantly, glancing at the group with a small, unsure smile.

Rarity cleared her throat delicately, drawing the stallion’s attention. “That, my dear Sora, goes without saying,” she gave the stallion a warm smile. “You have more than earned the right to be called our friend before sharing any of this with us.” She smirked. “What? Did you honestly think we would abandon you after everything you’ve shared with us?”

“I don’t know… maybe.” The tan stallion couldn’t help but admit as he rubbed the back of his head. “ I’ve never done this kind of thing before… ya know…telling others my story.” His expression softened. “And… you’re not mad at me?”

“Mad?” Twilight asked incredulously as she made her way towards the stallion, pointing towards her notes. “Are you kidding?! I just found out that there are whole other worlds out there! Whole other worlds. Ones full of creatures and places I’ve only dreamed of! And world of things I’ve seen which should be impossible!” She leaned in uncomfortably close, her nose practically pressing against Sora’s as her enthusiasm bubbled over. “And you’ve been there! Seen them! Are them! How in Celestia’s name do you think I would be mad of all things?!”

Rarity stepped in to place a polite but firm hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, gently pulling her back to give Sora some breathing room. “Twilight, darling, let’s give the poor stallion some space shall we.” She turned to Sora, her smile kind and understanding. “What Twilight is trying to say, in her own excitable way, is that no, she’s not mad at you—not in the way you might think. Nor are the rest of us.”

She tilted her head, her voice softening. “You’ve been through so much, Sora. Knowing that, it’s easy to see why you tried to keep us out of harm’s way. You wanted to protect us from the dangers of the Heartless, and that’s nothing for us to be upset about. In fact, it speaks volumes about the kind of pony—ah, person—you are.”

“Yeah!” PInkie agreed. “You’re super-duper amazing for fighting all those big baddies and standing up for what’s right, even when you didn’t have to! That just proves how awesome you are! And we’re proud to call you our friend!”

Fluttershy blushed as she gently brushed her leg against his own, gaining the stallion’s attention. “I… I feel the same way,” she said softly. “You’re our friend Sora…”

The stallion couldn’t help but blush brightly at the butter yellow mare’s words, hers hitting him quite differently…though…he didn’t know why. “I…Thanks, guys…but…I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have if it wasn’t for those around me.”

“And is that a bad thing?” Cadence asked gently with a tilt of her head. “Relying on your friends, I mean.”

Sora blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her question. “I… I guess not,” he admitted, scratching the back of his head. “It’s just… sometimes it feels like I should be able to handle things on my own, you know? Like I’m supposed to be the one they can count on.”

“But isn’t that what makes friendship so powerful?” the princess of love said, her voice gentle but sure. “The fact that you can rely on one another, filling in the gaps where one of you might falter? It’s not a weakness to lean on your friends, Sora—it’s a strength.” Her gaze softened. “And from everything you’ve said, it’s clear how much they mean to you, and how much you mean to them. That’s why the Keyblade chose you, isn’t it? Not because you were stronger or because you could defeat the darkness but because of his.” She gently placed a hoof on his chest. “Your heart being as big as it is…and I should know. Hearts are kind of my thing after all.”

“She’s absolutely right,” Shining spoke as he wrapped a hoof around Cadance. “Relying on your friends and the ones you love to help you through the tough spots is never a bad thing. I know I’d be lost without her support.”

“That's only when you’re being a big dork, Shiny,” Cadance teased playfully, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek.

Sora nodded along, the warmth of Shining and Cadance's words resonating with him. He genuinely agreed—friendship and trust were at the core of everything he believed in. But as the conversation moved on, a lingering thought bubbled up in his mind, unbidden and unwelcome.

But… What if your friends don’t trust you?

The thought sent a pang through his heart, and his smile faltered for the briefest moment.

Fluttershy, ever observant, noticed the change. She tilted her head, her gentle teal eyes searching his face. “Sora?” she asked softly. “Is… something wrong?”

He blinked, startled by her question, but quickly shook his head, forcing a smile. “No, no, it’s nothing,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m just… thinking, that’s all.”

Fluttershy didn’t look entirely convinced, but she didn’t press him. Instead, she placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Okay,” she said quietly. “But… if you ever want to talk about it—whatever it is—you can come to me. If it’s not too much trouble for you, I mean. I’ll listen. Always.”

“I…” Sora hesitated before smiling and nodding softly. “Thanks, Shy. But I promise. I’m fine. Nothing for you to worry about at least.”

Sora’s gaze flickered upward for just a moment, catching a glimpse of Princess Celestia’s face. Her eyes, usually so calm and wise, held a shadow of sadness that sent a pang through his chest. Either could say a word to each other, Twilight’s voice cut through the fog.

“There’s a lot I think I understand,” she began, her voice calm but probing. “But one thing really confuses me… You said you spent a whole year asleep? How does that even happen?”

Sora blinked before looking away, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah, I guess that does sound kind of weird, huh?” He sighed and shifted his weight slightly. “It wasn’t exactly something I planned. Like I said during my story, one moment I was running to find the king and Riku and then…I woke up that white pod with Donald and Goofy. The only words in the journal was…Thank Namine…” He frowns as he folds his hooves across his chest. “Geeze…I still haven’t thanked her yet. Hope she’s not too mad.”

Twilight tilted her head, her brows furrowing as she processed his words. “But… didn’t you say Namine was Kairi’s Nobody?” she asked carefully. “How can you thank her if she’s already… well, with Kairi now?”

Sora’s frown deepened for a moment as he considered her question. “Yeah, Namine is Kairi’s Nobody,” he said slowly. He smiled as he placed both hooves behind his head. “I’m sure I’ll find a way to do so, though. Then I can thank her properly.”

Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, Pinkie Pie leapt into the air with her usual boundless enthusiasm. “Ooooh! When you do find her, you can throw her a Thank You Party!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. “I mean, she must have helped you a whole bunch for you to want to thank her so much, so it’s only right to go all out!”

Sora couldn’t help but laugh at her energy, his earlier worries momentarily forgotten. “A thank-you party, huh? That’s not a bad idea, Pinkie.”

“I know right?!” Pinkie exclaimed even more joyish then ever.”We’ll have cake, balloons, streamers, and—oh! Maybe a banner that says, ‘Thanks For Whatever it is that you Helped Sora With!’”

Sora laughed again, shaking his head at Pinkie’s boundless enthusiasm. “That might be a little too long for a banner, Pinkie,” he said with a grin. “But I get the idea. A party to thank her would definitely be something she’d remember—if I can figure out how to find her, that is.”

Pinkie Pie bounced in place, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, don’t you worry, Sora! If anypony can figure it out, it’s you. And when you do, I’ll be ready with the biggest, bestest thank-you party ever!”

Celestia cleared her throat softly, her serene yet commanding voice cutting gently through the cheerful chatter. “If I may,” she began, her tone calm but serious, “I’d like to shift our focus to a more pressing matter—if my little ponies don’t mind.”

The room quieted, everypony turning their attention to the princess. Her expression, while composed, carried a hint of unease as her gaze rested on Sora.

“I’m worried about more than a few things,” Celestia continued, her voice steady. “But most importantly, it is your friend—Riku—working alongside the Queen of the Changelings. This concerns me deeply.”

Sora’s grin faded as Celestia’s words sank in. His brow furrowed, and he crossed his forelegs thoughtfully. “Queen of the Changelings?” he asked, his voice tinged with confusion. “Who’s that? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of her before.”

Twilight stepped forward, her expression serious as she began to explain. “Queen Chrysalis is the leader of the Changelings, a race of shape-shifters that feed on love. She’s incredibly cunning and dangerous, and she’s tried to take over Equestira.”

“And yet she helped Riku save both you and my little ponies from…that cloaked mare. Sunset Shimmer.” Celestia spoke her last words with more then a little pained etched into her voice. She shook her head turning towards Sora. “The question is, why is she working with your friend.”

Sora’s gaze dropped to the floor for a moment as he processed Celestia’s words, his mind racing. “I don’t know much about Chrysalis,” he admitted, his voice steady but thoughtful. “But Riku… he’s not weak. He’s made mistakes before, yeah, and…he can get on my nerves sometimes but...Whatever it is he’s doing, I’m sure he’s still one of the good guys.”

Celestia nodded, offering a reassuring smile. “Then I shall trust your judgment on this, Sora.” She turned to address the others, her expression calm but thoughtful. “For the most part, Riku seemed genuinely concerned about everypony’s welfare. I sensed no evil magic from him while he was in front of me. However…” She hesitated, glancing briefly at her sister before continuing. “I did sense something familiar.”

Her gaze returned to the group, her tone steady. “As for Chrysalis, despite our differences, it appears she is genuinely intent on helping Riku. After all, she did save Shining Armor. Am I wrong?”

The stallion in question frowned deeply, his gaze shifting away. “She… did,” he admitted begrudgingly.

Celestia nodded once more. “What Chrysalis seeks to gain from all of this remains a concern, but I believe Riku has a good head on his shoulders and will keep her in check.” She paused, her expression darkening slightly. “For now, however, our greater concern must be the one responsible for granting King Sombra his power in the first place.”

Twilight blinked, her curiosity piqued. “Wait… what do you mean, Princess?”

Celestia sighed, her gaze lifting slightly as if recalling a distant memory. “Long ago, during Sombra’s first uprising, I felt a presence—a darkness so overwhelming it even made me shiver. When the Crystal Empire disappeared, that feeling vanished as well, and I’d nearly forgotten it entirely… until Nightmare Moon’s return.” She hesitated before continuing. “If Nightmare Moon and Sombra are connected—”

Twilight tilted her head, cutting in. “But Princess, Nightmare Moon’s return was prophesied. How could she and Sombra be connected?”

Celestia’s expression softened as she looked away, her tone almost apologetic. “Twilight… that is a story for another time. And it is not mine to tell.”

Twilight opened her mouth to protest but caught the look in her mentor’s eyes. With a reluctant sigh, she bit her bottom lip and nodded, though it was clear her curiosity would plague her for nights to come.

Celestia continued, her tone steady but laced with concern. “What I do know is that the force behind Sombra’s rise is responsible for both his first and most recent attacks on the Crystal Empire. Their intentions remain unclear, but their actions put my ponies at great risk. Had things not played out as they did, we could have lost far more than a kingdom to the darkness.”

Luna stepped forward, her voice firm yet reassuring. “Be that as it may, dear sister, we did not lose. We regained not only the empire but also the memories of those lost to it. The enemy has lost their foothold, at least for the time being.”

Celestia allowed herself a small smile. “You’re right, Luna. They could not have anticipated the wild card that is Sora, nor the timely intervention of Riku and Chrysalis. Their defeat was more devastating than they likely expected.” She turned to Sora, her expression warm and grateful. With a slight bow of her head, she added, “On behalf of the Crystal Empire and all of Equestria, you have my deepest gratitude, Sora.”

Sora blinked, then grinned widely, placing both hooves behind his head. “Aw, it’s no biggie, Tia.” His casual response caused both Twilight and Shining Armor to, once again, exchange incredulous looks, though Celestia simply giggled softly.

Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves together, her bright smile lighting up the room. “Aww, friendships really do make the world go round!” She turned and bounded toward the barn door, throwing it open with a flourish. To everyone’s surprise, a crowd of ponies stood outside, chatting and carrying party supplies.

“Alright! Now that serious time is over,” Pinkie announced cheerfully, “let’s get this party started right!”

Twilight’s eyes twitched, and she opened her mouth to speak. “Wait! When did you—?”

Applejack quickly placed a hoof over Twilight’s mouth, shaking her head with a wry smile. “Twi… don’t. Just don’t. It’s Pinkie Pie. That’s all we need ta know.”

~~~

Sora had slipped away from the evening's festivities, his energy spent from dancing and, to his own surprise, singing with such enthusiasm that a brief respite felt well-earned. With a contented sigh, he settled beneath a nearby apple tree, which he was almost certain was the very same one where he'd first encountered the three little fillies many nights ago. Closing his eyes, he let the distant sounds of the barn's lively party wash over him. He'd lost count of how many times Applejack had to drag Pinkie Pie off the stage by her tail, thwarting yet another attempt to organize what Pinkie dramatically declared would be "the world’s biggest dog pile"—or was it a pony pile?

Now, with a rare moment of quiet, his thoughts drifted elsewhere. The stallion’s brow furrowed as questions churned in his mind. What was Riku doing here? How did he even find me? He let out a soft, frustrated sigh. More importantly… where did he go? The silence of the orchard offered no answers, leaving him with only the rustle of the leaves and the faint echoes of the celebration behind him.

"Hey, idiot!"

Sora jolted upright with a startled yelp, only to smack the back of his head against the tree he’d been leaning on. To make matters worse, three apples decided to tumble from the branches above, each one landing squarely on his head as if guided by sheer bad luck. He let out a pained groan, rubbing the sore spot on his crown while a faint tear of discomfort welled up in the corner of his eye. "Ow... What the heck?"

A snort of amusement sounded nearby, drawing his attention. A familiar blue mare dropped gracefully from the branches above, landing in front of him with an air of practiced ease. Her lips curled into a smirk as she quipped, "Is that a new way to buck apples? Better not make a habit of it—you might lose the rest of your brain cells."

Despite her teasing tone, her expression quickly sobered, the amusement in her eyes replaced by something much sharper. She didn’t look happy.

Still, it didn’t stop Sora from being so.

“Rainbow! It’s you,”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, her wings giving a casual flick. “Well, look at that—if it isn’t Surlock Hooves himself,” she quipped, her voice dripping with mock amazement.

Sora ignored the jab and scrambled awkwardly to his hooves. “I’ve been… I mean… there’s a lot I gotta tell ya, Rainbow Dash, and…” He trailed off, fumbling over his words as his brain raced to organize the chaotic jumble of thoughts. “I mean, I’m not really—ow!”

Rainbow had given the to of Sora’s head a none-too-gentle tap with her hoof. “Don’t bother with the whole explanation, hero,” she said, her tone flat but pointed. “I already know everything.”

Sora raised an eyebrow, rubbing the fresh sore spot where she’d struck. “You do?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time that evening. She flicked her head toward the barn, gesturing with a wing for emphasis. “Yeah, I do. I was up in the rafters, ya know.”

“Oh…okay then. Then I just wanted to let you know that-”

“That you’re sorry?” she interjected, cutting him off sharply. Her eyes narrowed, and she stepped closer, her voice dripping with frustration. “And why the buck do you think you even need to apologize to me?”

Sora blinked, caught completely off guard. “Well… I mean… it’s just…” He stumbled over his words again, unsure how to respond to the sudden intensity in her tone.

Rainbow’s eyes narrowed further as she leaned in, her voice colder now. “Are you sorry that you’ve been lying to us? Cause I could care less about that. It sucks yeah but I get it. So…Are you sorry that you’re not really a pony?”

Sora’s mouth opened and closed, his voice catching in his throat as he tried to find the words. “I-I… I mean, it’s not like I—”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and held up a hoof, cutting him off again. “I don’t care about that either,” she said bluntly, her wings folding neatly against her sides. “Do you think you’re the first ‘not-a-pony’ I’ve been friends with? Newsflash: I’ve got plenty of non-pony friends.”

Sora nodded slowly, though his brows knit together in confusion. He hesitated for a moment before asking, “Then… why are you mad?”

Rainbow’s glare sharpened, and her wings flared slightly as she stepped closer, her frustration practically radiating off her. “You wanna know why I’m mad?” she growled, her voice low but charged with emotion.

Sora flinched slightly at her tone but stood his ground.

“I’m mad, Sora, because you…” Her voice caught for a moment, but she pushed through, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and concern. “You went and nearly got yourself killed! For ponies you barely even knew! Who gave you the right to do something so…so…braindead as that!”

Sora cringed, his ears flattening as he tried to explain. “I was only just—”

Rainbow cut him off sharply, stepping even closer and fixing him with a piercing glare. “Oh, don’t even start,” she snapped, her voice dripping with frustration. “I already know what you’re gonna say. ‘I was just doing what was right. I was just fighting for my friends.’” She mimicked his voice with exaggerated drama, her wings flaring slightly. “Did I hit the mark?”

Sora winced, his mouth closing as her words struck uncomfortably close to the truth.

“You are nothing but a stupid selfish idiot! Did you think that we would be happy with you getting killed for us? Did you think that we…that I…” The mare seemed to deflate a bit, her wings drooping low. “I…All I could do was watch you idiot…Watch you almost die and there was nothing…nothing I could do to stop it.”

She trailed off, her chest rising and falling with a shaky breath. The fiery defiance in her stance seemed to melt away as she deflated, her shoulders sagging.

“I… All I could do was watch” she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sound of the first raindrops falling around them. “Watch you almost die…And I…I would have been…”

The soft patter of rain began to fill the silence as she didn’t…or couldn’t finish her words, dampening the ground around their hooves and matting their manes. Sora felt a pang of guilt twist in his chest as he watched Rainbow struggle with her emotions, her usually confident demeanor crumbling before him.

Sora barely had time to react as Rainbow Dash rushed toward him. Her hooves struck his chest—not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough to make him stumble slightly. Before he could speak, her head rested under his neck, her wet mane brushing against his chest as the rain began soaking them both.

Then, to his surprise, she started hitting him again. Her hooves struck his chest repeatedly—not with the intent to hurt, but with the raw frustration of someone overwhelmed by emotion.

“You’re such an idiot!” she yelled, her voice cracking as she hit him again. “A stupid, selfish, reckless idiot!”

Sora stood there, stunned, as Rainbow’s hooves pounded against his chest, each strike filled with raw emotion rather than force. The rain fell steadily now, its cool droplets mixing with the heat of her frustration and the trembling vulnerability in her movements.

Soon, all he could feel was her trembling against him. He didn’t know if it was from the rain…or…something else. Still, he wrapped his hoovers around her, hugging the mare gently.

“I’m…Sorry Dash…”

Rainbow stayed still against him, her head resting under his neck, her wet mane clinging to his chest. For a moment, the only sound was the steady rhythm of the rain, the world around them fading into the background.

“You should be,” she murmured after a long pause, her voice muffled but no longer sharp. “You scared me, Sora. You scared me so much, and I hated it.” She pushed herself away from him, taking a step back. “I never felt so useless before in my life…And it was because of you…idiot…”

Sora opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. He wanted to say something—anything—that might ease the pain in Rainbow’s voice, but nothing felt right. So instead, he stood there, silent and steady, waiting. Something deep inside told him she needed this moment to let it all out.

Rainbow didn’t look at him at first. Her gaze was fixed on the ground, her mane clinging to her face as the rain continued to fall around them. When she finally spoke, her voice was lighter but carried an unmistakable exhaustion.

“You could have tried to free us,” she said quietly, her tone almost contemplative. “Maybe it wouldn’t have helped… maybe it wouldn’t have changed anything… but I…” She let out a frustrated huff, shaking her head. “Darn it… it just… sucks, you know?”

Sora nodded slowly, his chest tightening at the raw honesty in her words. “Yeah,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the rain. “It does.”

It grew quiet as the rain softened, the clouds beginning to part, letting faint streaks of moonlight pierce through the dissipating storm. The gentle patter of raindrops became more sporadic, leaving the ground glistening with fresh dampness. Sora stayed still, giving Rainbow the space she seemed to need.

Then, without warning, she struck his shoulder—not hard, but enough to snap him out of his thoughts.

“Don’t do it again,” Rainbow said firmly, her voice steady though still tinged with lingering frustration. And… don’t you dare tell any of the others about this! I mean it! Don’t need them thinking I’m some kind of… sappy softie or something.”

A small smile tugged at Sora’s lips, though he held back a chuckle. “Your secret’s safe with me, Dash. Promise.”

“Good,” Rainbow muttered, glancing back at him with narrowed eyes, though her expression lacked its usual sharpness. “Because if you breathe a word of this, I’ll… I’ll…”

“You’ll kick my flank?” He finished for her, giving the mare a cheeky smile.

Rainbow puffed her cheeks out, her glare intensifying before turning away from him with a huff. “You’re such a jerk,” she muttered, flicking her tail in annoyance.

She took a few steps back towards the bare before tossing a look back over her shoulder, her smirk returning. “And just so you know, I’m taking your piece of cake for making me feel this way. Oh, and your next cake for that stupid, smart mouth of yours.”

Sora c laughed softly, shaking his head as he followed her. “Fair enough,” he said with a playful shrug.

As the two walked toward the barn, the faint glow of afternoon and the receding rain seemed to reflect the shift in the air between them. The storm had passed…at least for now.

mare.

Author's Note

Rework...woot

Chapter 24

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.”

Chapter 25: Adventure Awaits

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Adventure Awaits

Green to start music and red to stop music

Ponyville...

It had all started yesterday when Rarity, as dramatically as she could, lamented the overwhelming demands of her work at Carousel Boutique to her best friend Fluttershy, wanting nothing more than to whisk the day away at the local Ponyville Spa to soothe her troubles.

Fluttershy, ever the obliging friend, had agreed without hesitation and the day of the spa was set. Though the timid mare wasn’t one to crave luxury, she did enjoy the peaceful moments the spa provided, and if she was being honest with herself…she needed it.

And so, here they were, seated in the serene relaxation room of the Ponyville Day Spa. The soft hum of soothing music filled the air as Aloe and Lotus worked their magic earlier with hoof massages and facials. Now they were enjoying a break, towels wrapped snugly around their manes.

Rarity had been chattering away about the latest gossip she had heard that week and her plans to revitalize her spring collection.

Fluttershy had nodded politely, listening as Rarity vented her frustrations and detailed her ideas. But when there was a lull in the conversation, her keen eyes couldn’t help but catch the uncertainty within Fluttershy’s expression and the way she kept fidgeting with the edge of her towel.

So of course Rarity being the mare she was, couldn’t help but pry softly, asking her friend was anything wrong.

At first, Fluttershy denied it, shaking her head quickly and murmuring. But Rarity, ever perceptive, wasn’t convinced. She tilted her head, her carefully arched brow raising in silent challenge.

Years of friendship had taught Rarity that Fluttershy’s gentle demeanor often masked her inner turmoil. It wasn’t force that would unravel her silence, but patience and understanding. With careful observation and a soft approach, she she knew how to coax the truth from her.

Fluttershy’s hesitance was palpable throughout, the shy mare resisting a bit more than usual. Still…Rarity waited, her gaze steady and encouraging, her words kind and understand, until finally…

“I think…I like Sora…”

“You what, darling?!”

Rarity’s eyes grew as wide as saucers, her gaze locked on the timid yellow pegasus in front of her. Fluttershy quickly ducked behind the curtain of her long pink mane, a few strands escaping from beneath the towel wrapped around her head. She let out a soft whimper before speaking again.

“I… um… I think I… like Sora…”

Rarity sat frozen at the edge of her seat, staring at her timid yellow friend in stunned silence before quickly moving to her side. Fluttershy let out a small "eep" and sank further into the fringes of her mane, her cheeks glowing pink, though she made no attempt to flee. Not that she could have escaped, given the determined look of seriousness now etched across Rarity’s face.

Her mind raced as a whirlwind of emotions swept through her. On one hoof, she was thrilled that her usually reserved and introverted friend had developed deep feelings for somepony—a stallion, no less. It was a significant step for Fluttershy, and one that spoke volumes about her courage. On the other hoof, that very same stallion happened to be someone she herself had been harboring romantic fantasies about over the past week.

Realizing that she had been quite for too long, the white mare composed herself, her usual poise slipping back into place as she carefully chose her next words. She tilted her head slightly, offering Fluttershy a warm, encouraging smile despite the faint turmoil still swirling in her chest.

“Have you told him yet?” she asked gently, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity.

Fluttershy’s ears flattened against her head as she peeked out from behind her mane, the faintest shake of her head signaling her answer.

Rarity had to force herself not to release the sigh of relief that had wanted to escape her, and, at the same time, mentally kick herself for her natural curiosity in all things that had to do with love. “And why ever not, dear?”

Fluttershy hesitated, her gaze darting to the tiled floor as if searching for courage among the intricate patterns. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was barely above a whisper. “Well… I’m afraid to…”

Rarity tilted her head, her expression softening into one of understanding. Of course she is, The mare thought. That’s exactly what I expected. She knew the shy mare’s love life was, for all intents and purposes, nonexistent. Fluttershy had always seemed more comfortable tending to her animal friends than navigating the complexities of romance.

The fashionista’s own thoughts swirled as she considered the situation fully. She could easily use this moment to steer things in her favor, to subtly shift the course of events and perhaps grow closer to Sora herself. The idea lingered for just a heartbeat.

Taking a deep breath, Rarity composed herself and leaned forward slightly. “Why, darling? Why are you afraid…if you don’t mind me asking.”

The shy mare dipped her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if… what if he doesn’t like me in that way?”

“Fluttershy, darling, why ever would he not like you? Most stallions would find your shy and elusive nature utterly enchanting.”

“That’s just it, Rarity,” Fluttershy replied, her gaze shifting to the floor. “He’s not a pony.”

Rarity froze, the realization settling over her like a sudden chill. Of course, Fluttershy was right—Sora wasn’t truly a pony. He had been transformed into one by Princess Celestia’s magic to better adapt to their world, blending seamlessly into their society. At the moment, he was every bit the stallion he appeared to be, but only temporarily. The spell, as Princess Celestia had explained, was already on its way to being undone.

“And even if he did like me, he’s not going to stay here,” Fluttershy added, her voice breaking as her head hung low.

At that moment, Rarity felt her own fantasies shatter like delicate glass. Yes, Sora was remarkable—even if he wasn’t technically a stallion in the traditional sense. And yes, if one could look past the differences in species, he had a charm that was undeniably magnetic. But even if someone won his heart, would it truly matter? Could he stay? She had heard enough of his mission to know that his responsibilities extended far beyond Equestria. He wasn’t just fighting for one world but for countless worlds, determined to protect them from the darkness that threatened their existence. And knowing his unwavering resolve, he would see that duty through, no matter the cost—even if it meant sacrificing his life.

Her gaze softened as it fell upon Fluttershy, the timid mare trembling despite the spa’s comforting warmth. The weight of reality pressed heavily on both of them, and Rarity’s heart ached to see her friend so conflicted.

“I thought about this for a long time, Rarity. I really did,” Fluttershy squeaked, her voice barely audible as she wrapped her wings around herself protectively. “I can’t tell him.”

Rarity frowned softly, her heart aching for her friend. She waited a moment, letting the weight of Fluttershy’s words settle in the quiet space between them. Then, with a gentle tone, she asked, “Fluttershy, darling… can you tell me what it is that made you like Sora?”

Fluttershy’s ears twitched at the question, her gaze flickering up for just a moment before drifting back to the floor, dipping her head in a soft nod. “I… I suppose I can.”

Rarity leaned in slightly, her expression attentive and kind, encouraging Fluttershy to continue.

“When I first met him… he saved my life,” Fluttershy began, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink as she spoke. “Those Heartless… they came out of nowhere. I didn’t know what to do. I… I was so scared, Rarity.”

Rarity nodded, her expression softening further as she recalled the memory. “I remember, darling,” she said gently. “That was back when we had first met Sora.” she tilted her head slightly, “Is that the reason you like him, darling?” she asked gently. “Because he came and saved you? As much as I adore a classic tale of heroics—and I truly do, believe me—basing one’s feelings on that alone can be… well, a touch fleeting.”

Fluttershy’s blush deepened, her wings fluttering slightly as she looked away. “I… I did try to write it off as something that would just…pass me by,” she admitted softly. “Maybe I was wrong. I’ve never… I’ve never been in love with another pony before, so I wasn’t sure what it was I was feeling.”

“But…The more I was around him, the more I found myself… drawn to him,” she continued, her voice quiet but steady. “He's nice...and kind. He would, in his own weird way, always try and lift our spirits. He always puts his friends first, even if I do wish he would take care of himself more.”

“That...is an understatement darling,” Rarity mused with a role of his eyes. “If we don't watch him twenty-four seven I'm sure that he would land himself into some kind of trouble or another.” She then added, “Bless his heart.”

Fluttershy giggled softly. “Sad...but...true...”

The two shared a soft laugh before Fluttershy trailed off, sighing softly. She squeaked as Rarity placed a hoof on her shoulder, causing her to turn around.

“Fluttershy… Dear…Maybe you should go talk to him. Letting your dream stallion get away is never a good thing,” Rarity told her, her eyes shimmering slightly.

“B-But I can’t!” Fluttershy stammered, “I told you I-“

“What I heard,” Rarity interrupted her. “Was an excuse made by a mare afraid of her own feelings.” She smiled softly. “I won’t tell you what to do, darling, but it would be in your best interest to get those feelings out in the open as soon as you can. Somepony may just beat you to the punch if you don’t.”

Fluttershy bit her lip, her wings fluttering slightly as her gaze dropped to the floor. “I… don’t know, Rarity,” she murmured, her voice trembling. “I… I’m not sure if I can…”

“That’s all right, darling,” she said softly. “I’m not asking you to rush into anything. But just think on it, won’t you? For me.”

Fluttershy hesitated before gently nodding, her gaze shifting towards a nearby window and out into the blue sky beyond.

~~~

Golden Oak Library...

Despite Sora slowly strolling down the shelves of books, his eyes glazing over the titles, his mind was quite clouded on what had happened the day before. His thoughts, his troubles, all forgotten due to the act of one little shy mare he had walked home last night. Carefully, he pressed a hoof to the spot she had been before, still feeling the warmth of her muzzle against his fur.

Just…what was that?

“Sora! Are you listening?”

The stallion blinked, snapping out of his reverie at the sound of Twilight’s voice cutting through the quiet atmosphere of the library. He turned his head quickly, his ears twitching as he focused on the purple unicorn standing a few steps away, a book floating beside her in the glow of her magic.

“Uh, yeah! Totally listening!” he replied with a sheepish grin.

“Really?” Twilight raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Then what did I just say?”

“Uh… something about… books?” he offered weakly, his voice rising at the end as if hoping he’d guessed right.

Twilight huffed as she gave him a deadpan look. “I was saying the Elements of Harmony had been acting strangely ever since your battle with King Sombra. More specifically, the Elements of Laughter and Honesty.”

“Is that why y’all called us over here, Twi?” Applejack asked, peekin’ out from behind a book she’d been flippin’ through. “’Cause our Elements are actin’ all funky-like?”

“Oh!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced excitedly around the room, stopping in-between Twilight and Sora. “Are they gonna come alive and shake their groove thing!?”

“No, Pinkie,” Twilight sighed, pressing a hoof to her temple as she tried to rein in the conversation. “The Elements are not going to ‘shake their groove thing.’” She then turned her attention back to Applejack. “And yes, that’s exactly why I asked you both to come here. I’ve been monitoring the Elements ever since the battle with King Sombra, and something about their magic feels… off.”

Sora tilted his head, his brow furrowing as a thought crossed his mind. “Hey, Twilight,” he began, his voice tinged with curiosity, “could this have something to do with, you know… that fusion thing Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and I did during the battle with King Sombra?”

Twilight closed her eyes, her expression thoughtful as she processed Sora’s question. “It would just be speculation at this point,” she began carefully, her tone steady but tinged with a hint of uncertainty. “But… it’s possible. The fusion you three performed was powerful—stronger than anything I’ve seen the Elements do before. It combined not just their magic, but yours as well, Sora. That kind of synergy is bound to have some unforeseen effects.”

“For those of us who ain’t as quick at figurin’ things out,” Applejack chimed in, her voice steady, “what exactly is goin’ on with the Elements?”

“Well,” Twilight began. “You know how magic is operated by a unicorn channeling their PKE energy into the focal point located upon their forehead, do you not?”

Applejack raised an eyebrow and tilted her head slightly. “Uh… you might wanna run that by me again, Twi, but maybe this time in plain ol’ Equestrian.”

“Okay, simpler terms.” Twilight said with a huff. “Think of a unicorn’s horn like a conductor for magical energy. It takes the natural magical flow inside us and focuses it into a spell. The Elements of Harmony work in a similar way—they draw power from their bearers’ unique qualities, like honesty or laughter, and channel it into their magic.”

“Your horn lights up, and then ya do magic?” Applejack summarized.

Twilight blinked at Applejack’s blunt summary. “Well… yes, if you want to put it that way,” she admitted with a small huff. “Anyways, from what I can tell, the process we unicorns use when we channel our magic through our horns and the way the Elements’ inner magic is fluctuating are almost identical.”

“Twilight,” Applejack spoke up, her tone measured as she picked her words with care. “If what y’all are sayin’ is what y’all are sayin’, are you tellin’ me that if me and Pinkie slapped on the Elements right now, we could use magic?”

“Well…” Twilight began slowly, “not exactly. The Elements of Harmony don’t grant magic in the same way a unicorn’s horn does. They’re magical artifacts, not a source of innate magic. However…” She trailed off, her gaze narrowing in contemplation. “If the Elements’ magic is behaving like unicorn magic right now, it’s possible that wearing them might allow you to channel it more directly. But that’s just a theory.”

The lavender mane sighs. “There is still so much I don’t know…So much I need to know. If I don’t know then…then…How can I…”

“I wouldn’t fret ’bout it so much, Twi,” Applejack said, trying’ to ease her friend’s nerves. “If the Keyblade and Elements are tied together like those two ponies said, I doubt it’s somethin’ bad.”

Twilight’s ears drooped slightly as she let out another sigh, the weight of her uncertainty clearly pressing on her. “I appreciate that, Applejack,” she said. “But the Elements are supposed to be the most stable, reliable magic we have. If they’re changing because of the Keyblade’s influence—or something else—I can’t help but wonder what it means for Equestria. What if I’m missing something important? What if—”

The lavender mare’s train of thought was abruptly derailed as she felt a hoof gently tap her shoulder. Startled, she turned around, only to find herself face-to-face with Sora. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight: the Keyblade wielder had both his hooves pressed against his cheeks, squishing his face into a ridiculous expression. His tongue stuck out slightly, and his eyes were crossed in an exaggeratedly goofy manner.

“Bleeeeh!” Sora let out a playful noise, holding the expression for dramatic effect.

She reared back, momentarily stunned into silence. Then, as the sheer absurdity of the situation sank in, she couldn’t help but let out a startled laugh—a genuine, bubbling sound that she hadn’t expected. She quickly covered her mouth with a hoof, but her amusement was clear.

Sora dropped his hooves and grinned, his carefree energy radiating as he tilted his head slightly. “Looks like you needed a good laugh, Twi,” he said, his tone light and playful. “In my experience, it’s best to roll with what you know and let the future handle the rest.”

Twilight’s gave him a mock deadpan stare. “Are you telling me to just wing it?”

“Works out for me!” Sora said as he pounded his chest.

“Not always relatively well if your adventures are anything to go by,” Twilight said.

Sora blinked, his grin faltering for a split second before he chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay, fair point,” he admitted, shrugging. “I guess ‘winging it’ doesn’t always go as smoothly as I’d like. But hey, it still works out in the end, right?”

“Be that as it may,” Twilight replied, her tone shifting back to its usual measured seriousness. “I want to keep the Elements here for now and study them more. We need to understand exactly what’s going on before we try anything risky.”

Pinkie Pie’s face immediately fell, her ears drooping as she let out an exaggerated pout. “Does that mean no more times-three fusion?” she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment. “But it was so awesome! And sparkly!”

Twilight gave her a flat look, raising an eyebrow. “Yes, Pinkie. No more fusions for now. We can’t risk making the situation worse.”

Pinkie flopped dramatically onto the floor, throwing her forelegs out as if she’d just heard the worst news in the world. “Awwww, but I was already thinking of cool attack names for the next one! Like ‘Harmony Blitz’ or ‘Friendship Mega Beam’!”

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head as she watched Pinkie’s antics. “I hate to say it, sugarcube, but Twi’s got a point. A little bit of learning might help us in the end.” She smiles towards Sora. “Still, no matter what, I trust Sora and that fancy blade of his.”

Sora blinked, slightly taken aback by Applejack’s words, before his grin returned with renewed warmth. “Thanks, Applejack,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “That means a lot. I’m just trying to do my best, you know?” He blinks before giving the mare a smirk. “Hang on…you’re just trying to butter me up for more work today, aren't you?”

“Now, sugarcube, I wouldn’t dream of that,” she drawled cooly despite the smirk she tried to hide. “But if you’re feelin’ so inclined, I got a few chores back at Sweet Apple Acres that might need doing and I can’t think of another helpful pony that can keep pace with me and my family.”

“Okay okay.” Sora said, raising his hooves. “I get the hint.” he turns toward Twilight and Pinkie. “Guessing thats the end of this little meeting then?”

Twilight nodded, adjusting a few books on a nearby table with her magic. “For now, yes. We’ve covered everything I wanted to discuss today. I’ll let you know of any updates I find, okay?”

“Got it, Twi.” he salutes the pink mare. “Later Pinks”

Pinkie Pie sprang up from her dramatic flop, instantly perky again. “Later, Sora! Don’t forget to smile! And if you need a snack break while you’re helping Applejack, just yell, ‘Pinkie!’ I’ll hear it, no matter where I am!”

“I’ll hold you to that.” With that Applejack and Sora left, leaving Twilight and Pinkie alone.

As the library door clicked shut behind Sora and Applejack, Twilight let out a soft sigh, her gaze drifting toward the Elements of Harmony resting on their pedestal. The quiet of the library settled around them, broken only by the faint hum of Pinkie Pie as she bounced in place, her endless energy undiminished.

“Soooo, Twilight,” Pinkie began, her tone light and inquisitive. “Cupcakes at Sugarcube’s?”

Twilight blinked at Pinkie’s sudden suggestion. She was about to say she was too busy for food but then heard her belly rumble in protest. She frowned before sighing softly. “Yeah, sure Pinkie.”

“Yay!”

~~~

Canterlot

Princess Celestia gracefully lifted her teacup with her magic, the warm steam curling lazily into the crisp morning air as she gazed out over the bustling city of Canterlot from her balcony. The sun shone brilliantly, bathing the marble spires of the castle in golden light, though it wasn’t her doing today. A rare occurrence, but one that carried a special meaning.

She took a delicate sip before speaking, her voice calm and serene but carrying an undertone of curiosity. “It’s not often I ask Luna to raise the sun for me,” she mused, her gaze remaining on the city below. “But every now and then, it’s good to remind her how radiant her touch can be, even with my domain.”

“A rare day, indeed,” A voice spoke behind her. “When the Sun Princess takes a step back from her duties. One might wonder if you’re testing the waters for retirement, Celestia.”

She turned around as a mirror behind her shimmered, revealing a rather old looking creature, one unlike any had seen in Equestira. His tall, slender frame was cloaked in flowing blue robes adorned with stars and crescent moons, and his long, white beard flowed down to his chest. His pointed hat tilted jauntily, completing an unmistakable appearance of wizard.

“How is Lulu holding up, by the way?” the one in the mirror mused aloud, stroking his flowing beard thoughtfully. “Has she been integrating into pony society well? You know how much of an odd one out she was…and that was before her…well…absence.”

"She is...doing better than I have expected, Merlin, considering I was the cause of said…absence..." She looked away from the old creature, doing her best to control the edge to her voice. She would soon turn back towards him with a smile. "She has made quite a few friends among our staff recently, and she seems to have taken a liking to little Sora. I think she sees a little bit of herself within him."

Merlin’s eyes twinkled behind his glasses as he listened, his expression both thoughtful and kind. He leaned forward slightly in the mirror, resting a hand on his staff as if to steady himself, though the motion seemed more for show than necessity.

“Is that so?” Merlin replied, a bit of a sparkle behind his glasses. “Sora and Luna… two kindred spirits, in a way. Both have faced the darkness, though they’ve come through it in different manners. It’s no wonder she feels a connection to him.”

Celestia’s smile faltered for a moment as her gaze drifted toward the horizon. “I only hope that connection helps her heal further,” she murmured. “She’s come so far, Merlin, but I can still see the weight she carries. It’s in the way her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes sometimes…It's the same look I see in Sora expression on rare occasions.”

Merlin’s expression softened further, his usual jovial demeanor replaced with an air of quiet thoughtfulness. He stroked his beard, as he looked upwards. “I see…Even the brightest lights cast shadows, Celestia. Sora’s journey, like Luna’s, has left its mark—on his heart, his soul. It’s a heavy burden, even for one as resilient as he.” He smiles. “Which is all the more reason I am happy to have pointed him in your direction.”

“He…does seem to be doing much better than my last meeting with him.” She admitted. “The girls really are a positive influence on him. I see it in the way he smiles more freely now, without the shadow of hesitation behind it.” She frowns. “Speaking of influence, I take it that Riku being on this world is also your doing?”

Merlin let out a hearty laugh, the kind that seemed to fill the room despite his presence being confined to the mirror. “Oh, Celestia, you give this old man far too much credit,” he said with a chuckle. He turned away briefly, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed into some unseen distance. “All I did was tell him what he wanted to know. The rest was his choice.” Looking back he smiled. “How can one find their light without facing the darkness?”

Celestia shook her head. “Just as clever as ever, I see. And wiser words have never been spoken.”

The man narrowed his eyes at the mare, making her shift uncomfortably. “Yes…Good to see you’re listening to me for once.”

Celestia let out a soft, almost imperceptible sigh, her composure faltering ever so slightly under Merlin's piercing gaze. “I always listen to you, Merlin,” she said with a faint smile, though her tone carried a hint of defensiveness. “Even if I don’t always act on your advice as quickly as you might like.”

Merlin huffed. “I’ll take your word for it.”

For a moment, the two of them let the silence stretch, the golden glow of the sun bathing the balcony in warm light. Then, Celestia broke the quiet, her voice carrying a subtle hesitance.

“Luna has been asking about who my mysterious visitor is…” she began, her gaze drifting toward the shimmering surface of the enchanted mirror. “You know… if you ever want to come back to Equestria, Star—”

“Ah, ah, Celestia,” he interrupted, wagging a finger her way. “Let’s not go stirring up ancient stars and dusty titles, hmm? Some things are better left in the pages of history. Besides… If your newest student, Twilight, ever saw me in the flesh, I think she might die due to being Star-Struck.” He laughed heartily before giving the white alicorn a wink. “With the way things are progressing, however, that very student of yours might just find out about me one day. If she’s anything like you described, she’s not going to be content with just knowing there are other worlds out there. She’s going to want proof.”

“Something I honestly fear…” Celestia comments. “If I am telling the truth.”

The man in the mirror frowned before it dawned on him, “Ah, I see…It’s not just her curiosity you’re worried about—it’s what she might discover about herself along the way.”

Celestia nodded, her serene facade giving way to a flicker of vulnerability. “Twilight has already achieved so much, and her potential is boundless. But the more she learns of other words, the more she grows to understand whats happening, the more I fear she’ll be drawn away from the path I envisioned for her.” Her gaze fell to the ground as her wings shifted slightly. “I’ve come to love her like a daughter, Merlin. The thought of losing her to the unknown…” She trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Merlin tapped his staff lightly on the ground, drawing her attention back to him. “Celestia,” he said, his tone warm yet firm, “You’ve taught Twilight to embrace the unknown, just like I taught you to do the same. That is the greatest gift any mentor can give. But part of that gift is trusting her to follow her own path, wherever it may lead.”

The alicorn let out a quiet sigh, her eyes meeting Merlin’s once more. “I know you’re right, goddess above I know but...It’s just… difficult. To let go. To accept that she might find a destiny beyond the one I’ve prepared for her.”

Merlin’s frown deepened as he turned his gaze to the side, his eyes seeming to focus on something far beyond the enchanted mirror’s shimmering surface. “As much as I’d love to keep discussing the 'what ifs' of destiny, I’m afraid I must take my leave,” he said, his tone tinged with reluctance. “The threads of fate are tugging at me, and there are matters I cannot ignore.”

“It’s just as well. There are matters I need to attend to as well,” the white mare said with a smile of her own.

The old wizard nodded before picking up a bag that was nearby. “It’s always a pleasure talking to you, Tia! Call more often, this old coot gets a bit lonely when his best friend doesn’t talk to him more!”

“No promises…” Celestia mused softly. “But I’ll keep that in mind, Merlin.”

The man smiled before giving her a nod and a wave of his hand. “Looking forward to it.” With that, the magic upon the mirror died, returning to its original purpose of just a looking glass.

As Celestia turned her gaze to the blue expanse of the sky, the soft flutter of wings drew her attention. Perched gracefully upon the windowsill was a white owl, its pristine feathers glistening in the morning light. The bird's amber eyes locked onto hers, and in its beak, it held a scroll sealed with the unmistakable sigil of a Solar Captain.

~~~

Sweet Apple Acers

Sora wiped a bit of sweat from his brow as he hoisted a basket of apples onto Big Mac's cart. The late morning sun was warm, but he didn’t mind—He was getting use to it after all. As he placed the basket down with a satisfying thud, he couldn’t help but ask about what Applejack had told him a moment ago.

“So…you’re gonna have an Apple Family Reunion here?”

Applejack glanced up from where she was tying a rope to secure a stack of apple baskets on Big Mac’s cart. She adjusted her hat, her green eyes sparkling with excitement. “That’s right, sugarcube,” she said with a proud smile. “The Apple Family Reunion’s one o’ the biggest events for our kin. We’ve got Apples comin’ from every corner of Equestria to Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Every corner of Equestria?” Sora whistles. “That sounds… huge! How many ponies are we talking about?”

Applejack chuckled, tapping her chin as if doing a quick mental count. “Oh, I reckon close to a hundred this time. Give or take a few. We’ve got cousins, uncles, aunts, second cousins twice removed… it’s a big ol’ apple tree, ya know?”

Sora rubbed the back of his head, his usual grin spreading across his face. "Well, I hope you guys have tons of fun. Sounds like it's gonna be a blast."

"You’re sayin’ that like you ain’t gonna be there, partner." Applejack asks with a frown, a hoof adjusting her hat to look at him better.

"Wait, what? Me? At the Apple Family Reunion?"

"Darn right," Applejack said with a wink. "Y’all are practically an honorary Apple by now. Ain’t no way I’m lettin’ you skip out on all the fun."

The tan stallion scratched his cheek. "Honorary Apple? Is there an initiation ceremony or something."

Applejack laughed, giving him a playful nudge. "Shoot, sugarcube, helpin’ us out here on the farm, sharin’ a meal at the family table, and puttin’ up with Granny’s stories? You’re more then already in."

Sora couldn’t hide the blush spreading across his face, his usual confidence faltering just a bit. "Well… I mean, if it’s okay with you, then… I guess I’ll come," he said, his grin turning a little sheepish.

“Now that’s the spirit! Though I gotta warn ya, partner—ain’t no slackin’ at an Apple Family Reunion. Everyone pitches in, and that includes guests.”

“Oh, yeah?” Sora raised an eyebrow. “What kind of stuff do you have in mind?”

Big Mac, who had been quietly hitching himself to the cart, let out a low chuckle. “Plenty o’ work…Cookin’, servin’, cleanin’, settin’ up games…”

“And lets not forget the workload games like hay bale toss, the apple pie contest, and the good ol’ tug-o’-war,” Applejack added with a sly grin. “Think ya can keep up?”

“Are you kidding? I’ve faced monsters, Heartless, and even giant Titans. How hard could a reunion be?”

Applejack laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “We’ll see about that, hero. Just make sure you’re ready—Apples don’t mess around when it comes to family fun.”

“You talkin’ about the Apple Family Reunion?” came the unmistakable voice of a familiar yellow filly, her southern twang cutting through the conversation like a bright ray of sunshine. Apple Bloom trotted up to the group, her red bow bouncing with each step, her wide eyes sparkling with excitement. She turned her gaze to Sora and beamed. “Wait, Sora! Are ya comin’ to the reunion too?”

Sora chuckled, caught off guard by her enthusiasm but quickly matching her energy. “Sounds like it! Applejack said I’d get to help out and join in on the fun.”

Apple Bloom’s heart began to race, a faint blush creeping onto her yellow cheeks as the realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. This is it, she thought. Her friends and family were going to see her spending time with Sora—the stallion she’d been harboring the biggest crush on. The idea both thrilled and terrified her.

As she stood there, her gaze fixed on Sora’s easygoing grin, her mind raced. What better place could there be? The Apple Family Reunion would be perfect—fun, games, good food… and maybe… just maybe… the perfect moment to tell him how I feel.

Her legs felt a little wobbly as she tried to muster the courage to say something—anything—but the words got caught in her throat. She quickly looked down, pretending to inspect the ground, as her heart thumped so loudly she was sure Applejack and Big Mac could hear it.

“Apple Bloom?” Sora’s voice cut through her thoughts, gentle and curious. “You okay?”

She snapped her head up, her blush deepening as her wide eyes met his. “Huh? Oh, yeah! I-I’m fine!” she stammered, her voice a bit higher-pitched than usual. “Just, uh… thinkin’ ‘bout how fun it’s gonna be to show ya around at the reunion, that’s all!”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Instead, she turned to Sora with a playful smirk. “Well, ya got yourself quite the guide, Sora. Apple Bloom’s gonna make sure you don’t miss a thing.”

“That’s good to know,” Sora replied warmly, his smile as bright as ever. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Apple Bloom’s heart fluttered at his words, and she couldn’t stop the shy smile that spread across her face. He’s looking forward to it… maybe he’ll look forward to… us?

She quickly shook the thought from her mind, realizing she was staring a little too long. “A-Alright! Well, I better get to helpin’ AJ finish settin’ up!” she said hurriedly, turning and trotting off toward the barn with an awkward laugh. “See y’all later!”

As she disappeared from view, Applejack let out a chuckle, her smirk widening as she glanced at Sora. “Looks like you’ve got yourself quite the fan, hero.”

Sora blinked, tilting his head in confusion. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“Don’t worry about it casanova,” Applejack said with a laugh, giving him a hearty pat on the back. “C’mon, we’ve still got work to do.”

The stallion blinked again, even more confused as she went on ahead without him. “Casa-what-now?”

~~~

Ponyville Weather Factory

Rainbow Dash stretched her wings and let out a satisfied sigh as she clocked out for the day. The last of her cloud-clearing duties were done, and the skies over Ponyville were as clear and blue as her coat. She rubbed the back of her neck, looking forward to kicking back and relaxing—maybe grabbing a cider at Sweet Apple Acres or catching up on some Daring Do.

As she stretched and made her way toward her locker, she caught sight of Cloud Chaser and Flitter, the twin mares with their signature purple fur and white manes, standing just a few paces away. Their animated chatter carried across the locker area, drawing Rainbow's attention. They were standing close to Thunderlane, the dark-coated stallion with his silver mane, who looked a little out of his depth as he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.

“So, what do you think, Thunderlane?” Cloud Chaser asked, her tone teasing and playful as she nudged him with her shoulder. “You’re coming with us tonight, right? You can’t flake out again.”

“Yeah! ”Flitter giggled, leaning in on the other side. “ It’ll be fun! A night out in Ponyville—just us, a little dancing, maybe a cider or two. Don’t be such a stick in the mud.”

Thunderlane chuckled nervously, glancing between the two mares. “You girls know I would never flake out on you for good reason. I had to take care of my little bro that day because grandma was out of town. That and the fact that the curfew was placed in effect, as you two well know.”

Flitter huffed, her hooves crossing over her chest in frustration. “Ugh, don’t remind me. All because of those stupid… what were they called again… those black creatures?”

"Heartless," Rainbow said simply as she made her way to the small group, her tone serious, which was rare for the normally laid-back pegasus. "They’re called Heartless."

Cloud Chaser nods, pointing towards the blue mare. “That’s right! The mayor did call them after everything calmed down here in Ponyville.” She frowns. “They looked adorable but…they felt…I don’t know…wrong?”

“Yeah, adorable until they started chasing ponies around town.” Flitter shuddered. “Those glowing yellow eyes? Ugh, no thanks. Gives me the creeps just thinking about it. Enough about those monsters, though,she fliped her mane back with a practiced motion, smiling at her friends. “Mayor Mare said we won’t be seeing any more of them, and we’ve got extra guards stationed here now for protection. So no need to be scared and stuff, Thunderlane.” She pouted dramatically, leaning in closer. “Unless… you don’t want to hang out with us anymore.”

“Whoa, whoa! I never said that!” The stallion defended himself.

Cloud Chaser smirked. Then it’s a date,” she said confidently, clopping hooves with her sister in victory.

Thunderlane groaned, muttering, “You two are impossible…”

Cloud Chaser ignored him, turning her attention to Rainbow Dash with a sly grin. “Hey, wanna join us? We promise not to make you feel like a fourth wheel. Could be fun.”

“Actually… I’ve got something I’m doing later,” The rainbow maned mare admitted.

“Something? What kind of something? You’re not just making an excuse, are you?”

Rainbow smirked, flicking her tail as she leaned casually against a nearby locker. “Pfft, as if. I’m actually meeting up with So-I mean somepony. Yeah. Plans already made and stuff.”

“Ohhh?” Cloud Chaser muses. “Now this sounds interesting.” She leaned in closer, her grin turning downright mischievous. “Who are you meeting?”

Flitter giggled, joining in. “Yeah, who’s this somepony you’re meeting? Don’t tell me Rainbow Dash has a secret date!”

“What? No! It’s not like that!” Rainbow turned her head slightly, her cheeks gaining a faint tinge of pink. “It’s just training, alright? That’s all.”

“Training with who, exactly?” Cloud Chaser pressed, clearly enjoying Rainbow’s flustered reaction.

“Oh! Is it that stallion that we had that whole thing for?” Flitter asked. “You know. The one who saved Ponyville? Pretty sure his name started with a So.”

“It did! I think it was along the lines of…hmmm…Sora?” Cloud Chaser turned to her sister. “Is that right?”

“Ugh! Yes, okay? It’s Sora.” Rainbow admitted, frowning at the mares. “ I’m meeting up with Sora for some training. Happy now?”

“Look like we were right on the bit.” Cloud Chaser teased. “The hero of Ponyville then? The guy with the Keyblade? Now this is getting interesting.”

“Indeed. “Flitter agreed with a curt nod before turning to Rainbow again, “So is this like… hero training? Or maybe hero bonding?”

“It’s not like that!” Rainbow hissed. “He’s just really good at fighting, and I need to stay in top shape in case the Heartless come back. That’s it!”

Cloud Chaser arched an eyebrow, her grin not faltering. “Sure, Dash. Whatever you say. But you’re blushing an awful lot for it to just be training.”

“I am not blushing!” Rainbow snapped, crossing her forelegs as she floated mid-air. “It’s hot out, that’s all. You two are just making stuff up in your heads.” She slammed her locker shut. “Anyway! Gotta go! Later!”

The trio watched as Rainbow Dash zipped out the door in a blur of colors, leaving the locker room noticeably quieter. The faint sound of her wings flapping could still be heard for a moment before fading entirely.

Thunderlane sighed, shaking his head as he turned to the twin mares. “You two know she’s gonna get you back for this, right? And it’s probably not gonna be pretty.”

Cloud Chaser shrugged, her grin unapologetic. “Oh, we know. But come on, Thunderlane. It’s Rainbow Dash. Messing with her is half the fun of working here.”

“Exactly!” Flitter nodded in agreement, her own grin matching her sister’s. “Besides, it’s not like she doesn’t deserve it with the amount of pranks we’ve been subjected to.”

The girls giggled like school fillies, all the while Thunderlane could only sigh, feeling nothing but pity for the poor rainbow maned mare.

~~~

Outside Ponyville Spa

Two exited the spa, the soft glow of the afternoon sun washed over them. The gentle hum of Ponyville's daily life surrounded them, blending seamlessly with the calming aftereffects of their treatments. Rarity, ever the picture of poise and sophistication, trotted gracefully beside Fluttershy, who moved with her usual timid air, her wings tucked close to her sides.

Rarity paused briefly, lifting a freshly polished hoof and admiring it in the light. The sparkling finish reflected the sunlight beautifully, causing her to smile with satisfaction. "Aloe and Lotus have truly outdone themselves this time," she remarked, her voice carrying a note of admiration. "Simply divine, wouldn't you agree, Fluttershy?"

"Yes… it was lovely," she murmured, though her voice lacked its usual warmth. Her mind was elsewhere, caught in a swirling storm of thoughts and uncertainties that made the afternoon sun feel distant, its warmth muted.

Rarity’s sharp gaze flicked to her friend as they resumed their leisurely pace through Ponyville. Though outwardly serene, the unicorn’s mind was already abuzz with curiosity and concern. She knew Fluttershy too well to miss the signs of her inner turmoil—the downcast gaze, the hesitant replies, the way she fidgeted ever so slightly with the edge of her wing.

"Fluttershy, darling," Rarity said softly, her tone laced with gentle insistence as she turned her head to look at the pegasus. “Are you okay? I do hope I didn’t upset you too much with our talk about…well…you know who.”

The timid mare froze mid-step, her breath hitching slightly at Rarity’s words. Her wings fluttered softly at her sides, betraying the nervous energy she was trying to suppress. For a moment, she didn’t reply, her gaze fixated on the path beneath their hooves as though the dirt itself might offer her some sort of escape.

Rarity, ever perceptive when it came to the shy mare, slowed her pace and stepped closer, tilting her head to try and meet Fluttershy’s gaze. “Darling, I meant no harm, truly. If my prying was too much, you need only say so, and I’ll not bring it up again. But…” She hesitated. “I just want to make sure you are happy.”

“I know you mean well, Rarity,” The yellow mare said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “And I really do appreciate it. It’s just… I’m not sure what to do.”

She gave Fluttershy’s shoulder a gentle squeeze, her tone growing even more earnest. “Just follow your heart, Fluttershy. You’ve already realized who you like—all you have to do now is act on it. Whether that means telling him how you feel, spending more time with him, or even just giving him a little hint… it’s up to you. But whatever you decide, I know you’ll find the right way.”

Her wings twitched slightly as her cheeks flushed as she absorbed Rarity’s words. A part of her still felt overwhelmed by doubt, no matter how she felt.

“Rarity! Fluttershy! Yoohoo~!”

Both mares turned to see Pinkie Pie bouncing energetically toward them, her signature grin as wide as ever and her curly pink mane bouncing with every hop. Beside her trotted Twilight Sparkle, her pace more measured but her eyes bright with curiosity.

“Ah, Pinkie, Twilight!” Rarity called back, straightening her posture with a graceful flick of her mane. She offered the approaching pair a warm smile, though her keen gaze flicked to Fluttershy for a brief moment, silently checking on her friend.

Pinkie skidded to a halt in front of them, her boundless energy radiating as she leaned in slightly. “Whatcha talking about? Something super-duper important? Ooh, is it about a surprise party? Because if it is, don’t worry, I won’t ruin it! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” She finished her signature promise with an exaggerated motion, complete with a hoof covering her eye.

Twilight rolled her eyes with a fond smile as she caught up to Pinkie. “I’m pretty sure they weren’t planning a surprise party, Pinkie,” she said, her tone lightly teasing before turning more curious. “But you two did look pretty deep in conversation. Is everything all right?”

Fluttershy’s wings gave a nervous flutter, and she instinctively ducked slightly behind her mane. “Oh, um, yes,” she said quickly, her voice as soft as ever. “We were just… talking about, um…” She trailed off, glancing toward Rarity for help.

Rarity, ever the picture of composure, stepped in smoothly. “Oh, nothing too pressing, darling. Just some friendly advice and sisterly bonding, as one does.” She waved a hoof dismissively, her smile poised and charming. “How are you two faring this fine afternoon?”

Twilight nodded, her expression warm as she adjusted her saddlebags with a touch of magic. "We’re doing fine, thanks. We just grabbed a quick bite to eat at the café, and we saw you two heading this way not too long after. I’m guessing you had a nice time at the spa?"

Rarity beamed at the question, her polished hooves and perfectly styled mane practically glowing in the afternoon light. "Oh, it was absolutely splendid, darling. Aloe and Lotus worked their usual magic, and I must say, I’m feeling positively rejuvenated. Isn’t that right, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy offered a small nod, her soft smile peeking out from behind her mane. “Yes, it was… relaxing,” she said, her voice gentle but sincere. Though her mind was still partially occupied by her earlier conversation with Rarity, the calming effects of the spa lingered in her posture.

“Sorry we couldn’t have joined you.” Twilight tells them. “I think I could have used a bit of relaxation myself."

Rarity’s eyes lit up at Twilight’s comment, and a delighted smile spread across her face. “Oh, next time, I’ll be sure to invite all of you,” she said warmly, her voice carrying her usual enthusiasm. “We’ll make it a proper girls’ day out. Hooficures, massages, facials—everything! It’ll be simply divine.”

“Glittery hooficures, bubble baths, and maybe even a mud mask!” Pinkie muses. “Oh! You think that Sora would want to join?”

Rarity blinked, momentarily thrown off by Pinkie’s sudden suggestion, but quickly recovered her composure. “Sora? At the spa?” she repeated, her tone a mixture of amusement and disbelief. “Darling, while I can imagine many scenarios in which Sora might enjoy himself, I don’t believe an afternoon of facials and hooficures would be at the top of his list.”

Pinkie Pie gasped dramatically, her hooves flying to her cheeks. “What?! But why not? Who wouldn’t love a mud mask? It’s squishy and relaxing and—” she paused, her eyes sparkling mischievously—“perfect for hiding in if you’re on a super-secret stealth mission! You think he’d love it!”

Before Rarity could begin listing all the ways Pinkie’s idea was entirely misguided, her words caught in her throat as her sharp eyes spotted a sudden commotion. Her smile faded, replaced by concern as she saw a familiar purple and green dragon sprinting toward them at full speed.

“Spike?” Rarity said, tilting her head slightly as she observed the young dragon. But the usual cheerful energy she reserved for Spike was absent, replaced by a growing unease. Something wasn’t right.

The dragon’s short legs churned furiously beneath him, his claws clutching a scroll tightly as he weaved through the ponies on the busy street. His face was etched with panic, his eyes wide and darting frantically.

“Rarity! Twilight! Girls!” he called, his voice strained from the effort of running. “I’ve got—pant—a message—from Princess Celestia!”

Twilight’s ears perked up instantly at the mention of the princess, and her expression shifted to one of alarm. She stepped forward to meet Spike as he stumbled to a halt in front of the group, gasping for breath and leaning forward with his claws on his knees.

“Spike, what is it?” Twilight asked urgently, her voice steady despite the growing knot of worry in her chest. “What does the princess need?”

Spike held up a claw to signal her to wait as he took a moment to catch his breath. “It’s… it’s something big,” he said between pants. “She told me to bring this to you right away.” He held out the scroll with shaking claws, his wide eyes meeting Twilight’s.

Twilight didn’t hesitate. Her magic enveloped the scroll, unrolling it quickly as her friends gathered around her, their expressions mirroring her concern. Rarity glanced at Fluttershy, who had shrunk slightly behind her mane, her wings twitching nervously as Twilight began to read to herself.

After a moment, the mare lowered the scroll, frowning. “We need to find Sora.”

Adventure Start! (Edited)

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Adventure Starts

Green to start music and red to stop music

Ponyville Train Station

Twilight couldn't help but watch with a conflicted expression as the train pulled off with her friends in tow. She released a heavy sigh as the hoof she was waving goodbye with slowly dropped back to the wooden floorboards below.

Beside her, Applejack stood with a stoic expression that near rivaled that of the Royal Canterlot Guards. The apple farmer cast a gaze over to Twilight, before placing a hoof gently upon her shoulder.

“You sure you don’t want to teleport the rest of us onto that there train Twilight? Ah mean ah’m sure you could do it easily. Just don’t feel too right letting the four of them go off without the rest of the elements.”

“I…I know Applejack. I know.” Twilight said softly, shaking her head. “But I can’t allow both yours and Pinkie’s elements to run untested after what happened back in the Crystal Empire.”

“You were allowing me and Pinks to do that transforming thing before back on ma farm.” Applejack countered as she stopped her hoof on the wooden floor. “What’s the difference between then and now?”

“The difference, Applejack, is that when you three did transformations, it was done under a watchful eye and a controlled environment. And more to the point, you three were not under direct threat.” Twilight said. “Also, the act of the transformation leaves all of the subjects tired and weak for some reason. Something that Sora even says is new to him. So for now, no, I need you and Pinkie Pie here so I can study the Elements in length.”

The lavender mare looked away from her friend. “I will not put my friends in any type of situation like back at the Crystal Empire. Sora is strong enough as it is for now and Celestia herself said that she had sent a contingent her personal guards ahead of them to help out. I’m sure that they can deal with whatever is in Trottingham well enough.”

Applejack snorted before lowering her head. “Still…ah feel kinda useless, now, just sitting on the sidelines as it were. What with Equestira in danger the way it is and what not.”

“I know…I know. But we are helping Equestria too, in our own way. With this new power of the Elements we will be able to fight back the Darkness like our predecessors in the past did.” Twilight beamed as she nudged her friend. “We may be split up for now but we are heading for the same goal. Right?”

Applejack snorted again, more out of humor then anything. “Heh. Ya know. That sounds like something Sora would say to us.”

Twilight giggled softly. “Oh? You know Sora that well huh?”

“Well yeah.” Applejack answered honestly. “Ah mean he does live with ma family and me and what not. Despite everything that’s happened to him up till this point, he’s still just a young’en making mistakes.” She chuckled. “Still, if there’s one thing ah do know about him, ah know that despite him being such a strong pony…ah…Hooman.” Applejack corrected as she pronounced the odd term for his race. “Ah know that he’s rather just a normal little colt at heart. And if’n ah know ma colts, he's still learning something new about the world every day.”

Twilight could only nod in agreement at her friend’s words. “I think we all learn something new about our world every day…” The mare looked out into the sky, a look of determination forming on her brow. “And I think…I want to see it all.”

The apple farmer followed her friend’s gaze to the sky above. “Ya really thinking of going out there, past the sky and stars and whatnot?”

Twilight didn’t answer at first, lost in an aray of her own thoughts. After a few moments however, the mare would nod. “When this is all over here in Ponyville and Equestria. Yeah…I will ask Sora about taking me I think.”

“What do ya think the princess would say about that?” Applejack inquired as she led the way off the wooden platform.

“I…Don’t know exactly. I really don’t.” Twilight said as she shook her head. “But I do know that I need to go. There's so much that even the princesses do not know. So much that nopony alive knows…”

Applejack gave a wry chuckle. “Twilight…Always wanting to learn new things.” She mused before nudging the mare. “If’n ya do decide ta leave, make sure ta send a letter ya hear? Let us know what it’s like out there and what not.”

Twilight giggled as well. “Will do Applejack.”

~

Friendship Express
Ongoing Towards Trottingham

Fluttershy sighed wistfully as she sat upon the train’s rather comfortable seating, her gaze falling to the fading sun that slowly slipped beyond the horizon, making way for the Luna’s moonlit night.

I…I must be crazy…I have to be crazy…

The fact that she had actually agreed to go on this crazy mission meant that she was indeed crazy. Why had she agreed to go to a potentially dangerous place, knowing dangerous Heartless that would want nothing better than to take her very heart out of her chest would be there?

She could think of a dozen reasons for her to not go and just stay at home where it was relatively safe. And yet, she could think of one important reason that seemed to outweigh every excuse her mind would think up to stop her from going. One reason that pushed her to be a thunderhead and accept to go on a mission that could potentially killed.

The yellow mare’s gaze would fall on Sora as he sat opposite of Rainbow Dash not too far away from her. The cyan mare seemingly trying to get as much information out of him about his adventures traveling between worlds as she could. Admittedly, the fact that he was able to see all kinds of worlds and make many animal friends appealed to the yellow mare quite a bit. At least she knew that he was an animal lover.

“Are those hearts in your eyes or did you get contacts darling?” Said an eloquent voice to Fluttershy’s side, making the butter yellow mare squeak in surprise. She quickly turned to her side to find Rarity smiling coyly at her, which only made the poor shy mare blush even harder.

“I…I mean…It's…I…You know I…” Fluttershy stuttered as she cast away from her white unicorn friend.

“Darling, you are just too cute when you have a crush.” Rarity mused as he waved a hoof. “Why not go over and talk to him. I know you want to and I’m sure I can occupy Rainbow’s time with something else.”

“Oh but…This is the first time I’ve seen Sora and Rainbow talk the way they are.” Fluttershy said as she looked to the pair of pegasi, the mare enraptured by the tale he was weaving. He seemed to be at the part where he had to digitize himself into a master computer...whatever that means. Honestly, that mean computer sounded really scary to Fluttershy.

“I…Really don’t want to interrupt them. This is really the first time I've seen Rainbow have a normal conversation with him so…"

Rarity smiled as she patted Fluttershy on her shoulder.

"They won't mind if you interrupt their little conversation." Rarity reassured. "Besides, don't you want to spend more time with the stallion of your dreams."

“B…But he…I mean…He will leave when…”

“Fluttershy.” Rarity said sternly, causing her shy friend to button her lips. “If it is meant to be, then love will find a way to make it work. Trust me.” She gave her friend a quivering pout. “You do trust me, don’t you darling?”

“I...I do...” Fluttershy squeaked as she nodded timidly. "I do trust you Rarity...but..."

“Good!” The white mare mused as she covered the mare's mouth with a hoof. “Because I, my dear Fluttershy, have a plan…”

On the other side, the latter pair of the group of ponies would notice both Rarity and Fluttershy conversing a ways away from them.

“Haha. Seems like they are having fun.” Sora committed tilting his head at the pair. "Wonder what they are talking about."

“Don’t know, don’t care.” Rainbow huffed with a wave of her hoof. “Pretty sure its something...ugh...frilly if its Rarity and Flutters. Anyway. Back to the topic at hoof.” The blue mare leaned over the table, her cheeks resting within her hooves. "So those Light Bike things you talked about before. Tell it too me straights. How fast do you think those bad boys were going?”

The stallion blinked before tapping a hoof to his chin, thinking long and hard about it. "I'm not sure honestly. It was pretty fast I think but I really was trying not to get run off the road by the Heartless to really think about it."

“Ugh. Some help you are.” Rainbow whined, leaning back into her chair, folding her hooves across her chest. "If I’m ever going to be the fastest then I need to know my competition.”

“Competition?” Sora asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well duh! I wanna see these Light Bikes in action myself. Maybe even challenge it to a good ol fashion race.”

“Challenge them to a race?” Sora asked with wide eyes. "But that would mean...Travelling to another world..."

“Well duh. That's to be expected after all. Bedsides, If you get to do it then so do I.” Rainbow glared at the stallion. “Or were you going to just keep the other worlds all to yourself.”

Sora shook his head as he backed into his seat. “I-It’s not that Dash. It’s just…Well…I never really had someone ask to go with me to see the other worlds before.” He scratched his cheek. “And I'm not even sure it’s really allowed.”

Rainbow huffed as she folded her wings. “What gives? I thought we were friends. I mean, you always tell ponies to follow their heart and just do what makes me happy…”

"We are friends, Rainbow. And I do want you to follow your heart, but going to other worlds isn't as simple as it sounds. It's risky, and there are rules about interfering in different worlds." He sighed as he looked away from the mare. "I could even get into big trouble for even telling you about my adventures...though...you guys all pretty much deserved to know since the threat is that big here now."

Rainbow Dash's expression softened a bit, much more then Sora was used to from the usually brash mare. "I get it, Sora. But this threat—this big thing you're facing—it's not just your problem, it affects all of us. If there's a way we can help, then we should. And if that means exploring other worlds or whatever it takes, count me in."

"Still...I don't know..."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “See it like this Sora. They didn’t tell you it was not allowed, right?”

The stallion considered his friend's point, weighing the pros and cons of her argument. "I guess you have a point. They didn't specifically say it was forbidden to bring others from different worlds."

Rainbow nodded, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Exactly! If it's not explicitly prohibited, then what's the harm in giving it a try?" She winked at the stallion. "Just gotta know how to work the system."

"I think you are more trying to brake the system."

Rainbow shrugged at him as she continued to smile. "Maybe, but at least I'm having fun doing it. Besides, you gonna let a little thing like rules stop me from seeing what's out there?"

"Would never dream of Rainbow Dash." Sora mused with a smirk.

The mare laughed softly before leaning back in her chair again. "So...kind of a subject change but...Compared to your other adventures. How does this one feel to you?"

Sora sat up at her question, his gaze falling away from her as he thought. “I’m not too sure to be honest.” He smiled at the mare. “These Heartless are behaving differently than the ones I am used to.” His gaze would fall slightly. “Everything is just weird now...not to mention that Sunset could even be there…”

Rainbow sighed softly before gently flicking his head. “Hey. No getting cold feet hero. Yeah she kicked your butt once but you just gotta kick hers even harder, got it?”

Sora smiled as he nodded. "Yeah...I get it."

“And besides, you only lost because you didn’t have your keyblade and she had us trapped. Next time we are the ones who will catch her off guard." Rainbow said with a grin. "And then we will really show her what the power of teamwork can do."

“You two seem to be getting along well enough,” Rarity, the white mare making herself known to the two pegasi. She flipped her mane as she looked between the two of them. “But I think it’s about time for the four of us to get some rest soon.”

Rainbow snorted as she cast an annoyed gaze at the white unicorn. “Who keeled over and made you leader?”

The white smiled coyly at Rainbow as she took a seat next to her friend. “Who said I was leading?” She asked with a smile. Rarity said without missing a beat. “We have a big day tomorrow after all.” She gave the rainbow maned mare a smug smile. “Besides, my dear Rainbow, how are you going to be your best if you don’t get your proper rest? We may very well have to deal with Heartless after all and you don’t want moi showing you up.”

Rainbow snorted again but mumbled under her breath something akin to ‘As if’ before slipping from the booth. "Fine MOM" She raised a hoof, prompting Sora to bump it with her own. "See ya later hero. I still wanna know all about those weird Gummi Ship things." She said as she made her way towards her cabin, leaving Rarity alone with Sora.

The white unicorn couldn’t help but shake her head. “Honestly that mare can be quite clingy when she finds a new friend…” Casting her gaze back towards Sora she gave him a smile and a wink. “You best get some rest too Sora. Don't want you tired out and all of that after all.” She mused before making her way away. Before she did so, she paused at the door, turning back to face the stallion. “Oh and…Be a dear and do me a favor?”

~

Unknown World

Sora swung his blade in a wide arc, swiftly eliminating any nearby heartless. Twisting his weapon skillfully, he swiftly struck down an ominous-looking heartless, a more malevolent version of the ones he had encountered before.

Tossing his Keyblade into the air, Sora conjured a potent ball of fiery energy in his palm, and with a forceful command, he unleashed it upon a group of heartless, obliterating them instantly. After a nod of approval at the swift action, he deftly caught his blade, preparing for the next wave of enemies.

Focused and resolute, Sora readied himself for battle, knowing that success was crucial. His determination was fueled by the need to rescue someone significant.

His attention was drawn to a solitary cage among the heartless. Inside was someone, a person who he felt an intense connection to, even though he didn't recognize the voice crying out for help. Despite the mystery, Sora was driven to protect this individual.

With a steely expression, Sora braced himself to engage, prepared to confront any obstacle that stood between him and his objective. He was ready to face any opposition preventing him from reaching the one he felt a deep obligation to safeguard. He was determined to fight to his limits and beyond, driven by a relentless sense of purpose. Yet, abruptly, he paused, his expression now a mixture of puzzlement and disbelief.

To his surprise and utter bewilderment, time seemed to stop all around him, the heartless that were nearly upon him frozen in place, almost as if they were statues.

Slowly, the boy would lower his guard and make his way to one of the nearest one heartless. Ever so carefully, he would raise his blade, allowing the tip of it to tap Heartless’s body, a gentle clang resounding throughout the dark, empty space that he was within.

"Hang on…" Sora murmured to himself, casting a perplexed glance around the unfamiliar terrain. "How did I end up here? And where is here, exactly?"

Turning in search of answers, Sora discovered that the encroaching heartless had suddenly vanished, leaving him amidst a serene grassy meadow, bathed in the ethereal light of a heart-shaped moon. A moon he knew all too well.

“So that is Kingdom Hearts.”

Sora would turn just in time to see a familiar figure making her way beside him. Her midnight blue fur shimmering just as much as her flowing starry. The pony's gaze would keep to the moon within the sky, before slowly looking towards the boy beside her. “Tis a beautiful sight, though...We are not entirely certain how we feel upon witnessing its visage," Luna spoke softly. "On one hoof, observing the moon being sought after in such a manner... It is rather surprising, even for me. On the other hoof... Knowing villains like the ones you face desire nothing more than to deface it for their own ends..."

Sora blinked long and hard before tilting his head at the mare beside him. “Princess Luna?”

The Princess of the Moon would nod curtly to the young hero. “Tis so, fair Sora. Forgive my intrusion upon your dreams, but I would like to have words with thee. If that is fine with you that is.”

Sora would shake his head slowly, a confused expression on his face. "Dreams?" he muttered softly to himself. "This doesn't feel like a dream."

"It may feel that way, but it is true dear Wielder." Luna mused softly. "It is why you are in your original form and not the pony one. With me here, dream and reality is almost one and the same."

"That makes sense…" Sora murmured, his mind spinning. He would soon look upon his hands, flexing his fingers as he did so.

"Is something the matter Keyblade Wielder?"

Sora shook his head slowly, the sensation of being back in his body prompting a reflective pause. “No…It’s just.” He chewed on his bottom lip, contemplating his thoughts. “Kinda feels weird to be back in my body again. Feels like it’s been forever since I’ve had fingers.”

“That would be the transformation spell I would suspect. I was told that mine sister had explained the spell in detail to you, am I correct?”

“Yeah, a little bit I think.” Sora told her. “She didn’t know about my clothes transformation ability so…” He looked towards the lunar princess , folding his arms about his chest as he did so. "So...why are you here?"

Luna would tilt her head, a curious look crossing her features. "Because i wanted to see you. Is that wrong of me?"

Sora shook his head, his confusion forgotten for the moment. "No! It's not!" he exclaimed, a bright smile crossing his lips. "Just…Why do you want to see me?"

"To...talk if nothing else. You have done so much for us..." She paused before adding. "For Equestria I mean. We have had barely any time to speak with you plainly Keyblade Wielder. We...I...wish to know you. As mine sister has done." She patted the spot next to her, offering Sora a place to sit.

"Okay…" Sora would follow the princess' lead and take a seat beside her. "Then what do we…talk about, your highness?"

"We can talk about anything you wish, but..." She paused again, as if trying to choose her words carefully. "If you do not mind, we wish you to treat us the way you have done mine sister, as a friend. You may call us Luna, if you so choose."

The young man blinked before giving the mare the widest grin. "Sure! Luna it is. And you can just call me Sora. Its what all my friends do after all."

Luna was slightly taken aback by how fast Sora agreed to her request. The mare would give him a gentle nod. “As you wish, Sora.”

The pair would remain silent for a while, Luna taking the opportunity to observe the young Keyblade Wielder. Sora would seem deep in thought, his eyes seeming to drift back and forth across the vast expanse of the field, She would follow his gaze, content for the time being. The pair would just bash in each other's company for a while, the boy and mare keeping their gaze upwards as both looked upon the faux moon that was Kingdom Hearts.

The mare would cast her gaze to the human, raising an eyebrow. “So…do toy have any questions for me?” She finally asked after a bout of silence.

He mulled over Luna's offer, his thoughts wandering as he considered what to ask the lunar princess. He smiled at her before gazing back at the moon. "Not really. At least nothing I can think of now. Though... Maybe... how does your mane do that flowing thing?"

The mare of the night let out a soft chuckle, her expression amused. "Ah, my mane and tail are a result of the magical properties within the night, a representation of the starry night sky. They have a life of their own, cascading and shimmering much like the heavens above."

Sora's eyes widened with curiosity. "So, your mane and tail are like the night sky itself? That is pretty cool!"

The mare blushed at the praise, her demeanor becoming a touch more dignified. "Well... yes. Indeed it is... cool." Following this exchange, the two eased into a more relaxed conversation, the Keyblade Wielder and the Princess of the moon discussing various topics, sharing stories and insights. Both human and pony found enjoyment in the conversation, passing time in each other's company. However, the lightheartedness shifted when Luna posed a question of her own.

"Sora... you have fought those that are part of the darkness for a while, have you not?"

The Keyblade Wielder blinked at the question, his gaze turning to meet Luna's own. "Well...Yeah. I guess. It's kinda part of the deal when wielding the Keyblade. Fighting the Heartless and other dark creatures to protect the worlds."

Luna grew quiet for a small moment before asking in a quiet voice, "Then... What... do you think of Darkness?"

Sora sat up, crossing his legs as he pondered the mare's question a bit deeper. "That's... I never really thought about it before."

"I don't mean to put anything heavy on you. 'Tis just a question. Nothing more. You need not answer if you don't want to."

Sora smiled warmly at the mare. "It's nothing like that, Luna. It's just... A little complicated, I guess. Darkness, well, it's a part of life. The Heartless may be part of the Darkness... but... they don't define it. I mean I've fought many Heartless that used the power of light"

"How do you mean?" The mare asked, her curiosity piqued with a raised eyebrow.

"Darkness isn't all evil, I think. I know for a fact my friend is able to use it. And he uses it to fight against the Heartless. And me..." He raised his hand, making a fist in front of his face. "I'm still dealing with my own Darkness... but... I know I've used it to help others... even if I don't remember it." He frowned as he folded his arms about his chest once more. "Geeze...I guess What I'm trying to say is...Darkness or Light...It depends on the person using it to determine how it is used."

Luna couldn’t help but shake her head in amusement. “That...is a truth I wished I had learned sooner.” Her ears lowered slightly as she looked up towards the stars. “A lesson learned far too late for the damage I caused my sister.”

"Did...something happen between you and Celestia?"

Luna’s expression turned somber, memories of the past resurfacing. "Yes... I let darkness cloud my judgment. It consumed me, leading to actions that caused a divide between us. The jealousy and bitterness I felt turned me against my sister. It led me to become Nightmare Moon and nearly brought darkness to Equestria."

The Keyblade Wielder shivered softly. "That... reminds me of..."

"You and your friend Riku?" The mare finished for him. "Indeed it does...I am sad to say that I, like your friend Riku, had fallen to the evil side of Darkness oh so long ago, Sora. I let it consume my heart so badly that Celestia had to banish me to the very moon within our Sky.” The mare placed a hoof upon her chest. “I know I was saved...by New Elements of Harmony...but...It still pains me to know that I...would have done the worst sin somepony could do to their own family...one who did nothing but try and help me before…”

Sora’s gaze fell to the ground. “I think I understand...If it wasn’t for my friends, I think I would have fallen to the darkness a long time ago. Riku, Lea, the King, Donald and Goofy. They saved me when I really needed them because I wasn’t strong enough to fight off the darkness on my own." He shivered again. "If the Organization had got me like they had planned...then..."

“I guess that you and I have that in common then.” Luna said with a resolute sigh. "Though neither of us are quite as strong as our betters."

"Though... Cadance was right," Sora began as he looked towards the mare. "We don't need to just rely on our own powers. If we need help, then our friends really can pick up the slack if we need it." He smiled as he raised his fist towards the mare. "So... if you ever need any help, Luna. Just call on me."

The mare blinked as she looked towards the held fist. With a gentle chuckle, she raised her hoof, allowing it to bump against it. "Then... we shall say the same to you, Sora."

Before Sora could comment further, the mare would gasp and look off into the distance, a resolute look growing on her features. “Your dream will be ending now. You’re about to wake up soon, Sora." She turned to face him. "If there is anything you need ask you best do it now.”

“Already? Thats a bummer.” Sora looked around himself before stopping his gaze on the cage that was still left in the distance. “Well…If you’re the master of dreams, you think you can tell me who’s in the cage back there.”

“Within that cage?” Luna looked towards the covered bars before casting a sideways glance at Sora. “That is something that I cannot outright answer for you.”

“Aww!” Sora pouted. “Why not?”

“Because Sora…What is within is the one you want to see the most. Only you can answer that question and no pony else.”

“The one I want the most?” Sora looked back to the cage, the sound of the one calling for him ringing clear as day in his ears and yet he could not place a name for the voice. “Who…Do I care for the most?”

“I do not know Sora.” Luna told him. “But I do know that the answer is usually right in front of you.”

“What?” Sora asked. “What the heck is that suppose to-“

~

Sora jolted awake in a flailing of hooves as his head throbbed, the jacket that had been covering him falling to the floor beside him. He placed a hoof over his head, as if that would somehow placate the rapid beating it was releasing. Looking down, he would see the bag that had accosted him during his sleep, a confused look crossing his features. After a time, the caramel stallion sighed softly before gaining his bearings once again. The familiar train cabin that he had somehow grown accustomed to meeting his gaze. He was on a train. A train heading towards his next destination.

Trottingham.

As he slowly sat up, Sora would try to grasp for any part of the dream he had experienced prior, yet the only thing he could even remotely remember from that dream was someone calling out to him. Someone reaching out to his heart in a way he had never felt before. Sora sighed softly as he closed his eyes, allowing his back to rest, once again, upon the cot within his cabin. He could see, from his position, the break of sunlight over the horizon, day looming ever closer in the distance as the train traversed the scenic landscape of beautiful green fields. Sora’s thoughts soon began to drift towards what he was going to do when he reached their destination.

Someone…Or somepony had erected a barrier around an entire city, keeping everypony on the outside out and, more importantly, everypony within the inside of it in. Whatever it was that was going on, he had to find out what it was, and if the Heartless or the Organization was involved.

His thoughts were interrupted however as he saw the sleeping form of his butter yellow pegasus friend. The gentle rise and fall of her chest from her curled position opposite of his cot caused him to smile slightly.

She’s pretty cute when she sleeps…

Sora paused as he looked down.

Did I really just…Well it’s not untrue…I guess…The ponies are rather cute looking. And Fluttershy is…really cute looking.

Sora shook his head before sighing softly. Sitting up, he could see the other mares nearby, each one sleeping peacefully upon a different chair. Slowly, he would slip from the one he occupied before making his way down and out the door of the cabin. He doubted he could get any sleep right now anyway, not with trying to keep his thoughts focused and all, so he figured a walk around the train would do him some good. In Fact some food sounded really good right about now.

He had always found eating a good way to get one’s thoughts in order so an early morning snack was in order. What he wouldn't give to have one of Pinkie Pie’s delicious cupcakes right about now.

Before he could he could take more than a couple of steps within the train’s other car however, the gentle closing of the door behind him would cause his gaze to fall upon Fluttershy of all ponies, a soft epp escaping her as he twisted to turn towards her completely.

“Fluttershy?” Sora said with a confused look as he gazed upon the mare. “I didn’t wake you did I?” He asked, his voice low, his tone soft.

After a moment, she would nod softly in response. "You didn't, I was...well...I was always a light sleeper so..." She whispered softly, watching him for a moment before looking away.

"Well...I was just on my way for a quick bite of breakfast" He told her, motioning towards the nearby kitchen. "Care to join me?" He asked with a small smile.

Fluttershy's ears twitched in surprise as she turned towards him, a smile spreading across her muzzle. "Um...sure."

With Sora’s final nod, the pair of ponies made their way to the serving area.

It goes without saying that Sora was impressed with the way ponies were able to fit nearly a whole kitchen within one whole train cart. If he didn’t quite know any better, he was sure that it looked a lot bigger on the inside than it did on the outside.

“Really nice of Celestia to pull out all the stops when it comes to our travels around Equestria.” Sora noted, as he began to rummage through one of the cabinets, silently praising himself on the fact that his hooves are working with him better than ever before.

“Oh…Well…Yes. She is very kind in that regard.” Fluttershy agreed, pulling out more than a few items out of the cabinets.

“It’s a shame that AJ and Pinkie couldn’t come with us this time.” Sora said. “They can really cook some mean pancakes.”

The butter yellow mare nodded. "Mhm, they're both great cooks...and I'm sure Pinkie would've gone a little crazy with the decorations if she came along." She added with a laugh.

The keyblade wielder laughed as well. "You're telling me. But Shes's always fun to hang around. Never a dull moment with her."

The shy mare nodded. "Same here...although she is a bit too much for me sometimes..." She admitted.

Sora smiled warmly at that. "I can see that. But its pretty cool that you and her are friends all the same." He said with a chuckle.

She looked away, shyly. "Well...I can't say that she's the easiest to be around," she admitted. "But she's still a good friend to have. I'm happy to have met her...and all my friends really."

"I know the feeling. Riku can be a bit of a jerk sometimes but...I could always count on him, ya know..." he looked away, a frown forming on his face. "He would've been the first to help if there was something wrong. Even if he were busy, he'd make time to be with you."

And yet he still...

Fluttershy nodded softly in agreement, her own expression growing pensive as she looked upon the stallion's expression. Gently she would tug at his jacket, gaining his attention . "Do you...want to talk about it?"

Sora's would look towards the shy pegasus, his mouth opening before closing again, the stallion looking away from her as if in defeat. "Maybe...some other time, Shy...Sorry."

"No! It's ok!" She said quickly, placing a hoof against his shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm not trying to pressure you into anything. Just...remember what I told you...I don't mind you using me as your strength. We are friends after all...I don't mind at all. Not when its...you..."

The stallion would blush at that, remember the time back on the dirt road to Fluttershy's house. "Y-Yeah...I remember. Thanks, Shy." He smiled at the mare. "So...about breakfast...What should we do?"

Fluttershy blushed slightly as she looked his way. “W-Well…Um…I can, if you want me to, make you something…if that’s okay with you that is.” She offered hesitantly, her expression showing how nervous she was on the inside.

Sora would smile at that. "You sure? I mean...it would be a lot of work..."

“Oh! B-But it will be no trouble at all.” Fluttershy told him. “I-I mean…You’re my friend too. And I know I can’t fight like the other girls can. S-So if I can do anything to help you, I want to do it.” She added with a shy smile.

A small sigh escaped Sora as he thought about that offer. "Alright, but I'm gonna help. Can't leave ya to do all the work, can I?" He asked with a chuckle.

The young pegasus nodded. "Y-Yes. That would be very nice of you."

"Sweet," Sora said with a grin. "Then lets get to work."

~

Rarity sighed softly as she closed the door the cart Fluttershy and Sora occupied. “The rest is up to you Fluttershy. Don’t you dare ruin this for yourself.”

Turning away from the door, she would make her way back to her seat. “Curse you for wanting to see love bloom…” The mare mumbled to herself. “Still, if it means making one of my friends happy, even if it’s for a little while, I’ll gladly resign myself to a fate of loneliness for a little longer.”

The white mare couldn’t help but smile, the memory of waking the butter-yellow Pegasus up just as Sora left the room. Sure she had told her to lie, which Applejack would never forgive her for, but this was in the name of love! And love overrules all! Or so she has been told in her Romance Novels.

Rarity sighed once again before slipping back into her chair, away from the still snoring Rainbow Dash as she slept wistfully unaware of everything around her. Looking out the window, Rarity gave the slightest of smiles. “Well…Maybe…Just maybe…Fluttershy is a sharing type?”

Trouble in Trottingham Part 1

Within a Dark Alley in Trottingham...

Running…

That was all that was keeping those monsters...Those Shadows...away from the both of them.

They didn’t quite know what would happen if they were caught by those things, but they knew enough that if they were indeed captured, they would be done for. They had to keep them away. They had just had to...

The older colt could feel the pair of tiny hooves around his neck tighten just a bit more, effectively securing their position upon him. Bright green eyes met determined blue ones, the little gray colt riding upon the older one’s green furred back.

The colt dashed into a nearby alleyway, dashing behind a nearby box. As soon as he did so, the smaller colt slipped from off of the larger one, allowing him to rest his back against the wall.

“Zidane…”

The older colt, Zidane, looked down at the smaller gray furred one, a hoof reaching up to pet the silvery mane. “Just…Need to rest for a little while Kuja...I’ll be right as rain after that. Then we can escape the city and find the resistance…” He spoke up in between pants of exhaustion.

Kuja gave a slow nod, his mouth open as if he was about to say something. Before he could do so however, his body went ridged. Kuja’s gaze fell to where the entrance of the alleyway lay before he moved to huddle closer to Zidane, a worried frown appearing on his face. “I can feel them...They are getting closer...”

Zidane’s eyes widened as he drew his bother closer still, a hoof reaching into his side pouch and pulling out a small dagger. Normally he would only use such an item in his acts, but now…He had to protect his brother.

Both colts froze as they heard shifting coming from the other side of their cover, the sound of something scratching clop against the rocky streets of the alleyway, ever so slowly getting closer and closer to them before stopping abruptly in front of them. Zidane pressed the smaller colts face into his chest as he opened his eyes to see some kind of pony like figure standing before the two. Gather up the rest of his courage, the older colt held out the dagger in a way that he hoped seemed threatening.

“S-Stay back…I’m warning you!” He said with as much vigor as he could muster.

Zidane waited for it to respond in some way...

And waited…

And waited some more…

Then he heard a soft smirk form into slow amused chuckles. “Back in my home town and this is how you treat your old performance partners?”

That voice…He knew that voice. The colt slowly let the dagger down as recognition soon came upon him.

“I…Wait…You…You’re…”

“Yes little Zidane. You are right.” The figure said, stepping out into proper light. Now that she was in plain view, his eyes widened by degrees. “It is I. The great…The powerful…” A smirked formed as the mare tipped her hat up, her lavender eyes shimmering even in the little light they had. “The one and only…Trixie Lulamoon.”

~

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Trouble in Trottingham Part 1

Green to start music and red to stop music

Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres

Apple Bloom sighed softly as she laid splayed upon the green grass of Sweet Apple Acres, Her hoof lazily circling as she began to complain...for the fourth time that day. “Ah can’t believe that we missed seeing Sora and the others off back at the train station.” The little filly groaned as she pulled the little starlike object from her mane that she had made the day prior. “Ah didn’t even get a chance to give him this here paopu charm thingy.”

Sweetie Belle gently petted her friend's mane in comfort as she tried her best to placate her. “Awww, its okay Applebloom. I’m sure that he’ll love it when he gets back. Just think of how happy he will be to receive one from you. I'm sure he will be falling for you in no time." The little filly mused, fluttering her eyelashes.

“Doesn’t change the fact that they left without saying...like...anything!” Scootaloo mumbled softly with a growl as she rolled her eyes.

Sweetie Belle frowned as she pointed towards the orange haired pegasus “I'm sure they had their reasons Scoots.”

Scootaloo sat up as well, her scowl deepening, and her pout growing. “But we could have got on the train again! We know where they are going after all! We could have seen Dash and Sora in action like last time.”

“As ‘Fun’ as that part was during our trip, I think I can deal with not nearly dying at the hooves of a deadly dark king and a completely crazy mare.” Sweetie said with a scowl of her own. “Besides, I don’t think I want to do anything back braking anytime soon. How do you even carry all of those baskets on your head any way Apple Bloom.”

“Years of practice ah guess.” Apple Bloom responded before releasing another loud sigh.

“Come one AB.” Scootloo said with a roll of her eyes. “I know it sucks that they left us behind, really, really mad about that actually, but...ya know...they’ll will be back and you can give your coltfriend his toy. Besides, we may not get front row seats to the action, but I can’t wait till Rainbow Dash comes back and tells us how bad-flank she was at dealing with those nasty shadow creatures!”

“Yeah! And my sister Rarity is went with them too!” Sweetie Belle quipped. “I bet she beats up more Heartless than Rainbow Dash.”

“Yeah…Not to burst your bubble Sweets, but Rarity doesn’t seem the most…ah…Physically abled ponies around.”

A livid and red cheeked Sweetie Belle turned to face her friend. “Hey! My sister is just as cool and strong as Rainbow Dash.” The white unicorn filly flipped her mane as she turned away from Scootaloo. “And she does it with style to match her ferocity.”

“Since when is fashion considered cool?” Scootaloo asked with a scoff as she looked at her friend.

“Since always!” Sweetie Belle said with narrowed eyes. “Just look at the Wonder Bolts! They have those cute outfits they wear to their shows. Especially Soarin’.” The mare said, just a little bit too dreamily.

“They are not cute!” the orange Pegasus said with a growl. “They are uniforms. They are cool!”

“Well I think they are cute.” Sweetie huffed.

“Cool!” Scootaloo countered as she pressed her face close to her friend’s own.

“Cute!” Sweetie yelled back, not at all backing down.

“COOL!

“CUTE!!”

“COOOOLLLL!!”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes as she turned away from her friends with a bit of annoyance. The yellow filly raised the good luck charm she had made for the stallion that had caught her eye, a sad smile forming on her muzzle. “Please be alright Sora…I’m missing you already…”

~

From the shadows, not too far away from the trio of fillies, a shadowy figure shifted back behind a tree, a smirk upon his muzzle. The pony bit into the apple they had plucked from the tree he was under before opening a corridor to darkness, walking within it with a small bounce in their step.

~

The Friendship Express
On Route to Trottingham

“Well…Gotta say Rarity. You just made me twenty...no...thirty percent cooler.”

Rainbow smirked at herself as she looked into the mirror provided for her. The one standing within her reflection made the mare smile happily. The bluish gray hoodie she had been made was more than a little stylish, complementing her fur color quite well. The jacket itself was adorned with zippered sleeves, the little handle stopping part way to where her shoulder was. She gave a wide smirk as she stood on her hind hooves, allowing herself to see just where the jacket ended for her, the cloth stopping just above her midriff. The mare turned to show herself her wings, two holes having been made for the mare’s wings were. She gave them an exploratory flap, making sure that she would not be hindered in any way when she started to actually fly. She was not disappointed.

Rainbow turned, catching sight of her flank as she did so. Dangling off the cloud white belt she had around her waist was a keychain of her cutie mark. While usually she wouldn’t care for such coverings, she couldn’t help but admire how awesome she looked with it on. Adding the pair of blue goggles to the mix that sat upon the top of her head and even Rainbow Dash had to admit…Rarity really did outdo herself this time.

“Heh…” The cyan mare struck a regal pose as she faced herself once again, lifting one of her forehooves off the ground as she did so. “Rainbow ‘Danger’ Dash, at your service.”

Rarity smiled as she used her magic to adjust a bit of fabric here and there upon her friend’s new clothes. “It does make you look quite ‘Dashing’ if you forgive the pun, Darling.” The white unicorn mare giggled. “Are you sure it fits perfectly? Not too tight is it?”

“You kidding?” Rainbow asked with a wide grin. “This is awesome! Gotta say this is some of your best work yet”

“Well, as with the Gala dresses, I did have all of us in mind after all.” Rarity quipped. “And I must say that I am more than a little pleased with the results. Not quite like Sora’s outfit, but I doubt you would be out of place when we all go adventuring together in the future. And on that note…” Rarity turned to look behind herself, looking towards a moderately sized folding screen. “And how are you faring Fluttershy? Are you able to…Oh…what’s the word that those guards ponies use when they put on armor…Um…Oh! Are you able to ‘Equip’ your own attire?”

The sight of a familiar pink maned mare would slowly pop her head from behind the folding object. “I…Um…I think I have it on right…It’s just…”

“Just what darling? Does it not fit right?”

“N-No! It’s not that.” Flutttershy squeaked. “I…I mean…It’s just…I don’t know if…”

“For the love of…” Rainbow Dash, with all of the wisdom of a speeding train, decided to take a more direct approach to the situation. The speedster mare flew to where her longtime friend hid, and proceeded to kick away the object that was obscuring their view of her. She gave a solemn nod to the offending folding piece of whatever it was that Rarity had called it before hearing a very Rarity sounding –Squee- of delight. The rainbow maned mare gaze fell to Rarity, who held a hoof to her mouth as her eyes shimmered with praise, before turning to face Fluttershy.

If it wasn’t for her long time practiced art in the ways of cool, she was sure that she would be joining Rarity whole heartedly within the –Squeeing- Department.

Fluttershy was dressed in a hoodie just as Rainbow was, but this one was of the purest whites Rainbow had ever seen. The sleeves of her outfit seemed to stop just before reaching her hooves. What really, really set her hoodie apart from Dash’s own was how long the back end of it seemed to go, making it seem like more of a cape like look. At the edges of the cloth was red like triangles.

The shy mare squeaked as she came out of the sudden stupor she had found herself in, quickly reach back and pulling up the hood of her clothes on instinct. An action that only allowed Dash to see the full cuteness of the Cat ears that were adorned upon it. Much smaller red triangles seemed to adorn the rim of her hood just like the end of the cape.

Rainbow landed next to Rarity to get a better look at her friend, smile of her own adorning her lips. “Look at you Shy. Gotta say, you look pretty good.”

Fluttershy slightly lifted the hood that covered her face. “R-Really?”

“Oh I must concur darling.” Rarity agreed, as she moved closer to the mare. She lifted the bit of the cloth that covered Fluttershy’s flank, revealing a brown colored pouch that was around the mare’s waist. “And quite functional too, since this pouch is enhanced with space expanding magic, meaning that not only is it bigger on the inside, but you will be able to carry anything within the pouch within reason, mind you.” She released the cloth. “And…” She said in a whispered tone, one that only the butter yellow mare could hear. “I’m sure that Sora will love to see you in such an adorable ensemble.”

The shy mare’s blush heightened by degrees at the mention of the stallion’s name, looking towards the white mare with a hopeful gaze. “Y-You really think so, Rarity?”

“The poor boy is a little dense Fluttershy, but he is not stupid.” Rarity assured her. “I’m quite sure that he will more than appreciate the way you would look in near everything darling.”

Fluttershy looked down at her shifting forehooves, a muttered “I...well...I mean if you say so then…” as she tried to hide behind the pink of her mane. Her deep embarrassment didn’t stop the smile from encroaching upon her lips though.

Then a thought crossed her mind.

“Rarity…Um…Not to be a bother but…What about your outfit?”

Rarity gave the shy mare a wave of her hoof. “I still have to make a few minor adjustments to it sadly, but I promise, that I will be sure to-!!”

The sound of screeching metal wheels as well the jostling motion of stopped caused nearly every mare within the train cart to nearly tip over. Rainbow, being the first to recover, flew towards a nearby window, looking out of it to the world on the other side. “Woah…I think…I think you two are gonna wanna see this.”

The cyan mare flew from the window, opening a nearby door to allow herself to outside of the train. Rarity and Fluttershy gave each other an apprehensive look before following after their Pegasus friend. It wasn’t long before the pair saw exactly what Rainbow had been talking about. Not too far away from the trio was something that had looked all too familiar with them. A large dome of dark red stood tall, the height of which could only be matched with how far it stretched.

“This…This looks like…” Rainbow began, both anger and fear slipping into her tone of voice.

“Yes…It does…It’s the same that Sunset had around us in that…”Rarity answered, though she knew that there was no question. “Exactly the same…”

“Girls!”

The three elements of harmony turned to see Sora making his way towards them, a look of worry upon his own features. He stood in front of the mares, looking between all three with more than a bit of surprise, his eyes scanning over Rainbow’s and Fluttershy’s attire. Though he seemed to linger on the shy mare for a little longer than necessary, a bit of a blush forming on his face, he quickly shook his head however before giving theme a deep frown

“I think...that we are finally here, huh?”

“Heh…And it seems our good old friend, Sunset Shimmer is out to play.” Rainbow mused with a dark smile as she hovered above the ground, cracking both her fetlocks. “Been wanting to meet that girl for a bit and…Repay her for our last encounter. And boy, do I plan to repay her in spades.” She struck home her point as she jabbed at the air a few times. She flew towards the door that led to the outside. “Comeon! We gotta town to save and a mare’s flank to kick!” She slammed the door open only to pause as she looked down.

“Well, it seems the guests of honor have arrived at last. And already ready to party. Nice.”

Sora and the rest of the girls girls all ran towards the opened door only to find a very familiar amber eyed, armored mare greeting the four with a wide smile. “Fancy seeing you four here. Been awhile.” The mare giggled.

“You’re…Dream Drop.” Sora said as he finally recognized the silver armored mare, stepping around Rainbow Dash to see the mare properly. “I remember you from the castle. Wow, It really has been a while hasn’t it?” He gave the mare a bright smile, much to her enjoyment.

“Awww!” The mare squeaked as she moved to wrap a hoof around the stallion’s shoulders as her free hoof began pressing playfully against his cheek. “Thanks for remembering me stud! You really know how to make a mare feel special?”

Rarity glowered at the unicorn guard mare as she began to ‘marehandle’ Sora just as she did last time. She was about to tell the mare a piece of her mind when something else caught her attention. Something that nearly made her heart skip a beat. Beside her a very familiar yellow and pink Pegasus mare was staring a hole straight through Dream Drop, her brow creased in a furrow and her…Her cheeks puffed out in the most cutest of pouts she had ever seen any pony make in all of her life.

Despite the cuteness of it, the mare couldn't stop the shiver of fear that slowly slipped all the way up her spine

H-How can something be so cute…and so terrifying…all at the same time? I guess that is our Fluttershy after all.

Rarity’s inner thoughts were interrupted by the sound of another’s voice behind them; this one, however, was very unfamiliar to her.

“Is that any way to act in the line of duty Corporal Dream Drop?” Her voice, for it was in fact a female, caused Dream Drop to “epp” before quickly letting go of the stallion and standing at attention.

“No Ma’am, Lightning Ma’am!” She said in a rather stoic tone, her hoof raising up to her forehead in a gesture Sora knew from his world as a salute.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened by degrees, silently mouthing the name Dream Drop had just given. Slowly the butter yellow mare turned around her eyes locking on to the figure before them.

The approaching pony was slightly taller than Fluttershy, her body, leaner and yet quite muscular, even more so than Rainbow Dash. Her fur seemed to be a dirty yellow, while her mane almost seemed the same color as Fluttershy's own. Her eyes also seemed to be quite a darker shade of blue from the shy mare's own.

Sora was sure something was familiar about her. He just couldn’t quite put his hoof on it. Looking the mare up and down, he would try to place where he had seen her before.

While she did look like a pony of authority, what she wore told something different. Unlike the other guard ponies that had been wearing traditional Equestrian Guard armor, she was in a more form fitting outfit, a tannish jacket with a dark brown turtleneck like shirt underneath it. One of her sides was a metal shoulder piece. With each step she took, the long flowing scarf would follow behind her. Dark blue bands covered her front hooves, while dark brown leg coverings took up the majority of her lower hind hooves. Just barely visible was a cutie mark dark clouds shooting off an array of lightning from them. Hanging just on the side of her was a small brown bag that held some sort of metal object within its casing.

Lightning, as she was called, opened her mouth to speak, only to find herself falling onto her rump as Fluttershy tackled her in a bone crushing hug, much to everypony’s surprise.

"Lightning!" The mare cheered. "It’s been so long!"

Lightning sat stunned for a few moments before a gentle smile crossed her lips, her own hoof move to pet the top of Fluttershy's head. "It’s good to see you too...Cuz."

Sora’s hoof hit his fetlock in recognition. “Holy crap! You look just like Fluttershy!”

Trouble in Trottingham Part 2

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Trouble in Trottingham Part 2

Green to start music and red to stop music

Rainbow stared in awe as her long time best friend flew into the hooves of one the guards pony without hesitation. Not just any guards pony though. The guards pony who not only had a reputation in and around Equestria as being one of the most bad-flanked ponies to ever lived, but one who also turned down an in pony invitation to become leader of the current Wonderbolts, a position that was then given to the current leader, Spitfire. And Fluttershy, her best friend for, who knows how long, was hugging on the mare as if the two were-

“You two are related.”

Sora’s words resonated within the cyan Pegasus, her mind crashing hard to the point where she barely felt as if she was alive anymore. OMYGOSHOMYGOSHOMYGOSH! Fluttershy is related to ‘the’ Lightning Farron!

Lightning pulled away from the butter yellow mare, gently ruffleing her pink mane playfully. “Seems some-mare grew a bit taller since the last time I saw her. Gotta say, you really did fill out from that wiry frame you were before.”

Fluttershy blushed deeply at her words, her gaze flicking towards her three friends, most in particular, Sora, who had a cheesy grin on his face as he watched the pair. She couldn’t help but look down in embarrassment at his reaction. “L-Lightning! You’re embarrassing me.”

“What? Only calling it like I see it, Flutters.” Lightning laughed before looking between the shy mare and her friends. “Just what are you doing here anyway? I was told that our key to this barrier was coming down here to help us, but I didn’t expect to find you here of all ponies.”

“Ahem,” Rarity interjected with a gentle smile. “I do believe that you will find no better help then us in the matters of what may be going on around here.” The white unicorn gave a small curtsy. “Allow me to first introduce myself proper however. I am Rarity Belle, or Lady Rarity if you prefer. It is a pleasure to meet you, miss…”

“Lightning.” The guards mare finished for her. “Lightning Farron, Captain of the Fourth Division Unit within the Equestrian Guard.” Lightening answered. “It’s nice to actually meet two of the Elements of Harmony in the flesh.”

Rarity dipped her head in greeting. “Charmed I’m sure.”, The white unicorn mare motioned to the still gapping cyan pegasus beside her. “I’m sure she needs no introduction but I shall provide one anyway. This charming mare is our good and loyal friend, Rainbow Dash.”

Lightning actually smiled at the mare. “Rainbow Dash, the up and coming star of Ponyville?”

Lightning’s words seemed to revive the rainbow maned Pegasus back into the waking world, her hooves flying to her muzzle and a barely contained, cute squeal of joy escaped her. Only for her to cough and toss her head to the side, giving off a nonchalant air about her. “Yeah…No big deal really.” And then she added, “Anypony would have done the same in my position.”

“I don’t doubt that.” Lightning mused, her gaze soon falling on Sora.

Rarity moved beside the young stallion, wrapping a hoof around him as she did so, pulling him close to her. “And this gentlecolt is the one I do believe you were waiting for. The Hero of Light and wielder of the Keyblade, the Wonderful, the Strong, the Brave; Sora.”

For his part, Sora’s face looked like it was doing a really good job mimicking the color of a cherry tomato. He stuttered as he looked between the mare that was introducing him and the other that appraised him with a critical eye.

“I-I mean…I’m not all that…Sure I helped out here and there b-but…” Sora tried to explain as he gave Lightning an awkward smile. He stopped talking as the dark yellow mare raised a hoof, cutting off any form of conversation he was trying to build up.

“As far as first impressions go, you look like nothing I would have expected.” Lightning responded.

Sora frowned. “And what’s that supposed to mean, huh?”

The guard mare’s gazed feel back to the stallion. “If I was told that some kid, barely older then Fluttershy, defeated a resurrected unicorn with an army of shadow creatures at his back that numbered in the thousands and the power of dark magic at his beck and call…Well…Forgive me for saying so, but I would properly get that pony’s head checked for brain damage.”

“Hey!” Rainbow called out, landing next to Sora. “Sora not only won but he did it with style! If you saw him in action then I'm sure he would have knocked your boots with the way he moved.”

Sora blinked at the mare as she defended his honor, unable to add anything due to the sheer amount of praise she heepd his way. It honestly made him happy.

Lightning didn't seem as impressed however, the mare raiseing an eyebrow at Rainbow's words. “Is that so?”

Sora looked between Rainbow and Rarity before nodding. “Well...yeah...I mean I did win and everything..." He lowered his head slightly. "I couldn't have done it without the rest of the girls there to back me up when I needed them to. Honestly I do feel like they are saving me more then I am saving them.”

Lightning stared for a moment longer before the corners of her lips twitched for a moment in a kind of smile. “As I said, as far as first impressions go, you’re not somepony I would have expected at all. Or was it somehuman in your case?”

Sora froze up as he locked eyes with the guards’ mare. “You…Ah…Know?”

Lightning nodded. “Me and Dream Drop were briefed by the Princesses before coming here.” She started as she trotted back towards the makeshift camp nearby. The others followed close behind her, Fluttershy and Rarity opting to stay near Sora as Rainbow Flew above them all, just within earshot to listen. “From what I have heard, my cousin, her friends, and you have had quite a few adventures ever since you show up. Defeating shadow creatures and plant monsters to saving an entire Lost Kingdom.”

Lightning paused as she turned to face the group once again. “Fluttershy and her friends I can understand, this is their home and, even though I wouldn’t want them too if I could help it, I’m sure they would fight for it. But you…Someone that is not even part of this world; for you to help and expect nothing in return…I wanted to see for myself what the kind of being would look like.”

Sora raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“Well…” Lightning looked away from Sora. “You’re a lot plainer then I expected you too look.”

Sora blinked before scrunching up his muzzle in both confusion and slight indignation. “Is that a…bad thing.”

Lightning scoffed as she tried to hold back a bit of laughter. “I didn’t say that was a bad thing, no.” She reassured him. “But, getting a good look at you now, and hearing everything you did before, I think I can trust in you a little.”

“Just a little?” Sora asked as he cupped the back of his head with the fetlock of his fore hooves. “Well, that’s okay. I’ll be sure to show you what I got when things get started.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” She parted the folds of a nearby tent. “Come inside, we have a lot to discuss, and little time to do it.”

Lightning slipped past the threshold of the tent, followed by Sora and Rarity. Just as Fluttershy was about to follow, she felt somepony turn her around and, without warning, a hoof flick her nose. Said shy mare epped at the contact before staring up at the magenta eyes.

“R-Rainbow?” Fluttershy spoke up in confusion.

“That,” Rainbow said as she landed next to her. “Was for not telling me that my best friend was related to one of the coolest pegasus in pegasi history.”

Fluttershy tilted her head as she rubbed her nose. “You mean…Lightning?”

“Well duh! How come you didn’t tell me that you were related to, like, one of the most coolest ponies in the world next to the Wonderbolts!”

Fluttershy looked away from Rainbow Dash and towards the tent the rest of the ponies had filed into. “W-Well…I never really knew that she was a candidate for the Wonderbolts. She never talked about it with me before, and honestly I haven’t seen her in ages.”

Rainbow squinted her eyes before sighing. “Fine, I believe you, but you and I are gonna talk about you getting me an autograph from her later.” She said, giving the mare a playful shove.

Fluttershy giggled softly as she bumped her back. “You’re my friend, Dashie” She mused as she gave the Cyan mare a little bump of her own, “So if it’s for you I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if I asked nicely. She was never really into seeking attention and all that.”

Rainbow smiled broadly before turning around to head into the tent. Before she did so however, the cyan mare turned to look back at her friend. “Oh! And before I forget, good luck with the Hero.”

Fluttershy’s eye widened as her gaze locked on to the cyan mare. “I-I…What?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes before turning to face the mare, “Please, Shy. I know I’m not the brightest but I think I know when my best friend has gots the hots for a stallion.” Rainbow said with a smirk. “Could have did a lot worse is all I can say. I’ll be rooting for ya.”

Rainbow slipped smoothly into the tent, leaving a very much so stunned and blushing Fluttershy behind.

~

Spike was, to put it lightly, bored out of his bucking mind.

The young drake half heartedly flipped through his comic book, a sigh escaping him as he did so. It was one of his newest issues he got on Twilight and his town outings. The heroes of the comic, the Power Ponies, were locked in a fierce battle with one of the fan favorite villains, Catrina the Witch.

Despite the well-drawn art and the action aplenty on every page, the young drake just couldn’t get into it like he used to. The reason for his funk had to do with one pony, and one pony in particular. The hero pony who came from the stars to help Twilight and the others fight off the darkness, Sora…Ah…Sora...

Wait…Does Sora have a last name?

Spike felt that was something he should look into later. He shook his head, trying to get back to the matter at hand.

It only stood to reason that the young drake thought about everything he had went through in the past few weeks, Fighting alongside his friends within the Library of the Crystal Empire and fighting with Twilight, Rainbow and that other stallion, Riku, against the Crystal Giant, he couldn’t help but feel incomplete as he laid within the basket of his and Twilight’s room. Like, he was missing out on something important now that they were back in Ponyville.

Twilight had dismissed him after he had got done cleaning to work on the Elements of Laughter and Honesty, trying to figure out how Applejack and Pinkie Pie fused(?) with Sora. When Spike first saw it when Twilight asked the three to demonstrate the technique to her, Spike couldn’t help but think that it was the coolest thing in the world.

The purple little dragon couldn’t help but move to place his hoof on one of the keyblades Sora held within his grasp, much to the dismay of Twilight of course, though when Sora assured her nothing bad would happen, Twilight begrudgingly forgave him.

Still, just thinking about it did little to lift Spike’s boredom. He needed something better to do. With Twilight held up within her basement and Rarity off with Sora, Shy and Dash to fight more heartless, Spike was left to his own devices, which meant he was left to be bored on his own.

Spike frowned as he sat up from his bed. Looking left and right, he gave a smirk before nodding to himself once. The little drake stood up from his bed-basket, jumping from it to the floor. He allowed his mind to race as he imagined seeing many of those Heartlesses surrounding him.

“So…You think you can take me on huh?” The little drake spoke out with a smirk. Spoke whipped out his claw to the side, imagining a keyblade of his very own appearing within said claw. He held it, in what he believed was the coolest way, the handle held in a reverse grip. With war cry, Spike dashed fast and hard into the make believe bad guys, the claw that held the blade whipping in a downwards ark, dispatching a heartless with ease. Twisting around, he let the blade whip in front of him, destroying three more heartless that had decided to pounce on him while he had his back turned.

“Too easy. You jerks are gonna have to do better than that!” Spike taunted as he twirled his blade behind him. And just like that, he imagined the heartless doing just that. Many of them coming straight for him in one go. The little drake was not deterred however, leaping into the fray of darkness with no fear what-so-ever.

Spike’s “keyblade” whipped back and forth, front and back, side to side; each slash, each stab, each counter, finding their mark as Spike effortlessly cleared the room of the dark entities that would try to harm his friends.

Soon it was down to just him and one other. The master mind behind it all. Xemnas himself. Spike pointed his “keyblade” towards cloaked figure, a look of determination fixed upon his brow. “Your evil terror ends now. Cause your opponent is none other then-“

Before Spike could finish his remark to the dastardly villain he was cut off by an explosion that shook the very foundations of the tree home. He was knocked to his rump as the library shook, sent Into a daze for a few seconds.

“Ugh…what the hey was…Wait…Twilight!”

Spike sprinted down the steps and towards the basement door, kicking it open and releasing a building smoke cloud from its trapped space. As fast as he could, the drake ventured down into the depths, his gaze washing over devastated appearance of the room. Books, papers, and the like were scattered about the area, and standing in the center of it all, was a black furred version of Twilight, eyes wide and fur singed. It would have been a hilarious sight if Spike wasn’t so worried.

“What the hey happened down here Twi?” Spike asked as he made his way to his magical friend, an eyebrow raised.

“What I thought would happen when one tries to use Dark magic with one of the Elements touched by the keyblade,” Twilight responded without missing a beat, a hoof raising to press against the side of her head.

Spike’s other eyebrow joined it’s partner. “Say what?!”

Twilight’s horn glowed, enveloping her with her own magic. Within seconds the mare was free of singed fur. “I was testing Dark Magic on the Elements touched by the keyblade.” Twilight answered.

“Okay, no…I heard that part.” Spike shot back. “I was implying why would you do something like that?”

“Because I was testing the effects the elements had on it.” Twilight answered. “And do you want to know what I found?”

“That you're insane?”

“No, Spike.” Twilight moved towards the two glowing elements that Pinkie Pie and Applejack wore respectively. “I’ve found that we may just have a way to defend ourselves against the Heartless.”

“I thought they already did that.” The little drake told her as he followed after her.

“They never did it by themselves Spike.” Twilight said as she smiled down at him. “But ever since Sora’s, Applejack’s, and Pinkie’s little fuse ability, the elements of Laughter and Honesty have been emitting the same kind of magic signature that Sora’s keyblade produces. It's faint right now, but I can guarantee that they are doing so.”

Spike contemplated the mare’s words for a moment before realization hit him like Applejack bucks an apple tree. “Wait! Does that mean that…that…you guys are going to get your own keyblades?!?”

“I’m…not sure…There’s still a lot I don’t know about the Keyblades and what they do. And there’s still a lot more I need to test, but right now, I think I’m one step ahead in the right direction.”

Spike nodded as he looked towards the slowly dimming Elements of Honesty and Laughter. “It would be cool if we all could get a keyblade.”

Twilight giggled softly as she patted the little drake’s head. “How about we go get something to eat. I haven’t had a bite since this morning. We can clean this place up after.”

“Sure.” Spike said as he made his way towards the stairs. “But let’s go to a place where gems are being sold. I could really use a sapphire right about now.”

Within the Twilight (Edited)

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

WIthin the Twilight

Green to start music and red to stop music

Just outside the barrier

Lightning's Encampment

It was hours later before Sora found himself on the outskirts of the little escapement, finding a quite spot to lay rest after a long day of telling Lightning everything she needed to know about the heartless. Allowing himself a brief respite, the young keyblade wielder laid back in the soft grass, his gaze shifting towards Luna's sky above him.

It...really does look just like our sky? He said softly to himself, rasieing a hoof towards the vast sea of darkness and light above him. He remembered a few days ago, Celestia had pulled him away for a chat when he was alone back on the farm.

***

"And you are sure you are doing well Sora" The princess of the sun would ask, almost as if she was a mother hen fusing over her child.

"I'm fine Celestia." The stallion responded with a wave of his hoof. "You don't need to worry about me ya know."

"That is debatable, Sora." The alicorn shot back, though there was mirth behind her barb. "But it is good to see you up and about, nevertheless. I am sorry that I had not come to visit more often. There are many things that goes on behind being a princess you see. Never enough free time to myself if I am being honest." She sighed softly. "Sometimes I do wish I could just give it all away."

Sora nodded slowly at that. "I guess being a princess is pretty tough, huh?"

"It can be," Celestia agreed with a nod. "Though I will admit that having access to cake every day of the week is a major perk. Don't tell my adviser that. He would force me to go on a diet." She gave Sora a wink that made him crack a smile. "So how have you been, Sora? Truly. It has been quite some time since we last spoke like this after all. Just the two of us. I do believe the last time was within my garden back in Canterlot."

The young stallion looked down at his hooves for a moment, flexing them before looking back up to the Princess, with a smile. "I've been well, Celesita. Those potions that Riku gave us really did do the trick. Guess I owe him one for saving the day...again..." Sora trailed off, shaking his head to himself.

Celeatia gentry placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Do not beat yourself up over it Sora. Sunset Shimmer...She is the one who put you in that tough situation, something no pony should ever have to go though." The princess looked away from him as she spoke once again, Her voice deepening ever so slightly. "She will pay for what she has done to you, Twilight, and this kingdom."

As Sora looked at the mare, he couldn't help but see within her eyes as she spoke. Something... deeply sad. He knew that Sunset Shimmer was Celesita old student. Twilight had told him about it a while ago after the party. The fact that Celestia seemed to be...hurting when she said those words, he couldn't just it go, could he? He knew he should say something. he made to do just that but held his tongue, changing the subject instead. "In any case...I do wanna think you for visiting. It really is fun talking to you. Almost reminds me of my talks with King Mickey."

"Ah yes...the little Mouse King." The princess mused softly, her tone once again upbeat from the depressed state that it was before. "I have to admit, when you described him in your story I was quite taken aback buy how adorable he sounded."

"Pretty sure the king would take that as a compliment. Honestly he's the friendliest guy I ever met...and yet...It always seemed like he was in control whenever he came into the picture. I know for a fact he saved me and my friend's butts a few times during my adventures." Sora thought back to those moments, remembering how quick the king was to react. "No wonder he too became a Keyblade master."

"He certainly sounds like a wonderful king and a very good friend. I would love to meet him. Maybe compare notes on how to rule." Celestia said softly before looking off towards the sky, a sigh escaping her. "It seems my time off is nearly over little Sora. I must be off sadly." With that, the Princess of the Sun let her horn glow gentry, readying a spell for a teleport. Before she did however, she would look towards the little Keyblade Wielder. Her mouth opened and then closed, as if wanting to say something. It would be a while before she did.

"Sora...I..." She spoke softly before looking away. "I never got a chance to really thank you for what you have done so far for us." She said, turning back to him with a soft smile. "I hope that I can repay you someday. And I mean truly repay you."

"It's no biggy." Sora said as if it was the most natural of facts. "Even If I came to this world by accident, I wouldn't change a thing I did. I was happy to help, Celesita."

She gave the boy a shake of her head before smiling softly once more. "I know I said it before, but I'll say it again Sora. You are much to kind to this mare." With a gentle pop of magic she was gone, leaving Sora alone once again.

***

Sora sighed softly, remember how she looked when she spoke of Sunset Shimmer. She said what she had to do but...

Should I have said something? Did I have any right to say something?

A sudden memory flashed before his eyes, thoughts of betrayal pressing hard within the deepest depths of his mind. He pushed it aside just as quickly as it had come into being.

Mabey not as bad...but it feels like what they did to me...

There was a tug at his heart, a familiar sensation sending a questioning wave throughout his body. Sora knew who it was before he even spoke.

"Ventus? Is that you?"

Yeah...Its me. The voice spoke within his mind. Just been letting you fly solo for a bit. Needed time to recover too.

You got hurt...was it because of Sunset? Sora asked with a little dread in his voice.

It was something else. Ventus said with a quiet tone. Something I should have expected but really didn’t think was possible.

Sora blinked in confusion. Something else? Something else like what?

Something with a bit too much power for me to outright stop like I did before. Ventus responded with a serious tone. Sora, for now I need you to keep yourself together. Don’t let your emotions control you to the point where you’re not yourself anymore.

"Huh? What does that mean? You're acting kinda weird Ventus." Sora told the other boy with a slightly concerned tone.

It’s hard to explain right now. Ventus responded after a moment of silence. But for now, just trust me, continue being you and everything will be fine, got that? At Sora's unsure nod Ventus continued. Now, I’ll be taking my leave again.

"Huh? Why is that? Didn't you just get here?"

Cause you've got company. The voice spoke in a teasing like tone. Before Sora could even inquire further about what he meant, Ventus was gone again, their presence becoming that of a small tickle in the back of his heart.

“What did he mean by that?”

Sora’s question didn’t have to wait long before it was answered, an all too familiar voice squeaking out to the side of him. Turning, the Keyblade wielder found himself looking towards Fluttershy, the shy butter yellow mare still adorned in the outfit that Rarity had put her tender loving care into. Sora couldn’t stop the blush that adored his face as he found himself thinking about how adorable she looked right now. Though for some reason, in the back of his mind, he felt that it was the mare that made the clothes work, not the other way around.

Sora’s thoughts about the Fluttershy were interrupted at the sight of the basket that said mare carried within her mouth. The sight of all manner of breads and fruits and vegetables was enough to make the stallion remember just how hungry he really was.

Fluttershy only hesitated for a bit before making her way towards him, placing the basket down between the both of them. “I-I’m sorry if I disturbed you Sora, I just…Well…I noticed that you didn’t eat all that much when we got off the train and…Well…I…”

“Oh! Thanks, Shy. And yeah! I'm pretty much starving.” Sora said as he picked up an apple from the basket, biting down onto it as he did so. It had to have been one of Sweet Apple Acres brands because only they could produce an apple that was as juicy and tasty as the one he was eating right now. “Geez these are delicious. You really know how to pick the best of the best Shy.”

Fluttershy giggled softly as she watched him chow down, her mane doing its best to hide the blush that formed on her cheeks at Sora’s praise. “I-I really didn’t do too much though...but...You’re welcome all the same, Sora. Just happy to help when I can.”

As the shy mare turned to leave Sora’s voice would catch the mare off guard. “So...ah...you did you eat yet? If not you wanna finish this off with me?”

Fluttershy squeaked softly as her blush took on a deeper shade of red before nodding. Carefully sitting down beside him, the butter yellow mare picked up loaf of bread before pulling it apart, giving half to Sora after she did so. The caramel stallion smiled as he took his half, tearing into it with a grateful “hmm” of pleasure as his gaze turned skywards. Fluttershy bit into her portion as well before doing the same.

The pair of ponies were content to enjoy the cool breeze that the midnight produced, Luna’s moon filling the sky with its majesty as always.

“I…Um…Sora?”

Sora’s gaze fell upon Fluttershy. “Hmm? Yeah, Shy? Something wrong?”

“Oh no…It’s nothing like that…It's just…All those Stars out there.” Fluttershy gestured towards the sky. “You said before that they are other worlds, right?”

Sora nodded as his gaze feel to the sky above once again. “Yeah. Been to a few myself. ya know?” Sora responded with a nod. "World traveler and all that."

Fluttershy was quiet for a moment as she looked up to the sky. It would be a while before she spoke again, her voice a little more timid then before. “Sora…You will have to leave when you’re done here, right? To go to those other worlds…”

The stallion paused in mid bit before looking away from the mare. He opened his mouth to say something and yet, his brain couldn't quite catch up to what he really wanted to say to her. He finally settled on something basic...lame...“Yeah…I would guess so. I mean, when I’m done with everything here I supposed, I'll go back to doing that.”

Fluttershy grew quiet after that, her head hanging down slightly. “I see."

The two would be quite for a long while, both just existing within each others company. It didn't take long for something to happen between the two. The mare would shiver softly in the cool night breeze, though she couldn't quite place if it was the night air or herself. Before she could ponder it either way, she would feel a feathery limb rap itself around her, the mare squeaking softly as Sora pulled her close. She felt her read rest softly against his shoulder, his wing keeping the cold night air at bay, though she was pretty sure it was something else with in her that was heating her up.

“I mena...its not like I'll be gone forever. I can always come by and visit...I mean...if you want me to.” The Keyblade Wielder told her, the blush on his own cheeks decorating his face. Sora couldn’t stop himself as he spoke, the words sputtering out of his muzzle faster than he could think. “Besides I still owe you for taking care of me when I was hurt, right? And I bet a few of my animal friends would love to meet you too. Maybe...I don’t know...Have a picnic?”

“I…Ah…Y-Yes…” Fluttershy agreed, the shy mare, doing her best to keep her embarrassed stutter under control. “A-And a p-picnic would be l-lovely…I-If it’s okay w-with you…” She squeaked as she looked away. T-To meet your animal friends of coarse. I know you talked a little about them...and...I would love to with you...with them I mean to meet.” Fluttershy’s own wing slowly slipped behind Sora’s back, pulling him just as close as he did to her.

To keep him warm of course.

Both stallion and mare pressed close to each other as they kept each other company under Luna’s moon.

~

Not too far away from the The Keyblade Wielder and the Element of Kindness

Within a misplaced pile of bushes

"They are just so adorable, are they not?" Rarity cooed as she sighed longingly. "They really are made for each other. Just look at the chemistry!"

Rainbow Dash placed a hoof over Rarity's muzzle. "Keep it down or Shy and the Hero will hear ya." She hissed.

Rarity blushed slightly as she gave a nervous giggle. "Oh dear...hehe...I guess I really should put a lid on it as one might say."

The cyan mare rolled her eyes as she looked back towards the two pegasi on the hill, a gentle frown upon her features. "Still...Can’t say they don't look comfortable with each other. And I never seen Shy so…Mushy when it comes to a stallion." Rainbow smiled for a breaf second before growing a confused expression. "Hey Rarity."

"Yes darling?" Rarity asked, turning to face her rainbow maned friend.

"You don't think we are...manipulating them together do you?"

Rarity gave a lady like scoff. "Oh pish-posh. Perish the thought darling.” Rarity gave Rainbow a smile, one that the cyan mare thought was both the happiest she had ever seen her white furred friend…And the most unsettling. “Why, it’s not manipulative if it’s for a good cause."

~

Trottingham

????

Lavender eyes peaked out from the slightly raised pony-hole cover. Their gaze shifting back and forth as they scanned the immediate area. Finding the way clear, the cover would lower itself back in place and Trixie would make her way down the ladder, joining her two young charges.

“Finally. Those dark creatures patrolling the streets are just too much. Now as for- Unf!”

Trixie turned just in time to find herself tackled to the ground, the oldest of the brothers wrapping his hooves around her, a big grin upon his muzzle. “It really is you Trixie. You’re finally back after all this time…”

“H-Hey! Un-hoof Trixie. You are liable to-“ She paused as she felt a press gently against her side. Kuja staring at the mare with a smile of his own. Trixie looked between the two before sighing softly, her hooves scooping up both colts into a hug. “Who is Trixie kidding…She missed both of you too much to stay mad.”

It was a while before the trio of ponies let each other go. When they had gotten their fill, the older colt pulled himself away from Trixie. “You have no idea how glad we are to see you Trixie.” He soon gave her a deadpanned look. “But did you really have to scare us half to death back there? We thought you were one of those…Dark Ponies.”

The showmare scoffed. “Even in dire situations, a performer never drops the act. That is the Trixie way!” She smiled as she patted Kuja. “Isn’t that right?”

The little colt nodded without pause, causing Zidane to roll his eyes as he made his way back to the mare. “Forgot how unfair everything is when you two get together. Speaking of which.” He smiled as he let a hoof press softly against the underside of the mare’s chin. “Loving the cape and hat. A style like that really suits you. A dynamic and flare that only a mare as beautiful and exciting as you is able to pull off.”

Trixie blushed slightly at the praise before glaring at the older colt, her magic pinching at both of his cheeks, pulling at them hard. “And I see that shrewd mouth of yours has only gotten worse since I’ve been away.”

“Wen woo wame wee?” Zidane tried to say, his mouth smarting from the torture Trixie was putting it though. The showmare let go of him after a while nodding with satisfaction as he rubbed his stinging cheeks with his hooves.

“No…Trixie guesses she cannot. After all not only am I great and powerful, but also smart and charming and beautiful to boot. Trixie really is the complete package, isn’t she.”

“Well, as much as I love this little reunion of the Students of Hoofdini, we should get out of here before those Dark Ponies come back. The others might want to know how you got past the barrier.”

“Barrier? What barrier?” Trixie asked; Confusion etched across her face.

“Uhhh…Duh. The one that stretches the entity of the city and forest.” Zidane answered. “How do you not know about that?”

“I-I mean Trixie definitely knew. It’s not like Trixie was lost in the forest for three days before she came here. What you do take Trixie for? An idiot? ” She paused as she looked his way. “But just to be sure, just how long has that barrier been around? Just so you and Trixie can get our facts straight.”

Zidane raised a hoof, clever quip upon the tip of his tongue, but was stopped by Kuja’s own magic tightening his muzzle.

“Three days Miss Trixie.” The little colt told her, his way of speaking was somehow refined and yet the childish tone made him sound more adorable than anything else.

“Anyway, we need to go. Like yesterday. ”Zidane rolled his eyes as he began to make his way deeper into the underground. “She’s gonna have our flanks for sneaking out and nearly getting ourselves caught…Again.”

“She? She who?” Trixie asked. “I thought our old ringmaster was a stallion.”

“Rizal Dazzle…He…” Zidane started before sighing, a look that Trixie wasn’t use to from the colt crossing his face. “Look, I’ll tell you everything later, Okay? But we need to leave…I don’t feel safe here.”

“You still didn’t tell Trixie who it is you are talking about.”

“Well then you better keep up.” Zidane child her, already going into a steady sprint. Trixie’s gaze fell onto Kuja, the colt shrugging before following after his older brother, at a bit of a slower pace.

Trixie sighed softly before following after the pair. “Something tells Trixie that she should have stayed lost in the woods…or back at that rock farm…”

~

Ponyville

Golden Oaks Library

Twilight Sparkle yawned softly as she set the notebook she had been reading down back on her nightstand, closing the cover of the book as she did so. No matter how many times she had read over Sora’s adventures, it just seemed so…Grandiose for lack of a better word to describe it.

To think that so much had happened, and in some cases is still happening, all without her noticing any of it until Sora came to their world. Not only that, to think that the princesses knew all about it too and, if not all of it, more than they were willing to share with her.

She knew that she shouldn’t hate the princess, her teacher nor the Luna, for not telling her anything about it. How could she in any case? She would have been quite happy not having war bright unto her own doorstep.

Still, some small part of her, in the deepest depths of her heart, hated the feeling of never having prior knowledge about the Heartless, the keyblades, and most important, the connection between the Keyblade Wielders themselves and Equestria from long ago. Even the identities of two of the original Elements of Harmony.

Now though, she is now privy to all of it in this world destroying glory, and is still leaning more and more nearly every day.

And yet…

“What do I do now?”

Even with everything she had learn recently, how can she really make a difference? It was one thing helping out a friend who fought those heartless. Now, with what she had learned, it wasn’t just a hero saves the day kind of deal. What Sora was fighting was a war. One that somepony seemed fit to bring to her own world.

Twilight sighed softly as she leaned her head against the bed frame, her gaze slowly shifting towards her number one assistant as he slept peacefully in his basket. She gave him a motherly smile before turning her gaze towards her window. The stars shimmering high in the sky, while normally easing her mind, only pulling her into a state of uneasy and yet, excitable acceptance.

The lavender mare smiled softly to herself before laying her head down to rest, her eyes closing softly as she allowed sleep to seep into her mind.

Only to snap her eyes open again and sit up straight in the bed at a sudden realization.

“Wait…If the stars are other worlds…Then…How the hey does Luna control them?!?”

Author's Note

OH NO YOU DIDN'T! :pinkiegasp:

OH YES HE DID!:rainbowlaugh:

Darkness is Never Far... (Edited)

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Darkness is Never Far...

Green to start music and Red to stop music

Darkness is never Far...

Ponyville: Sugar Cube Corner

"Hello and welcome to Sugar Cube-GASP-Ohmygosh! Twilight! And Spike too." Pinkie Pie bounced up and down behind confectionary counter as she spied two of her bestest, best friends in the world make their way into the establishment. "It's been sooooooooooooo long since I've seen the two of you."

Said dragon and unicorn both looking at each other with raised eyebrows before looking back at their rather eccentric, pink friend, Twilight, putting their thoughts into words for both of them. "Pinkie. We saw each other yesterday. You gave us a cupcake each. Remember?"

"Twilight, Twilight, Twilight." Pinkie mused as she shook her head as if disappointed with the unicorn for some unseen failing on her part. "I always miss my friends when they are out of my sight. For an egghead, you sure are a silly pony." She giggled playfully.

Said egghead rolled her eyes playfully at the remark, repeating under her breath that Pinkie is Just being Pinkie a few times before giving her friend a smile. "Well, in any case, One; Its good to see you too. Two; we came to get some food-"

"And get out of that stuffy library." Spike added.

"...Indeed." the librarian agreed with a nod though she did make a mental note to the pay Spike back for that little remark about her Library. "But mostly the food part. The two of us hadn't had time to eat breakfast and we are famished."

"Well you came to the right place! And at the right time!" the puffy pink pony announced as she placed a tray of muffins onto the counter. "Blueberry bonanza muffins! A new recipe from yours truly. Fresh from the fire and ready to be devoured. On the house because you two are my bestest best friends."

Twilight giggled as she took two muffins from off the tray, biting into the bread without hesitation while passing the other one over to Spike. "Oh Pinkie. These are so good. I don't know how you do but your treats are always amazing."

"The secret ingredient is love...For baking!" Pinkie declared in a dramatic fashion. "I decided I wanted to try out some new stuff for when the others get back from dealing with those bad ol' heartless."

"I'm sure they will love it Pinkie." Twilight said with an amused smile.

"I know I sure do." Spike agreed as he stuffed the rest of his muffin in his maw, gulping it down without remorse. "Got any more?"

"Sure do! Help yourself Spiky." the pink party pony pulled a tray from behind the counter. "So how's it going with the whole thing with the elements anyway Twi?"

The lavender mare sighed softly at the question, her brow furrowing slightly. "It's... Going to say the least. I do, however, think that harmonic energies within the elements of laugher and honest were able to absorb the light within Sora's keyblade. I'm still doing more test on them to make sure that everything is benign. Don't want the magical frequency to backlash on you two if you ever used them."

Pinkie Gasped. "Wait! are you telling me that the same magic that powers Sora's keyblade are in my element?! Does that mean I get to get a cool Keyblade and go all, " She swiped her hoof to the left. 'Swish!'' And then to the right. "'Chop!'" The pink mare had pulled a silly looking hat from her mane, tipping it so that only one side of her face was shown. "And then ill go 'Nothing personnell kid.'"

"What! No...Maybe...Why did you say personal like that?" Twilight asked slightly thrown off skew.

Pinkie smiled as she shrugged. "Just felt right."

"I'm totally using that."

Twilight playfully smacked the back of the dragon's head with her tail. "No. Bad dragon." Spike stuck his tongue out at her as she turned back to address the pink one. "Sorry Pinkie. I don't have all the answers yet."

"That's not a nnnoooooooooo~." Pinkie teased.

"And it's not a yes so don't get your hopes up." Twilight told the mare.

"Oh dear. Twilight and Spike. It's good to see you again."

Twilight's head turned towards the opening of the kitchen doorway, spotting a rather cute, plump, Pink and blue earth pony mare smiling warmly at her.

"Good morning Mrs. Cake/Hey Mrs. C." Spike and Twilight greeted in unison, the latter tossing another muffin into his mouth soon after.

Twilight raised an eyebrow as she spotted the rather large box sitting on top of her neither, doing her best to stop two small baby foals from playing with it. Being the kind mare that she was, Twilight used her magic to levitate the box from its preciouses position.

Mrs. Cake gasped softly as she looked between the now floating box and to Twilight, a smile forming on her face. "Thank you kindly Twilight. With Mr. Cake away, all we had was Pinkie and myself to watch the shop, and these two cute little trouble makers." shaking her hips slightly as she motioned towards the two foals in her saddle bags.

"It's no trouble at all Mrs. Cake." Twilight waved with a hoof, happy to help. "Where do you want me to put it?"

"Actually, I was on my way to deliver it to Sweet Apple Acres. With Applejack away so many times the past few days I was asked to fill in as a backup baker for her Reunion this week."

"Oh? Well if that's the case then why don't me and Spike deliver it for you," Twilight suggested. "We were on our way over there anyway so It wouldn't even be out of our way."

The mother baker gave the librarian a look of uncertainty before smiling. "That...That would just be wonderful dear. Thank you."

"Anytime Mrs. C." Spike exclaimed cheerfully.

The purple mare gave the dragon a dubious look. "Why are you answering? You won't even be carrying it."

"Hey!" Spike spoke in mock indignation. "I'm going out of my way to keep you company ya know. It's a long walk to Sweet Apple Acres."

"A long walk that will mostly be spent with you on my back."

"Tomato, Potato." Spike turned and leaned his back against Twilight's neck, getting into a comfortable position. "Better get going. Don't want to keep the Apples waiting after all."

With a roll of her eyes, and after bidding her friend goodbye, Twilight and Spike left with their package in tow.

~

Ponyville: Sweet Apple Acres

Deep within the Sweet Apple Acres apple fields would sit a lone pink tree house, nestled snugly within the tree that held it. Within, Scootaloo would bang a makeshift gavel, clearing her throat importantly, tossing her gaze to the only other two occupants within. "Alright girls. I know that we have been here and there and pretty much everywhere the past few day. Celestia knows even I had my fill of fun for the year, but now its time to get back to business. right?"

"Yep!/Ah guess so..."

Scootaloo nodded "I know we have been putting it off for a while. But its time for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to get back into action."

"Sure is!/uh-hun..."

"Now." Scootaloo smacked the paper behind her that held a varying assortment of odds and ends drawn upon it. "Now! Since its my turn to choose this week I decided something that pops into the cool factor. Like Extreme Cloud Diving!"

A white hoof shot up into the air.

"Yes. Member Sweetie Belle has something to say?"

Said filly nodded. "Twilight won't let us use her cloud walking spell again after our last cloud related adventure."

"Oh yeah..." Scootaloo tapped her chin. "Wonder if they got all that jam out of them by now..."

A deep sigh pulled the orange filly out of her thoughts, her eyebrow raising slightly at the culprit. "You have something to add, Member Applebloom?"

Said filly's gaze shifted over to her pegasus friend. "Huh? Oh. No. Not really. Just thinking."

"About your coltfriend?" Sweetie Belle teased as she poked Applebloom's cheek.

"Of course it's about Sora." Scootaloo added, her tone playful as well. "She's been distracted ever since he left."

The apple filly blushed deeply as she looked away frowning, though she did not deny the question. "I'm just worried about him ya know. After what happened last time ah don't see how he can just...just...Do it again like nothing is wrong."

The other fillies lowered their heads, thoughts of their experiences back in the Crystal Empire in their minds.

"Well...I mean..." Scootaloo began, trying her best to find the words she needed. What could a filly like her say though. She hated the fact that Sora got hurt so badly like that too. If it had been Rainbow Dash in his position, she didn't even know how she would handle it. She was amazed that Applebloom was holding herself up well to know.

The pegasus sighed heavily. "It does kinda suck that we can't help Sora like the others can. If we had keyblades of our own, I'm pretty sure that no pony would be able to stand up team Scootaloo."

"Wait a moment." Sweetie Belle squeaked, "How come we have to be called that stupid name?"

"Well duh. Because I'm the leader of the group." Scoots smirked. "I mean I am the fastest of us. And Rainbow Dash always says the fastest always wins. And it not stupid! You....Stupid!"

"Not if it was a slowest race. The last one to cross the finish line would be the winner then. And Who would follow you!?"

"Everypony would follow me! And why the heck would anyone want to be in a slowest race?! That's like, the anteeth...anti...ta..."

"Antithesis?"

"You dictionary!"

"How can you call me a dictionary when you were trying to say it first!"

"Because you said it better!"

"What does that even mean!?"

Seeing that her two friends were quite busy with their latest arguments, Applebloom decided that now was a good time to get some air. Making her way down the treehouse the little filly would allow herself to sit upon the soft grass under the shade of a nearby tree, her gaze watching the wind shift between the apple trees.

“Stupid heartless...ah can’t even invite Sora to the family runion…'' The little mare grumbled softly. Even if she had just heard about it today, something like that would have been the perfect place to tell Sora everything just like she planned. The two of them walking though the apple trees, the filly leaning against him for comfort. No pony else to get in the way. It would have been a perfect day in her eyes.

The yellow filly released another deep seeded sigh. “I just hope ya doing fine...wherever ya are.”

Author's Note

Short Chapter for now. Testing the waters is all.

I had put this in the beginning way back in chapter 1 when I re edited that part but Ill also put it here. Okay so Its me, Steel Soul (AKA larrykitty) here with a random update. Yes, I am working of KHoH once again. yay me. Been reading it over and over seeing what I can change here and there and was like "Well...lets start with the beginning." A bit of this and that here and I have the same, yet different, story I'm working on. Won't do anything major, just small story beats.

I am looking for an editor if anyone is interested.

Trouble in Trottingham Part 3

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

Trouble in Trottingham Part 3

Start Music On Green and Stop Music on Red

Equestria
Just outside the dark shield around Trottingham

The feeling of morning's dew would drip onto Sora’s muzzle from a leaf above, stirring the young stallion from his deep slumber. Yawning softly, he allowed his ears to pivot at the gentle whispers of the wind before allowing his gaze to fall towards the butter yellow pegasus sleeping soundly upon his shoulder. the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she slept soundly making his heart jump every so slightly, despite not really knowing fully why he felt that way.

Shaking such a feeling away, Sora would regrettably nudge Fluttershy’s cheek with a hoof. The mare stirred slightly before joining him in the waking world, a soft smile playing on her face as she looked up towards the stallion with sleep ladened eyes.

"hmm...Sora?" She would gently whisper, gaining her baring's.

“Morning, Shy. Sleep well?” The young stallion asked her.

“MmmMm...Good morning to you too, Sora,” the shy mare answered softly before stretching out her stiff limbs. As she regained her faquelties, the young mare's mind would drift to last night. The feeling of the cool air. The sight of the stars above. And Sora's wing, wrapping around her tiny frame as he kept her warm. She would blush a deep shade of red knowing that she would wrap hers around his body two in response. It all felt so...magical. The shy mare had never really slept outside like that before. It wasn’t something she would really do, even when she had to take care of hurt animals bigger than she was. If she was being honest, it was something she thought she would never do in her life. She would always be afraid of something attacking her in the night...or worse. It was one of her deepest fears.

That is, until Sora came.

Sleeping under the stars with the keyblade Wielder by her side, she couldn’t help but feel the safest she had ever been in her life, knowing that he was right beside her all this time. She could barely stop her wings from shivering at how much she enjoyed it.

Fluttershy couldn’t help but find herself doing a lot of firsts with Sora. Sure, she had always gone on adventures with her other friends, but with Sora, it was the first time she actually wanted to go to someplace she knew would be full of danger, even if it was just for moral support. She knew she could never be of any real help; she might even get in the way. Still, her heart told her to stay with him. That if it came down to it, he would save her no matter what. She never wanted to let go of that feeling.

And yet…

The mare’s gaze shifted towards Sora as the boy leaned his back against the tree once again, her gaze becoming softer. Fluttershy knew that she really liked Sora. ‘I love him,’ she corrected herself, her heart swelling with pride, even if her statement was within her own mind. She wanted to say it over and over again, both to herself and to him, but something was holding her back. Something at the back of her mind kept telling her that right now… right here, in a place like this, saying something so profound would never feel right to her. Right now, Sora had things he had to deal with, things so much more important than her feelings right now. She had come to be his support and if anything she said right now could distract him, cause him to get hurt like he did back at the Crystal Empire...

A hard slap to the side of her flank caused the mare to “Eep!” before she glared at the offending pony. A familiar prism manned mare snickered as she flew past her, rubbing Sora’s spikey mane with a hoof. “Morning Shy! Hey Hero. Lightning is looking for ya. Nearly time to save a town from those dark jerks and become even awesomer.”

Sora smiled as he got to his hooves, stretching his limbs happily. “Got it. Better not keep them waiting then, huh?” The caramel stallion began to make his way down the small hill he and Fluttershy had occupied the night prior with said mare, almost too eager to stay close to his side, following right behind him. Or she would have if Rainbow had not put a wing in front of her butter yellow friend.

“Me and Shy will catch up to you in a bit,” Rainbow called out to Sora, the stallion tilting his head at the pair before nodding, leaving his two friends to their own devices. With the keyblade wielder out of the way now, Rainbow’s smile slowly turned from kind into a rather impressive shit-eating grin. One Fluttershy knew all too well from back when they were little fillies. It was the type of smile that screamed “You know what I’m here for!”

“I see you doing your thing, Shy. Sleeping next to your hero like you’re some kind of cute princess and her special knight on the run. Aren't you a sly little minx.”

If Fluttershy’s face was any redder, one would have mistaken her for a ripe tomato. “”I-I’m not doing anything like that, Rainbow Dash!” With a stomp of her hoof the young mare pouted in the most adorable way as she looked away from her friend. “I like Sora, I admit it. I'll...I'll always admit it, but he has other things to worry about right now instead of my feelings for him.”

Rainbow frowned as she tilted her head. “Wait… you mean you didn’t tell him yet?”

Fluttershy’s ears splayed to the sides of her head as her gaze shifted towards the ground.

Rainbow huffed as she stomped her hoof. “Gah! Wait here! I’m getting him and-”

“Stop!!”

The cyan mare reared her head back to look at her usually soft spoken friend. It wasn’t a yell. Far from it. Still, Rainbow couldn’t stop her wings from tightening to the sides of her body in submission to her friend’s tone. It was almost as bad as Fluttershy’s stare.

After a few moments of silence to calm herself, the yellow mare spoke again. “Please… don’t. I want it to be me.” Her tone was like that of a gentle breeze as she continued, calm cool and collative. “I want to tell him when I feel like it's time to tell him. I know it's selfish of me to say that, but…” She paused as she pawed at the ground with a hoof, blushing brightly. “I want it to be special.”

Rainbow as surprised. She had never seen her friend act so...In charge before. She couldn't help but be impressed with the shy mare. “Okay...Fine. You win, Shy. He’s your crush so I really got no say in how you do your thing.” Rainbow smiled at the at the butter yellow pegasus. “Gotta say, been a while since I saw you assertive like that.”

Fluttershy blushed once again, hiding her face behind her mane. “I-I’m sorry…”

“Hey, don’t apologize. A mare always knows what she wants and how she wants it. If you feel you need to let Sora do his thing, then I can understand, I guess. If it was me I would have just told him already, but you’re not me, so it's cool.”

Fluttershy smiled softly at her friend before pulling her into a gentle hug. “Still… sorry. And thank you for not being upset with me, Dash. I promise I will tell him and you will be the first to know.”

“Uhg! I don’t really care about all that love stuff!” Rainbow huffed, though she did not stop the hug from her friend. When they both pulled away, the cyan mare gave Fluttershy a cocky, smug smile. “But hey! When you do get married, I promise to tell all your most embarrassing stories at the reception.”

“Rainbow!”

~

“It's about time you two showed up.” Fluttershy and Rainbow both smiled sheepishly at Lightning addressed the two pegasi. “We were just about to start the operation and I would have more peace of mind with everyone under my command close by when it does.”

Fluttershy was the first to speak between the two, offering her apologies. “I'm...I'm sorry. It was my fault. Rainbow and I had some stuff to talk about and...I really am sorry, Lightning.”

The guardsmare huffed as she turned away, raising a hoof raising to wave them off. “It's fine. Let's get started. My boys are itching for action and there’s a city that was needed to be saved hours ago. Sora!”

Said stallion, along with the fashionista mare Rarity, made their way towards the small group, the Keyblade Weirder smiling softly as Fluttershy instantly made her way towards his side, though the shy mare’s gaze was more focused on the white unicorn. And for good reason as well.

Rarity held her head up high as she sashayed towards Sora’s other side. She was adorned in a rather fetching, ruby red, no-sleeve overcoat, the length of it being just long enough to cover her nethers, but quite short enough for her tail to have free range of motion, white trimming running along the edge of the opening. She had also donned a rather nice pair of black, tight shorts that covered her rump, a hole allowing said tail from before to slip though. A short black crop top was upon her chest as well, covering her fluffy chest and only enhancing her allure. Against the side of the hood of her coat, a beautiful phoenix feather could be seen dangling off to the side, flowing ever so gently within the wind.

The fashionista couldn't stop the smile that formed on her face as she spotted Fluttershy’s gaze. “Like it? I always had a special place in my heart for the color red, you see. I also based it off the magical knights within the Equestrian army. Might as well look the part while I play my part.”

“It looks lovely, Rarity. It really suits you,” Fluttershy complemented, a kind smile on her lips.

“Why thank you, darling.” Rarity laughed daintily.

“If the fashion show is over…” Lightning interjected. “Then all of you get ready. We are about to start our assault soon and I would rather not get caught with my tail in between my legs. Sora Get into position. We are counting on you opening the way.”

“No problem.” Sora raised his hoof, summoning his keyblade into it. “Just tell me when and I’ll get it done.”

As Sora was gearing up for what he was about to do, Lightning turned to organize her troops. Rarity couldn’t help but notice that Lightning was every inch the commander that she looked, every one of the guards that were with her listening to her commands without batting an eye.

“I know that I’ve seen her with her troops before, but Lightning really feels right at home in a place like this, does she not?” Rarity mused.

“Tell me about it. Really hard to believe that she is even related to Shy at all when you look at them,” Rainbow added.

Said mare blushed at the comment, looking away slightly. “Mom says that I’m more alike to her sister’s other child, Serah.”

Rainbow’s ears perked at the name. “Oh. Oh wait...I think I remember seeing her sometimes back at Flight School.”

Fluttershy smiled at the past good memories of said school as she nodded. “MmMmm. Some ponies thought that we were twins whenever we were together.”

“Haha… yeah.” The cyan mare smiled at the memories. “And Locke would always try and hit on the two of you. You don’t know how many times I had to kick his-” Rainbow squeaked as she covered her mouth quickly, a hard blushing forming on her face. It was something that Rarity couldn’t help but latch on to.

“Ohohooooooh~” The white unicorn couldn’t stop the sly smile that formed on her face. “I have never heard you talk about such a stallion before. Somepony I should know dear Rainbow?”

Rainbow had a noticeable look of panic on her face at her slip up, knowing that this conversation was going in a way that she never wanted it to. With quick thinking the cyan mare would point towards Sora while yelling out a “Gonna go and hang with the hero! See ya!” before leaving Fluttershy and Rarity alone.

“Oh my! Now this is something interesting,” Rarity mused. “Do you know who this Locke pony is, Fluttershy?”

Though Fluttershy lowered her head, the shy mare would nod softly at the question. “I do, but…”

“Ah I see. I take it that it’s a sore topic for the poor filly?” Rarity concluded.

“She… really hasn’t talked about him in quite some time,” Fluttershy told her friend. “Honestly, this is the first I’ve seen her talk about him at all in such a happy tone. I wouldn't mind telling you about him myself, but I don’t know if it's my place to even say anything. He was more Rainbow’s friend than mine, and…”

“Tut tut my dear Fluttershy,” Rarity reassured her. “I do understand. I shan't mention it again for now until she is ready to speak.” Rarity hummed softly as she watched from a distance as Rainbow fussed over Sora. “Still, to think that our little Rainbow had a crush when she was but a filly. I must admit that has me more intrigued than anything to find out more.”

~

“Ugh...Why are mares so strange?” Rainbow huffed as she slid a hoof down her face in exasperation.

Sora blinked. “Aren't you a mare?”

“You calling me strange, Hero?”

The Keyblade Wielder sighed as he grumbled under his breath. “Annnnd I walked right into that one.”

Leaving well enough alone, Sora turned back towards the wall of shadow not too far away from them, frowning. He couldn’t help the shiver that crept up his spine, his hoof clutching his chest as he remembered the feeling of darkness the last time he faced off against it. He knew that at the time he should have thought of something else to help, to not make his friends worry like that. Though...If it came down to himself and everyone else...

“Sora!”

The stallion snapped out of his inner thoughts to look at Rainbow, a concerned look in her eyes as she gently shook his shoulder. “Oh. Sorry. Was spaced out.”

Rainbow huffed softly. “Yeah. I could tell. Get your head in the game, hero.” She smiled. “Need you to kick serious butt after all.”

Sora smiled back, nodding in agreement. “I always kick serious butt.” His ears perked at the sound of Lightning and her troops making their way towards them, his smile becoming a determined frown. “And I won’t let any of you down’ I promise.” He gently placed a hoof on her shoulder before moving to meet Lightning halfway.

Rainbow clicked her teeth as he walked away. “Just don’t do anything stupid again, idiot.” she whispered before moving to catch up with the rest of the group.

Sora and Rainbow, along with Fluttershy and Rarity, stood behind Lightning, the mare nodding to four of them before turning to address her troops. Her voice loud and tone that of a practiced leader.

“All of you mares and stallions know why you are here so I won’t waste pretty words and platitudes. The dark barrier behind me, as I am sure you are aware, is an act of aggression against Equestria , the people, and her princesses. I don’t know about you but if something threatens my home then you can be sure as hell I won’t stand for it!” She paused, allowing her troops to yell in agreement to her words before continuing. “These four behind me, despite their ages, have faced off against the ones who would stand against the harmony of Equestria. Three of whom being the Elements of harmony themselves. The last one, the boy with the key, being the one who was granted power unlike any other.”

Lightning turned to face said boy, the young stallion nodding as pointed his key at the wall. To the surprise of the ponies there, sans Sora’s Friends, a key hole would appear against the darkness, and a beam of light from the key would shoot forth, a familiar sound of a lock’s tumbler turning resonating throughout the area. Just as the beam of light died down, a second of the wall would open, allowing unobstructed passing for any and all.

Many of the guards couldn’t help but be amazed at what had just happened. Many of the best mages in their unit couldn't even budge the dark power that had kept them out of the city, and this boy, a pegasus no less, just used magic like it was nothing at all. Despite the questioning stares he was getting, Sora wouldn’t let go of the smile that had formed on his face, not paying any of them any mind. He would only point his keyblade through the door, his eyes filled with determination.

“What are we waiting for!? We have a city to save!”

~

Equestria

Canterlot Castle:Celestia’s Study

Celestia sighed as she let the magic die off of her quill, setting the tool to the side. Even if it was the most tedious part of her job as Princess, it had to be done, despite how much she protested to Luna about it. Rolling the scroll, she gently levitated it along with the many others, each one with a sigil of one of the many races that call Equis their home.

“Done. That should be it, then. I trust that you will be able to deliver them?”

Prince Bloodblood smiled as he stuck his nose into the air. “But of course, Auntie. I trust my ship to be fast enough for anything. Rain, snow or shine.”

Celestia couldn’t stop her own smile from gracing her lips. “Indeed. It is why I have chosen you and your crew for such an Important task, after all.” She paused as she turned her head away. “I would rather you not get yourself into any mishaps while you are gone as well. Your reputation is-”

“My reputation has little credence to the plain facts that many are getting attacked by these... monsters. Shadows as it were.” Blueblood huffed. “It is where it needs to be and that is that, auntie.” He pulled a pocket watch out of his collar. “I must be going, auntie. Time waits for no pony as it were.” And with that, Celestia’s only nephew left the room.

Celestia’s eyes kept onto her nephew, even as the door's close, a deep sigh escaping the princess of the sun soon after. “Blueblood…What am I going to do with you?”

“We do not know why you would put up with his presence, dear sister.”

“You have not known him all his life, Luna,” Celestia countered, not missing a beat as she spoke. She would however, despair at what she had just said, the mare quickly turning towards her sister as she materialized out of the darkness. “I-I’m sorry...I didn’t mean…”

The princess of the moon raised a hoof, giving Celestia a gentle yet sad smile. “It is fine, dear sister. You do not have to apologize each time you make such a remark. Thou would do so near every day if that was the case.”

“Yes... I suppose I would.”

With the mood somewhat somber, the lunar princess decided to change the subject. "We have spoken with they keyblade w-...I mean...Sora...We have spoken with young Sora sister. I must admit, he is an intersting pony."

Celestia smiled. "Is that so? Well I am glad you made fast friends with him. He really is a breath of fresh air is he not?"

"Well...He has given me much to ponder in any case. His perspectives are...a welcomed one to say the least." She smiled softly, remembering her time with him in the dream world, even if he didn't.

"Oh...Do tell little sister."

The dark mare stuck her tongue out. "That conversation was a private one for us and him." Wanting to move past where she knew Celesita would try and take the conversation she put on a stoic face “In any case, we did not come here to talk shop,” She pulled out a scroll, handing it to her sister. “My spies tell me that the Griffon and Diamond Dog empires started to have their own troubles.”

“Which is why I have little doubt they will answer my summons.” Celestia tapped a hoof on her lavish desk. “The Diamond Dogs more so than the Griffons, I suspect. Hopefully the abyssinians will listen as well. The Hippogryphs…”

Luna huffed as she frowned at the name. “Queen Novo can rot for all I care!”

“Luna!”

“What?! She is a coward! She did not come when we needed her most and she will not come this time, either! Contect with holding up within that little hole under the sea.”

Celestia leaned back into her chair. “I understand your feelings dear sister but despite the queen’s faults I will not have innocents attacked if I can help it; even if they are not under my watch. Especially when after Sora's story, we learned that heartless can thrive in the sea. I will not have innocents suffer at the hooves of our enemies because of the past.”

The moon princess huffed before relenting on the matter. “They will want to see Sora for themselves, you do know. The Light that is the Key.”

“I do, but it is not my decision to make,” Celestia paused. “Sora is a free pony...Human, and as such will have all that comes with it. He is not mine to command after all. Despite our role in the circumstances of his arrival to this land, Sora was and always will be free to help all who wants it.”

“And yet, even after only meeting the boy a few times, I can already hear what his words will be.” Luna’s gaze shifted out the nearby window and towards the sky the was ever so deep and blue. “He will be tested, sister. He will be used. He will be abused if he even lets his guard down for one moment.”

“I know...and It will not be easy for him. But I think...No...I know he can pull though, despite the hardships. Because he has friends by his side. And his friends are his power.”

Within The Darkness

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Within the Darkness

Green to start music and red to stop music

Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres

“Thanks a bunch again, Twilight,” Applejack told the lavender mare as she began to put the boxes full of sweets into her fridge box. “With Granny Smith getting on in years and Big Mac being a total dud in the kitchen, having Mrs. Cake baking for us every now and then is a real big help. And what with the big family reunion coming up and all, it's helping us out a bunch and more.”

“Thanks Isn't really necessary, AJ. All I did was deliver the food that Mrs. Cup Cake made for you and your family.” Twilight said as she waved a dismissive hoof. “And honestly I was on our way over anyway, so it wasn’t too much out of the way for me.”

“Yeah! Besides, getting a chance to eat some of your delicious apples is always a good day in my book.” Spike mused as he popped an apple into his mouth. “Oh! And helping a friend and yada yada and all that jazz.”

Applejack chuckled softly as her tail gently smacked the back of the drake’s head as she passed by him.“Good ol Spike. A true friend indeed this one is.”

“Well ya know what they say.” The purple drake mused with a cheesy grin. “My friend’s food is my power after all.”

Twilight couldn't help but roll her eyes at the drake’s butchering of Sora’s words. Ignoring the little dragon for now, she would turn to Applejack, a look of concern playing across her features. “I know how much your family means to you, Applejack, but I can’t help but wonder if it is really wise to be holding an Apple Family Reunion with everything that's going on?”

Applejack frowned at that. “Ah know what ya mean Twi, and ah understand your concern, but ah think this is the best time to be having it no matter what others say. It shows those varmints that no matter what they do, they won’t destroy our way of life. All the Apple Clan agreed as well.”

Twilight couldn't help but smile at her friend. “That's...really inspiring Applejack. I think it might even be worth a friendship letter to Celestia.”

“Ahaha...ah’m only doing what ah can, since ah am just a simple apple farmer and all that.” The apple farmer answered modestly before changing the subject. “Anyways, ya say something about the Elements when ya came here, right? Did ya figure something out about them or something?”

“Maybe…” Twilight answered. “It's rather difficult to fully explain the theory in full detail.”

“Well then, just give me the cliff note version. Don't need to be all fancy with your words when ya talk ta me and all that.”

“Well…” Twilight began, explaining the same thing she had told Her friend Pinkie Pie back at Sugar Cube Corner. When she had finished, Twilight couldn’t quite place the face her farmer friend was making.

“Huh…” A.J. said after a little while in deep thought. “The way ya talking, ya making it sound like ah might get my own little blade like Sora or something.”

“And like I told Pinkie Pie, that may or may not be the case.” Twilight assured her. “I’m still running test on them after all. Besides, we don't even know how Keyblades are really formed. I'm just going in blind at this point, throwing caution to the wind...which is both frustrating and exciting within itself, mind you.”

“Hmm…” Applejack hummed to herself. “Still, knowing that Elements really are acting up because of Sora’s Keyblade really is something. Also remember, that it was a hooman’s keyblade that helped forge the Elements of Harmony.” The apple farmer tilted her hat ever so slightly. “And now Sora is here helping with this here Heartless problem we have in this day and age. Honestly, the fact that all of this is happening...kinda feels like its destiny?”

“Destiny...Destiny...Maybe…” Twilight hummed softly to herself. “But...hmm…” The lavender mare slowly began to pace around the room. “I never thought about it like that, but it isn’t out of the realm of possibility. After all there was the tale of Nightmare Moon. In fact…” Twilight perked up as she turned to the farm mare, hugging her tightly “Applejack you're a genius!”

Her orange earthpony friend couldn’t stop the blush at the complement. “Awww shulks Twi, ah get around.” She paused. “Remind me what ah did again?”

“I have a theory, and it's all thanks to you.” Twilight told the mare. “Maybe it will lead to nothing or maybe it will lead to everything I need. For now I need to gather my things back at the Library. we’re heading to Canterlot! The mare grasped her little drake friend in her magic. “I’ll be back as soon as i can.” With a bright glow of the mare’s horn, both Twilight and Spike were gone, teleported away in a flash.”

Applejack stood dumbfounded for a moment before rubbing the back of her head in confusion. “Ah...You’re welcome?”

~

Within the Dark bubble surrounding Trottingham

To say that things started rather anticlimactic was quite the understatement.

Sora had been the first to burst through the opening in the dark barrier, brandishing his keyblade in a practiced flourish as he did so; only to be met with nothing but silence on the other side. He would have been rather disappointed if it wasn’t so unnerving.

The young stallion’s ears pivoted every which way as his gaze slowly took in the terrain. The gentle songs from the birds or the soft rustle of the wind through the trees was nowhere to be found. All he could hear were the sounds of clanking armor behind him and a whole lot of nothing in front. It made him… nervous? Anxious? On edge? No matter what, he didn't like it one bit.

The keyblade wielder tensed at the feeling of a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to see Lightning, looking off into the distance of the forest they were within.

“Easy. Take a breath. Don’t rush,” she said softly, “And calm down. You make mistakes when you get too riled up.”

The keyblade wielder was quiet for only a few moments before nodding, taking in a deep breath before releasing it all at once. He could already feel himself a little calmer now. He smiled at the mare. “Right. Thanks, Lightning.”

The Captain nodded back at him before turning back towards her troops. “Alright mares and stallions, set up base on the edge. I want communications with Canterlot up yesterday!”

Sora watched as she went to work before taking one more deep breath then turning back to face his surroundings. He had to focus. No mistakes. Not with lives on the line.

Now fully aware of where he was, the young stallion noticed that It was as dark as night under the barrier. Actually, that wasn’t quite it. Despite it being dark, and despite there being no moon to light up the sky, for some reason he could clearly see in front of him as if the sun only had a black filter in front of it. If anything, it reminded him of his time in the Realm of Darkness, and more recently when he had faced off against that crazy mare back in the Crystal Kingdom. That revelation in itself made his wings quiver ever so slightly in apprehension.

Deciding to distract himself from that horrible time, the keyblade wielder went back to surveying his surroundings. In front of him, not too far away, was that of a rather normal forest. It actually reminded him of The Forest back in Twilight Town that led to that weird building that he, Donald and Goofy were sleeping within.

“This isn’t… quite what I was expecting when we entered here. How about you, darling?”

Sora turned to face Rarity as she made her way to his side, the pristine mare’s gaze drifting here and there, taking in all she could. Close by, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash approached, the former instantly moving to stick close to Sora.

“It,” Sora started, “reminds me too much of my time in the World of Darkness.”

“You are...ah...not talking about your time back at the Crystal Empire are you?" Fluttershy asked. "I, um… think you mentioned that and you friend Riku were trap in...in the Realm of Darkness?"

“Yeah.” Sora nodded. “Me and Riku found ourselves in the Realm of Darkness after defeating Xemnas. We were trapped before a door to the Realm of Light opened for us.” Sora chuckled softly at the memory. “If it wasn’t for Kairi, I think the both of us would have been lost there forever. Not that I would have minded at the time. With Riku by my side, I was sure that it would have turned out alright in the end.” He paused as he lowered his head lightly. “That even if we were stuck there forever, I knew that I at least had my best friend at my side.”

Rainbow huffed, a smirk playing on her features. “Hah. Well if i had to be stuck with somepony forever I can think of few other dorks that could fit the bill. Though looking after you would be a twenty four hour job. Kinda feel bad for your friend, Riku.”

The caramel coated stallion turned to face the cyan mare, a look of mock indignation on his face. “And what's that supposed to mean? Huh? Huuuuh?”

“Ha! It’s whatever you want it to mean, Hero,” Rainbow mused playfully, giving the stallion a light punch on his shoulder. “Still, I bet I could think of another pony or two that would have loved to be in the position of your friend Riku. Stuck together...with only each other as company. Alone...In the dark.”

Before Sora could could ask who this pony was or why, for that matter, was Fluttershy slowly sinking lower and lower into the ground the more Rainbow Dash talked, his gaze shifted back to the forest in front of them, movement between the trees quickly catching his eye. Before anyone could say a thing, the keyblade wielder was already on the move, jumping over Rainbow and Fluttershy and getting in a readied stance.

Dash raised an eyebrow at Sora’s actions at first, but soon caught on to what was happening, the mare quickly standing side by side next to the Keyblade Wielder. Even in the dark, the cyan pegasus’s eyes were as sharp as a needle. She, too, could vaguely make out the shape of a pony ruffling in the shadows. The real problem was she couldn’t tell if they were heartless or not.

“W-what's going on?” Fluttershy timidly asked. “Sora… Rainbow Dash? Is s-something out there?”

“I think so,” the young stallion replied, keeping his tone sharp and low, yet still having a gentle inflection just for the shy mare. “Fluttershy, go get Lightning. Tell them we might have trouble.”

The shy mare nodded at his command, dashing back towards where Lightning and her guards were stationed.

“There's a few of them coming this way, I think,” Rainbow quipped as soon as the shy mare was away. “I can’t tell how many, though. This stupid dark bubble night thing is making it hard to see in the distance.”

“My guess is they are not coming here for a friendly chat,” Rarity quipped. “Would have been a welcomed change of pace if that was the case.”

Sora nodded before turning back towards the forest just in time to see three figures crashing through the forest barrier, surprising the stallion a great deal. From what he could see, it was a mare and two colts galloping hard and fast towards him and his little party. He could vaguely make out a cape and hat on the mare as she drew closer. Honestly, the hat reminded him of Merlin, that old wizard who taught him magic, if anything. Maybe she was a wizard, too. Before he could think on it any further, Rainbow’s voice cut through his musings

“Dear Celestia, you have got to me pulling my wing,” the cyan mare groaned with a roll of her eyes. “What the heck is Trixie doing here?”

“That is an astute question, Rainbow Dash, but I think I’m more worried about the things chasing after her and those two poor colts!” Rarity countered as she pointed towards dozens of Shadow Ponies materializing from the darkness of the woods right after the running trio.

Sora was the first to act, closing the distance between himself and the ponies fleeing for their lives. As soon as he was close enough , he leapt into the air with a flap of his wings before crashing down upon the nearest heartless that was just seconds away from catching its first victim, making it disperse in a cloud of smoke. The two little ponies, the colts Rarity mentioned, stopped in awe as the keyblade wielder began to engage the dark creatures without hesitation.

“Woah! He- he's actually fighting them?” the oldest colt asked in disbelief, the smaller one upon his back looking over the top of the older one’s head.

“Are you colts crazy?!” the pointy hatted mare, the one called Trixie, yelled. “We have to get out of here while we can! Who knows how long that crazy pony can hold them off!”

“If you think that he would lose to some stupid heartless, then you don’t know Sora,” Rainbow snarked as she landed in front of Trixie. “If he wanted to, I bet he could kick all those heartless baddies flanks by himself with one hoof tied behind his back! ”

It only took a moment for Trixie to recognize the familiar rainbow mane and tail. “Y-You?! Grrrrr! I knew I’d seen that egocentric rainbow hued hair somewhere before! What the hay are you doing here of all places?!”

“Saving your derriere as it were, darling,” Rarity explained as she made her way to Rainbow’s side. “I know it's beyond you sometimes, but a thank you goes a long way.”

“And you say I have an ego?” Rainbow huffed as she poked the showmare’s chest none too nicely. “It takes one to know one, buddy!”

“Trixie calls them as she sees them. And do you really think the great and powerful Trixie needs help from the likes of you two?” the great and powerful mare asked with an incredulous tone. “The great and powerful Trixie needs no help from a braggart and a prissy mare!”

“Says the biggest braggart and prissy mare of them all,” the older colt said offhandedly. Much to his chagrin, however, the show mare heard.

The next thing he knew was the pain of having his cheeks pulled at none too nicely by said mare’s magic. “Be more like your brother and stay quiet when you have nothing nice to say, you little brat.”

So distracted were the show mare and the colts that they didn’t see the heartless about to descend upon them until Rainbow pushed the two of them out of the way, lashing out at the heartless with a spinning kick with one of her hind hooves shortly after.

“Geeze! If you’re gonna just yap, then get out of here,” Rainbow growled. “Can’t look after you and fight and don’t wanna!” She dashed off to join the fray, the mare quickly aiding Sora in his fight against the dark creatures.

Rarity sighed as she helped the mare and colts back to their hooves using her magic. “As crass as she is, Rainbow is right, darlings. While I do have many things to say to you myself, I very well can’t let you or these cute little colts get hurt. Fluttershy and the guards are already on the way, so meeting up with them is for the best.”

Trixie moved to get back up on her hooves, her eyes never leaving where Rainbow and that strange stallion had left. “Just...what on Luna's moon is going on around here?”

~

Sora’s blade struck out as he twisted his head hard, dispatching a nearby heartless in one go. Just as he landed, he lashed out with a hind-hoof, kicking another of the dark beasts away from him as it tried to approach him from behind. As it flew into the air, Rainbow rise above it, delivering a swift kick downwards towards the waiting ground below, causing it to crash into another set of heartless. With a smirk on her lips and a glint in her eye, the mare landed right beside the stallion, her wings spread wide in defiance against the foes before her.

Sora chuckled softly before teasing, “Sure took your time getting here. Thought I was gonna do this all on my own.”

The cyan mare scoffed playfully. “What? I thought you wanted to play the hero, Hero.”

“I was more worried that you would have complained if I didn’t leave any for you to take on yourself.”

Rainbow dodged a swipe from a heartless just before Sora swung above her head, destroying the shadow pony then turned to face the stallion with a huff. “You make it sound like I love beating these shadows up.” She dodged another attack, grabbing the heartless by its foreleg and tossing it away, back into the crowd of its kind, in one fluid motion. “Which I totally do.”

“Long as you take them out then having fun shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Don’t you know it.”

The stallion and mare nodded towards each other before they separated, hooves and keyblade lashing out wildly at the encroaching heartless, taking them by surprise.

Rainbow had flown into a crowd of the dark creatures with hooves outstretched, knocking aside any and all heartless that dared to cross her path. The mare would soon take towards the sky, catching one of the monsters on the chin with an uppercut, taking it with her as she went. Quick as her namesake, the mare zoomed above the heartless, striking it down with a mighty kick without hesitation. Before it could even hit the ground however, Sora lashed out with his keyblade, striking the heartless down before moving on to the next, his blade cutting down droves of the creatures with ease.

The keyblade wielder dodged an attack from below, rolling to the side just as a Shadow Pony materialized under him, trying to catch the stallion by surprise. Before the heartless could even lash out again, Rainbow was on it, Drop kicking the heartless away before flipping and landing right beside Sora once again.

“Geeze!” The prism maned mare exclaimed with an annoyed huff. “Where are all of these things coming from anyway? I didn’t think there were this many when they were chasing Trixie and those colts.”

“Maybe there's a leader?” Sora suggested. “Usually there's someone controlling these types of Heartless. If we can find them we might be able to stop the flow.”

The sound of a loud roar would cause both stallion and mare to perk up, looking towards the direction of the forest it came from. Both of them could feel the ground rumble and shake harder and harder as the very trees themselves seem to bend for some unseen creature. Before the pair could even come up with an idea of what it was that was making all that noise, a large being crashed through the trees, something the likes that neither had ever seen before.

It was big. Nearly as tall as the trees that hid it. It looked almost like a dragon or giant lizard of some sort, one that was made out of metal and gears. Upon its back was an opening, and within that opening was a heartless. More than likely its pilot. Under the metal body of the creature was a cage full of little round balls with deep yellow eyes, rolling around without a care in the world within their contained area.

“Is that...a heartless riding a heartless?” Rainbow asked, in pure disbelief. “Or am I seeing things.”

Sora frowned as he drew his keyblade once more. “I think I'm more worried about the ones in the cage. Since they have a fuse and everything.”

“Wait…”Rainbow gawked as she finally noticed the little creatures within the bared container. “Are those bombs!?”

As if to answer her question the metal dragon opened his giant maw, both Stallion and mare stepping back as they spotted a giant cannon within it. The cage under the heartless rattled with life as one of the little orbs were sucked into a funnel, traveling a short distance within the dragon before blasting out with blinding speed towards the shocked duo. Sora had barely caught himself, quickly tackling his prism maned friend to the ground, causing the giant ball to fly over them, exploding shortly after a few steps away from the pair.

Sora was the first to recover, after saving Rainbow, the stallion instantly got on his hooves and dashed towards the monster.

I gotta take that thing out before it causes any real damage!

The keyblade wielder leapt into the air before flapping his wings causing him to rocketed towards the heartless for a mighty slash. His blade however would only meet that of the ax-like tail behind the heartless, blocking the blow with ease. The tail would push its blade against Sora’s own, and still being in the air, the stallion was forced out of the deadlock. He fell to the ground awkwardly, unable to correct his landing as he slid to a stop not too far away from the beast.

As he tried to pick himself back up, the dragon heartless opened its maw wide, revealing the twin cannons within. Without hesitation it fired, releasing two of the heartless shaped bombs, both fuses lit and heading straight for the young hero. Unable to get up fast enough, Sora lifted his keyblade in front of himself as he closed his eyes, hoping that the blade would take the blunt of the damage if nothing else.

“Strike!”

Sora opened his eyes to find a pink haired mare flying in front of him, her blade, something he had never seen the likes of before in his time in Equestria, sliced though both Heartless, destroying them in one go.

Lightning landed upon the ground before turning to face the stallion. “Get up Sora! Taking a break now isn’t in the job description."

Nodding dumbly, he jumped back to his hooves, standing with the mare as he did so. Rainbow would join their little party, the cyan mare nodding towards Sora as he did the same to her. All three stood, ready to take on the heartless before them as a team.

It was well that they did so too, as many more shadow ponies would slowly slip from the ground below, the metal dragon heartless roaring loudly as he spewed flames into the air.

Lightning would be the first to attack, her hooves quickly carrying her though the length of the battlefield. Her blade would slash though the heartless without mercy, striking out with precision with each blow she made, Followed closely was Sora and Rainbow Dash, both mare and stallion attacking the stragglers as they kept pace with the Pegasus Captain.

The dragon's attention would fall to the one in front, that being the pink haired Capitan. It lashed out with its tail out, swinging to cut the mare down in two. Guard Captain was much too fast for it however, effortlessly sidestepping before lashing out at the base of the tail, severing the blade from its body. Just as she landed, the heartless would turn its maw towards the pony, ready to once again fire off another set of bombs.

It was thwarted, however, as Rainbow Dash came rammed a shadow pony against it causing tis jaws to shut and for the building flame to fire back on itself, causing internal damage the the heartless machine. Despite the blast having sent the mare Flying away, she took it in stride as she laughed wildly, loving the thrill of the fight. The Rainbow maned mare would turn to catch Sora just as he was passing near her, latching onto his foreleg before swinging and rocketing the stallion hard at the monster. Before it could retaliate, Sora’s blade sliced right though heartless, the stallion landing with a flourish of hooves as the monster dissipated, releasing the heart trapped within it.

Sora sighed softly before looking up towards Rainbow, who had flown to his side, raising a hoof as she did so. Giving the mare a smirk, he would tap her hoof with his own before turning to face Lightning, nodding towards the mare. “Thanks for the save, Lightning.”

The pink maned guard shrugged as she sheathed her blade. “I won’t always be there so make sure you watch yourself out there.” She told him. “But...Good work overall. I can see why Celestia put so much praise into you, even if you are a little rough behind the edges. You too Dash.”

The rainbow maned mare perked up at her name, the giddy excitement briefly show before she hid it behind an air of faux coolness. “Yeah...cool...thanks.” She mused as she swept a hoof across her mane.

Sora, for his part, rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. “Hehe...What she said. And I’ll keep what ya said in mind.” He told her before watching the mare head back towards her troops. The Keyblade Wielder couldn't stop the dejected sigh escaping him as he looked at his hoof in frustration.

“I still...gotta get stronger…”

Sora’s mind was pulled from its inner thoughts as he felt a familiar set of hooves wrap around his neck, the feeling of Fluttershy’s body pressing against his own causing the stallion to blush profusely. She pulled away from him, her gaze shifting up and down his form as she did so.

“Sora! Are you okay?! Are you hurt anywhere?”

With the shy mare fussing over him as if she were a mother hen, Sora couldn't help but want to get slightly embarrassed. If it was anyone else, the stallion would have had something snarky to say back, but with Fluttershy, he couldn’t help but feel his cheeks redden at the thought of embarrassing himself in front of her. Which was rather unlike him.

“I’m fine Shy. Really.” Sora assured the mare. “I promise, I can take a punch or two.”

“I know.” the shy mare said never once looking away from him. “I just...I mean if I could…”

“Dude, that was unreal!”

Sora and Fluttershy turned to find the colts from before making their way towards them, the oldest one still allowing the younger to ride upon his back. Seeing him clearly now, Sora took note of the dull teal green fur of the older boy, the blond mane he was sporting tied into a long and neat ponytail. He seemed so much more bouncier than the younger gray colt, who would only look on with something akin to indifference.

The young hero smiled as he turned to face the two. “I’m glad that you guys are alright. You guys sure are lucky we made it here when we did.”

“You’re telling me, the way you dealt with those shadow things and that monster really was cool.” teal green said as he adjusted his collar. “Oh! But where are my manors?” Smooth as a feather, the colt would make his way towards the butter yellow pegasus, grasping her hoof into his own as he bowed gently, kissing the tip. “The name’s Zidane. Budding magician and wooer of fair mares, such as yourself.”

Fluttershy couldn’t stop the blush on her cheeks at such bold actions and words from the young colt. “O-Oh...Ah...My name is...Fluttershy. It’s nice to meet you...I-I guess.” She squeaked softly before pulling her hoof gently away.

“Oh my...a lovely name for a lovely princess such as yourself.” Zidane would muse. “To bask in your company, I do count myself one lucky colt.”

Before the teal colt could say anything else, Sora would push himself in front of him, a gentle frown upon his face. “Yeah...okay. How about we get back to the others. Don’t want to keep them waiting after all.”

Not missing a beat one bit, the colt would slip past Sora, his hoof locking on to Fluttershy’s own. “Then allow me to guide the way back. I would love to get to know a pretty mare such as herself along the way if you would accompany me.”

“Oh...I mean...I guess It’s alright…” Fluttershy would stutter as she allowed herself to be escorted by the younger colt. The gray little unicorn would roll their eyes before following after the two, his horn giving off a soft glow as it lit the way within the darkness.

As they left, Sora couldn’t help but feel the fur on the back of his neck bristle ever so slightly, the sight of the colt leading Fluttershy away filling him with a sensation he had never really felt before. At least...He doesn't think he had felt this way before.

“Woah…” Rainbow whistled as she looked between Sora and the and the leaving pair. “Never seen that look on you before, hero.”

Shaking out of his stupor, the colt would look towards the rainbow maned mare, frowning ever so slightly. “Huh? W-what are you talking about, Dash? Gah, Stop wasting time. We gotta get going. We have a town to save, remember?” He told the mare, his tone more than slightly irritated.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow as he left before tilting her head ever so slightly. “Huh…”

Author's Note

Music soon. Wanna make sure i find the best i can

Unlikely

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Unlikely

Within the bubble of darkness

Just outside the forest near Trottingham

“Where shall we begin?”

Lightning walked around the table that her team had set up within her own personal tent. Though it wasn’t the first time she had been in captain mode, it was still an imposing sight to see, even with the fact that she was just a normal pegasus mare. Or maybe that made it worse, not too many guards under her command would say it to her face regardless.

Rainbow, Sora, and Dreamdrop of all ponies stood off the side as Lightning interrogated the show mare, allowing the guard captain to do what she needed to do.

“Trixie will do her best to answer any questions she can. Trixie is just happy that she is finally safe and away from those weird ponies.” The show mare told the captain.

“Then let's start with what you can tell me about how you came to be chased by those things. Do you know what's happening in the city?” Lightning asked, the mare taking a seat opposite of the blue unicorn with the purple fancy cape.

“Trixie, honestly doesn't know a thing.” the show mare told her after taking a swig of the bottle of water she had been given before the interrogation. “Trixie only ever saw those dark ponies and that was only when Trixie had reached town. Trixie had had never encountered anything like them in the forest, in fact she had not seen a thing by the time she had entered the city proper, but as soon as Trixie and the other two got into the forest after evading many dark ponies, that giant...monster attacked us.” She placed a hoof over her heart as she leaned back into her own chair. “Trixie and the colts only got away by the skin of our teeth.”

Lightning leaned back in the chair she sat within, folding her forehooves across her chest. “I see…” She turned towards the Keyblade Wielder, “Sora you have anything to add?”

The stallion perked up at the sound of his name, his gaze shifting from the open flap of the tent they were under and towards the pegasus captain, the daze he was in lifting as he did so. “Huh? What did ya say Lightning?” He asked with an embarrassed smile, a forehoof lifting to rub the back of his head, acting as if he was a naughty child getting caught.

“I asked if you had anything to add to the conversation Keyblade Wielder.” Lightning repeated, her tone a little more curt than before.

“O-oh...ah…Well...I guess there are a lot of weird things about her story, the Heartless in particular I mean, but it kinda lines up with what happened back at Ponyville.” Sora began as he folded his forehooves across his chest. “The Heartless I’m used to fighting would wait in the dark so they can get the jump on someone, So for there to be none in the forest is weird, at least for me. Though...I might have some kind of Theory for it.”

“Huh? You have a theory?” Rainbow Dash teased. “Now this I gotta hear.”

Sora gave the mare an annoyed look before continuing. “First...I gotta explain the difference between a pureblood Heartless and the other heartless.”

“Is there a difference between them?” Dream Drop asked, the guards-mare raising an eyebrow. “They all look like monsters to me.”

“Yeah. There is.” The Keyblade Wielder answered. “From what I remember from the notes a friend of mine took, There are two kinds of Heartless. Ones with the red emblem and those without it. All those shadow ponies we fought before, I’m pretty sure they are pure blood ones, cause they don't have them. But the one we fought in the forest here, that metal dragon, had one one of those emblems on top of its head. It’s the same with that Flower Heartless I fought back in Ponyville.”

“Whats the difference between them, Sora?” Lightning asked, though a frown appearing on her features showed that she wasn't going to like the answer, whatever it was.

Sora nodded before continuing. “From what I remember, heartless with the emblems on their body, they are man made.” He blinked at the looks he was given before adding, “That means that someone is making them instead of them being from the world of Darkness...at least that's what I remember from the notes.”

Lightning frowned as she slowly sat stiffer within the confines of her chair. “If what you say is the truth then that means. Somepony is actively making themselves more Heartless.”

“That's...that's not good, is it?” Rainbow asked.

“More than not good.” Sora reaffirmed. “The ones who know how to do any of this...the only ones who know such a thing only exist back where I can from.” He told them as his frown grew. “And that, in itself, can only mean one of two things. That someone from my world is here making them come here, or…”

“Or that someone from your world gave somepony the knowledge to make them appear.” Lightning finished for him, her hooves digging into the wooden table in front of her.

“Trixie...is confused.” The show mare would soon speak up as she looked between every pony. “Your mouths keep moving but Trixie can't hear anything.”

Sora blinked before he looked towards Lightning with a raised eyebrow.

“My guards placed a silencing spell on her.” The captain assured him. “Nothing permanent mind you but a necessary precaution. We are talking about sensitive information after all.”

Sora couldn’t help but look at her in embarrassment, forgetting that he was supposed to keep such information quiet, at least to pony’s outside of his core group of friends.

“In any case that's not even the biggest problem.” The Keyblade Wielder started again.

“There's more?” Rainbow complained as she leaned back in her chair.

Sora nodded grimly. “While the Heartless usually take orders from others, they have a bad habit of turning against you if your heart wavers even just a second. The pure blood one's more than any other. I’m just throwing it out there, but the fact that more Heartless are appearing in the forest when Trixie said she didn’t see any until she came into the city means…”

“That somepony is either losing or already lost their grip on the Heartless.” Lightning finished, her frown deepening.

“In any case we need to come up with a plan of action before heading back into that forest. There could be more of those giant Heartless around and I will not allow my team to blindly get themselves killed.”

“What? Trixie still can’t hear any of you!”

“Then let me go on my own.” Sora suggested. “It’s my job to destroy these Heartless after all.”

“No way are you going out there to have all the fun without me, Hero.” The rainbow maned mare spoke up with a smirk, wrapping a hoof around the stallion’s shoulder as she did so. “I got your back one hundred percent, those heartless don’t stand a chance when it's the two of us.”

“Denied.” Was Lightning's sudden answer, cutting through the pair’s comradery without hesitation. “Out of the question. For both of you.”

“What?! Why?!” both the Keyblade Wielder and the rainbow maned mare said at the same time, looking towards the captain in surprise.

“Hello! Equestia to Trixie! Do you read Trixie?!”

“Going into unknown territory is bad news no matter how you slice it. I’m not taking the chance of separating us.”

“I've jumped into the unknown plenty of times.” Sora complained as he frowned at the mare. “I’m always going in blind when traveling between worlds after all.”

“Well now you are under my command, even if it is just loosely. And after seeing the Heartless in action first hoof, I will not allow anymore surprises to escape my notice. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

“Trixie still has to talk about the others in the forest! Can you not hear Trixie, you silly ponies?!”

Everyone looked at the blue mare.

“Oh! Trixie voice reaches you now. Good. Trixie was getting a little worried that all of you had gone deaf at the same time.”

Lightning raised a hoof, which caused the twin unicorns behind the show mare to activate their horns, the space around the Showmare’s ears stopping their subtle glow. Now free from the silencing magic, Lightning would turn towards the mare, giving her her full attention. “Tell me about those ponies mare. Now.”

“OH! Yes of course.” Trixie squeaked, nodding rapidly. “Trixie and the colts were on our way to a group of ponies that were not in the city. Actually they are part of Trixie’s old magical troupe group. They usually live outside the city so...I would guess they were not caught up in everything that happened.”

“I see...how far away are those ponies? It would be good to get to them before the Heartless do.”

The show mare shrunk in her chair at the hard gaze of the pegasus captain. “Admittedly...Trixie does not know. She was following the colts since they actually live with the troupe. They are part of the same group after all.”

“Then we get the colts to lead us to them. Leaving those ponies on their own would be a mistake.”

“What about the ponies in the city?” Rainbow called out as she sat up from her chair. “We can’t just ya know...leave them. They need help too, especially after what Sora said about whoever is controlling them losing said control!”

“As of right now we don’t know the situation of the ponies in the city. We do however know of ponies outside the city who need help more since more dangerous Heartless are out in the forest.”

Sora shook his head. “The longer we wait, the less time we have before said pony looses full control and the city becomes just like…” Sora growled softly before shaking his head. “Like I said before, sending me in there is the fastest way to defeat these heartless, I can do it no problem!”

“You mean we can do it!” the cyan mare added. “You’re not leaving me out of this one Sora. Besides, the others wouldn’t forgive me if I allowed you to get hurt like last time!”

Lightning slammed her hooves upon the table, causing everyone present to jump. “I make the calls here! Not you!” Pulling away from the table, her voice became much more somber. “I want to save them, I do, but the ponies in the forest are the bigger subject of attention. They may provide more information that we may need about what is going on within Trottingham and every bit of new information is good information.

Sora’s ears folded back against his head. “But-”

The captain frowned. “This isn’t up for debate. What I say goes here. End of discussion.”

Getting up from the table Lightning would leave the tent, her two guards following right behind her as she did so.

“Geeze...I know that she's Fluttershy’s cousin and she's awesome and all that...but she just shot down our idea like it wasn’t even worth considering.” Rainbow huffed. “Who does she think she is?”

Sora could only sigh softly at that, whole heartedly agreeing with the mare. “Working with so many others is way harder than I thought it would be. Not even master Yin Sid got on my case this much.” Sora’s gaze would fall back to the opening of the tent, a frown forming on his face once again. “I...well…”

“Hero? Something up?”

“Huh!? No! I mean...I’m fine. I just...ah...gotta go.” Sora quickly exits tent, leaving the rainbow maned mare to look on with a tilt of her head.

"Okay...somethings up..." Rainbow said under her breath before following after him.

“Wait! Don’t leave Trixie alone!”

~

Upon exiting the tent, Sora, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie were greeted by the everlasting darkness of the night sky that the giant dome made. It was made a little more bearable due to the fact that Celestia’s guard had set up more than a few magical light sources around the camp and the opening leading to the outside. Sora was actually quite impressed with how fast and efficient they were with everything.

“I see...so you need my help with finding my troupe? Sounds simple enough. And if we can save them then all the more power to it, right”

The sound of Zidian’s voice caused Sora to turn towards its source, the young colt standing in front of Lightning with a wide grin upon his face. Despite his age, Sora couldn't help but note just how confident and in control he sounded. It honestly reminded him of Riku. He always knew the right things to say and how to say it. Something that honestly both helped and irked Sora in equal measures.

He could barely count how many times that his best friend would get him both into trouble and out of trouble in equal measures. Honestly, despite that, Sora could easily find himself befriending the teenage colt.

And yet…

He knows he shouldn’t hold it against the colt...he knows that deep in his heart...

Why is it that every time I see him near her...

“Sora?”

Said stallion jumped ever so slightly at the sound of his own name. Turning towards the source, he would find a familiar butter yellow pegasus staring at him with a gentle tilt of her head. Pulling himself together, the stallion would give the mare as gentle of a smile as he could, “Ah...Sorry Fluttershy. Was...was there something you needed.”

The shy mare bit her bottom lip gently before moving ever so closer to the stallion. “I was just...worried about you. You had a...umm...You looked kinda...serious…”

Sora Mentally slapped himself as his cheeks turned a deep shade of red out of pure embarrassment. Geeze! What kind of face was I making that even Fluttershy thought there was something wrong!?

Looking away from the mare, the Keyblade Wielder scratched his cheek, doing his best to think of a way to change the subject. “Ah...Sorry. I was just...thinking about some small stuff. It was nothing too major so you don’t have to worry about me.”

Fluttershy’s worried gaze turned into that of an adorable pout as her head shifted to the side. “If it's you...I don’t mind worrying about it…”

Sora tilted his head. “Huh? What was that?”

“I-It was nothing!” Fluttershy squeaked, her cheeks mirroring Sora’s own from before. Pulling the hood up over her face, the mare would continue. “A-anyway. I think Lighting said something about...leaving soon...and...Ah...I was…I mean I was thinking that...maybe...you would...”

“Fluttershy my dear!”

The shy mare squeaked before turning towards “Oh! H-Hello Zidane.” She turned to face the older colt fully. “D...Do you need something from me?”

He seemed to be his every boisterous self as he made his way to the yellow mare, bowing deeply before speaking “It seems like we might be heading off soon. My friends back at the camp are waiting for me after all.”

“Oh...I’m...um...I see.” Fluttershy answered before looking away from him. “You...um...must be happy about that?”

“Oh I am. Making sure that every one of my friends are safe and sound is just one of my driving forces. The other is more of a selfish one.” the teenage colt smiled and winked at the mare. “I was thinking, since you are sure to be coming with us and all I was hoping that you would share the road alongside me.”

“Oh...I mean...I...That is to say...” Fluttershy would trail off as she looked away for Zidane, her gaze searching for the other stallion that she had just been talking to only to find that he was nowhere to be seen.

“Fluttershy?”

Bright back to the situation at hand, the shy mare would look back into the eager eyes of the wide eyed colt before giving a gentle nod of her head “I...guess…”

“Ah! Then allow me to get prepared. One of the guards took my weapon and I feel safer with it than without when we leave.”

The shy mare could only nod at the colt before turning to where Sora had been just moments before, her ears folding back against her head.

~

Sora’s hooves took him ever deeper into the darkness of the forest. His gaze was that of both confliction and annoyance, not knowing which one overpowered the other, but knew that he had to leave, lest he said something he would have regretted. Rather that was for himself or someone else he did not know.

“Sora! Dude! wait!” The sound of Rainbow’s voice calling after him did little to slow the stallion down, though his ears would perk up at the sound of her all the same. His pace would still be an even one all the same, not at all stopping.

That was until the sight of a cyan blue pegasus’s angry features suddenly came into his view, an act that caused the stallion to fall onto his rump to stop from colliding into her full stop.

“Dude! I told you to Stop!” The rainbow maned pony huffed angrily, “Where the hey do you think you’re going?”

Sighing deeply, Sora knew that there was no way he get out of talking to the mare. “I’m going to the city.” Wasn’t a lie, but... “You heard them. I know those ponies in the forest could be in trouble too, but I just can’t leave all those within the city to get turned into heartless and I could have done something to stop it.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow as she spoke. “So what? You’re just gonna disobey Lightning’s orders? Just like that?”

The keyblade wielder frowned as he cocked his head to the side, looking at the mare with one eye. “What? You gonna stop me?”

The cyan mare’s frown turned into that of a devious smirk. “What? And leave you to get in over your head in trouble? I made you a promise didn’t I?” She punched his foreleg, not too lightly but still with modest affection. “I told you that if you were going into that city then I got your back, no matter what.”

Sora shook his head, “What about Rarity and Fluttershy? Aren't you worried about them?”

She smirked. “Aren't you?”

Sora frowned and looked away.

Rainbow smirked in triumph.

“Rarity can take care of herself and Shy is way stronger than she looks.” The cyan mare told him after a while, waving a hoof. “If anything I would be the one in trouble if they knew you went off somewhere by yourself and I didn’t at least try and stop you.”

Sora rolled his eyes. “Come on. It’s not like you girls have to save my butt every time you turn around?”

“History would say otherwise, Hero.”

The Keyblade Wielder sighed, knowing where this was going. “You could get hurt.”

“And so can you.”

“I might not be able to protect you all the time.”

“Then I'll just pick up the slack for both of us.”

“There could be dangerous Heartless that I’ve never fought before in there.

“Are you trying to deter me or sell me on an adventure of a lifetime?”

Sora shook his head. Seems like girls are stubborn, no matter the species. “Fine. You win.”

Rainbow pumped her hoof. “Just the words I love to always hear.”

The stallion couldn’t help but smile. If he was being honest with himself, having her here would distract him from Fluttershy and more importantly, that colt. Just even thinking about him trying to sweet talk the shy mare, he didn’t like the way it was making him feel.

Shaking his head of the thoughts of the two, he would turn to Rainbow Dash, a determined frown upon his face. “Right. Let's go! We gotta town to save.”

“Not without Trixie you are not!”

The two ponies turned around to see a vary familiar blue pony slip from the brushes, the show mare struggling as she pulled her cape from from a snagging branch. Once free of the offending bush, the mare tipped her hat, giving both ponies a smug smirk.

“What are you doing here?!” The rainbow mare asked, her tone of voice like that of a venomous snake.

The show mare raised an eyebrow. “What? Are you hard of hearing? Did Trixie not just say she is going with you?”

“No way!” Rainbow growled. “We don’t need some showoff braggart slowing me and the hero down.”

“Says the biggest showoff of them all.” Trixie huffed in a haughty tone of her own.

“Least I can back up what I throw down.”

“It's called hyping the crowd. Something Trixie is sure you know nothing about.” The show mare explained as she growled back at Rainbow. "Trixie does play in front of an adoring crowd and not just some friends back in their hick hometown.”

“Hey! I performed in front of the Wonderbolts before!”

“And Trixie has performed in front of the whole of Manehattan in Pony Square.” The unicorn mare smirked. “Trixie can do this all day.”

“Sorry to cut this short but we don’t have all day.” Sora interjected before Rainbow could start with the mare again. “We don't have time to argue. Ponies need our help after all.”

The rainbow maned mare blushed at being caught up in the moment, quickly turning around and away from Trixie. “Yeah! So why don’t you just go on back to the camp and leave saving ponies to those more qualified.”

Trixie smirked. “And do you even know where you are going?”

Rainbow paused which in turn caused Trixie to continue her taunt.

“Because Trixie knows a passage. One that just might make your journey all the more easier.”

Rainbow turned to look back at the show mare before looking off towards Sora who was offering her an apologetic smile.

“Ugh…of course it wasn't going to be easy for me...”

Sora shook his head before turning to Trixie. "Right...Trixie was it? Think you could show us the way?"

The show mare gasped. "Why! Trixie would be delighted to offer her talents to the cause. Now if you two would be so kind as to follow me." Now leading the way, Trixie would give the cyan mare a smug smile of triumph as she passed her. Sora would, in turn give his friend a shrug of his shoulders as he passed. Rainbow rolled her eyes before taking her place behind the two. Despite the set back of having a mare she hated with a passion working beside her, her initial plan was still on the way.

Sora was acting strange and she was going to get to the bottom of it. No matter what.

The Calm Before the Mission

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

The Calm Before the Mission

Ponyville Train Station

“So Ah think Flutters sweet on Sora.”

Twilight stopped all magical functions and more then likely some non-magical one’s at Applejack’s sudden admittance. The lavender mare, ever so slowly, turned to her farmer friend, who had decided to join her in waiting for her train to Canterlot. The studious mare’s mouth worked wordlessly as her mind tried to comprehend what she had just been told.

“It’s hard ta say about Sora tho.” The farm mare continued, not at all worried about Twilight’s mental faculties. “With everything going on, ah guess ah can see why he’s not thinking too much about stuff like that and what not, but Ah’m never one to say never when it comes to matters of the heart, and Sora has plenty of heart if Ah do say so myself.”

Twilight blinked long and hard before forcing her mouth to produce words once again. “I…what…How do you…I mean…” She shook her head before giving the mare a comically questioning gaze. “Why are you telling me this all of a sudden?”

Applejack looked back at her friend with a smug of a smile. “Cause it looked like something was bugging ya and ah figured something to take your mind off of whatever it is might just be the cure for it is all.”

Twilight’s ears folded back against her head before giving the farm mare an apologetic smile. “Oh…Ahah…I guess you could say that.” She sighed softly before towards where her train would be coming from. “I know I said I have a theory or two and that, but the fact that we are splitting up like this.” The mare shook her head slowly. “I don’t know if it's a good thing or not.”

“Hey now Twi. Me and Pinkie Pie, we’ll be right as rain.” The farm mare assures her. “Sides, No pony is gonna mess with me with these bad girls right here.” she motioned towards her hind legs, emphasizing the point. “And with Pinkie Pie? No pony is gonna mess with a mare like that, not that any pony rightly can. She’s a whirlwind in her own right. Not ta mention Celestia’s very own guards being here to pick up the slack, what with our resident hero away saving the world. We ain’t got nothing to worry about in Ponyville and neither should you.” She smirked. “All ya need ta worry about is figuring out a way to stop those heartless fer good.”

“Right…Of course.” Twilight smiled. “Thanks Applejack. I needed that.”

“Anytime Sugarcube. Me and the girls. We always got your back.”

“Hehe…I know you do.” Twilight gave the mare a sideways hug. “The best friends I've ever had.” Releasing the hug, Twilight gave the mare a mook look of anger. “Still…Didn’t know you were such a Jokester. What with that Fluttershy and Sora thing. Still, I don’t think it's very nice to talk about your friends that way, even if it was to make me laugh.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow at the mare. “Who said ah was joking?”

It took only a few moments for the farm mare’s words to sink in before Twilight’s eyes nearly bugged out of their head at that sudden admission, her mind once again working a mile a second. “Wait! What?! Really?! Fluttershy…she…And isn’t Sora…What?!”

“Is it all that surprising, Twi?” Applejack muse with a gentle chuckle, patting the poor lavender mare on the back. “Ah’ve been looking at the way she brightens up whenever Sora enters the room. The way she always sticks close to him when they are together. Heck what really sealed it was the way she puffed up when that female guard friend of yours got all chummy with Sora way back at Canterlot. The look on her face was downright adorable.”

“Woah woah woah…hang on!” Twilight exclaimed, still reeling from the whole revelation that she had never caught on to this information before. “Fluttershy…got…jealous? Can she even get jealous? I didn’t think that was physically or mentally possible.”

“Was quite a surprise for me too, but a mare is a mare, no matter how shy our little yellow friend may be, and a mare wants what a mare wants. Ah reckon she must have made up her mind long ago that Sora was somepony special ta her. A pony just knows, I guess.”

“Still…Sora isn’t…I mean…He isn’t…A pony…” Twilight trailed off, biting her tongue ever so slightly as the words left her lips. She didn’t mean for it to sound so...

“Don’t worry, Twi. I know what ya mean.” Applejack reassured her, not at all judging the mare. “Even though he isn't a pony, he is a living, breathing, thinking being. In every sense of the word, he might as well be a pony like you and me.” Applejack shook her head. “Sides, Fluttershy is a grown mare. She can make her own decisions. Rather they are for good or ill will depend on both her and Sora.”

Twilight’s ears folded against the back of her head at that, looking towards her friend. “You…Don’t think Sora would hurt her feelings too badly if he rejected her…do you?”

Applejack shook her head. “When it comes to his friends, Ah do believe Sora would rather hurt himself than allow himself to hurt his friends. Still, this isn’t fighting against a giant foe or hundreds of Heartless he is dealing with. It's more of a battle of the heart, you can never know how someone will react when it comes to something like that. Still, we have to be there…for both of them, no matter the outcome, cause that's what friends are for.”

“Hehe…Wow A.J, that honestly sounds like a good letter to write to the princess.” the Lavender mare giggled softly. “Though. I never expected you to give me advice about love. Seemed like something more down Rarity’s alley.”

The farm mare rolled her eyes. “Ya can actually blame Rarity’s stupid romance novels, ta be honest. She let me borrow one of them and Ah’m ashamed ta say that despite how cheesy they are, they can be a good read now and then. Take all the stupidity out of them and they just might have some good lessons ta learn ah reckon.”

The sound of the train coming into the station silenced any and all other conversation that the two would have gotten into, the heat of the soft steam lapping at the shoes of both mare’s hooves.

“Looks like my ride's finally here.” Twilight said with a shake of her head. She turned to her farmer friend, smiling. “I'll be back, hopefully with the info that we need.”

“Like Ah said before, ah trust ya Twi and so do the others. If anypony can work miracles it's our resident book horse.” Applejack teased, playfully pushing the mare’s shoulder.

“Haha…Then I better not disappoint.” She wrapped a hoof around her friend in a sisterly hug. “Thanks for waiting with me again. Having somepony to talk to and take my mind off things really did help.”

“Any time Twi.” Applejack mused as she tilted her hat at her friend. “Ah’ll be sure to save a whole heaping helping of pie just for you and the others when ya get back. We can make it a whole party. Ah’m sure Pinkie would like that.”

“I’m sure she will.” Twilight, carrying her suitcase within her magic, made her way on board the train, the mare turning to look at her friend once more. “Make sure to check on Spike every now and again. I know he’s old enough to take care of himself, but he still is a baby dragon. Oh and make sure he closes up the Library in the evening. And make sure he doesn’t eat his weight in gems and ice-cream like last time. Oh! And don’t forge-”

The doors of the train closed just as the lavender mare was just getting started, the train pulling off as the purple mare’s cheeks puffed out in a brilliant shade of red.

The farm mare could only shake her head and chuckle softly before turning to make her way back to the farm. She had a whole reunion to plan for and less than a day to finish it, and as Pinkie Pie would more than likely tell her, ‘PARTIES WAIT FOR NO PONY!’

~

Within a certain little baking store, a familiar Pink Party Pony smiled widely, though she didn’t know the reason why. Not like it had ever stopped her before.

~

Twilight huffed softly as she allowed herself to settle down after her little spat with the train. Taking an empty seat, the lavender mare pulled out a book marked with a familiar crown. She opened its pages, once again starting at the beginning of Sora’s tale. If the mare had not seen Sora in action herself, she would honestly scoff at the idea of such things as other worlds and the lives upon them. The dangers of the Heartless and those as of yet to show up Nobodies. Not to mention all that stuff about diving into the sleeping hearts of worlds long lost to the Heartless.

If she had still been living in Canterlot she would have scoffed at such wild claims, telling the guards to toss the crazy colt into the madhouse.

Now though, with all the adventures she and her friends had under her reigns, and with every new thing that Sora himself seems to show off, how could she ever deny what was plain in front of her. Now here she was, going off a wing and a prayer that her answers could be found in the corridors of Canterlot’s library. More than likely one puzzle piece among thousands of others, but still…it would be one more than she ever had. And whatever it was might just lie in between the pages of a book as of yet unread.

She was just hoping that she could find it.

Still, despite that, she smiled as her gaze fell upon the words within Sora’s story. They spoke of worlds unlike her own, and things ponies could only dream of. One in a state of perpetual Nightmare Night, and another where creatures lived deep within the oceans of their world. There was even a world where he had to jump into a book to enter. She was really intrigued with that one. The thoughts of recreating a spell like it even came to her mind. And lets not forget about the inhabitants that he spoke to there, The plush little bear who wanted honey. Mama kangaroo doting over her son. Even the old rabbit planting his garden. They all seemed like really good…creatures.

She was sure that Fluttershy would be head of hooves in visiting such a place one day. I bet Rarity would have loved to visit that princess Sora met...Belle was her? Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie…What kind of worlds would they want to see. Twilight knew the world she wanted to visit was the one in the computer, It just seemed too much of an amazing experience to pass up. Though she hoped she didn't meet that master computer pony.

“That world too had a heart. Just like all the rest he had been to.” The lavender mare said softly, the reality of it all slowly hitting her, despite her calm mood. “Every world, no matter how big or how small, is special. And that means ours too, and it is being threatened by the darkness of those who control the Heartless…all for…The Heart of all worlds. Kingdom Hearts.”

The gentle lull of the wheels of the train running along the tracks pulled the mare into a gentle respite. If she was going to help Sora save Equestria from this unknown darkness, then she had best get to rest while she could.

Something in the deepest parts of her mind told her that the story had just begun. And that she was going to need all the rest that she could get.

Connected

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Connected

Green to start music and red to stop music

Woods near Trottingham
Near the Opening of the Black Dome

“What do you mean they are gone, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy epped as she was confronted by the captain of the guard, also known as her very very angry cousin Lightning. The shy mare shivered under an intense gaze that her cousin, something that both she and her other cousin, Serah had been on the end of.

“W-Well…The thing is…” She began after swallowing the lump in her throat. “Sora and the others…Rainbow and that blue show mare…Trixie…They hadn’t followed me and Zidane…so I went back for them…but…all I saw was this note in the dirt. I know Rainbow’s hoof writing so I knew right away it was her. She is kinda sloppy but I can read it. It said…that she was going after Sora.”

Lightning released a deep sigh, rubbing a hoof down her face. “And the reason you only decided to tell me now, after a full thirty minutes mind you, was because?” She left the question hanging in the air, pretty much demanding that Fluttershy better give a pretty dang good reason for such a major slip up.

The shy mare looked away from her cousin, a blush of embarrassment hitting her cheeks as she tried to make herself as small as possible under the intense gaze of the older mare. “I…It was because…I mean…I thought that would have been back by now. Rainbow did say she was going to get him and…I thought that…I thought that she would…” The shy mare trailed off, looking down at the dirt between her hooves. “I’m sorry…if I had known that they would run off then…”

The guard captain held up a hoof to silence the shy mare, her free hoof rubbing at her temple as if to strive off an oncoming headache. “No…Don’t. It’s not your fault, Fluttershy. The Princess warned me how “passionate” the Keyblade Wielder is to his ideals…and Rainbow Dash, despite being the element of loyalty, is still a hot headed little filly. Leaving the two of them together was bound to cause problems. It was my lack of judgment that we are in this situation now. Now he’s out there galavanting around, playing the hero.”

Despite Lightning seemingly taking the full blame as to what happened, there was something about the way she said it that rubbed the butter yellow mare the wrong way. It didn’t matter if Lightning was right…or…if she was family…she couldn’t let what she said slide…could she?

Her mouth worked wordlessly for only a moment before the words began spilling out. “I know you are angry but…uh…maybe…We should trust Sora and Rainbow Dash.” She knew she had the mare’s attention as soon as the words left her mouth, though she continued, despite the raised eyebrow questioning gaze the mare had given her. “Sora is…He’s traveled worlds and took on many bad guys before even meeting us. And Rainbow Dash…she’s a bit brash, but she wouldn’t do something if it meant putting others lives in danger. I think…I think the two of them are just doing what think is right…not to hurt anypopny.”

Lightning clicked her teeth. “It’s not about them doing what is right, Fluttershy. It’s about following orders. Just throwing yourself into the unknown, no matter how many times you do it and coming out unscathed, is just asking for trouble. And the enemy is willing to trap, cripple and kill to get what they want.” Her gaze fell on the shy yellow mare. “Not only that, but they involved a civilian in their crazy plans. How can you expect me to just allow this to slide without repercussions? Reckless actions like theirs must be stopped before they get someone hurt. I’m sure you know all about that with your recent endeavors.”

Fluttershy lowered her ears even further as she cast her gaze back down to the dirt road below, recalling the time back at the Crystal Empire all too clearly. It really was luck that no one died in the end. She couldn’t count the times she was just a hair’s breadth from meeting her own demise…And yet…

“I…I believe in Sora…”The shy mare said softly, looking back up at the mare from behind the pink curtain of her mane. “He won’t let himself lose…And…And even if he does fall down. Me and the others will be there to pick him up. So…please…can you please trust in the pony that trusts in him?”

Lightning would cast her gaze back down at the unusually determined mare as she fished speaking, her eyes widening only slightly before releasing a heavy sigh as she looked away from the mare. Her expression was one of both annoyance and resignation. “Geeze…not you too…You’re just as bad as my sister…” She whispered softly to herself. Before Fluttershy could even ask what she meant by that the guard captain turned from her, making her way back to those under her command.

“I’ll send some ponies after them,” The captain raised a hoof to stop any complaints that the mare would have had before continuing. “After, we secure the encampment Zidane is leading us to. While I do not like it, having somepony check on things back at the city would be a good thing. Maybe he will even surprise me and come back with intel instead of going in hooves first into danger. But I am not holding my breath on that.” Her gaze fell back to the mare as she turned her head. “To be sure though, I will give all three of them a very…very…long discussion on a great many things. Of that you can be sure of, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy’s ears perked at Lightning's words as she watched her cousin leave, not quite knowing how to take everything she said fully, but she was happy nonetheless that Lightning was willing to give Sora…and Rainbow Dash a chance on whatever it was that they were doing …but…

“What are you doing Sora?” She whispered softly to herself. Why had he left in the first place? Why didn’t he tell her and Rarity?

Sure, she didn’t know what she and Rarity could do if they had gone along with them. They weren’t fighters…well…Rarity seems to know a thing or two when it came to hoof work and spells but they would always stand on the sidelines while Applejack and Rainbow Dash did the heavy lifting. Heck, even Twilight and Pinkie Pie could hold their own if they needed to.

Still, even if that was the reason, it didn’t make her feel any better about it.

“A bit for your thoughts princess?”

The shy mare epped at the sudden voice of the young colt, Zidan, right behind her. Turning to face the young performer, she would shake her head slowly. “I’m…I mean…Just…Worried…”

The colt tilted his head before giving the mare a mischievous look. “Let me guess. Is it about a certain young stallion? Spiky brown hair? Goofy looking face. Has that giant key as a weapon?”

Fluttershy’s gaze would snap towards the young stallion as he spoke, the sight of the teasing grin on his face making her cheeks turn a shade a hot pink. “I…I mean…I don’t…what I mean to say…” She stuttered wildly, trying her best to think of something to say.

“Haha…on the mark as usual. Am I good or am I good? Mark another one up for Z.” The colt would dramatically place a hoof on top of his head, almost as if he was to faint. “Still, it pains my heart to forgo a mare as strikingly beautiful as you, but alas, I shall not stand in the way when her heart belongs to that of another. Though it pains me to have to give up a mare as strikingly beautiful as you my dear.”

“Weren’t you just hitting on that white pony in red?” The voice of Zidian’s sibling would speak up from his perch on top of a nearby rock.

“Uphuphuph! No need to bring up things unnecessarily, Little Brother.” Zidian scolded between clenched teeth, adding a bit of a stinging emphasis on the brother part. Turning back to the butter yellow mare he would give her a wide smile. “In any case, I have to say, spiky is one lucky pony. If I was him I would never leave your side for a second. And yet…you are here…alone.”

The shy mare shook her head. “Oh…I mean…It’s not like…I mean…I do care about him...” She stuttered, trying her hardest to refute his claims, but knowing full well that she was, indeed, in love with Sora. “He has other things to worry about other than my feelings for him so…I don’t want to stand in his way…”

The teal colt tilted his head. “Oh? You two aren't an item yet then?” He asked, his tone actually curious. “Why not? I mean any pony with a brian can see you had fallen for the stallion.”

“It's…Complicated…” Was all that Fluttershy could say after a moment of silence, knowing quite well that the young teen was much quicker on the uptake then even she was.

“Geeze…that's what all grownups say when they don’t know anything.” Zidiant complained as he rolled his eyes. “If you want a piece of advice from somepony who knows about love, don’t overthink it. Do what needs to be done. That's all there is to it.”

He gave the mare a bow. “Usually I charge for my lessons, but for a pretty face, that little advice was free of charge. Do take it to heart my pink haired princess.” he turned and cantered away from the mare, already making his way towards the next female that fell upon his gaze.

Fluttershy shook her head softly as her gaze followed after the young stallion. “He…reminds me of my little brother, A bit of a flirt…but…Maybe he is right? I know I said I wanted to wait…but…” Her gaze shifted towards where she had last seen Sora, a hoof gently raising to clutch at her chest. “Please…be careful Sora…I have…So much I want to tell you…” She turned, making her way to follow after the rest of the group with a new Vigor in her step.

~

Out in the wood near Trottingham

“A-Ahchoo!”

“Woah! You okay dude? Not gonna catch a cold are you?”

Sora looked towards Rainbow, the mare looking at him with concern as the two ponies sat across from each other by the crackling fire. He gave the mare a smile as he scratched his cheek. “No. I’m okay. Just a bit of dust I think.”

“Or maybe you are on somepony’s mind.” Trixie mused after taking a drink from her cantine. “Legend has it when you sneeze for no reason, somepony you care about is talking about you.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Pffft. That sounds made up. Like most of what you say.”

“Trixie isn’t lying. Her mother always told her that when she was a filly. And Trixie’s mother isn’t a liar!” The blue unicorn retorted, staring the pegasus down with squinted eyes. Her mood would change after a while, the mare looking down at the ground below her.

“Ha! Do you listen to everything your mom says?”

“As any good daughter should. Probably something a brash mare like you can’t comprehend!”

“Wanna say that within my hoof range!?”

“Please! Trixie put you in your place once, she can do it again.”

Sora couldn't stop the slight chuckle that escaped from him. “Hehe…the way you two fight. Almost seems like you two are best friends.”

Both blue mare’s threw their gazes at the stallion. “Me?! Friends with her?! As if/Please!!” The two blue mares would turn to each other, noticing that they had been talking at the same time. With a huff from both of them, they would turn in their makeshift seats, folding their arms about their chest.

Sora smiled awkwardly as he looked between the two angry mares. The two of them had been at each other’s throats pretty much the whole time they had been on the road. He didn’t quite know the just of what happened, but they seemed to have some kind of history with each other. At least, as far as he knew. Neither side would give him a straight answer on the subject.

Turning his attention back on the fire, the stallion would gaze into the flames as the wood cracked and burned, his mind once again his own as his two cohorts started up on yet another argument.

The three of them had been walking for quite a while before deciding to take a rest. Mostly at Trixie’s insistence. Sora, much to Rainbow’s displeasure, decided that it was a good Idea. Trixie had been running non-stop before meeting up with Lightning’s encampment. He could tell that she was getting tired and more sluggish the longer they trekked through the woods.

With the fire built, part in thanks for Trixie and her magic, the three ponies would sit and rest for the time being, Sora knowing that once he gets to Trottingham, there was work to be done. The stallion leaned back, letting himself rest upon the soft grass below him, his gaze shifting to that of the canopy of leaves above him that would have blocked the night sky. The dome of darkness that entrapped them all was the only thing ruining any semblance of normality.

Huh…

Sora lifted his hoof into the air, looking at it with a frown.

Being in this pony body is starting to feel more and more…natural? Is it the spell…or…is it me? He frowned, not knowing how to feel about it in either case. It was weird…way weirder then when I was a lion in the pridelands or a merman in the sea. At the same time though, it almost felt…good to be a pony, he thought to himself. Walking on four limbs was fun. Running even better. He loved the color of his fur and, even if he hates to admit it, he looked down right adorable as a pony.

In a masculine way…Besides…every pony I met looked adorable. Especially Fluttershy…

Sora blushed at the sudden thought of the butter yellow pegasus.

Why did I think of Fluttershy all of a sudden? Well…it's not untrue. She is adorable. And nice…and cute…and her fur…!? NO WAIT! BAD BRAIN! She’s your friend. And you are just saying because she's a nice pony! He justified to himself.

Sora frowned deeply, not quite knowing what to say.

Fluttershy is adorable, just like all the ponies. So what if she pressed herself against me like that back in Ponyville…or that…we talked to each other nearly all night last night. It didn’t mean anything. I did the same with Kairi and that didn’t mean anything either. She was a good friend…that's what friends do…right?

“Earth to Sora? You there dude?”

“Huh! What?” The stallion sat up, looking between the two mares as they both stared at him. “Huh…Ah…were you talking to me?”

“Well yeah…been calling you for a while.” Rainbow told him. “I mean I know you don’t have much of a brain but your ears should be working just fine, right.” She smirked at the stallion, cuing him in that she was giving him a good ribbing.

“Haha…Yeah Yeah, I get ya Dash.” He mocked praised her before sighing. “No…I’m fine. I guess I was just too deep in my thoughts. Thinking, ya know?”

“ANd what is it that you were thinking about?” Trixie would pipe up, causing Sora to flinch.

“I…I mean…nothing much…” Sora told them, rubbing the back of his head. “Just…stuff and things.”

“Doesn’t seem like nothing if you were ignoring two mares calling out to you.” Trixie surmised. “In fact Trixie thinks that you weren't thinking of nothing and were thinking of something you don’t want to tell Trixie.” She popped up for her position, making her way towards the stallion. “Trixie ever so loves good gossip! Spill!”

“Like I said Trixie. It's nothing. Just…ah…” He told her as he tried to back away from the mare nearing him. “I was just…Thinking about what I’m gonna do when we get to Trottingham, yeah? I do need to find the one that's responsible for all of this, ya know.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow at his words but Trixie would interject before the cyan mare could question him, the mare flopping onto the ground. “Gah…Trixie is tired of this whole mess. First my hometown gets taken over by some crazy pony. Then she gets chased through the woods by shadow ponies. Trixie just wants to be done with this so she can take a nice long bath. ”

Getting up onto his hooves, the stallion would look between his two companions. “Then we better get going right?! We have a town to save and a badguy to defeat.”

Both mares would nod at his words, though as Sora and Trixe began to take care of the fire, Rainbow would allow her gaze to linger on the stallion a little longer. Even though they had not been together long, Sora’s tells when he was lying was always obvious.

“Just…what is with you hero?” I’ll get to the bottom of it yet. For Fluttershy’s sake.”

~

Canterlot
Castle of the Alicorns

It was late in the afternoon when Twilight made it to the doors of Canterlot Castle, the young mare, almost as if by memory, slipping through the doors and making her way down the familiar halls she had once called home. She knew it wasn’t that long ago when she was within these very walls, but it always felt nostalgic for her.

How long has it been since I just…visited to see the princess? I should…come more often. If for nothing else but for a chat…Speaking of…I better go find the princess right away. She would properly worry if she finds out I’m here and didn’t tell her why.

Nodding to herself, the mare would veer off down a nearby hall, making her way to where she believed the princess would be. It wouldn’t be long before she found Celestia’s study, the door only slightly ajar. Taking a breath, the mare would compose herself before gently pushing the door open, after knocking of course.

“Princess? Hello? Are you here” She would gently call out, her head peeking from around the door.

Just as she thought, the princess was within her study. What she did not expect, however, was the sight of her teacher, head in her hooves, eyes closed, and snoring softly under the afternoon beams of her very sun shining upon her. Her normally wavy mane hung limply from her head as she slept.

There were only a few times the little purple pony would have seen Celesita in such a position, and each time it would surprise her more and more. Twilight always seemed to forget that Celesita was just a normal pony at the end of the day, no matter how powerful she was. In a way, it was both comforting and awe inspiring. Most ponies would treat the princesses of the sun and moon as gods. Maybe even more. At a time, the young unicorn would have done the same thing, but her time with her teacher, it was…eye opening to say the least.

While she held the princess in high regards, Celesita would always imprint upon her to never treat her like she was worshiped. Teacher? Yes. Friend? Most definitely. Mother? She was like a second mother to be honest. But as a god. Never. She was always Calm and caring…firm when she needed to be but never so much so as to never take the time to tell Twilight when she had done something wrong. It was also during her time under her training when she had found out the princess was a bit of a prankster. Something that she still really isn’t use to.

Smiling softly at a long lost memory, the young unicorn would slip into the room, closing the door behind her. Making her way up to Celesita’s side, she would gently press her hoof against the princess’s cheek, causing the white mare to stir. Her eyes flickering open, the princess of the sun would find herself staring at her apprentice, the mare quicking sitting up as she wiped a bit of drool from her mouth

“T-Twilight! I didn’t…I mean…How are you.” The princess would ask, doing her best to pull herself from her sleepy daze. “I wish you would have told me you were visiting. I would have welcomed you at the doors myself.”

Twilight shook her head. “It was a spur of the moment thing Princess…I should be the one that's sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb your rest. I just came to check on some things and thought that you could help point me in the right direction for something I’m looking for.” Her gaze would fall to the many papers upon Celesita’s desk. “I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything.”

“Nonsense, Twilight. You are always welcomed here, no matter what it is you need,my student. I was just…going over some old dusty paperwork anyway.” Quick as a flash her magic would pile all the scattered papers that were spread around her desk before setting them off to the side. “Though if you don’t mind me asking, was it something that you needed?”

Twilight nodded. “Indeed, princess.” She made her way to the front of the desk as she spoke. “I…I wanted to request permission to look at Canterlot’s book archives again.”

Celesita raised an eyebrow. “Of course you can, Twilight, but whatever for?”

“I’ve…been thinking about a lot of things.” The young mare began. “The time with Nightmare Moon…Sombra…Even Discord…and Now…Here with Sora and the Heartless. Ever since me and my friends gained the Elements of Harmony, it almost felt like…it was meant for all of this to happen…like it was…”

“Like it was destiny?” The princess finished, looking at the mare with a raised eyebrow.

The lavender mare perked up as the princess finished her theory.“Y-Yeah! That's it.Thats it exactly! I mean if you really think about it, everything starts to be put into place. The connection with the keyblade and the Elements. The Heartless attack soon after Sora appears in our world. It just feels like…”

“Something is pulling your strings in one direction?” Celesita asked, cutting the mare off once more. “I’m I correct, Twilight?

“Ahh…y-yeah…” The young mare answered meekly. “I mean if it is possible then…maybe something is written in…the old tombs in Starswirl the Bearded’s Wing…maybe…”

“It will have the answers you are looking for…and if not maybe something to work with?” Celesitasmiled before slipping from behind her desk. “Twilight, I think I understand what you are getting at, but even if there was a prophecy, it would not hold the answers you seeked.”

“But…Celesita…with Nightmare Moon, it told us about the elements of harmony and…”

Celesita shook her head. “The prophecy, if you remember Twilight, said that Nightmare Moon would return, not about how to defeat her.” The princess gently pressed a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “It was through the story of the Pony Sisters that you learned about the Elements of Harmony, and thus how to defeat Nightmare Moon herself. Even if you had not known about it yourself, It could have just easily been another pony and their friends to have solved how to defeat her. Even so, that was a gamble in its own right. The elements are, as you know…incomplete. They could have just as easily sent my little sister back to the moon…or worse…”

“I…I never…thought about that…” Twilight admitted, her ears folding back upon her head in defeat. It was true though, The two times that she and the girls had used the elements of harmony, one cleansed Princess Luna of her Darkness and the other turned Discord the lord of chaos to stone. The effects were random to say the least. “Still…you did send me off to Ponyville to make friends way back when.”

“I know Twilight.But it was not because of a prophecy but because I sensed a looming darkness.” The princess made her way towards the balcony, her gaze looking over the horizon at her kingdom. “The signs of her return were evident at that time. While I did push you to Ponyville, you were the one who saved the day with your friends, just like I knew you could do.” The princess smiled at her student as she made her way to her side. “It was because of you and your friends that I have my sister back with me today, and I will always be in you debt Twilight. But as for destiny…Maybe there is a prophecy about everything that is happening here. Maybe we are already running down its path as we speak. Of that, I can not say for certain…but…I do believe in the ponies I trust to make the right decisions, guide or no guide. And even if they mess up, they have friends to pull them in the right direction. Do you understand, Twilight”

“I…yes princess. I understand.” Twilight answered, smiling softly before looking away with pout. “Still…if that's the case then I guess I just wasted a trip. I was all set to look for a destiny”

“I would not say that Twilight.” Celesita disagreed. “Seeing my students again is never a waste. Besides, I have been reading your reports as of late. Something to do with the Elements of Harmony affected by Sora’s keyblade?”

The lavender mare perked up at that. “Oh! That…Well I’m still testing some things back at Ponyville, but…From what I gathered so far, the Elements are emitting the same magical resonance as Sora’s own Keyblade.”

“Yes…that is what I gathered from your report, Twilight. I suspect it has something to do with what Somnambula and Rockhoof told us about the creation of the Elements of Harmony.” Celestia acknowledged. “While I did not know them personally, wrapped in my training as I was, I did hear many good things about them from my Teacher. To think that they would appear before Sora, Applejack and Pinkie like that. It was quite the shock when I heard it.”

Twilight nodded. “I know what you mean Princess. I was just as surprised as you were. Still, the fact that the Keyblade is affecting the elements in such a way…and for Applejack and Pinkie Pie to combine with Sora to make him stronger…it's almost like….” She gently pressed a hoof against her chest. “It's…almost like the magic of friendship…”

“That…is a wonderful way to look at it, Twilight. One I agree with whole heartedly.Always remember Twilight…Your friendship with the girls and Sora, will always make you stronger. Your hearts connected will be the key, I at least know that.”

“I will, Princess. You can count of that” Twilight paused before looking up towards the white Alicorn. “Princess…I…” She looked away. “About Sunset…”

Celestia did not turn when the name was mentioned but her ears did perk. “My old student…” It wasn’t a question.

“If our hearts are connected then…I…”

The doors to Celestia’s study would open, the sight of Luna making herself known to the pair of ponies. “I am Sorry to intrude my sister, but I have word of one of the letters we had already sent out with Prince Blueblood.”

“Already?” Celesita asked, her full attention upon her sister now.

“The Kingdom of the Diamond Dogs are begging to meet with you. There…has been a major heartless attack.”

Twilight would gasp at the news, her ears falling back against her head. “That…Can’t be…”

Celestia frowned. “Tell me the details, sisters.”

Glimmer

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A Glimmer

Green to start music and red to stop music

Celestia's sun was slowly beginning to dip over the horizon when Apple Bloom made her way back to her home. Despite cheering up a little bit after playing with her friends a bit more that day, she was still forlorn about not being able to see Sora at all for a while. She had taken her mind off it for a long while when her granny and Applejack had pulled her for her help in sorting through a few boxes they needed for the Apple Family Reunion, even sharing a laugh or two as they looked upon the old photo album Granny had pulled out. Still, when night finally fell, and the little filly was back in her room, her thoughts would be her own again...and they would always stray back to the Keyblade Wielder.

"Stupid Heartless..." She growled softly. "Keeping Sora busy...Can't even show him a good time at the reunion. Ah wanted Babs to meet him and everything." She groaned softly before turning over in her bed, deciding that getting some sleep was the best thing she could do for now. Maybe her dream world will make her a little happier. The sound of hoofsteps coming from the room next store would not allow her to do so however. She had tried to cover up the noise with a pillow, but when that didn't help, the little filly decided that confrontation was the better part of valor. Besides, she needed a distraction anyway

Following the noise to Applejack's room, the little filly would open the door to find her big sister up and about, pacing the floor back and forth.

"Apple Bloom...what are you doing up?" The orange mare asked, making her way towards her tired sister.

"Ah should be asking you the same question, sis," She said quietly, watching as Applejack closed the distance between them. "All your shuffling was keeping me up...so...ah decided ta make sure everything was okay."

"Oh...then...Sorry Apple Bloom. Couldn't sleep. My gears were turning in my head about this reunion and what not." The older mare sighed before setting herself on the bed.

"Oh...that..." Apple Bloom sighed softly as she hopped onto the bed with her sister. "Ah was looking forward to it...ya know...to hang out with my cousin Babs..."

The older mare looked at her sister, raising an eyebrow. "Was?"

"Oh...no ah mean...I am looking forward to it..." Apple Bloom corrected herself. "It's just...Ah was hoping Sora would have been there. He never been to an Apple Family Reunion and...Ah was thinking of...showing him around. Introducing him to the family..."

Getting their approval. The little mare added, though only within her mind.

Applejack nodded slowly in understanding. "Well...Ah do wish he was here too. Ah also wish that we weren't dealing with those Heartless things..." The older sibling looked down at her dejected little sister. "Maybe when this is all over, the whole family can get together and show Sora some good ol Apple Family Hospitality. Heck, he is already like part of the family already...Though we are gonna have ta kick that lazy side out of him. Bet he got it from the Oranges. Just as sly with the words as he wants to be like em."

Apple Bloom giggled. "Yeah...He was always able to talk you into letting me and the girls take a break when we were working hard. Even allowed us to ride on his back whenever we asked." Her smile would falter a bit. "Ah hope he's okay...He...isn't the most...well...I'm just worried about him."

"Me too sugarcube." Applejack would wrap a hoof around her sister. "But don't you worry none. Rainbow, Rarity and Fluttershy will make sure that he keeps out of trouble. They gave me their word."

Apple Bloom nodded before laying her head down on Applejacks's lap, pressing herself against her sister for warmth. "They better...Ah don't want to see Sora...I don't want to see him hurt like that again..."

The older mare's eyes softened at the little filly's words, knowing exactly what she was talking about. Gently, she would let her hoof run against Apple Bloom’s hair. "Do...you wanna talk about it?"

Apple Bloom flinched at her sister's words. "No…Ah…Ah mean…I don’t know…maybe…I just…"

"You don't have to if you are not ready yet AB." her sister reassured her. "Just letting ya know I'm here for ya. It...no filly should have had to see what any of you girls saw. Just ain't right."

"Ah understand..." Apple Bloom whispered. "Ah just...Ah just wanna make sure he's alright...ta make sure he doesn't go through that again..."

Applejacks chuckled a bit at her younger sister's soft words. "Ah know what ya mean Sugrecube. Ah would like nothing better than to make sure Sora never gets hurt again. But that's just wishful thinking. Sora is...he's a Hero, Apple Bloom. In every sense of the word. Sure, when he told us about his adventures, he said he was just out there to look for his friends. But Sora is and ah think always will be one to put himself in front of others if they are in trouble. And that's because he..." She paused, trying to find the right words. "Because his heart is just too dang big for his own good. That's just who he is...hehe...maybe that's why his cutie mark is a crown. Cause anyone who would wear it should always put ponies before himself."

Apple Bloom was so quiet for, the older mare thought that she had fallen asleep. It wasn't until her soft voice gently whispered out that she knew that her sister was nearly halfway there to dream land. "Will he...be okay?"

“Hehe…you really care for Sora, don’t ya?” The orange farm mare was quiet for a long time before answering her sister proper. "Ah think he will be...because me, you and the girls. We will keep him safe, okay?"

She felt her sister nod slowly before soft snores began to fill the room proper, marking the little filly as fast asleep. Applejack smiled softly before gently slipping her sister under her clovers, the mare gently kissing the little filly’s cheek. "Sleep tight little sis."

She smiled as the little filly snuggled in for the night, the mare sighing softly before making her way out the room. She paused as she passed by Sora's bedroom door, the mare touching it softly with a hoof. "You better come home safe Sora...If not for us...then..." She shook her head. "Just come home okay." She sighed softly before making her way to settle in for the night downstairs.

~

Trottingham woods

"Darling, are you sure?"

"I...I think I am. I...I think I want to tell Sora how I feel."

Rarity had been surprised when Fluttershy had pulled her away from the rest of the group that trecked though the woods, making sure that no one else could hear the two of them talking. She was surprised further by what the mare had to tell her. Though, she knew that it was only a matter of time before the yellow mare cracked.

"Why Fluttershy, I think that's wonderful. You can't believe how proud I am to hear you are following your heart." Rarity praised, the mare pulling her friend into a hug. "Oooooh look at my little Fluttershy. To think that she would be bold enough to ask a stallion to be her coltfriend. If I didn't know you any better I would say it was Scandalous."

The butter yellow mare blushed brightly at her friends words, genlty pushing the mare. "We...we won't be like that, Rarity. At least...I don't think for a while. I, um, I'm just going to ask him out...for...some lunch, maybe. I mean...I am going to tell him how I feel about him and everything, but I, um, want to take it slow. And I definitely don't want to overburden him."

Rarity smiled as she gently wrapped a hoof around her shy hearted friend. "Why, I understand completely, Fluttershy. Taking it nice and slow is always a good step when it comes to the matter of the heart." The mare paused before looking over towards her friend. "Though I must warn you, you must not go too slow, dear. Playing hard to get with a stallion isn't the best idea either. But still, I'm proud of you Fluttershy. Sora is a wonderful stallion" She paused again, tapping a hoof to her chin. "Even if he really isn't a stallion stallion."

The shy mare nodded. "You're right, Rarity. He isn't a stallion like we know...But, um, I think that, in some ways...it makes it a little bit easier? He doesn't have to judge me by pony standards and I don't have to judge him by his. I just...I just hope he doesn't mind that I am a pony."

"Why wouldn't he, Darling! I've seen the way you two act with each other. You have nothing to worry about" The white mare reassured her friend. "Trust me, Fluttershy! Plus, I'll be there to help you every step of the way. You and I are friends after all, and I would never leave my friends in their time of need."

Fluttershy smiled at the white unicorn. "T-Thank you, Rarity, I appreciate that."

The shy mare was startled by her unicorn friend as the white mare pulled her close, cheek to cheek, as her eyes glimmered with inspiration. "Oh....Ideeeeeeal! You just have to let me design an ensemble for you. Something Simple and enchanting. Not too flashy, mind you. I do know your taste after all. Still, it has to be something that will no doubt catch his eye, of course."

"Oh...Rarity you don't have to do that." The shy mare said, embarrassed.

"Oh but I must darling! And it's no big deal at all, if that was what you were worried about. Just think of it as a small gift from me to the two of you." Rarity gave Fluttershy another squeeze.

"Then...ah...I guess...think you Rarity." Fluttershy blushed even brighter than before, her mind running wild as she thought of what Sora might say to such a gift. What ever that gift was.

Their talk was soon interrupted by Dream Drop, the guard smiling at the two of them as she approached. "Sorry to interrupt your little girl talk over here mares, but Lightning is asking for the two of you up front. Seems that we are nearing the camp where those who escaped the city are supposed to be." She smirked. "If I see Sora coming back this way, I'll be sure to keep him company while you two are busy. later." She left just as quick as she came, her canter as if she didn't have a care in the world as she barked out what was no doubt orders from Lightning to the rest of the guards.

Rarity huffed as she watched the guardsmare walk away. While the white mare was still miffed at how Dream always treated Sora like a toy to have. She would have said something to her but Fluttershy was the voice for the two, pulled her friend away, leading her towards where the Captain of the unit was

Rarity rolled her eyes. “I can’t see how you can be so nice to a mare that just clings to the stallion you like, like there wasn’t a care in the world, Fluttershy.”

“I…well…It's not like I like her to do so…but…it doesn’t hurt to be nice to ponies." She looked away. "Besides, I, um, I think she just likes teasing him more than anything. I’m not worried about them if that's the case.”

“Oh my…well you are a better pony than me in that regard.” The white mare committed. “Still, it's something you might need to talk to her about in any case. Sora is going to be your cute little coltfriend after all.”

Fluttershy blushed deeply, pushing her friend lightly once again. “Oh Rarity…”

Their little talk ended as they neared the captain. Upon seeing the two Elements of Harmony, Lightning would give them a nod before turning back to face Zidane. "Right...now that everypony is here, gonna catch all of you up to speed on what the plan is" She pointed from herself to the two elements of harmony. "For now, It's just going to me and these two that will be going into the refugee camp."

"We...we are going with you?" Fluttershy asked, tilting her head as she spoke.

"Thats right," The captain answered, "The last thing we need to cause panic within their camp if we can help it. The fewer ponies they see, the more likely we can get them to cooperate fully with us."

Zidane nodded. "Now that sounds like a pretty good idea. Not that I can complain about it. Having three lovely mares by my side is something out of my wildest dreams after all." He looked Lightning up and down. "And I do mean lovely. Gotta say, didn't get a good look at you before but you really do have it going on Captain. Might just have to take you out for coffee after all of this is over.”

Fluttershy saw Lightning raise an eyebrow at the teen stallion. It was subtle, but even after being away from her for so long, the shy mare knew all of Lightning's emotional tells, And it was though that, the shy mare knew that Zidane's safety was slowly dwindling by the second the longer he was within hooves reach of Lightning's blade.

"Then...Then shall we go?" Fluttershy suggested, strategically putting herself the older brother and the mare for the little one's safety. "I...um...I do want to make sure those ponies are safe. I can't imagine how scared they must be after everything they went through."

"Right..." The Captain's gaze fell to the teen behind Fluttershy, her expression completely neutral. "Lead the way colt."

"With pleasure ma'am." He said with a bow before calling out over his shoulder. "Kuja! Let's go!" With a blink, the younger brother would pop into existence, landing on his older brother's back with practiced ease. With the brothers now leading the way, Lightning and the two elements of harmony followed after him, the colt guiding the trio down the dark dirt path.

Fluttershy, despite her earlier bravery before, kept herself close to Rarity as they walked, the fashionista doing her best to keep the butter yellow mare from shaking like a leaf as they made their way though the dark forest alone. Without the guards at their back now Fluttershy could not help but fell just a little more helpless then before. Her gaze fell to her cousin, Lightning who was the perfect opposite of the shy mare, The Guard Captain taking each step she made as if she was a mare on a mission. Her gaze shifted from left to right, but her head barely moved an inch as she kept a close eye on her guide.

Needing some kind of distraction, the shy mare spoke up, whispering to her friends beside her. “I…Do hope they are doing okay…”

“Are you talking about Sora and Rainbow” Rarity asked, tilting her head at the mare.

“I…well…I am worried about Sora, but…I have to believe he can take care of himself. And Rainbow is there, I trust her to keep him safe and him to keep her safe, but the ponies we are going to, I can’t imagine what they must have went through in here, all alone, cut off from the rest of the world with those Heartless...I...” She shook her head. "I hope they all made it out..."

“I-I’m sure they are fine, Fluttershy” The white unicorn assured her her friend. “Ponies are much tougher than they look, after all. While I will admit that we do tend to run around and scream when trouble hits, when we need to we can stop up to the plate, as the saying go's. You are living proof of that after all, Fluttershy.”

“I…well…I mean…I’m not doing anything special.” The pegasus tried to disagree, shaking her head. “I just…I mean…I’m still scared. So scared I can barely stand it…And I want to run away and hide and leave all this to somepony else.”

“But you are here anyway, worried more about others than you are yourself.” Rarity giggled softly. “I have to admit…You and Sora have so much in common in that aspect. Maybe you two really are made for each other.”

"I...I mean..." they shy mare tried to deny Rarity's words but she couldn't find any will to do so. She knew that her friend was right. The old her would not have done something as foolish as this. She would have tried everything in her power to run away. But...Ever since she met Sora...Had she become a little...braver?

Fluttershy could only blush brightly at that, mumbling something incoherent under her breath as she kept her gaze down.

The white unicorn would only giggle again as she watched as her yellow friend became a little embarrassed. She is just too cute when she is in love.

All talking stopped as Zidane raised a hoof in front of them, a sign for everyone to be quite. His ears perked as the gentle murmur of talking could be heard not too far away. The colt smirked. "Oh! We are getting close. Gotta be right past the bush." He told them before speeding up his trot.

"Slow down, down colt." Lightning commanded, though her plea was answered by deaf ears as the colt pretty much did the opposite of what she told him. With a roll of her eyes, she would pick up the pace, though only after signaling for Rarity and Fluttershy to do the same.

As they gave chase to the brothers, the trio of mares would see Kuja and Zidane disappear though a pile of bushes, his voice clearly being heard as he yelled. "Guess whos baaaaa-ACK"

"Zidane!" Fluttershy would call out, though it was Lightning that moved as quick as her namesake, the mare clearing the bush in a single bound as she pulled her weapon out, ready to face whoever it was that had the audacity to attack somepony on her watch. The sight of quite a few shocked ponies greeted the mare, but what really stood out was the griffin that had the colt pinned to the ground with a raised claw. The captain wasted no time as she practically flew towards the eagle-lion, tackling her off the colt.

Lightning was on top of the creature for only a brief moment before the griffin kicked her hind legs into her stomach, causing the pegasus to fall onto her back a ways away. She grunted in pain but soon forewent any discomfort she felt as she rolled to the side, barely missing a strike from the sharp eagle claw that was aiming for her chest. The captain kicked out with her own hind leg, the strike being blocked by the griffin, pushing her a ways away with just once stroke. Before either of the combatants could strike back at each other, a shield was put in their way, stopping either pony or griffin from coming to blows again.

"Enough!" Commanded a light purple unicorn mare, her horn glowing bright as the source of the sudden shield between the two fighters. “What are you two doing! What's going on here!?”

"She struck me first!" The griffin yelled, turning her attention towards the unicorn , her glare looking as if it could cut diamonds. "I was about to knock her block off after she struck me for no reason!"

"As if." The captain responded coolly. Her gaze switched from the griffin towards the unicorn as she began to access the situation.

The griffin growled, "You were the one to attack me first dweeb!"

"Only because you were about to strike down a defenseless colt griffin."

"He's the one who came out of nowhere and scared me half to death!"

Lightning raised an eyebrow at that admission, "And that is how you respond? Attacking a child?"

"Shut up! I was just about to let him up when your sorry butt came out of nowhere tackling me to the ground!"

"That is not how it looks to me." Lightning responded without missing a beat, glaring at the female unicorn with eyes that could burn through steel.

The new unicorn sighed, her voice both soothing and kind, she tried to play the voice of reason between the two of them. "Look. I think we all got off on the wrong hoof here. Listen, This griffin here is named-"

"Gilda!"

All eyes turned towards Rarity and Fluttershy just as they appeared from the bush, both mare's instantly recognizing the hybrid eagle-lion.

The griffin for her part was just as flabbergasted as the duo. "Huh? Who..."

"You...know each other?" The unicorn asked, looking between the two mares and Gilda.

Rarity clicked her teeth at the question before looking away. "You can...say that. We made her acquaintance back in Ponyville. She...was...Rainbow's 'Friend' if you can say that."

"I see...I do not know who this Rainbow Dash is but..." The light purple unicorn released her magic, dispelling the barrier between Lightning and Gilda. "Forgive me if I am a bit...confused but, where did all of you come from? I think I would remember ponies as distinctly dressed as you within our camp."

"Thats is because we didn't come from your camp." Lightning responded. "We came from outside the barrier."

"You...Outside of the black dome..." The purple mare's eyes widened. "But...how...?"

Lightning nodded before walking past the mare, addressing the ponies that had gathered around them. "All of you, my name is Lightning Ferron. Captain of the Twelfth Division Unit within Celestia military. We were personally sent here to rescue every pony we can as per the Princess's order!"

The new unicorn gasped. "The Princess? I see." She smiled as she brushed past Lightning. "Then that means we are saved everypony. Isn't that wonderful news?" The ponies all began to cheer as the light purple unicorn turned to address the griffin, raising an eyebrow at the her. "Gilda?"

The griffin scowled at the mare before speaking up. "Yeah. It's good..." She turned away from the unicorn, her gaze falling on Fluttershy and Rarity stareing at the duo for a while, watching as the former of the pair cowered behind the latter. She looked like she was about to say something but would flinch slightly, grabbing her head as she did so.

"Gilda? Are you okay?" Rarity ask, moving a little closer to the griffin.

The griffin shook her head before glaring at the pair once again as she brandished her claws. "What's it to ya, huh!?"

"Now Gilda." The light purple unicorn spoke up, standing between her and the two ponies. "Ponies are just naturally good hearted. You did take a bit of a hit and they just wanted to make sure you were okay." The griffin nodded slowly. "Good. How about you go and start gathering my things so we can move. It seems that we will be moving every soon after all."

The griffin would stare long and hard at the unicorn before nodding again, turning away from the three ponies to head deeper into the encampment.

The unicorn turned to Zidane and Kuja, smiling at the two colts. “And you two. Running off without telling anypony was a really bad thing to do. I was ever so worried about you.”

Zidane, for his part, looked away from her, not quite caring what she had to say, which Rarity did find somewhat odd, the mare tilting her head at the young one's behaver. It was the younger of the two brothers that spoke up for the both of them.

“It is our bad Madam. Some of the kids were saying they were hungry, so Zidane and I went looking for food. To our surprise however, I guess we found something much better.”

“I see…well…Since it was for a noble cause then I guess I can let it slide once. Still, Ill have to give the both of you a bigger lecture later when everything is done. Now. Go and help Gilda. She might need some help gathering my things after all.”

When the colts had nodded left to follow after the griffin, The shyer of the two mares released a breath she did not know that she was holding, placing a hoof over her still rapidly beating heart. "Oh...my...I...Oh my."

"Now, now, it's okay Fluttershy." Rarity soothed her trembling friend.

"Is your friend...okay?" The light purple unicorn had asked as she made her way towards the two proper. "She seemed to be really scared of that griffin for some reason."

"She will be fine, darling." Rarity answered, smiling at the mare. "She...just had a rather tough time with Gilda the last time the two of them let. Lets just say that...she wasn't so pleasant to be around as she is now."

"I see...Well you don't have to worry about her if that's the case." The unicorn said with a smile. "She is a little rough around the edges but she is a wonderful friend to have especially with all that we have gone though. I know it was for a short time but you can't believe what we went through here. Having her here really made everything easier for me and the other ponies. Still allow me to say sorry on her behalf."

"Well...I can Understand that darling, and thank you." Rarity shook her head. "Still...I'm sorry you had such a bad time. Those Heartless really are dreadful beast."

"Heartless?" The light purple unicorn raised an eyebrow at the new word, "Is that what those things are called? Heartless?"

Rarity nodded. "Indeed. Like I said before, dreadful beast one and all. It's lucky that we got to you when we did. With us and Lightning's Division here, you are in good hooves, miss...oh...I don't think I ever caught your name, darling."

"Oh my!" The unicorn gasped. "Where are my manors?" She smiled as she held out of hoof to the two mares. "My name is Starlight Glimmer. It's a pleasure to meet the both of you."

Trio

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

The Trio Begins

Green to start music and red to stop music

Canterlot
Celesita’s Study

The gentle bubble of tea being brew reverberated around the room as Twilight sat with Luna and Celestia withing the latter princess's study, the sun princess herself setting the scroll down now that she had finished reading the whole of the report to the other two. There was a heavy silence as the weight of the words settled in on the ponies within the room, only broken by that of the small unicorn, her magic pulling the scroll towards herself as she looked over it once again.

"I knew it was a high possibility," Twilight began as she broke the silence between them, her eyes scanning the entirety of the scroll in a single instant. "...That...That other creatures might be having the same troubles too. Maybe I thought that...Maybe...I..." she trailed off as she set the scroll back on the table, her ears pinning to the back of her head. "Honestly, I don't know what I wanted if I was being truthful."

The little mare couldn't help but feel like dirt the longer she tried to process the information. Many Diamond Dogs had slowly been going missing over the past few months all across Equestria, the creatures being picked off here and there. Never in the same place mind you, but enough for creatures to notice after a while. And this was even before Sora had arrived himself, which meant that whoever it was that was targeting Equestria had been doing it for a long while now. If she had just known, she could have prepared better...faster...smarter...but now...

"The news is disheartening." Luna quipped, pulling the mare from her dark inner thoughts. "But do not think of taking any of the blame yourself Twilight. Blame the evil ones who had brought such creatures into our world for their own selfish gains."

"I...I understand princess.." Twilight answered after cringing a bit. Seems that she and Sora both ware their emotions on thier sleeves. Gently nodding towards the princess of the moon, she continued. "But still...For it to be going on this long. Didn't any pony say something?" Twilight asked.

"It is a sad fact Twilight, but ponies and other creatures go missing all the time, whether we like it or not." Celesita answered with a heavy sigh. "Sometimes because they want to...and sometimes...because they are forced to."

"But...can't you...I mean...Isn't there anything you can do about it?" The lavender mare asked the two princesses. "There has to be a spell...magic... something...Anything..."

"Twilight, we are not gods as you well know." Luna responded curtly. "We may live a little longer than that of a normal pony, this is true, but we eat, sleep and die just like you. We don't have an all powerful seeing spell or such. Being omniscient like that comes at a terrible price, one most are never willing to give up if they had the choice."

"And besides Twilight," Celestia continued, her tone a bit more motherly. "As much as I would love to help the creatures of Equestria, I can only do so through legal channels. That means that while I can request that we aid them, offer a hoof of support in their time of need, it is ultimately up to them to accept our help or not. I won't force my will upon others if I can help it, no matter how much it would break my heart if they refused."

Twilight nodded. Though she understood why, she hated the reasons all the same. "Still...they did reach out to us. Asking for our help. So we have to help them. Right?"

"Indeed Twilight. An official answer to the summons by both of the Queens of their respective regions it seems." Celestia held up two different scrolls in the air, both marked with a different colored paw print. "One from Queen Katherina Proudpaws."

"And the other is from Queen Jennino Lanternlight." Luna continued for her sister. "Both are regents of their respective areas of Caninia. Sisters if you are wondering about their relationship. I have yet to meet with them myself but Celesita had been on missions of diplomacy to Caninia when it was still whole."

"Still whole...did...something happen to it?" The unicorn asked, tilting her head.

"I do not know the full story, only bits and pieces here. Not enough to tell you if its true or not however." The sun princess admitted. "But I'm sure that everything will come to light during our meeting proper with the two monarchs."

"The first of many we hope." Luna confirmed. "We are sure the others will follow at the nip of their paws, seeking an explanation from the letters we sent them if nothing else."

"Wait...So...You sent out letters to the other nations?" The unicorn asked, her ears perking up slightly.

"Of course Twilight...Though...I guess we have not told you are anyone else proper yet." Celesita mused softly. She smiled as she turned towards her former student. "We sent out word to the other countries about the dangers the Heartless present, of course. To warn them is my civic duty as one of many rulers of Equestia. I am hoping that they respond quickly, just as the Diamond Dogs have done...but...time will only tell."

"I...see." Twilight exclaimed, nodding to herself. Though, another thought came to mind. "But...would most of them even want our help. The griffins are a solitary and stubborn race after all, and no pony knows what's going on with the Dragons. I hate to say it but...talking to them might prove difficult" She gasped. "And then there's Sora...What will he have to say about this? Others finding out about his keyblade and how he is the only one capable of stopping the Heartless, I'm sure he wouldn't care about that but...I...I'm worried about what the others would do. Do you think they would use him?"

"Hopefully no more so then we are using him and his power." Luna committed off handedly.

Twilight's ears folded back against her head. "W...we aren't using Sora! He...Sora is our friend." The mare tried to argue but flinched back when both Celestia and Luna looked her way. "I-If you don't mind me saying...princess...I just mean..."

"Of course I don't mind you defending him, Twilight," Celesita told her former student. "I am happy that you too see Sora as a friend and not as a means to an end, but you have to look at it from their point of view. Sora befriended 6 of the most important mares in all of Equestria. Having access to what he needs to complete said mission. Anyone outside of our circle would think that we are trying to keep him all to ourselves."

"Well...they would be wrong..." Twilight argued "You and I both know that Sora would help them no matter what. In fact, they don't even have to ask."

The princess of the sun nodded, smiling at her former student. "Indeed you are right, Twilight. Sora would spare no effort in helping those in need. In that regard, he is a kind soul. His want to help others is one of his most amazing qualities about him. If he had been born a pony and not a human, then I'm sure that he would have been a candidate for an Element of Harmony."

"That is right dear sister." The Princess of the Moon added. "Besides, even if they do not ask for help, Sora's inherited obligation to destroy the heartless should be his one and only concern."

"That's...true...but knowing Sora, I think he would want to help them anyway, even if it had nothing to do with the Heartless." Twilight surmised.

"Of that we are in agreement, Twilight." Luna mused, leaning forward in her chair. "As mine sister said, he is a kind soul." She paused, closing her eyes. "Some would say almost to a fault. Still, If it is him then we already know the answer before the question is asked. And it is that reason that I am also worried. He can go where he wants...but the kingdom can also refuse to let him in under penalty of death...or worse. And we would not be able to stop them."

"What!" Twilight gasped, "They can't do that! That's...that's..."

"I'm afraid they can if they wish to." Celestia replied sadly. "That is why I sent out the invitations in the first place. To curtail such actions from happening, to show just how dangerous the Heartless are and to make sure Sora never has to deal with these types of politics...at least for as long as I can. I know that some creature...even one of our own ponies, might want to use the Keyblade Wielder in some way for their own ends. While I hope it is for the good of pony and creature kind...I can't help but worry it won't be."

"That won’t happen! Not if me and the girls have anything to say about it." Twilight said, looking between both sisters.

"Of that we have no doubt," The princess of the moon smiled at the unicorn, giving her a nod. "In any case, that is for the future. Right now, we deal with the present. And at the present, we must prepare for the Diamond Dog's arrival."

"That's right Luna, even without Sora here to present his case personally, we still have a job to do." Celestia declared. "And it will help if we have somepony working closely with the Keyblade Wielder." The mare looked towards her former student.

"M-Me?" The lavender unicorn asked, pointing to herself. She looked down for only a bit before looking between the two princesses, addressing both of them. "If...If you need my help then...You have it princess."

Celesita smiled at that. "Good. Right now though, we must get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us and I'm sure that Luna needs to get to seeing to the nights."

"Indeed we do sister." Luna mused as she picked herself up. "We shall reconvene later tomorrow evening. After I have a good mornings rest from tonight's duty's." She nodded towards her sister and Twilight, bidding them goodnight before disappearing with a pop of magic, leaving the student and teacher alone again.

Celestia shook her head before looking towards her former apprentices. "We should get some rest if that's the case. I've already prepared a room for you at the castle."

"Thank you princess." Twilight stood up, only slightly swaying a bit. The mare didn't realize just how tired her body was. Making her way towards the door way, she would pause before looking back at her teacher. "Princess...about that...About what I wanted to speak to you about before? About Sunset..."

Celesita would pause as she picked up scroll. "What about her, Twilight?"

Twilight shook her head. "No...later." She smiled at her teacher. "Good night Princess." With that, the lavender mare closed the door, leaving the princess of the sun alone once again.

The princess sighed, looking though her window as the evening sun made way for the Luna's night. "Good night...Twilight."

~

Under Trottingham City

Sora was the first to make his way through the hole in the wall, his hooves landing on the cobblestone floor below him as he slipped out of the well hidden opening. He brandished his keyblade, looking for any signs of trouble. Determining that he was alone, the Keyblade Wielder turned to the opening and called out in a whisper. "Rainbow! Trixie! The coast is clear. No Heartless in sight."

Trixie was the first to slip out of the tunnel with a yelp, sliding onto her rump ungracefully onto the floor below. She glared behind herself as Rainbow followed after her, the rainbow maned pegasus smirking down at her. "You did that on purpose you cretin!"

"I don't know what you are talking about." Rainbow denied. "Though a bit of advice. You really should watch your step when stepping through holes in the wall."

"Just you wait! Trixie will-"

"Hey guys, quite down!" The stallion interrupted, turning towards the mares. "Just because I don't see the Heartless doesn't mean they aren't here. They like to sneak up on you at the worst possible times so stay on alert, both of you." Seeing that his words were being listened to, the stallion would soon take stock of his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was the gentle flow of water down a pony made ravine. Making his way to the edge, he would gaze at it quizzically. "Where are we anyway? Is this some kind of underground sewer, Trixie?"

"Eww! No!" Trixie responded with a bit of indignation. "Trixie wouldn't be so crass as to allow herself to wallow in filth. Besides, would a sewer have storefronts where decent ponies shop."

The stallion raised an eyebrow at the unicorn's words before taking an active look around the area now that his eyes were adjusting to the low light. Indeed, there were many empty openings within the walls where a pony really could set up a shop. From Bakeries to clothing stores, it looked like a proper underground city. Honestly, a lot of it reminded him of Twilight Town with the way the structures were. "Woah...this is pretty cool."

"And kinda creepy; what with no pony being here and all." Rainbow added, landing next to the stallion. "Almost kinda like a ghost town."

Trixie nodded at that sentiment. "Trixie hates to agree with the pegasus but...It really is. It gave Trixie the creeps when she was here before...and Trixie feels the same way now..."

Sora frowned as he made his way to a small little pony shaped doll, picking it up. It was properly a toy for some kind of foal, that much he at least knew. So if the toy was here…where was the foal. His frown would deepen. His thoughts running all the way back then when he first came to Traverse Town. Seeing that man disappeared right in front of his face after the Heartless attacked him. Did the same happen here? To a foal no less. Was he too late? His hoof gripped the stuff town a little tighter at the thought.

It wasn't until Rainbow's hoof pressed against his that held the doll that he snapped out of his inner thoughts, his gaze looking towards the mare in front of him.

"You okay, Hero?" She asked, her voice low so as not to be heard by Trixie. There was a look of concern in her eyes as she looked into Sora’s.

"Huh? Y-Yeah...I'm fine." Sora told her before stuffing the little doll into his pocket. Snapping out of whatever melancholy he had almost put himself in, he walked forward, standing in front of the two mares. "Okay you two. There's no time to waste. We gotta find the one responsible for all of this and put an end to whatever they are planning, above all, save any ponies within the city."

Trixie frowned at that. "Where would you even start? Trottingham isn't as big as Manehattan but it is still a big city. It will take forever for just the three of us to search. Trust Trixie. She knows."

"Well, why don’t we just start at the center of the city, duh." The pegasus answered as if it was the most obvious statement in the world. "I mean it's where I would set up shop if I was a supervillain on a warpath to take over the world. I say we head straight there and teach that pony, whoever it is, a piece of our mind."

"Wouldn't that be the most obvious thing in the world to do?" Trixie replied with a bit of snark in her tone. "That's like asking for anyone to come up and stop them."

"See, that's the thing. Bad Guys like to flaunt their power." The pegasus told her. "Daring Do and the Battle for Sea City says that when you are the biggest and baddest, you gotta show off. How else are you gonna put fear into the masses?"

Trixie raised an eyebrow. "And you rag on Trixie about listening to her mother. Better somepony real than a fictional book."

Before Rainbow could give the showmare a piece of her mind, The Keyblade Wielder placed himself between the two of them.

"Listen, with no real leads on where to go, the center of the city is just as good of a place as any." Sora stated before turning towards the unicorn. "Trixie, I do wanna thank you for taking us this far, but," He paused, looking away from the mare. "What are you gonna do now, though? I'm sure if you return back the way you came-"

"Go back the way Trixie came. Do you honestly plan on leaving Trixie here all alone?" She asked, a bit of panic in her tone of voice.

"Oh...uh...no I wasn't thinking that at all..." Sora tried to explain himself as she continued to look at him with worry. "It's just... It's gonna be kinda dangerous from here on out. I didn’t want to put you in any kind of situation where you would be in danger. We were lucky that we didn't see any Heartless on the way here but that could very well change now that we are in the city proper. I just...didn't know if you wanted to continue with us or not."

"And you are kind of annoying..." Rainbow muttered under her breath. She felt the stallion nudge her side a little roughly.

"As I was saying." Sora continued, smiling softly at the mare. "I just wanna let you know that if you go with us we will be dealing with the Heartless. I might not be able to protect you all the time. If you don't want to go, maybe there's a place you can hide out until we come find you...but..."

"If that is what you were worried about then don't bother. Trixie can take care of herself if the chips are down." The showmare huffed. "Trixie's art of prestidigitation is unparalleled in all the realm of Equestia. Why one would say she is the best at what she does, hooves down. So I’m going with the two of you, no matter how much the showboat annoys Trixie. It is the best option after all. Besides, Trixie does not want to be alone again, especially within the heart of a city with monsters."

"You can't be serious about taking her to the heart of the Heartless den, right?" Rainbow asked, gazing at the stallion in front of her. "Trixie has got no chance against those creatures. In the first place, can she even fight?"

"Trixie as survived on her own through her cunning and wiles. She can do so in a team if need be." The mare responded. "Sometimes a performer must share the stage, even if she doesn't want to. I'm sure you know that tall too well."

Rainbow Rolled her eyes. "Ugh..."

"Well if you can handle yourself then staying with us would be the safest place for ya Trixie." The stallion held out a hoof. "Welcome to the team, Trixie."

The showmare looked down at the hoof questioningly before raising her own, bumping hers with his in a gentle hoofbump. Sora nodded before turning down the long stretch of the cobblestone path. "Right. So which way to the center of the city, Trixie?"

She squeaked as she placed her hoof back on the ground, the mare having been looking at it for a while after the hoofbump. "Oh…ah…Follow Trixie. She knows this place like the back of her hoof. She has travelled these streets al the time in her youth after all." She cantered towards the front, her confident stride evidenent her in gait. She smirked as she looked behind herself at the blue pegasus that seemed to be being left behind. "Come along, Rainbow Dash! Don't lag behind or we will leave you behind!"

The rainbow maned mare would roll her eyes again, following behind the pair with an annoyed grumble.

Unbeknownst to the trio, a pair of yellow eyes would watch them from within one of the darkened stores.

~

Unknown building

Deep within the confines of a darkened room, a figure could be seen. A young stallion, trapped within a bubble, just like the one that had entrapped Twilight, but the main difference is that there was no heart above him. Looking upon the floating pony was a cloaked figure dressed in all black, his gaze never leaving the entrapped stallion before him.

"Such pitiful things these creatures are...but...it seems that even the weakest of hearts here have the strongest of wills. Hmm...this does prove further study." He placed a hoof upon the bubble, receiving a shock. "Hmm...further study indeed..."

The sound of hoofsteps would cause the figure to call out behind him, addressing the orange furred mare that had come into the room. "Wonderful is it not?"

The mare would pause, thinking over what she was going to say before speaking. "What is sir?"

"The heart of course." The figure said matter-of-factly. "Despite it being so weak it can cause the most trouble out of anything alive. Though...I guess I don't have to tell you that now do I?"

The mare closed her eyes. "Of course sir."

"Humph..." He turned to face her. "Do you have something to report, unicorn?"

The mare bowed deeply, "I do, sir. It seems that the Keyblade Wielder has made his way into the inner depths of the city though a previously unknown passageway. I'm sure that he will find his way here eventually. Also, our business partner has told me that two of the elements of harmony had found their encampment not too long ago, along with a platoon from Celesita's personal army. They tell us it will just be a minor annoyance at best and she can continue as planned so long as you do what you are supposed to."

"Is that so?" The figure asked, turning back to face the one within the bubble. "If that is the case...then we are moving out. The creatures we have back in the world of Darkness will surface as test subjects for now."

Sunset Shimmer tilted her head. "What about...him?" She motioned towards the figure within the dome. "She won't be happy too find out we are backing out of our word."

"Since when do you care about such trifling things?" The figure asked as he raised a hoof, calling forth a corridor of darkness. "If she does win against them then she has nothing to worry about. If she doesn't then that is on her. She did say she could...handle it, was that right?"

It was a while before the unicorn answered. "She did."

"Good...then gather our research. There are many great things we need to do to set our plans into motion." The figure turned his head towards the mare. "And make sure to have a little prize for our guests when they come here...I would not want to say that I am a bad host after all. And I don’t want them coming all the way here for nothing."

"Yes sir."

"And Sunset?"

"Yes sir?"

"The other outworlder, the one with the Keyblade, what is he doing?"

Sunset shook her head. "All he said...was that he was looking for a new sibling...since the other one is broken."

The figure stood her ground for a while, as if he was contemplating what she had just told him. He gave her a curt nod before making his way into the corridor, the portal closing behind him.

Healing and The Darkness

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Healing and the Darkness

Green to start music and Red to stop music

Within the Encampment near Trottingham Forest

The first thing Rarity noticed as she took stock of the camp was the surprising number of foals within makeshift settlement, the camp sight almost overrun with the little ones. If she was to take a headcount by sight alone, for every one adult there where at least ten foals for them to account for. The fact that Starlight was able to keep so many of them in line was more then a miracle ...at least in Rarity's opinion.

While she was happy that they found many of the missing ponies, the mare was not blind. She could see that many of the ponies, even the foals, needed medical attention. The makeshift bandages and splints they had managed until now had just been temporary measures. Whatever the Heartless had done to them, she knew that they had been true to their namesake if the injuries the mare saw was anything to go by.

If...If we had not made it in time...just...how many would be here now?

She shivered softly at the thought, not knowing if she wanted an answer to her question or not. She shook her head.

No...I do not think that I do...

She was surprised at how fast Lightning had taken command of the situation, the Guard Captain having her troops move in to secure the area with a swiftness only a Wonderbolt would be jealous of...and maybe Rainbow Dash as well. She couldn't help but smile as the ponies' fear turned into relief at the fact that they were actually being saved. It nearly moved the Fashionista to tears at the sight. She could even make out a few of the guards hugging a pony or two. More than likely a relative of some sort.

Finding herself lost on what to do at the moment, she would take a slow stroll around the camp, doing her best to at least busy her mind, seeing as there wasn't much for a seamstress to do. As she passed by healers tending to the wounded and guards setting up to move, the sound of foals laughing would catch her ears.

Following the noise, she would gasp softly before smiling at the scene playing before her. Quite a few of the foals had formed a circle around her friend Fluttershy, the soft spoken mare pouring a gentle glowing liquid into small cups, giving them out to the foals before her. Rarity recognized those bottles as Sora's Healing Potions, the very same that his Friend Riku had given him in case of emergencies, and Sora had given them to Fluttershy and herself in return.

~

Ponyville Train Station
A few Days ago

The train’s whistle roared to life signaling the train finally leaving the station proper.The fashionista sighed softly as she watched her friends wave to them goodbye, the mare doing so herself until they were finally out of sight. "And there goes Ponyville, once again. While I do understand the reasoning behind it, I do wish that Twi and the others could have come with us on this mission...if nothing else but for peace of mind."

"Yeah...it sucks…." Rainbow agreed, leaning against one of the benches. "But what can ya do? I mean...It would have been cool if they could come but what Twi said kinda made sense. Sora, AJ, and Pinks don't know how to use that cool powerup yet and the elements are out of whack because of it."

“Not only that…it leaves them drained…” Fluttershy added. “If they deformed while fighting somepony dangerous then…” The shy mare shuddered.

"You girls are right...When I formed with Donald and Goofy, it drained me a bit but not to the extent that it did with AJ and Pinkie." Sora frowned at that. "I…I’m Sor-ACK!"

The soft smack from Rainbow's wings up the side of his head caused him to glare at the smirking pony.

Before Sora could say anything to the mare, Fluttershy pulled up beside the stallion, giving him a gentle nudge. "We don't...we don't blame you if...um...If that is what you are thinking Sora." The shy mare told him, giving him an apologetic smile. "If it wasn't for you and the girls doing what you did, Sombra would have won." The shy mare shivered again, wrapping her whooves around herself for comfort as she looked away. "That would have…It would have been the worse outcome…so…Please." She looked back towards him, wrapping her hoof around his own. “Don’t blame yourself…okay?”

The stallion looked up at his friends with wide eyes before nodding slowly. He gave a weak smile, looking at each of them in turn before he bowed his head slightly to them all. "Yeah...Okay…I’ll Try…and thank you guys."

The rainbow maned mare wrapped a hoof around his neck, rubbing her free one his his mane playfully. "No need for thanks. Just keeping your head on straight is all, Hero." She told him, giving the stallion a genuine smile as she let him go.

"I concur." Rarity mused, placing a hoof on his chest. "Twilight will figure out what's going on with the elements, and we will be stronger for it. So do not worry, darling. Of that we can all believe in."

Sora nodded once again. “Yeah…then all we can do is wait for her to do so.” As he turned to make his way deeper into the train cart, the stallion would stop in his tracks, before turning back towards his friends. “I…Until then here.” Reaching into his bag, he would pull out several of the potions that he had gotten from Riku.

"These are only supposed to be used for emergencies...And I haven't seen a Moggle Shop anywhere...so...We don't have a lot of them and I can’t get them the way I use to. I know your friend is doing her best to make more but... right now..." He looked down at the healing elixirs in his hooves before turning to face the girls. One by one, the stallion would give each of the mares before him two bottles each.

"We don't have Twilight...or Pinkie...or AJ on this mission. Something may happen where we can't reach each other for help." The keyblade wielder paused. "I may not be there to help you...so...I want you to have these. I hope you do not have to use them but..."

“Darling…are you sure?” The fashionista asked, looking at the bottles he was passing around. “What if you need them more than us? They were given to you by your friend after all.”.

Sora smiled. “I am sure…I know I trust you girls to handle yourselves…but still…a little extra help is always good…right. And…Better someone uses them and not go to waste…right?”

Rainbow looked at the bottles in her hooves before nodding. "It's not like I’m gonna need them...but...I’ll take it nonetheless. I'll hold on to these for now but I'll definitely return them back to you after we finish kicking Heartless butt and go home…together."

Fluttershy took her bottles holding them close to her, a blush evident on her cheeks. "I...I'll do my best to not get into trouble...and, um, only use them If I have to...Thank you Sora."

Rarity, being the last, smiled softly at the stallion. "We will do our best, Darling. Don't you worry about that."

~

Rarity smiled as she pressed a hoof to the pouch that held her bottles. She had thought about joining her but her friend seemed to have things well in hoof. The white unicorn smiled softly as she watched each of the foals crowding around her friend as if she was a mother hen.

"Wow...your heart is so pretty Miss Shy!" One little filly would say, her eyes shimmering as she poked her head from the long pink tail that hung behind the yellow mare. "I wish I had long hair like yours."

"Oh...Well...thank you." Fluttershy answered as she tended to the next foal waiting. "But I think your hair is already pretty as it is. And It will only get prettier."

"This potion stuff taste like mint!" Another foal would call out, liking his lips after taking s swig from the little cup he was given with the healing liquid.

"No way! it taste like...um...spearmint!" Another challenge.

"That's the same thing, dummy!"

"No way! It's not! My mom always told me-"

"Now now." Fluttershy would interject, placing a wing between the two colts. "No arguing between you two. You two are friends right? What it tastes like doesn't matter as long as it help you...right?"

Both colts huffed but nodded, looking away from the mare as they did so. She smiled softly before turning back to her next charge. A young filly with a bandage over her eye smiling softly as she held a stuffed pony tight in her hooves.

Rarity couldn't help but shake her head, laughing softly at the scene playing out before her "She really does take to mothering so naturally, does she not?" The white mare mused.

"I would say so, at the very least." Rarity gasped at the new voice coming up from behind her. Moving towards her side was the unicorn who she had met when they first arrived. Starlight Glimmer. Said unicorn nodded softly towards Rarity before casting her attention back on the foals, a said smile forming on her lips. "I do hate to say it but...Quite a few of them lost their parents after those...Heartless attacked..." Her voice trailed off for a moment. "Dragged into the darkness through portals on the ground. It was...a frightful sight."

The fashionista gasped again. "Oh the poor dears...I can only imagine what they had gone through up until now if that's the case." She murmured quietly as she looked down at one foal who had a bandage wrapped around its leg.

Starlight nodded somberly. "Quite. That's why I made it my mission to see these foals to safety. And the other ponies as well of course. Everyone, together, helping each other as equal." She shook her head. "With so few adults, we had next to no pony who knew medical treatment. I have to say, on behalf of everypony here, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Especially your little friend's magical potion."

Rarity nodded. "Indeed. We were only supposed to use them in emergencies and well...Kind mare as she is, I suspect that this was as big as an emergency as one can get."

"Did she make those strange potions herself." The light purple unicorn asked. "Even I can tell that they are unlike anything I have seen in my time in Equestira."

"Oh, No actually. They were given to her by Sora." The fashionista admitted.

"Sora. That is quite the interesting name I must say." Starlight blinked curiously at the white unicorn. "Is he around? If he is providing such rare and amazing resources then I would love to thank him personally."

"Sadly Sora isn't here at the moment." Rarity answered, shaking her head with a frown. "He, a friend of mine and another pony ran off into the woods towards Trottingham itself."

Starlight went quiet for a moment before nodding slowly. "I see...but...isn't that dangerous?" She asked, giving the mare a look of worry. "Will they be okay by themselves? Those Heartless are savage beasts. I would think it would be near suicide going anywhere near that city? You must be worried sick about them."

"While I am worried about Rainbow and Sora, more than you know, darling, I know for a fact that if there is any pony that can fend for themselves, it's these two." Rarity smiled. "Sora is no stranger when it comes to fighting those beast you see, and Rainbow is a strong mare, even if she is the youngest of us." She paused. "As for Trixie...I do not know enough about the mare herself. I'm sure Sora and Rainbow will keep that mare out of trouble...though...If it is those two looking after her...that might be a tall order sadly." She murmured the last part quietly, more to herself then towards the other Unicorn.

"If you are sure then I'll trust your judgment on the matter." Starlight accepted after a while of internal debate. "Though there was another matter I came to you about before getting sidetracked. I overheard some of the guards calling you the Elements of Harmony. May I ask why?"

"Oh? Well...that's because we are the Elements of Harmony darling." Rarity answered, flipping her hair in flourish.

"You mean to tell me that old mare's tale is true?" The light purple unicorn asked, gasping softly.

"Oh? So you know about it as well?"

"I've dabbled in a bit of reading on the subject."

"I dare say you and Twilight just might get along as reading buddies if that is the case. She was always one to read about an obscure tale or two herself, even before she met the others." Rarity giggled. "But, to answer your question properly, yes, me and Fluttershy are but two of the Elements of Harmony. Rainbow, my friend I mentioned earlier, is one as well mind you."

Starlight nodded, her mind soaking in the information like a sponge. "And that Sora pony. And Trixie as well? Are they Elements?"

"Oh no. Trixie is just...well...She is just a showmare from what I have seen, and mind you that is very little. And Sora...hes..." She paused, trying to think of the best way to explain it while not saying too much "Well...He is a bit of a special case. While he is connected to the Elements themselves, he isn't an Element of harmony himself." She paused again. "Sora is...well...I think it would be more appropriate to say that Sora is, and I know he would feel embarrassed about it, a Warrior of light, as it were."

"A warrior of light?" Starlight asked, raising an eyebrow at the title Rarity had given him.

"Oh yes. If it wasn't for him and his Keyblade, we would have been done in by Heartless by now." Rarity mused softly. "From what I'm told, his weapon is the natural enemy of the Heartless. He made it his mission to defeat them wherever he travels.

Starlight was quiet for a long time after that. When she spoke her voice was barely a whisper. "Was it he that broke the barrier that surrounded this town?"

Rarity nodded. "Yes indeed." She replied. "It's all because of him that we were even able to reach all of you in the first place." The fashionista went silent as her mind turned back into the past few days, remembering how things played out when they first arrived in Trottingham.

"I understand now...Thank you Rarity. Our talk has been...an enlightening one to say the least." She smiled at Rarity as she turned to walk away. "Once again, I do hope to meet your friend Sora. He sounds like a pony that...will do anything for a friend. For now I must attend to my duties. Farewell for now, my friend...I do hope we can talk under...better circumstances"

~

Unknown area within Trottingham Forest

It was some time later within the day…or night as it were. Gilda would stand, waiting for the one who would once again give her orders. She had finished preparing what Starlight had asked her to. Now all she could do was wait. Even if she hated it.

It did not take long for the one she was waiting for to come, the cloaked mare smiling sweetly at the griffin as she quietly made herself known. "And there you are, Miss Gilda.Do forgive me for the delay. I was just...relaying a bit of critical information to the ones that we are working for. And gaining a bit of information myself."

The griffin stared down at the mare, not moving an inch. Had she something to say she would have said it.

Continuing on, the cloaked mare growled softly. "It seems that a few...rats made it into the city proper. While I would have asked my partners to deal with them, it seems that they want to test my loyalty." Without warning, she struck a nearby tree leaving a deep hoof imprint within it. "How dare they…Was supplying them with what they needed not enough! What more do they want for me until they are satisfied!?"

Though she did not scream, the force of her voice was enough to make even Gilda quiver ever so slightly. The pony’s white iris began to glow with a deep shade of darkness as black whisps began to form around her very being. Even with the state she was in, Gilda knew that she was on the verge of losing it. It was surprising she was lasting for as long as she did.

Finally calming down from her episode, the mare would look towards the griffin, a frown upon her face "Fine. If that is the way they want to play it then I will play it...." She frowned as she pulled out a dagger, small yet dangerous in the hands for the right pony...or griffin. "They set up a distraction for the Warrior of light and his two friends, but should they best it, it is only a matter of time before they find out about me.” The mare paused looking off towards where the city would be. “Your task, my dear Gilda, is to meet them there when they do." Producing a dagger from within her cloak. "They said the stallion was too dangerous to be left alone. That they needed him out of the picture altogether. If that is the case I need you to fly to them." She placed the dagger within Gilda's claws. "Befriend them." She made Gilda tighten her claws around the grip. "And when the time is right...you know what to do." She backed away from the griffin, giving her a smile. "Go...and when it is done...I will release you. You have my word my dear friend."

Gilda nodded slowly, though she couldn't refuse even if she wanted to. She turned and ran in the direction of the small city, leaving the cloaked mare alone. When she was, the mare fell to the ground clutching her chest as her heart tightened. Her breathing was sporadic, her mind was all too clear on what she was doing. "Haa...haha...If this is what I have to do...what I have to pay then so be it...I'll do anything if it means..." The mare stood back up, pushing herself to get her body back under her control. "Enough...foolishness. The future can wait…right now I need to stay in the present.” She tightened the cloak around her. “I’ll have to keep these ponies busy now that they found me…if it wasn’t for those two brats…They should be out of my hair though…Gilda would have seen to that." She turned around, slowly making her way back to the camp. She had to prepare. She had to sacrifice...all for him...

Surprising Turns

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Surprising Turns

Within the Trottingham Tunnels

A dark and desolate feeling permeated the air as Sora, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie made their way down the dark underbelly of Trotingham's underground. With the latter of the three leading the way down the streetlamp guided path, they would slowly but surely make their way towards the underground entrance of the city's capital building. Despite it being abandoned due to the Heartless attack, Sora once again couldn't help but notice just how amazing it looked. It honestly did remind him, in a way, of Traverstown, the place where he had first landed when his island had fallen to darkness.

The only real difference was while the Heartless had nearly been all over that town, nothing looked as though it had been broken. Almost to the point that it felt as if no one lived there at all.

Unlike here, in Trottingham.

Everywhere he looked, he could see signs of ponies dropping things in panic and broken windows. Even with all the destruction the Heartless caused, there were still remnants that there had been life left in these streets, unlike how it was in Traverstown. Though if it was like this here, he couldn't imagine how devastating it looked up above, Especially with Heartless like that Dragon one he and Rainbow Dash had taken down. With the help of Lightning of course. Encountering such monsters should be avoided at all cost for now, what with Trixie in his care.

"Hey, Hero." Rainbow Dash suddenly exclaimed, the mare coming up and trotting alongside him. " You doing good?"

Startled but quickly getting over it, The keyblade wielder smiled softly at the mare, giving her a nod before responding. "Yeah. I'm good, Dash." With her walking beside him now, the stallion couldn't help but notice that the mare was slightly fidgety, almost as if she had something on her mind. Giving his blue friend a nudge, he asked her, "How about you? Did you need something?"

The cyan mare gave him a look of surprise, blinking for a moment before nodding as well, quickly answering him. "I'm fine, Hero! It's just...ya know...ah...I'm just making sure you are okay is all."

"hehe…Thanks, Dash. But I’m fine. Really." He reiterated. "Never better."

That answer seemed to calm her down for a bit, the rainbow maned mare nodding slowly before frowning a bit. Rubbing the back of her head. “Yeah sure…okay…” She had wanted to let it drop, to keep herself from involving herself between him and Fluttershy as per the latter’s request. Still, her curiosity got the best of her as it always did. She was told it was one of her worst traits.

"Alright so…I mean…Geeze…" She was quiet after that for a long while before speaking up again. She had already gained the stallion’s attention, what with him looking at her with his head tilted questioningly. Deciding to push herself forward and get it out of the way, she spoke again. "Listen...I...I'm not trying to pry or anything, ya know. It just...you looked kinda angry when we first set out."

He blinked, slightly taken aback by that statement. "I…What do you mean, Rainbow?"

"Ya know...I mean...before we left, after Shy got pulled away by that colt. You were kinda...frowning...deeply..."

"Oh." he responded with a hesitant tone. "I...I just..." He tried to put it into words but he couldn't find what he wanted to say. Not that he knew what he wanted to say. Deciding on the most reasonable thing, he spoke again. "I was just...worried?"

"Worried?" Rainbow Dash echoed, this time the mare tilting her head at him. "About what?"

He thought about it for a moment. "For her...with that colt.” he sighed as she looked away from Rainbow rubbing the back of his head, almost as if he was ashamed. I mean...I know this is gonna sound bad…or stupid…or both… but...I didn't just like the way he was talking to her..."

Rainbow blinked. Her gaze would shift every which way as if she was trying to solve some kind of difficult math problem before something hitting her like a ton of bricks. Slowly, a sly grin would form on her lips. "You…Are you saying you were… jealous?"

"Jealous?" he repeated, furrowing his brow as his head snapped in her direction. “What do you mean jealous?”

"You said you didn’t like the way he was talking to her.” She answered, repeating his words back to him. “You got jealous."

The Keyblade Wielder just stared at her in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she was saying. "No...no...that's not what I meant...I...I was just worried about her and..." He blushed deeply. "I just...I was worried for her...as a friend!"

"Hey no need to get all defensive, Hero." She said, shaking her head. "It's no big deal. I was just teasing you."

"Well…that wasn’t very funny, Dash." he grumbled, looking away from her. Still his cheeks would be a nice shade of red, and Rainbow couldn’t help but notice it.

The rainbow maned mare snickered, not passing up a chance to tease the Keyblade Wielder. "Still...I gotta say, from an outside point of view, the two of you did look rather comfy sleeping together under that tree last night."

"Huh! You saw that…Wait…We weren't sleeping together!" he protested. "I mean...we were..." The stallion tried to think of a reason why there had been up there like that, but nothing he could think of sounded reasonable…at least not to him.

"Like I said, no need to get defensive about it." She asked. "You two seemed to be enjoying it, after all."

"We weren't! We were just...we were..." he tried to say but he trailed off. Just…what were they doing? It had seemed so natural back then. Just like the time back at her cottage…before she ran away at his touch. But it was nothing! They were just…doing what friends do. “We..were…” He repeated, his tone a little more shaky.

"Just friends?" Rainbow Dash finished for him. "Then why did you get so upset when she left with the colt?"

Sora closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down. "Look...can we please just…It can’t be anything like you think it is…"

The rainbow maned mare couldn’t help but see that the stallion was slightly distressed. “Hey Sora…I didn’t…”

"You two! Over here!"

The voice of Trixie pulled the stallion and mare away from their discussion, even as quite as it was. The stallion of the pair quickly rushed towards the showmare’s side, leaving Rainbow before she could even blink. "Trixie. You okay. What's going on?"

"Yes. Trixie is fine." she said, motioning him to sit with her. She had pressed herself against a corner, her gaze shifting from Sora and back down the large walkway that was around said corner. "Though as of right now, Trixie has good news and she has bad news."

"Is the bad news that you have terrible timing?" Rainbow Dash asked with an annoyed huff.

"No." The blue unicorn replied, raising an eyebrow questioningly at her. "The bad news is that there are a lot of those black monsters that had been chasing Trixie and the boys back when you found us, down this path.”He motioned towards the pathway she had been looking down prior. “Too many to count, if Trixie is being honest."

Sora blinked before slowly inching his way to look down where Trixie had been pointing. His eyes would widen at the sight. They were Shadows. he remembered them as some of the first Heartless he had ever seen. They were weak by themselves but what they lacked in strength, they made up for it in numbers.

Rainbow couldn't help but whistle as she too gazed down the path. "Geeze...Where the hey did they even come from?"

Sora would have to agree with that question. The trio had not seen hide or hair of any Heartless up until now. It couldn't have just been a coincidence that they are all here now of all places. Pulling away from the corner, he turned back towards the showmare. "You said you had good news too?"

"Indeed. Trixie is not without news that is of the utmost importance after all." She spoke in a lavish flare. "Trixie knows that they are blocking the underground entrance to City Hall, the very place that you need to go, is it not?"

Sora frowned. Okay...definitely not a coincidence. He spoke inwardly to himself, tapping a hoof under his chin thoughtfully.

"So we found the place..." the rainbow maned mare stated. "Now what, what do we do?"

"That's...a good question..." Sora exclaimed softly, letting his back rest agaitns the wall. I've fought greater numbers then this, but I didn't have to worry about somebody else when i did so… but now... His gaze fell towards the unicorn showmare and the blue pegasus. He was sure Rainbow could hold her own but Trixie was another matter. Getting her caught up in the fight would be the worst thing possible. He didn’t want to put her in more danger then she already was.

The three were silent for a long while, not quite knowing what to do now that they were at their destination.

It didn’t last long however as one of the three finally spoke up.

"I...Think I have a plan." Rainbow spoke slowly, her gaze falling towards that of the wielder of the keyblade. "And I’m pretty sure you aren’t gonna like it, Sora..."

Giving the mare a frown, he asked, "What? What are you talking about, Rainbow? “What plan won’t I like?"

Standing up on her hooves as she spoke, she gave him the answer to his question."I'm gonna lead them away." she explained. "Then the two of you can go in without too much trouble."

Trixie stared at the mare as if she had grown a second head. "A...Are you a crazy mare?! Do you not see what Trixie is looking at!? Those beast will tear you limb from limb!"

"As if they will even touch me." the rainbow mare stated, giving the mare a smug smirk. "And while they will chasing me, It will give you a chance to get in there and kick the badguys butt, Hero. Just like in my Daring Do books."

“You’re risking your life for a stupid book!” near screamed.

“Hey! It worded for her, it will work for me.” Rainbow Dash defended with a huff. “And Daring Do isn’t stupid.”

Interrupting the two mare’s little spat, the stallion made his own concerns known "Dash…I…I don’t know about this. Maybe I should face them headon…I can take them out and then…”

"No way, Hero" Rainbow Dash shot down. "By the time you are done, whatever they are doing in there will be done and over with, which won’t be good for anypony…whatever it is. My plan has the best shot of success. I can lead these bozos away and you take out the head honcho. You said it yourself. The leader of the Heartless controls them and without then they are just mindless beasts right? So just go in there and kick his butt."

"That's twice you’ve said butt now.” Trixie couldn’t help but respond.

“That's twice you counted me saying it.” Rainbow shot back as her eyes narrowed at the mare. “Whos the weirder one now, huh?”

“Trixie still thinks you are.”

"Rainbow...are you sure about this?" Sora asked, pulling his friend from her argument with the unicorn. "You might end up getting captured…or worse…your heart taken away."

"Oh ye of little faith." She replied. "They won't take Rainbow "Danger" Dash down that easily...trust me, Hero."

The stallion fought within himself for a moment before sighing softly, giving her a slow nod. "Fine...But don't stop running…or Flying. Try and lose them if they are giving you too much trouble." He paused. "And stay safe. I wouldn't know what I would tell the girls if you got hurt on my watch."

Rainbow scoffed. "Could say the same to you, Hero." She smirked. "I got this...don't worry." Before the mare could turn to leave, Sora grabbed the hem of her jacket, causing her to turn to face him with a deadpanned look on her face. "Gah! What, Spiky?! I gotta go do my thing so you can do your thing!"

"I know Rainbow Dash but..." He paused, trying to say something. Instead he just gave the mare a nod. "Just...be careful okay, Rainbow?"

Rainbow blinked before smiling at the stallion, with a roll of her eyes she turned to face what she was about to do. "Don't worry, Sora. The Dash never goes down easily."

Now ready to enact the plan, the rainbow maned mare ran out into the middle of the road cupping her forehooves around her mouth before bellowing out in a booming and scratchy voice. "HEY YOU BIG JERKS! WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT WHAT'S OVER THERE!? I'M WAY MORE AWESOMER THAT WHATEVER YOU BOZOS ARE CROWDING AROUND!"

Trixie deadpanned as she looked over towards the Keyblade Wielder. "Awesomer? Really?"

Despite Trixie snide remark, Rainbow's plan seemed to have worked, all things considered. The Heartless turned to face the mare, their beady yellow eyes honing in on the lone pegasus. As if as one, they all ran at her at once, flowing down the passageway as if they were an ocean's wave.

"That's Right you losers! Follow the Rainbow!" The mare turned tail and flew the opposite direction of where Sora and Trixie were, a large group of the Heartless right on her heels as she did so.

Now alone with only himself and the showmare, stood up on his hooves, frowning. "Darnit...You better stay safe Dash..." Turning towards the mare beside him, he offered her a hoof up. "Come on Trixie. No time to lose. Whatever those Heartless wanted in there must be important so we can't let this chance slip by us."

Despite wanting to protest about how stupid this all ways, the mare would only shake her head before grasping his hoof, allowing him to help her stand. With the way now clear, both stallion and mare made their way down the now empty roadway leading to the entrance of City Hall. Reaching the doorway, the stallion couldn't help but notice how pristine the wooden doors would look.

"Geeze...The Heartless couldn't get past these?" He asked, more to himself then to the other one beside him.

"Trixie is confused as well...Hang on…" The mare's horn began to glow, her magic reaching out towards the still intact doors. "Trixie can...She can feel magic...a locking spell? Trixie knows only low level ones so she is not sure that she can crack this code with her magic alone."

"Don't worry...when it comes to unlocking," Sora held out his hoof, his Keyblade forming within his grasp with a glow of white magic. "I'm the master of it."

Trixie gasped. Somehow, this was the first time she had actually seen him summon his Keyblade outright. "H-How did you...Trixie means...she knew you had a weird weapon but she didn't know you summoned it with magic! That's a high level spell only taught to a few unicorns! And you are a pegasus! How can you do magic anyway?!"

Sora chuckled at the showmare's question. "It's not really summoning…it's more like i’m calling out to it." He paused as he tapped a hoof to his chin. Though...I really could summon other heroes to help me in battle back in the day. I do hope I get my powers back. Not being able to do what I could before really is annoying. Turning back to the matter at hand, he pointed his keyblade at the doors. "Stand back Trixie. Something could pop out soon as I unlock it."

The mare, heeding his warming, would move behind him, though her gaze never left the key or the door.

With his way clear, the stallion focused on the task at hand. It didn't take long for a beam of light suddenly shoot out of the tip of his weapon,hitting the lock of the door just right. With a simple click, the door would glow with a brilliant light before some kind of coating dissipated from it. Slowly, it would open, revealing the darkness within.

"Easy." The stallion mused, flipping the keyblade within his hoof.

"That magic...had to have been the highest of caliber..." The show mare whispered. Turning around, she glared at the stallion. "Trixie demands to know how you were able to do magic without being a unicorn!"

"Well...I guess you could say it's because of this." He lifted his keyblade up, showing it to her in all of its splendor, before she could touch it, the blade would dissipate in a glow of light. "Much as I would love to show you, there's no time. We need to get in there and do what we need to do." He responded, motioning towards the inside of the building. "We better hurry. Stopping them and saving Rainbow Dash is the top priority." His gaze fell back to the mare beside him. "If you want to stay out here I understand."

"Trixie...would rather take her changes next to you if it is all the same." She said in a deadpanned tone.

Sora chuckled. "Okay then. Lets go." He walked into the building, Trixie following closely behind. After both ponies crossed the threshold, the door would slam shut.

***

"Okay Rainbow Dash...you asked for this. You wanted this...and it seems that you got what you wanted...now what?"

The cyan mare's wings would beat faster as she picked up her speed once again, keeping just out of reach of the nasty looking wave of darkness behind her. Deciding to look back for only a second, she could see that the flowing wave of Heartless were right on her trail, leaving a path of destruction in its wake as it chased her throughout the underground pathway. She knew that even with one nasty slip up, the Heartless would overtake her and...she didn't even want to know what would happen next. More importantly, she didn't want to make that idiot hero worry over her after talking such a big game before. focusing back to what was in front of her, she only had a split second to yelp before narrowing dodging a low hanging sign that had been in her path.

"Dang it! Pay attention girl!" She cursed to herself. "Would have been the Appleloosen desert all over again!"

Dodging every which way and avoiding where she needed to, the mare kept the Heartless a good pace away from her as the chase continued. She knew that she could outrun them if needed, but that's not what she had to do now. She had to keep these Heartless busy enough so that Sora could do what he needed to do and take down whoever it was that was in charge of these monsters. Sticking to that, the mare would keep herself at a steady speed, just fast enough to keep out of the monsters claws but slow enough so that they never back down from her.

Easier said then done… the mare thought to herself, her wings beating hard within the dimly lit halls of the underground, keeping her ahead of the deadly darkness just behind her.

The mare knew that she just had to get to the open skies above. It was her plan to do so after all. Once she was able to do so, she knew that it would be a cake walk to lose her pursuers. Though she knew it would be a tough thing to do, what with her not knowing where she had to go to do so. She kicked herself for not asking Trixie in advance.

Looking from left to right, Rainbow couldn’t help but feel like Underground Trottingham was like a maze. She had only seen the island connected by train from the top once or twice when she was younger. Cloudsale would float above it from time to time during her youth. Never would she have expected such a labyrinth to be beneath the city. Maneuvering in such a tight place was both time consuming and exhausting for the blue pegasus, but still, she had to do it. She had no other choice at this point.

The cyan mare grunted as she turned a particularly tight corner, landing upon the side of the wall itself before kicking herself off of it, the Heartless ramming right where she had been just moments ago. Looking back, Rainbow couldn't stop herself from laughing as more then a few of the creatures dissipated after impacting the hard surface of the wall.

"Take that ya losers! Ah yeah!" Couldn't stop herself from celebrating as she pumped her hoof in excitement. She didn't have much time to do so before picking her speed back up, the wave of the dark monsters once again flowing down the path after her. "Keep this up and I'll be the one to take down these monsters before you even have a chance to beat the bad dude, Sora."

Focusing her gaze back in front of her, the mare wouldn’t believe her luck as soon as she did so. A proper set of stairs could be seen in the distance. Ones that looked as though they led back up towards the ground level proper. She nearly chuckled like a mad mare, knowing that she was within the home stretch now. Such a feeling was short lived however as Rainbow found herself reeling at the sight of another wave of darkness rushing down her escape root, heading right towards her. She barely had time to yelp as she made a sharp turn down another path haphazardly, her body ramming into a nearby wall as she did so. She was dazed for only a moment before she quickly picked up her pace once again, narrowly missing the waves crashing down the hall after her.

"Where in the flying feather did they come from!?" The mare cried out, almost screaming as she watched the Heartless flow into the pathway she had to suddenly choose. They…weren’t trying to cut me off…right? She wondered to herself, her inner voice a mix of confusion and fear. There wasn't any answer that she would have been happy to hear and she couldn't afford to ponder it for too long. She had to keep moving forward or else the Heartless might catch up to her again. So she continued to fly, her wings beating faster and faster as she did so. She had to keep them away.

Still…The mare knew that long distance wasn't her forte. She was a sprinter after all. Adding these sharp turns, dodging obstacles in her way, and the heartless seemingly trying to cut off her escape routes every time she found another set of stairs, it wasn't surprising that exhaustion was slowly catching up to her. She simply couldn't keep flying at these short bursts of speeds while keeping herself a safe distance from these seemingly triedless beings.

Quick as she could, the mare turned another conner, her body nearly hitting the wall when she did so. The heartless in turn had no issues in allowing some of their numbers to vanish. There was always more to replace them after all.

G-Getting tried…Can’t stop!

Slowly but surely the Heartless were closing in, just a few wing beats away from her. The mare couldn’t help but feel it. She dare not turn to see, though her sharp ears were more then enough to clue her in on how close they were. It wasn't long before the mare felt something grab at her hind hoof. She yelped at the feeling and began to flap her wings faster than before, slipping out of the loose grasp.

The burst of speed was short lived however, as the mare's breathing began to become more labored with each wing flap. She was losing speed. And she was scared.

"Come on Dash you Feather Brain!" She muttered to herself, knowing that she had to do something before it was all over with. "You've got to think about something! Think!"

Her eyes darted around the pathways, trying to figure out where she could go to get away from the Heartless, but each way she looked, there were Heartless. It seemed as though they were done playing around. They really were trying to trap her. And she fell right into it.

Rainbow took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and her nerves. She had to be smart, she had to be quick, and she had to...she had to...

She turned another corner.

It was a dead end.

With a cry, Rainbow whipped her head back, looking to the left and right of her, hoping that the Heartless had missed her, turning towards a dead end.

Much to her dismay, they had not.

The mare couldn’t stop her body from shaking at the sight of Heartless flowing down after her like a black wave, thier beedy yellow eyes glimmering in the pale light of the underground.

“Think, Dash, think!” The mar yelled at her self, looking left and right and behind her for some kind of an escape route. Everywhere she looked though, it was nothing but solid wall. Finally she would cast her gaze upwards, spotting something she was ever so glad to see. A way out.

“Bucking awesome! A Pony-Hole cover!”

Quickly making a dash for it, she shot upwards to where the hole covering was and began pushing at it with all her might. It was moving for her. She knew that she could escape. Flapping her wings harder and harder, the mare pushed at the heavy lead covering, doing her best to move it. With most of her stamina drained however it was a slow and agonizing process.

And the Heartless weren't nice enough to wait for her to escape.

Rainbow felt her hind hooves grabbed once again, a single claw digging into her leg. She yelped and kicked back, but the monster held fast, trying to pull her towards the others. She struggled to get free of its grasp but it was useless. She was just too tired from before.

Still, that didn’t stop her from trying.

"Darn it! Let go! Let go of me ya jerks!" She screamed as she struggled against the Heartless that had grasped her limb. She attempted to to use her free leg to lash out at it in a last ditch effort to force it to release her but each strike she gave was weaker than the last. She knew that she had used up most of her energy from before. She barely had enough to keep herself aloft as she is.

Still she struggled. She didn't want to accept her fate. She didn't want to die.

Just as the mare thought it was all over, the street cover she had been trying to remove would lift from her grasp. Before she could fall back into the sea of Heartless, a yellow claw would catch her foreleg.

"I should have known that it was your stupid voice I heard, Dash!"

Despite the fact that she had just nearly died, the mare couldn't help but reel at the sight of the one above her. "G-Gilda?"

"Sure is dweeb! Now shut up and flap your wings! Or do you want to be monster chow?!" The griffin yelled as she struggled at holding the rainbow maned mare's hoof.

After a quick shake of her head to shake off the sudden sight of her old best friend helping her, the mare would indeed do as the griffin commanded, her wings once again flapping with all of their might as her free hind leg once again lashed out at the Heartless who had ahold of her. Finally, after one last desperate kick, the claw that had a hold of her finally released, the cyan mare slipping through the hole just as it did so.

Gilda, still having a hold of her, helped her though the opening, throwing the mare onto the ground behind her before pushing the pony hole cover back where it was once before, the lion bird jumping on top of the cap to keep it in place, in case the Heartless decided to follow after them. She would look down at the cover before letting her gaze fall to Rainbow Dash, both mare and griffion holding baited breath as the seconds ticked by. Neither would make a sound as they waited for...something.

But nothing would happen, not even the sound of movement below.

Rainbow, having finally had time to catch her breath, allowed her body to give out due to exhaustion. She was tired and she was hurt. But she was alive. She was alive thanks to Gilda.

Her gaze flew to her old friend from the past, who had the smuggest look upon her beak.

"Well well well...Looks like Rainbow Dweep owes me one." The griffin said with a snicker, she held out a claw to the pony.

Rainbow eyed the offered appendage curiously. She was still a little confused at this point, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. "Yeah yeah...Whatever." The mare's hoof grasped the griffin’s. "Never thought I'd say this again...but...good ta see ya Gil."

The griffin scoffed. "Dang straight it is."

Determined

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Determined

Ponyville

After bringing Sora back from the Crystal Empire

Fluttershy sat on the edge of the bed, her hooves dangling down to brush against the wooden floor beneath them. Her vision was blurry from exhaustion, but she could still see clearly the stallion who lay upon the bed, underneath its warm blankets. His breathing was slow and steady if not a little weak, otherwise, he was fine. Just as she had always done for the past two days and nights, Fluttershy fought through her tiredness, determined to keep him company until he woke up.

She had to...For him.

For the one who had come close to giving his own life up for her and her friends.

She kept a watchful eye on the injury-stricken stallion; that was the least she could do for him. It was, after all, the only help she had to offer.

The mare moved towards the slumbering stallion, allowing herself a rare opportunity to get closer to him. His relaxed breathing and slow heartbeat lulled her into a peaceful state, just as it had on the previous night. The doctor from the Crystal Kingdom told them that his injuries had been healed - an extraordinary feat, and she knew they owed this miracle to Riku, an old friend of Sora's.

Despite his head,could barely remember what the stallion looked like, the mare's sole focus was on the stallion who lay upon her lap at that time. She didn't even care about that blood that had gotten onto her at that moment, time almost seeming like blur to her. All she cared about was Sora, and Sora alone.

The mare's tired gaze drifted towards a nearby window. She could see the first hints of sunlight coming in through the spaces in the curtains, and she was serenaded by the cheerful songs of birds heralding the start of the new day.

She smiled softly as she listened to nature's melodic tunes before looking back at the stallion. She repeated what had become her customary greeting, "Good morning, Sora, I hope you slept well." With a gentle touch of her hoof, she brushed away some of his mane that was covering his face. As she did so, her hoof grazed his cheek causing the mare to flinch in surprise, a deep blush forming on her face. He didn't wake up—but did move slightly in response to her touch.

She waited with bated breath, her heart pounding as she anticipated something, anything to happen. When the stallion kept on sleeping, she released a sigh of relief. Tenderly, she held the hoof that had stirred the stallion with her other, caressed it gently.

She had felt the warmth emanating from him. Unable to stop herself, a smile crept onto her face. Had he always been this warm? The mare pondered as she drew closer to the stallion, allowing her chin to rest gently on the soft fabric of the blanket that covered him.

The mare didn't know if it was her tired brain speaking to her or not but, she couldn't help but notice so many things about the stallion now that she had gotten so close to him as she did. While she had known it before, the mare really thought the stallion looked quite dashing. The line of his jaw was strong and defined yet...a touch of softness could be seen. His muzzle was short yet blocky, something she had seen in so few stallions. She remembered his sky blue eyes, sparkling as the sun every time he was happy. And his lips...they were nice and...

"Fluttershy? Hello? ya in their partner?"

At the sound of Fluttershy's name being called, the mare jolted awake with a start from her daydreaming. Her cheeks reddened as she looked around the room her gaze falling towards the sleeping stallion as the culprit for the voice. Seeing that it could not possibly be the one to have called her, she would turn towards the closed door, and sound of hooves gently knocking upon it could be heard before the same voice spoke again.

"Fluttershy? Ya awake sugarcube?"

That voice...it was Applejack...

"Come in...I'm...um...I'm awake." The mare would say before yawning softly, trying her best to fight back the sudden wave of tiredness that hit her.

The door slowly opened, revealing her apple farming friend, stetson and all. There would be a smile playing across the mare's face as she entered, but it would soon turn into a worried frown as she her gaze fell towards the yellow pegasus.

"Morning, Shy. Thought I would wake up bright and early to check in on Sora, though It seems that ya beat me to it...again."

Fluttershy gave nervous a nod, "I...I guess so...I mean...I wanted to make sure he was comfortable while he slept."

"Ah can see that." She remarked as she glanced towards the dozing stallion in question. "He certainly does look quite relaxed ta be sure." She paused as she looked at the mare, “Now that Ah feel he’s no longer in danger… Ah need to focus my attention on a pony who needs it more then he does.” Her expression softened as she looked at the lemon-colored pony. “So... How are you feeling, Shy?”

"I'm okay...really," Fluttershy replied with a smile, one she mustered up as best she could.

"Uh huh." Applejack responded with a hint of disbelief.

"N-No. Really I'm Fine Applejack. I..." She yawned as she swayed back and forth before suddenly jolting up to stop herself from falling back. "I'm okay!"

Applejack's eyebrows scrunched up as she observed the yellow horse. She was well aware that Applejack could tell when something was wrong and wasn't being honest, and the young mare was certain that this wasn't lost on her.

The farm mare let out a deep breath as she lumbered towards the yellow one. "Alright there, Shy. You may be trying to keep it together but you can't fool me. Ah know what burnout looks like and you've got it. It's been hitting you harder than a blind bird hitting the broad side of a barn."

Fluttershy squirmed under the other mare's scrutiny. "I'm alright, I...I promise" she squeaked softly, hiding her tired eyes more and more behind the fringes of her mane.

"No ya ain't, Shy. Even Ah can tell ya can't keep going on like this." The mare stated matter-of-factly, causing the shy mare to flinch. "Have ya even had a lick of sleep? Ya liable to burn from exhaustion long before Sora wakes up. And we both know him well enough that he will blame himself for you getting yourself hurt in any kind away..."

"But..." Fluttershy tried to speak up, but the look of finality on Applejack's face made her pause. It was a look she had only ever seen a few times before. One that said there would be no further discussion about any topic they were discussing. Letting out a soft sigh, she deflated into the fringes of her mane once again. "I...No…Y-You're right, Applejack. I know I've been pushing myself too hard and it's not healthy. But I thought I could manage it and look after him at the same time." She cast her gaze over towards the stallion. "I...had to do this..."

"Ya had to?" The farmer asked with a raised eyebrow. “Why do ya feel ya have to do this. Ta push yourself. Ah can tell that your about ta pass out any second."

Fluttershy turned away from her friend, "I...I was useless..." She said quietly.

Applejack's eyes widened in surprise at Fluttershy's sudden confession. She had never heard Fluttershy speak about herself in such a negative way before. "What do ya mean? Useless how?" she asked softly, placing a comforting hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder.

The yellow mare hesitated for a moment before speaking. "When Sora was attacked, I...I couldn't do anything for him. I couldn't do anything to help him."

"Fluttershy...none of us could." Applejack to the mare. "We...we were trapped behind that bubble Sunset had set for us."

Fluttershy nodded, tears forming in her eyes. "I know that, but...I still feel like I should have done something. I couldn't protect him when he needed me the most. After everything he's done for us..."

Applejack's expression softened as she gazed at her friend. "Ah understand that, Shy. But that doesn't mean you have to push yourself to the point of burnout. There are other ways you can help him, ways that don't involve hurting yourself."

Fluttershy sniffled and wiped away her tears with her hoof. "I...I understand Applejack. I just...I don't like to see him hurt. If...If I had just...I..."

"Fluttershy..." the apple farmer spoke, catching the mare's attention. "Who's the mare who faced down a giant dragon like it was nothing at all?"

"I...well...I mean I was but..."

"And who stared down a cockatrice even as she was about to turn into stone?"

The yellow pegasus flinched at that, remembering that particular day, "I...I did but...he was being mean and..."

"Let's not count the times you helped me and the girls against Discord and that bug queen. And-"

Fluttershy gazed at the bed and the sleeping stallion, her voice barely a whisper. "I understand what you're trying to do, Applejack...but it doesn't make me feel any better for not being able to help Sora."

“That wasn't the point, Shy.” The farm mare said tenderly as she rested a hoof on her friend's back. "Fluttershy, Ah know it doesn't feel like it to ya, but you are one of the bravest ponies Ah know. Applebloom told me how you bravely stepped in so that Sora wouldn't be hurt by that shadow king. Not only that, but you also pushed the young'uns away so that evil stallion couldn't grab them when he went for you.” She smirked. “I still need to thank you for that though.”

The timid horse shook her head, as the memories began to flow through her sleeping mind. Tears began filling the corners of her eyes as the flashbacks repeated again and again in her brain. "I...I didn't...I mean...I wasn't thinking then. I just wanted the girls to stay safe...and for Sora not to..." She tried to bring out the dreaded word, but it wouldn't come out. The longer she thought about it, the more her tears began to flow “I was…so scared…but…Sora…I couldn’t…and the girls…”

"Ah know, Shy." The farm mare pulled her close, hugging her friend tightly as she as the shy mare's emotions came crashing down on her. Applejack would just smile as she held her close, petting the back of her head lightly. "Ah know..." She repeated softly.

For a few moments, the pair remained there, just standing there tightly with one another until the timid mare finally pulled back, wiping away the tears that had started to form.

"Thank you...And sorry..." She told her friend. "I...I think I...I didn't want to think about it all this time...I was so afraid to think about it…I…I came to close to…and…"

"Hehe…Figured as much..." The farm mare answered, patting the yellow one on the shoulder. "It's okay Fluttershy, you don't have ta apologize for anything. You did what ya did and you won’t hear me saying ya shouldn’t have done what ya did. Ah wish it wouldn’t come to it…just like how it came ta Sora…but…Ah’m glad that we have ponies like you and him looking out for us. Now come on. You need rest. Ah know you wanna help out your hero but you can't do that if ya tucker yourself out. Ah promise, me and Twi will take care of him today. And you can come back tomorrow after a full night's rest."

The yellow pony nodded and smiled weakly, "Okay...thank you...Applejack."

The farmer smiled, "Anytime, Shy." With that she let go of the yellow mare, allowing her to step back from her hug. "Want me ta walk ya home?"

The yellow pegasus shook her head, "No...I'll be okay. Thank you...Applejack."

Applejack smiled, "Alright then. See ya later then, Shy. And promise me you will get some rest, ya hear?"

Fluttershy gave a slight nod in confirmation, "I...I will..." She paused before she exited, facing her friend. "I-I know, um, I told you that I was afraid...but when thinking about it now, I don't think I would have done anything differently..."

The farm mare smiled. "Of that ah have no doubt Shy. Thanks...for saving Applebloom."

The timid mare nodded, a smiling playing across her sleepy features. "I...y-you're welcome AJ."

****

"Wake-"

"Fluttershy-Dear-"

"Fluttershy wake up."

The butter yellow mare slowly opened her eyes before sitting up and yawning softly, a hoof covering her mouth as she did so. She looked around herself before finding the one who had woken her from her dreaming memory. "Rarity?"

"Finally...you must have been really tired dear." Rarity mused softly, tilting her head at her butter yellow friend. "You were sleeping like quite the rock."

"I-I was?" The waking mare tried her best to remember what it was that she had been dreaming about before, but the last vestiges of the dream were slowly slipping away from her. Shaking her head, the mare decided that she needed to focus on the present at the moment. Turning her gaze towards the white mare that had woken her up, she spoke up once again. "I...um...I'm sorry Rarity. Can you tell me what time it is?"

"According to Lightning, it is just a little past noon, Darling," The white unicorn responded. "You were only asleep for an hour or two and while I did not want to wake you, you cousin had asked me to collect you. She wants to see the both of us actually."

"She...does?" Fluttershy asked, rubbing the remainder of the sleep from her tied eyes, as what Rarity had said made the mare become fully awake. "Did...ah...Did she say what it was about?"

The white mare shook her head. "Sadly no. I did ask of course but she was being rather cryptic with me." The mare sighed. "She was however, adamant on meeting us so it is best not to keep the good captain waiting. She doesn't seem like the kind of mare you want to have angry with you after all, Rainbow and Sora's actions proving such a point."

The shy mare couldn't help but chuckle softly at that. "She's...um...she's not that bad. She can be a little...serious...that's true...but...she is very kind when you get to know her."

"I'll take your word for it darling, of that you have my promise." The red coated mare smiled softly at her friend. "Come now, let's go see what she wants. Even if she is as kind as you say, I wouldn't want to make her angry for no reason."

Fluttershy nodded, standing up and stretching, her wings flapping gently as she did so. After gathering herself up, the mare would look around, finally noticing something that was missing. "Oh...where did the foals go?"

"Don't worry about them dear, Lightning had instructed the guards to take the sleeping littles off." The white mare answered. "They are being loaded onto the carts as we speak. She plans on taking them out of this dreadful place as soon as possible."

"Oh good...thank you...Rarity, for telling me I mean." Fluttershy said, "I'm guessing she is getting ready to move again. And if that's the case...then...we can look for Sora and the others soon."

"Indeed. And the sooner we find them, the sooner you can tell your little hero how you feel. Isn't that right, darling?" Rarity cooed softly, gently nudging her friend.

Fluttershy's cheeks reddened, avoiding the gaze of the ivory unicorn. "Y-Yeah...I suppose so...it feels like everything is all happening at once…or...maybe not at all." She shook her head. "It's hard to explain—the more I think about revealing my feelings to him, the faster my heart beats and the more confused, scared…and…um…excited I become…"

The white mare embraced her friend warmly and smiled. "Fluttershy, I know it's hard for you right now, but don't get overwhelmed. Hold your feelings for Sora close to your heart and trust that you will make the right decision when the time comes. Every mare has gone through this before so don't worry."

"I...I think I understand Rarity. Thank you." Fluttershy answered. "I just hope I don't ruin our friendship by telling him..."

"Oh, Fluttershy!" Rarity exclaimed, smiling brightly. "If it's Sora, he wouldn't allow his and your friendship to be ruined by such a thing. Even if he isn't a pony, he is one of the good ones. We've seen that first hoof after all."

Fluttershy smiled back, laughing softly. "Y-Yeah...He is."

The white mare smirked. "Now...with that little problem out of the way, shall we see what your captain guard of a cousin wants with the pair of us, hmm?"

Fluttershy nodded as she wrapped her bag around her body, gently patting the pouch that held what remained of the potions Sora had given her. "I...um...I'm ready."

With a silent nod, Rarity led the way, the pair of ponies making their way though the encampment. As they did so, both mares would spot the cart that held the foals and a quite a few other older ponies nearby, the guards having loaded them onto the secure cart nearby. While more then a few of the fillies and colts had still been asleep, A few had been awoken by some of the older ponies, seemingly their guardians or parents. Fluttershy had been relived that at least a few of them still had family left after this ordeal, even if it was a scant few.

As the pair of friends entered the main tent of the encampment, the captain's gaze would fall towards the two. With a quick look from her subordinates to her side, the two guards that had been standing beside her moved until they were behind both Fluttershy and Rarity.

"I'm glad that you were able to find Fluttershy, Miss Rarity." Lightning spoke, her voice neutral as it spoke. Almost practiced. "I needed to update you two on the plan from here on out."

The white mare blinked, looking back at the two guards. "I see...So...If you don't mind me asking, what is it that we are doing?"

Lightning responded with a simple, "First and foremost, evacuating the civilians is our priority. We must follow Princess Celestia's orders after all."

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes...of course..." She hesitated for a moment, wondering what else she could say, before speaking up. "And once we get the civilians out, are we going to look for Sora?"

Lightning closed her eyes before opening them again. "Me and my team will be heading off for Trottingham as soon as the civilians are safe. And you two are going back though the entrance with them."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "Wait...back? But I...I thought that we could help look for..."

The captain shook her head. "That is a negative." She stood up. "Despite your deeds to this country, you two are still untrained civilian mares under my watch."

Fluttershy started to call the Captain her cousin, then quickly corrected herself, wanting to at least be respectful of her family's rank, though her need to find an argument against following her orders was almost overpowering. And yet...she couldn't.

She could understand why Sora and Rainbow Dash had to do what they did, but when it was her turn. "I...But we can...help..."

“You two will follow my orders,” Lightning declared sternly, preventing her cousin from speaking. When she saw Fluttershy flinch, the captain softened her gaze before continuing. “I assure you, Fluttershy, that I will bring your friends back to you safe and sound, but it wouldn't be right of me to put an animal caretaker and a tailor on the front lines.”

The white unicorn scowled. "Forgive me, Captain, but I have more than enough experience dealing with difficult situations on my own. I've faced down the Diamond Dogs and the Changelings in the past just so you know. Not to mention Fluttershy can show her mettle when she puts her mind to it." The mare huffed. "Also I'm not just some common household tailor. I am the best fashionista to grace this side of Equestria."

“I commend your enthusiasm Miss Rarity, however this is not a runway show. I'm afraid I cannot permit either of you to go." Lightning's voice became adamant. "That's the end of it. Dream Drop, Lancer, please send these two with the rest of the non-combatants.”

"Of course, Captain." The one called Lancer spoke, as he moved the flap of the tent open. "Right this way Miss Rarity."

The white mare snorted, tossing her mane in annoyance. "This is intolerable! How dare you treat us this way!" Rarity declared firmly, her voice ringing out clear and strong. "We have every right to search for our friends and offer them aid! Fluttershy, please, won't you say something?"

The yellow pegasus stared down, searching in vain for the words to voice her disagreement against the captain. Fluttershy opened and closed her mouth, her mind whirling with myriad emotions.

"Well, Fluttershy? Do you think my judgment is wrong on this one?" Lightning asked, her question gentle yet piercing the timid creature's soul.

The yellow pegasus paused, taking a deep breath as she planned out her response. “I think we should follow what Lightning requested,” she finally said, her voice quieting towards the end of the sentence. She let out a soft sigh and turned her gaze away from the others around her.

"Fluttershy?! Are you sure?! Listen, I know it will be dangerous but we can't just-"

"It's fine Rarity. We should do as she says." Fluttershy answered, her voice sounding almost distant as she spoke. "I...I think it is for the best...for us...for Lightning...and for Sora and Rainbow Dash."

Rarity gasped, "But...But...Fluttershy. What about your feelings? What about Sora?"

"Sora..." Fluttershy began, closing her eyes as she did so. "I won't let go of my feelings for him...But causing him to worry just to say how I feel...I don't think I can live with myself if it cause him to get hurt." She opened her eyes, looking at Rarity. "I'm sorry Rarity, but...I think Lightning is right."

"I...I..." The white mare tried to find the words to argue, but none came to mind. Nothing that would justify putting both herself and Fluttershy in danger. Rarity sighed. "If you're sure dear...then...I won't force the matter any further." She paused, her smile softening. "I do know that you wouldn't say this if you weren't absolutely sure." She turned to Lightning, who had a raised eyebrow throughout the whole of the exchange. "Please...Forgive my outburst."

"Nothing to forgive, Miss Rarity." The captain responded, her stoic façade softening slightly. "I know what I'm asking you to do...I'm not doing this because I want to, but because I have to."

"I understand that, Captain." Rarity responded, bowing her head towards her. "You are in command after all."

"Now...If there is nothing else." Lightning stated. "The both of you should return to the civilian encampment and await further orders from myself or-"

"Hello? Is Captain Lightning in here?"

The familiar voice of Starlight Glimmer could be heard from beyond the tent's walls, causing the guard captain to perk up at being called. making her way from around the table she called out, "Enter."

Starlight entered, a smile gracing her lips as she did as soon as she spotted Rarity and Fluttershy within as well. "Oh good. I was wondering where the two of you went. Thought for sure that I had overlooked you, or, goodness forbid, you had already gone to Trottingham already."

Lightning's tone shifted while she replied, "We were just talking about that. I had given both of them the directive to return to the residential encampment. Following that, they will be exiting the barrier with the other citizens."

The purple unicorn frowned. "Oh dear. Is that so?" She turned towards the two elements of harmony.

"Captain's orders." Was the only response Rarity gave, looking to Fluttershy who seemed to share the same sentiments as her.

"That does complicate matters a bit," she said, her lips curving into a smile. "I was hoping to speak with Fluttershy, but I guess that'll have to wait." Her horn began to radiate an eerie glow, and soon afterwards a scream filled the air. Starlight seemed unfazed as every pony around them spun their heads towards the sound of it.

"By the way," the purple unicorn added nonchalantly, "You should really close your mouth. Wouldn't want anyone losing any teeth now, would we?" Before anyone could ask questions or intervene, those within the tent except for Starlight felt as though they were floating in mid air, light as a feather before suddenly crashing towards the ground — followed by darkness.

Entrapment

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Entrapment

Trottingham

Underneath Town Hall

As soon as Sora and Trixie crossed the entrance, the big doors shut behind them with a yelp from Trixie. She rushed to get close to Sora, as if he were her bodyguard, both pony's eyes watching the walls as each and every candle began to light, illuminating the room and cold and eerie glow.

The room itself seemed to look like the inside of a tree out of someone's nightmares, broken roots twisted and turning, reaching from the floor to the ceiling, as if grasping to be let out. Along the walls were shelves upon shelves of books, adding a musty scent of old tomes and parchment papers to the dank air that surrounded the pair.

"A-And Trixie thought she was the one for theatrics." The showmare muttered, her voice quivering ever so slightly. Despite her joking tone, Sora could detect a hint of fear in her voice. After calming down, she moved carefully towards one of the shelves and reached a hoof up to touch one of the books upon it. "Trixie didn't recall there being a library like this beneath City Hall before..." She paused. "Though admittedly, Trixie hasn't been back in town for quite a few years."

The Keyblade Wielder's gaze fell to the shelves around him as well, noticing how a lot of the texts were written in an unfamiliar tongue. He couldn't help the feeling of Deja Vu. The place reminding him of the library at Hollow Bastion...or Radiant Garden as it is called now. "This place is bringing back major memories..."

Trixie raised an eyebrow at the stallion. "Is it? How so?"

"It's a...bit of a long story." The stallion answered truthfully, rubbing the back of his head. "In any case, a place like this feels like major bad news in my experience."

"Trixie takes it, it is not your first time in a deep dark dungeon."

Sora chuckled at Trixie's statement. "You could say that," he replied. "I've been in some pretty scary places before, but this one gives me the creeps. More so than usual."

Making his way over towards a nearby table, the stallion picked up one of the scrolls that laid upon it. He unraveled the parchment and was met with many strange markings he couldn't quite make out. He scanned it for a moment, trying to find...something, "All of this looks important, but I have no clue what any of this means..."

Trixie marched over to the table, her eyes examining the scroll within Sora's grasp. "Well, Trixie HAS spent some time at the School for Gifted Unicorns. It very well could be a magical spell not comprehendible to somepony of your level. Let Trixie see." She grabbed the scroll out of Sora's hooves and studied it carefully, scrutinizing every corner of it before giving it a blank stare. "How can anypony read any of this?!" She huffed as she shoved the parchment back into the stallion's hooves. "It's in Equine, but whoever wrote this had worse handwriting than Trixie's doctor! Trixie can make only make out two words. Three tops."

Sora frowned before looking at the parchment again. With a sigh, he would slip that scroll, as well as a few more into one of his two pouches. "I'll take them to someone who might be able to make heads or tails of it then." The stallion turned towards the only other doors in the room that wasn't where they had come from. "Right now we need to keep going. Rainbow is still out there and I don't want to leave her alone with those Heartless any more than I need to.

With a sigh, Trixie nodded her understanding, and the two of them continued further though the laboratory. As they walked, the stallion, despite the stillness of the room, couldn't help but feel his back hair stand on end. He scanned the shelves, looking for anything out of place, finding nothing weird...and yet he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

Glancing over at the mare trotting next to him in silence, the Keyblade Wielder saw that she seemed just as anxious as he was. He knew that was to be expected, being in the thick of Heartless territory as they were. If he knew that she would be safe if he left her alone, he would have told her to stay behind and let him handle everything from here, but obviously that was out of the question.

Still, with how nervous she was, he could at least comfort her. If not that, at least distract the poor mare.

Upon reaching the door, he would open it for her to walk though. "So, Trixie," Sora began, breaking the silence as she past by, "I don't think I ever asked you. You said that you were from Trottingham, right?"

The Showmare jumped at the sudden interruption to their quiet, casting a glare at the stallion. "That's right. But you already know this. Besides, why do you care where Trixie comes from?"

Sora shrugged, slowing his pace so that he was walking alongside her. "Just curious, I guess. I'm a bit of a world traveler myself so I get to see a lot of new places. Just wanted to know more about where you came from?"

Trixie let out a small sigh, her eyes downcast as she thought about her past. "Well...Trottingham isn't exactly the most exciting place in Equestria," she admitted, "but it's where she grew up. Trixie was just a little filly when She discovered her love for spectacle magic."

"Like...sleight of hand...ah...hoof stuff?" the Keyblade Wielder asked. "But...aren't you a unicorn? Don't you already do magic?"

Trixie huffed at his question. "Oh, it's much more than that. Spectacle magic is all about the presentation, the showmareship. Making the audience see something that they know can't possibly be real but still believing in it anyway." She smiled at the memory. "It's what I, Trixie, was born to do, really. And it's what brought Trixie to Ponyville all those years ago."

"Guessing that's where you know Rainbow and Rarity from then...though...you guys didn't seem to be on good terms."

Trixie's smile faded at the mention of Rainbow and Rarity, being replaced by a deep scowl. "Yes, well...That's complicated," she said, her voice growing a tinge cold. "They...didn't really understand my magic. Thought Trixie was just bragging for bragging sake." She stopped her hoof. "So what if she was though?! Is Trixie not allowed to tell ponies how great and powerful she is? Even if its just for show?"

Sora raised an eyebrow at Trixie's sudden outburst. "What do you mean?"

"Those two and a few more of that mare, Twilight's, friends started heckling me first. Just because Trixie was...in their words...boasting about her abilities."

Sora could sense that Trixie was still holding onto a lot of hurt from the past, and he couldn't blame her. Not with how his friends had hurt him before. He...didn't hate them. But...

Shaking the thought from his mind, he smiled at the mare beside him. "I...could be a bit bias...seeing as I'm friends with them, but...everypony makes mistakes." He smiled. "I'm sure if we all talked it out, we could all come to an understanding. After all, I think everypony deserves a second chance if they are willing to look for it."

Trixie scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Easy for you to say. You don't know what it's like to be laughed at and dismissed by your peers."

Sora rubbed the back of his head. "That's...not true. When I got the power of my Keyblade when I was younger, there were many who questioned if I even deserved that power. Pretty sure I got called ordinary more than a few times. But I didn't let that stop me. So...I think you shouldn't let it stop you either." He smiled at the mare, but she seemed to go quite at that, looking away.

With a sigh, the stallion changed the subject. "So...ah...How did you get to being chased by those Heartless anyway...back when we first met."

Trixie's eyes cut over to him, looking at the stallion from the side. "Trixie was coming here to look for something. She was in the woods when that black down formed. When Trixie actually got to the town, the only other ponies around were the two colts I found wandering on their own - Zidane and Kuja."

The stallion nodded in understanding. "And it was then that the three of you were found by the Heartless and chased...right?"

Trixie nodded solemnly. "Yes. Trixie hates to admit it but she was lucky to have stumbled upon your group. Otherwise, she'd be a goner by now." She shuddered at the thought before looking up at Sora. "We talked a lot about Trixie. What about you? Where do you come from, Sora?"

"That's a bit of a longer story." The stallion admitted. "But to make it short, I come from a place called Destiny Island. Its where I was born and raised."

"Trixie sees..." She paused. "And...are all pegasi from your island able to use that...key magic like you there?"

He paused. "Well...I'm kind of a special case." He told her, leaving out the fact that he was a human turned pony. She didn't need to know that. "And it's mostly the weapon that does the magic. I can just use it."

"Trixie had never heard of...what was it called again? Keysword?"

"Keyblade." Sora corrected her. "And yeah...That are kinda rare to see here in Equestira." Also not a lie.

Trixie let out a sardonic laugh. "If you can locate one, then Trixie sure she can as well," she stated confidently. "Imagine the power of my magic if Trixie had such a blade! Ponies from around the world would come to witness the magical might of Trixie Lulamoon!" She said with an air of grandeur, puffing out her chest proudly.

"You did mention you do magic shows before." The stallion mused softly.

Trixie lifted her chin. "Ha! What Trixie does isn't just any old simple magic show. She is the master of prestidigitation. Why, ponies come far and wide just to see me at work!"

"Then when this is all over, I'd like to see one of your shows."

The showmare nearly stumbled in surprise at the stallion's words, looking at the stallion in disbelief as she pulled herself back together. "You...ah...would?"

The stallion enthusiastically smiled as he exclaimed, "Yeah! Wouldn't mind being dazzled if your show is as good as you say it is."

Trixie's cheeks turned a bright shade of red at the compliment, and she looked away in embarrassment. "Well, Trixie will have to make sure that her next show is the best one yet! She'll show you and everypony else just how great and powerful she truly is! Why, Trixie is in such a good mood, that she will even allow you to invite that prissy mare and the blue one."

"I'll be sure to tell them! But first we gotta save Trottingham and make sure the Rainbow and the rest are okay." The stallion told her with a determined nod. "So don't worry, stay close to me, and we'll get though this. Promise ya."

Trixie nodded, the confidence that had been wavering within her restored by Sora's words. She was still scared, there was no doubt about that, at least to herself, but...this mysterious stallion's stupid smile. Was it crazy of her to follow him just because of that?

She had been doing crazy things all day today already so what's to stop her from doing any more at this point?

The mare fell into step beside him as they continued down the dimly lit hallway. The silence between them was filled with the sound of their hooves against the cold stone floor.

It took some time, but soon, Sora and Trixie would finally reach the end, where they found a set of stairs leading further down. The stallion looked at the mare and nodded before they both descended the stairway, their hooves echoing off of the cold stone steps.

As they reached the bottom, they found themselves in a dimly lit chamber. The air was thick with the smell of burnt magic, and Sora could feel the hairs on the back of his neck standing up. In front of him, was something he had seen before. Something that looked akin to that weird machine he had seen way back before he had first faced off with Ansem's Heartless. A machine, with the emblem of the Heartless upon it.

"This...I know this..." Sora said softly, a growing pit within his belly forming.

Trixie spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "What is this place? It feels...like something is creeping up Trixie's spine the longer she is here."

He cocked an eyebrow at the mare. "Don't you remember? Back at the camp when Lightning was asking you all those questions. I'm pretty sure I told everyone that Heartless can be created and this," He gestured to the contraption. "If I remember correctly is how they do it."

The Showmare frowned b efore exhaling loudly. "Trixie has no recollection of any of that since Trixie wasn't able to make out what anyone was saying. Everypony's lips were moving but no sounds were coming out. All Trixie could hear was her on voice!"

The Keyblade Wielder gave an embarrassed chuckle as he scratched the back of his head. "Oh...yeah," he said, almost sheepishly before perking back up, a frown forming on his face. "What I said before still stands though; it looks like someone has been creating Heartless here for some time. If they were able to set all this up then...I...I don't know what it means but its bad in any case..."

Trixie nodded in agreement, her gaze casting towards said machine. Looking a little past it, the mare would notice a faint blue glow coming from somewhere down a black hallway. Nudging the stallion next to her she pointed towards it.

"Sora, look," Trixie whispered, pointing towards the hallway. "There's something down there."

The stallion's eyes followed the showmare's hoof, squinting to see through the darkness. Out of curiosity, he decided to head down the hallway towards a faint blue light at its end. As he took his first steps forward, the sound of metal hitting the floor behind him made him freeze in place.

Trixie and Sora both spun around to see a weird looking pot falling, clanging across the floor and spinning in time with its echoing sound throughout the room, sending shivers up their spines.

Trixie tensed and Sora prepared for combat as the pot fixed itself in an upright position. Then, all on its own, the pot's lid popped open, and two beady yellow eyes peered out from the inside. Sora could feel his heart pound against his chest as he summoned his Keyblade within his maw.

The pot seemed to react to that fact as it suddenly came to life, a feline like head popping out from the top as the bottom half of its body slipped from under it. it seemed like it was struggling to keep itself from toppling over, giving it an almost comical appearance.

"Awwww... Look at it." Trixie mused as she made her way towards the strange pot-cat. "And how did you get in there? Aren't you just an adorable little guy."

Trixie..." Sora called out to the showmare, his tone imploring her to stop before she got too close. He kept his gaze on the strange being, concerned for both their safety.

"Are you worried over a cat?" The mare asked, with a scoff as she turned her head to face the stallion. "Look at it. The most it looks like it could do is-"

“Trixie, watch out!” His fast movements enabled him to grab her tail and pull her back before a large claw emerged from the pot and made a swift swipe at her, the mare squeaking just as it missed her by a hair.

She fell back behind the stallion as soon as she regained her balance, looking from behind him as she glared at the creatures. "What the hey is your problem?! Trixie was trying to be nice!"

The stallion shook his head. "Its Heartless Trixie. Its not able to be nice back Trixie," Sora said, his Keyblade at the ready. "Its a Heartless for a reason."

Trixie nodded, her eyes fixed on the Heartless in front of them. Sure that metal dragon was strange and those black Heartless were unnerving, but to think that even a creature that looks as harmless as a cat could be a Heartless as well. Just what else could they turn into. Despite the danger it posed, she couldn't help but feel a strange fascination towards it. It was unlike anything she had ever seen before, and she had seen her fair share of strange and unusual things during her travels as a showmare.

That fascination would soon turn to horror however as more then a few of the creatures slowly began to appear around the room, the Pot cats slowly surrounding them.

Sora's grip tightened on the Keyblade he held within his maw as he took a step forward, positioning himself between the Heartless and Trixie. "Stay behind me," he warned, his voice firm and commanding, unlike his usually playful tone. "I'll take care of these guys no problem."

Trixie nodded, her eyes fixed on the feline-like Heartless as they inched closer and closer. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she watched Sora charge forward, his Keyblade flashing in the dim light of the chamber. She knew she had to do something, anything to help, but what could she do? She was just a showmare, after all.

The stallion moved swiftly, launching himself over a sweeping claw. As he landed in the center of the group, He brandished his blade and spun around, sending some of them toppling into those behind them. Now with a little room to breath, he closed in on the nearest Heartless, slashing upwards and launching them into the sky. Grabbing it by the tail with his teeth, he spun in the air before launching it away, causing it to crash into a nearby wall, destroying the creature and releasing the crystalized heart within it.

Trixie watched in awe as Sora continued to fend off the Heartless with ease. She knew that the stallion was skilled. she had seen it when He Rainbow and that other mare had faced off against that giant metal dragon, but seeing him in action was still a sight to behold. She couldn't help but feel useless in comparison.

Still, even with his quick reflexes, the Heartless seemed to slowly be swarming the stallion. If it was just one on one, in such a tight space, there was no doubt that he would win. But being where they are, and how little movement he could adjust to, more and more of the creature's strikes were coming close to actually landing.

Trixie clenched her hooves tightly, her eyes searching for something, anything that could help them. Knowing that she wasn't the best when working under pressure, she took a deep breath and tried to focus. And then she saw it - a lever on the wall just behind Heartless. She followed the line of it, seeing just what it was connected to.

"Okay...Trixie...We don't want to die...and if Sora loses, we just might...Okay...Okay...You can do this Trixie!"

With a determination set in her eyes, the showmare darted past Sora and the Heartless, making a beeline for the lever. As she got closer, the Heartless began to converge on her, their feline forms snarling and hissing as they prepared to attack the mare.

Trixie let out a small shriek, as it did so. She closed her eyes only to feel something brush past her and the sound of metal smacking against a ceramic pot. Opening them, she found Sora, standing in front of her.

"Trixie?! What are you doing?! Didn't I tell you to stay back?!"

The showmare shook her head pushing her remaining fear down as she called out to the stallion. "G-Get them all in the middle of the room...or...at least most of them. Trixie has a plan and she needs to get to that lever!"

"Trixie I..." Sora hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Trixie before nodding his head in agreement. He understood that she had an idea, and they needed to work together to defeat the Heartless. That was enough for him.

With one giant swing, he let loose his Keyblade, the spinning weapon cutting a path all the way towards the mare's destination by knocking more then a few of the creatures out of her way. Seeing said way was clear, she quickly got back onto her hooves before rushing forward once again. Knowing that he needed to buy her some time, the stallion resummoned his Keyblade before allowing it to glow brightly within his maw.

"I'll get it done! You do what ya gotta do." With that, the stallion went back into the fray, once again gaining the Heartless's attention.

Trixie stumbled back as she barely avoided the attack from the rolling pot Heartless, which had a cat's head sticking out of the top. "Ugh! Trixie would rather not deal with you," she said. "But if you won't move then let me show you some of my magical skills!"

She reached into her cape, before pulling out two small orbs. Without hesitation, she threw then on the ground, blast of colored smoke forming just as she did so.

The Heartless stumbled back, the creature disorientated by the sudden explosion of glitter and bright colors. Trixie took this opportunity to dart past them, giving the pot a hard kick to its back and sending it sprawling to the ground away form her. Grasping the lever, she looked back to where Sora was before looking upwards. She had to wait. Wait for the right moment.

The stallion, meanwhile, had complied with the girl's orders, slicing at the Heartless crowd pushing them closer to the center of the room. In his need to getting the task done however and with him being in such a small room, he couldn't stop himself from betting hurt ever now and then, the creatures slowly beginning to land blow after blow, the creatures slowly beginning to pick up on his tricks. He kept going despite the pain.

"Sora! Get out of there!"

The mare's words had barely left her mouth before something clicked. Acting on instinct, the stallion leapt away from the center of the room. As soon as he landed on the floor, a loud crash sounded behind him. Porcelain shattering and metal hitting the ground echoed through the air.

Sora turned to face what had just happed. As the dust settled, the sight of a giant broken chandelier could be seen, as well as the crystalized hearts that the Heartless would release after being defeated. Slowly, he was beginning to put two and two together. He would look from the broken ceiling ornament and towards the showmare, who had something akin to a haughty and proud look on her face.

"You did that?" Sora asked in disbelief. "You brought the chandelier down on them?"

Trixie grinned, her chest puffed out with pride. "Yes, yes I did. Trixie knew she had to do something to stop them, and that seemed like the best option."

The stallion was awestruck, not being able to stop the laughed that escaped him. "Well, I have to admit, that was pretty impressive, Trixie."

Trixie giggled. "Well, one could expect nothing less from the Great and Powerful-"

The laughter stopped abruptly as something sliced into Trixie's back, her blood spilling onto the floor. She stumbled forward, crashing into the ground hard before he could even catch her. In the place she had been standing was a single pot cat, its porcelain body broken to pieces.

Sora's eyes widened in horror, a strangled gasp escaping his throat. He had been so distracted with Trixie's victory that he had let his guard down. How could he have been so careless? As he looked down at the showmare, his heart sank. She was so still, her breathing shallow and her eyes closed.

The stallion roared, and his Keyblade materialized in his mouth again. He was on top of the Heartless almost instantly, slashing downward with one well-practiced stroke. The creature vanished like all the others before it, but this victory did not give him a sense of peace.

Without hesitation, he ran back towards Trixie, his heart racing with fear and anger. He knelt down beside her, his hoof hovering over her wound, unsure of what to do. "Trixie? Trixie, can you hear me?" he called out, his voice desperate. Carefully, he grasped and turned the mare over, lifting her head up as he did so.

Trixie's eyes fluttered open, pain etched on her features. "S-Sora...what happened?" she murmured weakly.

"You were attacked by a Heartless, Trixie. You're hurt," he replied, his voice laced with worry.

The showmare winced, her hoof instinctively moving to the wound on her back. "I-I see. Trixie was...careless she guesses."

"Just...stay with me okay? I...Darn it!" He closed his eyes. "My magic! I have to use my magic." He tried to reach within himself, trying to remember the feeling of using magic like before.

"Heal...Heal...Heal...Come on! Heal!" Sora's frustration was palpable, his attempts at using magic failing time and time again. His magic was still blocked for some god forsaken reason! "Why can't I use my magic!"

Trixie looked up at Sora with a weak smile. "It's okay, Sora. Trixie will be fine."

"No, it's not okay!" Sora's voice rose slightly in panic. "You're hurt and I can't even heal you! This is all my fault. I-" He paused. "That...I can us that!" Carefully he reached for one of the bags on his legs, pulling out a weird looking yellow object, spherical in shape. "I can use this."

The showmare looked up at the object in confusion. "W-What is...it?"

"It'll help you." He glanced at the item in his hoof, a yellow vial. "An Elixir. It's a type of item that can heal completely, but it may take time for your body to adjust to it. I had to use one myself, and I was out for days. This is the only one I have; Riku gave it to Twilight to gave it to me with specific instructions to use it only in an emergency for myself." He sighed. "But when have I ever listened to him?" Softly, he pressed the object against the mare's body.

"I...If its that important...then...D-Don't..." she began but was cut off by the stallion.

"You said you were gonna dazzle me remember. Promised a show and everything. So no way you are taking that back now." He pushed the sphere into her, the Elixir dissipating as soon as he did so.

The mare’s eyes widened as the Elixir began to take effect and the pain in her back dissipated. However, a wave of drowsiness quickly overcame her, and she whispered softly, “Sora...I'm so…so…sleepy…” before drifting off into slumber. The stallion was about to panic until he heard her snoring fill the room, indicating she had simply fallen asleep.

Heaving a sigh of relief before quietly chuckling, he carefully lifted her up and laid her against the closest wall. It was unfortunate that he had to use such a rare item, but he didn't care as long as she was safe. The stallion felt guilty for what nearly occurred, for how she had nearly died due to his carelessness. He couldn't dwell on it long though, Rainbow was still in trouble after all. He had to finish up here and help her.

"Stay here for now Trixie." He told her, though he knew that she could not hear him. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't worry. And...I'm sorry..."

The stallion took a deep breath before summoning his Keyblade once more charging towards the source of the blue glow. As he got closer, he could feel the ominous aura emanating from the room, causing him to shudder involuntarily. He pushed though it though, rushing though a pair of doublewide doors.

As he made it into a dark room, he looked every which way for any signs of trouble before looking forward, his eyes widening by degrees. "T-That's"

As the magic of his Keyblade faded away, he stared in wonder at what lay before him. In the center of the room was a blue bubble that enclosed a bright orange unicorn stallion he'd never seen before. The pony stayed suspended in mid-air, as above him there was a crystal heart with a thin thread connecting it to the stallion.

Old Friends

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Old Friends

The Ruins of Trottingham

Rainbow Dash and Gilda traveled through the empty cobblestone streets of Trottingham. Surprisingly, not even a Heartless made an appearance. Rainbow was glad for this reprieve, though she'd never admit it. Being chased by those creatures wasn't something she wanted to repeat anytime soon.

The two walked in silence, taking in the deserted city. The buildings - tall and stately - were mostly intact. Windows were broken and doors hung open. The cobblestones were stained with soot and ash, and the faint smell of smoke still lingered in the air. It was both strange and sad to see the city this way, and Rainbow couldn't help but feel a strong sense of melancholy.

She wanted to worry about the Heartless and the threat they posed if they could do this kind of damage to a city, but she had more pressing issues to worry about. Like her friend coming out of nowhere to save her plot back when she was being chased by the heartless.

She was aware it could be a bit challenging to start talking again, after how things ended between the two of them in the past. Still, she determinedly began the conversation by breaking the silence and speaking first. "Gil," she said, "what made you choose this spot for a little getaway? Not the most inviting place for a holiday right now, right?"

the female griffon scowled at the mare, looking back at her with a critical eye, "It's not like I chose to be here, Dash. I was simply passing through when that dark sky engulfed the entire forest I was in." She kicked a loose cobblestone in frustration. "And those stupid monsters didn't help matters either."

"The Heartless. Yeah. They've been a thorn in our sides ever since they showed up in Ponyville too." Rainbow puffed out her chest as she adjusted her goggles on her head. "Yeah...Can't count how many times I had to kick their butts now." The mare smirked. "If I didn't know any better, I would think I'm an expert by now."

“Ah, so you’re the expert now?” The griffon snickered, completely facing her companion. “If I remember correctly, it was me who saved you from those monsters a few moments ago, Miss Expert.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and exhaled audibly. “Alright, you got me there, not gonna lie." She sighed before looking at the griffon. "Still, gotta repeat, why are you here Gilda? And I mean the city. This place isn't safe right now.”

The griffon looked away, her feathers ruffling slightly. "I'm looking for someone," she muttered. "What's it to you?"

"Looking for someone?" the mare repeated, tilting her head. "Is it a friend?"

"Like I said before, what's it to you, Dash?" The griffon turned to face the mare fully. "I may have saved your life but don't forget, the two of us aren't exactly friends anymore." The griffon huffed. "What was it you said again? Maybe I should find some cool friends someplace else?"

Rainbow flinched at the memory. She regretted the words she had said to Gilda back then...but... "I only said that because you were being lame to my new friends, Gilda!" the mare shot back. "I wanted all of us to get along back then!"

Gilda scoffed again. "Yeah, and I ruined it all, didn't I? Is that what you are gonna say?" The griffon pressed her head against the mare's own, feeling Rainbow push back in defiance. After a moment she turned away. "I guess it doesn't matter now. That's all in the past. I just need to find this person and get out of here as soon as possible."

The rainbow maned mare shot in front of her. "Well, I'm not leaving you to fend for yourself," she said, determination in her voice. "We'll find your friend together, and then we'll get out of here. That way I at least don't owe you anymore."

The griffon raised an eyebrow. "I don't need or want your help, Dash. Why don't you worry about your new friends back at that camp huh?"

"Back at the camp...you mean...oh!" Rainbow's ears perked. "Rarity and Fluttershy. You saw them too?"

"Heck if I know. I didn't stick around to find out after all. Too many chatty ponies for my liking." The griffon scoffed. "I'm just out here to find that stupid pony and then I'm outta here. Don't have to deal with you ponies and your magic ever again."

Rainbow frowned. She wasn't about to let Gilda go alone. "Well, like I said, I owe you one and Rainbow Dash never back out of a debt. And besides, I can't just leave you here. What if you run into more Heartless?"

"I can take care of myself, Dash. I don't need yours or anyone's help!" the griffon emphasized the point by poking the pegasus's chest. "So why don't you just butt out."

The rainbow maned mare wasn't deterred by Gilda's attitude however "Look, Gilda," Rainbow began, taking a step closer to her, pushing her claw away. "I know what I said wasn't cool but neither was you hurting my friends back at Ponyville." She poked the griffon's chest. "I'm willing to let bygones be bygones for now since searching for the ponies lost in this town is more important anyway. Sides, I'm missing a few friends in town too so two pairs of eyes are better then one right?"

Gilda rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "Fine, whatever. If it will get you off my back then we can work together...for now. But I don't take orders, got that?!"

Rainbow smirked. "Deal. Now let's get moving." The rainbow maned mare flew into the air with a kick of her wings.

"Didn't I tell you I don't take orders from anyone?!" Gilda repeated as she followed Rainbow's lead. Flying alongside her, Gilda yelled out, "Do you even know where we are going?"

She ignored the griffon, and began to scan the horizon. Even in the night-like darkness that surrounded them, the rainbow-maned mare could make out several buildings in the distance. However, one structure in particular held her interest the most. "That one!" she pointed towards the tallest buildings. "The tall tower in the middle of town—that has to be Town Hall!"

Gilda's eyebrows knitted together as she looked to where Rainbow was peering. "Town Hall? What makes you believe your nerdy friends are there?" she queried doubtfully. "And what about the one I'm looking for?"

Rainbow grinned confidently. "It's simple, Gilda. If a bad guy wanted to do something nefarious, it'd be right in the center of town or inside the most significant construction they could find. And looky here: Town Hall is both of those." She winked. "Don't mention it."

Gilda scowled but didn't argue. She knew Rainbow had a point, even if it was still a shot in the dark. Least it was better than blindly going from building to building. "Fine, let's go check it out," she said begrudgingly. "But if we meet any trouble, we are taking them down...my way."

"Doesn't your way usually mean smashing stuff?" the rainbow maned mare asked with a raised eyebrow, her hooves folding about her chest.

"Would you look at that?" The griffon cracked a smile. "You still remember. Almost like we were friends or something." With that, Gilda took off towards the looming Town Hall building, Rainbow, after releasing a frustrated sigh flanking her close behind.

As the pair got closer, both the mare and griffon could see that quite a bit of the building was in ruins. Its once grand architecture was now nothing but rubble and broken windows, the top of the roof caved. A statue that seemed to have been the cornerstone of the town, now ruins of what it was. Neither Rainbow or Gilda knew the significance of it, the latter caring in the least more so.

The Griffon was first to land on the ground, her talons clinking on the rocks. The blue pegasus landed beside her, scanning the area. Finding no signs of life outside, the rainbow maned mare turned towards the griffon.

"Sora and Trixie entered from underground." the rainbow mare committed. "And since the top crashed, pretty sure the only way they could go was down...unless there really is nothing here and I nearly got my heart taken by the Heartless for nothing."

"Well I didn't come all this way for nothing, did you?" Rainbow frowned and shook her head at Gilda's question. "Then lets go in, find those stupid ponies and get out. The faster the better." Not waiting for the mare, she would make her way up the stairs towards the broken doors of town hall.

Rainbow Dash followed the griffon reluctantly, a nagging feeling of unease in her gut. She looked back, a frown forming on her face. After a moment the mare would follow the griffon into the broken building. As they made their way through the destroyed lobby, the mare couldn't help but notice just how much destruction there was within.

The mare sighed heavily, a little joke about how someone had clearly gone out of their way to wreck the system on the tip of her tongue. Deciding it would be in poor taste she went with something else.

"It's hard to believe one of those Heartless monsters could cause such destruction," the mare paused, "Okay I say that but...I, like, fought a gigantic crystal Heartless at the Crystal Empire so..."

Gilda raised an eyebrow, the conversation catching her attention. "A giant what now?"

"Giant Crystal Heartless. Think Pinkie called it Nega Crystal or something stupid." Rainbow answered. "Name aside. It was kinda wicked looking."

"You expect me to believe that?" The griffon asked.

Rainbow shrugged. "Hey, believe what you want, Gilda. But since when have I ever lied to you?"

Gilda scoffed but didn't say anything else. Turning her head back to the task at hand, only to stop when something slowly began to seep from the darkness of the ground in front of her, causing her to stop Rainbow in her tracks with a quick tail flick.

Beady yellow eyes were the first thing that the girls could make out, before the body of a pony soon made itself known. It wasn't just one though. Two, and then three and then more and more slowly began to follow until the mares were surrounded on all sides.

Gilda gawked at the throng of ponies encircling them. "What in Equestira are those things?" She asked in shock as she eyed the ponies around them. Their bodies moved slow, almost with a mechanical precision, like they were puppets.

"Shadow Ponies." Rainbow answered by getting into a defensive stance herself. "Another type of Heartless. Pretty sure Pinkie also named them."

Gilda gritted her teeth, unsheathing her talons. "Just how many of these beasts are there?"

"Trust me Gil. Heartless can come in all shapes and sizes. Even saw a pony-eating plant one."

Gilda facepalmed. "Pony-eating plant? Geeze! Just what kind of trouble did you pull me into?"

"Hey! Don't blame me! Not my fault that Heartless are running around Equestira!"

"Wasn't talking about you Dash!" The griffon growled

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Then, who were you talking about?"

"Forget about it! We need to-WOAH!"

Gilda was cut off as she jumped over a nasty swipe from one of the creatures. quick as a flash, the griffon took to the air, using her wings to evade another one of their attacks. The rainbow maned mare followed suit after her, using her quick reflexes to dodge the shadowy chomp from yet another of the creatures.

Before either griffon or pony could get too comfortable while being out of reach of the Heartless, a beam of darkness shot past the pair, hitting the wall behind. They both looked towards where it came from to discover several Shadow Ponies with horns glowing menacingly with dark energy. Already a barrage of bolts would take aim towards them. Realizing that remaining stationary would leave them vulnerable, the griffon and mare split apart, decreasing the amount of beams being directed at each of them.

Rainbow groaned in annoyance as she flew around the room, narrowly dodging a barrage of dark magic. Her acrobatic maneuvers gave them little chance to hit her with their spells. "We need to get rid of those ones with the horns first!" She shouted.

"No kidding, dweeb! That'll be easier said than done," Gilda replied, barely managing to evade an oncoming blast.

"If you think so then you don't know me!" Rainbow Dash dashed off before Gilda could stop her, dodging beam fire as she advanced on the Heartless with the horns. Now that she was close though, they all focused their energy on her, sending twice as many deadly beams her way.

Rainbow Dash dodged and darted through a shower of shadows, her wings flapping rapidly to keep her in the air. It was becoming too much for even her remarkable agility, so she decided it was time to retreat. "Okay! That was a bad idea!"

"Could have told you that myself dweeb. "Gilda's voice was laced with irritation as she dodged another bolt of darkness coming at her. “I could've told you that before we left, nerd. We need to come up with something and fast.”

"Or...maybe we don't need to..." Rainbow smirked. "You remember the time back in flight school? When we were playing hoofball? How were the two of us able to get that ball away from those jockhead?"

Despite the chaos around them, the griffon couldn't stop the smile playing on her face. "You mean the old Crash and Dash maneuver?"

"That's the one!" Rainbow shouted back. "Think you can keep up still? I have gotten pretty fast since you last saw me."

Gilda chuckled. "Please, I could keep up with you in my sleep!" she boasted.

"Good! Then let's do it!" Rainbow shot off towards the Heartless with the horns, drawing their attention once again.

Gilda watched as the rainbow maned mare weaved in and out of the Heartless’ beams of darkness, quickly drawing all fire towards herself. Realizing that Rainbow Das was now their focus, the griffin sprang into action, soaring out of the creature's line of sight.

It took little time for the griffon to close the distance between herself and the monsters, and as she did, she released a fierce screech, her talons outstretched. The horned heartless had little time to react as her claws ripped though their black bodies, each swipe destroying one after another.

As she worked, the clawed pony heartless would try and make their move on her, only to be stopped by Rainbow as she smashed though more then a few of them. Soon enough, the two began to work together, Gilda tearing apart the Heartless with her sharp talons while Rainbow Dash used her agility to keep them from getting too close. Like a well oiled machine, both mare and griffon matched each others movements as if they had been doing so all their lives. Their coordinated attack was a sight to behold.

The Heartless, being no match for the duo, disposed of the rest with ease. As the last of the creatures dissipated into nothingness, Rainbow Dash and Gilda shared a victorious grin before turning to each other.

"You still got it," Rainbow said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Just like old times, huh?" she replied, holding out her hoof for a bump.

Gilda looked between the hoof and the mare before sighing softly, a smile playing across her beak. "Yeah...whatever...Least you weren't too shabby. Anyway we should...ah!" She clutched her side. "Geeze...one of them must have nicked me back there when I wasn't looking..." She withdrew her claw, seeing a bit of blood on it. "Gah...Pony Feathers..."

"Woah! Gil!" Rainbow ran towards the mare. "Geeze...And I thought I was the careless one. Looks pretty bad."

Gilda flexed her wing, testing the pain before she shook her head. "It'll heal. It's just a scratch. Let's just get out of here before more of these things show up."

"No way. Who knows what kinds of things those monsters carry. We gotta take care of it now." Rainbow reached into her coat pocket, pulling out a strange vial with a liquefied star within it. "And I got just the right kind of medicine." Tossing the vial towards the griffon she smirked. "Take a swig of that."

Gilda looked between the mare and the bottle before looking away. "Geeze...If it was anyone else I would have clobbered them. Least I know you won't give me anything weird..." She reasoned with herself before doing as the mare asked. The effects were almost instant, the griffon feeling as if she had just woken up. Shaking her feathers, she looked back down at her side, finding nothing but a faint scar where her wound had been.

"Gah! Dash! Where the heck did you get that stuff?!"

"Lets just call it a perk of having friends in the right places." The mare mused with a wink. "Anyway. We should get going. Whatever they were trying to keep us from must be down below. Might just be the one you are looking for!" She ticked. "And knowing Sora, he's more then likely knee deep in trouble."

"How, Dash, the way you say that almost sounds like you have a crush on this Sora dork," The griffon smirked.

Rainbow Dash shot her friend a look and waved her hoof, although the mare's cheeks were tainted with pink. "You know me better than that, Gil; I'm only concerned about him." She glanced back at the griffon. "Just like how I watch over you." She held a hoof out to help her rise to her feet.

Gilda cast a suspicious glance at the hoof that Rainbow had held out to help her up. Taking it in her talon, she allowed herself to be pulled up. "Geez... Every time we have an argument, I'm always the one who has to apologize, huh Dash?"

"Well...I mean mostly half the time its because you were being a bit of a do-." Rainbow blinked before turning back towards the griffon. "Wait...you mean..."

Gilda gently slammed her fist into the mare's side. "Don't make me say it again."

"Haha...Then...Apology accepted, Gil." Rainbow grinned slyly.

"Just...don't think I'm ready to sing friendship with the rest of those dweebs." The griffon told her, looking away.

"Don't worry, we're take it nice and slow Gil." She clapped the griffon on the back as she passed her. "Alright, let's get moving then. I'll take the lead as always." She smirked as she looked back. "And after we're done, I can introduce you to Sora; he's a little strange, but any stallion Fluttershy takes an interest in can't be too bad. Besides, if you can't make friends with him then you can't make friends with anypony." Disappearing into the darkness of the hole, the rainbow-maned mare left the griffon to follow in her wake.

Before she did, however, the griffon pulled the dagger out of the pack she carried, holding it within a shaking talon. "Right...And then I can find that stupid pony wielding the light...And then I'll be free...from that crazy mare. From all of this." Something tickled in the back of her mind as she spoke, a deep sense of...sadness? Regret? She did not know and she did not care. With a deep breath, she put the weapon back in her bag and followed behind the mare with the rainbow-colored mane.

Memories Lost

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Memories Lost

Sora gazed upon the figure trapped within the blue bubble of light in the middle of the room, the orange hued stallion floating listlessly, just as Twilight had done before him when she had lost her heart to the Heartless. And just as with Twilight, the stallion's own crystalized heart could be seen, hanging by a thread off the stallion's chest.

As the Keyblade Wielder approached the bubble, a weight fell upon his chest, one he had not felt since that time in Ponyville. Just who is this pony? He thought to himself. Why is he down here? Was he the reason the heartless were gathered together in front of the door? More importantly...why was he like this, just like Twilight was.

The stallion frowned. "I thought this was just an Element of Harmony thing…" He spoke out loud now, his hoof gently touching the bubble, it buckling softly in soft waves. "Do...all ponies get this way when they are about to lose their heart?" Sora asked, slowly walking around it. "It's like it’s some kind of shield that protects it from happening."

No matter what it was, it was strange, to say the least. At least for him and what he knows about the Heartless. Usually, when a Heartless kills someone, the one who's heart is stolen disappears from the world...the body becoming a Nobody...but with both Twilight's and this pony's case, that wasn't true. The bubble thing happened.

Looking around the room he noticed that, while it wasn't as grandiose as the stage in the middle of the room was the stallion was on, there were more than a few indents in the floor where more than likely other ponies might have been trapped in bubbles just like he was. Something of which only caused the stallion more confusion.

Why is he the only one here?

He didn't know what, but something must have happened to them, whoever they were.

Sora took a step back and looked up at the stallion once again. His eyes were closed...almost as if he were sleeping. If the stallion didn’t feel that what was happening to the one inside the bubble was wrong, he would have thought they were almost…peaceful.

Still, it was wrong. With a nod of determination, he would jump back before summoning his keyblade with a flourish, pointing the tip at the bubble. As the stallion closed his eyes, he recalled the feeling he had that day in Ponyville and would channel the light within his heart, making it form at the very tip of the blade.

I may not have my other magic but I still have this.

Opening his eyes he would release the energy, a soft beam of light shooting out the tip as soon as he did so.It resonated with a melodic tingle before the beam pierced the bubble, hitting the heart above the stallion. Immediately, he felt a sudden shock surge throughout his body before everything went.

~

The letter I received this morning. It said I was to work with a mare named Starlight who had found strange creatures within Trottingham Forest.

The surge of emotion I felt when I saw the name was indescribable. The name of a long lost foalhood friend of mine. The reason I was able to get into the Gifted School of Unicorns in the first place.

And then...I felt conflicted. What if it really was her. What if...I couldn't face her again. It has been a really long time and...she...I never talked to her once.

Dear Celestia, give me strength.

*****

"Starlight?" Is that...you?"

A purple mare turned to face me, a frown on her face before a look of disbelief formed . "Sun...burst?"

"It is you!" You run towards her, your heart swelling as you did so. "It's been so long! How have you been?"

"I...what..." She frowned. " What are you doing here? You...Where have you been Sunburst?"

I pause. "Oh...Well I mean. I was the one they sent to help with the discovery you made." I admitted, rubbing the back of my head. "When I heard that it was a mare named Starlight Glimmer that had found a strange being I...well...I kinda jumped at the chance to see if it was the same filly I knew back when we were foals."

"Oh..." She said in a harsh whisper. "So...Finally you show yourself. After all these years."

I could see the hurt and anger in her eyes, and I knew that I had to explain myself. "I'm sorry, Starlight. I didn't mean to disappear like that. It's just that...I got caught up in my studies, and before I knew it, a lot of time had passed."

"Your studies?" She raised an eyebrow. "Is that what you call it? Abandoning your friends for years on end?"

"I...it wasn't like that...No...I mean...I..." I stutter with my words, trying and failing to explain myself.

"You leave for the Gifted School of Unicorns promising to write and stay in contact...but you never did, Sunburst." Starlight's voice was stern, and her eyes betrayed a hint of hurt. "I waited for you, for years. I thought we were friends, but you just disappeared." She frowned harder. "And now you appear in front of me? After all this time?"

I hung my head in shame, feeling the weight of her words. "I know, Starlight. I should have kept in touch. I wasn't thinking." I shake my head. "Maybe...if...I did...I...wouldn't have flunked Magic School..."

Starlight's expression softened slightly at my words. "What do you mean, flunked Magic School?"

I took a deep breath, feeling the embarrassment and shame creeping up on me. "I...I couldn't keep up with the coursework," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I thought I was good enough, but I wasn't. It...was because of you that I got as far as I did before. I'm good with theories but that's about it. You were always the more magically inclined of us two." I shake his head. "When I failed advance study, I went to secondary study, Stuff only dealing with theory and tall tales. I felt so ashamed about it...I...guess I didn't want to face you...or anypony else..."

"That's...no excuse to just… Keep out of touch though. I…it hurt when I thought I would never see you again" She said softly. "So…I can’t just forgive you…not right now.."

I cringe and nod. "I guess thats fair. It really was a mistake coming here then...Sorry Starlight...I...I'll just..."

"You will stay right by my side until I am finished saying how much of a jerk you were for leaving me." Her magic pulled me close much to my surprise. It was warm. "And then you will make it up to me...Starting with a birthday present for every year you've been away."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness wash over me. Maybe there was a chance for us to reconnect after all. "Okay, Starlight. I'm sorry. I know I messed up. But I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you."

"Good...Then the first thing you can do is help me..." She opens a nearby door. "With this-"

*****

"No matter how many times I see them, these creatures always give me the shivers." I tap the glass that held the black, yellow eyed creature. It moved and I shivered again.

"Oh don't be that way Sunburst." I hear Starlight cooing as she makes her way towards me, poking my cheek with a pen. "Aren't you excited about discovering a new kind of beast?"

I smile as I roll my eyes. "Would rather discover a new kind of book at the antiques store to be honest. Still It is something to see up close. How did we even capture it?"

"The benefactor that hired us gave it up for study."

I let out a low whistle. "That's quite the benefactor giving up such a creature. Any idea what they want us to do with it?"

Starlight shrugged. "Not really. They just said to study it and report any findings back to them."

I nod, turning back to the creature. It was small, about the size of a house cat, but its black body seemed to absorb all light, making it almost impossible to see in the dark. Its yellow eyes were the only distinguishable feature.

I shiver again.

****

I smile as I hold out a box. "Happy Birthday...this time I didn't miss it."

Starlight, focused on the notes about the black creature as it was, looked my way, a look of surprise on her face. Despite barely giving the other scientist a thought when they spoke to her, she would always give me her full attention. Something I decided to take advantage of today.

"Sunburst I...You didn't have to. You know I was only joking about the whole birthday thing."

I can't help the laugh escape my lips. "I mean...I was gonna get you something for those days too...but...It actually is your birthday."

Starlight's eyes widen in surprise as she takes the box from me. "How did you even know?" she asks, a hint of suspicion in her voice.

I grin, feeling proud of myself for remembering this year. "I may or may not have snuck a peek at your file. But only to make sure it was the right day. I mean...I may have not contacted you for years but...I never forgot your birthday. Does that make me sound creepy? It makes me sound creepy doesn't it?"

Starlight chuckles, shaking her head. "No, it doesn't make you sound creepy. It's sweet, really. Thank you, Sunburst."

I watch as she opens the box, revealing a necklace with a small star charm hanging from it. "I thought it would be fitting. Ya know...name and all. Hope its not too weird."

Starlight's eyes sparkle as she takes the necklace out of the box and examines it closely. "It's perfect..."

*****

I watch in horrified amazement as Starlight commands the little black creature, making it move from one side of the room to the other with just a mere look.

"This is...is..."

"Amazing."She finishes for me, though that isn't what I would describe it as.

I take a step back, feeling the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. There was something unsettling about the way the creature moved at her command, as if it was completely under her control. "Starlight, I don't think we should be messing with this thing outside of its cage like this. It's...I mean...."

"It's fine Sunburst. I got it under control." She demonstrates as she nods her head, an action that caused the creature to jump. "See. Perfectly fine."

I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease as I watched Starlight continue to play with the creature. It was almost as if she was enjoying the power she held over it, and that thought made my skin crawl.

I hope she knows what she's doing.

****

"Starlight...I...Think we should stop this...the project I mean..." I say, sitting up in bed. "That...creature...It nearly hurt that pony."

Starlight turns to me, a look of annoyance on her face. "Sunburst...this again. I have everything under control. That mare didn't get hurt, right? And I'm sure there's going to be a brake though soon...I can feel it."

"I don't know, Starlight. That thing is dangerous. We have to put an end to this project before someone gets seriously hurt."

Starlight rolls her eyes. "You're always so cautious, Sunburst. Sometimes you just have to take risks to achieve greatness."

"But what If you get hurt? Then...What would I do?" I ask. "I just...got you back in my life...I don't want to lose you again..."

Starlight looks at me, her expression softening. "Sunburst, I appreciate your concern, but I know what I'm doing. And besides, we've come too far to just give up now. I can only do this with you...so please." She wraps her hooves around me.

I can feel her warmth and her heartbeat as I lean into her embrace, but the unease still lingers in the back of my mind. "Okay, Starlight. I trust you. But please, promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise, Sunburst. I won't take any unnecessary risks," she says, and I can hear the smile in her voice. "Now come on, let's get some sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

****

I feel myself flicker on the edge, darkness all around me. The sensation of falling engulfs me, and for a moment, I feel as though I've lost all control of my body. Despite the sensation I never hit the ground.

All I hear is a voice...her voice...

"I'll make this right...I...I should have listened...I'll make this right...I need them...I'll make this right..."

~

Sora's head jolts as the memories fade away, his eyes opening just in time to see the stallion gently fall to the ground in a heap. The crystalized heart that had been above him slowly seeped into his chest.

Slowly, the Keyblade Wielder would regain his faculties, a hoof pressing against his head as it throbbed. "What...was that? Were those...Memories?" He looked towards the fallen stallion. "His memories?"

The Keyblade Wielder’s heart tingles softly, a feeling he remembers when the one within his heart needed him.

"Sora! What happened!" He heard Ventus’s voice call out. "You just...stopped moving. Like you were in some kind of weird trance."

Standing up, Sora took a deep breath, allowing himself to slowly calm down. "I don't know, Ventus. I saw flashes of memories. Memories that weren't mine."

“Memories? What kind of memories?”

“Of…this one's past.” He looked over towards the fallen stallion. “He…and another, a mare, were given a Heartless to study.”

The stallion could feel the shock emanating from the one within him. "You're serious aren't you? Who would do something like that? Was it...The Organization?"

"Wouldn't be surprised." The Keyblade Wielder responded. "Those guys are always starting trouble on other worlds."

"Did...the memories show you anything?"

The caramel stallion shook his head. "Bits and pieces. I was looking through the stallion's eyes so I could only see what he saw." Sora folded his hooves about his chest. "There were...a lot of faces in the background...but there was a mare he was focused on. Someone named Starlight Glimmer."

"Geeze...what is with the pony names?" Ventus half joked. "Anyway...what about her?"

"It looked like they were working on some kind of project." Sora admitted. "Something to do with the Heartless I think."

"That doesn't seem good. Was there anything you found out about the project?"

The Keyblade Wielder shook his head. "No...but...there was one thing. She...was starting to control the Heartless they had been given by someone..."

Ventus’s thoughts stopped short, stunned by what Sora had told him. "You think she's responsible for all that's been going on in this town?" he asked.

"I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case," Sora muttered. "And finding her might not be easy."

"Is anything ever easy when it comes to stuff like this?"

Sora let out a light laugh, "No, it never is." He studied his surroundings, a small frown appearing on his face. "In any case, whatever was happening here is done with. This place is totally powered down now."

Ventus hummed in agreement. "Yeah, I get that feeling too. For now focus on what you can do. I'll be here if you need me." The one within Sora chuckled softly. "And next time, warn me when you are about to black out. Almost thought you lost your heart there."

Sora chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll try to give more of a heads up next time. No promises though." With that the stallion was alone again. He was surprised at how not weird it felt to talk to someone within him."

Getting back on track, the stallion rushed over to the one who had fallen, his mind once again replaying the memories he was able to see. After taking a deep breath, he would slowly lift the stallion's head before leaning in. He was breathing. That was a good sign.

"Your name...is Sunburst. I remember?" He shook his head slowly, shaking the haze away. "You...were trying to warn her that the Heartless were bad news. Why didn't she listen?"

The stallion huffed. There was no time to think right now. Carefully, he picks up the still sleeping Sunburst, rolling him onto his back as he does so. Taking one last look around, the Keyblade Wielder frowns, still conflicted on what happened to the rest of the ponies. Still, that was a worry for another day. Right now he had to get this one out of her, and then find a way to get Trixie too.

It didn't take the Keyblade Wielder long before he made it back to where he had left his friend. Before he could make his way towards her however, his heart would catch in his chest as he spotted some sort of...hawk with the lower half of a lion. He had honestly never seen anything like it before in his life.

He barely had time to gawk at them however, spotting just who it was that the creature was towering over. The still sleeping form of Trixie beneath it.

The stallion cursed himself for leaving Trixie alone. Not wasting a second longer, he rushed towards the beast. Knowing he had to act fast, he summoned his Keyblade, feeling the familiar weight of it in his hoof. In a downwards arc he swung. The lion bird only had enough time to squawk before dodging the blow, falling backwards onto their rump as they did so.

Before the creature could retaliate in kind, they would find the tip of the blade pointing at their head, a very angry stallion looking down at them as he slowly slip the one upon his back off of him. "I don't know who you are, but you better back off." he demanded.

The lion-bird hybrid simply snarled in response, baring its sharp teeth. "Who the buck are you!? And are you crazy!? You could have took my head off with that thing!"

Sora narrowed his eyes at the creature, his grip on the Keyblade tightening. "I'm someone who doesn't tolerate anyone hurting my friends." The stallion scoffed. "Besides, If I really wanted to hurt you wouldn't have seen me coming."

"Oh, is that a fact, Spiky?" The creature asked. "Wanna put your money where your mouth is?"

Before he could retort the sudden sounds of hoofsteps could be heard before the door that led into the room was kicked open "Gilda! I just heard you...Huh?" A blue mare paused mid sentence, looking between all within before laser focusing on Sora himself. "S-Sora!"

"Rainbow? Y-Ahhh!" He barely had time to react as the mare pounced on him.

Wrapping her hooves around him in a tight hug, Rainbow Dash squeezes him tightly before pulling away to look at him with a huge grin on her face. "Where the hey have you been!" She then frowned, punching his foreleg. "Dude! Do you know how worried I was?"

The stallion rubbed his foreleg. "Haha...I could say the same for you. I wasn't the one that was getting chased by a wave of Heartless."

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Yeah, well, what can I say? I'm a pro at dodging those things."

"Are you two dweebs done, or do you need a room?" The lion-bird asks, looking between the two of them with a raised eyebrow.

"Gilda! I told you before! He's my friend." Rainbow responded as she glared at the one called Gilda, a slight blush on her face. "He's one of the ponies I'm here to find." She lifted herself off the stallion, helping him to his hooves. "Forget all that though. What the hey happened? I thought I heard Gilda screaming."

"I was not screaming!" Gilda shot back before glaring towards the stallion. "He came out of nowhere and attacked me!"

Said stallion frowned as he glared right back at her . "Well Sorry. You were the one towering over Trixie here, looking like you were about to pounce on her. What else would you have expected me to do?"

The creature scoffed, crossing its arms. "I was not about to pounce on her. I just found her like that and thought she was dead."

Closing his eyes, the stallion took a breath before looking down towards the sleeping showmare, "Well...She's not. And...if that's the case, sorry I jumped the gun." He raised a hoof towards Gilda. "I was just looking out for my friend. She was already hurt because I wasn't paying attention so..."

Gilda rolled her eyes, ignoring the hoof offered. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Spiky. Just keep your blade to yourself next time, alright?"

"Alright, alrightt. With that settled." Rainbow turned her attention towards Sora. "What the hey happened with you and Miss Sleepy over there when we separated?" She looked down towards the unconscious stallion next to the Keyblade Wielder. "And who the hey is that?"

Sora shook his head before hoisting the stallion back on his back. "That's kind of a long story. Something I'll be sure to tell you while we make our way back to Fluttershy, Rarity and the others."

"Huh? But what about fighting the big bad?" Rainbow asked, with a raised eyebrow. "Aren't we supposed to defeat them and take down this dark shield that's hovering over the whole of the city and forest?"

The stallion made his way towards Trixie. "Whoever was here before left already I think. All that I found was the stallion trapped in the same bubble Twilight was when she nearly had her heart taken by the Heartless."

"What?! Really?!" The rainbow mare asked, shocked. "And you freed him just like you did Twilight?"

Sora nodded solemnly. "Yeah, and I think there were others. But I don't know where they are or what happened to them."

"How...many others?"

"Too many for me to count by the looks of the indents on the floor like this guy was in." The keyblade Wielder motioned towards the stallion on his back. "Anyway. I'll tell you the rest when we get out of here."

"Got it...but." She turned towards Gilda. "What about the one you were looking for before? We still gotta find them."

"If they aren't here...then I'm sure they will be heading towards the camp." the griffin responded. "Something tells me I'll see them there." She cast her gaze towards the stallion before looking away. "I'll take this lump of a pony." says, moving to pick up the sleeping showmare.

Sora nods in agreement. "All right, we should head out then. The sooner we find the others and figure out what's going on, the better."

~

Fluttershy slowly awoke, a pounding headache greeting the shy mare as soon as she did so. She moved a hoof trying to reach for her head, only to find that she had been bound, her hooves tied together.

"Ah...what? Rarity? Lightning?" Fluttershy called out, her voice shaky and weak.

"Don't worry...your friends are quite safe." The soft voice of Starlight Glimmer would muse, pushing aside the tent's flaps. "In fact, they are behind you if you care to look."

Fluttershy turned her head to see her friends bound and gagged, both mares knocked out just as she had been. She tried to struggle against her bindings, but the ropes were too tight. Giving up, she would cast her gaze towards Starlight. Fear racing in her heart, she spoke up, her voice shaking with fear. "Why are you doing this? What do you want from us?"

"What I want..." Starlight repeated, her tone low. "What I want...is to make things right. To fix my mistake. To save the one I love..."

"To...what?" The shy mare asked, clearly confused.

"To save the one I love," Starlight repeated, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I made a mistake in the past, a mistake that cost me everything. But now, I have a chance to make things right. And I will do whatever it takes to do so. And to do so...I needed power."

She raised her hoof, and a Heartless would appear before them.

Fluttershy gasped in horror as the Heartless loomed over her, its glowing yellow eyes fixated on her. She struggled against her bindings, but they held tight.

Starlight Glimmer watched with a mixture of excitement and fear as the Heartless approached Fluttershy. "Before...it was only a small connection. Now...The darkness is at my command fully. And with it, my command over Shadow Creatures."

"H-Heartless..."

Starlight blinked before looking at the mare. "What was that?"

Fluttershy lowered her gaze as she spoke again. "T-They are called Heartless. And they are dangerous."

The mare sighed before shaking her head. "Of that...I know all too well mare."

"T-Then...why? Why are you working with them?"

Starlight's expression turned dark as she stared at Fluttershy. "Because they give me power. Power to fix my mistakes. Power to save the one I love." She paused. "A power that had no other choice but to use to do so."

Fluttershy had flinched at the mare's tone. Slowly, she would look back up at her. "T-Then...I...What happened in Trottingham...That was...you?"

Starlight Glimmer nodded solemnly. "Yes. Sadly it was me. But it was for a greater purpose." She lowered her head. "And for that...I did what I had to do" She turned away as she waved the Heartless away. "I lost Sunburst once...I won't lose him again. Even if it means I must hurt my fellow ponies."

"But...But there has to be another way." Fluttershy pleaded. "Working with the Heartless...they are trying to destroy our world."

"Maybe So...But what use is a world with Sunburst?" She turned towards the mare. "It is why I must find the one with the light. By subduing him, my benefactors will provide me with the means to save him."

"The one with the...Sora?"

"Sora? Is that his name?" Starlight asked, her eyes widening.

Fluttershy epped before looking away. She wanted to catch Sora…and the shy mare knew it wouldn’t be for a good reason. “I…I mean…”

“Tut, tut, tut.” Starlight Glimmer smirked as she saw the fear in Fluttershy's eyes. "So that's the name of the one who wields the light. The one they wanted out of the picture."

Fluttershy shook her head frantically, tears forming at the corner of her eyes. "D-Don't you dare hurt Sora! If you do...I...I..."

Starlight’s eyes widened at the mare’s outburst before, Her gaze would shift from left to right as if she was thinking. And then, it would dawn on her. "Oh my...so that's how it is..." She smirked. "My, my...for the pieces to fall into my lap like this...It must be my lucky day." Slowly she made her way towards the bounded mare. "You...are a mare in love."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise and embarrassment as she realized what Starlight had just said. "N-No, I-I'm not," she stuttered, trying to deny it.

Starlight Glimmer chuckled softly and placed a hoof under Fluttershy's chin, gently lifting her face up. "It's okay, my dear. I won't judge you. Love is a powerful thing, isn't it? The feeling warming your chest. The sight of them sending your heart a flutter. Their touch brightening your day. I know it all."

Fluttershy felt a shiver run down her spine at Starlight's words. There was something unsettling about the mare's demeanor and the way she spoke about love as if she knew everything.

"Though...hmm...Does he care for you the same way I wonder?" She released the mare's chin. "Does he think about you the way I know you think about him?" Starlight smiled. "Quite the theory to prove I must admit.” She turned to face the mare just as she was about to leave the tent. “I am sorry about this, but I will need your help with it. I do hope you can forgive me."

Awaken Again

Sora awoke with a start.

His heart raced as he threw his arms over his face in defense of some unseen blow, though he felt silly afterwards when there was no strike to block against. Gradually, as he regained control of his senses, he would finally notice just where he was. The world shrouded in darkness, the only light within coming from the stained glass window beneath him. It was the same place he ended up in with Applejack and Pinkie Pie way back when he fought Sombra…and that, in itself, wasn’t a good thing.

Taking a deep breath, the stallion tried to calm his racing heart. Each thump, a dull ache within his chest. Looking down at his body, he found himself, once again, within his human form. It felt even more foreign to be in then last time he was within it. Despite that, he would get use to it once again, his fingers flexing and his legs stretching, though it would feel like he had never used them before now.

Fingering he was safe, at least for now, the keyblade wielder crossed his arms about his chest, trying to recall how he had ended back up here. Though the more he thought, the more confused he became. He couldn’t remember anything

"Just...what was I doing before? And why can't I remember any of it? I remembered the last time before I came here..." His mind, addled as it was, only saw...Fluttershy?

A warm blush seeped out onto his cheeks. He couldn't figure out why his mind kept returning to the timid yellow mare. Of course he could remember a bit here and there with Rarity and Rainbow Dash, but it felt like she was the only one that took up any real space in his thoughts. Her soulful gaze looking down at him from…above?

He shook his head, trying to force away the image of the mare. He needed to focus and If past experience had taught him anything, he had to get moving. Last time he was here, he and his friends were in trouble, and he was sure this time would be no different. Getting up from the ground, he spotted a luminescent staircase close by. With limited choices, he decided to follow it and see where it led him.

It was during the lengthy journey that he couldn't help but feel like he was dragging his feet through a pool of molasses, and with every step, the sensation only intensified. The reason, he didn't know. He remembered making such a trek so many times without a problem, but this time...it was different. Eventually, he made it to the peak and would soon drop to his knees, clutching his chest and wincing from the dull pain within his heart.

"Geeze...I can’t be that out of shape, can I?" He joked, though his tone with less jovial then he liked it to be. Slowly he got back to his feet, though his hand would press against his chest still, almost as if it was trying to grasp at something. He was about to move forward once again but then something...or...someone's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Sora?"

At the sound of his name, the keyblade wielder's eyes widened. He spun around and saw a mare he knew—a yellow and pink creature with a white and red robe crafted by Rarity. Her teal eyes studied him with confusion and then realization as she looked upon Sora’s visage.

Slowly, Fluttershy would step closer, her voice shaky, "You...are Sora...right? You...This is how you looked before you came to Equestria right...You're Sora..." The last one wasn't a question. More so a confirmation.

Sora nodded, a feeling of relief flowing through him as he looked upon the yellow and pink maned mare. He wanted to say something at least a little cool, but all he could do was give her the best smile he could muster, two words slipping from his lips. “Hey…Shy…”

The mare didn't need any more convincing as she sprinted into a full gallop, her hooves propelling her forward faster than even the wind if the keyblade wielder was being honest. He barely had time to register that she had jumped towards him, even more so when she had tackled him to the ground , her hooves wrapping tightly around him into a crushing hug.

"Woah! S-Shy? What are you..." He pulled the mare away, despite being happy to see her too. Though the sight of her tearstained face caused him to pause. "Fluttershy...what's wrong? Why the waterworks?"

"You're okay...you're...alright..." was the only thing she could mutter softly. With quivering lips, she buried her face into his chest, a fresh wave of tears flowing down her cheeks and onto his shirt. The keyblade wielder could feel her body shake with each soft, nerve wracking sob.

Of course he felt overwhelmed by what she was doing, but that didn't stop him from holding her back, his arms wrapping around the timid mare. "Hey...It's okay, Shy. I'm here now." He spoke soothingly, his hand gently stroking her mane. "I'm okay..."

"Sora!"

The keyblade wielder looked up to find Rainbow Dash rocketing her way towards the pair, she herself moving just as fast as Fluttershy was a moment ago. She landed in front of the two, barely keeping on her hooves as she did so. She paused for only a moment as she looked between both Sora and the mare he was holding.

"It is you, isn't it?" The blue mare asked, a smile on her face as if knowing the answer to the question already. It then turned into a devious smirk. "Fluttershy wouldn't let just any stallion hold her like that. No way in Tartarus."

"Haha…Yeah...it's me...or...ya know. How I use to look." His gaze down towards the crying mare in his arms, smiling softly. "It's good to see two of you again." He chuckled as he looked back up at the prismatic maned mare. "You gotta tell me how you escaped the Heartless back in Trottingham. It's gotta be a pretty cool story."

Rainbow frowned. "Wait...What are you talking about, Sora?"

"Don’t tell me you already forgot. That crowd of Heartless you led away so me and Trixie could make it into Town Hall" Sora spoke. "I mean, Twilight told me you don’t have the best memory but It just happened not too long ago."

"Dude! What?!" The rainbow mare balked, clearly freaking out. "That was hours ago. We met up way after that. Don't you remember?"

His face contorted in confusion at the mare’s words. "What are you talking about, Dash?"

Rainbow frowned at him before looking down, her mind racing. "That...I mean..." She looked back towards the keyblade wielder. "Sora you can't...I mean...Don't you remember anything of what happened before?"

"I...Ah...Like I said…I remember me and Trixie making it to the basement...she got hurt. I helped her and left her someplace safe," he admitted, looking up at the mare. "And then...I...it's all a blur."

"You...really don't remember...do you?" Fluttershy finally spoke, her tearstained face looking up at the young hero.

"Remember what?" He asked, looking between both of the mares, frowning softly.

The timid mare opened her mouth to speak, catching herself before releasing a heavy breath. "Sora...you were stabbed...by Gilda..."

~

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Awaken Again

Some time Before...

In Trottingham Forest

"-And that's pretty much everything that happened after you led that Heartless away." Sora finished his tale as the trio made their way through the dense forest, Gilda and Sora carrying Trixie and the stallion while the former of the two led them down the dirt path.

Flying was out of the question for the three of them, half because of the dark that surrounded them and half because of Sora's inability to do so, despite him being a pegasus. Between himself and Rainbow (mostly Rainbow) They had convinced Gilda to not only not fly off but to lead the both of them to the encampment that the other’s had found.

Since they had time to spare and since Sora did promise them a story, he would recount the time he and Trixie were apart from the rainbow maned mare.

Upon his story finishing,, the blue pegasus would cast a gaze towards the sleeping mare on Gilda's back, frowning slightly, "Geeze...Trixie kinda was cool back there then...Ugh! I can't believe those words even came out of my mouth. Gonna have to wash it out with soap."

Sora chuckled softly, looking towards the showmare that was upon Gilda's back. "Come on, Dash. She isn't that bad." He smirked. "Honestly, she kinda reminds me of you in a way."

"You know I'm not taking that as a compliment right?" The mare deadpanned before straightening up, "Anyway, back on topic...about that Starlight mare controlling the Heartless. You really think that this is all her doing?" She asked, gesturing around them.

"I'm sure Starlight had help. Someone brought her the Heartless after all."

Rainbow huffed, the feathers on her wings ruffling, "Ugh...I bet it was those Organization jerks you talked about before."

"Yeah...it wouldn't surprise me if they're involved in this somehow." The stallion sighed. "They are always causing trouble wherever they go and this really does seem right up their alley."

Flying into the air, Rainbow clapped her hooves together, her scowl deepening. "Just wait till I get a hold of them, then. They'll regret the day they ever set hoof in Equestria." She jabbed at the air, dodging and weaving an imaginary opponent. "They won't even see me coming with how hard I'll let my hooves fly."

The stallion couldn't help but smile, watching Rainbow with amusement. "I don't doubt that for a second, Dash." He then turned his attention back to Gilda. "Speaking of Starlight, you were at that camp we're going to right? Did anyone mention a mare by that name?"

The griffon looked back at the stallion for only a second before looking away just as quickly, a curt and harsh "No," Escaping her beak soon after.

The stallion had flinched slightly at the griffon's sharp tone but nodded all the same, a soft “I see…” escaping his lips regardless.

Rainbow, on the other hand, flew forward until she was walking right beside her old childhood friend, a frown adorning her face as she spoke in a hushed tone. "Hey no need to give Sora the cold shoulder, Gee. I thought you two put what happened back at that freaky lab behind you. Besides, I vouch for the dude. And I’m pretty sure my words good."

The griffon huffed, her feathers fluffing up in irritation. "I am not giving him the cold shoulder, Dash." She sighed before looking over at the mare. "I'm just…thinking."

"Thinking? Thinking about what?"

Rainbow’s friend frowned, her eyes keeping forwards as she spoke. "Just...stuff, okay? I can think without somepony giving me the third degree about it, right?"

"Well...uh...yeah I guess...but..." the rainbow maned mare sighed softly. "I just...ya know…It just feels like you’re still mad at Sora, and I just want my old best friend to get along with my new friends." She smiled. "I mean, I like them so that counts for something right?"

"Tisk...Is that a fact?" The griffon answered before allowing her eyes to fall on Rainbow Dash. "I mean...when you find a double of 'HIM' then I guess I can see why you want me to love him so much."

The rainbow maned mare raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What are you talking about Gee?"

"Dude. Come off it. I see the way you talk to him." The griffon frowned. "If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were talking to Locke again."

Rainbow froze in her spot as Gilda said HIS name. "I..." She shook her head before catching back up to her, her voice harsh but still low. "I don't know what you are talking about Gilda."

"Again...come off it Dash." The griffon spoke in annoyance. "Every time I have to listen to him, all I can think about is how much he sounds AND acts just like your old crush."

"He was not my....." Rainbow placed a hoof on her head, stopping herself short of yelling, "Just...Drop it, Gilda. Sora isn't Locke. No way close."

"Well duh. I can see that. Can you?"

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, her patience wearing thin. "Of course I can, Gilda! Why are you even bringing this up?"

The griffon sighed softly. "Listen...I...Know it's none of my business' but you shouldn't get too attached to him. If Locke would leave without saying a word then I'm sure-"'

Rainbow Dash cut her off with a glare. "Don't you dare compare Sora to Locke. He's nothing like him."

Even the griffon, as strong as she was backed off at the rainbow maned mare's command. "I...ugh...Fine...I Just didn't want you to get hurt. I mean...I know I'm a jerk and stuff but..."

The pegasus softened her expression and placed a hoof on Gilda’s shoulder. “I appreciate your concern, Gee, but Sora isn't Locke. When it’s time to step up, he always does. He risked his life for me and my friends.” She glanced back at Sora, who perked up as her eyes caught his own. She smiled before looking back at Gilda. "I trust him."

The griffon looked away. "Fine...Sorry..." Gilda sighed as she looked away from her friend.

Rainbow sighed softly as she looked back towards her old friend. "Look...I know you are just looking out for me in your own way...but Sora is a good stallion. I know you will like him once you get to know him." She smiled before gently punching the griffon's foreleg, her wings taking her into the air once more to fly back towards Sora.

Gilda watched Rainbow leave, her mouth barely opening as a tight knot formed in her throat. She wanted to speak, to tell her everything, but the sight of the stallion that smiled at the rainbow maned mare nearly caused the griffon to lose control of herself. The spell Starlight had placed on her mind was still trying to take hold of her. She remembered what Starlight had told her before: "Befriend him...and then..." Gilda shivered at the thought of what she might have to do, knowing that she had no choice but to follow the mare’s orders or else….

As she reached for her bag, her claw brushed against the cool metal handle of the dagger hidden within it. She knew what was expected of her, what she had to do to be free...she could only hope Rainbow could forgive her.

It broke her heart once when she left her best friend...she would hate to see what happens after everything is done.

~

Gilda raised her wings and stopped the trio in their tracks. "We're here," she said, pointing ahead at a cluster of bushes. "It's just past that brush up ahead." Gilda spoke up, her voice tense as she motioned her head forward. "I come this way all the time whenever I come back from a city run."

"Finally!" Rainbow groaned as she stretched her wings. "Nothing against adventuring, and while I could go more than ten rounds with a Heartless, having a place to rest doesn't sound like a bad idea. Right, Hero?"

Nodding in agreement, the stallion gave her a wide smile, "Definitely. It will be a nice change of pace if nothing else. Though it will be a short rest since we still gotta find Starlight Glimmer. If she isn't already lost Lost to the Heartless…If so then ...." The stallion shook his head before he looked over at Gilda, "Anyway, I’ll worry about that later. Thanks for leading the way back, Gilda. We couldn't have done it without you."

Gilda nodded, her throat suddenly dry as she tried to push down the guilt that was rising inside of her. She looked away. "No need for thanks."

"I know. But still. Thanks. And..." Sora looked away, scratching the back of his head. "I know we didn't get off on the right...hoof? Claw? Anyway, I really just wanna say sorry for attacking you before."

Gilda's heart skipped a beat at Sora's words, her mind racing as she tried to keep her composure. "Yeah...whatever," she muttered, avoiding eye contact with the stallion. "It's...cool."

"See? I knew you two would get along!" Rainbow smiled as she wrapped her hooves around both of her friends. "Well ya dorks? What are we waiting for?" Pulling away, her wings nearly took her to the air, but was stopped by Gilda, pulling her back down to the ground by her tail.

"Hold it Dash. I'll let em' know that you're here. You and Spiky stay here till I tell you to come."

Raising an eyebrow at her friend, the rainbow maned mare looked at her, confused. "What? Why do we have to do all that?"

The griffon hesitated before speaking, "It's just...I think it would be better if I talk to them first. Don't want the ponies freaking out with someone they don't know crashing into the camp like she's some ripoff Wonderbolt. They were already on edge when your pony guards came in so..."

Sora tapped a hoof to his chin. "Guess that makes sense. Rainbow can be a bit abrasive." He barely dodged a swipe of a blue hoof aimed at his head. "What?! It's true."

"Both of your digs at my character aside." Rainbow began, glaring at the two of them. "If that's what you think is best, Gee. We'll wait here for you. Make sure to get Fluttershy and Rarity. I'm sure they would vouch for us more than anything. Knowing Rarity, she's more than likely fussing over somepony's outfit."

"I don't think Rarity talks about fashion that much...Right?" Sora asked.

Rainbow snickered. "Trust me, Hero. When it comes to Rarity and fashion, there's no such thing as too much." She gave him a playful nudge before turning back to Gilda. “Right then, Gee. We’ll stay here and wait. Just don’t take too long. Getting kinda hungry after all.”

Gilda nodded slowly before adjusting the showmare that was still on her back. "I'll take the hat mare with me...She was hurt the worst after all. Doctors might want to see to her."

"Sounds good," Sora said before glancing at Rainbow Dash. "Like Rainbow Said, we'll be here waiting for you."

Gilda took off towards the bushes, disappearing from sight. Rainbow Dash watched her go before turning to Sora with a sigh. "I hope she's okay. She's been acting kinda weird."

"Huh? She has?"

"I don't know...maybe...Or...maybe...I don't know." Rainbow shook her head, her mind still confused. "Maybe she's still on edge after that talk she and I had before."

"Oh...that. I did try and stay out of it...I could only hear you whispering a bit though..." He paused. "And then you kinda yelled and I heard a bit more than I think you wanted me to." He smiled apologetically before tilting his head. "So...Everything okay? With you and her I mean."

"It's complicated..."

"Friendships always are...but...She's your friend. No matter what happened, that's still a fact, right?"

"Yeah...she's a bit rough but...she's my friend."

Sora smiled at Rainbow Dash. "Then I'm sure everything will work out." He smiled as he gave her a nudge. "So...I'm guessing you two have been friends for a long time?"

"You know it. We go way back. All that way when we were first starting Flight School." The mare sighed softly. "We've had our ups and downs but...we always had each other's back in the end, even back then. Even if she can get on my nerves at times."

"Sounds like you two had a blast," Sora said with a grin.

"We did...and the last time I saw her I thought it was gonna be like old times...but..." Rainbow sighed. "She...was a jerk to my friends...Mostly Pinkie Pie."

Sora's smile faltered as he listened to Rainbow's words. "Oh...I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?"

"Just like I said. She was a jerk." The mare shook her head. “When she acted like she didn’t feel sorry about it...I kinda told her to buzz off."

"Oh…I’m…Sorry Rainbow Dash. That that happened to you and all." The stallion responded softly. "But...At least it looks like you two made up now. So..."

Rainbow Dash nodded, a small smile forming on her face. "Yeah, I guess you're right. And I'm sure she'll come around and tell me whats wrong eventually. Gilda's tough, but deep down she's a good griffon. Just like a certain hero being a good stallion," she said, nudging him playfully.

"I try my best to be." He told her, chuckling. "Though...I could take a tip from you in some regards."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Well..." He sighed softly. "Maybe I can tell you later...It's a bit more...personal then I would like it to be, if I'm being honest. It's kinda why my brain is a mess right now."

Rainbow frowned softly. "Guessing...it has to do with that Riku guy?"

Sora perked up at that, his ears folding against his head. "I...yeah. A bit. How ya guess?"

"A feeling I guess." Rainbow shrugged. "I mean...even when he was trying to help you back at the Crystal Kingdom he seemed kinda...I don't know...Sad...I'm sure most of the girls picked up on it anyway.” The mare rolled her eyes. “Honestly, he hides his emotions as well as you do."

Sora chuckled dryly. "Yeah, that's Riku for you. He acts the coolest and the first to lose his cool..." The stallion lowered his head.

The pegasus could sense the hesitation in Sora's voice, and she knew that whatever it was, it was a sensitive topic. She decided not to pry any further, instead opting to give his shoulder another soft punch. "Hey I get it. I won't bug ya about it if you don't want me to, Hero. Twilight does say friendship can get complicated."

"Yeah...it can." the stallion smiled. "And thanks. Its not that I don't want to tell you. It's just...like I said. My mind is a mess still from everything." And thinking about Fluttershy isn't helping matters. "I'm sure it will be all sorted out though."

"Yeah. I'm sure it will." Rainbow Dash chuckled softly before rubbing the back of her head. "Geeze. Look at us talking all sappy. Gonna change the subject if you don't mind." Looking back to where Gilda had left, the mare would frown. "So what's taking Gee so long? Shouldn't be that hard to get somepony to meet us."

"That's true. Maybe Fluttershy and Rarity are busy? I mean if they are helping ponies then I'm sure they have their hooves tied."

"Then what about Captain Lightning? She would come see us if she knew we were here." Rainbow paused before shivering where she stood. "Well...more than likely to yell at us but I'm sure she would come."

"Also ture. Least it sounds like something she would do." Sora agreed after adjusting the stallion on his back. "And..." His ears perked as something came from the bushes. Gilda had returned, and in toe, was one of Captain Lightning's guards, wearing the silver armor many within the service to the crown would ware. Despite the visor draped over his eyes, he would look between both Rainbow Dash and Sora.

"There you are." He spoke, his voice monotone. He looked towards the stallion. "Sora. This way. Lightning is waiting."

The stallion chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm pretty sure she's gonna yell at me." Resignation to his fate setting in, the stallion would nod, taking a step forward towards the guard. "Alright then. Lead the way." He turned back to Rainbow Dash, motioning her to get the stallion he held off his back. "You girls take him with you. Okay? I'm sure he's just asleep but maybe the doctors can take a look over him."

Rainbow Dash nodded, carefully taking the unconscious stallion from Sora's back. "Don't worry. He's not going anywhere." She looked back up at Sora with a smirk. "Good luck with the captain. I'll pray to Celesita for your safe return."

The stallion deadpanned, pouting softly. "Thanks, Rainbow. As always you are my rock." He turned to follow the guard, taking one last look at Rainbow and the unconscious stallion before disappearing into the bushes.

The prismatic maned mare watched him go chuckling softly. Despite her joke earlier however, she couldn't help but feel something was...off. Though she couldn't quite place it. With a sigh she turned back towards Gilda, who had been looking at the bushes Sora had just gone though, her gaze intense...and...something else?

"Gilda, are you okay?" Rainbow asked, noticing the intensity in her friend's expression.

Gilda snapped out of her trance and turned to Rainbow Dash. "Yeah, I-I'm fine," she replied, but her tone was distant. Distracted.

Rainbow knew she was a lot of things, but the one thing she wasn't was observant when it came to her friends. Moving closer to the griffon she gently placed a hoof of her shoulder. "You sure, Gee? I mean if you got something to say, then say it. I'll listen."

"I..." The griffon shook her head, her gaze falling on the mare beside her. "Rainbow...do you hate me?"

Rainbow's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden question. "What? No, of course not, Gilda. Why would you even think that?"

"Because...I just..." The griffon growled as she clutched her head with a claw, her body suddenly shaking as a stabbing pain wrecked her mind, "Gah…N-no…I…"

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened in alarm at Gilda's sudden outburst. She rushed to her friend's side, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Gilda, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I...Rainbow...I just got you back as a friend...heck I was even starting to think I could apologize to those stupid friends of yours...but...It's too late...I'm sorry..." Before the rainbow mare could ask what she meant the sudden right hook to her face caused the mare to crumple to the ground next to the still sleeping stallion.

Gilda stood over her, her claws shaking as she looked down at Rainbow Dash's unconscious form. "Sora Dash," she whispered, despite her harsh tone, there was a hint of sadness. "It was the only way to save you...I had no choice..." She looked at her claw before clinching it tightly. "As soon as I'm free...I'll make things right...I promise...but..." She reached back for the dagger in her bag. "I doubt it would be enough after what I do..." She sighed softly before giving the mare one last look. Shaking her head, she slipped back through the bushes, leaving both Rainbow and the stallion in hidden thicket.

~

Even as Sora entered the safe confines of the camp, he couldn't shake the feeling that something felt...off...

The fact that he could not see any pony around was the first clue to such feelings. He would have written it off as all of them gathering in one place somewhere deeper in the camp but...why?

"Hey...ah...so...long day?" The colt asked, smiling. "Well...not like you can tell if it's day or not."

The guard only grunted in the same monotone voice. Almost robotic.

Sora frowned, a sense of unease growing within him. "Is everything okay? Where is everyone?"

The guard didn't answer, instead leading Sora through the empty camp. The silence was unnerving, and Sora couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. Stopping in his tracks the stallion would frown.

"Hey, hold up. This isn't right. Where is everyone?" Sora demanded, his voice taking on a sharp edge.

The guard still didn't answer, instead turning to face Sora. His visor remained in place, but Sora could feel the cold, emotionless stare behind it. It made his skin crawl.

"Answer me," Sora said, his tone firm, a hoof reaching out to grab the guard. As he did, the helmet would fall off, revealing the blank and vacant stare of the one who was leading him.

The keyblade Wielder reared back before summoning his weapon. All the stallion did was stand still for a few moments before turning.

"This way...She is waiting." His tone still as monotone as before.

Sora raised an eyebrow of confusion before de-summoing his weapon. "It's like he's in some kind of trance..." Frowning, he turned to go back for Rainbow, only to find his way bared by two more guards, having come out of nowhere.

"You must see her. She is waiting." The one on the left said, her voice monotone just like the other. Though Sora knew that voice all too well.

"Dream Drop? Is that you?" He stepped closer to the mare, her gaze just as empty as the other guards. "What happened to you...to all of you?"

The guard didn't respond, instead motioning for Sora to follow. "She is waiting...Do not keep her waiting."

The stallion hesitated for a moment. He knew the guards were not in their right mind. Someone...or somepony was controlling them. If he attacked them now, he was sure he could win...but...he would never forgive himself if they got hurt because of him.

"What about Rainbow? I need to make sure she is okay."

"She is protected. She saw to that." The guard mare responded. "She is waiting. Do not keep her waiting."

The stallion frowned. Whoever this person was. They wanted him and no pony else. He couldn't trust whoever this pony was just at their word, but he did see little else for him to do but do just that. If they could control these ponies this way...just what else could they do to them.

He shuddered at the thought.

Reluctantly, he nodded, allowing the guards to escort him deeper into the camp. The feelings of unease grew with each step as they passed empty tents and abandoned supplies. it felt just like it did back at Trottingham, which was a very bad thing.

Finally, within the heart of the camp, the guards would stop Sora before pulling away, all three standing to one side before slumping over into a crumpled heap.

"Guy!" Sora rushed towards Dream Drop side, turning her over, only to see that she had...fallen asleep, and it looked as if she wasn't waking up anytime soon with how loud she was snoring. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Sora couldn't help be thankful that they were alright…at least in part.

"I really am sorry for the rough accommodations my friend." A voice, silky and smooth,interrupted Sora's thoughts. "That spell is still a work in progress after all. They will be fine of course but it will be one massive headache in the morning."

The stallion turned to see a mare coming from a large tent, one adorned with Lightning's Cutie mark. Her coat a light shade of purple, her mane a darker shade with blue highlights. It was a mare he had seen before, back in that stallion's dreams when he touched the bubble.

It was the mare that controlled the Heartless.

"Starlight Glimmer..." Sora spoke, his voice tense.

"Ah, so you have heard of me I see." Starlight mused, her smile never faltering. "Guessing you did a bit of homework before making your way here?"

"Let's just say it came to me in a dream." Sora spoke as he stood up. "Where is everyone else?"

"If you are talking about the refugees...Well...They are safe. Saw to it myself after all, though I did have to close that little hole somepony made in the barrier. Didn't want to have any other nasty surprises after all."

That response was actually a surprise for the stallion, unless she was lying…though…in his heart…he didn’t feel like she was.

Shaking the thought from his head the stallion took a step forward. "Starlight...I don't know what happened to you before, but using the power of Darkness won't end well for you."

Starlight chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You talk as if you know me...Did I accidently leave my diary back in Trottingham too?"

"I know enough...because I know about Sunburst."

The mare went rigged at the name, a cold fury slowly replacing her mocking smile. "How do you know that name..."

"He was in the basement of the Town Hall building. Trapped in that bubble. Right?" Sora asked, stepping closer. "I saw him there."

Starlight's eyes narrowed as she glared at Sora. "I see…The fact you are able to gain such information…No wonder they want you gone.” She sighed softly. “ If you know that much then you should know why I am doing this. Why I need to master this power of Darkness. If the Heartless can cause him to become like that then they can undo it."

"But that's not how the Heartless work!" Sora exclaimed, his voice rising with frustration. "You can't just control them and expect them to fix everything. You'll only make things worse relying on the Heartless's power!"

"Maybe you're right," Starlight said, her voice softening. "But I have to do something. I've already lost him once...I'm not about to lose him again because of you."

The stallion shook his head placing a hoof on his chest. "Starlight! I already saved him! He's free of the bubble. His heart is back with him!"

The mare actually paused at the stallion’s words, her gaze focused on him. "What...what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that Sunburst is free. He's here now.” He took another step closer. “You don't need to go down this path of darkness anymore." Sora spoke with a hint of hope in his voice.

The mare looked conflicted for only a moment before a mirthless smile formed on her face. "Hehehe...hahahaha...For a hero to lie to save his own skin...for shame Sora." She clapped her hooves together and the Heartless would form from the shadows around Sora, surrounding the stallion.

"Neo Shadow..."

Despite tensing up, the stallion looked undeterred by the sight of the tall, bipedal monsters encroaching on him, instead, crouching low as he got into a fight of flight stance. His gaze would focus on the ones around him as he once again addressed the mare, almost pleadingly.

"I'm not lying, Starlight. Sunburst is here with me and Rainbow, safe and sound. I'll even take you to him, but you have to stop this." He glanced around at the Heartless surrounding him. "Nothing ever good comes with working with the Heartless. I've seen it too many times to count."

Starlight's expression hardened. "I don't need your help, Sora. And I certainly don't believe your lies. Now be a good pony and fall into the Darkness!" She raised a hoof and the Heartless lunged forward.

Much to Starlight's surprise however, the first wave of the dark monsters would be struck down with one swipe, Sora's keyblade shimmering brightly as it fully formed within his maw. She barely had time to process what had happened before she saw the stallion move, Sora jumping high, flipping in the air before landing behind one of the monsters. In quick succession, his blade would slam into it repeatedly before he turned and kicked it away, causing it to ram into another. He turned just in time to dodge another blow from behind him, bending low before sweeping the Heartless’s feet from underneath it. Before it hit the ground the stallion would jump, up before bearing his full weight upon it, the tip of the blade burying into the Heartless’s chest. It dissipated like all the rest of it.

Slowly but surely, the Heartless fell one by one, unable to keep up with Sora's skill and determination. All the mare could do was watch in awe and horror as the stallion fought off her minions with ease. She had never seen someone so versed in the art of combat before, and it was more then clear to her that he had more than enough experience in fighting these...Heartless.

She chuckled mirthlessly, repeating the word in her mind. "Fitting name...for what they did to my Sunburst...and all the others..." The mare hardened her gaze. She had to take care of him now. She was about to say something but then paused, her gaze looking past the stallion. And then she smiled.

Despite the Heartless being numerous, the stallion had little trouble fending them off, his blade taking them out one...even two at a time. He had faced tougher odds before. This was nothing.

Dodging yet another strike from one of the tall, thin Heartless, he allowed his blade to hit it upwards, before following after it, striking it down forcefully into another, both of the Heartless dissipating in a wisp of darkness.

"Is that all you got?! I can do this all...day..." The stallion, once so proud, would find his heart caught in his throat at what he saw before him.

Starlight had held within her magic, a very familiar yellow and pink pony donned in a white and red cloak, her mouth closed tightly. She struggled to break free from the mare's magic, to no avail. The stallion's heart raced as he took his step forward, his voice low, his anger evident.

"Let her go, Starlight! She has nothing to do with this!"

The mare simply chuckled as she looked towards the mare she held tight in her magical grasp. "I am sorry it has come to this Sora, I really am, but you forced my hoof I-"

Starlight barely had time to think as the stallion almost seemed to blink out of existence, appearing right in front of her, his blade raised high as a fierce blue light dissipated from around his body. Dropping the mare to the ground, she barely had time to enact a shield to protect herself. Despite that, she felt herself fly more than a few feet away from the pair, her shield cracking under the pressures of the magical blade's force.

Fluttershy, now freed from Starlight's magic, stumbled towards Sora, her hooves grabbing at his own. While surprised, the stallion wasn’t unhappy about seeing the mare again. He smiled before looking past her at the lavender mare, still recovering from the shock of what had just happened.

"Fluttershy...are you okay?"

"Sora...I'm...So...Sorry...Run..." The shy mare struggled to say before looking up at the stallion, her eyes, glazed over just as the guards had been before.

"Fluttershy...not you too..." He tried to pull away from her, but her grip...it was...unreal. "Fluttershy! Snap out of it! Whatever she did to you! You can brake it!"

Fluttershy's eyes flicked to Sora's, and for a moment they were clear before they glazed over again. "No, Sora. I can't...I can't fight it..." She held on to him tight, despite the tears flowing down her face. "You have to...you...run! Please!"

The stallion pulled as hard as he could, only just freeing one of his hooves from the mare's grasp. The motion would cause the stallion to turn ever so slightly, only to be met with Gilda's emotionless gaze.

And after that...a sharp pain in his chest.

Slowly, he would look down at the object the griffon held within her claw. A small dagger. Sharp.

He looked back towards the one who had stabbed him, the glaze look that had be in her eyes slowly morphing into one of horror at what she had just done...now and before.

The stallion fell back, falling into Fluttershy's hooves, the control Starlight had over the mare braking at the end. Her tears flowed freely as she held him tightly, her wings shuddering with fear and sadness. She could feel his life slipping away from him, his breaths coming out in short gasps.

"Sora...please...I..." She placed a hoof over his chest, trying to stop the bloodflow. "Please...You can't...I...oh Celestia..please...Stop it...I can't..."

As Fluttershy's voice trailed off, Sora's eyes slowly closed, his breaths becoming shallower and shallower.

"Sora...please...I...Love you...I love you...Please...I...I…"

Fluttershy Screamed.

The sound of glass breaking filled the air.

And all became light.

Dash's Tale

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Dash's Tale

Between the three of them, Sora's recollection of events were slowly pieced back together. Finding Rainbow. Arriving at the camp. Fighting Starlight's Heartless's. He slowly began to remember it all.

And...at the end...after he was stabbed, Fluttershy's words.

I love you...

Sora looked towards Fluttershy, who had taken it upon herself to distance herself from both Rainbow and himself. And though her hood was over her head to hide herself, Sora couldn't not see her stealing glances at him.

She...loves me? I...She...

He shook his head. As much as he wanted to he didn't have time to focus on that. Turning towards Rainbow Dash, he frowned. "Right...Everything sounds right so far...but...How do you know all of that? I can understand Fluttershy knowing what she knew, but you said Gilda knocked you out before."

"I was." Rainbow growled as she touched a hoof to her jaw, almost as if it still stung. "That jerk caught me lacking and slugged me. And I would have been out for a while if it wasn't for those two..."

"Those...Two?" The keyblade wielder asked.

"Kuja and Zidane."

"The two colts that were with Trixie." Sora nodded, finally understanding. "They helped you?"

"Yeah. Seems they had been keeping tabs on the camp for a while after..." Rainbow frowned. "Gilda tried to...get rid of them."

"I...What!? I mean...I know she...s-stabbed me..." Sora's hand clutched his chest, still feeling the tight pain within it. "But...they were...Kids." Sora lowered his head before continuing. "How did they get away?"

"That's just it...they said Gilda saved them..."

Sora's eyes widened. "What? But she..." A sudden wave of confusion hit the stallion's mind. "I don't...She...what?"

"Gah! I know!" Rainbow yelled. "I was just as confused as you are!" She dragged her hooves down her face. "I don't know what's going on any more and its make me angry!"

"R-Rainbow...Please. Calm down..." Fluttershy finally squeaked, the mare making herself known once again. "Y-Yelling won't solve anything."

Sora turned to face Fluttershy, the mare quickly turning away as her ears folded back against her head. His own expression matched hers as he turned back to face Rainbow Dash. "Fluttershy's right. How about telling us what happened after you woke up then?"

"That's...I kinda came in after the whole light show." Rainbow Started. "When I did..."

~

Rainbow flew to the heart of the camp just as the light had come crashing down all around the area, only stopping momentarily to shield her eyes from the sudden illumination. When she was able to see again the sight before her was something out of a war movie.

The tents around the area had been torn, the ground bare of any foliage. When the dust cleared, she could see more than several ponies she recognized. Dream Drop the guards mare lay still not too far away. A purple unicorn as well. She could even see Gilda's form lying on the ground, motionless.

But it was one thing in particular that caused the mare's breath to catch in her throat. Within a bubble, one not unlike the one Twilight was in when she lost her heart, was Sora and Fluttershy, the former being held tight by the latter.

As quick as she could, the blue pegasus flew down towards her entrapped friends, landing just a few feet away from them. Having a better look, Rainbow couldn't help but watch in horrified fascination at the sight before her. It looked as both Sora and Fluttershy had become statures within, like time had stopped for just those two alone.

Slowly, she got closer, only stopping short when she noticed the darkness on Sora's chest. It was the same dark color that coated Fluttershy's hoof as she pressed it againt him. Even if she couldn't see the color outright, she knew what it was.

"That's...blood..." She said softly, her voice shaking. "That's Sora's..."

"I...what...happened?"

Rainbow's ears perked before turning towards the sound of the voice. It was the purple unicorn she had seen earlier. She was slowly coming to, a hoof grasping at her head.

The pegasus frowned as she fully turned to face the unknown unicorn. If she was going to act, it needed to be now. And she was always one for action first. Quick as the wind, the pegasus flew, towards the downed unicorn, pinning her to the ground harshly as she did so, much said unicorn confusion.

"Gah! What! Who?!" The purple unicorn struggled in the mare's grasp, her mind still reeling.

"Starlight Glimmer I presume?" Rainbow said, her voice low and dangerous. "What happened here? What did you do to Sora and Fluttershy?"

"H-How did you...I-I don't know what you're talking about!" Starlight protested, still struggling against Rainbow's hold. "I was knocked out and woke up to this!"

"Liar!" Rainbow growled as her hoof pressed tight against the mare's throat. "The fact you didn't even deny you were Starlight means you're the right pony we were looking for. The one that's controlling the Heartless!" She leaned closer. "Now what the buck did you do to my friends. I won't ask nicely a third time."

Starlight squirmed under Rainbow's hold, her face turning red as her breathing became labored. "Y-you...won't n-need to." Before Rainbow could ask what she meant, the pegasus felt the tell-tell signs of magic being used on her. Before she could reacting, the mare felt herself propelled off the unicorn, landing squarely on her back more then a few feet away.

Rainbow groaned as she tried to get up, her wings aching from the impact. She shook her head to clear the dizziness and looked up to see Starlight doing the same, a hoor reaching to rub her throat. Both mare's would cast their gaze towards each other before a frowned crossed both of their faces.

In a flash Rainbow was up, dashing towards the mare once again, only to bounce harshly off a wall of magic the mare erected just before the pegasus could reach her. The brash mare bounced off the ground twice before landing on her hooves, barely dodging out of the way at the last second as a fire bolt launched towards her, the mare gaining a bit of safety within the sky above. She looked down from above to see Starlight, her horn glowing dangerously as she glared at the pegasus.

"Stop this pegasus! I don't want to hurt you if I don't have to."

"What about my friends then huh!?" Said pegasus retored, "Hurting them is okay for you though? You've got some nerve!" Rainbow flew forward once again, this time aiming a kick at Starlight's head, only to be met with the same wall of magic as before. The pegasus grunted as she bounced off once again, landing on her back and rolling to her hooves once more.

"I was only after the wielder of light. That stallion called Sora." Starlight stood her ground as her horn began to glow again. "His death was all I needed. With him gone I would be given the means to save the others! To save Sunburst!" The purple unicorn sighed looking towards where the trapped stallion was. "Having somepony...or...in this case...some creature take care of him instead of the Heartless was the right move...or so I thought."

"Somecreature..." The mare's gaze flickered towards the griffon who was still unconscious. "You don't mean...Gilda..."

"it was the only way to insure his death..." Starlight said softly. "As regrettable as it is. A Heartless can not take a pony's heart after all." She cast a gaze towards the stallion. "But...it would seem that Sora isn't a normal pony..."

"Gilda wouldn't...she..." Rainbow trailed off, her mind racing with the implications of Starlight's words.

The unicorn sighed softly. "I forced her hoof...or claw I should say. Just like how I forced Fluttershy to hold him." She sounded...regretful. "I could not...will not allow you meddling ponies to interfere with my work.

Rainbow gritted her teeth as she glared at Starlight, her wings flaring out in anger. "Your work?! You're hurting innocent ponies for your own gain! That's not work, that's…That’s…That’s being a jerk!"

"A jerk you say?" Starlight scoffed, her horn still glowing with magic. "If doing what no pony else is willing to do is “Being a jerk”, then so be it. This is the only way to save them all. To save my friend Sunburst. Controlling the darkness! That's the only way! The only way for it to never hurt anypony again!" The unicorn's eyes narrowed. "I will do what needs to be done...And no one, not even you, will stand in my way."

Before the rainbow maned mare could say anything further, her inner instinct kicked in. Jumping back, the pegasus narrowly avoided the clawed hand of a Heartless who's shadow had seeped from the below where she had just stood. Slowly, a dark ball would bleed from the ground. It pulsed and ungulated as shall Shadows weathered and moved, almost as if they were fused together.

"T-Thats the thing that was chasing me under Trottingham..."

"I see you are acquainted." Starlight spoke, her voice like ice. "I call it...a Demon Tide. Fitting for what these little monsters are able to do." She smiled. "You escaped their grasp once but now...will you be able to do so again?"

The mare barely had time to react, her agility and quick reflexes quickly coming into play as a wave of Heartless attacks came hurtling towards her, almost endlessly spewing from the black mass. With a combination of swift wingbeats and evasive maneuvers, she deftly dodged the incoming Heartless, narrowly avoiding their clawed strikes.

"Darn it! Gotta get distance!" Rainbow muttered to herself as she flew higher into the air. She only looked down for a moment and it was all she needed to see that the mass was hurtleing after her. With a yelp, she flew higher and higher, but the Demon Tide was relentless. It seemed to be following her no matter how high she flew.

"Okay...it's fast...and annoying!" the mare growled. "If it can follow me this high then there's no point in running." She turned, towards the mass. "Time to show you what I can do you black tar rejects!"

Rainbow Dash's rainbow-colored trail cut through the air as she made a beeline towards the Demon Tide, her eyes focused and determination blazing. At the last moment, she executed a sharp swerve, leaving the Demon Tide bewildered as it attempted to follow her sudden change in direction. Quick as her namesake, she began to create a vortex of wind around the mass of Heartless, her wings beating with precise control, gradually trapping it within its own whirlwind of air.

Successfully trapping the mass she smirked. "Don't you go anywhere! I'll be right back!" With her trademark smirk, she shot up into the sky, gaining altitude before looking down at the trapped heartless mass.

Without hesitation, the rainbow maned mare kicked off the air and descended at breakneck speeds toward the vortex. As she closed in on the Demon Tide, her hooves would shoot out in front of her. "Get wrecked!"

With all the force of a train, Rainbow Dash slammed into the vortex, causing a massive explosion of wind and energy. The skies were filled with a brilliant display of colors and light, creating a dazzling spectacle visible from below. Starlight could only watch as a stream of rainbow came flying down from above, landing with a thunderous boom kicking up dust and dirt into the air. She couldn't help but feel a pang of fear as she watched the display of power.

As the dust settled, the unicorn could see the blue pesky pegasus standing on all fours, tired and shaken, slightly singed...but alive all the same.

"Okay...that was intense..." Rainbow exclaimed. She tried to take a step forward, but in doing so, she fell to the ground, her hooves giving out from underneath her. "Gah! Geeze! That short nap Gilda gave me didn't do me any favors...Still tired from everything else that happened today..."

Before she could move to get up, an ominous feeling overcame the mare. Slowly but surely, she looked upwards, her gaze finding that of a black pulsating ball slowly hovering just above her. It was glowing a dull orange, the Heartless spewing from it nonexistent, but it was still there.

"Geeze...what the hey is that thing made of?" The mare muttered aloud to herself as she struggled to stand on her hooves. "No matter what I do it just won't go away..."

"Heartless can not be killed that easily..." Starlight explained as she made her way towards the fallen pegasus. "Of that I know all to well."

Rainbow Dash glared up at Starlight, her body tensing as she prepared for another fight. "Wrong...We've been fighting them for a while and they die like any other monster." The mare tried to move only to find herself falling once again, her energy spent. "Ehhe!"

The unicorn watched as the rainbow maned pegasus fell to the ground once again. "No...You are the one that's wrong. I've tried everything. And I mean everything." The mare sighed. "The only way to defeat the darkness is by using it yourself. Once He gives me the power to do so...I'll fix everything...I'll fix everypony...I'll fix Sunburst!"

"W-wah...Sunburst?" Before the mare could say another word. The feeling of dread once again overcame her. She looked up, finding that the glowing ball of darkness was active once again, the Heartless within once again pulsing to life within it.

"See...I told you..." Starlight mused as she looked towards the black ball. "You can't fight it. You have to force it to listen to you. That's how Darkness is." She turned back towards the mare. "Losing a mare like you will be a waste. So I'll separate your heart...just like those monsters did with Sunburst. That way…when I am able to find a way to save him, I’ll save you too."

Rainbow's eyes widened in horror as she realized what Starlight was planning. She struggled to stand on her hooves, but her body was too weak to move. "No...you can't do this...I won't let you!" she shouted with all the strength she could muster.

"I am sorry...Rest while I take care of everything else." She raised her hoof, and the Heartless swarmed down.

Rainbow shut her eyes, preparing for the fatal blow that seemed inevitable, only to be met with...nothing? When she opened her eyes, a remarkable sight greeted her. Three radiant orbs, one emanating with fiery energy, another resonating with the essence of earth, and the third shimmering with the fluidity of water, had coalesced into a protective magical shield before her. The Heartless recoiled and dispersed as they came into contact with this powerful barrier.

Turning her weary gaze to her side, Rainbow Dash spotted the young colt, Kuja, who was clearly struggling to sustain the orbs' protective magic. With unwavering determination, he poured his magical energy into the floating orbs, using his unique abilities to harness the forces of nature in defense of Rainbow Dash.

"Kuja? What...how are you...?" The rainbow maned mare started to say, but her words were cut short as a Heartless lunged at her, its claws menacingly outstretched. Just as she braced herself, another pony, the green-furred colt known as Zidane, swiftly interposed himself between her and the oncoming threat. He wielded twin blades in his mouth, and with a skillful strike, he deftly slashed at the menacing Heartless, protecting Rainbow Dash.

The young colt couldn't help but smile as he expertly fended off another Heartless, before he turned to face the rainbow-maned mare with a playful wink. "Don't forget about me. Your knight in dashing armor."

"Zidane...I thought I told you and your brother to stay hidden." Rainbow Dash scolded him, despite the slight relief in her tone of voice.

"What can I say? I can never turn away when a mare's in need. Call it a curse, if you will. But it's a curse I gladly accept." He smiled. "Besides, it's not like I came alone after all."

Before Rainbow Dash could inquire further, her attention was abruptly diverted by a figure darting in from the right, moving at breakneck speeds. The only sound she could discern was the metallic unfolding of a weapon. Then, with remarkable precision, the dark yellow figure crashed into the mass of Heartless. The metal blade it wielded sliced through the Heartless like a hot knife through butter.

The figure, having efficiently disrupted the Heartless's attack on Rainbow Dash and the colts, executed a graceful leap into the sky before landing with precision in front of them, her back turned as she addressed the rainbow-maned pegasus.

"I see you're alive and kicking," the familiar voice of the Captain of the Guard spoke, her tone even though tinged with a hint of relief. "Sorry I'm late... Though having a Sonic Rainbow as a wake-up call was more than enough to set me back in motion."

"I...What...Captain Lightning?" Rainbow Dash all but squeaked as she looked up at Fluttershy's cousin. "Where did...Where were..."

"Don't forget about me, Darling."

A voice from the other side made Rainbow yelp in surprise. "Gah! Rarity!? Don't sneak up on me like that! And where in Equestria were you!? Did you not see how much I was struggling here?!”

The white mare scoffed, "If you must know, I was in the same state of mind as Miss Lightning here. And I'd probably still be if it weren't for your little rainbow explosion from before."

"I caught them up on what was going on when they came to, while Kuja here was making sure you didn't go and get yourself killed out there." Zidane chimed in. The older of the two colts had rushed towards his younger brother's side, the young colt having nearly exhausted all his magical energy from the protective spell he'd used to save Rainbow Dash.

"And the foolish colt teleported in a flash to block the Heartless when he saw you were about to be attacked." Lightning spoke to Rainbow Dash, her voice sharp. "As relieved as I am to see you unharmed, you, and those two colts over there, are going to get a long talking to as soon as all of this is over."

"Wait?! What did I do?" Rainbow Dash protested, her voice rising in confusion.

Lightning's eyes glared down at the tired mare behind her, "Putting yourself in danger like that without any backup or proper strategy is completely unacceptable. You could have been killed, Rainbow. How would I be able to face Fluttershy knowing that you died on my watch?"

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to retort, But was interrupted as the ominous ball of Shadow slowly rose high into the sky, pulsing with Darkness unbound.

"How about we save the admonishing for later, hmm?" Rarity spoke up, her own horn glowing brightly. "Right now, we need to focus on surviving."

"I mean we now have a few more numbers but..." Rainbow's gaze fell to the ball of darkness. "My best attack barely put a dent into it. Much as I hate to say it...we need Sora...and I mean now."

"Be that as it may darling..." Rarity's gaze shifted to that of Sora and Fluttershy, both still trapped within the bubble of stasis, their forms frozen in time. "Even in my limited state...I could see outside the tent...I saw what happened to Sora...If we break that bubble without knowing of a way to save him...then..." The fashionista trailed off as her ears splayed against her head.

"Then...what do we do?" The blue pegasus asked, her gaze lowering.

"I...Don't know. Sora's injured, Twilight's out of reach, and with those Heartless closing in..." She hesitated, her gaze shifting to the pulsating ball of Darkness rising to meet them. "I'm starting to wonder if there's anything we can do... I just...We don't have what Sora has...If we had a keyblade then…maybe…"

Rarity's statement resonated deeply within Rainbow Dash, sparking a sudden revelation. Her eyes shimmered with newfound determination. "You're right! We don’t have a Keyblade, but..." Rising to her hooves, a confident grin adorned her face. "I've got an idea!"

She turned toward Lightning, who was preparing to confront the encroaching Heartless. "Hey, Captain! Can you keep that swarm of trouble occupied for a while?"

Lightning's eyebrows furrowed at the strange request, but nonetheless she nodded. "Why? What are you planning?"

"I'm gonna go wake the hero up! It's past time that lazy bones does some actual work around here." She smirked. "Just somepony to cover me while I sound the alarmclock."

Lightning hesitated for a moment, but then nodded. "Alright, Rainbow. I'll keep the Heartless busy for as long as I can. You go on ahead and save Sora. But if things are starting to look dicey, I'm dragging you and the others out of here."

Rainbow wanted to protest Lightning's words. It was in her very being to never leave a pony behind. Especially Fluttershy. But...Lightning's glare silenced her. The rainbow maned mare knew that if it came down to it, Lightning would do what she has to do to carry out her promise. You don't become a fan of Lightning Ferron without knowing something so basic.

The rainbow maned mare nodded in understanding though a smile would play across her face none the less. "No need to worry. It won't come to that because I'm going to save Sora. Then he'll show those Heartless who's boss."

Rarity turned towards Rainbow Dash, concern etched across her features. "Rainbow... you're not going to do something reckless, are you?"

Rainbow Dash let out a mischievous smirk. "You know me. When have I ever been reckless?"

The white unicorn gaze the mare a deadpanned stare. "I don't have the number of hooves to count such a number Dash, darling."

The pegasus rolled her eyes, "Okay fair point Rares. But trust me. I got this." With that, the blue mare dashed off towards where Sora and Fluttershy lay trapped, leaving Rarity, Lightning and the colts with the Heartless."

Lightning would watch her for only a moment before turning her gaze back to that of the Heartless in front of her. Just as she crouched, ready to fight, she found Zidane sliping towards one of her sides.

"What are you doing, colt?" Lightning's tone was a mix of urgency and command. "This isn't a place for you. Get back with the others, stay safe!"

"Never listened to authorities before. Not gonna start now." The colt mused as he pulled out his double headed blade, holding it within his maw. "Besides, allowing a beautiful mare such as yourself to defend me while I do nothing. It is just not my style."

The captain frowned. "And what about your brother? Are you just going to leave him?"

"Of course not. He has quite the beauty herself looking after him after all." He smiled as he winked at the white mare behind him. "If that is okay with her that is."

Rarity rolled her eyes, already quite use to the colt's antics. Still, she did indeed pick the gray colt up, placing him upon her back. "I'll get Kuja and anypony else I can find to safety. But please, be careful." The mare pleaded before turning away, galloping towards the nearest group of knocked out ponies.

Now with it just being the two of them, Zidane would laugh. "Dear Luna...I wanna marry that mare."

It was the captain's turn to roll her eyes. "If you are staying, stay focused, colt."

"The name's Zidane, captain." the colt mused as he got into a battle stance along with her. "And don't worry. When it comes to what I need to do...I'm always focused."

~

Rainbow Dash skidded to a halt as she approached the stasis bubble enveloping Sora and Fluttershy. The sheer helplessness etched on her friend's face, marked by glistening tears, struck Rainbow at her core. It was an ache she knew all too well—the pain of witnessing a friend's sorrow. The sight of Fluttershy, usually the embodiment of gentleness and kindness, in such distress tugged at the mare's heartstrings.

And then there was Sora, held gently within Fluttershy's embrace. His usual vibrant energy was absent, his body unnaturally still. Fluttershy supported him, her delicate frame carrying his weight with tender care. Sora's closed eyes painted a picture of serenity, yet the paleness of his usually lively complexion hinted at the gravity of his condition.

"Alright Dash... you talked a big game... but... how are you going to do this..." She murmured to herself, frustration evident in her voice. "Come on... what did Sora do? He just... did it. He wanted to save Twilight, and he just... did it."

Rainbow Dash's thoughts swirled with fragments of what she was told about the Elements of Harmony. How they were forged in light by a Keyblade Master. If so...if they are then... "If it's made of the same stuff... if it's created from the same light then..."

She extended her hoof towards the stasis bubble, a mix of trepidation and determination in her eyes. "Don't you dare wuss out on me," she whispered to herself, her voice a resolute plea to her own courage. "You represent everything I stand for. And I am not going to let my friends down. No how. No way."

At first, nothing would happen...and then...there was a spark...

A sudden surge of magical energy gathered at the tip of Rainbow Dash's hoof, initially faint but gradually swelling with a luminous and familiar radiance.

When the radiance finally dissipated, a serene sense of triumph washed over her. She gently clasped her Element of Harmony, pulling it close to her chest, a gesture filled with gratitude and reassurance.

"Ha! I knew you wouldn't let me down! I knew it," Rainbow Dash exclaimed triumphantly, the joy in her voice resonating with the accomplishment she had just achieved. Summoning her Element of Harmony from clear across Equestria was a feat she hadn't expected to accomplish.

As the thrill of her success began to settle, a realization struck her. "Oh...boy. Twilight is gonna have a heart attack when she finds out..." She shook her head. "Gah! Worry about that later. Right now! Your other friends need you." With that she turned towards the bubble, frowning. "Alright...just do as Sora does...Think about saving them. Nothing else." She closed her eyes as she held the necklace up towards the bubble. "I'm going to save you. I'm going to save you. I'm going...To save you... I-"

~

"And after a little while, that's how I wound up in this place. Then I found Fluttershy and we looked for you all over." Rainbow recounted, settling onto her flank. Though the story being retold turned out longer than she had intended, she felt a sense of accomplishment for summoning her Element of Loyalty. Retrieving the necklace from her pocket, she presented it to the Keyblade Wielder. "Am I awesome, or am I awesome?"

"That's... Amazing," Sora responded, looking between the mare and her element. "I... That's really amazing."

"I... I'm relieved and grateful to know that you and everypony are safe now, but..." Fluttershy's gaze shifted towards the Keyblade Wielder, her voice filled with worry. "Sora... he's still injured in the real world. If he wakes up... then... Sora is going to... and it will be all my..."

Both the blue pegasus and the human shared a poignant look, a sense of sadness evident on their features. Sora attempted to speak first, trying to console Fluttershy. "Fluttershy... I don't... I don't blame you." He struggled to sit up, the pain in his chest intensifying. "You tried to warn me... It's my fault for..."

"NO! Stop! It's not your fault! It's mine!" Fluttershy cried out, her voice quivering as she vehemently shook her head. The weight of guilt weighed heavily on her, the distress evident in her teary eyes. "If I had been...if only..."

"Fluttershy, I..." Sora attempted to reach out a hand towards the mare, but the searing pain in his chest caused him to retract it suddenly. A sharp, agonizing scream escaped him, prompting both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash to rush to his side in an instant, concern etched across their faces.

"Sora! Sora!" Rainbow yelled, her voice tinged with concern as she hovered closely, her eyes reflecting a mix of worry and determination. "Come on, Spiky! You can pull through this! I know you can!"

Fluttershy, deeply distressed, sought to provide comfort through her touch, but she felt helpless in the face of Sora's agony. "I... Sora... I'm sorry... Please..." Her voice quivered, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. Turning to Rainbow, she expressed her uncertainty. "W-What can we do... I... I don't know what to do..."

Rainbow Dash's determination surged as she grappled with the urgency of the situation. "We... We need to get him help. We need a doctor or... or a healer. Someone who can fix him up."

"But where would we find one here, Dash!?" Fluttershy's voice wavered, tears streaming down her face. "If we wake him... He'll..."

"T-Then wake him, and I'll fly him as fast as I can to... somepony... Somepony that can help him!"

"That won't work. He'll die before you even reach someone."

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were taken aback by the sudden voice, both yelping in surprise before turning their attention to the unexpected speaker. To their astonishment, they were met by a figure resembling Sora—a human. This individual stood tall, possessing a lanky frame and soft facial features similar to the Keyblade Wielder. His eyes bore the same shade of blue, but the resemblance ended there.

The younger human had a distinct appearance, his hair a dirty blond color, a stark contrast to Sora's chocolate brown locks. Moreover, while Sora's primary attire was black, this individual bore white colors instead.

Rainbow Dash swiftly intervened, positioning herself between her friends and the unfamiliar human. "Who the hey are you!? Where the hey did you come from?!" she demanded, her hoof digging into the ground where she stood.

Ventus smiled warmly, placing a hand on his hip as he regarded the blue mare before him. "Where I came from... Well, you could say I've been here the whole time. As to who I am?" He grinned, placing a hand over his chest. "My name is Ventus. And I can save Sora."

Just Like the Wind

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Just Like the Wind

"Ven...tus? " That was the first word out of Fluttershy's mouth as both herself and Rainbow looked at the creature standing before them. A creature not unlike Sora.

The blond haired boy smiled, giving the mare a nod. "Yeah. Though you can call me Ven if you want to Fluttershy." He looked from the yellow mare and towards the blue one. "And you too Rainbow Dash. All my friends call me Ven."

The rainbow maned mare reared back. "You know...W-wait. How the hey do you know our names?"

The boy smiled. "It's not just you I know. Rarity...Twilight and the rest of the girls."

"B-But we've never met you before," Fluttershy said softly, her eyes widening in shock and confusion.

"Yeah! She’s right! So how the hey do you know our names, pal!?" Rainbow Dash asked, her head lowering as if she was on the verge rushing him.

"Well...You can blame him for that." He motioned towards Sora. "It's because of him that I'm in his heart now after all."

The timid of the two mare’s gaze rested upon the human the blond haired boy motioned to, his breathing heavy and labored as he lay within her hooves. "In...His heart? What do you...What does that mean?"

"This place..." The boy’s eyes looked around at the void around him. "This place Is Sora's heart. In other words, we are inside Sora's inner self."

"His...inner self?" Fluttershy's eyes looked around herself before allowing them to fall to the ground below her, eyes widening at the sight. "This...picture...Is that...Sora?"

Rainbow blinked before looking down herself. Not getting a good look at it, she flew high into the sky, her own eyes widening by degrees. Below her was sure enough something akin to the stained glass windows back at Canterlot. This one depicting a somewhat younger looking boy with brown hair. One she knew right away as being Sora.

Beside him, in small pictures were four others. A creature that looked like a weird diamond dog. She was sure that was that Goofy person. And the duck must be Donald. Just below them was two other humans. One more masculine than the other. She could tell the one that was Riku right away...which would make the other one Kairi.

All of that wasn't what surprised her though. Around the rim of the pillar, were symbols. More than a few resembling the crown cutie mark she knew Sora would have in his pony form. Beyond that though, she recognized what would come after every crown. It would be pictures of Lightning bolts...Apples...Stars...Balloons...Butterflies...and the last being gems.

Even if she didn't say it, she knew right away what it all meant.

Slowly the mare flew back down, landing before both her friend and the blond haired boy as her hoof grasped at her own heart. "O-Okay...maybe that's true..." Rainbow began before frowning. "But...Sora never said anything about you before."

"He only just found out about me within his heart...much to both of our surprise," The boy explained. "We were going to figure it out later since he had all this to deal with. Because of that I've been watching you guys...at least when I could. I know all of you pretty welll, even though we've never had a chance to meet in person until now."

"How did you even get in his heart?" Rainbow questioned with a raised eyebrow. "How did we even get in his heart?"

Ventus folded his arms about his chest, an action that seemed very reminiscent of Sora when he was deep in thought, "Well...to tell you the truth...I've been here for a long time. Asleep for most of it but...a long time nonetheless." He turned to the two mares. "As for you and Fluttershy...I think Sora, because of what was happening, opened his heart to let you in."

"What was happening...you mean...Sora getting hurt?" The timid of the two mare’s asked as she visibly shrank away at the boy's words, her part in him getting her once again playing within her mind. Yet despite the hurt she felt for her own actions, she couldn't help but look down with wonder at the keyblade wielder in her hooves her voice, barely a whisper. "He...let us enter?"

"It's just what I think anyway." He rubbed the back of his head. "And honestly…it sounds like something he would do."

"Now that you mentioned it...He said something weird like this happened when he fought some guy named Roxas back in his story." Rainbow spoke before casting her gaze back at the blond haired boy. "Still, you didn't answer how you got here, buddy."

Ventus chuckled softly as he rubbed the back of his head. "Hehe...Sorry..." He looked towards the brown haired boy in Fluttershy's hooves for just a little bit before nodding. "I think I have at least a little time before I need to do what I gotta do. Still, I'll make this as quick as I can..." Lowering himself to the ground, the blond haired boy allowed himself to sit in front of the others. "Right...so...where to begin...I guess I should start with when Sora and I first connected." He looked up. "Back when he first saved me."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise, "Saved you? How...and...um...From what?"

"Well...the first time he saved me...it was when my heart was separated," He raised his head, chopping the air in two in front of him "Torn in two parts...Light on one side...Darkness on the other."

"W-What? That can...happen?" Rainbow Dash asked, her curiosity peaked. "How does that even happen?"

"It was....Xehanort. My master...well...My former master was the one to cut my heart into two pieces."

"Geeze..." The blue pegasus whispered before her ears perked up. "But...I mean to get rid of your darkness...Isn't that a good thing?"

Ventus shook his head, "I've learned that it's not so simple. Everyone, no matter how kind or how evil, harbors both light and darkness within them. It is what makes you human...or...in your case pony. if you were to cut one or the other off...what do you have left?" He shook his head. “Besides…I never asked to be cut. Darkness or not, it's mine.”

Both mares were quiet at the boy's words, Fluttershy being the first to brake it this time. "So...what did Sora do then? How did he save you?"

The blond haired boy gently touched his chest, the place where his heart would be. "When it was fractured... my heart, I mean... he found me. He told me he was a brand-new heart, and said he followed my light." The blond haired boy smiled softly. "I just thought he was curious so I told him what happened, I was going to die anyway...so I didn't have anything to hide. It was much to my surprise though that, without a second thought, he told me to join my heart with his. He filled in the gap that was missing and... he saved me."

"As a new heart...You mean like as when he was just a foal? That's…gah…" Rainbow was about to scoff but her gaze fell back to Sora, frowning." Geeze...I don't think I could say that's unbelievable knowing that block head and where we are now." She sighed before looking back towards Ventus. "You said twice though, right? What happened the second time?"

"The second time He saved me...It's the reason I'm in his heart now." The boy answered, looking down. "The darkness that formed from my heart, it wanted to merge back with me so that he could χ-blade...a weapon so powerful that it could open even Kingdom Hearts."

"Kingdom Hearts...that's the place that Xehanort want's, isn't it?" Fluttershy asked, concern etched on her face.

"Yeah..." Ventus frowned, his hand clenching into a fist. "Master Xehanort desired Kingdom Hearts. While my friends were fighting him he sent my darkness after me to create the χ-blade."

"But why would he do such a thing?" the shy mare timidly asked, her hoof gently clutching onto Sora's hand.

"He believed that a clash between absolute light and darkness was the sole way to bring forth the χ-blade," Ventus explained. "And so...he pitted me against the darkness that was in my heart..." the boy looked down. "I didn't want that...so...I did the only thing I could do. I fought my darkness...my brother...and...I shattered my own heart, destroying us both."

The two mares gasped in shock at the boy's words, their eyes widening in disbelief. Fluttershy's grip on Sora's hand tightened, her heart aching for the pain the blond haired boy had gone through. "That's...that's horrible," she murmured softly.

Rainbow Dash's expression turned serious as she spoke, "But you're here now...inside Sora's heart. How did that happen?"

"I'm here because Sora called out to me. His voice cut through the darkness around me and I followed it to him." Slowly, he stood back up and made his way towards the suffering hero. "He was only a child when I met him that second time. I was just...a speck of light and even then...he could feel my sadness." He placed his hand back over his heart. "I...Didn't have any right to do so...but I asked if I could stay with him...at least for a little while. He didn't even stop to consider it."

Ventus closed his eyes as he looked down. "He just opened up his heart and let me in. That's how I came to reside in his heart ever since." Ventus looked down at Sora, his eyes softening at the sight of the brown-haired boy's pain.

"Sora saving ponies... even when he was a foal, huh?" the rainbow maned pegasus murmured. "Yeah, that sounds about right for that idiot." She gently flew to Sora's side. "You said you could save him... How are you going to do that?"

"When that white pony, Celestia, brought him over with her magic and turned him into a pegasus, she unknowingly locked his magic within him," Ventus explained. "What I'm going to do is free it, whatever it takes." He held out his hand and before too long, light began to build within his palm. In an instance, an object formed. A very familiar weapon, despite its different look.

"That's...A keyblade!" Rainbow gasped. "Wait! You're a keyblade wielder too?!"

Ventus smiled softly, nodding his head. "Yeah. I was trained as a keyblade wielder along my friends Terra and Aqua." He looked down at the keyblade in his hand before turning his gaze towards Sora. "Using this...I think I can undo the lock that holds his magic."

"Unlock...his magic?" The cyan mare spoke. "But...what would that even do?"

"With at least part of his magic unlocked, he should be able to use his spells... most importantly, Cure," Ventus explained. "It's a powerful healing spell that can even bring those at the brink of death back... at least if he's fast enough to use it on someone."

Fluttershy frowned as her mind began to race. Her mistakes in all of this. The part she played in hurting Sora. It could all be corrected in such a simple way. Sora could live...and she could beg for his forgiveness....But...something was gnawing at the back of her mind. Something important. Slowly, she shifted her gaze from Ventus to Sora, the boy barely breathing, even in his heart. "W-Wait...Ventus...before we start...I...What's going to happen to you?"

Ventus paused, his gaze softening as he looked towards the shy mare. "You...Don't have to worry about me, Fluttershy. Sora's going to be okay soon so..."

"Stop..." Fluttershy all but yelled, cutting the boy off. "You... I mean... I'm sorry but...you didn't answer the question." She glanced towards Sora. "What's...going to happen to you?"

The blond haired boy sighed softly, his eyes closing for a moment before opening once more. "I...I don't know," he admitted. "Using my keyblade like this...it's going to take a lot out of me. Best case...I fall back to sleep again...Worst case...I...fade away."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in shock and horror at the boy’s words. "What?! No...you can't just...fade away. There has to be another way."

The other Keyblade wielder blinked, taken aback by Fluttershy's concern. Slowly, he chuckled before letting out a soft yet hearty laugh. When the laughter subsided, he gave Fluttershy a warm smile.

“Geeze…Sora really does know how to pick his friends." He held up his blade, pointing the tip at Sora once again. "Still...Thanks, but there's no time now...I knew the risk and I'm sure Sora would have figured it out too...it's why I waited until he couldn't resist to show myself. He would have tried to stop me."

"That...sounds like something spiky would do alright..." The rainbow mare joked, though her own voice betrayed her worry for the situation at hand.

Fluttershy, on the other hand, eyes welled up with tears, her heart clenching at the thought of losing such a kindhearted being. "But...you can't just sacrifice yourself like this," she whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "It's not fair."

Ventus shook his head, his eyes softening as he looked towards the shy mare. "Life isn't fair, Fluttershy," he said softly. "But sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the people we care about."

The shy mare lowered her head before slowly lifting it back to face Ventus, tears running down her face. "Then... if we do this... then... promise me... promise me you won't fade away. If you do...Then Sora will be...He won't forgive himself...so please!" The shy mare's gaze fell back to Sora. "Promise me that you will find a way to hang on...so that we can find some way to save you too!"

The blond haired boy's eyes lowered, catching the mare's tears falling on Sora's hand, a sight that was all too familiar to him. "Geeze...you ponies..." He gently rubbed the back of his head, expressing a soft sigh. With a warm smile now gracing his lips, he raised his free hand, giving her a thumbs up, "Okay...I promise, Fluttershy. I'll do everything I can to make sure Sora's magic is unlocked. And I'll be okay when this is all over."

Fluttershy let out a sob of relief, her heart feeling lighter at Ventus' words. "Thank you," she whispered.

"You don't have to thank me," he responded gently. "We'll do our best for Sora...So he won't be sad anymore then he is." Now ready, more than ever before, he pointed his keyblade towards Sora. The blond haired boy focused intently, channeling the energy through his Keyblade, filling the room with a soft, vibrant light that resembled Sora's own. A gentle beam extended from the tip of his Keyblade, connecting to Sora's chest. As the beam made contact, a soft click resonated throughout the void.

Sora's body was illuminated by a bright, blinding light that made both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash cover their eyes. As the intense radiance began to subside, the room's atmosphere lightened. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash slowly lowered their hooves, their eyes widening in disbelief and awe as the light dissipated. When their vision adjusted, they both let out audible gasps at the miraculous transformation before them. Sora's form had changed, his body now that of the familiar pegasus pony that they had met when all of this began.

The blue pegasus's eyes widened in surprise. "Woah...He...He turned back into a pony?"

"Is...Is this what was supposed to happen? Ventus?" Fluttershy's focus shifted towards the blond haired boy, only for her to gasp in shock at what she saw before her. The blond haired boy was slowly but surely fading away.

As Ventus's luminous form dissipated, he cast a fleeting glance at Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, a soft smile gracing his lips. "I'm sorry... I won't be able to hold on much longer," he murmured as his figure began to fade. The radiant particles ascended, dissipating into the surrounding atmosphere.

Fluttershy instinctively moved to assist, but Ventus gently halted her with an outstretched hand. "Don't... I promised, didn't I? I'll hold on. So, don't worry about me." His gaze drifted to his fading hands, clenching them tightly. "Please, tell Sora... I'll be asleep for a while. And tell him...I hope he forgives me for leaving him like this."

Fluttershy nodded, tears streaming down her face as she watched Ventus fade away. "I will...I promise," she choked out.

The boy smiled brighter. "Thanks..." With that said, his eyes would close as his last light vanished into the ether, leaving the shy mare and the brash pegasus alone with the now changed human once again.

They were quiet for only a few moments before the rainbow maned pegasus stood up, pulling Sora with her as she did so. "We...We have to go back right now. He might have his magic but it won't mean Celestia's butt if he doesn't use it on himself now!"

The timid mare nodded as she too stood up, helping her friend hold the stallion. "R-Right...but...where do we go from here? How do we get back?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of a way out. "I...I don't know," she admitted. "But we gotta try something. We...h-huh?"

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow at her friend who had suddenly stopped talking, her magenta eyes looking off into the distance. Following her friend's gaze she found the object of her friend's attention. It was a door. One she would swear was not there before.

"W-Where did that...come from?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head. "I don't know and I don't care. For all we know that Ventus kid opened it for us. Let's just go through it and get out of here. We still have a Sora to save!" She led the way towards the door, with Fluttershy following right beside her, both mare's supporting Sora's weight.

As they reached the portal, it creaked open slowly, revealing a bright light on the other side. Without hesitation, Rainbow Dash stepped through the door, pulling her friends behind her.

~

All at once everything happened.

Rainbow's eyes shot open just as the crystalized bubble fell away from around both her friends. Despite her spinning head, the blue mare rushed to her friend's side, slipping on the other side of Sora. Fluttershy, already gently cradling his body in her lap, tears streaming down her face, looked at the blue mare in disbelief before gasping, her gaze falling back to the wounded Sora.

"H...He has to heal! He has to use his magic to heal himself!"

Rainbow Dash nodded, determination in her eyes. "Right, we have to get him to use his magic." She turned her attention to Sora, gently taking his hoof in hers. "Come on, Sora. Use your magic, we know you can do it."

The stallion groaned, his eyelids fluttering as he slowly regained what consciousness he had left. "Rainbow Dash?" he murmured weakly, his voice hoarse. "Fluttershy?"

"We're here, Sora," The shy mare responded for the both of them. "You have to summon your Keyblade! You have to use your magic to heal yourself! Please!"

"My...magic..." His eyes widened. "Ventus...he..."

"He unlocked it for you," Rainbow Dash finished for him, giving his hoof a gentle squeeze. "Now you just have to use it to heal yourself, Sora. Come on, you can do it."

Sora's breathing was shallow as he concentrated on summoning his Keyblade. With a flick of his hoof, the weapon appeared within it, and he closed his eyes, focusing on channeling his magic through it. The blade began to glow with a soft light, faint at first but slowly, but slowly would grow brighter and brighter. Lifting his blade into the sky, he gritted his teeth before opening his eyes, the word of power coming to him in a flash.

"Heal!"

Just as he says the words, a green aura danced in a circle and a flower bloomed overhead. It caressed both mare's fur, relieving what little aches either of them had before the minty scent tickling their nose. Sora breathed slowly before opening his eyes fully. Slowly but surely he sat up fully as both mare pulled away from him. Looking down at his hoof, he frowned before looking away and closing his eyes. "Ventus..." He shook his head before opening his eyes again. "Alright...Let's save our friends!"

The Key: Part One

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

The Key:Part One

In all her life, Lightning had never encountered creatures quite like the ones she had battled since she had gotten here—these Heartless. Even to a simple mare like her, their dark, twisted forms seemed to defy the natural order, and their malevolent energy sent an ominous chill through the air. Yet, there was no time for fear, only the instinct to fight and survive.

Within one fluid motion, Lightning's blade sliced through the air, cleaving one of the small shadows in two. The defeated Heartless dissipated, leaving only a faint echo of its malevolence. They were weak, individually. If it was just a few of them, she would have been done with it long ago, but that orb, that Demon Tide, all it did was produce more and more of the wicked creatures, and the effects were starting to show.

She didn’t remember how long it’s been since it had started, but the toll of the relentless onslaught was undeniable, and Lightning, despite her well trained endurance, could feel the strain on her muscles starting. Her movements, once fluid and precise, were becoming more measured as fatigue set in. Every swing of her blade required a conscious effort, and she could sense the weight of each step.

Clicking her teeth, she flapped her wings, the feather appendages becoming a symphony of rapid beats as she propelled herself out of harm's way just as black claws from one of the many Heartless lashed out where she had just been. Swift and precise, she twisted and turned mid-air as her blade struck the back of her enemy, making it disappear as she had done for countless others, only for two more to replace it-a never ending cycle.

A quick glance to her side revealed the young colt, his determined eyes reflecting a mix of courage and weariness. Dagger in mouth, he fought valiantly, dodging and weaving, but Lightning could discern the signs of tiring in his movements. His instincts were commendable, but the toll of the ongoing battle was evident.

Even further back, Rarity could be seen, her own magic at work, using a something akin to a cloth to whip at the Heartless. It wasn't as strong as both her’s and the colt's strikes, more then likely due to inexperience and fighting her own exhaustion, still, it seemed to get the job done, at least for the small fries. Even then, Lightning knew that they couldn't keep going on like this for much longer. The Demon Tide showed no signs of stopping, and the longer they fought, the more Heartless it produced. She would have cut down the mare controlling them, but the unicorn, Starlight, wasn't giving her an inch to do so.

Besides, she knew that if she left to fight the unicorn: the colts...Rarity, and her subordinates that were still unconscious would be left defenseless against the endless horde of Heartless.

Lightning gritted her teeth, remembering three other of her charges.

Looking back, she noticed, even as far away as she was, that Rainbow had not moved an inch ever since she had touched that bubble her cousin and the Keyblade Wielder was in. The only way she knew that the rainbow maned mare wasn't dead was due to the fact that her sharp eyes could still see her chest puffing in and out.

Whatever it was she was doing it was taking too long.

"I'm...Running out of options here..." the captain muttered under her breath before jumping, lashing out with her hind legs at another Heartless that dared to get in her range.

She knew that the only other way to save as many ponies as possible was...retreat. To take Rarity, the colts, and whoever else they could carry away from here to as far as possible. It wasn't the best plan. It was even one she hated the most, but it was the one with the best possible outcome besides, they were already on their last leg.

If she was alone things would be different. She would fight to her last breath to destroy the enemy that was in front of her. Even go out in a blaze of glory if she had failed to do so.

But she was not alone. Right now she was the one in charge, and whatever it was that Rainbow Dash was doing was failing as far as she knew. With her mind made up, and a resolute nod, she fought her way towards the colt, getting closer to him in the process. Making her presence known to him she flared her wings to push the Heartless that he was fighting back, giving him enough time to take a breather as she spoke aloud.

"Colt!" Her voice was commanding, quickly gaining the attention of the teenage earthpony. "We are leaving! Gather Rarity and your young brother and flee. I'll hold them off until you are out of sight and follow after you."

"Leaving?!" Zidane balked, his eyes becoming wide before a frown soon replaced his shocked expression. "But We can't! Didn't the fair mare with the rainbow hair say she has a plan to save that key stallion?" The colt dodged an attack from one of the Heartless, before slashing it with his blade. "We can't leave her!"

"You will do as I say, colt!" Lightning replied, her voice sharp despite her own inner turmoil about her decision. "Fighting a losing battle isn't bravery. It's stupidity!" She clicked her teeth. "Besides, if you fall here, who will be there to save your brother?"

The teen flinched but shook his head nonetheless, still defiant. "Still...Rainbow and the others! If we leave then..."

"Zidane," The captain spoke, using his name for the first time. She lashed out with her blade, slashing a Heartless that got too close for comfort, she stood in front of him before casting her gaze back at the colt, "It's been too long. Whatever it is that Rainbow is doing, we can't wait any longer. The Heartless are overwhelming us and I know for a fact you are on your last leg. We need to leave. Now."

The colt frowned as he looked down. He knew she was right. Every fiber of his being knew she was right. He was exhausted to the point where only sheer willpower was the only thing keeping him going. He wanted to run away. To take his brother and escape into the darkness. It would have to been the smart thing to do after all.

"I...understand..."

"If you understand then-"

"I ain't going tho."

Lightning's eyes widened in surprise. "What did you say?" she asked, not sure if she had heard him correctly.

"I said, I'm not going," Zidane repeated, his voice steady and firm. "I can't just leave Rainbow and the others behind."

The mare frowned as she looked back towards the Heartless encroaching on their locations. "This isn't the time for horseapples colt! She swung her blade with renewed vigor, taking down two Heartless in one swipe. "We need to leave now before it's too late!"

"I understand that, Captain," Zidane replied, his voice taking on a serious tone. "But the fair mare with the rainbow mane said she has a plan, and I am one to never abandon a fair mare in her quest."

Lightning narrowed her eyes, before looking away, her teeth clicking. "You stubborn...are all males like this?" She stepped forward. "I'll drag you kicking and screaming if I have to, you know..."

"What? And waste energy with me kicking and screaming where you could be helping the others escape?" He smirked. "Doesn't sound very productive since I will be doing just that if I have to to make you let me go. You'll waste all your energy on me." His dagger slashed out defecting a blow from a nearby Heartless. "So you either leave and save the others. Or wait for the fair rainbow maned maiden to save the day. Your choice. Either way I’m staying right here."

The captain sighed as she looked away. "You're willing to bet your life on Rainbow and the others?"

Zidane shrugged. "I'm not just betting on them, I'm betting on us. I believe in us. I believe in you, and I believe in me, and I believe in her." He smiled. "Besides...I don't want to leave knowing there was something I could have done to change things." He looked forward, his voice soft. "Not again."

"Not again...?" Lightning asked softly, more to herself than to the colt, before sighing, drawing herself next to him. "You really are annoying." The mare crouched as she stood ready for battle.

The teen grinned, his eyes shining with renewed determination. "I would argue I'm more persistent," he mused with a wink. "Sounds a lot better on paper when you are talking to cute mares?"

"If you two are done with your little play," Starlight spoke, gaining both of the pony's attention. "And you said your farewells, I am putting you all to sleep." She raised a hoof.

Before the Captain could speak, Zidane beat her to it, stepping out in front of the mare with a cocky grin on his lips, “Don't think it's my bedtime yet," The colt mused, looking back at Lightning with a wink and a smile before focusing on the purple unicorn once again. "Still got a lot left in me after all."

"You talk brave but even I can see how tired you are now." the unicorn sighed as she looked away. "Honesty, ever since we met when I had first opened this camp for you refugees, you have done nothing but give me such a nasty side eye. I must admit...you were quite the annoyance. Always sneaking off as you did."

"What can I say? I like a good adventure. As for my “side eye” as you call it, you can say it is my very own intuition." The colt mused. "It can always spot a nasty personality in a mare right away and react accordingly." He puffed out his chest. "You can't say I wasn't wrong on my assumptions. I mean look at you now. All big and bad and using monsters to fight us heroes." He shook his head. "For shame, miss Starlight."

Starlight rolled her eyes. "You're still just a child," she scoffed. "You don't know anything about the world or what it takes to survive in it. All I see you doing is flailing in the dark."

"Ha! Then you don't know me at all." He smirked. "But fix that nasty attitude of yours and I'll gladly talk it over with you over a cup of coffee. Your treat of course."

Starlight made to respond with a curt word of advice but stopped, her eyes closing. "Enough games. I've wasted enough time on the two of you already." She raised her hoof, and the Demon Tide responded to her command, the heartless pulsing harder then ever before within the ball. "Besides...Working with idiots, I can tell when somepony is trying to waste my time. And yours kid...it just ran out."

Just as she had raised it, the mare's hoof fell, it being the cue for the Heartless to strike. All in one go, a stream of Heartless shot out of the dark orb, all aiming for Zidane and Lighting. The two of them side to side, ready to face the onslaught, the colt with his dagger, the mare with her sword.

A sudden tan blur shot past the two of them in a glow of blue light. Before either colt or mare would understand what just happened, a voice rung from the form, loud and clear for all to hear.

"REFLECT!"

At it...no...his command, a radiant barrier of light manifested in front of the two of them. Just as it did, the Heartless collided against it, their attacks repelled by the protective shield. The barrier flicked with each strike, almost as if it were about to break. Before it did however, the figure raised his head, his Keyblade glowing with a bright light before the shield shot out in front of himself into beams of dancing light, striking each and every Shadow that was still unlucky enough to be within its range.

The figure stood tall, his bright blue eyes shimmering brightly as his Keyblade vanished in a burst of light. He turned to face Lightning and Zidane, offering them a bright smile, despite the seriousness of the situation. "Are the two of you okay?"

Lightning's eyes widened in recognition. "Sora? You're...okay?"

"Yeah. Sorry for being so late and all," the stallion replied before turning his attention back to the Heartless in front of them. The Demon Tide. "You two look like you could use a brake, so go back and take a rest for a while and leave the rest to me. I got this."

Zidane, now fully recovered from his shock, couldn't stop the laugh that escaped his lips. "Lotta talk for someone who got stabbed not too long ago. You sure you don't need back up." Despite the offer, the colt couldn't help but fall on his flank, panting harshly now that all energy reserves was gone.

The Keyblade Wielder shook his head. "I'd take you up on your offer but-"

"He's not alone!" Both the colt and the Captain turned just in time to see Rainbow Dash fly over head wa already at Sora's side, her hoof digging into the ground harshly. "Because he's got the one and only Dash on his side!" She turned her head, smirking at the pair. "Told ya I would get the hero to save the day."

"So...you did." Lightning smiled and nodded. "Good job Rainbow Dash."

"Don't forget about me, Darling," Rarity chimed in, standing gracefully beside Sora.

"R-Rarity?! What are you doing here?" Rainbow Dash questioned, surprised by Rarity's appearance.

"It is well taken care of since I'm sure our two friends here will be seeing to their safety," Rarity explained confidently as she looked behind herself towards Zidane and Lightning. "Out of all of us that were not in that bubble, I'm the one that's least exhausted as you well know. Do not fret though; I won't get in your or Sora's way. I can, and have, handle myself quite well in stressful situations, as you well know, Rainbow Dash.

"Gah...well...maybe but still."

Rarity couldn't help the playful smirk that formed on her face, "Oh, darling, you're starting to sound like Sora back when we first met him. Always cautioning us to stay out of fighting while he deals with everything alone." She tilted her head. "It seems the roles have reversed a bit, haven't they?"

The white mare's playful comment elicited the exact reaction she wanted from Rainbow Dash. The cyan mare red cheeks blazing brightly as she turned to glare at her prim and proper friend. "Gah! Just because I care about you guys doesn't mean I'm turning into Spiky." She huffed. "Whatever! Do what you want! Just don't come crying to me when you chip a hoof."

The white mare huffed. “I’ll have you know that I-Ekk!”

Sora was quick to stand in front of the mare, defecting a magical beam that had been shot in the fashionista's direction. The source of said blast coolly raised her head, glaring at the lot of them.

"You ponies...really feel like you have all the time in the world huh? Joking and playing around like you are. I knew I shouldn't have wasted so much time in taking you all out." Starlight growled as her horn began to glow brightly. "And you..." She addressed Sora. "How are you alive? You were stabbed in your heart. I saw it myself."

Sora closed his eyes before pacing a hoof over his chest. "If you want to know…I have friends that place their faith in me. That's why I'm still alive." he stated firmly as he summoned his Keyblade once more. Lowering his stance, he readied himself. "Besides, I still have to stop you. No..." He shook his head. "I have to save you from making the same mistake my friend made a long time ago."

Starlight scoffed. "Save me? You think I need saving?" She raised her hoof once again, the Demon Tide responding to her command. "I've already made my decision, and I will see them through to the end. Darkness is the only way any of us will be free!"

"You're wrong!" the Keyblade Wielder yelled, his body crouching low as he readied himself for battle. "And I'll wake you up to realize it!"

The stallion's hooves struck the dirt as he galloped forwards, Keyblade in maw. Already he could see the Demon Tide drop Heartless onto the ground to meet him. Not wanting to disappoint, he launched himself forward towards the encroaching Heartless. Gripping the Keyblade firmly in his maw, the equine warrior wasted no time as he struck out at the first Heartless that dared to approach. The Keyblade cut through the shadows with a radiant glow, cleaving the darkness and sending the Heartless reeling.

Approaching another, he launched the dark beast into the air before following after it, kicking it hard with his hind hoof further upwards as he backflipped. As he landed upon the ground, Rainbow Dash was already rushing over him, tackling the Heartless in midair before tossing the beast away, causing it to crash into the ground with a resounding thud. With a salute she flew towards her own group of the beast, leaving Sora to turn his sights upon the Demon Tide itself.

Without hesitation, he blasted forward, his Keyblade shimmering brightly as he closed in on his target. The Heartless reacted to his approach however, a dark stream of Shadows rushing towards the stallion encroaching upon it. Almost by instinct, his blade went from his maw to his hoof before he pointed it out in front of him. With a focused concentration, he channeled his Keyblade's power into the ground, the key word slipping from his tongue.

"WIND!"

The air at the spot he pointed at swirled around in a controlled whirlwind, lifting dust and debris as the force intensified. Taking advantage of the swirling wind, Sora leaped within it, his form enveloped by the currents he had created. At the last second, before the Heartless had time to converge on the stallion, the gust carried him skyward, easily out of reach now that he was in the air proper.

Now in the air, Sora pointed his Keyblade at the core of the Demon Tide. With the commanding yell, "FIRE!" he channeled the magical energy within the Keyblade. Suddenly, the tip of his weapon erupted in a burst of flames, and from it, several fiery projectiles shot forth.

The fireballs streaked through the air, leaving trails of flame in their wake as they homed in on the Heartless below. Each impact created a fiery explosion, illuminating the darkened battlefield with bursts of light and heat. The Demon Tide recoiled from the onslaught, its shadows dancing in the wake of Sora's powerful magical assault.

However, as the fiery chaos unfolded, the Heartless, undeterred, began to rise high into the air, forming a swirling mass of darkness that launched a torrent of its minions toward Sora, aiming to strike the airborne pony before he could regain his footing.

Just as the Heartless surged on his positions, a blue blur swooped in with remarkable speed. With precise timing, she caught the falling Keyblade wielder mid-air, ushering him out of harms way out of the Heartless's assault.

"Haha! Need a lift hero?" The mare mused, giving the stallion she held by his foreleg a wink.

Sora smiled as he looked up towards his savior, "Thanks, Dash. I own you one."

"Eh. I'm used to saving your butt at this point so just chalk it up to your tab. I expect you to convince AJ to give me lots of Apple Ciders when it's cider season again." Her gaze fell towards his Keyblade. "Still, when you said you could use magic, you weren't kidding. Never seen wind magic used like that. Don't get me started on those fireballs."

"Thanks, Dash, but it's still not strong enough to take down that Heartless yet." The stallion sighed, looking up at the swirling mass of darkness that still loomed over them. "My magic has grown way weaker than before ever since that Keyblade Exam...Really sucks having this happen to me a third time."

"Hey, we'll figure something out, Hero. Besides, we've dealt with worse, right? All we gotta do is take them down!" She smirked. "Mabey hit it with a Fast Ball Specials? Just like back at the Crystal Kingdom"

"Is that what you're calling it?" He teased before looking back down, his eyes frowning. "If so then shoot me over towards Rarity instead. She could use some help."

Rainbow Dash blinked before looking over to where her white furred friend was. She wasn't surrounded by any means but she did seem to be struggling against a group of Shadow Heartless. "Oh yeah, I see what you mean. One Fast Ball Special coming up!"

Without hesitation, she spun the stallion around by his foreleg at high speed before letting go, the force propelling him through the air like a comet. It barely took any time for him to reach the elegant mare, his Keyblade striking a Heartless that was about to set upon her from behind.

"Sora! I know with everything going on I forgot to tell you...but It is good to see you back in action as it were," Rarity exclaimed with relief, her horn aglow with magic before shooting off a beam of light towards a nearby Heartless. "And I must say, you do make a grand entrance look stylish. I never knew you could use barrier magic."

"It's one of the spells I learned during my travels," Sora replied, before tossing his Keyblade, striking several of the Heartless at once that were in front of him. "Even if I do have my magic back, it's not enough. And I'm already running low. My healing spell really takes more out of me then most of them after all."

Rainbow came flying in, running a Heartless into the ground before tossing it up and kicking the dark beast away. "Well, we'll just have to find a way to hold out then!" she exclaimed. "We can't let this Heartless win before we even get started on the plan!"

The stallion nodded. "I know...I just hope Fluttershy can do what she has to do...and fast."

"Oh! I remember seeing her just before coming here, checking up on me as it were...but then she ran off soon after." Rarity said, her horn once again aglow as she used the fabric from her bag to whip at a Heartless. "You mean to tell me that you have a plan for dealing with all these horrid creatures?"

"I do..." Sora responded with a nod. "I just hope that Fluttershy can wake up our sleeping stallion..."

~

In another part of the camp, away from the ongoing battle, Fluttershy moved through the wreckage with a sense of urgency, her wings flapping hard as they ever had before. Despite her job being the safest and most simplest, she could feel the weight of the situation heavy on her back. Her mind raced to just a little while ago before she left Sora and Rainbow to help the others...

~

"We need to find Sunburst."

Fluttershy tilted her head at Sora's words. "S-Sunburst...that's the stallion you saved from Trottingham...isn't it?"

"What do we need him for?" The rainbow maned mare asked. "Isn't he like...knocked out and stuff?"

"He is...but I think he might be the only one able to stop Starlight." He looked behind himself, frowning. "If...I remember. He has to be that way."

Fluttershy's eyes widened at the mention of Starlight. "Wait...you...you said that she reacted to that name..." the shy mare gasped. "Is...That stallion...is she the one she was talking about before she...she made me...she mind controlled me...?"

"It has to be." He placed a hoof over his heart. "When my heart touched his...I could see his memories. And I could feel that he had a strong connection to Starlight. I know in my heart that he's the reason she's doing all of this. Cause she feels guilty for hurting him..."

"Even if that's the case. Why should we even help her?" Rainbow scoffed. "She tired to kill you. Heck! She almost succeeded!"

Sora sighed, his gaze falling to the ground. "I know, Dash, but I can't help but think that she's not the real villain here. There's something bigger going on, and I think that she's just a pawn in it all. If we can wake Sunburst up, if we can get him to stop her for long enough to actually talk...I think we can save everypony."

The rainbow maned mare sighed harshly, rubbing the back of her head. "Geeze! Leave it to you to try and save the pony who tired and kill you..." She shook her head. "Fine...how are we doing this?"

"I don't want to leave the others...and that giant ball Heartless you were fighting. The Demon Tide. I can't leave that alone. If the other's get stuck by it they'll end up in the same state Twilight and Sunburst was in."

"I...I can go find him."

Sora and Rainbow gaped as they looked towards the timid mare stand up, the former of the two doing the same as he spoke. "Fluttershy, are you sure? It could be dangerous."

"I...I can't fight...not like you and Rainbow Dash can." The mare spoke softly. "I'll just get in the way...so...let me do at least this. It's the least I can do...after I hurt you..."

The stallion's expression softened as he reached a hoof towards the mare. "Fluttershy...you know I don't blame you for-"

"But I do!" Fluttershy interrupted as he pulled away, shaking her head. "I know it wasn't me...that Starlight was controlling my mind...but...I still feel like I hurt you...so please...I can do this..."

It was quite for only a few moments before Sora nodded. "Okay...if you're sure, then I'll believe in you." He smiled softly at the mare. Before she could leave however, he reached out and grasped her hoof, forcing her to stop. "After this is over...we can talk okay? I promise..."

The mare shivered at his touch. His smile. It hurt to see them both.

"I...I'll find him..." Fluttershy turned and ran away, both to find the stallion in question...and away from Sora.

~

"I'm sorry...Sora...I'm sorry..." She muttered to herself, her wings fluttering as she picked up her pace. an explosion from behind her caused the mare to stop in her tracks, the mare turning around, just in time to see Sora about to get attacked by the Heartless. The mare gasped as she started back to where she came from, only to stop when Rainbow Dash caught the stallion in mid air, whisking him away from danger.

Fluttershy's heart pounded in her chest as she breathed a sigh of relief. She knew she had no right to be, not after putting the stallion in danger herself. She didn't care if she had been mind controlled before. It was still her hooves that held Sora tight...Still her hooves that caused him to get stabbed by Gilda.

She shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts from her mind. She couldn't let those memories consume her. She had a job to do, a task that only she could accomplish. And she was going to do it, no matter what.

"He...He'll be okay....He...He'll be fine." The mare spoke softly before dashing off again. It wasn't long before she came upon a nearby bush, one that seemed to have been disturbed quite a bit. At least, compared to the rest of them. Her natural forest instincts told her this was the spot Sora had come from. Slowly she flew upon the bush, scanning the ground with her sharp eyes. It didn't take long to find who she was looking for.

The stallion lay there, seemingly unharmed but deeply unconscious. Fluttershy's gaze softened as she approached him, her wings fluttering nervously. Kneeling down beside the stallion, she gently checked for any signs of injuries. Relief washed over her as she realized that, at least physically, he seemed to be okay.

"Sunburst?" Fluttershy spoke softly, her voice a delicate whisper. "Can you hear me?" There was no response from the stallion, not even a twitch. Fluttershy frowned, biting her lip in concern. She wasn't sure if he was just sleeping or in the same state of coma that Twilight was in before when she was saved from the bubble. Sora did say that Sunburst nearly had his heart stolen by the Heartless, just like Twilight.

"Ponyfeathers..." She cursed softly to herself, "I...It took Twilight a few days to wake up after all of that...Sunburst was just saved...How can I..." She shook her head wildly. "No! It's okay...I won't give up...I...I can't let Sora down again..." She turned back to face the stallion, her mind racing with ideas.

"I...I just...I....oh...wait..." She looked down at the stallion before frowning. Carefully she grasped his hoof in her own. "Sunburst...I...I don't know if you can hear me...I pray to Celestia that you can...but...it's Starlight...She...She's hurting ponies...more then that I...I think she's hurting herself..." Fluttershy's voice quivered as she spoke, tears gathering in her eyes. "I need you to wake up and help us stop her. Please...we can't do it without you. You're the only one that can stop her...because...you are the only one she cares about now...so please..."

Fluttershy's voice trailed off as she looked down at Sunburst. She wasn't sure if her words had any effect on him or not. She hoped that they did - that he could hear her and would wake up soon. But she couldn't be sure.

As she sat there, holding the stallion's hoof, Fluttershy couldn't help but feel the weight of everything that was happening. The battle raging on around her, the darkness that threatened to swallow them all... it was all too much. She wanted to run away from it all...to leave everything behind. Maybe if she did...she would finally be safe...she would finally be able to...

The mare shook her head. "No...I...I would never forgive myself if I did that...I would never want to see my friends again if I did something so horrible...And...even if I don't deserve to...I could never...love Sora like I do now if I ran."

She didn't know how long she sat there, but eventually she felt a stirring in Sunburst's hoof. Opening her eyes, she saw that he was starting to move - just a little bit, but it was something.

"Sunburst?" Fluttershy whispered, gently squeezing his hoof.

Orange eyelids fluttered softly to reveal aqua blue eyes. Sunburst groaned, his head feeling heavy as he tried to lift it up from the ground. "Y-you...who are...you...?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper before his gaze shifted around himself. "What...what happened? I was in the lab...and...then..."

Fluttershy interrupted him, her voice urgent. "Sunburst, listen to me. Starlight, she's gone too far. She's hurting ponies, and she needs to be stopped. Sora and the others are fighting off the Heartless, but we need your help to stop her. Please, you're the only one who can reach her."

"Starlight...Starlight!" He tried to push himself up, only to fall back again, the mare catching him before he did so. "I...She...I have to get to Starlight!"

Fluttershy held him steady, her wings fluttering nervously. "I know, but you're still weak. Let me help you up." She carefully lifted him to his hooves, supporting him as he stumbled a bit. "We need to hurry. Sora and the others are fighting against the Heartless as we speak, and they need our help. Can you walk?"

"I...Think I can...I...you said Heartless?" The stallion questioned. "Is...wait...is that the name of those dark creatures in the lab?" The stallion shivered. "They...They went wild and...they attacked everyone...I...I moved to protect Starlight but..." He shook his head. "You said we have to stop her...she...is she controlling them now?"

Fluttershy nodded, "She is...Starlight is controlling them. She's using them to hurt others, and we need to stop her before it's too late."

Sunburst's eyes widened in shock. "Starlight...how...I don't...She was always so kind and caring...I mean yes she was a bit rude...but..."

"I...I think it's because...she wanted to save you." The mare told him. "I think…She convinced herself that using the Heartless to save you is the only way, but she's wrong." She closed her eyes. "Sora...my...My friend. He tired to tell her but she didn't listen to him."

"That's...just like Starlight..She hates to be proven wrong right until the end…." Sunburst frowned as he looked towards the shy mare. "You're right. I need to get to Starlight. It usually takes time but I'm the one that can get though that thick skull of hers...Think...you could help me to her miss..."

"Fluttershy...My name is Fluttershy. Its...um...Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," He said with a smile before looking ahead. "Let's go, Fluttershy. We can't waste any more time. Starlight needs me."

The Key: Part Two

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

The Key: Part Two

Starlight Glimmer stood on the precipice of the battle field, her eyes fixated on the chaotic scene unfolding before her. The air crackled with the clash of metal and the magical bursts of energy as the Heartless...no...as the Demon Tide battled against Sora and his companions, Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Starlight's gaze, however, was primarily drawn towards the stallion wielding the blade made to look like a key.

Remembering the first time she fought him in their initial confrontation, she had been momentarily surprised by the stallion's skills. His mastery with his blade over those Heartless she controlled, was something she had not expected in the least.

Still, in the end, she had won the fight, having used that yellow mare's relationship with that stallion to throw him off his game long enough for the griffion to get the killing blow.

Or so she had thought.

Here she was now, standing in scorching disbelief as the stallion she thought had been out of her hair was fighting hale and whole. Even more so, he was displaying skills she had never seen a pegasus used before. She had thought that the rainbow maned mare was special, but this stallion was on a whole other level.

"Who..." The mare began, speaking softly to herself, "Are you?"

The dark ball of Shadows released a torrent of Heartless his way, their twisted forms contrasting sharply with the radiant aura emanating from the stallion's weapon. Even despite the odds, he would clash with it head on. Every swing, every parry, was a dance between light and darkness.

Despite her frustration, Starlight couldn't help but marvel at the unnatural abilities displayed by the mysterious pegasus. Even with how tired he should have been after getting stabbed, his movements, while clearly awkward here and there, were something to behold. Not to mention his control over magic surpassed anything she had ever witnessed in Equestria. Pegasus ponies were not known for their magical prowess, yet here he was, manipulating fire, ice, wind...not to mention barrier magic, one of the hardest to master.

"No..." The mare corrected herself, frowning. "What are you?"

Said stallion grunted as he landed on his hooves, the Keyblade he held in one of them digging into the ground to stop himself getting pushed back any further. Looking up, he could feel the malevolent energy emanating from the pulsating ball of darkness before him, The Demon Tide looming ominously in the distance.

Holding his Keyblade out in front of him, The wielder of it pointed at the Heartless before shooting off Crystalized ice from the tip of the weapon. The chilly ice shot forth from the Keyblade, slicing through the air with a glint of frost. It would not impact it however as the Heartless intercepted the blast with a stream of shadows it shot forth, taking the brunt of the attack.

Clicking his teeth in frustration, the stallion jumped in the air, dodging the remaining Shadows that had not been affected by his magical missile of ice before rearing his hoof back and then throwing the magical key in their direction, destroying any that came in contact with the blade of light.

As he landed upon the ground again, Rarity hurried to his side, her horn emitting a small beam of light at the tip before shooting off towards her side, striking a nearby creature that was too close for comfort. "Sora, darling! Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?"

The stallion shook his head before summoning his Keyblade once more, fending off another wave of the small Shadows that dared to get too close to him. "I'm fine, Rarity. Just getting a little winded." He frowned as he placed a hoof over his heart, "Not to mention every time I use my magic it takes a little bit more out of me. I might have enough for one or two bursts left, and that's if I'm not forced to use my curing Spell."

"Doesn't help that there's no end to them!" Rainbow Dash swooped down next to them, her wings flapping furiously to keep her airborne. Sweat dripped from her forehead as she unleashed a powerful gust of wind, blowing the Shadows away momentarily. "You'd think we would've exhausted all the Heartless within that stupid thing by now with the way we are kicking their butts." She growled as she landed. "Kinda feels like Fluttershy's brother who can't take a hint and leave me alone with the way its acting."

Pushing the fact that he had just learned that Fluttershy had a brother aside, the stallion couldn't help but nod in agreement. "I was half hoping that something would give soon," Sora admitted, glancing towards the dark ball of Shadows. "But it seems like they're endlessly being spawned from the Demon Tide itself, almost like it's a Corridor to the World of Darkness. If we can't get rid of that, then this will never end."

The prismatic mare scoffed. "Fat chance of that happening. It feels like that Starlight mare is the one feeding it all that Darkness or whatever." She growled as she spotted Starlight smirking in the distance, observing the trio. "We can't even get close to her with that thing in the way."

"I've noticed." The Keyblade Wielder spoke, frowning as he remembered more than a few times he did try and reach the purple unicorn, only to have himself knocked back by a wave a Heartless striking him at his side. He lamented the amount of potions he already used from both Rarity and Rainbow Dash. He was pretty sure his pegasus friend was down to her last one. "I've never seen someone control the Heartless like she does...except maybe Maleficent."

The cyan pegasus raised an eyebrow. "Maleficent? Is that the name of that crazy witch you defeated when you were a kid?"

The stallion answered her with a nod before pushing forward, slicing a Heartless in half, destroying it completely. "She was pretty strong, could even turn into a dragon." He shook his head. "The only reason we won was because I had all my powers and my friends to back me. As I am now, I can't get as close as I want to without something giving." The stallion frowned as he looked towards the Demon Tide. "We need an opening...and the only way to get that is..."

"That stallion you told Fluttershy to get, right?" Rainbow finished for him, before lashing out with a vicious kick sending a Shadow sprawling into vapors. "That Sunburst pony."

Sora nodded solemnly. "Exactly. If his memories were anything to go by, he's the most important pony in the world to Starlight. If anyone can get through to her, it would be him."

"So in the end we're just wasting time for Fluttershy to do her thing and wake the stallion right." The pegasus mare sighed. "You really do plan on saving that unicorn...even after she tired to kill you."

The stallion smiled wryly, his eyes never leaving the Demon Tide. "I may not agree with her methods, but I understand why she did what she did. And besides, I can't just stand by and watch someone else fall into the darkness. That's not who I am." He frowned. "Sombra gave me no choice...but Starlight...I know I can save the light inside of her."

Rarity glided towards the stallion, placing a hoof on his shoulder. "Then we will do everything we can to help make sure that happens," She frowned. "But that does pose the question on how Fluttershy is going to wake up our friend. It took Twilight a few days to wake up from nearly getting her heart taken after all, and here we are, praying to Celestia mind you, that Fluttershy can wake him up in significantly less time than that. The odds are against us."

"Well saying it like that..." the cyan pegasus mused as she cracked her hooves. "It makes me want to defy those odds even more."

"Of course you would say that Rainbow Dash" Rarity responded with a dry dull tone. "You are the only pony I know that would still fight with a one percent chance stacked against you."

"What can I say?" the brash pegasus spoke with a wide smirk, giving the white unicorn a wink. "I'm just that awesome."

The sharp yell from in front of them caused all three ponies to look ahead. In the distance, the could see that Starlight's frustration had reached its peak, the mare stopping the ground hard as the Demon Tide withdrew to her side. "Why are you fools not taking anything seriously?" Starlight's voice echoed across the battlefield, carrying a dangerous undertone. "You banter and joke as if you are on a Sunday walk when you know you are about to lose it all! Are you mocking me?!"

The three she had addressed looked at each other before Sora stepped forward, his Keyblade at the ready. "We're not mocking you, Starlight. We may joke around here and there but make no mistake—we are taking this seriously. We are not going to let your Darkness destroy everything we hold dear. Not today."

"Foolishness." Starlight spat before closing her eyes. "You are nothing but pretty speeches and empty words colt. Joking around...telling me you will save me from myself. Do you really think that's possible? That I'll simply turn my back on my goals and go along with your plans, like a good little mare?"

"I do believe." The stallion admitted, much to the unicorn's shock and surprise. "I believe that there is still a light inside of you. The fact that you are doing all of this for your friend Sunburst proves it."

"And what do you know!?" The unicorn yelled after reeling back, indignation upon her face. "What do you know about why I'm doing this?!"

"Because...I lost my friends...my family...both to the Heartless and to the Darkness," Sora admitted, his voice calm and gentle. "I know what it's like to feel lost and alone, to think that there's no hope." Pointing his Keybade back at her he frowned. "But I also know that there's always a way out of the darkness." Slowly, the stallion moved the blade of light off to the side, pointing it in another direction. Relaxing his hoof, he allowed it to fall, the weapon dissipating in a gentle glow of light.

"Ah...Sora...What the hey are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked, with a confused expression on her face. Rarity mirrored her friend's expression, eyeing the stallion with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"If she was someone like Riku...I think fighting would be the best way to get to her...to get her to understand." He replied, his eyes never leaving Starlight's. "But...talking about what you need to talk about, it can work too. Twilight and you girls taught me that. So...I'm not going to fight you anymore Starlight."

The unexpected shift in Sora's approach left Starlight momentarily speechless. "I...you...are you crazy!? I tried to kill you! I...You should...Why are you doing this!?"

"I told you before. I'm going to save you."

"You didn't answer my question!" the purple unicorn exclaimed, her voice laced with frustration. "Why are you doing this? Why do you care so much about saving me?"

"It because...I know Sunburst's feeling for you." The stallion smiled as he took another step forward. "It was though him, that I know that you are a good mare deep down." The stallion closed his eyes. "Yes...some of the things you did...I'm sure there are no few number that will never forgive you. Maybe...they never will...but that doesn't mean you can't try." Slowly, he held out his hoof to the mare. "So please..."

Starlight's inner turmoil began to flow throughout her whole body at Sora's gesture and words, her head shaking widely. When she regained her senses, the mare raised her hoof high, glaring at the stallion in front of her. "You...You don't...You...If you saved him show me! Show me that he's okay right now! Show me or I'll-!"

"Starlight! Stop!"

The sudden and familiar voiced had nearly given Starlight a heart-attack. Slowly but surely, her gaze shifted towards where the voice had come from. She wasn't the only one to be surprised as Sora and all the others nearby all turned, finding the source of the voice. Not too far away, were two figures, one, a yellow mare with a dull pink mane, helping another figure hobble froward, an orange stallion with fiery red hair. His shimmering turquoise eyes never once leaving Starlight, even though it looked as though he could fall over any second.

Out of everyone near, Rainbow Dash was the first to speak, pumping her hoof ethusiasitly. "Fluttershy?! You were able to work him up?! Dang girl! I knew you could do it!"

The shy mare shook her head. "N-No, Rainbow Dash. It wasn't me." Fluttershy's voice was barely above a whisper as she continued to support Sunburst, who was clearly struggling to stay upright. "It was him. He woke up on his own. All I did was...tell him what he needed to hear."

"Fluttershy..." Sora's voice cut though the distance between the two of them and the butter yellow mare couldn't help but turn towards the stallion when he spoke. His smile was warm and genuine, his nod giving her a warm filly in her belly. "Thanks Shy..."

The timid mare wanted to speak...to say anything...but whatever it was she was going to say was quickly put to rest when Sunburst tried to move, quickly forcing the mare to keep him steady lest he fell to the ground. Fluttershy's eyes widened with concern as she used her gentle touch to steady him. "Sunburst, please be careful. You're still weak," she pleaded softly.

"Please..." The stallion spoke again, ignoring the mare's words. All his attention was on the mare in front of him. On Starlight. "I'm okay now...just please...stop..."

She stood there, frozen in place, staring at the stallion who had once been her closest friend. Memories of their past flooded her mind...memories of what she done. Memories of causing many ponies to lose their heart so she could study the effects of the bubble. She had tried to push her emotions down before. She had tired to keep herself in check. She had to tell herself it was for the greater good. That it was all to save Sunburst. It was all to free him. All that work...and...it wasn't her...she...

Her heart was pounding in her chest, as she looked at the stallion, her breathing becoming heavier and more ragged with each passing second. She knew that she should be feeling happy, that Sunburst was alive and well, but instead, all she could feel was the crushing weight of guilt that was threatening to drown her.

"S-Sunburst..." Her voice was barely above a whisper, as she took a step forward, her eyes locked onto his. "Oh sun and moon I..." She took a step froward.

"Starlight! Watch out!"

The mare didn't know who said it. It didn't matter anyway, she only had time to look up once before she found that Heartless she had been using, the Demon Tide, launching an attack.

Towards her.

She tried to reach back out towards the beast but she felt nothing. It was then Sora's words repeated in her head.

"Nothing ever good comes with working with the Heartless. I've seen it too many times to count."

They turned on me…just like he said, Starlight thought, her eyes widening in horror as the Demon Tide closed in on her. She desperately tried to conjure a shield, to push the Heartless away, but the magic refused to respond to her frantic commands.

The world seemed to slow down as Starlight watched the darkness approach her. In that moment, all she could see were the memories of her past, flashing before her eyes. She saw herself as a foal. The time she had met and befriended Sunburst. Her time together playing with him. Studying with him. She remembered the day he left. All those years apart from him. She remembered when he had come back into her life.

Slowly her gaze shifted from the Darkness and towards Sunburst, the stallion struggling as he pushed himself off Fluttershy in a desperate attempt to save her. She smiled softly. Knowing that at the very least, even if she was about to pay for her sins, she was going to see him one last time. That was enough for a bad mare like her.

"I'm...Sorry..."

She closed her eyes, and readied herself for the end.

"Reflect!"

The mare gasped as she opened her eyes again, the sight of the stallion she had been fighting before coming into view, his body glowing bright blue as his magic activated. The barrier stretched wide before the Heartless stuck it, each and every Shadow bouncing off in a spark of light. The stallion drew both of his hooves towards his chest before spreading them wide, causing the magic shield to react. Beams of light shot off in all directions in front of him, just like before, shredding any Heartless that was careless enough to be within range of the attack.

When the magic died Sora's gaze to shifted behind him, a wide, goofy smile forming on his face. "I knew saving a bit of my magic was the best thing to do. Are you okay Starlight?"

The unicorn stared at the Keyblade Wielder, her eyes wide in shock and disbelief, unable to believe what she was hearing. After everything she had done, after all the pain she had caused, he saved her. "You...what are you...Why would you..."

"Do I need a reason?" the stallion answered as he turned to face the enemy in front of him. "And I wanted to save you...that's all." The blade made like a key shifted from his hoof to his maw, shimmering with a warm glowing light. "As for you, Heartless, I think you overstayed your welcome! Rarity! Rainbow! You guys ready to show this Demon Tide the door?"

"Ready as ever, Sora!" The brash blue pegasus called out, flying high in the sky above the Heartless, her hooves snapping her goggles over her eyes. "Let's show this jerk what happens when they mess with Equestria!"

"Couldn't have said it better myself, darling!" The eloquent mare spoke, the magic that gripped the cloth she had been using as a weapon stretching tight as she pulled the red hood of her jacket over her head. "I've never been one to shy away from a bit of drama, especially when it involves vanquishing creatures of darkness."

The stallion smiled and nodded to his two friends before turning to look back at Starlight. "It's best you get to safety with Fluttershy and the others." He frowned. "Don't...don't make me regret saving you...okay?"

Starlight felt a mix of emotions swirl inside her at his words. Gratitude, guilt, confusion, pain...hurt...hope? She nodded slowly before quickly getting up, exiting the field towards the butter yellow mare and leaving Sora and his party to fight the Heartless

Always the first to act, the Keyblade Wielder pushed himself towards the Demon Tide. His movements were a dance of precision and power as he weaved through the dark creatures launched his way, his Keyblade slashing through each and every Shadow that got within his range.

Nearing his target, he jumped and slashed, his blade connecting with the ball of Darkness, cutting it like butter. He smirked, noticing that it began to pulse with orange light. "Not so tough without Starlight's dark heart to boost you huh?" The monster seemed to react to his taunt as a flow of Heartlesses were shot out, forcing him away from it. Flying backwards, the keyblade wielder lashed at the Heartless, destroying the bulk as he sailed across the sky. Landing back on his hooves with a grunt, he barely had time to think before he jumped away, narrowly dodging black claws as many Shadows were dropped to the ground, each and every last one making a beeline towards Sora's position.

"I got ya Spiky!"

Rainbow shot across the stallion before spinning in place, the air she kicked up creating a small tornado, sucking up the Heartless as they few into it. The stallion watched as the tornado of wind and rainbows engulfed the many Heartless, shooting them into the sky before the cyan mare quickly followed after them. With her unmatched speed she flew, striking the Shadow's that were trapped in the air over and over again, each one dissipating into a cloud of smoke as she unleashed her barrage of kicks and punches, leaving a trail of colorful contrails behind her as she effortlessly dispatched the beast. Finding herself dealing with the last one, the mare spun in the air before delivering a devastating strike, sending the creature head first into the ground. Done with her show of power, the mare saluted before dashing away, ready to take on whatever was next on her plate.

Meanwhile, Rarity gracefully twirled her way through the battlefield, The cloth she had been using to fight formed into a hard whip. With swift and elegant movements, The fashionista weaved her way through the chaos, her whip cracking and lashing out at any Heartless that dared to come near her. "Take that you ruffians! I've had just about enough of you and your Darkness!" She huffed. "Besides, formal black was so last season."

From behind her, she heard Sora's voice call out before she found the stallion in question, cutting through a Heartless that was about to pounce on her. "Sorry for butting in Rarity!" He smiled as he turned to the mare. "You doing okay?"

The white unicorn flashed a charming smile at the young hero, twirling her makeshift whip elegantly before responding. "Oh, darling, I'm fabulous! Just a little dance with the shadows, nothing I can't handle." She smiled as she cracked her whip in front of herself. "Though I do have to say, thank you for the save. A true hero indeed."

"Happy to help where I can..." Sora lashed out with his blade, cutting down three Heartless that neared him. "Still...Didn't know you could fight this well, Rarity."

"Is it really a surprise? A lady must always know how to defend herself if no pony else is there to do it for her after all." The unicorn’s whip cracked again, this time slicing through the air and striking a Heartless square in the chest. The creature dissipated into smoke, leaving behind only a faint lingering darkness. She smiled. "Not that I wouldn't allow you to shine, of course, Darling. Upstaging the Hero was never my forte."

"Appreciate the sentiment Rarity." The stallion said after a small chuckle. "But I don't mind sharing. Friendship and teamwork is always better then fighting alone."

"Dang right!" Rainbow yelled as she landed beside the two. "So you really not trying to push all the work onto yourself now?"

"I...Still have a lot to think about...but...I promise to never not ask for help when I need it at least."

The rainbow maned mare grinned. "That's what I like to hear, Hero. Also that friendship speech..." She chuckled. "You totally give Twilight a run for her bits in delivery. Just as cheesy too."

"Now now, Rainbow." Rarity gently scolded, her voice dripping with amusement. "Let's not tease poor Sora too much. After all, he did just save us from certain doom."

"I saved him first." Rainbow rebutted. "Without me he wouldn't even be here!"

"Yeah...though wasn't it Ventus that gave me my magic back." Sora countered. "And from what I could hear, he was going to save me anyway so..."

"Gah! Details, details! Just be glad we're here to help you out at all, okay." The pegasus scoffed. "You're lucky to have such awesome friends like us."

Sora chuckled as he swung his Keyblade, cutting down another wave of the Shadow's in front of him. "Trust me, Rainbow, I know how lucky I am. And right now, I couldn't ask for better friends." He smiled as he pointed his keyblade at the Demon Tide. "So lets finish this and go home! You two think you can clear the way for me?"

"If it's a path you need, then it is a path you shall have, Darling." Rarity mused before getting into a battle position. "Shall we Rainbow, dear?"

"Absolutely, Rarity!" The cyan pegasus replied, her wings buzzing with excitement. "Just focus on the big bad guy, Sora! We'll take care of the rest!"

Sora nodded, his own determination shining just as brightly as the girls. "Thanks, guys. Let's do this!"

With a powerful flap of her wings, Rainbow Dash shot into the sky, leaving trails of prismatic colors in her wake. She zoomed forward, the energy she created doing so cutting though the Heartless like a hot knife though butter. Rarity would follow after her, taking care of any stagglers as she went. Both mare's played their parts well, creating a verturelly clear path in front of the stallion.

Seizing the opportunity, The Keyblade Wielder dashed forward, his Keyblade gleaming with a radiant light within his maw. He sliced through the remaining Heartless as he went, the dark Shadows dissipating into thin air. The Demon tide seemed to sense the stallion's intent, the ball of Shadow's pulsing with anger and fear. The shadows it shot out seemed to become more focused. Each one trying to intercept the stallion as he neared.

Sora dodged and parried with expert precision however, deftly maneuvering though the onslaught of Shadows. The Demon Tide onslaught was relentless, but he remained unfazed. He yelled as he pushed forward with a final burst of speed,The stallion quickly closing in on the heart of the Demon Tide. Though he could feel the darkness pulsating within it, but he refused to let it consume him, his body glowing in bright light in defiance to it. Gripping his Keyblade tightly, he summoned all his strength and unleashed a powerful strike, channeling his light into the heart of darkness.

Pulling the Keyblade out of the orb, he began slicing and dicing at the swirling darkness, each strike releasing bursts of radiant light that dispersed the shadows all around him. Unrelating was Sora's blade as he danced in the air, cutting through the darkness with precision and grace. With each strike, he could feel the Darkness weaking, a feeling that only edging the stallion on to continue.

After more then a few more slashes, he pulled away before gripping his keyblade in his hoof. "This is all I've got! Take this!" a large light began to build at the end of his blade. It was different from the magic he was displaying before, its radiances soothing to all, despite how dangerous it looked. "Ragnarok!"

The radiant light burst forth from Sora's Keyblade, transforming into a swirling vortex that consumed all that was in front of it...and that being the Demon Tide itself. The power of the stallion’s magic ripped though the darkness, obliterating any remnants of the Demon Tide and dispersing the lingering Shadows in its wake.

Landing gracefully upon the ground, the stallion stuck his Keyblade into the dirt before looking upwards, watching as the last vapors of the monster vanished from sight, a giant crystal heart flowing into the sky before vanishing, like the ones before. Just as it did cracks began to form at the top of the dome that covered the entire forest, soft beams of light shimmering though each and every last one. Slowly, the cracks grew wider and wider, until finally, the dome shattered into a thousand gleaming pieces before disappearing, revealing the clear blue sky above.

"Oh my..." Rarity was the first to gasp. "The sky...its back to normal." She could barely contain herself as she galloped towards his side, throwing her hooves around the stallion. "Sora, darling! You did it!"

"Dude, we did!" Rainbow corrected her as she flew to the stallion folding her hooves across her chest. "But I gotta admit Hero, that was stupid awesome! Just what the heck was that attack you suddenly pulled off!? You shot like...a gazillion lights at it and made it explode!

Sora smiled as Rarity let go of him, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment at the praise. "It's an old skill I picked up. Honestly, I haven't used it in a while and...ah..." As the stallion began to speak, exhaustion hit him like a truck. He would have hit the ground hard if it wasn't for Rainbow quickly flying down and keeping him steady.

"Whoa, easy there, Sora," Rainbow Dash said, supporting him. "Looks like all that showing put you through the ringer."

"Haha...Well...I did have to show you up, Dash." He smiled as he allowed her to pull him back up. "I had used the last of my magic to pull off that attack. Guess the blowback was a bit more then I could handle. I should be fine in a bit though."

"And thus the Hero saves the day."

Sora yelped before turning around, finding two familiar figures making their way towards him, the smaller of the two, Zidane, having been the one to speak.

The young colt shook his head with eyes closed, "Geeze...watching you not only save the girl but pull off a miracle and beat the bad guy. Can't say I'm not totally jealous of you right now." He smiled and winked at the stallion. "I can see why the shy yellow princess fell for you. Good job, hero. Good job showing me up."

"I...I...ah..." The stallion blushed at his words, his gaze falling away from the young colt as he spoke. "I don't know about that...I just...ah...I appreciate the kind words, Zidane." He smiled softly. "But as you know, it wasn't just me. We all fought together, and without everyone's support, we wouldn't have been able to defeat that Heartless at all."

"Ha! True." Zidane mused as he rubbed his muzzle with a hoof, "In fact I expect one hundred mares for my part in all of this as well as-Gah! Owowow! Kuja! Little bro! That's my ear! Thats my ear!!"

The smaller, silver-haired colt looked back at his brother as he pulled him by the ear with his magic. "I know. Now let's go big brother. We two should at least make sure no pony else was hurt in all that went on."

Sora couldn't stop the smile that played upon his lips, watching as the younger of the two brothers dragged the older away. It was during the end of his interaction with the two that Lightning made herself known, the butter yellow furred captain smiling softly as she placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Good job kid. No...Sora." She allowed her gaze to fall on the white and blue mare respectively. "You too. Can't say we wouldn't have made it out without any of you."

The stallion nodded gratefully towards the captain. "Thanks, Lightning. I'm just glad we were able to make it out of this intact." He turned his attention to the two mares. "I couldn't have done it without them though. You guys were incredible out there."

Rarity blushed and waved a hoof dismissively. "Oh, it was nothing, darling. Just another day of fighting evil in style for us after all."

"Yeah! And I was the best of course!" Rainbow Dash added, striking a pose in mid-air. "Wanna know why? Cause I'm Rainbow "Awesome" Dash! That's why!

Rarity groaned as she rolled her eyes at her boastful friend’s boastful declaration, almost as if she wasn’t used to hearing such words from her. "Oh, Rainbow, must you always make everything about yourself?"

Rainbow Dash grinned and shrugged. "Hey, when you're as awesome as me, it's hard not to."

Sora chuckled at his friend's banter before turning his gaze towards Fluttershy, the timid mare having found herself standing a ways away from the group, keeping eyes on Starlight, Sunburst, and the rest of the still unconscious ponies and griffon. As soon as his eyes caught hers she couldn't help but freeze and look away, a troubled expression forming on her face as she did so. The Keyblade wielder couldn't stop his own from matching hers. With everything that had been happening, he was able to take his mind off less important issues at the time, but now...now that everything was settled, events began to creep back into his mind once again.

Fluttershy's confession echoed in his mind, complicating things in a way he hadn't anticipated. The weight of her words lingered heavily on his heart, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within him. Actions that she had been making, asking him to walk with her, sitting under the stars with him. And her words that day. The day she told him that he could always rely on her. It felt so much more different now after three simple little words.

"I love you," Sora he spoke, repeating her words to himself just under his breath.

And like a ton of bricks, what she had done before saying such important words crossed his mind. The tears in her eyes as her mind controlled body held onto his like a vice. Right before Gilda...

Sora wanted to take a step forward. He wanted to talk to her now that everything had settled. He didn't know what to say...what he was going to tell her, but he at least wanted to...talk to her.

One hoof was raised before planting itself on the ground in front of him.

And then he stopped.

A chill ran down his spine.

A reaction?

No...A feeling.

What kind?

It was...dark...

Darker then dark.

and

D A N G E R

Before he could even think, his gaze shot upwards, The stallion's mind racing at what he saw. There in the sky, he could see them. Two figures. One he knew he knew to be Sunset Shimmer. The mare who betrayed Celestia. The princess had told him all about her. There was no way he could forget her after all she had done. The other though. He was new. A Ram like creature he had never seen before. His fur Blue. A dark shade of blue that very much went against the contrast of the sky. Despite how far away he was, Sora could feel his Pericering yellow eyes boring into his own. A type of yellow eyes he had seen before.

By then everyone noticed that the Keyblade Wielder was acting weird. Confusion would play across their features before following the Keyblade Wielder's gaze, gasping at what they saw as well. The atmosphere around them grew tense as the two figures descended upon the group, floating upon a platform of darkness. Sunset Shimmer, with her fiery red and orange mane, wore a confident smirk on her face as she looked between everyone present. The goat-like creature beside her exuded an air of darkness, his yellow eyes glinting with malevolence.

As the two figures landed before them, Sora couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety. He instinctively summoned his keyblade as they touched the ground in front of him, ready to defend himself and his friends if necessary. The ram held up his hoof, a gesture of peace.

"Now now...none of that. I only came to observe an unexpected outcome. One that excided my expectations..." The ram-like creature spoke, his voice dripping with sinister amusement. "Had it been anyone else but you, Wielder of the Keyblade...And because it was you, it was well within my expectations you would win this day." He raised his head to the side, looking towards the stallion in question. "Because If you could not handle that...then...well...I would have been surely disappointed."

Sora’s grip on his Keyblade tightened in his maw. "Just...Who are you?" he demanded.

The ram chuckled softly "Of course one from the stars would not know of me. A traveler accosting every world he sees, destroying world order each time by banishing the Darkness within them." He raised an eyebrow. "All in the name of Justice, he goes about fighting the Heartless. Never allowing a world to run into its natural course."

The tension in the air was palpable as the horned creature spoke. The Keyblade Wielder swallowed, his mind racing over what the ram had just said. He knows...about me...He knows I'm not from this world. Sora's heart raced as his instincts urged him to take action. But before he could make a move, Sunset Shimmer stepped forward, a wicked grin spreading across her face.

"Don't get any funny ideas, little hero." She stomped her hoof, and soon the stallion and his friends were surrounded. The same type of lanky creatures Sunset had summoned before. Neo-Shadows.

"Now now...no need to threaten the boy," the blue ram spoke, his voice rather harsh towards his subordinate despite how calm his tone was. "He defeated the vile creature and saved the day. A hero such as he deserves a reward for all his trouble." Stepping froward, he cast his gaze down upon the Keyblade Wielder. "And so the prize will be an answer to the question you posed."

The aging ram raised his head as he looked upon all as if they were below him. "You...boy...and everyone here. Allow this old ram who has been away for far too long to reintroduce himself to the world." Pulling himself back up he gave them all a wicked grin. "My name, a name that carries with it a fear-soaked epoch of darkness that will soon tear Equestria apart, as it should have been long ago." He smirked. "You may call me Grogar, the rightful Emperor of Equestria."

"Grogar..." Rarity spoke, her blood turning cold at the name. Her voice shivered, filled with a mixture of disbelief and horror. "But...You...you're not real. You can't be real. You're just a story just to scare little foals into bed."

"No...he's real." Lightning answered, stepping forward to place herself beside Sora. "Princess Celestia was hoping it wasn't true...that it was just the Heartless running amuck on her world...but she always figured that if it was someone controlling them...it would have been you."

Grogar chuckled darkly as he shook his head, his voice resonating with an eerie power. "She was ever the optimistic mare...but always so...sure of herself. Even when she was young."

"Then...it's you." Sora spoke softly before turning his gaze towards the ram. "You know about...me...and you can use the Heartless." He frowned. "It's your fault isn't it? You're the one that introduced Heartless to this world."

Grogar laughed, a deep and terrifying sound that reverberated through the air. "Oh, my dear boy, you give me too much credit. While it is true that I have dabbled in the darkness and awoken the Heartless upon this land, I cannot take full credit for their existence here. The Heartless are born from the darkness within every heart." He waved a hoof. "It was just a matter of time before they made themselves known. Such is the way, that light will always be swallowed by the darkness."

"That...That's crazy!" The Keyblade Wielder exclaimed. "Plunging a world into darkness just because you think it's the natural order? You're insane!"

"Insane? No. I simply understand the truth of this world and all others." The ram spoke, his voice firm. "Darkness is the foundation upon which everything is built. Light may shine for a time, but it will always be consumed by the shadows."

"This guy is nuts!" Rainbow spat. "I say we take this jerk out now!"

"I don't know what's going on, but the blue cutie is right." Zidane spoke, pulling his twinblades from their sheaths. "This guy is trouble with a capital T!"

Sora dug his hooves into the ground, glaring at the stallion. "I won't let you destroy Equestria or any other world! We'll stop you! Here and now!"

The ram raised an eyebrow. "Now, now. Can you really afford to challenge me in such a tired state as you all are?" He lowered his head. "Add to that your friend's are in no condition to defend themselves against all of my Heartlesses. Can you really say you can defeat me while leaving your friend's...your family at the mercy of the Darkness?"

Sora's heart sank as he looked around. Lightning had rested some . He knew she could defend herself if need by. And Zidane was ready to go as well. But everyone else? Rainbow wouldn't say it out loud but she was exhausted after all they had gone through. Rarity was the same. Fluttershy and Starlight had Sunburst to tend to. And more than a few ponies were still knocked out. Even with the shield gone and knowing that Lightning's guards were more then likely on their way here, he knew that if They attacked...not everyone was gonna make it out alive. That is what his instincts were telling him.

The Keyblade Wielder frowned. "You waited all this time to show yourself...because you knew that we wouldn't be able to do anything to you...right?"

"Quite perceptive for such a plain looking colt as yourself." Grogar waved a hoof. "I can see this little game of ours will be quite...interesting."

"Yeah! laugh it up buddy! Big talk for someone that had to cheat!" Rainbow growled as she stepped forwards.

"Cheat? Oh, my dear Rainbow Dash, there is no such thing as cheating in the game of darkness and light," he replied, his voice dripping with amusement. "I merely took advantage of an opportunity. I had some unfinished business with an associate of mine...or...former associate as it were." His gaze shifted until it fell upon Starlight Glimmer. "It saddens me to know that you have failed in the task I had given you...though I knew the outcome was inevitable." He turned away. "And because I knew it was inevitable I withdrew an appropriate compensation for my dealings with you. That was all I wanted to say. I leave you to your...what was it again? Celebration?"

"W-Wait! Y...you..."Starlight eyes went wide with realization. "It was you, wasn't it? You're the one who gave me that Heartless to study! You were my mysterious benefactor...Weren't you? And what do you mean by compensation?"

The ram stopped in his tracks before turning his head in her direction. "Ah...dear Starlight Glimmer. I am quite happy you caught on so quickly. Your studies into the Heartless have proven quite...inspirational. For that I left you your little...present." His gaze fell to Sunburst. "I did however acquire the many...many test subjects from your little lab. That is the compensation."

"Test subje...I..." She gasped as object horror formed on her face. "No...You...You didn't...The ponies that were in the lab...The ones still in their bubbles...you...you."

Sora's gaze flew to Starlight's. "Other ponies in the lab? I didn't see any..." The stallion's heart sank further as he realized what Grogar was saying. memories of seeing the indents in the ground. Many indents. Ones just like the one he found Sunburst in. "You...you have the other ponies?"

The ram raised a hoof to his lips before turning away, his form shifting into the corridor to darkness, disappearing completely within it. Sunset made to follow after, only stopping short to gaze at Sora.

"You lose again...hero." With that she vanished just as Grogar did, the portal dissipating in a wisp of smoke.

Two to Three

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Two to Three

The morning sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange as Twilight Sparkle stirred in the soft embrace of her guest bed at Canterlot Castle, slowly edged from a dreamless sleep. Feeling the warmth of the beams, the lavender mare yawned and stretched, feeling the remnants of a restful sleep clinging to her as she did so. The young mare was only slightly confused on where she was before the other day's events replayed in her mind.

Slowly, she slipped from the bed, her hooves gently touching the warm wooden floor, and made her way towards the personal washroom built adjacent to her room. As soon as she did, she was greeted by a large marble vanity adorned with golden fixtures. The mirror reflected her image back at her, revealing a slightly disheveled mare. She splashed some cool water on her face, attempting to shake off any remaining grogginess as her mind replayed the events prior.

Her meeting with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna the other day had been more than a little eventful, at least in her eyes. While her initial reason for being in Canterlot was shot down by Celestia herself, she couldn't help but find renewed purpose in the fact that she would be helping with whatever it was that the Diamond Dogs rulers had been having trouble with. If their problems had something to do with the Heartless then she will give what knowledge she has to the situation. She couldn’t be allowed to make any mistakes now.

After freshening up a bit more, making sure her wild bed head was fixed, and teeth brushed with the complementary toothbrush provided to her, Twilight quickly made her way to the door, only to open it and find Princess Luna standing before her, raised hoof as if she was just about to knock upon it.

“Oh, it seems mine sister’s worries were not warranted.” The princess of the night mused as she tilted her head at the lavender mare.

Startled, Twilight took a step back and quickly bowed to Princess Luna, her horn nearly hitting the floor as she did so. "Princess! I... I didn't expect to see you here, I...um...Good morning I mean!"

The moon princess gracefully lowered her hoof and offered a polite nod. "Good morrow, Twilight Sparkle. I hope thou had a restful night within our castle," Luna greeted with a regal tone.

The lavender mare straightened herself. "Ah...Yes! I mean Of course Princess. Even though it has been a while, the guest bed was just as comfortable as I remember. Thank you for asking."

The moon princess’s expression softened, and a gentle smile played on her lips. "Ah yes. I do tend to forget that thou were once a student of my older sister sometimes. It would be only natural that you have stayed within the walls of our castle when you were just a foal."

Twilight chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her head. "Yes, well, being a student of Princess Celestia did come with its perks back then." Coughing into her hoof she looked up towards the slightly taller mare. "I...um...Not to sound insensitive...but is there a reason that you here?"

Princess Luna shook her head. "Thou do not sound insensitive, Twilight Sparkle. In truth, mine sister had sent me to waken you. She seems to think that your tendency to read though the nights in what she calls...what was the phrase again...your...Twilight Hours...Yes. That is the word. She was afraid that your Twilight Hours of reading and studying would lead to your oversleeping and missing out on the day's tasks."

The smaller mare couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at Luna's words, a sheepish grin forming on her face. "Twilight Hours? I guess she has a point. I do get carried away with my studies sometimes."

"Fear not, Twilight Sparkle. Many a scholar has fallen victim to the allure of the written word and I for one would not hold it against you." The princess reassured her "However, today's tasks require thy full attention and she wanted to make sure you were well rested for what is to come."

Twilight nodded. "I understand...and thank you for the wakeup call Princess Luna. I'm sure that you must have been busy with other fairs."

"But of course. I have many things I must do. And this was well out of the way of where I needed to go for the day." The princess agreed much to the little unicorn's shock.

"You went out of your way just to wake me up?" The unicorn mare squeaked, looking away. "I appreciate it, Princess Luna. I didn't mean to make you go through any trouble."

Princess Luna offered a warm smile. "'Twas no trouble at all, Twilight Sparkle. And forget not," she pointed to her horn, "I can traverse where I will with this. So it was no trouble really."

Twilight Sparkle blinked, her cheeks coloring with embarrassment a second time, suddenly remembering that the Princess's could indeed teleport where they wanted within the castle if they needed to.

Rubbing the back of her head, the mare smiled sheepishly at the princess "Oh! Well, yes, but I never considered...ahaha. I mean, it requires a significant amount of magic for me to perform that spell so I couldn't , but..." quickly regaining her composure, Twilight gave the best smile she could muster in light of the situation. "A-Anyway, thank you again for the wake-up call, Princess. I assume Princess Celestia is in her study?"

"Indeed she is," Luna replied. She turned to leave but hesitated before doing so. "Oh, and... we've received word from Trottingham."

"You mean from the girls and Sora!" Twilight gasped. "Are they okay? Is... Trottingham okay?"

"Many events have, indeed, transpired, but 'tis best that you hear the details from Celestia," Luna said with a reassuring smile. "I can assure you, though, that Sora and your friends are indeed safe and sound."

"That's...That's good." Twilight couldn’t help that her voice wavered with relief, knowing at the very least everypony was okay. "I'll get going now. Thanks again Princess."

"Anytime young Sparkle. I pray thee a good marrow." With that the princess of the moon vanished in a pop of magic, leaving Twilight alone.

Not wasting any more time, Twilight made her way to Princess Celestia's study, her thoughts, all the while, racing with a mixture of anticipation and concern. The reassurance from Princess Luna about her friends provided a much-needed sense of relief, but something about how she said it lingered in the air. As she reflected on Luna's words, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story.

Even now, thinking about it, the princess seemed kind of...sad? No... it wasn't sadness that she had sensed from Princess Luna, but something deeper. There was a profound emotion, a weight carried in Luna's words. It was clear that Luna knew more than she was letting on, that something did happen in Trottingham, and it heightened Twilight's curiosity about what Princess Celestia had to reveal.

It didn't take long for the young mare to reach the study, the young mare bowing softly towards the guards standing at attention in front of the door before gently allowing her hoof to knock against the wooden barrier. "Hello? Princess?"

"Twilight Sparkle?" Celestia spoke from behind the door, her voice calm as it was muffled by the barrier of the door. "Come in, my faithful student."

Upon entering the study, Twilight found the Princess of the Sun seated at her regal desk, the only thing that had changed since the last time she was hear being the scrolls and books that surrounded the white alicorn. Celestia, having heard the door open, looked up, her expression warm yet filled with a seriousness that mirrored the weight of the impending discussion to be.

"Good morning, Twilight. I do hope you slept well last night.”

The unicorn mare nodded, taking the seat that sat on the other side of the table. "Yes, Princess. And thank you for sending Princess Luna to wake me up. She mentioned that you have something important to discuss with me."

"A few things actually." Princess Celestia leaned back in her chair, her gaze steady and focused. "I do want to discuss how we shall be doing things soon, but first, I wanted to address the situation in Trottingham with you."

"Princess Luna told me that my friends were safe and sound." the lavender mare told her. "But...something tells me that isn't all there is to it."

"I figured you would think that," the princess praised her student before her magic lifted a note with the royal seal upon it, the letter slowly floating towards Twilight. "It is best that you hear it from Captain Lightning's own account from what everyone had told her. It's a detailed report Luna had received late last night when she was doing her nightly duties."

Twilight accepted the letter, her magic opening it before her eyes quickly scanned over the words within it. As she read further down the detailed report, her eyes widened in shock and horror when she had reached a particular part she had not been expecting. A gasp escaped her lips, and she couldn't contain the burst of emotion that surged within her as she pretty much yelled three simple words.

"Sora got what?!"

"I take it you reached the part where our young Keyblade Wielder was stabbed...in the chest." Princess Celestia's voice held a somber tone, matching the gravity of the situation. Twilight's heart pounded in her chest, her hooves trembling as she processed the information before her.

"I... I can't believe it," Twilight stammered, her voice barely above a whisper before looking towards her Princess. "Is he... Is he going to be alright?"

"If you read on, you will find out."

Quickly nodding, Twilight continued reading the report, her eyes scanning the words frantically. The further she got though it, however, the more nothing made sense. "Rainbow summoning her Element of Harmony? Her and Fluttershy talking to some boy within Sora's heart...and...that boy being another Keyblade Wielder? Just what the heck happened in Trottingham?!" As the studious mare delved deeper into the report, the events in Trottingham unfolded like a fantastical tale that defied logic and expectation—each revelation left Twilight more perplexed than the last.

"Okay…okay…let's take this one step at a time…," Twilight muttered, her brow furrowed in confusion, deciding ot tackle the most fantastical part of the story first. "A boy within Sora's heart? How is that even possible?"

"The connections between hearts are intricate and often defy our understanding, Twilight." The princess spoke, leaning back in her chair. "I can say, however, that the boy Fluttershy and Rainbow said they saw, the one named Ventus, seemed to have had taken up residence within Sora's heart long before he became a Wielder of the Keyblade, if you can believe it."

"I don’t…is what I would have said if it didn’t have anything to do with that goofy stallion named Sora…" Twilight began before trailing off. If that was the case and Sora had this...this other SOUL inside of him all this time the…what did it mean…. "Just...what is Sora?"

"That...I cannot answer for you, Twilight." The princess sighed. "Because I do not even know. I knew he was special, a boy who was chosen by the Keyblade instead of granted one…but...he may be more important than even I had realized."

Twilight absorbed the weight of the revelation, her mind buzzing with the magnitude of the mysteries that surrounded Sora. The enigma of his existence deepened, and she couldn't help but feel trepidation for the path that lay ahead.

"Does...any of this bother you Twilight?" the princess asked. "I mean about Sora."

"Of course it bothers me, Princess." the lavender mare's voice growing louder the longer she spoke "But it isn't the whole other soul in his body thing...it's not even him being able to use magic like he does...which I knew he could do but my mind is still swirling knowing he can actually do so...no...It's the part where he got hurt. Sora is not just a friend; he's like family to me and the rest of the girls now." She lowered her head. "And poor Fluttershy must be beating herself up for her part in Sora getting hurt...even if she was controlled. Neither her or Sora...they can't be in a good headspace right now after everything..."

"That is true…I can only imagine the turmoil they must be experiencing." The princess sighed again. "And then there is Grogar...a name I have not heard of in a very long time."

Twilight's eyes widened in recognition at the mention of Grogar, a name that resonated deep within her memory. She had come across it in her studies of ancient Equestrian history, but she never imagined that it would be relevant in her lifetime.

"Grogar..." she whispered it back, shivering softly, her voice filled with trepidation as if she was about to summon a devil. "The ancient goat sorcerer known for his dark magic and thirst for power. I thought he was just a legend, a story to scare foals."

"Legends...are usually made with a grain of truth, Twilight Sparkle." Princess Celestia's voice held a weight of caution to it, something Twilight had heard before but was never used to. "Grogar was once a very real threat to Equestria, and even after dearly wishing that it wasn't the case...it seems my fears for his return were well founded."

Twilight nodded slowly before looking down at the letter once again. "What...do you think will happen to those ponies? The one's Grogar took."

Princess Celestia's gaze softened, her expression reflecting a mix of concern and determination. "We will do what we can to save them but I cannot lie and say I do not fear for their safety, Twilight. We must remain hopeful even in these dire times. It is why we are reaching out to our fellow creatures around Equestria. To prepare and make sure nothing like this ever happens again and to gather help in finding the missing ones.."

"I...I understand princess." Though the lavender mare's voice wavered, the princess could feel her determination. "Though...what's to stop him from attacking us now?"

"I suspect...he isn't ready." The Princess of the Sun responded. "Grogar, in the past, lost to a mare who was able to steal his bell, the source of his powers. Where she hid said bell is something even I do not even know." The alicorn mare leaned back in her chair. "From Captain Lightning's account, he had no such bell on him so I am to assume that he has yet to find it."

As Twilight absorbed the information about Grogar and the bell, a thought nagged at her. She hesitated for a moment before voicing her concern. "Then..,.Princess, shouldn't our main focus be on finding Grogar's bell then? If we can locate and secure it, we could significantly weaken him, right?"

The princess smiled softly. "That is a good question Twilight, and while finding the bell is indeed crucial, we must be cautious. Grogar is a master strategist, and by directing all our efforts solely toward the bell, we might inadvertently play into his hooves."

The lavender mare furrowed her brow, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "What...do you mean Princess?"

The princess leaned forward, her gaze intent on her student. "Grogar is cunning and manipulative. If he senses that we are actively searching for his bell, he might use it as a diversion. While we're focused on finding the bell to weaken him, he could be executing a larger, more dangerous plan—one that we might not see until it's too late."

Understanding soon dawned on Twilight's face as what her princess was actually telling her. "So, he could be leading us away from his true intentions, making us vulnerable to a different threat."

"Exactly," Princess Celestia affirmed. "We must tread carefully and gather information on both fronts. Focus on gathering our strength by uniting the other races. Focus on finding him after that. That is what we need to do right now so that even if he does find the bell before we start looking for it ourselves, it won't even matter."

"I understand, Princess. Then we will keep doing what we are doing now. And that starts with talking to the two rulers of the Diamond Dogs."

The princess of the sun smiled, her confidence in Twilight evident. "That's the spirit, Twilight Sparkle. I have faith in your abilities. Like always." The princess smiled. "On that note, I do believe we will have a visitor coming in soon to help with our little situation in about...now."

There was a gentle rap at the door to the study, and a very familiar voice could be heard from the other side—one that made Twilight Sparkle's ears perk up with recognition.

"Princess Celestia. I hope I’m not interrupting you? May I come in?"

Celesita smirked, watching Twilight’s reaction. "Indeed you can. we were just about to discuss things so your timing couldn't be more perfect."

The door swung open, revealing Princess Cadance standing in the doorway. Without missing a beat, Twilight Sparkle's eyes lit up with delight, and she wasted no time in rushing towards Cadance.

"Cadance!" Twilight exclaimed as she jumped out of her chair, enveloping her sister-in-law and former foalsitter in a warm hug, who, in turn, couldn’t help but smile as she returned the gesture. Quickly pulling away each other, both mare's went right too it.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake!" Twilight began.

"Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" Cadence finished, giggling as the two ponies completed their traditional greeting. "It's so good to see you, Twilight. It feels like it's been forever!" Both mare's laughed softly again, the lividity of the prior conversation all but gone. The pink pony princess smiled as she gently rubbed the top of Twilight's mane. "And this is from Shiny. He told me to tell you hello."

"Please, give him my love and tell him I miss him too," Twilight replied, giggling softly. "But...what are you doing here? I thought you and Shining were dealing with things back at the Crystal Empire. When did you even get here?"

"I just got in early this morning." The princess of love answered. "Auntie had sent a letter to me asking for a representee from the Crystal Empire. Shining thought that out of the both of us, I would be the best fit for it since I have a bit more training when it comes to matters of the state."

"I guess you would be the logical choice is that is the case." Twilight replied. "Still, I'm glad to see you all the same...though I do wish it wasn't because Equestria was in danger. What...Does this make it the second or third time?"

Cadence sighed, her expression growing somber. "I think this would make it the third time, Twilight. It feels like we just finished handling one crisis, and now we have to face another."

"Tell me about it. I kind of miss the week by week friendship problems honesty."

"Indeed." The Princess of love slowly made her way to a nearby chair, sitting down upon it. "Auntie Luna told me what happened in Trottingham as soon as I came. I can't believe someone like Grogar is real." She looked towards the widow, watching a bird fly by,. "My caretaker would often tell me stories about him as a foal."

Twilight joined the pink princess in the somber mood, taking a seat as well. "And you would do the same for me…It's a lot for me to take in too. Though if Nightmare Moon was real...then I guess why wouldn't he be."

Cadence nodded, a pensive look on her face. "True. Still...We've faced incredible challenges before, and each time, we've come together and found a way to overcome them. I know that we can do the same." She paused before looking towards the mare she used to watch over as a filly. "Guess you haven't had a chance to write to your friends yet? They are on their way back by train but it is equipped with magical fire to send letters. That's how auntie Luna got hers from them."

"I just found out everything this morning so no...I haven't..." Twilight shook her head. "Do you think I should. I can write something up now and-"

The princess of love placed a hoof over her friend's lips, quieting her, "No. I think they need time to think. And to rest." She smiled softly. "When they do come here, however, be there for them. Especially Fluttershy and Sora. I'm sure out of all of them, they are hurting the most right now. At the very least...I know if I was Fluttershy I would be blaming myself for my part in Sora' getting hurt...especially knowing how she feels about him."

The lavender mare's eyes nearly bugged out of her head. "Wait! You know Fluttershy has a crush on Sora?"

"She does?" Celestia asked, equally surprised before turning to Twilight. “Wait! You knew?”

“I…well…I only found out before my train ride here.”

Cadence chuckled softly, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she looked between the two mares. "Oh, you two are the same as ever. It doesn't take the Princess of Love to see the affection Fluttershy has for Sora. Even if it was just for a little while back at the barn party, could tell right away how she felt. The gentle way she looks at him, the extra care she takes, and the way she always seems a bit more flustered around him—it's the telltale signs of a budding crush."

Twilight's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing with realization. "Geeze...first AJ and then you...guess I don't know my friends as well as I thought I did."

Celestia chuckled, her regal demeanor momentarily replaced by a warm, motherly amusement. "Sometimes, my faithful student, even the most astute observers, like myself, can overlook matters of the heart. Still...If they can make it work then I shall give them my fullest blessings."

"In any case, matters of the heart can wait, at least in turns with anything not dealing with the Heartless." Twilight interjected. "Right now we have Diamond Dogs to meet in a few days. So..." She turned to her friend. "Are you with me Cadenza? I’m sure we could use your help."

Cadence smiled at Twilight, her eyes filled with determination. "It’s why I’m here, Twilight. Right Auntie?"

The princess of the sun nodded. "Of course.” Smiling between the two mares she had raised liked daughters, Celesita gently pounded her hoof upon the wooden table in front of her. “Now that the three of us are here...let the first meeting of the Equestrian Three commence."

Reunions

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Reunions

Sunset Shimmer emerged from the Portal of Darkness, the twisted gateway spewing her into the dimly lit chamber of Grogar’s hidden chamber. Already, she could feel the air crackling with an otherworldly energy, and the oppressive darkness seemed to cling to her fur like a second skin. The walls were adorned with cryptic symbols that pulsed with an ominous glow, casting an eerie light across the room. Wards, she knew, to keep those from finding them.

Turning, her eyes narrowed as she beheld the figure hunched over a grand desk, a cascade of papers strewn about, each bearing the markings of Starlight's meticulous research. The figure, Grogar, was fully engrossed in the details of the arcane knowledge before him.

"Master Grogar," Sunset's voice cut through the silence, carrying a tone of both respect and impatience. She approached the ram, her eyes fixed on the papers scattered across the desk, adding more to the pile as her magic levitated the recently absconded notes from the ruins of Starlight’s lab. "I've retrieved the research before those fools could get their hooves on it, just as you instructed. I am sorry to say that the Keyblade Wielder seemed to have taken a few pages of her works with him when he was within it before."

The goat glanced up from his papers, his dark yellow eyes gleaming with a sinister intelligence. Gently he chuckled, his voice rumbled through the chamber, sending shivers down Sunset's spine. "Fear not, my dear Sunset Shimmer," he said, his voice dripping with dark authority. "The theft of some research, while hindering, is of no concern. The Keyblade Wielder will soon realize that he cannot escape his fate, that none of them can."

The yellow unicorn couldn't shake the frustration that churned within her at his words. "If that is the case…master…” She stepped forward. "Would have been better to destroy all of them from the get go while they were weak and helpless. Why leave them alive when we could crush them and secure our dominance?"

"That is true..." He turned to face the mare. "But...If you have forgotten, He asked me to keep the boy alive. He still has plans for him after all. Of course, since I always pay back my debts, I will do what I can to follow his orders..." Grogar rose from his seat, towering over Sunset with an imposing presence. The chamber seemed to darken further as he spoke, his words dripping with a malevolent undertone.

“Him again…” Sunset spat, looking away. “Why is that old creature so obsessed with that dull hero?”

"The Keyblade Wielder's destiny is intertwined with forces beyond our comprehension. He serves a purpose that goes beyond the mere conquest of this realm. It is not for us to question the designs of those who pull the strings from the shadows."

The mare, though still frustrated, nodded, acknowledging the dark wisdom in Grogar's words. "But what of the Elements of Harmony? Why spare them as well? They've proven to be a persistent thorn in our side just as much as the Keyblade Wielder."

Grogar's eyes glinted, his gaze piercing through Sunset's defiant exterior. "They are more of a special case." he turned, getting up before making his way to a nearby bookshelf. Stopping, he pulled out a book. "There is much I do not know about them. Where they came from. Why they were made." He smiled. "Even you, as Princess Celestia's former student, never knew about them."

Sunset's eyes narrowedShe took a step closer to Grogar, eyeing the ancient tome he held. "The Elements of Harmony have always been a mystery, but surely, with the power we possess, we can find a way to control or eliminate them. They stand in the way of our goals."

"Tell me Sunset...What would happen if we killed one of the Elements?" The ram asked suddenly.

The mare hesitated, eyes wide as she contemplated the question. It was a short while before she spoke "If we were to eliminate one of the Elements, it would disrupt the balance of their power. The Elements derive their strength from each other, working together in harmony. Removing one could weaken the collective force, making it easier for us to overcome them individually.

Grogar nodded, "That is one way of looking at it...or..." He frowned. "The element will find a new user to replace the one who once held it, and the balance will be restored. Changing nothing at all."

Sunset frowned, absorbing Grogar's words. The realization that eliminating one of the Elements might not lead to the desired disruption unsettled her. "So, even if we manage to remove an Element, it would merely find a new host. The balance would be restored, and we'd be back to square one."

Grogar continued, "Indeed. Before the current bearers, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were the living embodiments of the Elements of Harmony. The essence of the Elements has a way of seeking out new hosts when the need arises. They are not bound solely to individuals; rather, they are tethered to the qualities they represent."

Sunset's eyes widened with realization. "So, if we want to disrupt the balance, we must target the very essence of the Elements, not just the bearers themselves." She knew the reason was sound. Sound enough for her at least.

Deciding questioning him further would get her nowhere the mare relented...for now. She took a slow bow as she placed the paperwork on a nearby table. "I'm sorry for questioning your methods master. I spoke out of line."

Grogar acknowledged Sunset's gesture with a nod, his gaze unwavering. "Questioning is the mark of an inquisitive mind. It shows you are not blindly following but seeking understanding. I can never fault you for wanting to learn more after all."

Sunset straightened, giving the old ram a nod. "Thank you, Master. I shall take my leave now. To check and prepare our new guest for your experiments. "

"Of course. I shall be there shortly. I'm sure Celestia already made her own plans so we can't fall behind in ours."

With that, Sunset Shimmer turned and exited the dimly lit chamber, her thoughts racing with the implications of Grogar's words. She knew it would take time to fully comprehend the complexities of the Elements of Harmony and their essence. He was only being careful in that regard. Still...What she said wasn't wrong either. What was it that he was waiting for?

The mare shrugged. For now she would bide her time. There were more important things to worry about after all.

~

Applejack trotted briskly through the cozy halls of Sweet Apple Acres, her hooves echoing against the wooden floors. The scent of freshly baked apple pies wafted through the air, a testament to the busy morning preparations for the Apple Family Reunion.

Checking the area they will be dining for the day, which was mostly outside, the busy farm mare ensured the tables were set with a bounty of delicious apple treats. Moving towards the kitchen, she found that Granny Smith was busy overseeing the kitchen, directing the few apples who made it early in their culinary tasks. Satisfied with the progress within, Applejack continued her rounds, making her way to the barn where her brother Big Macintosh was hard at work helping with setting up a few games for the little foals to play.

"Hey there, Big Mac," she called out with a warm smile as she entered the barn. The sound of hay rustling and hooves shuffling filled the air as Big Mac looked up from his work.

"Eeyup," The large stallion responded with his usual stoic expression, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He adjusted the straw hat on his head and wiped a bit of sweat from his brow with a hoof.

"Need a hoof with anything?" Applejack asked, surveying the assortment of games being set up. Colorful banners adorned the rustic wooden walls, and the air was filled with the excited chatter of the approaching reunion.

"Nnnnnope." He looked off to the side of himself, his head pointing towards a familiar pink party pony. "Things would have taken a bit longer without Pinkie Pie to help us out."

She followed Big Mac's gaze and saw Pinkie Pie in her element, bouncing around the barn with boundless energy. She was hanging streamers from the rafters, her pink mane swaying with each hop. The sight of her contagious joy brought a smile to Applejack's face.

"Sure can't deny that," Applejack chuckled, watching as Pinkie Pie twirled around, giggling to herself. "She sure knows how to bring the party wherever she goes."

The large stallion nodded, a subtle grin crossing his face. "Eeyup, reckon she's got a knack for it. Maybe she should make it a regular thing…throwing parties I mean."

The orange farm mare raised an eyebrow at her older brother. "Did I just hear you tell a joke?"

Big Macintosh's stoic expression softened, and he chuckled softly. "Well, it ain't every day I crack a joke, but I reckon a little humor won't hurt." He gave his little sister a playful nudge with his hoof. "Guess Pinkie's contagious energy is rubbin' off on me if I’m thinking like that."

"Haha. Not that I'm complaining..." The farm mare sighed softly. "With how crazy things are with everything...ya know...the Heartless and what not...having a bit o' fun is a good thing I reckon."

Big Mac nodded in agreement, his gaze wandering towards the horizon. "I still hate the fact you go off and fight those...monsters, AJ. Not knowing if you will get hurt or not."

His sister’s smile faded slightly. "I know it's tough for you, Big Mac. But I can't just sit idly by while Equestria is in danger. A normal pony can fight them off but they only come back. So if the Elements of Harmony can do something about them like Sora's keyblade can then all the more reason for me to fight when I can."

The large stallion sighed. "I get that, AJ, I do. It's just hard seeing my little sister go off into danger. Promise me you'll at least be careful out there the next time you go off and fight heart stealing monsters."

"I promise to the best of my abilities, Big Mac," The farm marereplied, sincerity in her voice. "I won’t take unnecessary risks. Besides, we've got the Elements of Harmony and friends like Sora watching our backs. We'll handle those Heartless without a hitch."

Big Macintosh nodded, his worry still evident in his eyes. "Alright, AJ. Just remember that we're here for you too. Your family I mean. Don’t shoulder all of this on just you and the girls, ya hear?"

The orange earthpony smiled, wrapping a hoof around her older brother. "I know, Big Mac. And I appreciate that more than you'll ever know."

"AJ!"

Both farmers jumped as the orange one's name was called. She turned just in time to see Pinkie Pie bounding over to them, her eyes wide with excitement as she focused in on the far mare. "Hey, Applejack! Come to check on the decorations?! Everything's shaping up to be super-duper amazing, just like a party should be!"

Applejack chuckled at her pink friend’s enthusiasm. "You've done wonders, Pinkie. We're mighty grateful for your help. I knew asking you was the right call."

Pinkie Pie beamed. "Of course! It's what I do best. Parties are like, my thing!"

The freckled mare gave her bouncy pink one a playful nudge. "Well, you sure do know how to turn a regular ol' gathering into a full-blown hoedown. Thanks for bringing some extra cheer to the reunion, Pinkie."

Pinkie Pie saluted with a hoof. "No problemo! Making ponies happy is my super-duper specialty!" She looked around. "Speaking of ponies to make happy, is your little sister awake yet?"

"Hmm...good question Pinkie." the female farm mare responded. "Reckon I should go check and make sure she's okay." She turned towards her brother. "You got everything taken care of here?"

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh replied with a nod. "We're all set on this end. Go on ahead and check on Apple Bloom. We'll be right behind you."

“Much obliged.” AJ tilted her head. “I’ll be back faster than two shakes of a lamb's tail.”

Making her way out of the barn and back inside the family home, she trotted upstairs, unable to stop herself from a small smile at the memories embedded in the creaky wooden steps, thoughts of her time as a filly during this same time of year. The family reunion was an annual tradition that held a special place in her heart, bringing together relatives from far and wide. This year, however, Applejack was determined to make it the best one yet.

Approaching her room, she gently pushed the door open. The warm sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow on the simple, rustic decor. Her eyes softened at the sight of her little sister, Apple Bloom, curled up in her bed, still lost in the realm of dreams.

"Geeze...what am I gonna do with you?" Applejack whispered to herself, a fond smile playing on her lips. She carefully moved closer, sitting herself upon the bed gently. She almost didn't want to wake her with how cute she looked sleeping. After everything she had gone through back at the Crystal Empire, she deserves a bit of peace like this. Still, she knew her younger sister would hate her forever if she even thought about letting her sleep though the reunion.

Applejack reached out and gently shook Apple Bloom's shoulder. "Wake up, Apple Bloom. It's time to get ready for the reunion."

The yellow filly stirred, blinking her sleepy eyes open. "AJ? Is it morning already?"

"Mhmm," Applejack nodded. "Sun's up, and we've got a lot to do before the rest of our family arrives."

Apple Bloom yawned and stretched, her small hooves reaching out as she slowly woke up. All at once her mood went from sleepy to perky, remembering just what today was. "Oh, right! The reunion! I almost forgot." She looked around the room before falling to the sunny sky outside AJ’s window. "Wow, I really slept in, huh?"

The little filly’s older sister chuckled. "You sure did, sugarcube. But that's alright. We've got plenty of time to get everything ready. Now, get yourself washed up and made presentable like. Granny Smith and Big Mac are already downstairs helping out."

Apple Bloom jumped out of bed before making her way to the hall, stopping just short of it to turn to her older sister. She opened her mouth to speak, only to stop short before lowering her head. "I...well...Don't mean to be...ya know...but...did ya hear anything from Sora?"

Applejack smiled gently as she made her way towards the little filly, carefully tilting her chin so that she could look her in the eye. "No need to worry, Apple Bloom. I haven't heard anything from Sora yet, but sometimes no news is good news, right? Sides, he's a tough one, and I reckon he's out there doing his best to keep Equestria safe." She smiled. "Sides, Rarity, Rainbow and Flutters is with em. If anypony can keep that dork out of trouble it's them three, Sugarcube."

Apple Bloom nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, you're right, AJ. I'm sure he’s just fine and is already on his way back from beating the badguys."

"That's the spirit, Apple Bloom," Applejack said, ruffling her sister's mane affectionately. "Now, let's get ready for the reunion. We've got a lot to do, and I'm counting on my best helper to make it a day to remember for everypony!"

Apple Bloom grinned, her energy quickly returning as she hopped off the bed, quickly making her way towards the washroom. Seeing her little sister perk up made the mare just a little bit happier. Looking out a nearby window, she couldn't stop the smile that played across her face.

As Apple Bloom headed to the washroom to get ready, Applejack took a moment to look out the window, the golden hues of the rising sun casting a warm glow over Sweet Apple Acres. The farmstead, bustling with activity, felt like the heart of their close-knit family.

She didn't want to say it in front of her little sister, but she, too, was worried for all of her friends who had leapt into danger. "Hope they are all doing okay...if nothing else...for Apple Bloom's sake..."

With a deep breath, Applejack shook off any lingering worries. She turned away from the window and joined the lively preparations downstairs, where the farmhouse echoed with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional clatter of utensils.

Internal Affairs of the Heart

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Internal Affairs of the Heart

The train rattled along the tracks, carrying Sora and the others within it back home to Canterlot. The air inside the cabin was thick with a mixture of soft melancholy and uneasy foreboding. Despite the mission to save Trottingham having been successful and getting rid of the barrier of darkness, everyone on board the train couldn't help but feel the sting of defeat itching their backs, despite winning the battle.

The one feeling it the most being that of the resident Keyblade Wielder.

Sora lay on the narrow bunk in the cabin room, his twitching wings cueing any that would see him to the turmoil buliding within him. The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels served as a dissonant lullaby, failing to bring the peace of sleep to the pony-turned-Keyblade-Wielder. His mane fell haphazardly across his face as he stared at the ceiling.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he draped a hoof over his eyes; a veiled attempt to shield himself from the haunting memories of the recent battle. The victory in Trottingham should have brought joy, but the revelation of Grogar's sinister plans had cast a shadow over their achievements. His normally bright and optimistic gaze now reflected the weight of the burden he carried.

He replayed the scene over and over within his mind and each time. Would it have gone different if he had went ahead and attacked him? Maybe…Maybe he would have won. Though he couldn't help but think he would have lost someone he cared about deeply in the process. The thought made his heart ache with a mixture of guilt and fear.

Fear for what may happen because he wasn't able to act...and guilt for not being strong enough...again...when it really mattered the most.

Lost in his thoughts, A familiar voice of certain brash pegasus pierced through the melancholy air from the other side of the cabin door, causing his ears to perk ever so slightly.

"Hey, Sora. You awake? Mind if I come in?"

Startled, the stallion quickly sat up, hooves resting on the edge of the bunk as his gaze fell to the door to his cabin. "Yeah, I'm awake, Dash. Come on in," he responded to her request. Soon, the door creaked open, revealing Rainbow Dash's cyan-coated figure against the backdrop of the train's narrow hallway.

She gave the stallion a smirk as she entered, taking a moment to gauge Sora's demeanor. "You've been cooped up in here for a while. Thought I might check in on ya and make sure you aren't doing something stupid like jumping out of the train to go chase Grogar without us." She gave the stallion a smirk, telling him that it was just a bit of a joke on her end.

Her blunt but caring approach brought a faint smile to the stallion's face. "Nah, not planning any solo adventures off the train anytime soon. Besides, you would be the first to catch me and bring me back if I did something like that." he replied, appreciating her attempt to lighten the heavy atmosphere. He sighed softly before lowering his head.

"Ha! You bet I would, Hero," she teased, using her nickname for him. Taking a seat beside the stallion, she leaned herself back against the wall behind her. Despite coming to see him, the mare was quiet for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts, when she next spoke her voice was…soft. "So...ah...Kinda thought for sure you would have said something dumb like, 'I'm surprised you were the one to come check in on me,' or something stupid like that."

"Nah, I know better than to underestimate you, Dash," The stallion chuckled. "Honestly, out of everypony, you are the one that I can never be surprised about." He smirked. "Your brashness included."

Rainbow Dash playfully nudged Sora with her wing. "Hey, being brash is what makes me awesome, right? Somepony’s gotta make the calls others are too chicken to make after all." She winked, before both the mare and stallion devolved into a soft chuckle. When it had slowly subsided, the mare gave him a playful glare. "Still...gonna make you pay for that remark with a set of pranks I have in the works. I have a whole bunch of ghost themed ones lined up just for you, Spiky."

The stallion slumped over in his seat dramatically. "Aww man…Pinkie told you, didn't she?"

Rainbow Dash nodded mischievously. "Of course Pinkie spilled the beans. You never did make her Pinkie Promise not to do so after all." The mare laughed. "Don't worry though. I won't go too hard on you...maybe."

"Dang." Sora tried to pout but soon the laughter came, the rainbow maned mare following after him in his defeated chortle. The two of them continued in the gentle levity the conversation had taken, their worries momentarily forgotten in the comfort of each other's company. When it was over, the caramel stallion wiped a tear from his eye, giving the mare beside him a wide smile. "Thanks, Dash. Kinda needed a mood lifter."

"Hey, anytime, Hero. We're a team, remember? We've got each other's backs." She reached out, gently nudging his wing with her own. "I mean even if I was asked to by the girls, I could tell you were a wreck the whole time we were packing ponies onto the train and everything." She perked up. "Oh! Speaking of wrecks on trains there-of, I heard Trixie is gonna be okay. Doctor said she woke up asking about you actually." The mare raised an eyebrow, giving the stallion a wry gaze. "What did you two talk about for a self absorbed mare like to be worried over you?"

He rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I didn't do too much," he replied with a shrug, "We talked a bit and I did promise to go see her show and all that. Was always interested in magic shows when I was a kid...though I never got to see one so she promised to show me."

"When you were a..." She trailed off before her ears perked, as if just remembering who Sora was. Reaching a hoof to scratch her cheek, she smiled awkwardly. "Oh yeah...I always forget you weren't a pony before coming to Equestria."

The keyblade Wielder snorted softly. "Yeah. I make it pretty convincing that I lived on four legs all my life since it's not my first time becoming a four legged creature." he raised a hoof to his chest, touching it softly. "Though..getting hurt the way I did was kinda new...ish."

The rainbow maned mare flinched softly as she watched him. "Does it...hurt? The place Gil....I mean...the place you got stabbed?"

Sora's expression turned more somber as Rainbow Dash brought up the sensitive topic. He took a moment before responding, his hoof rubbing the spot softly, "Physically, it's healed. My magic saw to that. How I feel about it though…" He lowered his hoof and his head, "I can't say I didn't miss using my spells...but...the fact Ventus had to use most...if not all of his recovered magic for me to do so...Can't say it doesn't sit right with me he had to make that choice..."

Not to mention...I feel a lot more different then before...The stallion thought the last part to himself. What did Ventus do to give me my magic?

"Did...you know him?" Rainbow asked, pulling the stallion from his inner thoughts. "I mean, he told me and Shy how you saved him...but...Did you know him personally?"

The stallion gently shook his head, a distant look in his eyes. "Not really...but at the same time...I can't say his name doesn't sound familiar to me. Like...it's some distant memory I can't recall, even though I shouldn't have any of him."

Rainbow frowned before leaning back as Sora did, her head gently hitting the wall. "Well, I don't quite get all the magical stuff, heart stuff, or whatever, but I do know one thing – Ventus wanted to save you, and that's good enough for me to call him a friend, even if I only just met him."

"Well, you've got a point there." The stallion chuckled softly, at the mare's honest response. "Friendship doesn't always need elaborate explanations. Ventus wanted to help, and that's what matters."

Rainbow Dash grinned, leaning forward. "Exactly! And you've got a whole bunch of friends here who've got your back, Sora."

"Yeah." Sora mused before giving the mare a sideways glance. "Though It's kinda funny. The first time you and I met, you weren't too fond of me, if I remember correctly. Kinda makes a guy jealous you can make fast friends with Ventus over me." He teased.

The blue mare blushed, recalling the initial encounters with the keyblade wielder, times that she could honestly kick herself over. "Uh, well, yeah...okay. You got me." See rubbed the back of her head, "I...ah...Sorry about...Ya know...being a Grade-A jerk to you."

The stallion waved a hoof in front of his face. "No need to apologize, Dash. I wasn't exactly being upfront with everything I knew either, especially about the Heartless and where I came from. I had my reasons, but it doesn't change the fact that I was keeping things from you all from the beginning."

"Yeah yeah, I know." She waved a hoof. "I was still a jerk though so..." She gently punched his shoulder. “You better accept my apology already, Spiky. Or I'm gonna have to kick your flank from here to Canterlot."

Sora chuckled, shaking his head as he rubbed the spot she stuck. "Okay, okay. Apology accepted, Dash. And I promise not to hold it against you… So please don't do what you said you were gonna do if I don't."

"Don't worry. I'll save the flank-kicking for stupid Heartlesses or dumb spiky haired ponies doing dumb spiky haired pony stuff."

The stallion gave her a deadpanned look. "That sounded kinda specific, Dash."

Rainbow Dash grinned mischievously. "Good. It was supposed to."

The stallion rolled his eyes before casting his gaze out to the sunny side sight in front of him, the gentle flow of the river flowing softly before the as the train made its way alongside the water's edge. "So...ah...how's the rest of the girls? Rarity and Fluttershy I mean. Knowing you, you went to see them before coming to me right?"

"Ugh, don't even get me started on those two." The mare groaned as she leaned forward. "They told me everything. The fact that Fluttershy is refusing to talk to you now really is getting on my nerves!" Standing up, her hoof stuck the door. "Not only that, but Rarity isn't letting you talk to her until that yellow butterball feelings are all sorted out!" She turned towards Sora. "What about your feelings about her? Don't they care what you think?"

Sora's ears pinned to the back of his head at the mare's words, his mind replaying the events leading to Fluttershy's and Rarity's discissions.

~

As Sora stood amidst the weary ponies, the setting sun casting a warm glow on the makeshift train station, his gaze was drawn to Fluttershy. He had many things to worry about…from the Heartless to Grogar’s plans to the missing ponies…but the weight of her heartfelt confession lingered, creating a complex tapestry of emotions within him. The chaos of the day's events seemed to fade away momentarily as he grappled with the significance of what had been said. What she had confessed.

I Love you…

As much as he didn’t see it at first, he couldn't deny the mare’s actions towards him. The shared moments of laughter, the conversations, and the genuine warmth that emanated from her had left an imprint on his heart. As he took a tentative step closer to her, he found himself reflecting on the parallels with his past, particularly with Kairi.

It wasn't as profound as it was with the shy mare…or at least…maybe it didn’t feel that way… but...he remembered talking...laughing...laying under the night sky with her...just like he had done with Fluttershy. He couldn't deny that he didn't have...some sort of feelings for his childhood friend back then...and yet...

It wasn't fair to compare the two, he knew that, especially after what happened between himself and Kairi, but the similarities were undeniable.

The only difference is...Fluttershy told him how she felt...and how she felt was...

"She loves me..."

He…needed to talk to her.

Before Sora could make his way towards Fluttershy, the surprise in her eyes as she caught sight of him moving towards her and her swift retreat onto the train caught the stallion off guard. Confusion and concern etched across his face as he tried to make sense of her reaction.

His instinct was to follow her, to address the situation and understand why she seemed to be avoiding him now of all times. However, his path was blocked by a familiar set of bright blue eyes. Rarity, with her characteristic elegance, stood in his way, a mix of sympathy and caution in her gaze.

"Sora, darling, I know what you are feeling," Rarity began, her voice gentle yet firm. "And I know what you want to talk to Fluttershy about, and believe me, if it was my choice, I would let you through without a second thought. But Fluttershy asked me to keep you away from her for now."

Sora felt a surge of frustration well up within him, a feeling not unfamiliar from past experiences.

"W-Why?" He asked, his voice steady, despite the anger behind it. "I…She doesn’t want to talk to me? But…she…and…"

Rarity sighed, "Sora please…I understand your desire for answers, dear, but Fluttershy needs some time to sort through her own emotions first. It's clear that her own confession caught her off guard along with what happened before it, and it wouldn't be fair to push her into a conversation she may not be ready for." Her hoof gently rested on Sora's chest, a comforting touch that held a subtle plea for patience. "She asked…no…begged me to tell you to wait. Okay?"

Sora felt a mix of emotions, his frustration battling with the realization that Rarity spoke a truth he couldn't ignore. Fluttershy needed time, and despite his desire for answers, he couldn't force a conversation that might do more harm than good. She was hurting…

Reluctantly, the Keyblade wielder nodded, his frustration giving way to a softer tone. "I... I'm sorry, Rarity. I just... I want to understand. I want to help her through this, too."

"I know you do, Sora. Which is why I am here. I'll watch over her for you, if you will let me, and make sure she gets her yellow flank together," Rarity assured him, her tone carrying a mix of sincerity and playfulness. Squinting at the stallion, her hoof poked him in the chest none too gently. "That also goes for you, buster. Make sure you know what you want to say to her when she comes to you, okay? I’m sure you are just as much of a mess as she is."

Sora nodded quickly, touching the spot she poked. "Y-yeah, I will. This whole situation is... a lot…yeah…" he admitted.

"It is…AndI know you have lots of things on your mind right now." The fashionista smiled softly. "Saving the world...saving missing ponies...dealing with your own inner turmoil. It really is a lot…but don’t forget, though it all, deserve to be happy too, now more than ever. Don't let this," She points to his head, "Overrule this," She points to his heart, "Okay?"

"I..." Sora shook his head before nodding softly. "I understand."

"Good. I'll make sure to tell Fluttershy you asked about her, okay? So make sure you have your thoughts sorted out when she's ready to talk, however long that may take." Rarity patted his shoulder reassuringly before turning to board the train, leaving Sora alone once more to do just that.

~

Sora sighed, his gaze shifting towards Rainbow Dash with a soft smile. "It's fine. Fluttershy will talk to me when she's ready. And it really does give me to time think about things myself...Patience, right?"

The mare rolled her eyes and huffed. "Never liked patience. It's overrated," her wings flickered with a hint of restlessness. "But I guess you're right. If you both do need time then you do need time. Doesn't mean I have to like it, though."

"Thanks for worrying though. About her...and about me."

Rainbow Dash softened her gaze, her impatience momentarily subsiding as a light blush formed on her cheeks. She turned away from him with a soft growl. "Yeah, well, somepony has to. Don't get used to it though." she muttered, but her voice lacked the usual bite.

The stallion smirked. "Still, I think we talked enough about me and all my troubles." He gently poked the mare's cheek. "So did Lightning let you talk to you friend Gilda?"

"Ugh...of course you would change the subject to her." The mare growled.

He chuckled, knowing that Rainbow Dash's deflection meant that she did, indeed, speak to the griffon. "So...taking that as a yes?" The stallion teased before playfully nudging her side, "Come on, Dash. Spill the beans. Don't leave a guy hanging."

"Gah! Okay we talked alright! Happy?"

Sora's grin widened as the rainbow maned mare fidgeted with her hooves, clearly flustered by his persistence. "Very happy. So, what happened? Did you manage to patch things up?"

"You know...for the one that was stabbed by her, you sure are eager to know if I made best friends with her or not."

Sora's smile widened. "It's not like it was her fault right? She was being controlled after all. If I blame her, then I might as well blame Fluttershy which you know I would never do."

Rainbow Dash sighed, her wings drooping slightly. "Yeah, yeah, I know. It's just...it's complicated, Sora. Gilda and I talked, but it's going to take time. She feels guilty about what happened, even though she couldn't control herself but she still hurt you and I…need time to get over that, okay?"

"Yeah...I can understand that. Same thing happened to me and Riku after all." Sora's voice held a hint of empathy as he thought back to the times his best friend had been consumed by darkness. "But you talked, right? That's a step in the right direction."

"I guess..." She cast a gaze towards the stallion. "Still gonna make her apologize to you though. Her fault or not, you still got hurt by her talons."

"Rainbow, you don't have to do that. I forgave Gilda a long time ago. Holding a grudge wouldn't be fair."

The mare scoffed. "You're too forgiving sometimes, you know that?"

Sora smirked, "Well, forgiveness is a key part of friendship, right? Plus, holding onto grudges just weighs you down. I've learned that the hard way."

"Is that why you also forgave Starlight?" The brash mare asked. "I mean...she pretty much got you stabbed and everything, and tried to get rid of us with that Heartless."

"She was...different." The stallion told her after a moment, frowning a bit. "I told you before, she was only trying to fix her mistakes. She was hurt...she was alone...and the Darkness and Grogar took advantage of that. She was a victim too."

"I guess you're right," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation. "But still, it's hard for me to let go of what she did."

"I can understand that...and you don’t have to. It was my choice to save her so I have no regrets."

The two were quiet for a while after that before Rainbow once again broke the silence. "AJ is gonna be pissed at you for getting hurt again. Twilight too."

Sora rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I know. They're probably going to give me the whole lecture on being more careful and not diving headfirst into danger."

Rainbow Dash snorted, "Well, you should listen to them. You can't save the world if you're constantly getting yourself injured."

“What’s that? Pot calling the kettle black?”

“Ugh…okay. Yeah. Fair. But my point still stands. You hurt, No save world.”

"Okay…fair too, " Sora replied with a grin. "But you know how it is. Trouble just has a way of finding me."

The mare rolled her eyes. "Yeah, trouble and you are like best buds or something."

"Kinda wish that wasn't the case but can't argue with you there." The stallion responded as he stuck his tongue out at the mare. "Still...can't let myself lose just yet. We gotta find those ponies...and then we gotta stop Grogar."

"Dang straight!" Rainbow raised a hoof into the air. "No way we are gonna let some blue jerk mess with us like that and get away with it. Next time we met, I'm going straight for his face, no questions asked."

The pair laughed again, both mare and stallion enjoying the light-hearted moment amidst the chaos that had become their lives.

~

In a quiet cabin further up towards the front of the train, away from the chatter of the others, Fluttershy sat with her wings tightly wrapped around her, seeking solace in the cocoon of her own feathers. The emotional storm she had experienced left her drained, and tears had left their traces on her cheeks.

Rarity, ever the caring friend, sat beside her, rubbing Fluttershy's back gently. She spoke in a soft, comforting tone, "There, there, darling. Are you done crying now? It's perfectly okay to let it all out. You've been through so much today."

Fluttershy nodded, her voice barely above a whisper from behind her feathery barrier. "Yes, Rarity. I... I think I'm done now. I just..." The shy mare turned to her friend, peaking at the white mare between her feathers. "I feel horrible...asking Sora to wait after he had been though so much...and after I had...I had told him I love him...I'm...I'm a bad pony Rarity..."

"You're not a bad pony, darling." The mare consoled the flustered mare with a gentle smile. "You're just a confused mare in love."

"But I am horrible, Rarity." The yellow mare argued. "I couldn't even tell him myself. I had to have you do it. That wasn't fair to him..."

Rarity's expression softened, her voice filled with empathy. "Darling, love is never easy. It's messy, complicated, and sometimes we make mistakes. But that doesn't make you a bad pony. Honestly, the two of you need time to process your feelings for each other right now anyway. Its a good thing you two are taking time apart."

Fluttershy sniffled, her wings quivering as she clutched them tighter around herself. "E-Even if that was true. Do I even deserve a stallion like him after I...I hurt him." The shy mare shook her head. "I may not have been the one to hold the dagger...I may not have been in control...but I did hurt him. I don't know if he can forgive me for that. And even if he can, I don't even know if I can forgive myself."

"Now Shy Dear, listen. I-"

"And what about that...that monster! Grogar! I should have at least been there to comfort Sora after all of that...and yet...I run away...I ask my best friends to talk to him and I run away with my tail between my legs like a scared puppy." the timid mare shook her head. "Rainbow had every right to be upset with me."

"You really mustn't be so hard on yourself, Fluttershy." The white mare told her softly "Rainbow Dash may have been upset, but deep down, she understands that you needed some time to gather your thoughts before you talked to Sora again. And honestly, out of all of us right now, I think she would be the best choice to send to talk to him anyway. If anypony can cheer a knucklehead up it's another kuncklehead as it were."

The shy mare nodded though she still lowered her head, "It...still doesn't seem fair...I wish...it was me..."

Rarity smiled. "Is that a bit of selfishness I see in you Little Shy?" The mare giggled softly.

The timid mare blushed, her feathers fluffing up in embarrassment. "Oh, no! I didn't mean it like that... I just... I want to be there for him, to support him through everything he's going through."

"Does that mean...you still love him?"

Fluttershy's breath hitched at Rarity's question, her heart pounding in her chest. She closed her eyes, trying to steady herself, before finally giving a small nod. "Yes...yes, I do. I love him with all my heart, even if it feels like it's breaking right now."

"Then never let go of that feeling, darling. Work through your emotions and come back to him stronger than before. That's the best you can do for now."

"I...I understand Rarity." The mare answered softly.

"Good...now...after a good cry, you know what always cheers me up? A nice tub of icecream." The fashionista slipped from beside her friend, making her way towards the door. "I just hope the fillies and colts haven't taking all of it from the kitchens." She smiled as she turned towards her friend. "I shan't be two shakes of a lamb's tail darling. Will you be alright by yourself?"

Fluttershy nodded, offering a small smile. "Yes, Rarity, I'll be fine. Thank you for being here for me."

Rarity returned the smile before exiting the cabin, leaving Fluttershy alone with her thoughts. The gentle hum of the train filled the room, its rhythmic vibrations providing a sense of comfort as Fluttershy reflected on everything that had transpired.

Fluttershy sat in the quiet cabin, enveloped in her own contemplations. The gentle hum of the train seemed to echo the rhythm of her thoughts. As Rarity left to fetch some ice cream, Fluttershy took a deep breath, letting the solitude of the moment settle around her.

Lost in her thoughts, Fluttershy couldn't help but replay the events in Trottingham. The revelation of her feelings to a then dying Sora. Meeting Ventus and letting him use his magic to save the one she loved. The intrusion of Grogar after they had just defeated the horrible Heartless. Her decision to spend some time apart so that she could work though her own feelings for the stallion...and if he even had the same feelings for her.

The train continued its steady course toward Canterlot, carrying with it the hopes and fears of the ponies aboard. Fluttershy, being just one of many of them, wrapped in the cocoon of her own feathers, embraced the solitude as a chance for self-reflection. She knew that, in the quiet moments both now and later, she had to find what she wanted the most and brace herself for if what she wanted could ever be hers to begin with.

Reunion Day

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Reunion Day

The midday sun bathed Sweet Apple Acres in a warm glow as the party of ponies talked and laughed with ponies they had not seen for a whole year, the air filled with the sweet aroma of both fresh and baked apples. Applebloom, fully awakened and washed up, excitedly raced through the bustling crowd of family and family friends, her eyes scanning the farmland as she waved absentmindedly to any that would say hi to her.

Despite laughter all around her she could still make out the hushed whispers of the older ponies, and through those whispers she could make out snippets of conversations. Ones involving certain black shadow creatures she was all too familiar with. They would quite down when she passed but there was no stopping what she already knew.

Guessing them black critters they talkin' 'bout are them heartless," she muttered to herself, a frown forming on her facet. "Much as ah hate to admit it, makes everythin' seem a heap more real now. Ah sure hope Sora's okay."

It was after her inner musing that her ears would perk at a familiar voice in the distance. Her smile returning, she dodged though the crowd until finally spotting the one filly she was looking forward to seeing all year, a wide grin spreading across her face as soon as she did so. Without hesitation, the little filly dashed towards the slightly thicker orange one, the joy of the reunion evident in every step.

"Babs! There ya are!" Apple Bloom exclaimed with a grin, spotting her friend.

Said filly's ears perked at her name. her magenta maned flipped to the side as she turned, smiling brightly at the sight of her her cousin. "Applebloom!" The two fillies embraced as the yellow one reached her, their laughter echoing through the orchard.

"I've been waitin' forever for this day! Missed ya tons, cousin!" Apple Bloom said, squeezing Babs tightly before pulling back to look at her with sparkling eyes.

Babs returned the sentiment, her grin matching Applebloom's enthusiasm. "Same here, Applebloom! What's it been? Like...forever and a day?" Pulling away and blowing a strand of her magenta mane from out of her own face, the orange filly frowned slightly. "I got a ton of questions for you like you wouldn't believe. Something along the lines of shadow creatures attacking Ponyville."

Applebloom's eyes widened. "You must be talkin' 'bout those Heartless things." She looked around before whispering. "Listen. I'll tell ya all about that when we meet up with the girls. I've got so much to go over with you it isn't even funny."

Her cousin nodded, matching her voice to the other's. "Sure thing, A.B. I'm all ears whenever you're ready. But you gotta tell me the whole story. Deal?"

Applebloom grinned and nodded. "Deal, Babs. I'll tell ya everything, from start to finish. But first, let's go find the others. Sweetie and Scoots been dying to meet ya. We're all at the treehouse. Ya remember the one, right? Out in the orchard."

Babs chuckled weakly as she rubbed the back of her head. "Y-Yeah. The one I kicked you out of when I was hanging around that jerk Diamond Tiara and her friend." She looked away as she scratched her cheek. "Sorry about that...again..."

Applebloom waved off Babs' apology with a reassuring smile. "Aw, come on, cuz. Ya know that's water under the bridge by now."

Babs nodded, grateful for Applebloom's forgiveness. "Yeah, I know. It's just... I still feel bad about it sometimes, ya know?"

"Well don't. We're family and family always sticks close." The yellow filly held out her hoof. "Right?"

Babs smiled warmly, her apprehension melting away as she reached out and bumped her hoof against Applebloom's. "Right." She paused. "And thanks. So...we gonna go meet up with Scoots and Sweets?"

Applebloom nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! C'mon, follow me!" She took off, her tail swishing behind her as she weaved through the apple trees, Babs hot on her heels, both fillies laughing and joking as the warm summer breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the sweet aroma of ripe apples.

"So...Have those two knuckleheads been giving ya any trouble, Cus?" The orange filly asked, moving at a brisk trot next the Applebloom. "Diamond and that Silver girl I mean."

Applebloom let out a chuckle, shaking her head. "Nah, not really. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon have actually been actin' kinda strange lately. With everything that's been going on this Summer we really haven't had a chance to run into those two bullies." She frowned softly "I mean, I've seen them around town here and there but they really are just leaving us alone pretty much." She smiled again. "Which is a good thing to tell ya the truth."

The orange filly raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon not causin' trouble? That's hard to believe." She quickened her pace to keep up with Applebloom, her curiosity evident in her voice.

"It is, but ya know what they say. 'Never look a gift pony in the mouth'. I say if they don't wanna mess with us, I don't wanna mess with them."

Babs grinned, impressed by Applebloom's level-headedness. "Haha...Wow A.B. That's pretty grown up." She gave her cousin a playful nudge, earning a giggle from the yellow filly.

"Haha...well...I guess love can do that to ya." The yellow filly mused before squeaking and covering her mouth.

Despite her “ Best” efforts, The yellow filly's cousin couldn’t help but gasp before a mischievous glint filled her eyes. "Love, huh? Is there somethin' you're not tellin' me, Applebloom?"

Blushing furiously, Applebloom stammered, "N-No! I mean... well... maybe... but it's complicated!"

Babs giggled, teasingly nudging her cousin again. "Oh come on, spill the beans! Who's the lucky pony?"

"L-Like I said. It's complicated." The filly huffed. "Sides, I'll tell ya when we get to the treehouse proper. Scoots and Sweetie already know so...I don't mind telling ya everything. You are part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders after all and members don't leave other members behind."

The pink-haired filly chuckled, her curiosity piqued. "Alright, A.B, I won't press ya further. But I'm definitely lookin' forward to hearin' all about it at the treehouse."

Applebloom blushed even more, her hooves kicking at the ground. "Fine, fine! Just don't go spreading it around, okay? It's a secret!"

Babs nodded eagerly, a sly grin on her face. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

Applebloom couldn't help but giggle at Bab's Pinkie Promise oath, nodding in content. "Alright, that's good enough for me! Now lets git! We're keeping the girls waitin!"

With their playful banter lightening the mood, the two fillies continued their journey towards the treehouse, their laughter echoing through the orchard. As they approached the familiar structure nestled among the branches of a sturdy apple tree, Applebloom pushed open the door with a flourish.

"Ladies and gentlecolts, may I present... Babs Seed!" Applebloom announced with a grin, gesturing for Babs to enter.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who were deep in conversation, looked up with surprise and delight as Babs stepped inside. "Babs! You're finally here!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, rushing over to give her a hug.

Scootaloo followed suit, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, Babs! Welcome back to our headquarters. It's about time we had a meeting with the full roster! Written letters are fine but speaking in person is always awesome." She raised a hoof, gently bumping it with Bab's own.

"Thanks, guys! It's great to be back!" She looked around the cozy treehouse, her gaze falling on the bulletin board covered in maps and notes before turning back to the others. "So, what's the deal? What's all this about shadow creatures and stuff the older ponies were always whispering about? And did you three really go to that Crystal Empire place?"

"Oh!" The orange pegasus mused. "I see Applebloom already told you about our escapades."

Babs shook her head. "Not really? I mean she did mention that you guys went to that crystal place but the shadow creatures? I heard a lot of other stuff from the grownups whispers tho. That and lots of the newspapers were talkin' about not goin' outside at night if ya have to." She paused. "Oh and not to mention the extra guards me and the other fillies and colts would see on our way to the park. It's like they're gearing up for somethin'."

Applebloom exchanged a glance with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo before turning back to Babs, her expression serious. "We had some of the same restrictions here too. Zecora even had to come from the Everfree Forest as a just in case measure. Though she decided to stay at a house on the edge of town. It does make visiting her easier, but I would hate to have to move from my home because of those dang Heartless, so I can imagin she feels as bad as I would."

The orange earth pony shivered. "You said that name before. Heartless. Is that what they are called? Those shadow creatures in the paper"

Applebloom nodded solemnly. "Yeah, that's right. They're called Heartless. They're these shadowy creatures that are drawn to darkness and negativity." She paused. "At least that is what Sora told us."

Babs blinked. "Sora? Who's that?"

"Oh, right! I forgot to mention him," Scootaloo chimed in. "Sora is this awesome guy we met from a different world. He's got this cool weapon called the Keyblade and he's a total pro at fighting the Heartless and-"

"Scoots!" Sweetie bell yelled. "You weren't supposed to say that he's from a different world!"

The orange pegasus blinked before squeaking and wincing, realizing her mistake all too late. As Scootaloo apologized for her slip-up, the treehouse fell into a momentary silence. Broken only by Bab's words.

"So... you three gonna explain to me what that means or am I gonna have to nuggie it out of ya till ya say somethin'?"

Applebloom exchanged a nervous glance with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, unsure of how to explain the concept of different worlds to Babs. Taking a deep breath, she decided to give it a try.

"Well, Babs, this is gonna sound crazy but... hmm... ya know how our lands is called Equestria, right?" Applebloom began tentatively. Babs nodded, her eyes fixed on Applebloom in anticipation. "Well, Sora... ah... He’s not from Equestria... or anywhere anywhere on our world. He actually comes from a place No on our world. Somewhere he said that master guy call Destiny Islands."

"Destiny....Islands? Who would call a world Destiny Islands?" She frowned. "Are you three pulling my chain?"

Applebloom shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "No, no! Ah promise we ain't tellin' no fib, Babs. After everythin' me and the others saw, There's no way we don't believe Sora don't come from a different world. Ah mean. He's a pegasus that summons a blade that looks like a key for Celestia's sake."

"E-eh? No foolin?" Babs asked with wide eyes.

"It's all true!" Sweetie Belle chimed in. "Oh! But...we weren't suppose to tell anypony about it, so you really do have to keep it a secret okay. We told you because you are part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. And…A certain orange pegasus couldn’t keep her muzzle shut." She glared at said pegasus who squeaked under her gaze.

“I said I was sorry!”

Interjecting between the pair, Babs nodded eagerly, "Got it, Sweetie Belle. I ain't no snitch!" She leaned back in her chair. "So...ah...this Sora guy...something tells me he was the one AB was talking about on the way to the clubhouse." She smirked. "I'm I wrong?"

Applebloom blushed slightly, realizing Babs had caught on. "Well...I...um...." She glanced at her friends for support.

“Ha!” Scootaloo grinned mischievously, happy to have the heat off her for a time. "You got it in one go, Babs!"

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes playfully. "She's been swooning over him ever since she saw him in town!"

Applebloom's face turned even redder as she tried to defend herself. "I-I haven't been swooning! I just...uh...admire his bravery and stuff."

"Didn’t you tell us when you first saw him that you were in love?" The orange pegasus asked her friend, poking her cheek.

Applebloom's blush deepened as she stammered, "I-I might have... It's just...you know?" She glanced nervously at Babs, hoping her cousin wouldn't tease her too much about it. “Admiration and…stuff…”

Babs chuckled, her smirk widening. "Uh-huh, sure, Applebloom. Admiration, love... tomato, tomato, right?" She leaned in. "So...tell me more about this heroic colt you like so much. What's he like?"

Applebloom hesitated, not sure where to begin. She glanced at her friends for help, and Sweetie Belle nudged her forward. "Go on, Applebloom. You're the one with the crush, so spill it!"

Applebloom's cheeks flushed even more at her friend's words. Looking down and fidgeting, she slowly began to speak. "Well, he's really brave and kind. He's always ready to help others, no matter what. I mean...he is a bit silly at times. And can be slow...but....that just makes him even more endearing. Ya know?"

"Hehe. Yeah. He's also really determined," Sweetie Belle added with a grin. "Once he sets his mind on something, he'll do whatever it takes to achieve it."

Scootaloo nodded in agreement. "And he's almost as cool as Rainbow Dash." She smiled. “Which is an impossible feat, I know but he is up there os that means he’s kinda cool in my book.”

"Haha…Sounds like quite the catch." She looked around. "Where is he by the way? Did he come to the reunion too?"

Babs nodded understandingly. "Ah, I see. Well, it sounds like he's got his hooves full with important stuff. Fighting Heartless and all that."

"Yeah," Applebloom replied with a wistful sigh. "He's always out there helping others, even if it means he can't stay for long."

Sweetie Belle placed a comforting hoof on Applebloom's shoulder. "Awww don't worry Apple Bloom. I'm sure He'll be back soon and you can swoon all over him."

Applebloom blushed even brighter at Sweetie Belle's teasing. "I-I don't swoon!" the little filly pouted. Her friends began to laugh softly before filling the room with warmth and laughter before the yellow filly joined with after a roll of her eyes.

Wiping a bit of a tear from her eye, Babs smiled at her cousin. "So...since the cats already out of the bag. Mind telling me about this Sora guy? LIke...If he came from another world, how did he get here?"

"Oh! OH! I got this!" Scootaloo squeaked as she jumped onto the table. "Allow me to tell you the tale of the second coolest pegasus Equestira has ever known! You see...it all started on a dark and stormy night... "

Not too far away, a curious sharply pointed little creature could be seen. Despite its erratic movement, it seemed to stay focused on the girls within the tree house, the spikes there seemed to be its ears perking ever so slightly.

~

Applejack placed the cold barrel of apple cider on the table before giving her big brother a nod. When he returned it, she went back into the fray. When she had been told that she was going to be the lead host of this year's Apple Family Reunion, she had nothing but big plans for it. Wanting to find out all the traditional activities that they had done in the past and keep it focused on that.

Now though, after everything she had been through with the girls and Sora, fighting against an evil she couldn't even comprehend, having something nice and comfy was more then enough for a time like this. Sitting back with her family, mingling with friends, and enjoying the simple pleasures of the reunion was all she needed in that moment.

She was sure she would be back into it with Sora and the others. Fighting against the Heartless, putting herself in danger. But for now, Applejack was content to embrace the joy and simplicity of this moment. The laughter and chatter of the other ponies filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that she couldn't help but be swept up in. She watched as Granny Smith regaled a group of foals with stories of the olden days, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia. Applejack couldn't help but smile at the sight.

As she glanced around, her eyes landed on Pinkie Pie, who was effortlessly balancing several plates of apple pie on her back. Pinkie's mane bounced with each step she took, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "Applejack! Wanna help me set up the pie-eating contest? It's gonna be super duper fun!" Pinkie exclaimed, her voice full of infectious enthusiasm.

"Sure thing, Pinkie! Lead the way!" she replied, rising from her seat and following Pinkie to where the contest was to be held. She could worry about serious stuff later. For now, she was content. Her only regret is that she couldn't have the rest of her friends with her at this time

She paused and looked towards the warm blue sky above her. "There's always next year...right?" Though she spoke aloud she didn't expect anypony to answer her. Tilting her head back she turned to follow after her bouncing pink friend, a smile and a half on her face.

~

As the festivities continued below, a pony with dark gray fur and a jet black mane lay hidden from everyone's sight on top of the barn. His deep yellow eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement as he bit into an apple he held in his hoof, a smirk playing across his face, "Haha...laugh it up ponies. I promise…the real festivities are only beginning."

Changed

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Changed

The train's brakes squealed as it came to a halt at Canterlot Station, piercing the silence of the night. The platform was illuminated by the soft glow of lampposts, casting long shadows across the empty space. Despite the late hour, the stoic figures of the Royal Guard stood at attention, a solemn presence amidst the quietude.

As the doors of the train slid open, weary travelers began to disembark, their faces etched with exhaustion and apprehension. Among them were Fluttershy and Rarity, their steps tentative as they stepped onto the platform. All around her and the other ponies that slipped from the doors of the train, The Royal Guard could be seen maintaining their vigil, their expressions unreadable beneath their helmets. In opposition to them were the doctors and attendants who had been asked to see to anypony in need of medical assistance or help any other way that they could. Family, friends, lovers, there were many there to see to the ponies in need.

Fluttershy's heart went out to those who appeared in need of help, their weary eyes reflecting a mix of relief and anxiety. She glanced over at Rarity, who seemed equally concerned but maintained an air of poise and grace. She had wanted to say something, anything, but bit her tongue as soon as she spotted Sora making his way off the train alongside Rainbow Dash and surprisingly Trixie of all ponies. The mare squeaked softly as she felt the need to turn and run away before the stallion could spot her. But to her inner horror it was too late, his gaze having fallen upon the butter-yellow mare's own almost as if life was mocking her trials. In seeing his eyes, she couldn’t help but feel herself flinch, hating herself for reacting in such a way. Even more so at the expression he made soon after her reaction to him

Her heart clenched as she saw the crestfallen face he made, his ears pinning to the back of his head. Guilt washed over her like a blanket, knowing that she was the cause of the rift between them now. She wished dearly to close the distance between the two of them. To talk to him. To pretend like nothing was wrong and...to feel the warmth of his smile on her once more.

But her deep-rooted fear held Fluttershy in its grip. A fear that whispered doubts and insecurities into both of her opened ears.

Still, despite herself, the young mare raised her head slowly before gently raising her hoof, offering the stallion a soft wave. An action that didn't go by unnoticed by the keyblade wielder, his eyes widening in surprise. He looked around himself at first before looking back at the mare, figuring that she was indeed motioning towards him. Giving the best smile he could muster on his own, he waved back.

Fluttershy's heart fluttered at the simple action. It was a small gesture, it was a small gesture, to be sure, but her heart couldn't help in equal parts swell and hurt before it all. Still, she offered him a small smile of her own before turning away, following after Rarity who had been waiting for her to catch up.

As soon as she did, the timid mare couldn’t help but see Rarity's smug smile softened into one of gentle amusement as she glanced at her friend.
"I...ah...w-what?" The shy mare asked, looking away from the white unicorn.

"Oh, nothing, darling.” Rarity mused with a soft shake of her head. “It's just lovely to see you taking steps forward, especially when it comes to matters of the heart."

Fluttershy's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she shifted nervously under Rarity's gaze. "I-I suppose so. I just...I mean I didn't want to hurt him any more then I have so..."

Rarity nodded. "I understand wholehearted, Darling." She offered a friend a gentle smile and a soft hug. "Come now. I'm sure our guard escort is waiting to take us to the Castle. A nice bath and a good night's rest will be good for all of us."

"I...um...Okay...but..." She looked behind herself towards Sora and the other two mares. "What about our friends?"

As they walked towards the Royal Guard, Rarity cast a glance back at Sora, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie who were engaged in a lively conversation. "I believe they will be just fine, darling," Rarity reassured Fluttershy. "Besides, your cousin, the Captain herself, said that she wanted to take him to the princess before he gets settled in."

“Oh…” The mare responded softly before asking. “Do…you know why?”

“I’m sure its nothing big dear.” The mare quickly dismissed. “More than likely to check up on things and hear a bit of his side of the story I am sure.”

"I understand," she murmured, glancing back at Sora and their friends once more before turning her attention back to Rarity. "I...um...hope it goes well for him...."

Rarity smiled warmly, her gaze filled with understanding. "I'm sure it will, dear. Now, let's focus on getting ourselves settled in. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

With Rarity's comforting presence by her side, Fluttershy felt a sense of calm settle over her. Together, they followed the Royal Guard escort, making their way through Canterlot Station and towards the awaiting carriage that would take them to the castle.

~

Sora turned his head towards the retreating forms of Fluttershy and Rarity once more, his gaze lowering ever so slightly as a pang of sadness tugged at his heart. He knew that it was a fleeting interaction at best. He still couldn't help but feel his chest tighten with a mix of disappointment and…Longing? A longing that he had never quite felt before.

"Hey...Sora? You okay?"

Sora snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of Rainbow Dash's voice, turning to face her with a forced smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, though his tone lacked its usual enthusiasm.

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes, clearly not convinced by his response. "You sure about that? I mean you were staring at Fluttershy's flanks for quite a while you know." She teased.

The stallion’s cheeks flushed crimson at Rainbow Dash's teasing remark, his forced smile faltering for a moment before he recovered, replacing it with a hard pout. "What? No, I wasn't staring at her flanks!"

"Sure looked like it to me," The rainbow maned mare teased further, nudging him playfully with her hoof. "But hey, no judgment here. Fluttershy does have some pretty nice flanks, I'll give you that."

Sora's embarrassment only deepened at Rainbow Dash's teasing, and he averted his gaze, scratching the back of his head nervously. "Come on, Rainbow, cut it out," he muttered, feeling his cheeks still burning with embarrassment. “This isn’t funny, you know.”

"He is right rainbow mare. Sora doesn't look like the type to ogle a mare's behind anyway." Trixie mused as she squinted at the stallion. "And Trixie is usually a good judge of character. Though she could be wrong..He is a growing stallion after all.."

The keyblade wielder’s embarrassment reached new heights as the show mare joined in on the teasing, and he shifted uncomfortably under their gazes. "Seriously, Rainbow, Stop it. And It's not like that, Trixie" he insisted, his cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "I was just lost in thought, that's all."

Rainbow chuckled as she gently pushed his shoulder. "Haha. Come on, Sora. You know I'm just teasing ya." She smirked. "Besides, if you wanna look at Fluttershy's flanks then by all means. I'm already rootin for you two overly sensitive idiots."

"Ugh…Thanks, Rainbow," he replied, his cheeks still flushed. "But for the last time, it's not like that between Fluttershy and me." He paused. "At least...I...I don't know. It's kinda complicated and everything."

"Fluttershy...she is the yellow quiet one is she not?" Trixie asked. "Trixie remembers seeing her back at Ponyville when she was there but didn't take note of her." She looked the stallion up and down. "So what is the problem? Trixie must agree with the loud-mouth that she is pleasing to the eyes. A bit thick in some areas, unlike Trixie but if you like a mare you like a mare."

Sora sighed, feeling slightly flustered by Trixie's straightforwardness. "It's not about her looks or anything like that, and it's not that I don't like her...it's just..." he sighed as he looked away, rubbing the back of his head. "We were getting along fine before all of...ya know...Trottingham. Then...She...When I was about to die she told me she loved me. Now that I'm saved and everything...I...Everything she was doing with me with me before. Talking to me...hanging out...I...It puts everything in a new light and...Its a lot to take in."

"Wait, You were about to die!?" The show mare exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock. "When did this happen?"

"It was when you were knocked out. Keep up horn head." Rainbow scoffed as she answered the blue pegasus, pushing herself in front of Sora and Trixie out of the way. "So what's the deal? I mean if you liked it before what's your hang up now? Don't tell me you're still overly thinking stuff cause dude you seem like the type to blow a fuse doing so."

"I...Like I said it's complicated okay." Sora frowned, ignoring the mare’s remark on his intelligence. "Besides, Rarity said I should really think about how I feel about it all. Fluttershy may ...she may like me but does my heart really feel the same for her, knowing how different the two of us are."

"Different?" Trixie asked. "Aren't you two pegasi?"

Sora squeaked before looking away. "I...well...it's a bit more than that-"

"Horseapples that's the reason!" Rainbow hissed, interrupting the stallion. "If you like somepony, you like them. And if they like you too then all the better. Doesn't matter what you are or were."

Sora looked away, rubbing the back of his head, clearly feeling uncomfortable discussing the matter further. "It's not just tha-" He paused before shaking his head. "Listen, Rainbow, It has nothing to do with that...at least...it's not just that it's..." he began, but before he could continue, he was interrupted by Captain Lightning, Fluttershy's cousin.

Lightning approached them, her gaze sweeping between Sora, Rainbow Dash, and Trixie before finally focusing on Sora. "Sora," she said in a firm yet gentle tone, "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have requested your presence at the castle. They wish to speak with you."

The stallion's eyes widened before nodding. "Right. Guessing she wants to know first hand what happened, right?"

"H-Hey. We're not done talking with Spikey yet." Rainbow huffed as she stepped forward. "Besides, isn't it late? You would think the Princess would want to let the Hero of the hour rest."

Captain Lightning turned her attention to towards the brash mare.. "I understand your concerns, Rainbow Dash," she replied, her voice carrying a tone of authority. "But the princesses' request is urgent, and they have specifically asked for Sora's presence in the matter. Rest assured, they are aware of the late hour, but they believe this matter cannot wait." The yellow pegasus's eyes shifted towards the stallion. “If you want I can tell them you are tired.”

Sora shook his head before, turning back to face Rainbow and Trixie. "I'll go. If The princess is asking to see me now then I don't mind."

"Hey! You're just trying to run away!" Rainbow hissed with a frown.

The stallion shook his head once again, his expression turning firm. "I’m not, Dash," he said earnestly. "I just... I need to know what they want. Maybe it's about what happened in Trottingham. Maybe it's something else. But whatever it is, something tells me I shouldn't keep them waiting." He smiled. “I promise, I'm not running away...We can finish this later, okay...I need time to think. About what you said...About everything."

The rainbow maned mare’s expression turned from anger to reluctance, coinciding the matter. "Alright, fine," she conceded, her voice softer now. "But I'm coming with you to the castle. No way I'll let you go by yourself now."

"Indeed. Trixie is quite curious as well." The show-mare mused. "She shall accompany you."

Rainbow Dash frowned at the show mare, giving her a hard stare. "What the hey...Who died and made you part of our group of friends."

"I'm not part of your group of friends." Trixie mused, correcting the mare. "I'm Sora's friend and as Sora's friend it is only natural for me to be worried about him."

Rainbow Dash reared back as if struck by Trixie's statement, her expression incredulous. "Wait, what? Who said you could just up and force Sora to be your friend?"

Trixie raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Rainbow's reaction. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is not forcing Sora into anything. Trixie merely stated a fact. Sora and Trixie are friends. Our camaraderie is much more dignified and sincere than you would ever understand, Rainbow Dash. The love of magic brings ponies together after all, and my magic," She smirked. "Is the best."

The blue pegasus’s wings fluttered in irritation. "Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that, Trixie. Just remember who Sora's real friends are though. And it's not some show-off like you."

Trixie's smirk widened at Rainbow Dash's retort. "Oh, don't worry your colorful little small brain, Rainbow Dash," she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Trixie knows exactly where she stands with Sora. And it seems like you're the one who's more concerned about your position than anyone else."

Rainbow bristled at Trixie's words, her frustration evident in her expression. "Well, let me tell you something, you blue-"

"Girls!" Sora stood in front of them, interrupting their fight before it came to blows. "I have enough to worry about without you two at each other's throats." He turned to Trixie. "I'm happy to be friends with you Trixie, but that also means that Rainbow and the others are my friends as well. Understand?"

Trixie rolled her eyes and huffed. "Fine, fine. Trixie understands. But don't think for a second that Trixie cares what any of them think," she said, crossing her forelegs defiantly.

He nods before turning to Rainbow Dash. "I know you two have a bad history but she really helped me back at Trottingham and honestly she is a nice mare. Can I please ask you to play nice with her? Maybe you two have more in common than you think?"

Rainbow Dash's wings twitched in agitation once again, her eyes darting between Sora and Trixie before looking away. "Fine," she grumbled, relenting under Sora's pleading gaze. "But don't expect me to be all buddy-buddy with her, got it?"

The stallion sighed. He was sure that was the best he could do for now. "Got...just don't kill each other on the way to the castle." He turned to Lightning. "Sorry about keeping you waiting."

Captain Lightning nodded understandingly at Sora though the stallion couldn't help but see a pointed look on her countenance. "No need to apologize, Sora. Let's head to the castle. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are waiting."

With that, the group set off towards the castle, Sora walking between Rainbow Dash and Trixie, hoping that their tensions would simmer down before they make it to Celestia's castle.

"Do you have to walk so close to him? You're not his mother." The blue pegasus asked, glaring at the show mare.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash, jealousy doesn't look good on you," she teased, stepping even closer to Sora on purpose. "But don't worry. I know I’m not his mother. I'm just a loyal friend who happens to care about him a great deal. Wouldn't want him to tire out before we make it to the castle after all. He was the hero who saved us all after all"

Rainbow Dash's wings flared out in irritation as Trixie leaned in even closer to Sora, purposely aggravating the already strained situation. "Oh please," Rainbow retorted, rolling her eyes. "Like he needs you to hold his hoof. Sora can handle himself just fine." She paused before glaring at the other mare again. “And what do you know about it?! You were knocked out the whole time!”

The keyblade wielder sighed deeply.

It was going to be one of those nights.

~

It took little time for the small group to make their way within the grand halls of Canterlot castle, their hoofsteps muffled by the soft red carpet that was draped along its pristine marble floors. Trixie, with it being her first time within the palace, couldn't help but gawk at everything she saw. The intricately carved pillars, the shimmering tapestries adorning the walls, and the majestic architecture left her in awe.

"Goodness," Trixie exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the splendor of the castle. "Trixie had seen the outside of the palace from time to time when she was with her mother, but she never really had a chance to be within it and it's even more impressive then Trixie could have imagined."

“Tell me about it.” Sora mused as he chuckled softly at Trixie's response, gently nudging the mare with his hoof. "I've been here a few times, and it still takes my breath away.” He rubbed the back of his head and smiled. “Though I guess being an islander, any place I go to is kinda amazing…despite how many places I’ve traveled to sinc-." Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice calling out their names.

"Sora! Rainbow Dash!" came a voice, echoing down the grand hall of the castle. A voice quite familiar to all present, even Trixie.

The four turned down the nearby hall to see Twilight Sparkle rushing towards them with a worried expression on her face. She stopped only when she was close to the group, wrapping her hooves around Rainbow first and then Sora.

"You're okay...you both are okay..." Twilight's voice trembled with relief as she held onto her friends.

Sora, caught off guard by her sudden display of affection, patted Twilight on the back awkwardly. "Uh…Yeah, Twilight. We're fine," he reassured her, exchanging a confused glance with Rainbow Dash.

“What he said.” The rainbow maned mare added. “I mean a bit roughed up but…”

"You got hurt again, Sora," The lavender unicorn pused back, the ire evident in her voice causing all to be quite. "And all you can say is that you're fine?! I've been worried sick over you ever since I heard about what happened."

The stallion shuffled awkwardly under the mare’s anger. "It's not like..." Before he could finish, a purple hoof shot towards his mouth, stuffing it to silence him..

"Save it. I already know what happened so I can't blame you...totally." She pulled her hoof away looking up at him. "When a mare wants to vent you let her vent. Okay buster." She poked his chest roughly at the last part.

Sora nodded sheepishly, realizing that Twilight had a point. "Okay, okay, you're right, Twilight. I should have been more careful," he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "But I promise, I'll be more cautious from now on."

Twilight rolled her eyes, sighing softly as she heard Sora's promise. "Sora, I appreciate the sentiment, but I can't accept a promise like that," she said with a knowing look. "I know the kind of pony you are, and you always throw yourself into danger without a second thought. Just...promise me you'll at least try to protect yourself better. I can't stand the thought of losing a friend like you."

"I... I'll do my best, Twilight. I promise," he said sincerely.

A cough from beside the two caused them both to look towards Trixie, the mare looking at the pair with a raised eyebrow.

"Trixie would say get a room but she was sure Sora's heart belonged to the quite yellow one." She looked towards Twilight. "Unless you are trying to steal him away from her, in which case Trixie must tell her best friend that he can do better than this purple show-off."

Twilight was taken aback by Trixie's sudden interjection, blinking in surprise at finally noticing the light blue showmare. "Trixie?! What are you doing here!? And how did you know about Fluttershy and Sora?!"

"Wait, hang on!" It was Sora's turn to be surprised. "How do you know about the Fluttershy thing?!"

Twilight squeaked and sheepishly looked away, rubbing her foreleg as she shifted uncomfortably. "Um, well, you see..." she began, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I found out about it from Applejack. She...mentioned that Fluttershy liked you, Sora."

Sora's eyes widened in further surprise. "Wait...hang on...What?!" he squeaked, feeling a mix of shock and confusion. "How did she...I...I'm so confused right now..."

Captain Lightning cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the group. "Um, sorry to interrupt this little drama show," she interjected, her voice cutting through the awkward silence. "But Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are indeed waiting for Sora. I would like to take him there as soon as possible."

Sora blinked, momentarily distracted from the discussion about Fluttershy. "Right, sorry. Let's not keep them waiting any longer," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency.

Twilight nodded, regaining her composure. "The princess did say something about needing to talk to him as soon as she could. If that's the case then let’s-"

"I'm sorry Miss Sparkle." The captain interjected. "But she wants to see him only with the other Princesses."

The purple unicorn’s eyes widened in surprise at Captain Lightning's words. "Alone? But... but why?" she stammered, her mind struggling to comprehend the situation. Sora glanced at Twilight, a mixture of confusion and concern etched on his face.

"Of that, I'm not sure," Captain Lightning replied. "Princess Celestia specifically requested to see Sora alone. She said it was important to him and him only."

Rainbow Dash was about to speak up, a look of frustration on her face as she prepared to confront Captain Lightning about being left out of the meeting, but quickly faltered under the captain's hard gaze. The stern expression in Captain Lightning's eyes silenced any protest before it could escape Rainbow's lips.

Sora stepped in, placing a reassuring hoof on Rainbow's shoulder to catch the rainbow maned mare’s attention. "It's okay, Rainbow," he said softly, offering her a comforting smile. "If it's something I can say I’ll be sure to tell you and the rest of the girls. Promise."

She glanced up at Sora, her expression conflicted before she grumbled under her breath. Ultimately she nodded in reluctant agreement. "Yeah, fine," she muttered, crossing her forelegs in annoyance.

The stallion nodded before turning towards Lightning. "Lead the way cap."

Captain Lightning nodded and gestured for Sora to follow her. He glanced back at his friends, giving them a reassuring smile before he followed the captain down the grand hallways of the castle.

As Sora and Captain Lightning walked down the grand hallways of the castle, they were soon well out of sight of Twilight and the others. After a little while, he could see a pair of doors at the end of a lavish hallway adorned with pictures of Celestia’s sun. Just when Sora thought they were about to reach the princesses' chambers, he felt a sudden tug on his hoof, causing him to trip and stumble forward, flipping him over and forcing him to land on his back. Before he could react, Captain Lightning swiftly pinned him to the ground by his throat, catching him off guard.

Sora blinked in surprise, his eyes wide as he looked up at Captain Lightning, confusion evident in his expression. "Captain, what are you doing?" he asked, his voice tinged with bewilderment and muffled by the not too gentle force she applied.

Leaning down, she whispered into the stallion’s ear. "Listen, colt," she began, her tone serious. "I don't know what's going on between you and Fluttershy, and honestly, it's none of my business. But if she comes out of whatever it is you two have going on more hurt than you are right now, I won't hesitate to come for you. Got it? And no world you run to will be enough to stop me."

Sora's eyes widened in shock at Captain Lightning's words, her threat catching him completely off guard. Despite that however, he nodded slowly, swallowing hard as he processed her warning. "I... I understand," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lightning released him and stood back, her gaze unwavering as she watched him carefully. The stallion pushed himself up from the ground after a second, still processing the unexpected encounter and not taking his eyes off the yellow mare. She looked away with a soft scoff. "I don't hate you nearly as much as I hate Snow. So be proud of that, Keyblade Wielder."

"I...ah...Thanks?" Sora squeaked, not knowing who this Snow person was and not wanting to be him if this is how she treats people she likes.

Captain Lightning simply nodded, her expression firm yet somewhat sympathetic. Without another word, she gestured for Sora to continue following her, and they resumed their journey towards the princesses' chambers, the weight of Captain Lightning's warning lingering in the air between them.

Girls...really are hard to figure out...

~

The door to Princess Celestia's study was gently knocked upon, drawing the attention of the three princesses who had stayed behind when Twilight had ran to greet her friends at the castle entrance. The Princess of the Sun of the trio, upon hearing the gentle knock, looked towards the door with a gentle smile on her face.

"Enter."

At her command, the door opened, revealing Captain Lightning standing respectfully in the doorway. She bowed low before the princesses. "Your Highness Princess Celestia. Princess Luna and Princess Cadance too," she greeted, her voice respectful. "I have brought Sora as you requested."

Celestia nodded. "Thank you, Captain Lightning. You may leave us now." she said kindly. "Please see to the rest of my little ponies back at the train station, amd make sure they are well taken care of. After you do that, please take the rest of today and tomorrow off. I can't imagine how tired you are right now."

Captain Lightning nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Princess Celestia. While I will tell you I am still willing to do my part, I appreciate the offer and will take you up on it," she replied before turning to Princess Luna and Princess Cadance, bowing to them as well. "Princesses," she acknowledged.

With another bow to Princess Celestia, Captain Lightning turned to leave the room, closing the door behind her as she departed with a soft click.

In an instant, Celestia disappeared from her seat with a soft pop, reappearing right in front of Sora. Without hesitation, she wrapped her hooves around him in a tight, motherly hug, pulling him close to her chest.

"Sora, you stupid child," Celestia's voice was gentle and filled with warmth despite her admonishing him, and clearly oblivious to his embarrassment at such an act. "Thank all of creation you are safe."

Sora, taken aback by Celestia's sudden embrace and choice of words, blushed deeply, feeling a mix of surprise and embarrassment at being called a "stupid child" by the Princess of the Sun. However, he couldn't deny the warmth and sincerity in her voice, and he returned the hug, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance wash over him.

"Princess Celestia," he managed to say, his voice slightly muffled from being pressed against her chest. "I... I'm sorry if I worried you. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

She frowned as she pulled away, her cheeks puffing. "What did I tell you about calling me by my name and title?"

Sora chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry...ah...Tia," he corrected himself, a sheepish smile on his face. "Force of habit when I'm in trouble I guess."

"You're not in trouble, Sora." Cadance mused with a small smile at her auntie's antics. "We were just worried about you, as anyone would be."

"Indeed, young one, you are not in trouble at all," Luna reassured him. "We were merely concerned about your well-being, especially mine sister Tia here. She tends to be... overprotective at times as We are sure you are well aware."

Celestia rolled her eyes playfully at Luna's comment, though her cheeks retained a faint pink hue from the embarrassment of being caught in such a maternal moment. "I am not overprotective, Luna," she protested lightly, though her tone held a more mirthful flare then a defensive one.

Before the two sisters could dish it out between themselves, The princess of love would smile softly as she approached him. "All that aside. It really is good to see you again, Sora. Hale and whole whole less." Her gaze shifted softly towards his chest, her kind smile vanishing into a worried look. "Are you...okay?"

The stallion nodded in response to Cadence's question, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm okay now," he replied, his voice calm and confident. He gently pounded the spot on his chest where he had been stabbed, a gesture meant to reassure both himself and those around him. "It's all healed now, thanks to my magic returning."

Celestia's expression shifted slightly, a faint furrow forming between her brows as she processed Sora's words. Her gaze soon softened with concern as she lowered her head, her mane cascading around her like a shimmering veil.

"I was...afraid of that," Celestia murmured, her voice tinged with regret. She raised her head to look at Sora. "That boy...the one inside of you. Or…Your heart I mean. He was a Keyblade Wielder, wasn't he. And he was the one that unlocked your magic...right?"

"Yeah," he answered softly, meeting Celestia's gaze once more. "His name is Ventus. And you're right, he's the one who unlocked my magic and helped me regain most of the strength I lost."

“I…see…” She looked away, with a sigh. After a second, she motioned towards the nearby couch. "Sora...can I examine you?"

The stallion’s eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion at Celestia's request, but he nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Sure, Celestia," he replied, his voice tinged with curiosity. He followed her gesture and moved towards the nearby couch, taking a seat and waiting for her to begin her examination.

The Sun Princess approached Sora with a gentle yet determined expression, her horn glowing softly as she concentrated her magic and allowed the tip of it to touch his forehead. With careful precision she began, her magic feeling warm to the touch.

"Can I ask...what you're doing?" The stallion asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity as Celestia's magic enveloped him. He felt its soothing warmth spreading through the whole of body, like a comforting embrace from an old friend.

Everyone was quite within the room, Cadence frowning softly and Luna looking on in silent contemplation, almost as if she knew the answer to the question Sora posed.

After a while The princess pulled her magic away from him, her expression crestfallen. "I...See...So he had no other choice. I can not blame him...but…"

"Celestia? What's wrong?" Sora asked, his voice filled with genuine concern as he rose from the couch, his eyes searching hers for answers. "Is something wrong with me?"

"No! No...There isn't anything wrong with you." The mare quickly answered. "By all accounts, you are a perfectly healthy pony stallion."

Sora nodded slowly, relieved by Celestia's words, but still puzzled by her somber demeanor. "Okay...so...what's with the long face then?" he pressed, his curiosity piqued.

Before she could respond, Luna stepped forward, clicking her teeth in irritation. Not at Sora, per say, but at some unseen adversary in the distance. When she spoke, her tone of voice was…different. "The problem, dear Sora, is that you are a healthy, normal pegasus stallion,"

The stallion blinked in confusion, taken aback by Luna's repeat at what Celesita had just said. "I…I’m not getting it…," he admitted, furrowing his brow as he looked between Celestia and Luna now.

"Sora...I..." The princess of the sun shook her head. "What Ventus did, to save you...was unlock your magic. But in order to do so, he had to unlock something that should never have been unlocked."

Sora frowned deeper, having enough of this word play. "Okay...Not trying to sound mean and all but...can we not talk in riddles? You guys know I’m not the smartest, right?"

Celestia was taken aback by Sora's sudden straightforward request, but she couldn't help but agree with his sentiment. This was no time for riddles or words of play. "I apologize, Sora," she said, her tone sincere. "Let me explain it more clearly."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "What Ventus did to save you was unlock your magic. But in order to do so, he had to unlock something that should never have been unlocked, just like I said." Her voice carried a weight of sadness as she spoke."I was...afraid of it when I first heard about it in the letter that was sent from Captain Lightning. When Ventus's magic broke the seal, the letter said that you changed from your human form to that of your pony one with in your heart. Is that not right?"

“I was…knocked out so…I don’t know…” Sora tried to grasp the gravity of Celestia's words. "But even if that did happen...what does that mean for me?"

The sun princess took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. "Because of what happened, there was a consequence I had not anticipated would happen," she began, her voice tinged with regret. "Remember how I told you I used my magic to turn you into a pony,” At Sora’s nod she continued. “ I also had to place a seal on part of your soul at the time. This seal was necessary to ensure that when the time came for you to return to your human form, there would be a blueprint, a guide for your transformation."

"The part of your soul that I sealed contained not only the blueprint for your transformation, but also your magic," Celestia continued, her tone heavy with sorrow. "You see Sora, Your magic, as I am sure all magic outside of Equestia, is different from that of a pony's magic. It operates with a flow that interfered with our own." She paused before looking away. "It needed time to adjust." She turned back to face him. "Between your time when you first came to the castle and fell off the balcony and your time at the Crystal Empire when you used your wings to glide from rooftop to rooftop...how did it feel to use your wings?"

Sora's curiosity piqued as he pondered Celestia's question about his experiences with using his wings. "Well," he began, recalling his past encounters, "Using my wings felt...good when I got to the Empire." He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I remember using my wings to glide from rooftop to rooftop. And then, in Trottingham, I used my wings to change direction in mid-air to avoid attacks a few times from those Heartless…I…but…”

She nods. "That is because your magic was adjusting to that of ponies magic. In time you may have been able to use your spells outright as a pony...and keep the seal to your human self intact. That was the plan for my transformation magic I placed on you. As I had said before, back at the garden, I was going to bet my life to change you back…And…having that blueprint would have made it easier...but now..."

Celestia trailed off, her voice filled with regret. Sora's heart sank as he slowly realized the implications of her words. "But now, because of Ventus unlocking my magic, the seal was broken," he finished for her. "And...My human form is...gone?"

"Sora, I...I never expected that this could have happened," she admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow. "It was my stupidity that caused this, and it was my stupidity that never anticipated the consequences if something like this would have happened...I should have...I...."

Sora's heart ached as he gazed at Celestia, sensing the genuine remorse in her words. Despite his own sadness and confusion, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the princess before him. "Celestia, it's okay," he reassured her softly, reaching out to gently touch her hoof. "I know you were only trying to help me. None of this is your fault."

"Stop it..."

The stallion gave the mare in front of him a hesitant pause. "I...huh?"

"I said stop it!" Celestia near yelled at him, causing him to rear back. "You should be furious with me! Angry with me!"

Sora was taken aback by Celestia's sudden outburst, his eyes widening in surprise at her unexpected change in demeanor. He recoiled slightly, feeling a mix of confusion and concern as he tried to process her words.

"Celestia, I...I don't understand," he stammered, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Why would I be angry with you? You were only trying to help me, right."

The princess of the sun shook her head, her expression filled with frustration and self-blame. "Because I failed you, Sora!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I failed to protect you, to keep you safe. And now, because of my actions, you've lost something precious to you. Your human form, your identity...gone because of my foolishness. It's just like with Sunset all over again...and..."

"Celestia, please," he said gently, reaching out to comfort her. "You're not the one to blame here. None of us knew that would happen."

"Sora's right auntie." Cadence pipped up, making her way to the princess of the sun and wrapping a hoof around her.

"Yeah...it sucks...a lot... And I don't know how I'll live down Riku's and Kairi's teasing...mom might be surprised too...but..." He lowered his head. "I...I can't blame you...or anyone else for that matter. Besides…if anyone is to blame it’s m-."

"SILENCE! BOTH OF YOU!" Luna interjected with a louder than normal voice he was not quite used to hearing from the mare of the moon. She stepped between them before looking at the two ponies. "Both of you, do not dare to cast blame upon yourselfs," She turned to Sora, frowning. "You are not of feeble spirit, and this plight does not rest upon your shoulders any more than it does upon Celestia's. None among us could have foreseen such a turn of events, and you must not harbor shame for the essence of your being."

Sora and Celestia both fell silent, taken aback by Luna's sudden and forceful intervention. Her words echoed in the room, carrying a weight that demanded attention and respect.

Luna turned towards her sister next, her expression softening slightly. "And as for you, dear sister, you must not bear the burden of guilt alone," Luna continued, her voice gentler now. "You acted with the best intentions, as we all did. None of us could have predicted this outcome."

Cadence lowered the magical shield she had placed between them all to keep Luna's voice in check lest she wake the whole of Canterlot. Placing a hoof over her heart she smiled as she looked between all ponies present. "Auntie Luna is right," she said, her voice warm and comforting. "Blaming ourselves won't change anything. For now we should focus on the hear and now. but..." She looks between them all. "I think everypony that isn't a night owl needs a bit of rest." She turned to Sora. "And so, as Princess of Love and newly appointed Princess of the Crystal Kingdom, I suggest we all turn in for the night."

Sora opened his mouth, as if to protest, but the stern looks from Luna and Cadence quickly silenced him. He swallowed his words, realizing the futility of arguing further. With a nod, he acquiesced to the suggestion of rest.

"Yeah, you're right," Sora replied softly, his voice filled with a sense of resignation. "Rest sounds...good. I could use some sleep."

Cadence nodded content with Sora's response. "Glad we are in agreement. A guard will show you to your room," she said, her tone reassuring. "And don't worry about the girls. I'll take care of them and make sure they head off to bed as well. There will be no questions from them that you have to answer, at least for tonight. Everypony needs some rest to clear their minds after all."

"Right...Okay." The stallion sighed before turning towards Celestia, the older mare showing a bit of her long life she had lived the moment he saw her. He opened his mouth to speak before closing it again. He waited a second before smiling at her. "Tia. I meant what I said...So..."

"I…Understand, Sora," she replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of melancholy. "Thank you...for everything. For protecting my little ponies...for forgiving an old silly mare like me."

Sora offered her a warm smile, understanding the depth of her feelings. "You're welcome, Tia," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "Night."

As he disappeared from view with a guard in armor, Celestia let out a heavy sigh before closeing the door to her study, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing down upon her. She turned to Luna and Cadence, her expression softening as she addressed them.

"I...Thank you. Both of you for being here." She said softly. "I...I would have been able to handle his anger...but...his kindness...He's worse than the Element of KindnessI must admit...Hehe...I guess that is why she is drawn to him in such a way..."

"It's no problem auntie." Cadence answered with a smile.

"Indeed, sister," Luna said gently. "We're here for you, just as you've always been there for us. And as for Sora...his kindness is a testament to the goodness of his heart. He sees beyond our mistakes and forgives us, even when we struggle to forgive ourselves." She clicked her teeth. "Though I do wish he would not burn himself so much for mistakes that were no ponies fault least of all his. Reminds me of a certain big sister of mine."

Celestia chuckled softly at Luna's remark. "I...wonder what big sister you are talking about."

"Oh, just an old silly mare who may or may not have a tendency to be a bit hard on herself at times," she replied with a playful grin, purposefully avoiding naming Celestia directly. "But let's not dwell on the past. You have been up for a while yourself have you not, mine sister? Off to bed with you too."

Celestia smiled at Luna's teasing response, appreciating her sister's attempt to lighten the mood. "Yes, perhaps you're right," she conceded with a soft chuckle. "I could use some rest myself."

Turning to Cadence, she added, "Thank you again, Cadence, for your support and for looking after Sora's friends. I trust they're in good hooves with you."

Cadence nodded reassuringly. "Of course, auntie. I'll make sure they're settled in for the night."

With that, Celestia left, leaving Cadence and Luna alone. The princess of love turned to the older mare, smiling. "You really have your hooves full with the two of them, huh?"

Luna chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, it seems we do. But they are worth every bit of effort, aren't they?"

Cadence grinned, a playful glint in her eyes. "It has been quite some time since I saw Auntie take a shine to a pony like she does with Sora. Last time it was with a little filly I used to babysit. I saw the times she doted on her like she was her very own mother."

Luna chuckled softly at Cadence's observation. "It seems Celestia has a soft spot for those who bring out the nurturing side of her. I would love to hear more about young Twilight's time in mine sister's tutelage sometime."

"Oh the stories I could tell you." She smirked. "Enough to embarrass both of them of course."

Luna smirked. "I dearly look forward to it, young niece."

The Timid mare and the Princess

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

The Timid mare and the Princess

Canterlot Castle
Early morning within one of the guest rooms

The first tendrils of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange as the timid yellow mare stirred from her deep slumber. The gentle warmth of the sun's light kissed her cheeks, coaxing her awake from the depths of her dreams.

With a soft yawn, Fluttershy blinked away the remnants of sleep, her mind slowly emerging from the comforting embrace of unconsciousness. But even as she rose to greet the new day, the heavy weight that was lifted from her heart upon drifting off into sleep settled upon her heart once again, dragging her down into a sea of doubt and regret.

Memories flooded her mind like a relentless tide, each one a painful reminder of the trials she had faced alongside Sora and her friends, no matter if they were good or bad. And alongside those memories came the crushing weight of guilt. Guilt for pushing Sora away when she believed herself to be the cause of his latest injury and guilt her own insecurities driving a wedge between them.

She wanted to cry again, but she knew that it wouldn't change anything. Crying and whining and dwelling on the past wouldn't bring Sora back to her. Or bring her back to Sora. But what else could she do?

She wanted time to think, it was the reason she had told Rarity to tell Sora to wait for her to come to him, but now what? She had all this time and has yet to come to any real decision on anything, let alone her feelings for Sora.

A gentle knock upon her door pulled the young mare out of her silent reverie. Fluttershy's ears perked up, and she hurriedly wiped away her unshed tears, plastering a small smile on her face. "I…um…Come in," she called softly, hoping to mask the trembling in her voice.

With a gentle click it opens, revealing the lavender form of Twilight Sparkle, the young unicorn giving the mare a gentle smile as she poked her head from around the opened doorn.

"Good morning, Fluttershy," Twilight greeted warmly, her violet eyes quickly taking in the yellow mare’s disheveled appearance. "Oh! I hope I didn't wake you."

The timid mare shook her head, her smile faltering slightly as she met Twilight's gaze. "Um…No, not at all, Twilight. I was...just getting up honestly.” She tilted her head. “Is something the matter?"

"No. At least nothing important that is.” Her friend reassured her. “I was just...um...I wanted to know if you were up for getting some food with me and the girls. We were planning on going into town and I thought...you know...why not not breakfast out to eat? It's been a while since most of us were together like this after all. What with all the craziness going on."

"Oh...Um...I don't mind." Fluttershy agreed. "I...um...I need to freshen up though..."

Twilight's smile brightened at Fluttershy's tentative agreement. "Great! And take your time, Fluttershy. We'll wait for you downstairs," she said cheerfully before pulling the door closed as she left.

With her friend now gone, Fluttershy let out a small sigh of relief. The prospect of spending time with her friends offered a welcome distraction from the turmoil swirling within her heart. Gathering her resolve, she rose from her bed and made her way to the bathroom.

Splashing cool water on her face, the yellow pegasus took a moment to collect her thoughts. She couldn't shake the weight of guilt that hung heavily upon her shoulders, nor the ache of longing that tugged at her heartstrings. But for now, she pushed those feelings aside, focusing instead on the simple pleasure of spending time with her best friends.

Finishing her morning routine, the young mare made her way down towards the main hall of Canterlot Castle, spying not just Twilight and Rarity, but also Rainbow Dash and Trixie too, the latter two, of which, were having an argument of some kind.

The shy mare took a hesitant step forward, her presence going unnoticed amidst the heated exchange between her best friend and the unicorn showmare, Twilight and Rarity being the only one’s to notice her approached when she slipped between the two. She watched as Rainbow Dash's wings flared out, feathers ruffled with frustration, while Trixie crossed her hooves defiantly, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Did I touch a nerve, Rainbow Dash?” Trixie mused, “Must have if you are this angry with Trixie over such a little comment.”

"Listen here, Trixie!" The rainbow mane mare nearly yelled. "If I have to-"

"Um...excuse me?" Fluttershy spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper, but carrying enough weight to capture the attention of both the showmare and her friend. The tension in the air seemed to dissipate as they turned their attention towards the timid mare. Rainbow’s expressions softened, and her wings folding back against her sides while Trixie looked away with a huff.

"Fluttershy, hey!" Rainbow Dash greeted, her tone of voice much calmer than before. "Ah...how's it going?"

The shy mare looked away for only a second before giving her friend a gentle yet meaningful gaze. "I...Um...I don't know what you two are...arguing about...and I know we all had our differences...but...I think it would be nice if we could all get along today...if that's okay with you."

Rainbow Dash's frowned as she glanced over at Trixie, who seemed to be contemplating Fluttershy's words if nothing else. After a moment of silence, The rainbow mare sighed and nodded begrudgingly.

Rainbow frowned but soon relented. "Ugh...fine." She turned towards the blue unicorn. "Truce?"

"Hmph, fine," Trixie muttered. "But only because Sora's mare asked so nicely."

"Oh! B-But I'm not...I mean...that's..." Fluttershy stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the show mare’s description of her, doing her best to hide behind the pink curtain that was her mane. “I…um…hhmmhm…”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, rolled her eyes at her friend. "Don’t pay attention to her, Fluttershy. We know you're not 'Sora's mare',” She paused and couldn’t help but add the word “yet," at the end of her sentence.

The shy mare, herself, couldn’t help but mumble something under her breath at her friend’s remark. Before Rainbow could ask what it was she just said, Twilight interjected between them.

"Okay everypony. Now that everyone is gathered, how about we get going now. I know the perfect spot to eat, and it's close to my home so we can stop by after we eat. Been meaning to visit the family anyway." She turned towards Trixie with a smile. "I...um...The offer still stands if you want to come with us, Trixie."

"No thank you, Sparkle," the mare answered, her voice her usual haughty tone when she addressed the lavender unicorn. "But Trixie has my own mother to visit in Canterlot, and it's been far too long since Trixie has seen her." She pauses before looking away from them. "But...Trixe will say thank you for the offer. It is what Sora would want from Trixie for being his friend after all." She huffed before trotting away, leaving the rest of the girls alone.

“Ugh…” Rainbow rolled her eyes once again, something that was becoming quite common when she was around Trixie. “She really is taking that whole friend thing too seriously.”

“Oh I say let the mare be.” Rarity mused. “Besides, it might do her some good to be friends with our, Sora. She seems like the type that doesn’t have too many friends after all and he just might be the perfect balance for that.”

"I...um...Speaking of Sora.” Fluttershy timidly spoke up. “Is...I mean. Will he be coming with us?"

“Don’t get me started on, Spiky.” Rainbow answered with a huff. “The dolt’s still in his room.”

The shy mare breathed a sigh of relief at that answer. She had not wanted to see the stallion yet...but...a gentle ping in her heart could still be felt at being away from him once again.

After processing her feelings, Fluttershy nodded slowly before her expression turned to one of concern. "I see...I...Um...was he...doing okay when you checked on him?" She looked away. “I-If you don’t mind me asking that is…”

"He..." Rainbow paused before shaking her head, shrugging. "I don't know. I knocked on his door but he said he wanted to rest a bit more and didn’t want to be bothered. Something about not feeling up to going out today or something." She huffed. "You ask me, he's trying to get out of talking about what Celestia told him last night."

"Now Rainbow Dash, don't go making accusations like that without real evidence." Rarity chimed in, her tone gentle but firm. "Sora is going through a lot right now like the rest of us, and we should respect his need for space if that is what he needs to do to cope with it. Perhaps he just needs time to process everything he learned from Princess Celestia."

Fluttershy nodded. "I…um…I think I agree with Rarity," she murmured softly. "I'm just..." She trailed off, looking down. “I’m just worried about him…”

Twilight placed a comforting hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "I wouldn't worry too much about Sora. He's proven to be no less than a strong stallion. I'm sure he'll come to us when he's ready."

Fluttershy offered a small nod, though her worry still lingered in the depths of her eyes. "I know, Twilight. I just...I wish there was something more I could do to help him."

"We all do, darling." Rarity mused softly. "But as of now all we can do is wait. It is what he's doing for you after all."

"And listen. If he is still holed up in his room like a turtle I’ll be sure to check in on him." Rainbow said before turning to the purple unicorn before she could interject. "And I won’t drag him out if he doesn’t feel like talking. Happy?"

"You...you're not...I mean...You aren't going to tell me to do it myself...like last time on the train?" Fluttershy asked her friend in a timid tone.

"Naw..." The rainbow mane mare said, looking away as she scratched the back of her head. "I mean...It sucks you don't want to but...Sora did say he would wait for you so..."

Fluttershy nodded, her heart fluttering at the mention of Sora waiting for her. Despite the anxiety that crept up within her, the thought of seeing him again brought a small smile to her face. She smiled at her friend. "T-Thank you."

Rainbow Scoffed. "No need for thanks, Shy. though being the messenger mare is a total pain in the flank you guys are my friends so its whatevs." She raised her head, clapping both of her forehooves together. "But enough about Spiky! I'm hungry enough to eat a cake as big as the Princesses."

"Did somepony say Princess?"

The four girls turned with a start, finding a familiar pink princess making her way towards them.

"Cadance!" Twilight exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be in a meeting with Celestia for quite some time this morning."

“Haha. She let me off early for good behavior.” Cadance joked before she smiled warmly at Twilight and the group. "On my way through the halls, I couldn't help but overhear that you were all planning to go into town for some breakfast, so I thought I'd join you if that's alright."

Twilight nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, Cadance! We'd love to have you join us." She turned towards her friends. “Right girls?” The others all chimed in with agreements, welcoming Princess Cadance to their group with opened hooves. Cadance couldn’t help but smile as she looked between them/.

"Then if it's alright with all of you, I'll pay for today's meal."

The lavender mare shook her head. "Cadance. You don't have to. I've brought enough bits for all of us."

"Please Twilight. Humor me this one time." The princess said with a playful wink. "You girls saved me not once, but Twice. At my wedding and at the Crystal Empire. Let me at least show you how grateful I am to have friends like you."

Twilight and her friends couldn’t help but blush at the princess’s words. Twilight coughed into her hoof before looking between the others. With nods from everyone, she turned back towards her former babysitter. "Well, if you insist, Cadance. We wouldn't want to refuse your generosity."

"Indeed." Rarity mused with a smirk. "It almost feels like you are trying to become the new Element of Generosity in my stead."

Cadance chuckled at the fashionista’s playful remark. "Oh, I don't think I could ever replace you in that department, Rarity. But I do believe in showing gratitude and kindness whenever I can."

Rarity smiled graciously at the princess. "Well, as the current said element then, your generosity is certainly appreciated, my dear."

"Well with that settled." Rainbow interjected. "What are we waiting for? Applejack and Pinkie Pie to show? Lets get some grub already."

As the group made their way down the marble streets of Canterlot, the morning’s sun cast a warm glow over them as it rose higher and higher into the blue skys. The laughter and chatter of ponies filled the air, blending harmoniously with the fluttering of wings and the clip-clop of hooves.

Twilight was in front of the group alongside Rarity, the former filling the latter in on the current events ever since the purple unicorn had made her way to Canterlot some days ago.

Rainbow, flying above them all, seemed content to be on her own, just following after the others with gentle flaps of her wings.

The last two, Fluttershy and Cadance, had taken up the rear, the latter of the two having fallen behind the others to keep pace with the shy mare.

The princess smiled softly as her gaze flickered towards Fluttershy. "We haven't really talked that much, have we, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy's ears perked up at Cadance's gentle remark, and she turned to meet the princess's gaze with a shy smile. "Um, no, not really. I mean, there was the wedding...oh...but...Most of that wasn't you..." She squeaked softly. "Sorry..."

The pink alicorn giggled softly, a warm expression forming on her face. "No need to apologize, Fluttershy. The wedding was quite a hectic event for everyone involved. But I'm glad we have this chance to chat now. Maybe even become good friends like I am with Twilight?"

"Oh...um...I…I would like that." the timid mare answered with a gentle nod. "You were really nice and kind back at the wedding and everything. I did wish I could have talked to you a bit more too. But I did see that Shining wasn't letting you out of his sights the whole night...and I didn't want to bother you."

Cadance's smile softened, and she placed a reassuring hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. "You're very considerate, Fluttershy. But please don't ever feel like you're bothering me. I'm always happy to spend time with friends, new or old, whether it's at a busy event like a wedding or just a quiet stroll through town."

Fluttershy nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Cadance. That means a lot to me."

"Anytime, Fluttershy." The princess’s gaze fell back forward, but only for a few moments before she gazed at the yellow mare with a side eye. "So...Sora, huh?"

The timid mare nearly tripped over herself at the mention of the stallion's name, the princess of love laughing softly as he caught the tumbling mare in her magic, before putting her back into a walking position.

Cadance winked. "Hehe. Got it in one, hmm?"

Fluttershy’s cheeks turned a rosy hue at the teasing from Cadance. "I-I...um...I mean...Sora is...he's just...uh..." She stumbled over her words, her gaze flitting nervously towards the ground.

The pink princess raised a hoof to hide the soft giggles she was producing. “Don't tell me you are actually trying to fool the Princess of love." she mused softly. "I mean…The way you were always near him and wanting to talk to him back at the barn party, there was no way I wouldn't have noticed such a thing."

"W-wait...you knew...all the way back then?" the yellow mare asked with a soft gasp. "B-But I...I mean I didn't even..."

"It's not that hard to see when two ponies care about each other, at least when it comes to me. The way you look at him, the way you worry about him... it was written all over your face back then...and still is now. Besides, love doesn't just happen like flipping a switch. I would have been surprised if you knew right away you liked him."

Fluttershy's cheeks felt like they were on fire, the blush spreading all the way to her ears as she tried to process Cadance's words. She couldn't deny the truth in them, but hearing it so plainly spoken out loud made her heart race with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"So..." the princess mused as she leaned in. "How did it feel? When did you found out?"

Fluttershy's heart fluttered nervously at Cadance's question, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words to express her feelings. "Um... it was... overwhelming, I guess. I-I mean, I didn't really understand what I was feeling at first. But then, as I spent more time with Sora, I realized that... um... I cared about him deeply. And... it felt... nice. But also scary."

The princess laughed again. "Oh my...sounds just like what I went through with Shining when I first found how I felt about him."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise at Cadance's revelation, her cheeks flushing even deeper at the thought of the princess experiencing similar feelings. "R-Really? You felt the same way about Shining Armor?"

Cadance nodded with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with fond memories. "Yes, it was quite a whirlwind of emotions, I’ll tell you. I remember feeling a mix of excitement, nervousness, and uncertainty. But above all, there was this overwhelming sense of love and affection that I couldn't ignore." She smirked. "Don't tell Twily this but she's only half the reason I took the baby sitting job. The other reason was to get close to Shining Armor."

"Oh my...Um..." She paused before looking at the mare. "So...you two started dating right away?"

"As if!" Cadance groaned with a roll of her eyes. "My Shiny has many great qualities and I love him to bits. But...I had never met a more dense stallion in my life."

The shy mare couldn't help but giggle at the princess's exasperated expression. "D-Dense? Really?"

Cadance nodded, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh yes, he was completely clueless. It took some not-so-subtle hints and a lot of patience before he finally realized my feelings for him. But once he did, well, the rest is history." She smiled. "You're lucky in a way. You don't have to wait forever and a year before you're stallion knows you like him."

The yellow mare lowered her head at that, the weight she felt this morning slowly returning. "I...I don't feel lucky about it."

The mood between them grew somber at the shy mare's statement. Cadance, despite that, smiled softly at the young mare. "And why do you say that Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy hesitated, her gaze fixed on the ground as she gathered her thoughts. "I... I guess...I mean...I..."

The princess of love shook her head before raising a hoof, causing the timid and uncertain mare to become quiet. She then winked at her. "Would you allow me to guess? Maybe make a small game of it. It always helps me when I need to convey my feelings. All you have to do is nod or shake your head okay?"

While hesitant at first, she shy mare slowly nodded at the Princess’s proposal, wondering where this was all going for her.

"Right. First question then. And an easy one boot." Cadance smiled. "Do you love Sora with all your heart?"

Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise at the directness of Cadance's question, her heart fluttering nervously in her chest. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before giving a hesitant nod, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink.

"Okay. Good." Her smile faltered ever so slightly. "This next one is more personal, then. Are you okay with me asking?"

Fluttershy's gaze flickered with uncertainty, but she managed a small nod, trusting Cadance to navigate this sensitive territory with kindness and understanding.

"Do you feel like you shouldn't love him?"

breath caught in her throat, the timid mare couldn’t help but squeak softly at the question, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and apprehension. She hesitated for a moment before slowly lowering and raising her head in a very sad affirmative.

The princess of love closed her eyes at that, nodding softly as if she had already knew the answer before continuing. "Then…If I had to guess with a question…Is it because of what happened in Trottingham?"

Fluttershy's eyes began to glisten with unshed tears at the mention of that dreaded time, a place she had tried to forget but whose memories lingered like ghosts in her heart. She nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her past mistakes pressing down on her fragile spirit.

"I see..." Cadance smiled softly. "Fluttershy. Can I tell you a story?"

Fluttershy sniffled, wiping away a tear as she looked up at Princess Cadance.

"Back when I was captured by the Changeling Queen. She taunted me nonstop.Showed me with the Crystal’s magic what she was doing to hurt my Shining at the time of my imprisonment" She shook her head. "Unable to do anything, all I could do was watch. A case made worse because she did it all in my form.”

Fluttershy listened intently, her heart aching for Cadance as she recounted her painful experience. She could sense the vulnerability and insecurity beneath the princess's confident exterior, recognizing in Cadance's words a reflection of her own doubts and fears.

"I...when I was saved...and we defeated the Queen. I know I looked happy and full of rainbows but..." She lowered her head. "A part of me could still see the me that wasn't me hurting my Shiny, and that I was powerless to stop any of it...and because of that...I...I didn't feel worthy of his love. All because I couldn't protect him from that...Changeling." She looked towards the shy mare. "So…I say all that because I think I know how you feel right now. About Sora. But more importantly…about yourself"

"I…i…," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "After Trottingham, I couldn't help but blame myself for what happened to Sora. I felt like I failed him, like I wasn't strong enough to protect him from harm. And... and because of that...Just like you…" She trailed off.

The princess nodded. "I understand. And just like you are feeling now, my mind was coming up with hundreds of reasons to break off everything. To end it so I don't hurt him because of my insecurities. But the night of the wedding, when I came to him to talk about it, before I could even get a word out he smiled and told me that he loved me." She shook her head. "It hurt to hear but it also made me the happiest mare alive. I knew we would have to talk about it. We still do honestly. I wasn't the only one hurting that day after all, but I knew, after looking deep into his eyes on that day...that I wanted to spend the rest of my days with that kind, dense stallion."

Cadance's gaze fell back to the shy mare. "So...I can't tell you want to do in the end, it is your choice, but...I can give you a bit of advice. Go think about all you want to say to him. Don't hold back. And then, when you are ready, go see him and look him in the eyes and then...say what's in your heart."

"I…” The mare hesitated before nodding slowly. “I…I don’t know if I can be as brave as you were…but…I'll take your advice to heart..." The yellow mare said softly. "And...um...Thank you...I know you didn't have to tell me about any of this but..."

Cadance laughed softly. "Don’t mention it. It is the duty of the Princess of Love to help all those in need of guidance."

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile at the princess’s lighthearted response, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort in the princess's presence. Despite the weight of their conversation, the shy mare's anxieties and doubts were at least a bit more bearable.

Said princess looked forwards before gasping softly. "Oh. Seems the girls are waiting on us."

The shy mare followed her gaze, seeing her friends looking towards the two of them in front of a little restaurant named Donut Jo's. The same place that the girls went to on the night of the disastrous Gala Night, the smell of fresh baked goods wafting through the opened doors. With a small epp, the yellow mare ran just a little bit faster to catch up to them, Cadance smiling softly before shaking her head.

"Right. Balls in your court now Sora."

Pancakes and Sunshine

Author's Note

So...I just noticed i forgot this chapter somehow some way so sorry for people having to read this. Anyway. Enjoy

I'll keep this up for a while before taking it off after a day or so

Pancakes and Sunshine

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Pancakes and Sunshine

Canterlot Castle
An hour or so earlier...

Despite having awoken before the brake of dawn, Sora stayed trapped between the soft satin sheets upon his bed, trying to process the whirlwind of information that had been thrown at him the night before. He couldn't believe it—his human form lost to him? It seemed surreal, almost impossible. But the events of the previous night, the encounter with Celestia and her explanation, he couldn't doubt someone who held such sorrow in her heart...in her voice.

He shifted uncomfortably in the soft, unfamiliar bedding of the guest room. The room itself was luxurious, fit for a prince or princess, but that only added to the weight of his situation. What was he supposed to do now? What was his mother going to say...his friends...Donald...Goofy...Riku and... He paused as he turned his body to lay on his side as he pondered further. Beyond that though, what does that mean for what he has to do? To be sure he wasn't not going to continue to help Celestia rid her world of Darkness. He may have lost his human form but that doesn’t stop him from doing what's right.

And then...there was...her...

Fluttershy.

He couldn't help but feel even more conflicted than he had been before as his thoughts flew back to the shy timid and…he can honestly say cute mare. Fluttershy loved him, that much he knew, even when she found out that he wasn't born a pony she confessed to him. Sure he was on the verge of death at the time but she held true to it, even if she is conflicted herself for other reasons.

But what about him now?

Do I...love her? Heck do I even like her? Is this pony body making me like her? Were any of my feelings real...or not?

Sora sighed softly as he shifted in the bed, his mind swirling with questions and doubts. He couldn't deny the connection he felt with Fluttershy, the warmth that blossomed in his chest whenever he thought of her, even now. But was that because he was a pony now?

Before the stallion could ponder further, a knock upon his door caused him to sit up. He blinked before opening his mouth to say something, stopping only when the words were on the tip of his tongue.

Maybe...they will go away?

"Sora. Don't think I don't hear you moving around in there."

He groaned.

Of course it was Rainbow Dash.

Knowing the blue pegasus wouldn't let him off easy if he didn’t say something he mustered his brain to make him talk.

"Hey, Dash...ah...what's up?" The stallion called out, sitting up in his bed.

"You're not opening the door for me, that's what's up." The mare answered with a huff. "What's the deal? You know it's me so open up already."

Sora sighed softly before looking away from the door. He didn't want to be rude but... "Hey Dash?" He hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Listen...do you mind if I have some time to myself right now."

Rainbow Dash's hoof paused mid-air, hovering just outside Sora's door. She blinked, taken aback by his request, before planting it firmly on the ground, a sound clearly heard by the stallion as he flinched at the noise it made. "Whoa, hold on a sec, Sora," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you trying to run away from talking about what Celestia told you last night?"

The stallion winced again.. "No, it's not that, Dash," he replied, turning back towards the door to face her voice. "It's just... I need some time to myself. Honest. Besides, it..." He lowered his head, not quite knowing what to say or how to say it. Shaking his head he spoke again. "I promised to tell you...but I need more time okay?"

It was quite for a long while before he heard something thud against the door. He didn’t know what it was, but was sure it was some part of the Rainbow maned pony outside of it.

"Okay...fine.” Her voice rang out, not defeated but nearly so. “Just...if you come up with some stupid half backed plan on disappearing on us then I'm hauling your sorry flank back to Canterlot and telling the princess to lock you away in the dungeon."

Sora couldn't help but chuckle softly at Rainbow Dash's threat. Least he knew she was okay with it. "I got ya. No running away for me, okay?"

Rainbow grumbled softly. "Good. Then I better catch you outside your room later, okay Spiky?"

Sora nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "You got it, Dash. I'll be out there."

With that, Rainbow Dash trotted away down the hallway, leaving Sora alone in his thoughts once again. He took a moment to collect himself before allowing his back to hit the bed once more. Talking to his friend actually did lighten his mood a bit, enough for him to even think that he might have a bit of a restful nap compared to last night's fretful sleep. Closing his eyes, he was about to drift off for an early morning nap when another knock came to his door.

The stallion sighed as he opened his eyes, sitting up once again. "Did you forget something, Dash?"

"Oh...Ummm...I do not think she did. At least not that I can see around me."

The stallion blinked at the voice that definitely wasn't the rainbow maned mare. Slipping from his bed. He quickly opened the door to find Princess Celestia, smiling softly at him, her usual adornments absent from her being.

"Good morning, Sora," The princess mused gently, "May I come in?"

He hesitated for only a moment. He had wanted some time to himself...But he knew he couldn't keep Celestia waiting outside his door. With a nod, he stepped aside, allowing her to enter the room proper. Doing so he found a food tray floating listlessly in behind her with pancakes of all things. He blinked at the floating food being placed upon his table before catching the mare's gaze upon him.

"I...ah...Morning...ah...Tia," Sora greeted, stepping towards the table, raising an eyebrow. "This looks good. Is it all for you?"

"Do you think that I'm that fat Sora?" The princess asked with a raised eyebrow of her own. An action that caused the poor stallion to immediately regret his words.

"No, no, I didn't mean that! I just meant...uh..." He rubbed the back of his head, an apologetic smile forming on his face. T-Then does that mean all of this is for…?" He trailed, scratching his cheek.

"Hmm...Hahaha..." Celestia's melodious laugh filled the room before she turned back to the stallion, a mischievous smile on her face. "I was only teasing, Sora. And yes, this breakfast is indeed for the both of us. I thought it would be nice for us to share a meal..." She paused before looking away, her expression now more cautious. "I-If you would have me of course. If you wish to be alone then..."

Sora quickly shook his head, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "No, no! I don't mind Tia. Looks too good not to share it. Sides, I could eat something." Pulling out the nearby chair, he slipped into it, the princess following after him with her own.

"Okay...then...Allow me." Slowly but surely, the princess of the sun began to work, her magic passing out portions of the pancakes and fruits between them. The aroma of fresh pancakes and syrup filled the air, making Sora's stomach growl in anticipation, and remind him just how hungry he actually was. The fruits gave off a sweet and tangy scent, while the scrambled eggs had a rich and savory smell.

With plates made, the princess, without hesitation, began to dig in, a soft hmm of satisfaction escaping her as she chewed and swallowed the first bite. "It has been a while since I've eaten with somepony in such a casual way. With you hear, I thought it might be a nice change of pace to do so with somepony I don't have to put on airs around."

"Really?" The stallion asked, picking up a nearby fork stabbing it into the fluffy flat cake. As he took a bite of the pancakes, He was met with a burst of sweetness and warmth in his mouth. He turned towards the mare, his eyes sparkling softly, "Thish ish delishioush, Prinshessh!" Sora complimented with a grin.

"Hehe...thank you, Sora." The mare mused softly, stiffening a laugh. "But do chew and swallow before talking. The food isn't going anywhere and neither am I after all."

The stallion nodded sheepishly, taking another bite of his pancakes and savoring the delicious flavor before swallowing. "Sorry about that," he said with a sheepish grin. "I guess I got a little too excited."

Celestia smiled fondly at him, her gaze softening with affection. "No need to apologize, Sora. I'm just happy to see you enjoying my cooking."

"Back to what I was asking before though. Do you eat alone most of the time? What about Luna?"

Celestia's smile faltered slightly at the mention of Luna, but she quickly regained her composure. "Luna and I do share meals together occasionally, but our schedules often keep us apart," she explained, her tone tinged with a hint of sadness. "As rulers of Equestria, we have many responsibilities to attend to, and sometimes that means dining alone." She sighed. "I don't even get to share the funny face pancakes with my little sister like I use to back in the day."

"I guess that would suck..." The keyblade wielder said sympathetically, taking another bite of his pancakes. "But hey, guess that just means more for me and you while I'm here right?"

Celestia nodded. "hehe...indeed." The two fell into a comfortable silence as they began to eat properly, both mare and stallion just, enjoying the food before them

As they continued to eat, Sora, despite himself, couldn't help but notice the tiny, almost imperceptible lines of exhaustion etched across Celestia's face. She had always carried herself with grace and confidence, but now there was a weariness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. At least, since the times he had met her.

Even her playful tone from before was more lack luster then he thought it could ever be. And he pretty much he knew all too well why.

Sitting back he looked at the princess for a long while, an action that did not go unnoticed by the tall white mare. She lifted her head up ever so slowly, before looking away, swallowing the food she had in her maw. "So...ah...Sleep well?"

"Enough I guess." He shrugged. "What about you, Tia?"

"I managed," she replied with a faint smile, though the weariness in her voice betrayed her words. "A rulers work is never done after all."

"I see..." Sora knew he was a bit of an idiot in most things, but he knew when a friend needed someone to talk to and Celestia looked no different. He folded his hooves across his chest, "So...Gonna tell me the real reason you're here?"

Princess Celestia's smile faded, and she sighed softly. "You're quite perceptive today, Sora," she admitted. "Or maybe I'm losing my touch..."

"I have my moments...especially when I know my friends are hurting." Much to the stallion's surprise, the squeak she made at his words was quite adorable.

"You...ah...Call me friend still?" Her tone felt hopeful, even if it was tinged in worry.

"That never changed as far as I'm concerned." He told the mare with a wink. "I mean...sure...everything was a lot to take in last night, and...I honestly don't know what I will do when this is all over and the Heartless are gone." He looked down at himself. "I mean...Donald and Goofy are a duck and a dog so going around as a pony doesn't sound like the worst thing in the world. I can manage that." He sighed. "I am kinda worried what mom will say when she sees me though, let alone Riku and Kairi."

"If you are that concerned...I can come with you when you return home to explain things." She said softly. "I mean it is partly my fault you are stuck like this. Maybe...I could turn some of her ire towards me."

"Knowing how my mom is? She'll be pissed for about a week and lecture you every day." Sora laughed. "I mean, you may be a thousand year old mare but my mom is way scarier then you might ever be."

"If it is the price I have to pay then I shall surely pay it," she said playfully. "Besides, it's the least I can do after all you've done to help protect Equestria and its inhabitants. And don’t worry, a little motherly rath is something I'm kind of used to honestly. You should see Twilight's mom."

The stallion smiled brightly. "Haha...I'll take your word for it. Also...good to see you smile again, Tia. You look better when you are happy.

The princess giggled softly. "I could...hehe...I could say the same to you, Sora. A smile better suits somepony as kind as you."

He blushed as he rubbed the back of his head, "Then...I guess we both needed a little reminder of that...huh?"

"True...still, leaving it at just pancakes, last nights apology and sacrificing myself to you're mother's rage doesn't quite sit well with me." She leaned forward. "So I came with a gift. Or more like...a wish."

The stallion’s curiosity piqued as he leaned in closer, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "A wish? What kind of wish?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder.

"You can ask me for anything and I'll do my best to give it to you. It's the least I can do for everything. For what you done for us and what you had to sacrifice because of my mistakes."

Sora hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities. He had never been given a wish before, and the thought of having something granted to him felt both exhilarating and overwhelming. But in that moment, as he looked into Princess Celestia's kind, weary eyes, he knew exactly what he wanted to ask for.

"I...Its not really a wish but...I do have something I want...if that's okay?"

Princess Celestia nodded, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Of course, Sora," she replied, her voice gentle and encouraging. "You can ask me anything."

"I..." He paused, leaning back in his chair and looking down. "I need some advice..."

"Advice?" She asked, with a tilt of her head. "Well if it is something I am knowledgeable in then I am happy to lend it to you." She smiled softly as she leaned forwards, her hooves resting upon the table before her. "What seems to be the trouble?"

"I...well..." he sighed. "I honestly don't know where to start." He looked towards the mare. "But...I guess I can go with...ah..." He paused as he rubbed the back of his head once again. "If...Grogar came to you the same way he did me...what would you have done?"

Princess Celestia's expression softened as she listened to his question, her gaze thoughtful as she considered his words. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking.

"That...is a tough question to answer," she began gently, "What you had faced with Grogar was an incredibly difficult situation, and the decision you had to make was undoubtedly a challenging one." She paused. "If I were in your position, faced with the threat of my friends' safety and the weight of such a heavy burden, I can't say I would have done what you did, Grogar is a dangerous foe, one that should not be taken lightly. If there was even a sliver of a chance to destroy him…I would have taken it…." Before Sora could speak, she raised a hoof. "And yet...knowing that…I know you acted with the best intentions and with the safety of your friends at heart. With that in mind, I can honestly say you did nothing wrong."

"I..." The stallion shook his head, "I mean...you might be right but...I still feel like I could have done more..."

Princess Celestia reached across the table and placed a comforting hoof on The keyblade Wielder’s shoulder. "It's natural to feel that way in hindsight, especially when you care so deeply about your friends. But I want you to remember that you are only one person, and you can't always bear the weight of the world on your shoulders alone, even if you try your hardest to do so." She squeezed his shoulder gently. "You did what you thought was right in that moment, and that's all anyone can ask of you."

"I..." Sora closed his eyes and gently laughed. "I understand...Tia. And Thanks. Guess I just...I needed that."

"Always happy to help Sora." She smiled. "Though...I somehow feel that isn't the only question you needed answered."

The stallion balked before looking away. "Ah...I mean...I guess not. But...Didn't want to bother you with it if I could help it..."

It was Celestia's turn to laugh. "Which means this one is a bit more personal, is it?"

"It...is..." He took a deep breath, his expression serious as he met Celestia's gaze. "It's about Fluttershy," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "There's so much going on right now and...I... I'm not sure how to handle my feelings for her in the midst of all of this."

Princess Celestia leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "Ah, young love," she said, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "These feelings can be quite perplexing, can't they?"

Sora nodded, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "I…Don’t know…maybe," he replied, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I mean, Fluttershy is amazing. She's kind, gentle, and she has this incredible way of connecting with animals and making them feel safe. In all of our walks together, I’ve watched her talk to a bear. Tell off a badger…and I saw her pet a snake like she would a puppy...Pretty sure it was a viper too." He shook his head, getting back on topic, "But...Even if I feel that way, I don't know if I can even trust my own feelings...because...well...of how I got to Equestia in the first place..."

"Oh...I see now." the concerned look she had when he had began softened. "I guess It would be natural to question the origin of your feelings, especially in a situation as unique as yours," she replied, her tone gentle and reassuring. "But tell me, Sora, why do you feel that your feelings for Fluttershy may not be genuine?"

"I don't...I don't know. Because I...Maybe the magic did something to my brain..." He said softly looking away from her. "N-Not that I'm blaming you are anything its just..." He paused, looking away form the mare. "Sorry..."

Princess Celestia shook her head gently, her expression softening with empathy as she listened to his concerns. "Sora, you have every right to doubt yourself, especially in a situation as unusual as this," she said, her voice filled with understanding. "But I want you to know that I never tampered with your mind or your feelings. Using magic to influence someone's emotions is forbidden for a reason, and I would never violate that trust."

She reached out a hoof and placed it gently on Sora's, offering him a reassuring squeeze. "Everything you've felt, from the moment you met Fluttershy to now, is entirely of your own volition," she continued, her tone gentle and sincere. "Your feelings are genuine and valid, regardless of the circumstances that led to them."

The stallion stared down at their hooves, processing Celestia's words. His mind swirled with conflicting emotions, now more then ever. Every second that he had spent with Fluttershy replayed in his mind and...they were all his feelings, even if he was still unsure about him and the timid mare.

Sora wanted to smile but he couldn't help but look away. "I...I don't even know if I love her like she does me. I've never had someone love me like this before. I've...I never..."

"You don't have to love her back like she loves you, Sora." Princess Celestia answered. "Love is not a transaction, where you give back exactly what you receive. It's a journey of discovery, filled with ups and downs, and it may take time for your own feelings to catch up. I'm sure it took Fluttershy a long while to come up with her own decision about you, and she looks like the kind of mare to wait for your answer, no matter what it may be."

"I guess you're right," The keyblade wielder murmured, looking down. "Love is...complicated, huh?"

"I wish it wasn't so...but if it wasn't then I wouldn't wish to have it in my life at all." She chuckled softy. "I...ahaha...I hope that made sense. Kinda was just winging it for that saying."

He couldn't help but chuckle at Celestia's playful remark, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders. "I think I get the jest of it," He sighs again before smiling. "There's a lot I have to think about now...but that's something I think I have to do on my own. Still, thanks for the help, Tia."

"It's not a problem at all, Sora. Remember, you're never truly alone in your struggles. Your friends are always there for you, and...me being one of them...so am I," Princess Celestia reassured him with a warm smile. She slipped from the table, picking up the dirty plates from between them with her magic. "I'll leave you to your thinking now though...it was nice...talking to you Sora. As it always is. Thank you for indulging me today."

The mare, with barely a sound. Pop out of existence, right before his eyes, almost as if she was never there to begin with. The stallion sat alone at the table, his thoughts swirling with newfound clarity. "Not sure if I'll ever be ready when I see her still...but..." He trailed off before looking towards the blue of the sky out the nearby window, the cool morning air blowing ever so softly.

A Day of Relaxation

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A day of Relaxation

City of Canterlot
Late Morning

Five mare exited from Donut Joe's, each one satisfied after their hearty breakfast from within.

Rainbow Dash, content as she was, gracefully landed on her hooves before sitting on her haunches, a blue hoof patted her belly with a satisfied grin. "Now that was a breakfast fit for a champion.” She turned towards the pink pony behind her. “Or should I say princess. Thanks for fitting the bill by the way Princess Cadance."

Cadance released a soft laugh from behind her raised hoof. "Hehee. Anytime Rainbow...and please, call me Cadance. We are among friends after all."

The brash mare smirked."Hey if being friends with you means eating like a princess then I'm all for it."

"Now Dash, do be careful with that line of thinking," Rarity mused. "Wouldn't want to ruin your athletic figure after all."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes playfully. "Come on Rarity. You know me. I burn off these calories in ten seconds flat!" She smiled before turning towards Fluttershy, placing a hoof around her friend’s shoulder. "Now, If you wanna talk about somepony who can pack it away, then you might wanna turn to the yellow vacuum over here."

Said mare blushed brightly at the blue mare’s teasing. "Well, I...I mean...I hadn't really eaten much the past day or two so...," she admitted doing her best to hide behind the fringes of her mane. "I guess with things calming down and my head...a little less of a mess...my hunger caught up to me..."

"I know how you feel Fluttershy.” Twilight sympathized, “ We've all been through quite the ordeal lately," She gave the timid mare a knowing glance, "Still out of all of us...I'm glad you are feeling a lot better then when I first saw you at the castle last night."

Fluttershy timidly rubbed her foreleg in embarrassment. "I...um...Thank you Twilight. And yes...I...do feel alot better now." She turned towards Cadance. "And thank you Cadance...for everything."

The princess of love winked at the timid mare. "Always happy to help my friends Fluttershy.” Looking towards the sky, she nodded softly. “Now, I really should be going. I'm sure Princess Celestia is waiting on my return after all…though..." She turned towards Twilight. "You said you were going to visit your parents right, Twi? Are you sure you don't want me to at least walk you the way there? I mean I can teleport myself back to the castle if I need to when I do."

Twilight smiled gratefully at her old foal sitter. "Thank you, Cadance. That's very thoughtful of you, but I'll be okay. It's not too far from here, and I could really use the walk to clear my head. I still have to work though all these papers I memorized about the Diamond Dogs. A little me time for such a task can be good. But I'll definitely see you back at the castle. Okay?"

The Princess nodded understandingly before moving to gently give her sister-in-law a giant hug. "Hehe. I'll see you later then, Twilight." She turned to the others. "And all of you as well. Rainbow. Rarity...And Fluttershy." Bidding them a gentle farewell, she soon vanished in a shimmer of magical light, surprising most of the ponies who had been walking nearby.

Sighing softly, The lavender unicorn smiled towards her friends. "What about the rest of you?"

Rainbow Dash, always being the first one, spoke up, "I think I'm going to head over to the Wonderbolts' training grounds and work on some new tricks. Gotta stay ahead of the game, you know? Besides, like I said...I can burn off my calories in ten seconds...flat!" She gave a cocky smirk before taking off into the sky with a burst of speed, kicking up dust, much to many of the ponies around them annoyance.

Rarity scoffed as she watched the blue mare in the sky with a critical eye. "My word...must she always do things so brutishly?" Turning back to the rest, she smiled softly. "As for moi, I was planning on hitting Canterlot's Spa boutique today. I was given tickets for two from Celestia herself as you may have it." She turned towards Fluttershy. "And because I have two, I thought it might be a good way for me and Fluttershy to unwind after everything in Trottingham. If you would love to join me, Darling."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise at Rarity's invitation, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh...um...Rarity, that sounds lovely," she replied, her voice soft and appreciative. "Of course I would love to join you."

"Wonderful!” The fashionista beamed. “ It'll be a delightful afternoon of pampering and relaxation."

Fluttershy nodded eagerly, her heart fluttering with anticipation at the thought of spending time with Rarity and indulging in some much-needed self-care. "Yes, I'm actually looking forward to it," she murmured, her smile growing.

Twilight watched the exchange between her friends with a smile. "Can't say I'm not jealous but I think you two deserve a bit of rest." she remarked, her tone cheerful. "So, we will meet back together at Canterlot Castle. I'll still have to fill Sora in on everything later on about the Diamond Dogs, but that can wait for now. Right now it's time for me to make a home visit I’ve been putting off for a while. So...see you girls later?"

The three friends bid their farewells to Twilight as she made her way towards her parents' house.

Rarity and Fluttershy, on the other hand, walked the other way, their hooves clopping softly down the cobblestone path as they walked side by side towards the Canterlot Spa Boutique, their conversation filled with excitement and anticipation for the relaxing afternoon ahead.

The walk was short, made all the shorter as they talked. Well Rarity was doing most of the talking while Fluttershy listened and hummed softly in response to her words. It wouldn't be long before they made their way into the spa proper, the scents of lavender and chamomile filling the air around them.

Of course, Rarity instantly presented her tickets to the mare behind the counter.

The head masseuse smiled warmly as she took the tickets. "Welcome, dear honored guest, to the Canterlot Spa Boutique," she greeted them, making her way towards the nearby curtain. Pulling it back she gestured for them to enter. "I hope you both have a relaxing and rejuvenating experience today. Please feel free to explore our facilities and let us know if there's anything we can do to make your visit more enjoyable."

Fluttershy returned the smile, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling within her as she glanced around the spa. The plush robes, softly lit rooms, and serene atmosphere promised a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the past few days.

Rarity linked her hoof with Fluttershy's, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Shall we, darling?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

Fluttershy nodded eagerly, her heart aflutter with anticipation as she followed Rarity into the spa.

~

Canterlot Castle

Sora, finishing getting dressed, Strapped the bags Rarity had made for him around his legs tight before standing up. Slipping a hoof inside them, he frowned when he pulled out only three bottles of his Potions. "Dang…Only a few of them left. Least I can use the ethers I have now that I have my magic back. Those should hold me for a while till that mare...ah...Zecora I think her name was, right? She's the one working on making more potions for me and the girls so...Guess I gotta be a little careful with what I use for now."

He sighed softly before opening the door to his room, looking out into the hallway. His head swiveled left, and then right before he exited proper, closing the door behind himself. He folded his hooves across his chest, and closed his eyes, Not that I have any use for them now. Celestia said that I have a few days to myself...but...Hmm...What can I do? It's been a while since I was alone like this. Not since back at the islands.

Opening his eyes once again he looked around himself. Actually there was usually always someone around, even back in Ponyville. If it wasn’t…umm… He blushed lightly in embarssment. If it wasn’t Fluttershy, it was Rainbow Dash…or one of the fillies. Guess…I never really had time to myself…at least not for a long period of time…”

With little else, Sora began to wander the halls of Canterlot Castle, his mind racing with thoughts of what he could do during his rare moment of solitude. The familiar faces of Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were all preoccupied with their own activities, leaving him to ponder his next move. While he wasn’t per say, alone, many guards or maids and butlers running about, not too many ponies paid him the time of day.

Guess I’ll just look around. Not too much else I can do after all.

With that thought as his guide, Sora began to explore the corridors and champers of Princess Celestia's castle in earnest. Though he had been through it a few times, now that he had the actual time to look, he couldn't help but be in awe of the grandeur of the Castle's insides, with its tall white towers and intricately placed architecture. There were tapestries adorning the walls, every other one being that of the Sun and Moon motif. Grand chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, sparking softly and brightly, as if they were just hung.

He was even sure he came across a window overlooking a moderately sized lake, with fish jumping in the water and everything

"Wow...The king's castle was impressive, but this is on a whole other level," Sora muttered to himself, taking in every detail with wide eyes. The opulence and elegance of Canterlot Castle left him feeling both amazed and a bit humbled.

“Sora?”

The keyblade wielder epped softly before turning around, his eyes widening at the sight of Sunburst of all ponies making his way towards him.

“Huh…Oh! It’s you!” With a bright smile, Sora made his way towards the other stallion before stopping in front of the unicorn, placing both of his hooves behind his own head. “Dude. It's good to see you finally up.” A quick look of concern suddenly crossed Sora’s features. “Are you sure you should be up and about, though? I mean you did just wake up not too long ago from a deep sleep and all.”

Sunburst chuckled softly, "I do appreciate your concern, Sora, but I'm feeling much better now.” He shook his head. “Besides, I couldn’t let Starlight face everything here alone now can I?” he puffed his chest proudly. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve worked on less energy before…” deflating a bit, he adjusted his glasses with a smile. “And a bit of help from hard caffeine doesn’t hurt matters either.” The stallion soon smiled. “Oh…speaking of. I’m glad I found you. I never thanked you and your friends for what you’ve done for me and Starlight…If it wasn’t for you, Starlight wouldn’t be here today so...”

“Hey its no biggy.” Sora dismissed with a flash of his smile. “After everything I learned, it didn’t seem right to just…ya know…Defeat her like I did Sombra.”

The orange unicorn gaped at the keyblade wielder, words. “W-wait…S-Sombra? You mean the King Sombra? From one thousand years ago King Sombra?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.” Sora affirmed. “He was pretty tough but I was able to pull off a win in the end of it. Even when he turned all big and stuff.”

“My word.” Sunburst adjusted his glasses. “If that's true then honestly, you have to be a legend in the making to pull something like that off.”

“I don’t know about that.” The keyblade wielder responded, a hoof rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. “Honestly I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere if it wasn’t for my friends helping me back then.”

Both my pony ones and Riku…

“Still…” The orange unicorn spoke. “I certainly wouldn’t doubt you had a big part to play in it. From what I saw, you yourself certainly have a way of bringing out the best of those around you. Your friends must be lucky to have a pony like you by their side if nothing else.”

Sora chuckled softly at the complement, his hoof scratching the side of his cheek. “Feels more like I’m lucky to have them by my side.” Standing a bit straighter he frowned, deciding a bit of a subject change was in order. “By the way. How is Starlight doing? She’s not being treated too roughly is she?”

The Keyblade wielder noticed a notable mood change within the stallion before him, orange ears dropping ever so slightly. “She…She’s still a little out of it, if I’m being honest. It might be because she is coming to terms with her part in everything that happened back at the city…still…Princess Luna says she will do her best to at least get the lightest sentence possible for her if she continues to cooperate with everypony here. Guess that’s the best we can do for now.”

“If it's Princess Luna looking after her then I’m sure things will turn out alright.” the keyblade wielder's smile faltered ever so slightly as he looked away. “And…ah…Sorry I couldn’t do more for her myself.”

The unicorn shook his head before adjusting his glasses, giving Sora a kind smile. “If it wasn’t for you, neither me or Starlight would be where we are today. I don’t think either of us can thank you enough. I at least don’t know what I would do if I lost her a second time…”

Sora frowned softly, thinking back to the memories he had seen from Sunburst when he had freed him. A smile formed on his face remembering just how happy Sunburst felt when he had found his old friend…and how happy Starlight looked when she had done the same.

“Well…you got her back…That’s what matters, right?” The tan pegasus smiled brightly as he placed both of his hooves behind his own head. “Just don’t lose her again, okay?”

Sunburst chuckled, a light blush dusting his cheeks. “I’ll do my best, Sora. She means everything to me after all.”

“There you are Sora, Trixie has been looking all over for you.”

Both stallions turned around at the sudden voice, a grin spreading across the keyblade wielder of the two’s face as he saw the show mare approaching him in her usual dramatic flair, purple cape flowing behind her.

Raising a hoof he waved at the blue Unicorn, "Hey Trixie. Good morning." He paused before looking off towards the sky. “Or…is it afternoon now?”

The show mare shrugged. “It matters little to Trixie,” She turned towards the keyblade wielder. “What does matter is that you are up and about now. With the way that rainbow maned mare was going, she was sure you would be stuck in your room all day and she would have had to drag you out by the scruff of your tail.” She turned towards the other stallion, rasing an eyebrow at him. “And…this is?”

Sunburst cleared his throat, extending a hoof towards Trixie with a warm smile. "I'm Sunburst, an acquaintance of Sora's. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Trixie."

Trixie eyed Sunburst carefully, taking in his friendly demeanor and kind expression. Her initial skepticism faded as she offered a small smile in return. "Likewise, Sunburst. Any friend of Sora's is a friend of Trixie’s.”

Sora couldn’t help but raise his eyebrow at the blue mare. Seems she gets along with everyone but Rainbow Dash. Shaking his head, he smiled at the mare. “Did you need something?”

“No…” The mare said hesitantly. “Not particularly. Trixie just came back from…ah…visiting her mother. She was quite surprised that the guard allowed Trixie back into the castle, saying that she has special permission from the princesses themselves…Though even then…she doesn’t quite know too many ponies so…she looked for you.”

“Oh?" Sora smiled at the mare. “Well if you wanna hang out I’m all for it.” He turned towards the other stallion. “What about you?”

“Would love to but I am out on an errand of sorts. Getting me and Starlight something to eat from the cafeteria. She really hasn’t eaten since last night and doesn’t quite trust anypony else getting her food right now.”

Sora grinned, understanding Sunburst's need to attend to Starlight. "Course, go ahead. It was great seeing you up and about, Sunburst."

Sunburst nodded gratefully, offering a warm smile before turning to leave. "Thank you, Sora. Take care, and give my regards to your friends." He turned towards the show mare, adjusting his glasses as he did so. “It was nice meeting you, Trixie.”

The showmare and the keyblade wielder watched him leave before they both turned towards each other.

“So…ah…” He rubbed the back of his head. “What do you wanna do?”

“Well…” blue unicorn began, tilting her head ever so slightly. “Trixie heard from the grapevine that you acquired a bit of magic that you had yet to show Trixie.”

“H-Huh…Oh! Well…” The stallion rubbed the back of his head. “I mean…guess?”

Before he could say anything else, he felt the mare grab him by his hoodie with her magic and soon he was being dragged along behind her. “Trixie would very much like to see it in action if that is the case. A pegasus doing high grade spells is almost unheard of after all. And what better way to see for myself if you were telling the truth of it all, than with a quick demonstration of said magical prowess.” She smiled. “In fact, Trixie saw the training fields nearby so that is where we are heading now.”

The stallion couldn’t help but sigh as he folded his hooves about his chest, feeling his back drag against the dirt below him. “I don’t get a say?”

"Of course not! Trixie is in charge here, and you are going to show off that magic of yours whether you like it or not."

“Hehe…figured…” Despite everything, Sora couldn’t help but smile. He honestly didn’t like being alone anyway.

~

Middle of Canterlot City
Sparkle Residents

Twilight Sparkle stood in front of the familiar door of her childhood home, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before gently knocking on the door.

“I’ll be right there.”

The lavender mare couldn’t help but smile brightly at the voice she knew all too well. Puffing out her chest, the young unicorn stood tall just as the door opened, revealing a white and purple mare, her mane nearly identical to Twilight’s own despite it having it own flare.

“Now. How can…I…” The older mare trailed off as her eyes began to widen.

“Hehe…ah…Hi mom.”

"Oh, Twilight, my dear!" The mare Twilight Sparkle had gotten her namesake from, Twilight Velvet, exclaimed, her voice filled with motherly affection that the lavender mare was ever so used to. "Now this is a wonderful surprise! Do, come in, come in! I just took the tea off the kettle. Was about to work on my new book after all.”

“Oh!” Sparkle gasped. “I’m sorry. I guess I should have told you I was coming first. Are you sure you aren’t too busy?”

"Nonsense, dear. There's always time for family," The mare reassured her daughter, placing a gentle hoof on her shoulder. “My editor can wait. Come in! Sit, sit, sit.”

Twilight Velvet closed the door behind them and led Twilight down the hallway towards the cozy living room. The walls were adorned with shelves filled with books, photographs, and various knick-knacks collected over the years. The scent of lavender and vanilla filled the air, instantly transporting her back to cherished memories of her foalhood.

“You haven’t changed a thing in here since me and Shining left, have you mom?” Sparkle asked, taking a seat upon one of the soft chairs nearby.

Velvet chuckled softly, a twinkle in her eyes as she settled in the armchair across from her daughter. “Oh, I just can’t bring myself to change it too much. It’s full of memories of when you both were little.” She poured them each a cup of tea with her magic, handing one of her cups over towards the lavender mare. “I doubt I’ll ever get rid of it long as it keeps holding up.”

Twilight Sparkle cradled the warm teacup in her magic, taking a small sip as she glanced around the familiar room. The pictures on the walls brought back a flood of memories from her childhood - family outings, Hearth’s Warming celebrations, and quiet evenings spent reading with her mother.

“I’ve missed this,” Twilight admitted softly, setting the teacup down on the small table in front of her.

“You should visit more often than. You make a grown mare worried everytimeshe learns something about her daughter in the news, after all.” Velvet admonished before taking a sip of her tea as well, making the lavender of the two Twilight’s cringe ever so slightly. She knew that tone of voice. It wasn’t the happiest one.

Rubbing the back of her head, Sparkle laughed nervously. “Oh…yeah…haha…Guess you heard about what happened in Ponyville?”

“Indeed. From the princess herself no less.” Velvet frowned. “She told me that you would write back when you were ready but…guess what I didn’t receive?”

“I…” Sparkle sighed as she lowered her head. It was as she feared. The disappointed mother tone of voice. “Yeah…no…That’s my fault, mom. It's half the reason I came here to visit you too…to tell you I’m sorry in person.”

"Twilight, dear, you don't need to apologize," she said softly, her tone shifting to a gentle one. "I’m the one who should be sorry, here. Here we are having a happy reunion and I bring up stuff that doesn’t need to be brought up since you are here safe and sound. You must think I’m a horrible mother.”

The younger Twilight shook her head vigorously, her eyes wide with surprise at the suggestion. “No, mom, no! You’re not a horrible mother at all. I’m the one who should’ve written sooner and kept you in the loop about everything. I’ve just been… caught up in so much lately.”

“So I’ve heard.” Velvet said with a shake of her head. “From saving a town to saving a whole empire alongside your brother…I knew my foals were something special but to be doing all that…and now trying to save the world…a dear old mother can only take so much before she demands answers you know.”

Twilight Sparkle chuckled, a sheepish smile on her face. "I guess we do have a knack for getting into some pretty big adventures, don't we? But I promise, I'll make more of an effort to keep you updated from now on."

“I don’t expect something every day. Just…a letter or two will do, most preferably after whatever next big event you and your friends get up to next.” The mother smiled. “At least let me know my own daughter is still alive and kicking.”

“Deal,” Twilight Sparkle replied with a warm smile.

“Now…you don’t mind telling your dear old mother why you are in Canterlot do you? I know for a fact you didn’t come to your old home just for little old me.”

“Haha…well…Not at first, no, sadly.” Twilight admitted before sitting up a bit. “It might take a bit, since there is a lot to cover…don’t mind a long story do you?”

“You do remember you are talking to a writer and editor of several books.” Velvet settled back in her armchair, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Darling, I live for long stories. So, tell me everything. Start from the beginning.”

~

Canterlot Entertainment District
Within Canterlot Spa Boutique

As Fluttershy settled into the warmth of the hot tub, a sense of relaxation washed over her. The gentle heat enveloped her body, easing away the tension that had built up over the past few days. Closing her eyes, she let out a soft sigh of contentment, feeling the soothing sensation seep into her muscles.

Rarity watched with a fond smile as Fluttershy sank deeper into the water, her expression serene and peaceful. "Isn't this just lovely, darling?" She remarked, her voice filled with genuine delight. "Nothing quite like a nice soak to melt away the stresses of the day."

Fluttershy nodded in agreement, a small smile gracing her lips. "Yes, it's...it's very nice," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. The warm water seemed to cocoon her in comfort, offering a brief respite from the worries and responsibilities that weighed on her mind.

The fashionista leaned back against the edge of the hot tub, her eyes drifting closed as she basked in the tranquility of the moment. "I must say, Fluttershy, spending time like this with you is simply delightful," she said, her tone sincere. "It's moments like these that make me appreciate the simple pleasures in life."

"I feel the same way, Rarity," she replied softly, her gaze meeting Rarity's. "Its been too long since I just…um…let go I guess."

“Oh tell me about it.” The mare whined softly. “What has it been? Feels like weeks since our last spa session. Almost forgot how it feels to get pampered and indulged in relaxation.” Rarity let out a contented sigh, her horn lighting up as she levitated a cucumber slice to place over her closed eyes. “And of course spending it with a good friend is always a plus.

“Mh-hmm.” Fluttershy agreed, allowing her eyes to close just the same. “Thank you…for inviting me I mean.”

Rarity smiled warmly, "Anytime, darling. I know you needed it just as much as I did after everything," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "And what better way to do so than with good company and a relaxing soak?" She opened one of her eyes. “By the way Darling, before we went to get something to eat, I couldn’t help but look back and see you talking to Cadance.”

Fluttershy's eyes opened wide at Rarity's words. Squeaking ever so slightly, the timid mare felt her body slowly sinking a bit lower into the bubbling tub. "Oh…um…yes," she began, her voice soft and thoughtful. "Cadance and I had a lovely chat about... well, about a lot of things, really."

“Ooooh? Is that so?” The white mare smiled as her magic lifted one of the cucumber slices from her eye. “And that chat wouldn’t happen to be about a certain naïve tan stallion we both know, would it?”

If there was a mark, Rarity knew she hit it, finding the suddenly blushing and flustered mare an adorable sight to behold.

"Oh, um, well...” The yellow mare stammered as she tried to look anywere but towards her friend. “I suppose Sora might have come up in conversation, yes" she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

A soft chuckle escaped the white mare’s lips. “Now now, I won’t bother you to tell me everything. I’m sure it was a personal matter after all. Still, if you would permit me to ask, do you know what you want to do now?”

The shy mare twirled a lock of her mane nervously under the water, the gentle hum of the hot tub providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Despite how timid she looked though, Rarity couldn’t help but see the small hint of fire in her eyes.

“I…I’m still unsure of a lot of stuff…but…I…I think…That I do.”

Rarity smiled. “Then I shell leave it at that, and allow you to work your magic Miss Shy. I know for a fact you are a mare that knows what she wants after all.”

Fluttershy's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink at Rarity's encouraging words. She appreciated her friend's confidence in her, even if she still felt uncertain about many things. "Thank you, Rarity," she murmured, a shy smile gracing her lips. "I'll... I'll do my best."

Keyblade Crusading

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Keyblade Crusading

Apple Family Orchard
Cutie Mark Crusader's Treehouse

Scootaloo's tiny hooves hammered against the wooden table, creating a sharp staccato that echoed through the treehouse. The other three members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and extra member Babs Seed quickly settled into their seats, their eyes bright with anticipation as the orange pegasus gained their undivided attention.

"Alright girls, since we played catch up with the leader of the Manehatten branch of our little organization yesterday, we’re totally going all out on our main mission for today."

Apple Bloom nodded eagerly. "We’re all ears, Scootaloo! What's the plan?"

“Yeah! You seemed pretty excited when you came to get me this morning.” Sweetie Belle squeaked. “You got something up your sleeve for us to get our cutie mark today?”

The pegasus filly smirked, her wings buzzing with unrestrained energy. "And for good reason too. Now hear me out. We tried everything when it came to finding our cutie mark...at least everything we could think of so far. Sooooo…I’ve been thinking long and hard about what we haven't tried."

The white unicorn’s ears perked up with curiosity as her muzzle scrunched. "But…if we tried everything, what can we do if everything was already done?"

"I’m glad you asked my unicorn friend!" Scootaloo mused as she pointed at the white filly. "Yes we did try everything...in Equestira. But what about the one thing that’s new that came from outside of Equestra?"

Babs raised an eyebrow at the question. "The one thing that's new?" her ears perked and a soft gasp escaped her lips. "Oh wait. You's talkin' 'bout that Sora fella, aren't ya?"

Scoot’s eyes lit up, nodding enthusiastically before pointing towards the other orange filly in the room. "Yes, that's exactly it, Babs!” she rubbed the back of her head, “Or...well...part of it. See I was thinking we could use the knowledge Sora told us to our advantage and find a way to do the same things he can do, see?"

"Hmm...I mean it is an idea and all but I don't think we have a Gummie Ship on hoof like Sora does." Apple Bloom shook her head softly. "And even if we did, ah'm sure our sisters would be mighty angry if we try and go off world and what not."

The pegasus waved her hoof dismissively. "Oh no, I'm not talking about anything crazy like that, Apple Bloom. We don't need a Gummie Ship for what I’m thinking we should do.”

"What are ya thinkin', Scootaloo?" Babs leaned forward, intrigued by the orange pegasus’s idea. “Cause I’m kinda lost ya know.”

“Do I really have to spell it out for you girls?” Scootaloo asked, looking between the girls as each one gave the orange mare a wistful nod. Rolling her eyes and sighing deeply, the pegasus leaned forwards. "Okay so…What if we could summon our own Keyblades?" she whispered, excitement bubbling in her voice.

The room fell into a stunned silence, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind outside and the creaking of the treehouse. Apple Bloom blinked rapidly, trying to process Scootaloo's words. "Summon our...our own Keyblades?" she repeated, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Think about it." Scootaloo pointed towards her head, emphasizing the point. "Imagine the adventures we could go on, the battles we could fight, and the worlds we could explore!” She glanced around at each of their stunned faces, a grin spreading across her own as she continued. “With our own Keyblades, we could be just like Sora, traveling to new worlds and helping those in need. We could finally find our true purpose and earn our cutie marks in the process!”

Sweetie Belle frowned. “I think you just want to do the first part of what you said, Scoots.”

“That is not the point!” The orange pegasus countered. “We will have our own keyblades guys!”

Babs leaned back in her chair, a skeptical expression on her face. "I dunno, Scoots. Gettin' our own Keyblades does sound cool and all, no matter how stupid of a concept it is…but…how do we go about that?"

“Already thought of a plan for that girls.” She reached into her saddle bag and slammed a map onto the table in front of them. Opening it, she pointed towards a familiar looking tree that was also a house. “We go to Twilight’s Library!”

“Twilight's Library?” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, her mind racing to make sense of Scootaloo's plan. "What's going to Twilight's library gonna do for us?"

“Are you girls seriously not following what I’m putting down here?” Scootaloo deadpanned.

Apple Bloom exchanged a glance with Sweetie Belle and Babs Seed, confusion evident in their expressions. Finally, Apple Bloom spoke up, voicing the question that lingered in all their minds. "Okay Scoots, why don’t ya tell us what Twilight’s Library have to do with summoning Keyblades?"

The orange pegasus groaned, slamming a hoof onto her face and dragging it down. “Think about it girls! Who's the one pony that would be studying everything that Sora told us back at the barn party?" As Scootaloo posed the question, realization slowly dawned on the faces of her friends, the farm filly being the first to speak out.

"Oh! I get it now! Twilight might know how to help us summon our own Keyblades!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

“Oh But…Isn’t Twilight not here today?” Sweetie spoke up with a frown. “You told us that yesterday, right Apple Bloom?”

Babs crossed her hooves over her chest. “Guess that would put a damper on things then? If this Twilight mare ain't around, how are we gonna get to her library?"

A soft click of their teeth came from Scootaloo’s way, her hoof wagging back and forth. “If you remember, only Twilight left for Canterlot. If that's the case, who would be keeping an eye on the library at this time?”

The question hung in the air for a moment before Apple Bloom’s eyes widened in realization. “Spike!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with newfound hope. “Spike’s still in Ponyville! He could help us get into the library and find out what we need to know about summoning Keyblades!”

“Now hang on, AB,” Scootaloo said, “After what we did back in the Crystal Empire, no way Spike is gonna let us in on any information dealing with anything Keyblade related or the such,” She smirked. “But…if somepony were to, I don’t know, get him away from the place…”

Apple Bloom's eyes widened as she caught on to Scootaloo's plan. "You're thinkin' of having somepony distracting Spike while the rest of us sneak into the library and look for information on Keyblades, aren't ya?" she asked, leaning forward. “That actually might work.”

“But who do you think is gonna do that?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Scootaloo deflated ever so slightly at the new question. “Ah…Well…that's what I’ve been trying to wreck my brain over for a while. What can we use to draw Spike out of the library…Rarity isn’t here…and I doubt he would leave for just anything…”

“Well…if nopony else has a plal…I think I can do it.” the white filly responded with a smile

The rest of the fillies looked Sweetie’s way, a chorus of, “Huh?” escaping everyone’s lips.

She smiled brighter, “Well I’ve been studying Rarity for a while and I’m pretty sure I got her personality down pact. All I have to do is get Spike to cave into my feminine charms and lead him away for a while, right? Easy peasy!”

"Okay, wait a minute," Apple Bloom interjected, concern evident in her voice. "Sweetie, are you sure about this? Trying to distract Spike with feminine charms might not be the best idea..."

Sweetie Belle chuckled, waving off Apple Bloom's worries. "Oh please, it'll be fine! I've seen Rarity handle situations like this with ease. It's all about grace, poise, and a little bit of charm. I can do this!"

The girls looked between each other at Sweetie’s confidence, all three sighing softly before Scootaloo spoke for the three of them.

“Well…If she says she can do it then let her.” The orange pegasus smirked. “Alright then ladies…I think we have a plan.” The four friends exchanged determined looks, the thrill of adventure coursing through their veins. Scootaloo rose to her hooves, her wings buzzing with excitement. "Alright, cutie mark crusaders - Keyblade wielders extraordinaire! Let's make our way to the library and find out how we can summon our own Keyblades!"

“RIGHT!”

~

Canterlot
Royal Training Grounds

A sudden chill ran down Sora’s spine as he looked off into a seemingly random direction, a frown forming on his features soon after.

“Sora?” Snapped at his sudden trance, he turned towards Trixie who had called out to him, the show mare holding up a piece of burnt cardboard that the stallion’s magic had all but destroyed, its simmering embers floating into the wind. Tossing it aside, she tilted her head before speaking once again. “Is something the matter? Trixie noticed that you are spacing out.”

The stallion shook the foreboding feeling off his mind, giving the mare a reassuring smile. “Naw. I’m okay. Might have just overused my magic is all.”

“Well Trixie does think you had been over using your spells a bit,” The show mare remarked with a curt nod, “Perhaps she shall allow you to take a break for now. You have shown her more than enough of your skill for you to satisfy her curiosity after all.” She smiled as she held out her hoof towards him. “You shall praise your friend for being such a good…ah” She de…friend.”

Sora nodded, though he couldn’t help the roll of his eyes as he reached out to clap Trixie's hoof with his own. "Yeah sure. Thanks Trixie. You’re the best. Still, a break would do me some good." He blushed brightly as he heard a small growling from his torso, his hoof quickly moving towards the offending spot. “Getting kinda hungry anyway.” He turned towards the mare with a wide smile. “Up for some grub?”

"Well…Trixie can’t say no to food. Not when she is just as hungry as you are after alll." The show mare frowned. “But where can we go? Trixie doesn’t quite have the bits on her for a full meal in this expensive city after all.”

“No need to go out. We can just find something here in the castle.” The keyblade wielder exclaimed. “I ate here before so I at least know the way to the servant's Cafeteria.”

The blue unicorn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The servant's cafeteria? That doesn't sound very glamorous, but in Trixe’s line of work, beggars can’t be choosers. Trixie supposes it will have to do.” Gesturing for the stallion to lead, she smirked. “Lead the way, oh magical pegasus stallion.”

Sora rolled his eyes again but couldn’t help but smile softly, happy to oblige her even if she hadn’t worded it in such a way. Together, they made their way back into the castle from the training grounds, the show mare doing most of the talking along the way.

Despite seeing it first hand, Trixie would still go on about the stallion’s abilities. “You really are an odd case Sora.” The mare mused, for what seemed like, at least for Sora, the tenth time. “If only Trixie had found such a blade herself. Think of the tricks she could pull off” He leaned towards the stallion, giving him her widest grin. “Are you sure you don’t want to become Trixie’s assistant? Just think of the shows the two of us could put on. There would be no place with locks that Trixie could not escape.”

"As tempting as that sounds, Trixie,” The stallion responded, “I think I'll stick to being a Keyblade Wielder for now. I mean I still have a world to save after all" He flashed her a playful grin. “But hey, maybe we can make up a performance after everything settles down.”

Trixie pouted at Sora's reply, "She will hold you to that you know." She spun around dramatically, her cape billowing as she posed in front of the stallion. “Oh! I can already see it. The Great and Powerful Trixie and the Hero of Equestria! The best of friends and the most magical of ponies!”

The stallion raised an eyebrow at the mare, a smile playing on his face. “Oh? We’re best friends now?”

"Of course, Sora! Trixie has deemed you worthy of being her best friend!" She declared dramatically before turning away, her nose up in the air. "But don't let it get to your head now. You could very well lose the spot if someone better comes along after all."

“Ha!” A soft laugh escaped the stallion’s lips. “Then I’ll try and stay on your good side, Trixie.”

It wasn’t long before the two of them reached the castle's servant cafeteria, Sora and Trixie both greeted by the delicious aroma of freshly cooked meals. The sound of chatter and laughter filling the air all around them.

“Goodness.” Trixie mused as she stepped further within, looking at all the ponies mill about with either food or friends. “Trixie has been to a few fancy restaurants before…but this is…”

The stallion had to agree, knowing full well what the mare would have said. He had been within this hall before but never really paid attention to most of what was around him at the time. Now though, he could fully appreciate it. The castle cafeteria was a grand hall with high ceilings and arched windows that let a warm glow from the sun inside. He could see that the tables were round and scattered throughout the room, surrounded by chairs with intricate designs. The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings, giving the hall a regal atmosphere.

Trixie was right. It really did look like an upscale restaurant.

Turning back towards the mare after their group stupor, he smiled. “Should we pick a place to sit after we grab some food?”

Trixie's eyes sparkled with excitement as she surveyed the bustling cafeteria, taking in the sights and smells with keen interest. "Absolutely! And let's find a spot by the window, shall we? Trixie prefers to have a view while she dines," she declared with a flourish, leading the way with the stallion following after her.

After grabbing some plates and filling them with an assortment of dishes, Sora and Trixie found a spot to the show mare’s liking and began to dig in. Trixie, as she did so, recounted tales of her mesmerizing performances across different lands, the mare the most excited her had ever seen her, at least since he showed her his magic skills.

Sora listened attentively to Trixie's stories, captivated by her animated retellings. Despite having been a bit of a traveler himself, he couldn’t help his need to know about new lands. A bit of a holdover from his childhood years. As Trixie finished recounting a particularly daring escape act involving disappearing fireworks, a sheet of aluminum foil and a colorful string, a pair of blue hooves hit the table in front of them, causing both mare and stallion to jump in surprise at the sudden interruption.

“So this is where you were! I’ve been looking all over for your spiky butt!”

The stallion blinked as he looked into the angry magenta colored eyes staring a hole right through him. If looks could kill, he would at least be down to his last hit point.

"R-Rainbow Dash?" Sora stammered, taken aback by the fiery look in her eyes.

Trixie frowned, her hooves folding across her chest in annoyance. "And here Trixie was, thinking that she would have a nice outing with a good friend, and who shows up but Rainbow Crash to ruin it all.”

The glare turned towards the show mare. “Wanna say that again ya fake magician?”

The stallion quickly placed himself between the two mares before they could really bite each other. “H-Hey there, Dash! It's…ah…have a good time with the rest?”

Rainbow Dash scowled at the keyblade wielder, her gaze flickering between him and Trixie. "Don't try to sweet-talk your way out of this, Spiky. You owe me an explanation," she hissed, her tone accusatory. “First you don’t come out of your room when I come and get you. That I can forgive. Cool. Whatever. But now when I come to see if you are okay, I found not only that you are not in your room but you are hanging out with….her.” She points to the other blue mare besides Sora. “But also that you are laughing and having fun while doing so when you were a sad sack this morning!”

Trixie raised an eyebrow at angry, her expression shifting from annoyance to defiance. “And what, pray tell, is wrong with 'hanging out' with me? Trixie will have you know that she is excellent company!” The show mare huffed before fixing Rainbow Dash with a challenging stare.

“Hey, come on now. There’s no need for name-calling or hostility, you two,” Sora said, glancing between Trixie and Rainbow Dash. He turned towards the former. “I’m sorry I made you worry about me, Dash. I honestly wasn’t feeling the best at that point in time but…Now I do. I had a talk with a friend over breakfast and…kinda made me see some things in a new light is all.” He watched as the rainbow maned mare’s glare turned towards Trixie. “It wasn’t her, Dash. It was of the Princess kind.”

“Trixie can be a princess if she wants to,” the show mare retorted as she raised her nose to the sky. “But no, it wasn’t Trixie he had breakfast with. She found him talking to a unicorn stallion when she had come back to the castle.”

“Okay…fine…” Rainbow huffed. “Still, doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. You made a promise, remember? To talk about what the princess said to you last night.” She frowned. “And don’t you dare say it wasn’t anything big because you wouldn’t have acted the way you did this morning if it wasn’t.”

Sora sighed, knowing that Rainbow Dash wouldn't let this go easily. He couldn’t tell her everything…not yet…but...he owed her something…

Relenting, the stallion sighed and shook his head “I know Rainbow…And sorry for holding off for so long.” Taking a deep breath he looked the mare in the eyes. “Listen, the princess wanted to let me know about my magic…about how dangerous it was for…a pegasus like me to use it.” He frowned, flicking an eye towards Trixie as a soft hint. “Like…deadly dangerous. Because of what Ventus did, though, it's all better now. She just…wanted to let me know what happened.”

Rainbow’s expression softened slightly at Sora's explanation, her initial anger giving way to concern. "Wait, so you mean to tell me that using your magic could have... seriously hurt you before?"

“It could have before, but not now. She said I was all good to go.”

"Whoa…” The rainbow maned mare sat down, frowning. “That's... intense. I had no idea your magic was that risky to use," she said, her tone softening as she glanced at Sora. "Then…you’re okay?”

“Better than okay, if you have to ask.” Trixie mused. “Why, he has been showing off his magical prowess earlier today. Quite a show, too! Trixie would even say that he is a master”

“Well.” Sora interjected. “I wouldn’t say that. I mean…My skills are way below what my friend, Donald can do. Kind of a wall short of a full barn in that regard…”

Rainbow couldn’t help the huff of a laugh that escaped her lips. “Haha…You’ve…been hanging around AJ too long…”

A faint blush hit the stallion’s cheeks at the mare’s words, rubbing the back of his head. "Well I do live with her and her family. Can’t say I didn’t pick up a thing or two from them."

“Yeah…she tends influence a lot of ponies.” The blue pegasus frowned. “Still…back on topic. Are you sure you’re okay now? No magic backlash or anything stupid like that right?”

Nodding reassuringly, he smiled at the mare. “No magic backlash or anything like that. My capacity for magic is still a bit low but…I’m sure it will build back over time.”

Rainbow Dash nodded, a smirk playing on her lips as she reached out to ruffle the top of Sora's head affectionately. "Alright, Spiky. As long as you're sure you're okay, then I guess I can let it slide this time.” She gave the stallion a light punch on his shoulder. “And I won’t tell the others you are on a date with Trixie of all ponies.”

The show mare sputtered in indignation at Rainbow Dash's words, her cheeks flushing slightly. "W-Wha! This is not a date! We're just… hanging out as friends!"

"W-What she said!” The stallion added, “I wouldn’t hurt Fluttershy like that!"

“Oh?” The brash mare mused with a raised eyebrow, a grin growing slowly upon her lips, “Who the hey said Fluttershy?”

If Sora’s face could be any redder without danger of him passing out, it would have been, “I-It’s…I mean…I…” He looked one way. “I didn’t…” He looked another. “What I mean is…” He stood up. “Oh hey! I forgot I’m needed somewhere else!” Before any of the mare’s could stop him, he would jump over the table before practically flying out the door, leaving both Rainbow and Trixie behind and in trail of tan feathers.

The stallion ran until he was out of sight of the pair, stopping only when he felt he had put enough distance between them and knew that they weren’t following him. Rainbow gave him a convenient excuse to leave after all and he happily took advantage of it. Now, once again alone, he was left with his thoughts about the whole conversation, a frown forming on his face.

Geeze…Sorry…I didn’t tell you the whole truth Rainbow…how could I? If I did…I’m sure Fluttershy would…she would blame herself for what happened to me…and then I…I would lose her?

Sora took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest at the thought of not wanting to see Fluttershy hurt.

Do I really…care that much for her?

Placing a hoof on his heart, he closed his eyes.

I…

~

Ponyville
Near Golden Oaks Library

Apple Bloom, Sweetie belle, Scootaloo and Babs Seed all peaked from around the building they were hiding behind, the four fillies scanning the area around Golden Oaks Library before slipping back behind cover, the girls moving into a close huddle. It was the apple filly that spoke first, turning towards the unicorn filly. "You sure you got this, Sweets? Might need him busy for a long while we look for Twilight’s notes."

Sweetie, rolled her eyes, waving off her friend's concern as she addressed them all, "Oh please, I know what to do.”

The rest of the girls exchanged skeptical glances before turning back towards their friend, the apple filly speaking for them once again. “Well…I mean, not that we doubt ya Sweets but…ya never did tell us exactly what ya plan to do.”

"Oh, you know, just a little unicorn charming,” The little filly mused, “A few fluttering eyelashes, and some sweet words to top it off. He won't even know what hit him when I’m through with him!" She smiled as she slammed her hooves together. “In fact, I know he won’t know what hit him!” She turned towards her friends with a smirk “Annnnnnd if that doesn’t work, I’ll just hit him!” Before the others could stop her, she bounded away towards the door with a hop and a skip in her step.

Before her friends could stop her, Sweetie Belle slipped from behind the building to make her way confidently to the door of Golden Oaks Library, her mane flowing behind her as she swayed her hips with awkward and exaggerated grace.

Apple Bloom shook her head, a hoof flying towards her face. "Well, she's got confidence, that's for sure."

Scootaloo chuckled softly, nudging Babs with a hoof. "If coincidence means she looks like she got a stick up her but then yeah…she gots loads of it."

"Either way, let's hope she can pull this off and get Spike outta the library... if not, our plan was doomed from the start."

The rambunctious white unicorn filly approached the door of Golden Oaks Library, taking a deep breath as she pushed to channel her inner Rarity, mimicking her older sister’s charm and elegance as best as she could remember. Approaching the door with a confident smile on her face, she knocked daintily at first and waited.

After a few moments and finding that no one was coming, she tired again, a little harder than before but still doing her best to remain lady-like.

Once again no one came.

Frustrated, her hoof hit the door a bit harder this time, creating a loud banging noise she knew would echo through the quiet library. As she stepped back, huffing in annoyance, the door suddenly swung open to reveal a surprised Spike standing in the doorway, his eyes slightly bloodshot as though he had been sleeping just recently. The little drake’s eyes widened at the sight of Sweetie Belle, her expression shifting from frustration to a charming smile in an instant.

"Hi Spike," the little filly greeted, adding a soft sing-song flare to her tone of voice. "It's a beautiful day outside isn’t it? Just positively radiant."

“Ah…yeah… Hi Sweetie.” Spike blinked a few times, trying to process the unexpected visit from Sweetie Belle. Rubbing his eyes with a claw, he yawned before giving her a curious look. "What brings you here?” His eyes widened again as his little fins perked. “Is Rarity back!?”

“No, no, no. I am sorry to say she is not…buuuuuut. How about the next best thing?”

The dragon raised an eyebrow. “Fluttershy?”

Sweetie frowned. “No.”

“Twilight?”

“No.”

“…Oh! Cheer-”

The filly huffed and pouted. “It’s me you dork!!” Calming herself and smiling again, she began to flutter her eyes. “A-Anyway, I was in town and I thought I would come and check up on my good friend Spike today. So…how ya been?”

Spike scratched his head, looking a bit puzzled at Sweetie Belle's sudden interest in checking up on him. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet before shrugging. "Oh, you know, same old same old. Just tending to the library and organizing Twi’s research and stuff. Nothing too exciting."

Sweetie Belle nodded, her eyes twinkling as she gently grabbed at the drake’s claw, holding it softly. "That's so sweet of you to help out like that. You're such a hard worker, Spike."

Spike's face turned a light shade of pink as he felt Sweetie Belle’s hoof on his claw. He wasn’t used to this level of attention from her and couldn’t help but feel a flutter in his chest at her words. Clearing his throat, he tried to play it cool. “Oh, well, you know, just doing my part to help out around here. Twilight has a lot on her plate, so I try to make things easier for her.”

Sweetie Belle smiled warmly at him, leaning in slightly as she batted her eyelashes. “You’re always so thoughtful and caring, Spike. It really shows what a wonderful dragon you are. In fact, Such a hard worker deserves to be treated and it just so happens that I saw a few gemstone cupcakes back at Sugarcube Corner. That’s the second reason why I’m here. I couldn’t help but think of my good buddy Spike as soon as I saw them.”

The little dragon’s eyes widened at the mention of the sweet, stony, treats, his mouth practically drooling at the thought of them.

Well…actually drooling honestly.

Quickly wiping his mouth and leaning against the door in a very ‘not interested but also very interested’ way, he gave his shoulders a shrug, "Well, I mean...I do love gemstone cupcakes, but…I really shouldn’t go. I mean the library is…”

“Oh pish posh.” The filly waved her hoof, knowing for a fact she had him in the palm of her hoof. All he needed was an extra push. “That silly library isn’t going anywhere. Besides, you mean to tell me that you are willing to leave a poor filly all alone on the day she invites you out to eat?” She pulls towards the little dragon, giving him the biggest puppy dog eyes. “I mean…if that’s how it is then…”

Feeling a mix of guilt and a strange fluttering in his chest he had never felt before except for when Rarity was near, he couldn’t help but relent to the little filly’s request. She did come all the way out here for him after all. With a sigh, he nodded in agreement. "Okay, okay, you win. But Only a few. Then I gotta get back to my sle-I mean cleaning! Yes…Cleaning."

With that he closed the door and allowed himself to be pulled by the arm by the white filly.

What he didn’t see was said filly turning her head to her hidden companions before giving them a big wink.

Scootaloo was the first to turn towards her friends with a confused look on her face. “I…Don’t even know how to explain what I just saw…”

“Seems Sweets been holding back on us when it comes ta getting her way.” Apple Bloom mussed, shivering a bit. “Hate ta see that power used in the wrong hooves…”

Running out in front of the other two she turned towards them with a wide smile, “Are we gonna be sitting on our flanks all day or are we gonna find those notes?” She turned towards the tree. “Lets get a move on ponies!”

The girls quickly followed after Apple Bloom’s cousin, their hooves clattering against the cobblestones as they hurried to catch up. It didn’t take long before a quick turn of the nob would allow the three fillies access into the silent tree home/public library of Twilight Sparkle. Now inside, they could smell the pleasant scent of old books and crips paper. As they slowly filed into the sun lit main room, none of them could deny the cozy atmosphere that the library provided. The perfect place for some light reading when it came down to it. The shelves were neatly organized, each book finding its place with care and precision.

“Don’t think I’ve ever been in here the last time I visited…” Babs spoke, looking around the area. “Not as stuffy as the public library back in Manehatten, that's for sure.”

“Yeah it's okay.” Scoots pipped up, shurging. “I mean not as cool as the skating park but whateves.”

“Alright, alright, enough gawking, girls,” Apple Bloom declared, taking charge of the situation. “Like Babs’s said. No time to be wasting. Let's split up and search for them notes.” She turned towards Babs. “Since ya the new gal, you git ta search around the front of the entrance and first floor, Also keep a lookout in cause Sweetie or Spike come back this way.” She turned towards the pegasus. “You get the top floor Scoots.And please be careful not to knock anything down you too. Ah’m sure Spike will notice. Ah’ll take the basement.”

Her cousin nodded. "Got it, AB. I'll keep watch and search around the entrance and first floor." With a determined expression, she trotted off towards the front of the library, her eyes scanning for any signs of Twilight's notes while also keeping an eye out for any incoming visitors.

Scootaloo saluted before darting towards the staircase leading to the upper level to complete her own task, her wings buzzing with excitement as she did so.

Nodding to herself, Apple Bloom made her way towards the basement’s door, opening it carefully before deciding down the narrow stairway, her hooves echoing softly upon the wooden ledges as she did so. Reaching the bottom, the apple filly flicked on the lights and began her own work, her eyes scanning for anything that might be of importance to Twilight's work with the Keyblade.

While the place wasn’t dusty by a long shot, Twilight always making sure to take care of her equipment, it certainly wasn’t the cleanest place. Books and boxes strolled here and there along the tables and walls. Searching this place was going to be a daunting task no matter how she looked at it

“Dang..What should ah even be looking for?” She tapped a hoof to her chin. “If Ah was a notebook filled with super secret stuff on Keyblades, where would ah be?”

“I would say the obvious, but I’m sure you’re not as dumb as you look.”

The little filly would have nearly screamed her head off if it wasn’t for the black wing that draped over her muzzle, silencing her. She squeaked as she looked up into the deep yellow eyes of the pony in front of her - a pony she hadn’t seen before. The newcomer had a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he removed his wing, a hoof to his lips telling her to be quite as he released her from the sudden silence. Apple Bloom stumbled back a few steps, her heart racing as she tried to gather herself.

“W-Who… who are you?” she managed to stammer out, eyeing the mysterious pony cautiously.

“Me?” the black stallion asked, pointing towards himself before turning away from her with a shake of his head and a shrug. “No one worth mentioning honestly.”

The filly huffed as she stepped towards the stranger, frowning, “T-Then what are ya doing here? This is Twilight’s home ya know.”

“Oh!” He gasped, chapping his hooves to his cheeks. “Please forgive me. I didn’t know.” Smirking, he turned towards the little one. “Oh that reminds me, what are you doing here? This is Twilight’s home ya know and I’m pretty sure you are not Twilight.”

Apple Bloom narrowed her eyes at the mysterious pony, sensing something off about his demeanor. She couldn't quite place it, but there was an air of mischievousness that made her hooves itch with unease. Stealing herself, she straightened her posture and replied with the lie she knew would work if anypony ever caught them…that wasn’t Spike of course, "W-we're here to help Twilight find some important notes for her research.”

The stallion raised an eyebrow, “Was that before or after you and your friends tricked the little dragon out of the house so you could break in?”

The farm filly’s eyes widened in shock at the sudden yet accurate accusation, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to come up with a response. She knew they were technically sneaking around the library, but breaking in felt like a strong word for what they were doing.

“Hey I’m not one to judge, mind you.” The black stallion quickly added, smirking at the mini panic attack she was about to have, “I mean if you want something you gotta take right? But gee…Guessing you girls might get in trouble if you get found out here…” He tapped a hoof to his chin, pretending to be lost in thought over the situation, “What to do, what to do…This is pretty damning information I have on you three after all…oh…make it four. I’m sure that white filly is in on this too after all,” Before Apple Bloom could respond, the mysterious pony's smile widened, and he trotted around her in a playful circle, his tail swishing behind him. "Hey now, I didn’t say I was gonna tell anyone. Who am I to spoil your fun after all? So…how about this…for scarring ya….”

Much to the little filly’s surprise, the stallion raised his hoof and within it, formed a keyblade. One that was very much different from Sora’s own. This one being a slick black, red and silver. A blue jewel that looked very much like an eye at the tip and the handle of the blade.

“Huh…W-Wait! That’s a Keyblade!?” She gasped as she looked towards the black stranger. “You’re a keyblade wielder like Sora?”

The mysterious pony chuckled at Apple Bloom's question, twirling the keyblade in his hoof with practiced ease. "Opps you found me!" he replied with a wink. "Well it's not like there is only one Keyblade Wielder after all. My brother is one too." He pointed the blade towards a nearby chest, a beam of light shooting form the tip and opening it in one fell swoop. “There. I think this is what you girls are looking for, right?”

Apple Bloom's eyes widened in astonishment as the chest opened to reveal a collection of neatly organized papers and notebooks, exactly what they had been searching for. She couldn't believe her luck as she stepped forward to examine the contents, her heart racing with excitement.

"Wow, you found them!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. Turning towards the stallion she beamed a bright smile. "Thank you so much, Mister!"

The mysterious pony grinned, twirling the keyblade once more before making it disappear with a flick of his hoof. "Hey, No problem at all," he replied casually, his demeanor relaxed yet somehow still mysterious. "Just consider it a favor between fellow adventurers."

“Still…ah…if ya don’t mind me asking, what are ya doing in Twilight’s home?” The little yellow filly asked with a raised eyebrow. “Are ya from Sora’s home? Are ya looking for him?”

“Me? Naw. Never really met the guy…I do know of him though. Made quite the name for himself in the other worlds after all.” He moved past the filly, making his way up the stairs. “You could even say I’m a bit of a fan.” He turned towards her, his hoof raising to his lips. “Though I don’t want to bother him when he already has a lot on his plate. So…you mind keeping our little meeting a secret? As a favor for finding those notes for you, if I have to pull your leg.”

Apple Bloom hesitantly nodded after thinking for a while, still somewhat perplexed by the mysterious pony's sudden appearance and equally sudden helpfulness. She watched as he made his way up the stairs, his figure disappearing into the shadows of the upper level.

“W-Wait!” She gasped soon enough before following after him, knowing that her friends where on the upper levels. When she made it to the top though, all she saw was Bab’s looking her way with a bewildered expression.

“Huh? Wait for what, A.B.?” Babs asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“I…ah…” Apple Bloom struggled to find the right words to explain the encounter with the mysterious pony, her mind still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. She glanced around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him on the upper level, but he had vanished without a trace. Shaking her head she turned back to her cousin. “It’s…I was just letting ya’ll know ah found the notes.”

Babs nodded, her ears perked up with interest as she approached Apple Bloom. "That's great! Did you find them in the basement?" she asked, a curious look in her eyes.

Apple Bloom hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain the mysterious pony's involvement in their discovery. She decided to keep that part to herself for now. "Yeah, I found them down there. Lets go and give them a once over. Where’s Scoots?”

“Still upstairs.” The orange filly pointed. “Should I get her?”

Apple Bloom nods as she pulls out her pencil and papers. “We’re gonna need all hooves on deck if we are gonna copy at least half of this stuff before Spike and Sweetie gets back.”

Babs nodded in agreement, understanding the urgency of their task. "I'll go get Scootaloo. You start organizing the papers, and we'll make sure we get copies of everything Twilight needs."

As Babs went to find Scootaloo, Apple Bloom spread out the papers and notebooks on a nearby table. She quickly scanned through the contents, making mental notes of the important information they needed to copy. The mysterious pony's assistance lingered in her thoughts, and she couldn't help but wonder about his connection to the world of keyblade wielders.

~

Canterlot
Upper Midtown Homes

Twilight Sparkle stepped out of her mother's home in Canterlot, a grateful smile on her face as she turned to bid farewell. "Thank you, Mom, for letting me drop, even if it was a bit unannounced," she said warmly..

Velvet returned her daughter's smile, her own eyes twinkling with affection. "Oh, Twilight, you're always welcome here, whether it's planned or not," she replied fondly, reaching out to give Twilight a gentle hug. "It's always a pleasure to have you visit." Pulling away she looked her daughter up and down, sighing softly. “I almost want to lock you away in here so you don’t go into danger again…but that would be

taking away your chance to shine like I know you can. I trust you’ll be careful, my little starlight.”

Twilight chuckled softly at her mother's protective nature, brushing a lock of her lavender mane behind her ear. "I promise I'll be cautious, Mom. Besides, I have my friends by my side, and we always have each other's backs," she reassured, her voice filled with conviction.

“Of that I am grateful for.” She released Twilight, stepping backwards a bit. “Still…stay safe okay. Both you and your friends. Especially that Sora fellow. Even with how odd of an egg he is, at least from what you told me, I can tell you all really care for him as a friend as well…Still…if tis a choice between him or you, I’ll take him getting hurt any day of the week so…please don’t let it come to that for him.”

"I'll do everything in my power to keep us all safe, Mom. And don't worry, we'll watch out for each other, especially Sora.”

“That’s all I ask.” Velvet smiled once again. “Oh…and tell him thank you for me. Without him…I might have lost my one and only daughter.”

"I'll be sure to pass along your thanks to Sora, Mom," the young mare promised, her voice soft yet resolute. "He's been a true friend to me and the others, and I don't know if I could imagine him not beside us at this point."

“Made that much of an impact on you did he?” Her mom asked with a wry grin. “Should I be planning your wedding?”

Twilight blushed furiously at her mother's teasing, stammering as she tried to regain her composure. "Mom, no! It's not like that at all!" she protested, waving her hooves frantically in denial. "Sora and I are just friends…really good friends, but...it's not…you know, like that!"

Velvet simply chuckled at her daughter's embarrassment, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Oh, Twilight, I was only teasing," she said with a warm smile. "But if he does mean so much to you, then I'm glad you have such a loyal friend by your side."

Twilight let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you, Mom. And like I said, I'll be sure to convey your gratitude to Sora. He'll appreciate knowing he made a difference."

As she turned to leave, Velvet called out after her daughter. "Remember to take care of yourself too…and to write back ever so often.”

Twilight paused and turned back to her mother, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I will, Mom. I promise."

With that she turned back and made her way down the road towards the castle, her mind occupied with thoughts of her mother and her conversation. She had told her everything that had happened, doing her best to leave out Sora being from another world of course. It was heart pounding to be sure and she was more than sure that her mother WAS about to lock her in her room for the rest of her days if she really had the power to after everything she had told her.

Nerve wracking as it was, she was happy she did. And she was happy her mother didn’t try and stop her from doing what she needed to do to keep Equestria safe. Still, she could have done without her mother’s teasing. Jest or no, the studious mare didn’t harbor much feelings for the young stallion besides a close friendship. She wouldn’t say he wasn’t easy on the eyes, but just wasn’t her type of stallion. A great friend though, through and through.

She paused. Just what is my type then? I never really thought about it till now. Hmm…

She quickly shook her head, ridding herself of such thoughts. “No. Too much on my plate to think about such silly concepts. Right now I need to get back and get some rest. The Diamond Dogs will be coming to Canterlot in a few days and I need to get ready for them.”

Tale of Two Hearts

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Tale of Two Hearts

Above the Land of Equestira
Blueblood's Airship the Highwing

Prince Blueblood's Airship soared through the azure heavens, cutting through the wispy clouds like a majestic predator in search of its prey. The gentle hum of the engines reverberated throughout the luxurious cabin, where Prince Blueblood reclined in a plush velvet chair, his gaze fixed upon the ever-changing panorama outside the panoramic windows.

From this lofty vantage point, the world below seemed to shrink into insignificance, reduced to mere patches of greenery and winding rivers. The hustle and bustle of the city, the chaos of the streets—all faded away into obscurity as the airship ascended higher and higher into the boundless sky.

It was a beautiful feeling, flying high within the confines of the sky. Something he always envied pegasi for. He would never tell them that of course, but he could appreciate their ability to sore without the need for machines. It was one of life’s simple pleasures after all, fly above those that could not. Made even better when one is not meant to.

Still, despite the relaxing atmospheres, the room he was within couldn’t be any more dower.

Prince Blueblood shifted in his chair, turning towards his guests—the duo queens of the Diamond Dogs, Jennino Lanternlight and Katherina Proudpaws. With a soft click of his teeth, he tutted at the pair, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Relax, my dear queens," he said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "My airship was made for comfort, after all." He gestured around the luxurious cabin, where plush furnishings and elegant decor exuded an air of opulence and refinement.

“The only reason,” The taller of the two Diamond Dogs spoke, her blue fur bristling a she adjusted herself in her seat. “I even agreed to walk onto this flying death trap was because it was powered by no magic.” She scoffed as she looked around. “That and because it was a summons from Celestia herself.”

"Sister...be kind." The black and white Diamond Dog, Jennino, shook her head before turning towards Blueblood, a smile gracing her lips, “Thank you Prince, but It is not your air ship that troubles us at the moment.” She spoke, her tone soft and yet held a tone of resoluteness. Gripping the cane she carried tight, she turned towards her window as she spoke, “Despite her more...colorful words, she is just worried. So am I to tell you the truth. It pains us to know we have left our sisters to look after our home, knowing that some…black creature is out there, snatching Diamond Dogs from our very streets.”

“Hear say and you know it sister.” Katherina, the taller blue dog spoke, her violet eyes flicking towards her older sister. “Do not let fear cloud your judgment, Jennino. These monsters, these Heartless, sound more like a tale a mother tells her pup’s to keep them in line.” She folded her paws across her chest. “Stealing your heart and turning into one indeed…”

The prince shook his head before he turned his gaze from Jennino to Katherina, acknowledging her skepticism. "You raise a valid point, Katherina," he said, his tone thoughtful. "It's easy to dismiss tales of mythical creatures as mere superstition. However, we cannot ignore the disappearances that have plagued your streets."

“Diamond Dogs leave our kingdom all the time.” The blue queen remarked, “They seek out the world beyond in search of gems and artifacts to bring home. It is a common occurrence, and the disappearances could be attributed to that wanderlust spirit.” She paused, her gaze flicking towards Prince Blueblood. “Or the actions of rival factions seeking to undermine us.”

"But what Moonbeam saw deep in the caverns can't be ignored, Katherina," Jennino interjected, her voice firm as she continued the thought. "Such tales cannot simply be dismissed as figments of imagination if the ponies are coming to us with the same stories."

“That place was cursed from the start sister.” The other queen spat. “And it was forbidden for her to enter there in the first place. Is it not how you got your cursed illness.”

"We do not know if that was the reason or not, sister," Jennino countered, her tone tinged with frustration. "We cannot ignore the possibility that there is something sinister lurking within those caverns. If there's even a chance that the disappearances are linked to whatever Moonbeam witnessed, we owe it to our people to investigate." She sat back. “And if these shadow creatures are involved and all the more reason for us to seek the aid of the one Princess Celestia is talking about.”

“You already trust this…what was he called again?” Katherina turned towards the white unicorn stallion. “A Keyblade Wielder, was it? What even is that?"

Blueblood exchanged a glance with the queens, his expression thoughtful as he spoke. “I have yet to see the stallion in action myself but if Princess Celestia vouches for him then who am I to question her wisdom?”

Jennino turned towards her sister, her gaze probing yet gentle. "Katherina, If you truly do not believe in the claims Moonbeam spoke of, then why did you agree to accompany me on this journey in the first place? I could have gone alone."

"I may have my doubts about the validity of Moonbeam's claims,” The blue diamond dog began, “But that doesn't diminish my concern for your safety. I couldn't bear the thought of you facing potential danger alone, especially with your health already compromised."

The black and white queen huffed as she sat back in her chair. “You are, as you have always been, difficult sister.”

Katherina clicked her teeth in response to Jennino's comment. "You say difficult. I say loyal.” She turned away, to look out the window at the passing lands below. “No matter how much my sister’s vex me so."

Prince Blueblood couldn't help but chuckle dryly as he observed the interaction between the sisters, finding their banter somewhat amusing if nothing else. Taking a sip from his glass of wine, he leaned back in his chair, deciding that the momentary squabble had come to an end and figuring that he would enjoy the rest of his flight.

Oh how I don’t envy your predicament little Keyblade Wielder. If nothing else, I do wish you luck with these two…you’re gonna need it.

~

To Fluttershy, the day had seemed oh so long before the sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow though the glass stained windows of Canterlot Castle. Despite the soft warmth of the setting sun, Fluttershy couldn't shake the chill that worked its way though her spine and wings, her timid mind racing as she made her way towards her destination.

It had only been a few days but, to her, it felt like years since she had last even talked to Sora, let alone be in the same room as him for a long period of time, scared as she was to comfort her own guilt for her part in the stallion getting hurt. Now here she was, making her way towards his room, her hooves echoing softly on the polished stone floors, each step a countdown to her confrontation with the stallion.

No…it wasn’t a confrontation. It was…well…She didn’t quite know what it was. All she knew was that it needed to happen now. And soon too, least she lose faith in herself.

Soon, the shy mare found herself standing outside Sora's room, her heart pounding with a mix of guilt and anticipation. Princess Cadance's advice echoed in her mind, urging her to face her fears and confront the hurt she had caused and…her own feelings for the stallion. Slowly, she raised a hoof, stopping short before shaking her head, her nerves getting the best of her at the worst of times. She turned to leave before stopping short, her heart held up by her conversation with Rarity earlier that day.

~~

Fluttershy was as fresh as a yellow rose after her time in the spa with Rarity. She felt rejuvenated, her aura as serene as a quiet stream flowing through the Everfree Forest. Rarity smiled at her friend's newfound confidence, admiring how the gentlest of creatures could emanate such grace and poise. "I must admit darling, Canterlot’s spa has just done wonders for you. Why if I didn’t know any better I thought I would be looking at a new pony before me. Your coat is absolutely glowing!" Rarity exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Fluttershy blushed at Rarity's compliment, her shy demeanor momentarily peeking through her newfound confidence. "T-Thank you Rarity. You look…um…just as pretty as ever as well…" she murmured softly, her voice as delicate as the flutter of butterfly wings. “It really was nice of the princess to give us those tickets.”

“Indeed it was.” The fashionista agreed. “I almost hate to leave. The spa sisters back at Ponyville are magnificent at what they do back home but this is a whole different level of luxury and pampering.” She gasped. “Idea! We could make this a monthly trip! Just the two of us”

Fluttershy's eyes widened with excitement at Rarity's suggestion. "A monthly spa trip? That…um…That does sound wonderful honestly!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.”

Rarity nodded eagerly, her mind already buzzing with ideas. "Yes, yes, I adore the thought as well! We could try out different treatments each time, explore new pampering techniques, and simply revel in the luxury of it all. Oh, the inspiration it would provide for our creative endeavors!" She smirked. “Why…we could even invite a certain Keyblade Wielder to join us. If nothing else it will make you happy he is there.” She cooed.

The yellow mare pouted but didn’t refute the unicorn’s words. Instead, she turned towards Castle in the distance, the orange sky dancing with streaks of pink and purple as the sun began its slow descent. “I…That would be nice…”

Her friend’s features softened a little. “So…you really do plan on talking to him tonight then?”

Fluttershy hesitated ever so slightly at her friend’s question. Just the thought of speaking to him made her heart flutter nervously, but she knew it was time to finally have that conversation with the stallion who had captured her heart. She couldn’t keep hiding from him forever after all…That wouldn’t be fair to him…or to her.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Fluttershy turned back to Rarity a soft but determined nod coming soon after. "I…I am," she said softly, her voice gaining a touch of confidence. "It scares me…but…I can’t keep avoiding him…no matter how much my brain is telling me to." She placed a hoof over her chest. “Because my heart is…its telling me that it’s time to be brave.”

The white unicorn smiled softly at her friend, placing a hoof gently upon her shoulder, “Well…if its any consolation, I’ll be rooting for you two, no matter what happens.”

"Thank you, Rarity," she murmured gratefully, a small smile gracing her lips. "Having your support means the world to me."

With a reassuring nod, Rarity offered a gentle smile. "Anytime, darling. I’m always here for you. And remember, you're stronger than you think. You tamed that red dragon as easily as you do the little bunnies in your garden after all."

Fluttershy took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with a mixture of nerves and determination. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the castle grounds, she knew it was now or never. With a gentle nod to Rarity, who offered an encouraging smile, Fluttershy turned and made her way towards the castle, the white mare following close behind her.

~~

The shy mare cursed herself inwardly as she shook her head. She was about to run away again, even after all that bravado she had displayed in front of Rarity. Genlty smacking her cheek, she turned back towards Sora’s door, steeling herself for what was to come, and gently knocked upon the wooden frame.

There would be a pause before she heard a voice.

"Come in."

The mare’s heart raced. It was Sora's voice. A voice she had missed so dearly. It may have been just a few days, but she couldn't help but love the way her heart skipped a beat at his gentle tone.

Fluttershy hesitated for but a moment before gently pushing open the door, her hooves trembling every step of the way. Inside, she could see that the room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a few candles scattered around the space. On the other side of the room she could see Sora, the stallion standing on the balcony, his silhouette outlined against the backdrop of the night sky.

The shy mare couldn't help but nearly feel her heart stop at the sight of him. Even where she stood, she could see the weight of his thoughts in the way he held himself, the tension in his shoulders evident even from across the room. Before she could think about turning away however, the stallion would turn to meet her, his bright blue eyes widening at the sight of the butter yellow mare, clearly not expecting her of all ponies to be in his room.

"F-Fluttershy!" He quickly turned towards the mare fully, clearly wanting to run towards her but hesitated at the last second, an unsure expression on his face. Looking away, he rubbed his foreleg, his gaze falling towards the ground. “Ah…h-hey…Flutters.”

The mare’s breath caught in her throat at his hesitation. The surprise and uncertainty in his eyes mirrored the tumultuous emotions swirling inside her own heart. Despite her own feelings however, she would be the one to make the first move between them. Slowly but surely, closing the distance between them and making her way to stand beside him. She gave him a soft look before looking out onto the city lights below the castle.

As she did, the stallion opened his mouth, but closed it soon after, unable to say a word to the mare. Instead he turned to look back out into the city, both mare and stallion sharing a quite moment together as thoughts and feelings mingled together in a cacophony unspoken words. As the pair stood side by side, the night air gentle against their coats, a sense of tranquility could be felt between the two awkward ponies. The bustling sounds of Canterlot city's nightlife below seemed distant and unimportant in this shared moment.

A moment broken only by the timid mare's voice.

"I...um...its...pretty...The city I mean."

Sora nodded despite knowing that she wasn’t looking at him at the time. "Yeah, it really is, isn't it? So different from where I come from."

The shy mare's gaze fell upon him. "From...your Island, right?"

"Yeah." He smiled. "I remember telling you about that a while ago. My home."

"Yes, you did. You talked about your friends and all the adventures you had there when you were foals." Carefully, the timid mare moved closer towards the stallion. "It sounded really special. I…um…wish I could have been there with you to see it…Maybe…" She turned to face him. “Maybe I could visit? I-If its okay with you that is…”

“I…wouldn’t mind that.” The stallion answered, his tone of voice both hesitant and yet...hopeful. "When this is all over, I’ll be sure to take you on a grand tour of the place. Even if its not much there but sand wood and water."

“It sounds…peaceful…” She spoke softly. “I…Think it would be perfect.”

The two went silent once again, basking in the comfortable silence that had enveloped them. Something that the shy mare couldn’t help but shiver at. She had done what Cadance had told her to do before coming to Sora. To think of what she wanted to say to him. She had even written it down before hand. But now, with Sora standing beside her, his presence stirring emotions she had long kept buried, Fluttershy found herself unable to speak the words she had so carefully prepared. To ask for forgiveness for hurting him…both physically and mentally. That she doesn’t deserve a kind stallion like him.

But…as her gaze fell upon the stallion, his mane blowing genlty in the night of the wind, everything she had wanted to say was thrown away. Instead, she found herself reaching out a hoof to gently touch his own, an action that caused Sora's eyes widened at the unexpected contact, but not pull away. Instead, he turned to look at the shy mare fully, his gaze searching hers for any hint of what she was feeling.

“Is…something wrong, Shy?”

Taking a deep breath, her heart beating rapidly in her chest, the timid mare mustered the courage to answer him. Out of everything she had wanted to say to him, there was just one thing on her mind that she couldn’t get rid of. The push she needed to know how she really felt for the stallion. "Sora...I, um... The place where you were... hurt," she spoke softly, her tone a trembling, soft tempo. "I know you said you healed it...but...um...is it really okay?"

The question wasn't a surprise to Sora, since pretty much every pony he knew asked him the same thing. He smiled softly at the shy mare, repeating the same words he told the others. "It's okay, Fluttershy," he reassured her, placing a hoof over his chest. "I may not be as good as Donald is but my magic works just as well. Barely even a scar now."

She nodded before slowly looking his way fully, stepping a little closer. "I...Um...I understand Sora, but...do you mind if I see it?" she asked hesitantly. "I...um...Just to make sure."

The stallion hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering with uncertainty at the shy mare's request. Unlike the others, no pony else had asked him to look at it and he never offered to show it either. He didn't want to show it. Not to her. Why would he?... and yet, as he looked into Fluttershy's eyes, filled with genuine concern, he nodded slowly, relenting to the mare's request.

Carefully, he lifted his hoof to his chest, pulling up his shirt to reveal the faint scar the marred his fur.

Fluttershy approached him slowly, her heart pounding in her chest as he looked upon the mark. Gently, she reached out with a trembling hoof before pressing it against his chest, tracing the outline of the scar. She could feel the little indent where the dagger had pierced, a stark reminder of the danger he had faced. The danger she had...put him in.

As her hoof lingered, tears slowly welled up in Fluttershy's eyes. She couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions overwhelming her - relief that Sora was okay and guilt for what he had endured due to her weakness. Her gaze fell upwards towards the worried stallion as gentle waves of tears began to slowly fall down her cheeks.

"Sora..." she whispered, her voice choked, barely restrained, "I...I..."

The stallion, seeing the mare on the verge of breaking down, placed a gentle hoof on her own, offering her a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Fluttershy," he said softly. "I'm okay now, thanks to you and everyone else who helped me." He gaze her a soft toothy grin. "I'm okay."

"I...I just...I...I'm sorry...I...I'm sorry!" She cried before pushing herself towards him, her face burying into his chest as she began to cry her little heart out.

Sora carefully wrapped his hooves around the quivering mare, holding her close as she cried into his chest. He could feel her trembling against him, her tears soaking through his shirt, but he didn't mind at all. He just held her gently, offering her silent comfort and support.

The pair stayed like that for quite a while, her tears flowing freely as she released the pent-up emotions that had been weighing heavily on her heart. She had thought that she was over it now. That she had come to terms with it.

I...I'm still just a crybaby...I thought seeing it would do it…to force myself to let go of my feelings and him…but…I…Don’t want that…I don’t want to lose him…

Eventually, after a long while, Fluttershy's tears began to subside, and she pulled away from the stallion, her eyes red and puffy. Sora reached out with a hoof to gently wipe away the remaining tear stains on her cheeks. "Feel a little better?"

Fluttershy nodded weakly, managing a small, watery smile. "Yes, thank you, Sora," she replied, her voice still shaky from her crying but she really did calm down.

Sora's eyes softened as he gazed at her, his hoof lingering on her cheek for a moment longer before he withdrew it. "Good cause...I...I really hate to see you sad," he said softly. "Because...it makes my heart hurt when you are."

The shy mare blushed and looked away, sniffing softly. "I...Isn't that with everypony when you see t-they are hurting?"

Sora nodded. "Yeah, it is," he replied softly, "But with you, Shy, it's, I don’t know…different." He sighed softly. "And I don't even know how I feel about it..." He sighed, shaking his head from side to side as he tried to word his thoughts. "But...what I do know is...I mean what I want to...Gah...What I mean is...Gah…" He groaned as he looked away, rugging the back his head in frustration. "Geeze...how is it that Riku can make talking to girls so easy..."

He shook his head once again before continuing, his gaze falling into the mare’s own. “Listen…I…I don’t blame you no more then I blame Gilda for what happened…" He told the mare, “But…I also know that just saying that doesn’t help anyone…so…I…I want you to know that I want to help you get through it. Just like you helped me all those times…” he shook his head before gently pulling her hoof into his own.

“S…Sora?”

“I suck at talking and a lot of other things…” The stallion held her hoof in his own, gripping it tightly, "And I...I'm still sorting though a lot of stuff, Fluttershy..."

"I...” The mare’s eyes widened before she closed them again, her cheeks turning a brighter shade of pink, “I understand." She dared to pull herself closer, grasping his hoofs as he tightened around her own.

"I...I might make you cry,” He continued, looking away “...I’m definitely gonna make you worry."

Tears began to flow again down Fluttershy's cheeks again, but she knew, this time, they were not ones of sadness or fear. "I-I know...I...I'm prepared for that...or at least I'll try to be..."

Sora opened his mouth once again but then closed it, his gaze shifting to the ground. "I'm...not cool or smart...I'm just...an ordinary...stallion." His gaze shifted to look towards her own. "And I...I'm not brave enough to say those three words to you...at least...not now...but...What I want is...I mean.” He looked away, rubbing the back of his neck as nerves tired to over take him, “If it's cool with you...we can...hang out a lot more." He looked away, rubbing the back of his head again. "I mean...if you want to."

Fluttershy's heart fluttered at Sora's words, her own emotions swirling within her chest. Wiping away her tears with a hoof, she looked up at him with a soft, sincere smile, praying to Celestia that this wasn’t a dream. "I would love to spend more time with you, Sora," she spoke through her tittering voice. "If…that is okay with you that is..."

"Y-yeah, it's... it's definitely okay with me," he stammered, his cheeks burning bright red as he rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I-I mean... I'd really like that, Fluttershy. A lot. So...um..." He looked around, as if he was trying to find something profound to say or take about. When nothing came into view, he cast his gaze back towards the timid mare in front of him. "I guess...we're...dating then?”

Fluttershy's cheeks flushed with a deep shade of pink at his words, matching the color of Sora's own blush. She glanced away shyly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she answered in a timid voice, "Y-yes, Sora... I... I guess we are now..."

"Okay...ah...cool." Smile of his own began to form before it quickly turned into a frown. "Oh...ah...well...um...what now?"

The timid mare released a small squeak of nervousness at his question. She had honestly not thought this far ahead at the time, more worried about everything else she had wanted to say to the stallion. Looking down at her hooves she felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her. "I... I don't know," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've never had a coltfriend before..."

"And I've...never had a...Fillyfriend? Is that the right word?" He asked.

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, fillyfriend is the right word," she confirmed. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she looked up at Sora, a mixture of excitement and nervousness swirling within her.

"Okay...good...um..." He looked around again before turning back to face her. "Do...you...wanna go see how the others are doing then...I mean...not much of a first date between us I guess but...we are doing it together?"

A warm feeling spread through the shy mare's chest at the mention of them together. She nodded softly to the stallion's suggestion. "Yes, I'd like that," she replied softly.

"Right! Lets go." He made to move but stopped when the shy mare tugged at his shirt causing him to turn towards her. "Oh...ah...something wrong, Shy?"

Fluttershy's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink as she gathered her courage to make the request she had always wanted to make. "Um... S-Sora..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think... maybe... um... you could... wrap your wing around me as we walk?"

The stallion blinked before looking towards his side, slowly lifting one of his wings wide before turning back to the shy mare. "Like...ah...this?"

Fluttershy's blush deepened as she nodded in response to Sora's question, her eyes fixed on the outstretched wing. "Y-Yes...I...um...E...excuse me...then" she replied softly, her voice filled with nervous anticipation. Slowly she shifted towards his side, pressing herself close to him as his wing draped across her back, enveloping her in its soft embrace.

"Is this okay?" Sora asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

The now happy mare nodded, her heart fluttering. "It's...um... perfect," she whispered. Her gaze feel back to him. "And...Sora...I...I'm sorry...I never told you before but...I'm sorry...I'm sorry I'm the reason you got hurt...I know you said that...you're fine but...I still have to say it...do you...forgive me?"

The stallion paused at the mare's words, his mind going over his time with Celestia and her words echoing in his mind.

'You're body and mind...it may be that of a pony now...but was it when you were with Fluttershy before Ventus saved you? Did you not have some kind of feelings for Fluttershy before you were changed into a full pony? If so then you already know the answer."

He smiled as he pulled the mare closer with his wing, hugging her softly, "Nothing to apologize for Shy..." the stallion gently told her. "In fact...I hate to say it, but it might have been the kick in the flank I needed to know what I really wanted. In more ways then one." He looked over towards the mare's gentle, uncertain look before giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. Just saying that...I think its the start of something new."

"Sora..." she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "Thank you...for understanding...and for being so kind."

"Hehe...if the embodiment of Kindness says I'm kind then it must be true."

She giggled softly before pressing her head against his neck, nuzzling into him and causing him to blush. There was still a lot left to be said between the two of them. And Sora knew that…he couldn’t keep his secret from the girls forever…but right now…all of that was forgotten as he walked out of the room with the mare, not even giving it a second thought for the moment.

A Moment with Apples and Oranges

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A Moment with Apples and Oranges

Sweet Apple Acers

The air was filled with laughter and the sound of hooves tapping against the ground in time with the music as the warm afternoon gave way to the cool of the night. Many within the older Apple family were still roaring to go till dawn as mothers put their tired fillies and colts to bed for the night within the repurposed barn house. The little ones that were awake would laugh and and squeak with glee, treating the whole thing as a giant sleepover with family.

Elsewhere, nearing the gates of Sweet Apple Acers, Applejack walked with two other ponies, her aunt and uncle Orange. As they strolled along, the faint scent of apples lingered in the air, a reminder of the family's orchard that stretched out behind them. The two older’s ponies laughed softly, their voices mingling in casual conversation as they shared stories and caught up on family news.

"Thank y'all kindly for comin' out here today, Auntie Orange, Uncle Orange," Applejack mused softly, wrapping her hooves around both of their necks in a gentle hug, "It means a heap to me."

Auntie Orange embraced her niece back, alongside her husband as she spoke. "The pleasure was all ours, dear. We'll be sure to visit again soon. Was always partial to down home cooking from time to time, isn’t that right dear?"

“Of course.” The stallion mused, “Do tell Granny that she outdid herself this year.”

"Well shoot. She'll be glad ta hear it," the farm mare smirked as she pulled away from them. "Ya sure Ah can't offer ya to stay for the night? Ah'm sure ah can make the bed all nice and neat for ya."

Auntie Orange chuckled softly, her tangerine coat gleaming in the moonlight. "That is very kind of you dear, Applejack, but we've already made arrangements to stay at a hotel in Ponyville for the night so that we can board the Train to Canterlot in the morning. We appreciate the offer, though."

"Indeed, we've got everything all sorted out, my dear." Uncle Orange added. "Though I must admit, it was quite the day well spent with our distant family. It might not be a thing we do every year mind you, but we will be sure to pop in from time to time."

"That and to check in on you and your siblings." His wife said with a worried expression. "Word of those...dreadful creatures have been the talk of all of Manehatten recently. What did you call them before...Heartless?"

"Yeah, it's true. Ponyville was attacked by the Heartless not too long ago, matter-o-fact," Applejack's expression grew even more serious as she nodded in response to Uncle Orange's question. "It was a rough time for everypony but we all came out of it unscathed tho'. They caused a lot of chaos and destruction before we managed to drive 'em off," she frowned. "Those varmints haven't been giving ya any trouble up there have they, now that ya mention it? Ah know a few of my friends went down ta Trottingham to deal with a heap of them, so ah reckon they can pop up anywhere if that's the case."

Auntie Orange shook her head. "No, thankfully we haven't seen any Heartless in Manehattan as of now and I do hope it stays that way. They sound like dreadful creatures."

"I'm sure they won't come down our way honey." Her husband mused, gently placing a hoof upon his wife's shoulder. "Our police force is the best and you've seen the guards the Princess sent our way. We are as safe as safe can up in the city."

"It's always good to stay vigilant. Guard or no guard," the orange farm mare responded. "Speaking of which, stay safe on the road back ta Ponyville. The roads back may be lit but doesn't mean ya should slack when it comes to keeping yourself safe."

"We will." The stallion nodded softly to his neice. "It was good seeing you again, little Apple. Maybe bring your family around for a holiday in Manehatten? I'm sure the Misses would love to dress you all up like she did when you came to live with us when you were a little filly."

Applejack couldn’t stop the fond smile spreading across her face at Uncle Orange's suggestion. "That sounds mighty nice, Uncle Orange. Ah'll talk it over with the family and see if we can make it happen. It'd be a right treat to spend a holiday back in Manehattan with y'all." Pulling away she hugged her aunt again once before backing off. "Right. You two best be off or we'll be here all day saying goodbye."

Auntie Orange chuckled softly. "You're right, dear Applejack. Take care of yourself, and don't forget to keep an eye out for those Heartless."

"I will, Auntie Orange. You two take care on your journey back, and do write a letter ta let us know when ya get to Canterlot safe and sound, ya hear?" With one final round of hugs and well wishes, Auntie Orange and Uncle Orange bid farewell to their young niece.

As Auntie Orange and Uncle Orange departed, Applejack turned to find Pinkie Pie approaching with her usual exuberance. "Hey there, Pinkie! I just wanted to see Auntie and Uncle Orange off," she greeted with a warm smile. Applejack glanced at the box balancing upon Pinkie's back. "Guessin' ya headin' back home with a few pies for the Cakes?"

"Yep, you guessed it! I've got a whole bunch of pies for Mr. and Mrs. Cake. They're gonna be so happy!"

"I'm sure they will be." The mare chuckled with a smile. "And thanks again for helping out with the Reunion. Owe ya big time for all that ya done." Her smile faltered a bit as she looked away from the pink party mare. With a soft sigh she looked into Pinkie’s blue eyes and spoke, her tone of voice low and somber. "And...ah...listen. That time in the Crystal Empire...ya know when we were in that weird black void talking to Rockhoof and that Somnambula mare?" She rubbed the back of her head. "Ah don’t think ah ever really apologized ta you when…well…when ah was angry at Sora...and you."

"Aw, Applejack, you don't owe me anything. Apology or otherwise" The mare mused as she booped her friend's nose, "We're friends, remember? We're always here for each other, no matter what. Even if one of them is being a grumpy pants. I'm sure Sora would say the same thing."

Applejack chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement at Pinkie Pie's playful boop. "Heh, I knew you'd say that, Pinkie. Still...wanted ta let ya know that ah am grateful. To you, the girls...hehe...and Sora."

Pinkie Pie's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with warmth and understanding. "Aw, shucks, Applejack. You don't have to thank us. We're just doing what friends do."

"Don't ah know." The mare mused as she raised a hoof the bump it with the pink mare. "Ya best get going too. Ah'm gonna make sure the rest of my family is settled for the night under the stars. Stay safe ya hear?"

Pinkie Pie bumped hooves with Applejack, her smile bright and genuine. "You betcha, AJ! I'll make sure to stay safe, and you do the same, okay? Tell little Apple Bloom that I'll be back, bright and early tomorrow for the second day of festivities! See ya later!"

Applejack watched as Pinkie Pie bounced away, her vibrant pink mane trailing behind her like a streak of confetti.

Shaking her head softly she turned back to head towards the farm, the young mare taking her time to do so. As Applejack walked back towards the farm, her thoughts began to drift to the recent battles against the Heartless. It had been a trying time for her and her friends, but they had managed to overcome each challenge together. Even if it was by the skin of their teeth most of the time. Still, a win's a win in her book.

But amidst the pride, she couldn't help the lingering sense of unease she felt. The young mare couldn't help but feel a storm was on the horizon, one she knew she had to be ready for. Whatever the Heartless wanted with this world...her world...it couldn't be good. And here she was promising to stay safe knowing that no matter how strong she may seem, she didn't have the power Sora had. She didn't even know if she had the real drive to...

The mare shook her head, ridding herself of such thoughts. Sora trying to sacrifice himself to save us would have solved nothing. Can't go thinking I need to do so too if the time came...

As she approached Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack pushed her worries aside and focused on the task at hand. The preparations for the second day of the Reunion were well underway. many of the older ponies had came in to help for the night, taking shifts for the cooking. She smiled, waved, and nodded towards all that greeted her before she was stopped by her Granny Smith, a gentle frown on her face.

"There ya are A.J."

Applejack stopped in her tracks, her smile fading as she looked at Granny Smith's concerned expression. "What's the matter, Granny? Is somethin' wrong?"

"Well...nothing big." She told her. "Just haven't seen the Apple Bloom and her friend's running about is all. Pretty sure ah told them to come back home before nightfall if she was gonna up and leave."

Applejack's brows furrowed in concern as she listened to Granny Smith's words. "They haven't come back yet? Did they say where they were goin'?"

"No...but last ah saw anypony saw of them, they were headin towards the way that leads to the treehouse they dun built."

Applejack's worry deepened. The treehouse was a favorite spot for Apple Bloom and her friends to play, but it was also located near the outskirts of Sweet Apple Acres. Not too far from here but she knew that if they were still out there, in the dark, nothing good could come of it.

Giving her granny a smile to alleviate her concern, the farm mare reassured her. "Don't you worry, Granny. I'll go and find Apple Bloom and her friends right away. They're probably just caught up in their games and lost track of time." She patted her granny's hoof reassuringly before swiftly making her way towards the outskirts of the farm.

As Applejack ventured deeper into the orchard, the moon cast an eerie glow through the branches, creating mysterious shadows that danced on the ground. She knew she shouldn't be scared. She had face way scaryier dangers then walking though some woods. No...her worry was for her little sister and her friends. After everything they went though in the Crystal Empire, she expected them to be at least a little wary of wandering off alone.

Quickly but carefully, she pushed onwards before finding her destination. Just as she does though, a loud scream would pierce the darkness from within the little house in the tree.

Without a moment's hesitation, she called out, "Apple Bloom! Scootaloo! Sweetie Belle!" Her voice rang out with urgency as she rushed towards the treehouse, her mind racing with worry for her little sister and her friends.

Reaching the treehouse, Applejack wasted no time. With swift movements, she climbed the stairs and burst through the door, nearly breaking it off its hinges in her haste. As she entered, her eyes quickly scanned the room, searching for any sign of danger.

To her relief, she found Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and even Babs Seed huddled together inside, their flashlights illuminating their startled faces. None of them were hurt. In fact, they appeared to be cozied up in their sleeping bags in the ruins of their makeshift blanket fort, their eyes wide with surprise at Applejack's sudden entrance.

"Girls, are y'all alright?" Applejack asked, her voice filled with concern as she approached them.

"Gosh...d-did you plan this whole thing about A.B.?" Babs asked in a shaky tone. "Having your sister hide to scare us is a low blow."

"Ah didn't plan anythin' like that. Ah came runnin' 'cause ah heard screams comin' from here!" Applejack said, her brows furrowing in confusion.

The four fillies exchanged sheepish glances before Apple Bloom shuffled forward, her voice tinged with guilt. "We're sorry, Applejack. We didn't mean to worry anyone. We just wanted to have a sleepover in our fort and tell spooky stories. We lost track of time, that's all."

Relief washed over Applejack as she realized the situation wasn't as dire as she had originally feared. She let out a sigh and ruffled Apple Bloom's mane affectionately. "Well, I'm glad you're all safe. But next time, make sure to let someone know where you're going, alright? You had us all worried sick."

Apple Bloom nodded, her eyes filled with remorse. "I promise, Applejack. We'll be more careful next time."

The other fillies chimed in with their agreements, their voices filled with sincerity. Applejack couldn't help but smile at their innocence and determination to mend their mistake.

"Well then, let's head back home now," Applejack said, her tone gentle yet firm. "Granny Smith and the others are worried sick. We need to let them know that everything's alright and then you four will head on up ta bed. Gonna sleep in for the rest of the Reunion if ya stay up so late at night."

The fillies nodded in agreement, gathering their things as they prepared to leave the treehouse. In doing so, they made the long walk back to the Farmhouse, Applejack taking position behind them, keeping a watchful eye on her sister and her friends as they made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres.

The farm mare couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that her sister and her friends were safe. She sighed contentedly, grateful that everything had turned out alright in the end. At least this was a clean victory for her.

But as Applejack followed behind the girls, a sudden chill ran down her spine, causing her to pause and glance back. For a brief moment she thought she saw...something...but there was nothing there but the shadows of the night.

Shaking her head, Applejack brushed off the feeling of unease, chalking it up to her nerves after the scare with her sister and her friends. With one last glance behind her, she hurried to catch up with the fillies, eager to return home and put the events of the night behind them.

~~

After a bit of a stern talking to from their elders, Apple Bloom, her orange pegasus friend, and her cousin all slipped into the yellow filly’s room, closing the door behind themselves as they did so. When they were finally alone, the yellow filly smiled and turned to her friends. “Good thinkin' on that excuse, Babs. Thought sis had caught us for sure.”

"Yeah, well, we had ta come up with somethin' quick. I thought she was gonna lay down the farm law on us if she found out about the notes we took from Twilight’s house," Babs chuckled nervously, still feelin' the remnants of her fright from Applejack's unexpected entrance.

“Yeah. And then our plans would have gone up in smoke.” Scootaloo chimed in. “Still, they are safely tucked away in the treehouse so we can get them later tomorrow.” She yawned softly. “Right now though, I’m beat. Doing nothing but reading all day really makes a girl tired ya know?”

"I think me and Babs did most of the reading there, Scoots," Apple Bloom spoke in a deadpan tone. "You were too busy readin' over Sora’s adventures to help us do our research."

The orange pegasus raised an eyebrow. “I was though. I mean what better way to find how Sora uses his keyblade then by reading over all of his adventures! I mean, he took on a Celestia to goodness Hydra! A Hydra, Apple Bloom!”

"Yeah, I heard ya the first time Scoots," the yellow filly spoke as she rolled her eyes. "Still, we haven’t found anything out yet… not to mention that we had to take the notes with us since there was way too much to copy… Hope Spike doesn’t go and find them missin'."

Scootaloo shrugged, flopping onto Apple Bloom's bed. "Eh, don't worry about Spike. I'm sure he's too preoccupied with Sweetie Belles since she hasn’t been seen all day long. Geeze…she was only supposed to distract him for a little while. What could the two of them do all day?”

"Eh. I say they let her be," Babs spoke, jumping up and laying down on Apple Bloom’s bed. "The better she distracts him, the less he'll know the notes are missin'. And if she can't get him out of the library again, then all the better, since we can return the notes at that time without any pony bein' none the wiser, right?"

“Can’t argue with that logic.” The yellow filly agreed, slipping under the covers of her bed. “Anyway, we should get some rest. The faster we go to sleep, the faster we can wake up and tackle those notes tomorrow.”

In the quiet darkness of Apple Bloom's room, the four fillies settled down for the night, their minds filled with thoughts of adventures and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.

Despite the gentle atmosphere around her with friends and family, the yellow filly couldn't help but feel a pit in her belly...her only thoughts, now that she had time to do so, were about the stallion she liked.

A Rare Debut

Kingdom hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A Rare Debut

Canterlot Castle

Sora, for all of his usual aloofness, was the first to notice the few ponies that were up during this time, staring at both himself and his new fillyfriend, his gaze catching the quick looks and his ears twitching at the hushed whispers as he passed by Canterlot’s servants and guards alike. Usually, he was never really one to care about such things, the gossip of others being the least of his concerns, though he could see Fluttershy was absolutely a wreck at receiving so much attention all at once, even if it was her idea to have Sora wrap his wing around the mare as they walked.

"Hey, Flutters, you okay?” The stallion spoke as he moved to lean over towards her, whispering into her ear. “I know it was your idea but maybe we should just walk…normally?"

Despite her being given an out, the usually timid mare quickly shook her head in response, shooting down the idea. “N-No…please. I-I don’t mind it. I-I can handle it.” She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves as she pushed herself further against the stallion’s side, mostly to try and hide under the underbelly of his wing. “It's fine…really. How else I’m I going to make it up to you for being such a…a…dummy before.”

“Huh? What do you mean, Shy?” The stallion asked, raising an eyebrow at the mare.

“I…Well…With…you know…asking you to stay away from me before.” She clarified, her tone becoming more than a little somber. “...I mean I know we are…um…well…dating now, but I still feel like…well…I owe you for the time we were apart…all because I was…well…um…a dummy….”

Sora couldn’t help but chuckle softly at that. "You know I don’t blame you for that at all, right," his voice was warm as he spoke, kind and caring to the mare’s ears. "There's nothing to make up for. We both needed space back then. It gave me time to think about things, so it’s fine. Really." He lifted his wing from around the mare, freeing her from her grasp. "I may suck at a lot of things but making my friends feel uncomfortable isn’t one of them.”

“You don’t suck, Sora.” The shy mare countered, looking up towards him. “You can do so many things nopony can…all while being the most caring stallion I know…”

The keyblade Wielder’s cheeks flushed bright red at her compliment, a bashful smile tugging at his lips. He scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment, unable to meet her gaze. “Haha…Usually by the skin of my teeth if I don’t have my friends by my side.”

Fluttershy, despite herself, pressed against the stallion’s side. "Well…thats not a bad thing…right?"

“I…I guess not..” He frowned. “I mean… even then, I still screw things up and OW~” Sora looked towards his side, seeing the mare pull back from his wing she nipped. “ What was that for?”

"Don’t say things like that…," the mare spoke, frowning softly. "I told you before. Don’t do that. Don’t say you are a screw up or useless or anything else like that.” She walked in front of him before turning, puffing her cheeks out at the stallion. “You’re amazing and kind and wonderful and I won’t have anypony talk like you aren’t…not even yourself…understood buster?”

Sora leaned back slightly, surprised by the sudden assertiveness from the typically shy Fluttershy. Seeing that she was waiting for an answer, he nodded quickly, saluting the mare with a raised hoof to his head. “U-Understood!”

Her anger subsiding, the mare quickly went back into a meek kind of mode, her cheeks blushing brightly at her own actions. “I…I’m sorry…”

The stallion couldn’t help but shake his head, unable to comprehend the mare’s sudden mood swings. "Hey, there’s nothing to be sorry for, Shy. You were just standing up for me…even if it was against myself.” He chuckled softly. “Sorry for making you worry…”

The shy mare shook her head gently. “It's fine Sora. Just remember that we’re here for you. That…I’m here for you now.”

A bright blush once again creeped on the stallion's face, turning his cheeks a rosy pink once again, “Yeah…Thanks Flutters.”

A smile graced the mare’s lips as she looked downwards, kicking softly at the ground before she spoke, “It’s…well…It's the least I can do for my coltfriend”

“Oh my Stars!”

The pair jump at the sudden exclamation from beside them, the two quickly turning their heads towards the source of the gasp, finding Rarity standing there with her hooves pressed to her cheeks, her bright baby blues sparkling like they were lit with a fire. Without hesitation, the white mare ran their way, looking between both mare and stallion with a smile so wide, Sora was afraid it would have overtaken the whole of her face if it had gotten any wider.

“You two!" The fashionista exclaimed. "Did I just hear that right? Are you two finally…” She paused for dramatic effect, “Dating?"

With the word being said out loud by someone other than the two of them, neither could stop the twin blushes that appeared upon their cheeks. Sora looked away as he scratched the back of his head, leaving the yellow mare to answer for the both of them.

"I…um…Yes, Rarity," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sora and I... we're together now."

The fashionista let out a delighted squeal, her eyes shimmering with tears of happiness. "Oh, my dears, I am positively overjoyed!" she exclaimed, clasping her hooves together in excitement. "I knew you two would finally bury the hatchet as the saying goes!"

Sora smiled sheepishly, unable to stop the butterflies in his belly from kicking up a happy storm. "Yeah, thanks, it's... it's still sinking in for us, to be honest," he admitted, his voice tinged with warmth. “We kinda wanted to…ya know…test the waters. Just hang out…Nothing big, you know?”

"Oh, but it is a big deal, darling!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "Love is always a big deal, no matter how it begins. And I couldn't be happier for the two of you!" She gasped. “Oh! You have to tell me where you plan on taking her for your first date! I bet it’s somewhere romantic!”

“Oh…well…” Sora rubbed the back of his head. “I mean…It's kinda too late and stuff for all of that?” He smiled awkwardly at the mare. “We were just thinking that we would hang you guys till we went to bed as our first date…”

Rarity's expression shifted from excitement to disbelief as she stared at the keyblade wielder. She blinked once, then twice, and then one more time before finally giving him a deadpan stare.

"Sora," she said slowly, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Please tell me you're kidding."

The stallion rubbed the back of his head, looking away from the mare. "Um, well... not exactly," he admitted sheepishly, his voice betraying him with a squeak.

Fluttershy, sensing Rarity’s incoming storm, spoke up softly, slipping between her friend and the stallion. "Oh…um…We just thought it would be nice to s-spend time with our friends first, thats all Rarity," she explained, her voice gentle but hesitant.

The white mare’s expression softened at her friend's words, though she never lost the frown. "Honestly, you two," she muttered, her tone holding a hint of exasperation. "Hanging out with friends? No, no, no! That won’t do at all. I shan’t allow you to sully the sanctity of such a special occasion with just…ugh…hanging out with friends.” She turned away from the couple raising her hoof into the air dramatically, "No, my dears, that simply won't do. A first date is a momentous occasion, one that deserves to be celebrated in style!"

“Maybe…we should take this conversation somewhere less crowded?” Sora suggested, as he looked around himself, finding that a small crowd had decided to form around the trio. “Kinda becoming the center of attention here.”

Rarity blinked, her dramatic demeanor momentarily faltering as she glanced around at the curious onlookers. A delicate pink tint crept into her cheeks as she realized just how much of a spectacle they were making. Clearing her throat, she nodded quickly in agreement with Sora's suggestion.

"Oh, yes, of course, darling," she replied, regaining her composure. "Let's continue this discussion somewhere more... private." With a graceful flick of her mane, she gestured for them to follow her. "My room should provide ample space for our conversation."

Sora and Fluttershy exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement, grateful for the chance to escape the prying eyes of Canterlot's residents. Following behind Rarity, they made their way through red carpeted halls of the castle, Fluttershy pressing softly against the stallion all the way.

~

It didn’t take long before the trio had made their way to Rarity’s room, the white mare closing the door as soon as they entered. “There…alone at last, darlings.” Turning back towards the couple, the fashionista offered an apologetic smile to the both of them. “And…ahem…I’m terribly sorry about that…You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for the two of you to finally get together and…well…I rather did lose my composure.”

The sole stallion scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "No worries, Rares. No harm no fowl right," he said with a chuckle. Besides, I didn’t mind it myself, but I didn’t want to make Fluttershy feel more uncomfortable than she already was.”

Rarity nodded understandingly, her expression softening with sympathy as she turned her gaze towards Fluttershy. "Indeed, darling. I apologize for the commotion. I should have been more mindful of your comfort," she said sincerely, her voice gentle.

"It's okay, Rarity.” The timid mare spoke with a kind smile. “I…um…It wasn’t all your fault. I mean, I did have Sora wrap his wing around me as we walked the halls first so ponies were already looking at us. You didn’t do anything…”

“Is that so?” The fashionista couldn’t stop the smirk that formed on her lips, casting her buttle yellow fright a sideways gaze, “Quite the bold move I must admit…hehe…It seems Rainbow Dash was rather right about you after all.”

Yellow ears perked at the Rarity’s words, her curiosity piqued. "Huh? Rainbow Dash said something about me?" she asked timidly, her gaze flickering between Rarity and Sora.

The unicorn’s smirk softened into a gentle smile as she shook her head. "Oh, it's nothing, darling. Just a little inside joke between the two of us, is all," she replied cryptically, her tone light despite that. "But enough about our prismatic maned friend. What's important is the present, and the fact that you and Sora are finally together." She pulled her yellow friend into a hug, squeezing her softly. “I’m so proud of you my little Fluttershy! You have to tell me all about it.” Pulling away, the white mare poked the timid one’s chestt. “You shall not withhold a single detail, is that clear?”

"I…well…I mean…" Fluttershy stuttered timidly before turning towards Sora, hesitating ever so slightly before speaking. "That is…if it's okay with Sora…I don’t want to step on anypony’s hooves after all…It wouldn’t be fair."

“Well I mean…It's not like I have anything to hide. About it.” The stallion answered with a wave of his hoof, “Though you shouldn’t have to ask about something like that, Shy. I trust you after all." He smiled brightly as he placed both hooves behind his head. “Though…at least try and make me sound a little cool, kay?”

The Fashionista beamed at their exchange, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, how positively adorable!" She clasped her hooves together before pulling the timid mare into a gentle hug once again. "You two are simply going to be the sweetest couple already, I can just tell! Now then," She turned toward Sora. “I know you two have just gotten together and everything and I’m sure you two want to catch up but that will have to wait till tomorrow. Tonight, mind you, is a girls night so I’m afraid I’m going to have to steal her for the rest of the day.”

The stallion tilted his head before, shrugging. "No problems, Rares. Besides, like I said before, it's getting kind of late. I really should turn in for the night. Was kinda fighting sleep the whole time, ya know." He turned towards Fluttershy, offering her a gentle nod. "Night, Fluttershy. Uh…See you tomorrow then?”

The timid mare nodded, returning Sora's smile with a shy one of her own. "Y-Yes…Tomorrow then…”

“Cool…ah…haha…Later.” The stallion gave one last warm smile before turning towards the door. Before he could, however, he felt a soft yellow body gently push against him, nuzzling his neck gently. He blushed brightly as he looked down at the shy mare looking up at him with a soft, affectionate gaze. Her eyes glimmering softly under the soft light of the room. “I..ah…W-what was that for?”

She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper when she finally did. "I...um...it's just a good night charm," she murmured softly, “To help you sleep…and to have good dreams…Was…that not okay?”

“NO! I mean Yes…I mean…it's fine. I didn’t mind it at all so…its really fine.” The stallion answered her. “A-anyway. Night…again…later.” Finally turning away to walk out, The stallion glanced back at the shy mare, his blush returning ten fold before he gave her an awkward way. Leaving the room he closed the door. As it did, Fluttershy turned towards her unicorn friend, and quickly squeaked softly at the look Rarity was giving her, her wings quickly shielding her blushing red face full of embarrassment.

“I…ah…” The shy mare tried to speak but Rarity held up a hoof to stop her, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Oh, darling, there's no need to be embarrassed," she said reassuringly. "You were just being your sweet self, and Sora seemed quite taken by it, I must say." She smirked. “Though…Its just like I said before, Rainbow Dash was right about you being a little minx.”

“I…I’m not!” The timid mare whined, her cheeks flushed an even deeper red at Rarity's teasing. "I-I was just trying to...um...be nice…we are…d-dating after all now," she stammered, before her eyes widened by degrees at what she had just said. “We…are…we're dating?" a slow and slightly dopy smile formed on the yellow mare's face. "W-We're dating Rarity...I'm...I’m dating Sora."

The white mare chuckled at Fluttershy’s flustered reaction, a knowing look in her eyes as she watched her friend process the realization. “Yes, darling, you are indeed dating Sora,” she confirmed with a warm smile. “Congratulations, by the way.” She leaned a little closer, her eyes twinkling softly, “How does it feel? How do you feel?”

The timid mare could feel the heat of her face reach the tip of her ears at her friend’s probing question. Despite her clear embarrassment of the conversation the fashionista could see her yellow friend’s eyes twinkled with excitement and a smile tugging at the corners of the yellow mare’s lips as she spoke. “Oh, Rarity, I-I feel…” she hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words to convey the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. “I feel happy...and nervous...and excited all at once. I-It's like a fluttering of butterflies in my stomach.” Pausing, she shook her head softly, her gaze drifting towards the closed door where Sora had just left. “But most of all, I feel grateful...grateful that he is giving me a chance. A chance I don’t deserve…but…a chance I’ve been dreaming off...”

"Oh, my dear, Fluttershy," The white unicorn couldn’t stop the joy in her voice as her heart swelled with pride. "You deserve all the happiness in Equestria, and if Sora is the one who can bring that to you, then I couldn't be happier for you, darling.” She reached out to pat Fluttershy's hoof gently, “And never say you don’t deserve happiness Fluttershy. You are the kindest and most caring pony I know. If anyone deserves it, its you…now then.” The mare gave a devious smirk as she pulled the timid mare into a tight sideways hug. “Now, be a good girl and tell me all about what happened. Leave not one detail. Do you understand?”

“Oh…my…”

~

Sora closed the door to his room before allowing his back to hit the door behind him. Closing his eyes, he let out a deep sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him as reality finally dawned on the stallion.

“I…Have a girlfriend. A fillyfriend…I…Must be dreaming…” Running a hoof through his mane, Sora let out a soft chuckle, his mind replaying the tender moments he shared with Fluttershy earlier. Her shy gestures, the warmth of her nuzzle against his neck, and the affection in her eyes had left an indelible mark on his heart.

"I really do have a girlfriend," he murmured to himself, the words sinking in slowly. Slowly but surely, he began to softly laugh to himself, unable to fully believe it, no matter how much it seemed so far-fetched. It was like a dream. A wild dream where he turned into a pony and got a pony girlfriend. And she was cute too. Cuter than all the other mares and he had to admit there were a lot of cute mares. Maybe it was just the situation but he couldn’t help but think that Fluttershy was cuter by a mile and a half.

He blushed at his thoughts, looking around as if about to be admonished by someone for having them. Seeing no one, as he thought, he stood back up before making his way towards his bed. Slipping out of his clothes, he folded them in a neat pile by his bed before slipping within it, allowing the sheets to overtake him. All the while, his thoughts were on the shy timid mare.

One that was now his fillyfriend…his girlfriend.

He could worry about everything else later. His inability to turn human. Thoughts of saving Equestria. Grogar. He knew he should feel bad about it. Ponies are in trouble after all. He had a duty to protect them. Still, all of his thoughts were replaced with one simple thought.

“I…Have a fillyfriend.”

Author's Note

Okay so this was actually suppose to be part of the last chapter but with the way I write sometimes I forgot to add it. SO here it is as its own piece. Might put them together later

A New Day

Kingdom hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A New Day

Canterlot Castle

Slowly but surely, the ponies of Canterlot would awake to a new day, setting up their shops and seeing to their morning errands as a new day started for them all. The air was alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and freshly baked goods. The early birds could be seen, already entering their local coffee shop of choice, looking for their favorite pastries and a warm brew to start their day.

Within the confines of the castle that towered over the marble city, Sora awoke, lured from his sleep as the gentle warmth of the sun kissed the stallion's cheek. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he barely had time to get himself together before a gentle knock came upon his door. He blinked before rubbing his eyes with a hoof again before looking over towards the clock the wall, an early six O’clock greeting his still sleep deprived eyes.

"Uah...Rainbow? Is that you?" The stallion asked as he pulled the covers back over himself. “Do you have any idea what time it is? Why are you up so early?”

"Oh…um…no…I’m sorry," came a soft reply from the other side of the door. “…Did I…um… wake you?”

“F-Fluttershy?!” The stallion all but squeaked, his cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson at the sound of the timid mare’s voice from behind the door. Thoughts of the night before, their confession to each other, swiftly came to the forefront of his mind, reminding him of everything that happened the other day. With all the grace of a haphazard tornado, he attempted to extricate himself from the bedsheets. As he swung one of his hindlegs over the side of the bed and tried to stand up, said hoof quickly became tangled in the twisted fabric, causing him to lose his balance and fall off the bed and onto the floor with a loud “THUNK”.

Thankfully he only hit his head, and only a minor dizzy spell was in the cards for the caramel stallion. Still, even in his haze, he could hear a soft gasp as the door to his room opened, hoofsteps quickly making their way towards his side.

“Sora! Oh my goodness!” Fluttershy pulled at the covers until she saw the stallion’s head, upside down and looking up at her as best he could. “A-Are you okay?”

The stallion winced as he reached a hoof towards the spot on his head where he fell, feeling a soft bump form from the impact. It hurt, but he quickly nodded, trying to push himself up from the floor with a slightly embarrassed chuckle. "Yeah, I'm fine, Fluttershy," he reassured her, his cheeks still burning with embarrassment. "I’m used to it by now." Sitting up in an upright position, he rubbed the back of his head. “Hehe…didn’t mean to worry you…guess I’m already at a bad start as a coltfriend…”

The shy mare sighed softly at the stallion’s words, her worried expression softening, if only a little. Sitting beside the keyblade wielder, she began to help untangle him from the soft fabric. N-No….I'm the one who should be sorry for startling you, Sora. I…um… didn’t know you were…well…still asleep and…sorry…”

“Hey, no, it's fine, Shy.” The stallion quickly spoke, kicking the least dreg of the sheet from his body before giving it a scowl. “Sides, me and blankets go way back. Been hounding me since the day I got to Equestria. Still haven’t won against them honestly.”

Despite her earlier worry, the mare couldn’t stop the gentle giggle at the stallion’s attempt to lighten the mood, the sound of which was like a soft melody to Sora’s ringing ears. Not being able to help herself, she smiled softly at the stallion, playing along. “I…hehe…It seems like you two have quite the…um…rivalry then…”

The chuckle that escaped the stallion’s lips was sheepish, though his embarrassment faded away at the mare’s teasing jest. He gave her a bright, determined smile, puffing his chest. “Yeah, we do. But I’ll get my revenge on those sheets one day. You’ll see.”

The pair looked towards each other for only a second before laughter soon filled the room, unable to contain their mirth at the situation. When the fits were over Sora was the first to recover, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink as he spoke, “Ah…morning by the way, Shy.” he scratched his cheek softly as he looked away from the mare. “Ah…Sleep well? Rarity didn’t keep you up all night did she?”

The timid mare shook her head, gently humming a soft no before looking away, a shy blush of her own creeping onto her face, “I mean…we did talk for a while…but…um…we went to bed right after. She let me stay in her room and I had a nice sleep,” She paused before smiling at the stallion “And...um...thank you for asking…did you sleep well?"

“Hehe…Like a baby.” He smirked at the mare, letting his hooves fly behind his head in his signature gesture. “Guess that good night charm you gave me really helped with that.”

Pink cheeks turned an even brighter shade as the shy mare looked down at her hooves, fidgeting her fetlocks in embarrassment. “Oh! I…um…You’re welcome…Sora” the mare managed to squeak out between her studders. “I…um…I’m glad…it helped” especially when I just…well…I wanted to nuzzle you before you left last night…She spoke the last part internally, deciding to keep that a secret from the stallion.

Silence soon fell between the two of them soon after, both mare and stallion lost in their own thoughts and unsure of what to say next. The Keyblade Wielder, with sure will, forced himself to glance at the timid mare beside him despite the butterflies in his belly. He couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness in his own chest, unsure of how to break the tension but knowing that he at least had to try.

Finally, he cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his head as he spoke to yellow pegasus. "So, um... How-" All thoughts ceased as he heard his belly rumble loudly, the pink blush on his face spreading until he resembled a ripe tomato. All tension that was there was wiped away in that instant, the mare giggling softly before gently poking his side.

“I…um…guess you are hungry then?”

"Yeah, I guess I am," he admitted, his laughter easing some of the tension that had been lingering between them. "Barely ate dinner last night so…guess it's catching up to me." He scratched his cheek softly. “Hey…ah…wanna grab a bite to eat with me this morning…I mean if you are free after all.”

Fluttershy's gaze softened at Sora's invitation, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite her own embarrassment. "I-I'd love to, Sora," she replied softly, her voice as gentle as a breeze through the trees. "I don't have any plans for this morning, so…um… spending time with you sounds lovely."

Relief flooded through Sora at her acceptance, his smile widening into a grin. "Great! Just…ah…hang on!” Jumping to all four hooves, he grabbed his clothes and smiled at the mare. “You…don’t mind waiting on me while I get cleaned up, do you?”

"N-No, of course not, Sora," she stammered, her gaze flickering away from him. "Take your time. I'll be right here."

With a grateful smile, Sora hurried off to the bathroom to freshen up, leaving Fluttershy alone with her thoughts as he closed the door behind himself. The timid mare’s ears flicked upon hearing the soft sound of water from the door beyond cueing the mare in that he was more than likely taking a quick shower.

Carefully, she pulled herself up on bed in front of her before lying down, her turquoise eyes closing softly as she grasped at a nearby pillow, smiling softly. Seconds later, a soft blush quickly formed on the mare’s face as she thought where it was she was laying. The very place where the stallion she was…dating was sleeping prior.

Fluttershy's hooves gently grazed the smooth fabric of the pillow beneath her, still warm from Sora's body heat. The softness and warmth brought a sense of comfort to the mare as she waited for Sora to return.

The timid mare barely had time to relax in her dream-like state before a sudden knock on the door startled her. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly sat up, adjusting her mane nervously before calling out to the one within the hallway. “I…um…Come in.”

From behind the door the mare couldn’t help but feel a hint of hesitation before it swung open forcefully, revealing Rainbow Dash of all ponies, dressed head to hoof in Rarity’s outfit she had given her when they were on their way to Trottingham. The rainbow maned mare took stock of all that was around her before her gaze fell on her timid yellow friend, her eyes widening by degrees at the sight of her.

“Fluttershy…so that was your voice.” It wasn’t a question but a statement.

They shy pegasus couldn’t help but feel her heart flutter with nerves, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she nodded shyly. "Um, yes, it's me," she responded quietly. “Good morning, Dashie…”

“And…” Rainbow looks around the room before peeking her head back outside the hallway, “This is Sora’s room…right?”

Fluttershy nodded timidly as her friend’s gaze fell back on her, her own shifting nervously after confirming Rainbow Dash's observation. "Y-Yes, it is," she replied softly, feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest.

The blue pegasus frowned for only a moment before the biggest feather eating grin formed on her face. “Wow, Shy.” The blue mare closed the door as she entered into the room fully. “Didn’t know you and Sora had gone that far. Congrats.”

Turquoise eyes widened in shock at Rainbow Dash's teasing remark, and yellow cheeks flushed bright pink with embarrassment. "Oh, no, it's not like that at all!" she exclaimed quickly, her voice trembling with nervousness. "W-We haven’t…I mean…we just…It's not…We’re not at that point yet, Rainbow!"

The prismatic maned mare laughed softly, shaking her head. “Haha…come on. I’m only teasing ya, Shy. Already heard everything from Rare’s early this morning so…” She paused mid sentence before raising an eyebrow at her friend. “Wait…yet?”

Fluttershy's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink as she tried to stammer out an explanation. "I-I mean we’re just dating Rainbow! Nothing more than that... we..." Her voice trailed off at her friend’s scrutinizing gaze.

Another burst of laughter escaped Rainbow’s lips, “Oh wow you should see your face Flutters…haha.” the blue pegasus fluttered over towards her timd friend, sitting down right beside her. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to tease you so hard…well…okay I did but I took it a bit too far.” She smiled softly. “Anyway, guess you went to wake him up before I did then?”

The shy mare nodded sheepishly, still feeling the lingering embarrassment from Rainbow Dash's teasing. "Y-Yes, I did," she admitted quietly. "He’s getting ready in the bathroom right now and…I’m waiting for him." She fidgets with her hooves as she speaks. Her friend leaned towards the yellow mare, causing her to look at the blue pegasus.

“So…I mean I know I got the jist of it from Rares, but…is it really true?”

"U-Um, y-yes," she admitted softly, feeling a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. "We... We talked about it last night, and... and we both agreed that we w-wanted to give it a try."

The boisterous mare smacked the timid one’s back, not too roughly though it still stung the yellow mare, causing her to freeze up. “That’s awesome, Shy. And about time too.” Rainbow smirked. “Being the go between you two was beginning to be a bit of a drag after all.”

Fluttershy winced at her friend’s words but nodded and smiled all the same, "I…um…Thank you, Rainbow. And... and I'm sorry for any trouble we may have caused you."

Rainbow waved off her apology with a dismissive grin and a hoof. "Ah, don't worry about it, Fluttershy.” looked towards the closed bathroom door. “You got your stallion in the end right, so don’t sweat it.”

“I…um…I did…” the timid mare squeaked. “Even if it's just…dating.”

“Gotta start somewhere right?” Rainbow slipped from the bed before turning towards her friend. “I’ll leave you two to it then…Gotta go visit another friend of mine since she’s getting out of custody now.”

“Friend?” Fluttershy asked before gasping softly. “Oh! You mean Gilda? Is she okay?”

Rainbow Dash nodded solemnly, her expression softening as she confirmed Fluttershy's assumption. "Yeah, it's Gilda," she replied quietly. "And yeah…She's okay, still kinda shaken up by everything... and still kinda pissed at…you know who for what she did."

The timid mare frowned sympathetically, understanding just how the griffon felt. "I…um…i get it," she said softly. "Even if Sora saved her…I’m not sure I can forgive Starlight either…not right now at least…”

"Yeah," she agreed, her voice tinged with a hint of anger. "Starlight really messed things up for a lot of ponies... and griffons. Hard not to not give her a second chance after all of that…." The rainbow maned mare shook her head. “Well listen. I better get going or Gilda will get lost and beat up some poor schmuck that crossed her path. Say hi to Sora for me will ya?” She smirked. “And you two have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Fluttershy couldn’t stop her cheeks from, once again, burning brightly. Neither could she stop herself from grabbing a nearby pillow and throwing it at her blue furred friend. The other pegasus yelped as she dodged the attack, deciding that flying out the balcony was the best way for her to avoid her shy friend’s quiet wrath.

Once again alone, Fluttershy took a deep breath, trying to calm the flutters of her heart as she watched Rainbow Dash disappear into the sky. She couldn't help but smile despite her friend's teasing and playful antics, her head shaking softly at the blue mare’s retreating form, “Rainbow you dummy…”

The sound of the bathroom door opening interrupted Fluttershy's thoughts, and she turned to see Sora stepping out, a towel on top of his head. His gaze met hers for only a moment before he looked around the room, a questioning look upon his face. “I thought I heard Dash’s voice before…Was she here?”

The shy mare nodded in confirmation, her cheeks still flushed from her interaction with her blue friend. "Yes, she was here," she replied softly. "She came to check on you, and we... we talked a bit." Her voice trailed off as she nervously tucked a strand of mane behind her ear. “She says hi.”

Sora nodded before tilting his head at the still pink cheeked mare. “You okay? You’re looking a little red.”

The shy mare felt her cheeks burn even brighter at Sora's observation, her heart fluttering nervously as she tried to compose herself. "Um... y-yes, I'm okay," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... Rainbow Dash being...well, Rainbow Dash."

“Ah…I get it then.” The stallion rubbed the back of his head. “Guessing she knows about us?”

"Yes, she does," the timid mare admitted softly, "She... she was actually quite supportive... after the teasing, that is."

“Really?” The stallion asked with a soft smile, his cheeks burning brightly along side the mare’s own. “Well can’t say that doesn’t sound like Rainbow Dash. Though still a surprise since she seemed kinda angry with…well…everything before with us.”

“She can be a really a good friend like that. Even if she is angry with you sometimes.” Turning to face the stallion she looked towards the door. “I…um…Shall we get going then? I…um…don’t want you to go hungry after all.”

Sora smiled as he placed both hooves behind his head. “You got it. Follow me.”

~

Twilight Sparkle looked at herself in the mirror, adjusting the collar to her cape she was wearing before running a hoof down the black and purple vest to smooth out any wrinkles, admiring the gold trim the lined along the edges of her vest. Her magic deftly adjusted the bow beneath her folded collar, ensuring everything was just right. Though she was a Canterlot native, Twilight wasn't accustomed to wearing clothes every day. Yet, today was different; Rarity's creation was both practical and stylish, a perfect blend of function and fashion.

“This is something I can honestly see myself wearing everyday…even if I don’t.”

To say she was surprised when she had first received her gift later last night upon visiting Rarity’s room would be quite the understatement, even though she knew the white mare had been working on something in her off time. She was even more surprised, that same night, upon hearing the news about Fluttershy’s and Sora’s new relationship from the butter yellow mare herself.

~~~

Last night in Rarity's room In Canterlot Castle

“I honestly don’t know what else to say but congratulations, Fluttershy.” Twilight spoke, gently hugging her yellow friend. “Honestly, even after both Applejack and Cadance told me that you had a thing for him, I still had a bit of doubt but…well…”

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Applejack? Wait, Applejack knew about Sora and Fluttershy?”

“Well…I wouldn’t say I knew.” Twilight corrected. “It's like she had a bit of a feeling. Though she did provide context clues so I can understand why she came to that conclusion.” She gave the blushing yellow mare an apologetic smile as she saw her whine and hide her face with her wings. “I mean…at least to Applejack, you really weren’t exactly subtle in your infatuation with Sora.”

“Oh…Oh my…” The timid mare flushed a deep red behind the yellow curtain of feathers. “I…I mean…oh dear…”

Rarity chuckled softly, patting the timid mare’s back comfortingly. "Oh darling, there's no need to be embarrassed. It is not like you were trying to hide it after all.” She turned away and huffed. “Though the fact that Applejack found out before I did does make me a little miffed.”

“Awww. Don’t be too mad about it, Rarity.” The lavender mare spoke up. “For the record, I had no idea until Applejack told me herself. Can’t say I wasn’t shocked about it either,” She turned to Fluttershy, gently grasping her hoof. “Especially after everything I learned about Trottingham. I was worried about Sora and you and most. Speaking of…Are you sure the two of you are okay. I can’t imagine what you all went though….”

The shy mare nodded, squeezing her friend's hoof in return. "Sora and I... Um…we're still figuring things out, and we barely even started dating but…I can’t say I’m not happy…even after everything." She shivered softly. “Still…I…I can’t help but feel like a bad pony being happy while those who suffered are still hurting…”

“You can’t think like that Fluttershy.” Twilight told her, frowning softly. “You being happy is just as important as everypony else.” She paused and closed her eyes. “And… I know it's the worst feeling not being able to save them right now but we will.” Opening them again, she smiled with determination only a friend could give. “Princess Celestia told me to believe and I’ll ask you to do the same, okay?”

Fluttershy sniffled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she took in her friend's words of comfort. She nodded shakily, feeling the warmth of her friend's support enveloping her like a comforting blanket. "I'll try, Twilight," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll try to believe... for them, for us, for everypony.”

“Good. We need to focus on the here and now, and right now,” Twilight told them both, “I think we should get some sleep. Big day tomorrow after all.”

~~

Twilight sighed softly, the ending of last night’s conversation replaying within her mind. Despite everything I told them, I still can’t help but worry about the ponies that were captured. Hopefully, the princess gets some kind of lead on Grogar.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a knock upon her bedroom door. Using her magic to open it, should find a guard in golden armor, saluting the mare smartly.

“Good morning Ma'am. Sorry if I am interrupting you.”

Twilight returned the guard's salute with a warm smile, her eyes curious as she spoke. "No need to apologize Mister Guard, what can I do for you today?" She inquired politely, her tone friendly and inviting as she gestured for the guard to enter.

The guard pony stepped inside the room, standing at attention as he delivered his message. "Princess Celestia requests your presence in her study, Miss Sparkle.”

"Of course, I'll head there right away. Thank you for informing me, sir." She nodded to the guard with a smile, appreciating the efficiency of Canterlot's guards.

After a quick check to ensure she was presentable, the lavender mare adjusted her vest one last time before making her way out of her room and towards Princess Celestia's study. As she walked through the familiar halls of the castle, the weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders like a heavy cloak once again. She figured the time was coming for her and her friends to get back into the heat of it. They had a few days to rest and it was more then well deserved, but she knew good things did not least, no matter how much she wanted them to.

Twilight climbed the spiral staircase leading to Princess Celestia's study, her mind racing with anticipation. She couldn't help but wonder what urgent matters the Princess needed to discuss with her. As she reached her destination, she gently knocked upon the ornate door, announcing herself as she did so.

“Princess Celestia?”

The door opened slowly, revealing Princess Celestia's serene expression as she gazed at the lavender furred unicorn. "Come in, my faithful student," she beckoned, her voice gentle yet commanding.

Twilight entered the study, the familiar scent of old tomes and parchment filling her senses. The room was bathed in a warm golden glow, courtesy of the magical sun tapestries that adorned the walls.

Princess Celestia gestured for her to take a seat across from her as she settled herself behind her desk. "Twilight, I'm glad you could join me. I trust you had a good rest under Luna’s moon?”

The unicorn nodded, a small smile gracing her features. "Yes, Princess. Even had a chance to visit my mother yesterday evening.”

Princess Celestia returned the smile, her eyes kind and understanding. "I'm glad to hear that, Twilight. Family is important, especially in times like these." She paused for a moment, her expression growing serious as she continued. "I have called you here because Blueblood says the Queens will be here tomorrow. I’ve seen a letter to Spike to let the other Elements of Harmony know to meet us at the castle today. Time is short and we must prepare our case to them. Did you retain everything you learned from Cadance and myself about them?”

The lavender mare quickly recalled the information she had learned from both Princess Cadance and Princess Celestia about the Diamond Dog sisters. "Yes, Princess. I remember everything.” She frowned slightly. “I still find it hard to believe that they would split their country so easily…all because of some superstition in a cave.”

"Sometimes fear can drive ponies to make choices they wouldn't otherwise, Twilight. It is crucial that we approach this situation with understanding and empathy, but also with a firm resolve to protect Equestria and its inhabitants." Celestia sighed softly. “And the fact that one of their princess sisters saw something strange within the cave itself is nothing to write off. That and the Diamond dog disappearances. The Heartless may very well be at work here. And if the Heartless are involved. So is Grogar.”

The lavender mare’s eyes widened at the mention of Grogar, the name sending a shiver down her spine. “That…I know. Trust me princess.”

“I do, that is why I will be leaving this investigation to you and your friends. You have proven time and time again that you are capable of handling such matters,” Princess Celestia stated, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Twilight. “Remember, the power of friendship will guide you through any darkness you may face.” She smiled. “That is all. I’m sure you are eager to meet back with your friends that are already here, right?”

“Y-Yeah. I mean I did see most of them…but…I never really got a chance to talk to Sora and see how he’s doing.” She laughed softly. “Though it has to be good since he and Fluttershy are together now.”

Celestia’s eyes widened at that. “Together? Is that true?”

Twilight nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Princess. It's true. I wasn’t there for it but from what I’m told it happened last night. Honestly, even after Cadance and Applejack told me plain as day, I still couldn’t help but be in shock at the news. But I am happy for the both of them."

Celestia smiled softly as she leaned back in her chair. “I see. Good for them then. May their love blossom like a flower in spring and never wilt like a strong pine in winter.”

“That’s…A very beautiful prayer, Princess.”

“And one I hope remains true, even in the darkest of times for them.” The princess sighed. “Do give him and Fluttershy my best regards when you see them again.”

Twilight nodded, her heart warmed by Princess Celestia's words. "Of course, Princess. I'll be sure to pass along your regards to Sora and Fluttershy."

With a final respectful nod, the unicorn turned to leave the study, closing the door and leaving the princess alone within her study. white mare turned to look out her window, her smile, hesitant as it was, growing ever so slightly. “I see…you heeded my words Sora…good for you.” She lowered her head. “If only I…”

~

Ponyville
Sweet Apple Acres

It was the third and last day of the Apple family reunion, and the mood at Sweet Apple Acres was nothing short of jubilant. Applejack stood off towards the side revelry, beaming with pride at the success of yet another reunion and the bonds rekindled between her family members, despite the growing troubles she knew was happening. She couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her as she watched Granny Smith regale the younger Apple foals with tales of their ancestors' adventures and grown ups laughing it up with mugs of cider in their hooves.

Not too far away was a very jovial Pinkie Pie, twirling around in circles with a group of foals, her laughter ringing through the orchard. The foals giggled and tried to mimic her dance moves, their faces filled with pure delight. Pinkie's energy was infectious, spreading a sense of happiness throughout the gathering to young and old alike. Even the Cakes decided to join in, having taken the day off the spend time with new and old friends and give the the Cake twins a chance to enjoy themselves without the confines of the bakery.

The farm mare tilted her hat before making hey way though the crowd, nodding to everyone she met as she did so. Reaching her destination, her barnyard home, the mare couldn’t help but fall onto a nearby couch, happy but exhausted from the past few days' events. She closed her eyes for a moment, relishing the brief solitude before a familiar voice interrupted her peaceful moment.

“Taking a bit of a break I see.” the gruff voice commented, “Not that I blame ya sis.”

Applejack opened her eyes to see Big Macintosh standing before her, his usual stoic expression softened by a rare smile. She chuckled softly, sitting up and patting the space next to her on the couch. “Can't be goin' at full speed all day," She chuckled softly. “I ain’t Pinkie Pie after all.”

Big Macintosh chuckled, taking a seat beside Applejack on the couch. "True enough, sis. That girl’s got enough energy for all of us combined and then some." He leaned back, his gaze scanning the bustling scene outside the window. "But it's good to see everypony havin' such a good time. Family reunions sure do bring out the best in us."

“I like ta think so.” Applejack mused softly, looking out a nearby window. “Always seems like our family gets bigger by the year, huh Mac?”

Big Macintosh nodded, a fond glint in his eye as he watched their extended family enjoying themselves. "Eeyup, it's a mighty fine thing to see. Makes all the hard work worth it," he said, his voice filled with pride. “I’ll even say ma and pa would be proud of ya ten fold for keepin’ the tradition goin' strong all these years. Reckon they're lookin' down on us now with smiles as wide as the barn door.”

Applejack's expression softened at the mention of their parents, a pang of nostalgia tugging at her heart. She nodded slowly, her gaze following a pair of fillies chasing after each other with glee. "I like to think so too, Mac. I reckon Ma and Pa are up there watchin' over us, proud as can be." She sighed. “Wanted ta make this years one the best it can be…after all…another year isn’t promised to anypony…” She shook her head. “Listen, Big Mac…my leg is itching something fierce. Usual a sign…And what with the Heartless running about…just…if something were to…”

Big Macintosh placed a reassuring hoof on her shoulder, silencing the mare. “Now, Applejack, don't you go worryin' yourself over what-ifs and maybes. Ah hate to admit it, you’ve faced plenty of challenges before and come out the other side stronger for it,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “So…like ya said, somepony needs to do it and…well…my little sister saving the world makes for a pretty good drinking story…Still. Remember you can always call on the Apples. We’ll come a-running.”

A knock upon the door caused both siblings to turn just as it opened, revealing Spike the Dragon, panting heavily and holding a scroll with Celestia’s sun upon it. “There you are! I…ah…got a letter for you and Pinks!”

Applejack and Big Macintosh exchanged a curious glance before Applejack reached out to take the scroll from Spike, unrolling it with a hoof. As she read the message, her expression shifted from curiosity to concern, her brows furrowing slightly. “The princess…she wants us to come to Canterlot…something about an important meeting…Heartless may be involved.” She sighed, handing the scroll over to Spike, "Thank you for bringin' this to us, Sugarcube. Can you let Pinkie know as well?"

Spike nodded quickly. "Of course, Applejack. I'll go find Pinkie right away," he said before rushing off to deliver the message.

Applejack turned to her brother, her mind already racing with thoughts of what could be happening in Canterlot. "Guess the Vacation’s over. Mind cleaning up, Mac?"

"Not a problem, sis. You go on ahead to Canterlot. I'll make sure everything's squared away here," he said, his voice steady and reassuring. “Just kick a few of those creatures for me, will ya?”

The farm mare chuckled softly at her bother’s request, appreciating the light-hearted approach. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to kick one for each of the Apple Family before we’re through with them.”

A New Day Part 2 (Edited)

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

A New Day part 2

Canterlot Castle
Outside the Barracks

Rainbow Dash stood outside the imposing gates of Canterlot Castle's barracks, her hooves carrying her back and forth as she paced impatiently nearby. Her light blue wings twitched with anticipation as her eyes once again scanned the area, looking for any sign of movement from the imposing gates before her.

It wasn't long before her nerves were granted a mercy as the heavy doors creaked open and out stepped Gilda, her feathers ruffled and her expression a mix of tiredness and defiance, despite...or maybe because of her situation. It would soon shift, however, as the gryphon spotted the rainbow maned mare waiting for her, her eyes widening in surprise.

As quick as a flash of light, the mare moved, landing in front of her gryphon friend with a smile as wide as the day was long. "Gilda! Haha… Fancy meeting you here."

The gryphon blinked, momentarily taken aback by Rainbow's words. "Dash? What are you doing here?"

“Geeze, Gil. You’re acting like this is the first time I waited for you to come out of holdup.” The blue mare smirked. “Need I remind you of the time you had a few too many ciders at that dive bar a few years ago.” She laughed. “It took four pegasi guards to hold you long enough to cuff you for disturbing the peace!”

White feathers puffed up defensively at her old friend’s teasing, but a small smirk tugged at the corners of her beak. "Oh, quit it, Dash. That was one time!" She huffed, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "You stupid ponies shouldn’t make your cider so dang good if you don’t want a rampaging drunk gryphon running around."

“Or maybe you should hold your cider in better.” The rainbow maned mare countered with a smirk, her hoof gently hitting her friend’s shoulder. “How’s it feel to be a free bird, Gil?”

Gilda rolled her eyes at Rainbow’s pun, but smiled all the same. "Ha…It feels good to be out, that's for sure, even if that dark princess pony set me up with a comfortable cell. First class bed and everything. Still…not being able to spread my wings was the worst.” She turned towards the mare, “Still can’t believe you came here to wait for me though."

The rainbow maned mare nudged the gryphon playfully. "Hey, what are friends for? Besides, who else is going to make sure you don't cause chaos in town like you did in Ponyville?"

The gryphon winced before looking away, rubbing the back of her neck with a claw. “Yeah…geeze…Okay… you got a point there,” With a sigh, she cast a soft gaze towards the blue pegasus. “Hey…ah…Dash…speaking of about then…I…ah…”

Another shoulder punch caused the gryphon to epp, the blue mare giving her a soft smile. “Water under the bridge, Gil. Though I think apologizing to Pinkie would be the best form of punishment.”

Gilda's beak opened and closed several times at Rainbow’s words. With a deep breath, both in and out, she finally managed to speak, "Yeah, she did kind of take the brunt of my bad mood that day. I owe her one... or maybe ten." The gryphon’s voice held a hint of sincerity that surprised even Rainbow Dash.

“Oh wow…that's surprisingly big of you, Gilda.” The mare paused before looking at her friend with playful squinting eyes. “Are you sure you’re still not under a spell or something?”

The gryphon let out a scoff but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her beak. “Don’t get used to it, Dash. I’m just saying…after everything…I owe her…and I am trying to be less of a grump...”

"Well a less grumpy Gil is always welcomed…as long as you stay the coolest griffI know.”

“As if you know any other that’s cooler!”

Rainbow Dash chuckled, the tension between them easing as they fell into their familiar banter. "Hey now, I do know a few pretty cool griffs, but you're right up there at the top, Gil."

Gilda's feathers puffed up proudly at Rainbow Dash's words, a rare smile gracing her beak. "Well, someone has to keep you ponies on your hooves and your feathers ruffled, right?”

“I think ruffled feathers are the last thing we need right now, Gil.” The mare mused before she looked towards her friend. “Subject change though…How ya feeling…ya know…without Starlight’s freaky mind control magic messing up your brain.”

"Yeah, it's... weird. Like waking up from a really bad dream," she admitted, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "But that dark purple pony…ah…the other one with the wings and horn. She told me no lasting effects so…got a clear bill of health. And hey…even got off scott free for hurting your stallionfriend, Spiky."

“So- that dork isn’t my stallionfriend, Gilda!” The mare hissed. “He’s cool and stuff in his own dorky way but me and him are like…best buds at best!” Rainbow huffed as she turned away from her friend. “Sides, Thought I told you Fluttershy already had dibs on him for a while.” She smiled as she turned back to Gilida. “In fact, they already started dating.”

“Woah…Thats…Wild.” Gilda stepped a little closer to the mare. “You…ah…sure you’re okay with that though?”

"Why wouldn’t I be? I mean... Fluttershy deserves to be happy, right? And Sora is a great guy... I'm happy for them both." the mare frowns. “Why do you even need to ask that?”

“Hey. It may have been a long while but I do know you better than you know yourself you know, Dash” The gryphon grunted as she looked away from her friend. “That Sora dude, I told you before…he totally reminds me of Locke and you know it.”

The mare went quiet for a moment before she huffed and turned away from her friend. “They aren’t alike at all, Gilda…Last time. Drop it.”

The gryphon could see the tension in Rainbow Dash's body language, the way her usually vibrant aura dimmed ever so slightly. Seeing that it was more than just a touchy topic at the moment, the gryphon decided to drop it, wrapping a claw around her friend. “Hey okay. Sure. Whatever you say Dash. So…is there a place to get grub around this stuff pony palace or am I gonna starve.”

The mare sighed before shaking her head, a smile playing across her lips, her mood shifting like a cloud in a breeze. “You and food. I swear…come on, I know a place we can eat and not have to deal with any of those fancy pancy royals.”

~~~

“Haha…no really. I didn’t even know she was a girl when I first met her.” Sora laughed. “It took Goofy pointing it out for me to even notice.”

Fluttershy’s melodious laugh filled the air, despite the mare trying her best to cover her mouth with a hoof. “Oh…Oh dear…eheh…It must have been quite the shock for you to find out…I can’t even imagine.”

The two ponies had finished their meal long ago, having fallen into a comfortable conversation that seemed to flow effortlessly between them. Having put themselves in a quiet corner of the Castle’s cafe beforehand, the two had, after a small bit of awkward silence, began asking about each other’s home lives, sparking tales of adventure, laughter, and even a few embarrassing moments.

One such time was the very thing Sora was relaying to the mare now.

“You can say that again.” The stallion leaned back in his chair. “I’ve never been so surprised in my life…and I travel to all kinds of places for a living.” The stallion smiled, as he folded his hooves across his chest. “You totally gotta meet her. I’m sure the two of you would get along great. Oh and also Mushu. He’s a funny little dragon.”

Fluttershy's gentle laughter was infectious, filling the air with a sense of warmth and comfort. She reached out to touch Sora's hoof lightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "I would love to meet your friends one day Sora…I mean…if that's okay with you.”

Sora's smile widened, his eyes reflecting genuine warmth as he gazed at Fluttershy. "Of course it's okay with me. Can’t think of a reason for you not to visit. Besides, I’m sure you'd get along really well with everyone." He paused, his expression turning slightly more serious. "But just a heads up, Donald can be a bit standoffish at first. And he's got a bit of a temper at times, but he’s a good guy deep down.” Sora chuckled softly, thinking of his feisty duck companion.

“I’m sure he means well.” The shy mare spoke, defending his friend. “We all have our rough edges sometimes but from what I remember of your stories…he really seems like a nice pony…or…ah…duck.” She frowned a bit. “I’m still wrapping my head around his species…”

The stallion laughed softly as he scratched the side of his cheek. “Hehe…Yeah. It was weird at first for me too but I got used to it. I was hopping from world to world after all so I saw a lot more strange things besides talking ducks.” He smirked. “Besides, aren't you friends with a giant brown bear?”

"Oh! You mean Harry?” The timid mare answered, unable to refute his logic, “Well…um…Yes. I guess you’re right. He is a bit big and intimidating to some, but he has the kindest heart you’ll ever see." Her eyes sparkled as she leaned forward. “I know I told you all about him but you really should meet him officially. I’m sure he’ll love you.”

“Well…I’m always up to meeting new friends.” The stallion spoke as he rubbed the back of his neck. “And it can’t be all the different from making friends with a full grown lion.”

“A full grown…” Fluttershy gasped softly “Oh! That's right…You did say you knew one before…a lion I mean. Um…His name was…Simba, right?” The timid mare asked.

“Yep. He helped me back when I first started my journey and I helped him save his homeland when I turned into a lion,” The stallion leaned back, placing both of his hooves behind his head. “Hmmm…I wonder how he’s holding up…hope he’s okay.”

"Well…When you talked about him, he sounded just as head strong as you are…” She smiled. “So…I’m sure he’s doing fine. And…well…he has Nala…that lioness friend you mentioned in your story…beside him. I’m sure she’s keeping him out of trouble if nothing else.”

Sora laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Can’t say you’re wrong. She was very dependable when she was leading me and my friends though the Pridelands. I'm sure they do make a great team."

“Kind of…um…” The shy mare blushed. “Kind of like how you are with me…a-and the rest of the girls of course.” The mare squeaked, adding the last part as quickly as she could. Her words still made the stallion blush however, the stallion quickly looking away as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.

“Hehe…Guess we do…Ah…a-all of us I mean….” As he looked back over towards her, the stallion couldn’t help but notice that she was looking right at him with a curious gaze, more intensely than he was used to. “Huh…what’s up?”

“Oh…um…no it's just…” The mare blushed, rubbing her foreleg gently. “I mean…it's nothing.”

Sora's eyes softened as he looked at the mare. "Was it…something I said. If I did something to offend you…”

“No! Nothing like that Sora.” The mare quickly denied. “It's just…it's nice seeing you happy.”

The stallion blinked. “H-Huh? I mean it's been a wild few days but…I thought for sure I've been pretty happy lately.”

“It’s…well…It’s hard to explain” She looked away. “You’ve always been so kind and positive to everypony else…it just…feels different now for some reason.”

“I…well…I don’t feel any different.” He told her, his ears folding back slightly . Except for the fact I don’t have my human form anymore. He spoke the last part within his mind, a frown forming on his face. Does…she suspect something…or…

His growing fears were alleviated as the mare quickly shook her head, feeling as if she nearly offended him. “Oh…I didn’t mean anything weird by it…and…Maybe it's nothing…It's just…I mean…Sorry…”

The stallion, relaxing a bit, shook his head as well, “H-Hey, it's not like it's a big deal.” he told her, waving a hoof. “If you say I changed for the better then no need to worry about it. I’ll take that over changing for the worst any day.” And it really does seem like she didn’t know…at least as far as I can tell…

“O…Okay. And sorry again.” She looked down at her empty plate. “A-Anyway. I’m stuffed. Are you?”

"Same. Can’t believe how good the food is here. Been a while since I ate so much.” Slipping from his chair, he made his way around the table towards the mare. “Wanna go see what the others are doing. I get the feeling Twilight has been wanting to talk to me for a while now...” He frowned as he folded his hooves across his chest. “It's a wonder she didn’t come and get me yet.”

“I’m…um…sure there’s a good reason if she hasn’t. Twilight did know about…well…um…us after all…before we started…d-dating…” Fluttershy's voice trailed off as she mentioned their relationship, a shy smile playing on her lips. “I-If anything she properly just wanted to give us time to ourselves…”

The stallion thought about it for a moment before placing both of his forehooves behind his head, a wide toothy grin forming on his face. “Yeah, you're probably right. That does sound like something Twilight would do-” Sora's eyes widened in surprise at what he was saying,his gaze flying quickly towards the mare in front of him, "Wait...Twilight knew you liked me!?"

Fluttershy's face turned a bright shade of pink, her eyes widening as well. "Oh...um...w-well, yes... I mean, she did say Applejack told her but-”

"Wait...Applejack told her?" Sora interrupted, his eyes widening even more.”She knew too?”

The time mare nodded, her blush deepening. "Y-Yes, Twilight told me Applejack figured it out before even I knew. She noticed how I acted around you and, well, she has a way of picking up on those things. I Guess…your friends would really know you better than yourself at times…”

The stallion smiled, placing both of his hooves behind his head as he leaned back. "Yeah, I get what you mean. My best friend Riku is the same way. He always seems to know what I'm thinking or feeling before I even say anything. It's a little annoying sometimes, but it's also kinda nice, knowing someone's got your back like that." He frowned a bit. “Even if they can…never mind.” He turned towards the mare. “Lets get. I need to stretch my wings anyway.”

Fluttershy opened her mouth to ask what he was about to say but thought better of it. She decided that if he wanted to tell her, he would when he was ready. Instead, she gave him a gentle smile as she slipped from her chair. Moving beside the stallion, she gently brushed her wing against Sora's own, a shy but affectionate gesture that sent a flutter of warmth through him and at the same time gaining his attention.

“Is…something wrong, Shy?”

The timid mare shook her head as she looked down, "No…um…it's just…I…Um…I guess this would be our first official date then?” She asked softly.

Sora's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson at her words, a sudden realization dawning on him. This had been more than just a friendly outing—it had been their first date as a couple. "Yeah... I guess it is our first date," he managed to say, trying to keep his voice steady despite the sudden rush of unfamiliar emotions. “It…was…haha…fun.”

“It…was…fun. I had fun, I mean.” The mare squeaked softly. “I…hope we can do this again sometime.”

“Definitely.” The stallion answered with a smile and a nod. “Maybe make it a picnic next time, like we promised?”

Fluttershy's eyes lit up at the mention of a picnic, her smile widening with excitement. "Oh, a picnic sounds wonderful! I'll make sure to bring some delicious treats for us to share. Maybe we can even invite some of our friends to join us. I know Rarity says it's not a date but…It would be nice to have everyone together…um…without…you know…the world being in danger…"

“Haha…Tell me about it…” He sighed softly before shaking his head. “Guessing That won’t be for a while now…still. It’ll happen. That I can at least promise you.”

She smiles and nods. “It's a promise then."

~~~

Twilight Sparkle sat nestled among the rows of towering bookshelves that filled the grand library of Canterlot Castle. Soft morning light casts a warm glow over the pages of the ancient tome she was engrossed in, her violet eyes scanning the intricate text with rapt attention. Her ears flicked at the sound of approaching hoofsteps, signaling the arrival of company.

Looking up, she spotted Sora and Fluttershy making their way towards her. Sora, with his vibrant mane and confident stride, waved enthusiastically, his smile stretching from ear to ear. Beside him, Fluttershy peeked out from behind the curtain of her long, pastel-pink mane, her gentle smile a contrast to Sora's exuberance.

"There you are Twi!" The keyblade wielder called out as they drew closer. "We’ve been looking all over for you?" He paused before giving the lavender mare a wide smirk, both of his hooves flying behind his head as he leaned back, “Well…It was only two places actually…your room and then here since we both know you’re kind of a giant bookworm and stuff.”

Twilight closed the heavy tome in front of her, pouting slightly at the stallion’s remark. “You do know I don’t spend all day in the library, right.”

“I…well…yes…but…maybe half the day?” The timid voice beside Sora spoke up before pressing herself against the stallion’s side. “N-Not that there's anything wrong with that Twilight…It’s just…well…you being Twilight, and you do have to eat after all.”

The lavender mare opened her mouth and then closed it again before releasing a heavy sigh. She used her magic to pick up a rolled up scroll before gently hitting the stallion on top of his head a few times. “Bad Sora. Stop corrupting Fluttershy with your wit.”

The stallion laughed, rubbing the top of his head where the scroll had lightly tapped him. "Gah! I didn’t even do anything. She said it herself.”

“Bad. Influence.” The mare repeated before giving the pair a smile.”That aside it’s good to see you both.I know I told Fluttershy last night but, still, congratulations are in order for the both of you.”

Sora’s cheeks flushed at Twilight's words, feeling a mix of embarrassment and happiness at the same time as he looked away, raising a hoof and rubbing the side of his head. "Hehe…Thanks, Twilight." He glanced over at the timid mare, who was blushing but beaming with joy as well. “Still in the early stages but…Can’t say I’m not having fun.”

The lavender mare nodded before standing up from her chair. “That's good to know. Like I said, happy for the both of you.” She frowned a bit, a serious tone edging into her voice before she spoke again. “But back to more important matters. There’s a bit I have to talk to you about our next move in…well…everything that’s going on honestly.”

"Does…it have something to do with Grogar?" The keyblade wielder asked, the fur on his chest puffing out a bit as he frowned.

Twilight shook her head. “Of that I don’t know myself. We only have the report that the Diamond Dog’s gave Princess Luna after all.”

Sora blinked. “Huh? Diamond…dogs?”

“Oh! That's right.” Twilight blushed as she smiled awkwardly. “You wouldn’t know what they were, would you.” She cleared her throat, both stallion and mare in front of her knowing that she was going into lecture mode, "The Diamond Dogs are a species of canine-like creatures that tend to live underground, though that is not always the case. They're known for their affinity for gems and their extensive network of mines.”

“So like…they dig for diamonds and stuff?” The stallion asked.

Twilight nodded, pleased that Sora was engaging with the information. "Exactly! Diamond Dogs are known for their love of gems, particularly diamonds, which they mine from deep underground. They have a unique society and culture, with a hierarchy led by an alpha dog. They're usually quite territorial and can be wary of outsiders, but they're not inherently aggressive."

“Um…well…” Fluttershy spoke up, raising her hoof as if she were in a classroom. “The ones that were near Ponyville…they did kidnap Rarity though…”

“W-What!?” Sora barked out in shock. His eyes widened as he exchanged a worried glance with The yellow mare. “Are you serious? Why would they do something like that?”

“Well…it was because of Rarity’s ability to find gems.” Twilight answered with a cough. “She may be into fashion but her ability to find gems for said fashion is second to none. A skill like that would be highly coveted by anyone who would be looking for gems, let along the diamond dogs.”

“Wow…she must have been scared out of her mind.” The stallion thought, picturing the usually elegant and composed Rarity in a situation of distress.

“Well…maybe…” Fluttershy spoke, “But…well…by the time we got there, the diamond dogs honestly wanted to give Rarity back to us…She…pretty much defeated them all by…um…well…just being Rarity I guess.”

Sora blinked before closing his eyes in deep thought. After a while he nodded. “Yep…I can see that happening if it's Rarity.”

"I'm sorry, darling, what is it that you can see happening now?"

Startled, The stallion turned to find the very mare they were talking about standing right behind him, her elegant form poised with curiosity, one delicate eyebrow raised inquisitively and in accusation in his direction.

"Uh, R-Rarity!" Sora stammered, caught off guard by her sudden appearance. "I-I was just saying that I could imagine you handling the situation with the Diamond Dogs... um, with your usual grace and poise I’m pretty sure."

The mare clicked her teeth. “You’re getting sharper on the excuses, Sora. Guess Hanging around Rainbow Dash and Applejack nearly all day would do that…” She smiled as she made her way towards him, placing a hoof on his chest. “Still won’t get you off the hook for whatever it was that you were thinking though.”

The stallion lowered his head. “Drat…”

“Sora’s imminent doom aside,” Twilight spoke, making her way towards the stallion. “The Diamond Dogs we are meeting have nothing to do with the ones that had kidnapped Rarity. Actually, they are two queens.”

“Two…queens?” Sora repeated, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Indeed. Sisters actually.” The lavender mare explained. “They split their queendom into two, one ruled by Jennino Lanternlight and the other by her sister Katherina Proudpaws.”

“Split into two? Why did they go and do that?” The stallion asked, both Rarity and Fluttershy looking towards Twilight for clarification as well.

“I’ll get into that when the Applejack and Pinkie Pie get here.” Twilight responded. “As much as I don’t mind, I would rather all of us be here when we talk about what we’re going to do next. That includes Rainbow too. Speaking of.” She turned towards the white fashionista. “Were you able to find her Rarity?”

“Actually,” Sora interrupted before the fashionista could say anything, “Fluttershy said she went to visit Gilda. Right, Shy?”

The timid mare nodded, her voice soft as she spoke up. "Yes, she mentioned her friend was getting out of custody today and wanted to be there for her.”

Rarity's gaze softened, understanding the significance of Rainbow Dash wanting to support her friend. "Ah, I see. It's so like Rainbow Dash to stand by her friends no matter what. I do hope Gilda is doing well after her ordeal."

“Same…” Sora spoke, touching his chest softly an action that didn’t go unnoticed by a pair of turquoise eyes. The shy yellow mare pushed herself a little closer to the stallion, her wing unconsciously brushing against his side in a comforting gesture. Sora glanced at her, a small smile forming on his lips at the silent support she offered.

“So when do our pink and orange friends make their grand appearance?” The curly maned mare asked with a tilt of her head.

The lavender mare checked the time on a nearby clock. “If the trains are running correctly, it would be half past noon when they arrive. Leaving a small margin of error of course.”

“Then we wait?” Sora asked, looking around at his friends

Twilight nodded in response to Sora’s question. “Yes, for now, we wait. It’s important that we all hear the plan together, and that everyone is on the same page.”

The stallion leaned back, his hooves behind his head, letting out a contented sigh. "Alright, then I guess we have some time to relax a bit."

Fluttershy, noticing Sora's relaxed demeanor, smiled softly and settled down beside him. "We already ate…but…hm…maybe we can go into the city? That way we can meet Pinkie and Applejack by the train station when they come later."

Sora's eyes lit up at his fillyfriend's suggestion. "Hey! That sounds like a great idea! It’ll be nice to stretch our legs and maybe explore a bit. Really didn’t get a chance to last time I was here after all."

Rarity nodded in agreement. "A lovely stroll through Canterlot does sounds delightful. And it gives us a chance to enjoy the city’s charm and perhaps indulge in a little window shopping. Or actually shopping. A hat did catch my eye the other day after all."

The white mare then smirked at Sora, a playful glint in her eye. "And since you have so much energy, darling, you can carry my things for me. Consider it your penance for talking behind a lady’s back."

“Gah…double drat…” The stallion could only hang his head down in resolution, his marefriend offering him gentle pats for comfort on his side with her wing.

"As wonderful an idea as that is, I think I'll stay back here and wait,” Twilight spoke, making her way to a nearby shelf. “For one, Just in case you miss them. And for two, there are a few things I need to read up on before we meet with the Diamond Dogs."

"You sure, Twi?" Sora asked with a tilt of his head.

Twilight smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure. You all go ahead and enjoy the city. I'll be fine here. Promise"

Sora nodded, though he still seemed a bit concerned. "Alright, but if you need anything, you know where to find us."

Rarity linked her foreleg with Fluttershy's, guiding her towards the door. "Come along, darling. Let's enjoy the sights and maybe find that hat. I am kicking myself in the flank for not grabbing it yesterday. I do hope it is still there.”

“Oh…um…Okay…” The timid mare waved to Twilight. “Later Twilight…um…and…thanks again.”

Twilight waved them off with a smile. "Have fun, everyone!"

As they made their way out of the castle and into the bustling streets of Canterlot, Sora took a deep breath, feeling the vibrant energy of the city around them. The sun was shining brightly, and the streets were filled with ponies going about their day.

"So, where to first?" Sora asked, looking around at his friends.

Rarity's eyes sparkled with excitement. "LIke I said, we start with that lovely little hat shop I mentioned earlier? It's not too far from here after all. And now that I have a big strong stallion along for the ride, I can shop to my heart’s content."

“Ugh…” Sora groaned. “I still haven’t recovered from the last time you took me shopping with you.”

"Penance Sora…penance.” The fashionista mused, “Besides." She leaned closer whispering the next part so only Sora could hear, “You might find something special for your little…fillyfriend. What better way to show her your appreciation after all?”

The stallion’s blush deepened, and he glanced nervously at Fluttershy, who was looking curiously between him and Rarity. "Uh, well, I guess that doesn't sound so bad," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head. “If that’s okay with you, Shy.”

“Oh…um…I-I don’t mind at all,” Shereplied softly, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

Rarity clapped her hooves together, delighted. "Wonderful! Let's be off then."

~~~

Rainbow Dash gulped down the last of her ice cream Soda before slamming the mug down, wiping the fizz off her muzzle. “Now that's what I call refreshing!” She smirked. “How’s your drink Gil?

Gilda set her mug down with a grin, wiping her beak. “Not bad, Dash. Not bad at all. You always know the best spots.”

The blue pegasus puffed out her chest proudly. “Of course! I’ve got a knack for finding the coolest places in Equestria. And you’ve been missing out, Gilda. There’s a lot of catching up to do.”

The gryphon ’s expression softened, and she looked around the bustling café. Despite it looking like an everyday pub, the atmosphere was much kinder than the ones she was used to. Not that there was anything bad about that. “Yeah, I guess there is.” She turned towards her friend. “So…those Heartless things…how long you’ve been fighting them?”

Rainbow Dash’s expression grew serious at Gilda’s question. “For a while now. Ever since Sora showed up in Ponyville, really.”

“Hah…that's another point towards him being like Locke. Bringing trouble with him wherever he goes…” The gryphon spoke.

The blue mare’s expression darkened further as she frowned at her friend. "Gil, watch it with you-know-who."

“Oh come off it Dash.” The giffin rebutted with a wave of her claw. “Are you seriously going to ignore it all?”

Rainbow Dash's frown deepened, and she leaned forward, her voice low but firm. "I'm not ignoring anything, Gilda. Sora is different from Locke, full stop.”

“Oh yeah?” her friend asked. “From the stories you’ve told me about this…Keyblade Wielder…He sounds exactly the same as him.” She raised a claw and began counting. “He sticks his muzzle into other’s problems. He is stupidly kind to a fault. Always getting hurt due to taking blows for others-”

The rainbow maned mare cut Gilda off, her voice firm. "Stop right there, Gilda. Sora isn't Locke. Okay yeah…maybe they have something in common but Sora has the power to protect himself unlike…ugh…didn’t I say drop it before Gil? Last warning. We’re supposed to be having fun, not getting angry over the past.”

The gryphon paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered Rainbow's words. "Alright, Dash. I'll drop it. Just don't want to see you get hurt again."

“Nothing to get hurt over Gil. He’s not even my coltfriend. He’s Fluttershy’s.”

"Maybe so...doesn't mean you don't have your eyes on him D." Gilda mused. "I know you and I know your type after all, even after all this time, I can tell it's the same."

Rainbow Dash's face flushed slightly, a mix of frustration and embarrassment crossing her features. "Gilda, seriously. Sora and I are just friends. He's a great guy, but he's with Fluttershy, and I'm happy for them."

A chuckle escaped though her friend’s yellow beak, the gryphon shaking her head slowly. "Alright, alright. I'll drop it. Just looking out for you, Dash."

"Thanks, Gil. But maybe you should be more worried about yourself. What are you going to do now?"

Rainbow’s friend shrugged, her demeanor more relaxed. “That’s a good question…Honestly turning Starlight into mush for mind controlling me all this time…which I can’t do thanks to your friend…I’m not too sure what I want to do…”

“Well…” The mare began, “If you really got no place to go…guess you could crash in my house for a while…”

The gryphon looked at Rainbow Dash with wide eyes, surprised by the offer. "You sure, Dash? I don't want to be a burden."

The blue mare waved a hoof dismissively. "It's no problem, Gil. We've got plenty of space, and it’ll be like old times. Plus, it'll be good to have you around."

Gilda's expression softened, a grateful smile forming on her beak. "Thanks, Dash. I appreciate it. Maybe it’ll give me some time to figure things out."

“Don’t think me yet.” The mare mused with a smirk. “After the trouble you caused in town before, definitely gonna place some rules you’re gonna have to follow girl.”

Her oldest friend raised an eyebrow, her smile turning into a soft frown. "Rules, huh? Guess that’s fair…”

“That and you’re gonna get part a parttime job. No way am I’m having a freeloading gryphon lounging around my home.”

The gryphon groaned dramatically, flopping her head onto the table. "What are you, my mother?"

Rainbow Dash chuckled, giving her a playful nudge. "Hey, someone's gotta keep you in line. Plus, it'll be good for you. Trust me."

“Yeah yeah…that’s what they all say.” The gryphon huffed. “Whatever. I can handle it.”

“Good. Now…” She raised her cup. “To new beginnings with old friends?”

Gilda lifted her mug with a smirk, clinking it against Rainbow Dash's, the sound echoing through the café. "To new beginnings," she agreed, taking a long sip of her drink.

~~~

Sora, Fluttershy and Rarity all entered a charming boutique with a beautifully decorated window displaying an array of stylish hats. The sign above the door read "Haute Hats by Haberdasher".

The fashionista led the way inside, her eyes already scanning the shelves for the hat that had caught her eye earlier. The stallion followed, feeling a bit out of his element but determined to make the most of the outing.

"Welcome to Haute Hats!" a cheerful shopkeeper greeted them. "How can I help you today?"

Rarity smiled graciously. "We're just browsing for now, but I did see a lovely wide-brimmed hat in your window the other day. Might I take a closer look at it?"

"Of course!" The shopkeeper fetched the hat, and the fashionista, with all of her experience dealing with fashion and the like, examined it with a discerning eye.

As the fashionista was seen to, Sora stood off to the side, watching both her and his marefriend, surprisingly, look at the many beautiful hats around the boutique. He couldn't help but feel a bit out of place, not having much interest in fashion himself. Still, he couldn’t help but smile as his eyes followed the butter yellow mare with the soft pink mane and tail as she tried on different hats, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Placing one on her head, she looked around before turning towards the stallion, quietly making her way towards him.

“Oh…um…Do you think this one suits me, Sora?" she asked, tilting her head to show off a tan sun hat adorned with a delicate butterfly on the side, the wings of which looking as if they flap with each step she took.

The stallion blushed, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly as he looked at his fillyfriend. "I think It looks really cute, Shy. It has butterflies just like your cutie mark too."

"Oh... um...” Fluttershy's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, and she looked away shyly. “D-Do you look at my cutie mark all the time, Sora?"

The stallion blinked before his cheeks turned an even hotter shade of red. “W-Wait! It's not…I mean I just…!”

The mare, unable to hold herself back, held a hoof to her muzzle and giggled softly, despite the blush still upon her face. “Hehee…I’m only teasing you Sora…Sorry. That was mean of me.”

The keyblade wielder let out a relieved chuckle, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish smile. "You got me good, Fluttershy. I didn't know you had it in you."

The timid mare giggled again, the sound soft and melodic. "Me…either…maybe…ehehe…You are corrupting me.”

“Please don’t tell Twilight if that’s the case.” The stallion half joked and half begged before smiling at her. “So…you plan on getting that?”

“It's a nice hat but...maybe a bit too fancy for me," Fluttershy answered as she took the hat off, looking at the hat with a thoughtful expression. "But thank you for the compliment, Sora.

The stallion rubbed his nose softly. “Hey no prob. I mean, it is easy to do when it's you Shy.”

The timid mare’s blush deepened, but she smiled warmly at her coltfriend’s compliment.

The two were soon joined by Rarity, having finalized her choice of hat, approaching them with a satisfied smile. "Well, I must say, this has been a delightful shopping trip.” She looked between the two of them, noticing the red cheeks of both her friends. “Oh my…did I interrupt something?

Sora and Fluttershy both blushed even deeper, their faces turning a shade of red that matched the blush in their cheeks.

The stallion quickly shook his head as he answered the white mare, rubbing the back of his neck. "N-nope! Anyway, we have more places to see! Right Flutters?”

Fluttershy nodded quickly, her blush still evident but a smile spreading across her face. "Yes, that's right! There's so much more to see and do."

Rarity chuckled softly, clearly amused by their flustered reactions. "Very well, darlings. Let's continue our adventure."

The trio left the boutique and continued their leisurely stroll through Canterlot, exploring a few more shops and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. They laughed and chatted as they went, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

As they walked, they passed by a park where a street musician was playing a gentle tune on a harp. They decided to take a break and listen, finding a cozy spot on a bench.

"This is nice," Sora said, leaning back and closing his eyes, letting the music wash over him. "It's great to just relax and enjoy the day."

“Oh I agree, Darling," Rarity mused as she puffed her mane with a hoof. "A few days of relaxing, even if it's a short time, is good for the soul as it were. And it has been forever and a day since I've shopped like this."

Fluttershy nodded, her eyes half-closed as she listened to the music. "Yes, it's peaceful. And it's lovely to spend time together like this." She paused, lowering her head slightly. “Though…”

Sora opened one eye and glanced over at his fillyfriend, noticing her sudden shift in mood. "What's on your mind, Fluttershy?" he asked gently.

The timid mare hesitated for a moment before speaking softly, "Well, with everything happening lately—the Heartless, Grogar, all the dangers we've faced—sometimes it's hard to just relax and enjoy moments like this. I feel bad…being happy…."

The keyblade wielder frowned as he leaned forward on the bench. “Yeah…I know how you feel, Shy. Can’t say it isn’t always in the back of my mind…But…We can’t let him get to us.” He smiled as he jumped out from the bench, looking between his friends. “We’ll find him and we’ll save everyone he stole. You can count on it.”

Rarity nodded, her expression serious but confident. "Sora's right. We've faced many challenges before, and we've always come through together. Grogar won't be any different."

The timid mare, after a moment, nodded slowly. “Y-You’re right. And…even if I don’t have the same skills as Sora and as brave as Rainbow Dash…I’ll help in any way I can too.”

“Hey Don’t talk too down on yourself, Shy.! If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have been able to help Starlight.” The stallion told her. “Honestly you were the MVP, and don’t let anyone else say otherwise.”

Fluttershy blushed deeply, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Sora.”

“Oh my. Almost feels like I’m a third wheel in this conversation.” Rarity mused as she looked between the couple.

The keyblade wielder laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his head. "O-Oh! Sorry about that, Rarity. We didn't mean to leave you out."

The fashionista waved a hoof dismissively, a playful smile on her face. "Oh, I'm just teasing, darlings. It's wonderful to see you both so close and supportive of each other. And I must say, I’ve never seen Fluttershy as bold as is except when she’s with you."

Said mare’s blush deepened, and she glanced shyly at her coltfriend. “I…well…I mean…Sora is…”

“Hehe…I’m not saying it's a bad thing Darling. Celestia knows you need to be more assertive after all.” Rarity mused softly. “And if Sora can make that happen then all the better.”

“That aside,” Said stallion spoke as he looked over towards the sun. “I’m pretty sure it's getting close to noon. AJ and Pinkie’s train should be coming this way by now…right?”

Rarity glanced at the clock tower in the distance and nodded. "Yes, you’re right, Sora. We should head to the station to meet them. We wouldn't want to keep them waiting."

Fluttershy nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's go. It will be good to see them again and catch up."

With that, the trio made their way to the train station, chatting and laughing along the way. All the while Blueblood’s airship inched ever closer to Canterlot, bringing with them their new adventure…as well as new trouble.

End of the New Day (Edited)

Kingdom hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

End of the new Day

Canterlot
Train Station

The welcoming hiss announced the new arrivals to Canterlot City via the train station. Upon coming to a full stop the doors slid open to reveal a wave of passengers disembarking from the confines of the train carts. Among the crowd, two familiar figures stood out—one with a vibrant pink mane that seemed to bounce with every step she took and the other, a mare with a well-worn stetson hat perched firmly atop her head.

Pinkie and Applejack had made it to Canterlot at last.

“Boy howdy," The orange mare spoke as she turned towards her pink companion, "Feels like just yesterday we were here in Canterlot, eh Pinkie? Hehe. Might be ah have ta start up a travel tab with the princess with all the times we had ta come here ta meet them."

Said pink party pony bounced around her friend, poofy mane practically jiggling in place for a moment even after she came to a stop in front of the cowpony. "I know right! Its practically like our second home now, what with all the time's we’ve been here this year! Like the time with Discord and the time with the wedding and the-”

Applejack chuckled, placing a hoof on the pink mare’s shoulder to steady her. "Woah there, Sugarcube. Ah get what cha saying. We’ve had our fair share of adventures, that’s for sure. Ah was there for all of them so no need ta tell me what’s what." The farm mare adjusted her hat as she made her way down the walkway.

"Oh I know!" The pink mare mused. "Just like to think about all the fun times we had! Speaking of! We had a nice little send off with your family waving us goodbye back in Ponyville! That was really sweet of them!"

“Sure was," the farm mare answered before frowning softly. "Still, near broke ma heart seeing Apple Bloom tearing up at us leaving her and her friends behind, again.”

"Still crushing on him? Poor girl," Pinkie commented almost casually, her hops losing just a slight amount of bounce as she moved in time with her orange friend. "You should probably talk to her about it."

“Well ah was planning on…wait…” The farm mare shot a glare at her party making friend. “How they hey did ya know that Apple Bloom has a crush on Sora?”

The party mare stopped bouncing and put on a serious face, which was a rare sight. "Applejack, I know everything about everypony in Ponyville! It’s part of being the super-duper party pony that I am. Besides, it was pretty easy to figure out." She then giggled and bounced back to her usual cheerful self. "The way she looks at him with those big eyes and always finds a reason to be around him. Classic crush behavior!"

“Hehe…Ah tend ta forget how perceptive ya are Pinks.” The orange mare chuckled softly with a shake of her head. “Still, ah wouldn’t worry about her too much. Not like its gonna hurt her to have a boy she likes and she can like a heck of a lot worse then Sora. I'm sure its just some puppy love, besides. She'll git over it soon enough. We all do." The mare dismissed.

"Hmmm. I wonder," Pinky hummed thoughtfully with an exaggerated head tilt. "A bout of puppy love mixed with hero worship. Dangerous combination, that one."

The farm mare raised her eyebrow. "And ah think you are overthinking things Pinkie. I'm sure she'll move on to the next pony sooner or later. Sora is a might to old for her after all."

"Whatever you say, Jackie," The pink mare spoke with a slightly teasing lilt to her voice. "Though...Just a warning...Sometimes those feelings just don't ever really go away~"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "How bout we focus on getting on to the castle and stop worrying about my little sister's love life. I'm sure Twigirl and the others are-”

“Hey, Pinkie! Applejack!”

They both mares jumped slightly as their names were called, turning towards the voice where they found Sora in the distance, waving enthusiastically. Beside him they could see Rarity and Fluttershy too, both mares toned down compared to their stallion friend's high energy.

Pinkie Pie's ears were the first to perk up, the mare herself practically bubbling with excitement. “Ohmygosh! It's Sora! And Fluttershy and Rarity, too! Our friends!” The pink party mare couldn’t stop herself from rushing forward, her hooves flying out as she made a bee line towards the suddenly panicking stallion. It wasn’t long before both the party planer collided with the keyblade wielder, wrapping him in a tight hug as they were sent tumbling to the ground, her cheek gently rubbing against his own as if she was a happy little pony greeting their master. “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you guys!”

“Gah, Pinkie!" The stallion began before sighing softly and reletting to the pink mare, gently patting her back. "Good to see you too!"

The timid butter yellow mare approached the pair with a pout, wagging a hoof at her pink friend as she admonished her. "Pinkie Pie! You have to be more careful. You could have hurt Sora doing that."

Applejack couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her butter-yellow friend's words. "A bit protective there, aren’t ya, Fluttershy? I'm sure ya know Pinkie wouldn’t do something if she thought it would hurt them seriously, right?"

The yellow mare blushed deeply at her friend's words, her usual shyness coming to the forefront once again. "I... I just... um, well, I mean...She...he..."

"Why, Fluttershy,” Rarity interrupted her with a purr, a sly smile on her face as she made her way towards her yellow friend. “You can't be jealous that Sora is getting hugs from a mare that isn't you, now could you?"

Said mare's blush deepened, and her stuttering reached new heights, the poor yellow ball of anxiety unable to form a coherent response as she tried to defend herself, "Oh, no, it's not that, I just... I mean, I..."

Pinkie frowned at the sudden turn of events before looking between both the mare beside her and the stallion under her. She blinked once. Then Twice. Then gasped loudly as realization hit her like a tree. “Oh my gosh! You two are dating!!”

The stallion's eyes widened, and his cheeks turned a shade of pink to match the pink party pony’s mane. He looked away from her, rubbing the back of his head. "I...well...we...are..."

“Wait…no fooling?” Applejack asked." She looked from Sora and Fluttershy, both ponies giving a timid nod of admission. As soon as it was confirmed, a wide grin formed on the farm mare's lips, "Well, I'll be. Ah knew Flutters was sweet on ya, but ta think you two would actually start wooing each other. Can’t say I’m not surprised tho. Congrats, you two."

Pinkie Pie finally released Sora from her crushing hug, bouncing off him with a wide grin. "OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH! I can't believe it! My little Fluttershy and my friend Sora! Tying the knot! I can already imagine the wedding with all the confetti and cakes and decorations!”

Sora nearly jumped out of his skin at the pink party pony’s words, “W-what! No! Pinkie! We’re not that…” The stallion groaned. “I mean we only just started dating! Like….Yesterday! We're not that far into anything like that! Tell her, Shy!” He turned towards his filly friend, only to find that she had stopped working at the beginning of the hyper pink pony’s tirade.

Seeing Fluttershy's distress and having had a good laugh about it, Rarity soon stepped in with a gentle smile, intervening for the couple. "Pinkie, darling, I think you might be getting a bit ahead of yourself. Let’s give them some time to enjoy their new relationship before we start planning weddings."

"Oops, sorry!” Pinkie Pie's ears drooped slightly, but she nodded vigorously. “I just got so excited! But I'll try to keep it down." She gave the timid mare an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Shy. I didn't mean to overwhelm you."

The timid mare's cheeks remained a rosy hue as she nervously tucked a strand of her mane behind her ear. "I-It's alright, Pinkie. I-I appreciate your enthusiasm, but…um…like Sora said, we just started dating. We even went on our first official one this morning…breakfast.”

The pink mare gasped. “Really! You know what that means then!? A Pa-”

Applejack quickly clapped a hoof over Pinkie's mouth, cutting her off. "Nope. No time for parties right now, Pinkie. We were called to Canterlot by Twilight for a reason, and it’s best not to keep our bookworm waiting." She smiled as she turned towards the others. “That’s the reason you three are here waiting for us, right?”

“Yep!” Sora answered with a smile. “Decided to meet up with you here and walk together back to the castle. And it does give us time to catch up with you.” He raised a hoof towards the farm mare. “Hehe... Can’t say I didn’t miss either you or Pinkie Pie.”

The farm mare bumped his hoof with her own, grinning. "Missed ya too, Sora. Glad ta see my farmhoof is doing alright with himself.” She smirked. “On another note, ah’m Sure you got a wild, wingdinger of a story to tell about your adventure over in Trottingham."

The stallion’s smile faltered slightly as he turned towards Fluttershy, the timid mare's ears pinned back at the mention of the city and the sight of the stallion beside her. He sighed softly before rubbing the back of his head, turning back towards Applejack. "You don't know the half of it, AJ."

The farm mare noticed the change in their expressions and raised an eyebrow. "SY'all look like you’ve seen a ghost. Was it…that bad?"

“We’ll explain on the way darling.” Rarity spoke for the both of them, “We have the time to do so after all. It is…as they say, quite the tale of a tale after all.”

~~~

It was late into the afternoon when Sora, Fluttershy, and Rarity finished the whole of their tale, the trio having led Applejack and Pinkie Pie though the grand halls of Canterlot Castle, their destination, the library where Twilight waited for them. When it was all said and done, the farm mare was the first to speak, her hoof taking the hat off her head and placing it over her chest as she did so.

"Well, Ah'll be," The farm mare spoke softly, shaking her head in disbelief. "That sure sounds like one hay of an adventure. Ah can't believe y'all went through all that. If…If ah had know that would have happened then…I wouldn’t have let ya leave without me."

The fancy white unicorn shook her head gently. "Now, Applejack, saying such things doesn’t help anypony. We made it out alive, and that is what counts." She sighs. “Besides, that is something Sora would say and we are trying to break that bad habit of his. We don’t need you to start too.”

The stallion responded with an annoyed huff, crossing his hooves. "Hey, I only say it because I care, you know."

The fashionista smiled warmly as she turned towards the stallion. "I know, Sora. And we appreciate it. I just don't want any of us to beat ourselves up over 'what ifs.' It's important to focus on the present and be grateful that we made it through."

Before the stallion could respond, he suddenly felt Pinkie Pie’s hooves around his body once more, though he noticed an amazing amount of not getting his oxygen cut off. Looking down he suddenly found himself looking into a party pony he had only ever seen once in his life. And that was back at the Crystal Kingdom.

The pink one’s usual bubbly demeanor was replaced with a worried expression, her eyes searching deeply into Sora's own gaze. "Are you okay, Sora?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with concern.

He blinked, momentarily taken aback by the change in Pinkie. "Yeah, Pinkie, I'm okay. Why do you ask?"

The pink pony’s eyes softened, but the worry remained. "It's just... sometimes, even when you say you're okay, you might be hiding how you really feel. And I want to make sure you're really, truly okay."

Sora felt a lump in his throat as he saw the genuine concern in her ocean blue eyes. He sighed, giving her a small, reassuring smile. "Thanks, Pinkie. It means a lot that you care but I’m really alright…Promise.”

The mare frowned before pulling away from him, nodding slowly. “Okay.” She smiled before turning to Fluttershy. “Anyway! Don’t you think we kept Twilight Waiting long enough?”

The timid mare, her concern still evident but reassured by Sora’s words, nodded. “Yes, we should go see her. She’s probably anxious to get started.”

Applejack placed her hat back on her head, her expression resolute. "Alright then, let’s get to it."

It didn’t take long for the five to cross the threshold that led into the library proper, Rarity having found herself leading the way while the others followed. It was down one of the many aisles of bookshelves that they found not only Twilight Sparkle, but also-

“Rainbow!” The Keyblade Wielders Poke with a smile before pausing, his gaze falling onto the griffin right beside her. “Gilda?”

The griffin groaned at the sight of not only the one she stabbed, even if she was under mind control, but also Pinkie Pie too. "Great, it's you guys," she muttered, her voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and discomfort.

Rainbow Dash elbowed her lightly. "Gildaaaaaa. You said you would play nice and apologize."

The griffin huffed. “I didn’t think I would see them both at the same time!”

The stallion managed a small, reassuring smile, both of his hooves flying behind his head. "It's okay, Gilda. You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I know you didn’t mean to, sooooo..."

“Yeah Gilda!” The lone pink pony chimed in. “If you are friends with Rainbow again then that makes me more then happy!” She wraps a hoof around Sora’s shoulder, pulling the stallion close as she spoke. “So no need to worry about little ol’ us, okie doki?”

“Ugh! Y-you! Just shut up okay.” The griffin spoke, her talons slamming the table. “I’m going to apologize and that’s final you dweebs!”

The stallion blinked in surprise, but he quickly smiled again. "Alright, Gilda. We appreciate it. Right Pinkie?"

Pinkie Pie giggled. "Yep-a-roony! Apology accepted!"

The griffin blinked before turning towards Rainbow, frowning. “Your friends are too… much…”

Rainbow smirked, giving her griffin friend a playful nudge. "I could say the same about you, G."

“Ahem!”

They all turned to see Twilight looking between everyone with a frown. “Now that everypony… and creature is here.” She smiled towards Gilda, who only huffed. “I do believe we can get started. Before we do though,” She turned towards Applejack. “Did you get the rest of the Elements of Harmony from my Library? I did tell you Rainbow already has hers so the other five should have been there right?”.

The freckled farm mare nodded, a sense of pride in her eyes. "You bet, Twilight. Found 'em safe and sound in the library, just where you said they'd be." She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out five gleaming gems, each a different color of the rainbow. "Here they are, ready for action. Still…can’t believe that Rainbow’s Element teleported to her hoof when she called for it. If you had told me that a few months ago ah would have thought you were plum crazy.”

“I know right. Guess the Elements and Keyblade are more connected then that one mare told us before.” Sora agreed before turning towards The lavender mare. “That aside for now… you said that we are meeting two Diamond Dog queens, right?”

“Diamond Dogs?” Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Queens?” Pinkie Pie followed up, tilting her head.

Twilight’s expression turned serious. "Indeed. The Diamond Dogs have two queens who rule over different territories within their queendom. Sisters to be exact.”

“Not that I'm judging them but…But why two territories?” The farm mare asked. “Are they fighting over the throne or something?”

“That’s…something I don’t know myself." The purple unicorn answered with a bit oif hesiatiaton. “From what I learned from Princess Luna and Cadance they had an argument but what it was about I have no clue. What we do know is that one of their sisters spotted an odd monster deep within the mines. She was able to escape it but from her description…it very well could have been Heartlesses.”

Sora's eyes widened. "A Heartless? Think it might be related to Grogar then?”

Twilight frowned, contemplating the possibility. "It's hard to say. It very well could be it has nothing to do with Heartless at at. It was just the one sighting after all. The only other odd thing is diamond dogs vanishing there for a few months.

“Vanishing…that can’t be good…” The stallion’s expression turned serious. "Well…Heartless or not…Grogar or not…if someone is in trouble then there’s no way I can’t help.”

“And that's just it, Sora,” the lavender mare spoke up. “I know you want to help and I know you aren’t used to it, but there is a lot of red tape stopping you from doing so.”

Sora frowned, confused. "Red tape?"

The lavender unicorn released a patient sigh as she turned to face her keyblade wielder friend. "Whether we like it or not there are political implications involved. The Diamond Dogs' internal affairs are delicate from what I hear, and us intervening could be seen as overstepping. We need to approach this carefully and make sure we have their cooperation."

“Really?” The stallion couldn’t stop the huff that escaped his lips. “That sucks. I never had to deal with stuff like that when I was…ah…Traveling before.” He spoke, keeping the fact that he was a world hopper from Gilda. “I mean I did have a few rules here and there but…”

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, but you always managed to find a way to help, right?"

Sora nodded. "Yeah, I did. And I want to help here too."

"And you will, Sora. We will. We just need to be smart about it. We’ll approach the queens diplomatically and suggest a plan where a few of us follow them to their queendom. As a survey team as it were."

“A few of us?” The rainbow maned mare questioned.

Twilight nodded. “Indeed. I hate to say it, especially with what happened to you all back in Trottingham.” She cast her gaze from Rarity to Rainbow and from Fluttershy to Sora. Stopping on Gilda who had been quiet the whole time. “But splitting up right now is the best course of action. If…and that is a big if…something were to happen to us in the Diamond Dog queendom…Then we will need the other’s to pick up where we left off. Find Riku and get his help if it comes to it.” She then returned her gaze towards back towards the stallion. “Is that…acceptable?”

The keyblade Wielder’s gaze fell at the lavender mare’s question, his hoof instinctively grasping his chest, just above the scar he had received during his time in Trottingham. The memory of that close call, and how Ventus had saved him, was still fresh in his mind and it was something he felt Twilight knew as well. She was only taking his well being into account, he knew that. Still, he couldn’t help but feel a little self conscious about the fact she couldn’t trust in his abilities alone. Too many close calls. He wasn’t so stupid as to not see that was why she was suggesting this course of action. She even asked him for his consideration…still..

The stallion gasped, feeling a gentle touch on his hoof. He looked over to see Fluttershy, her butter-yellow hoof gently grasping his own and looking up at him with a gentle, reassuring gaze.

“Sora?”

The keyblade wielder in question took a long deep breath before reaching up and gently grasping her hoof with his own. He offered her a wide yet thankful smile before turning back to Twilight, determination in his tone.

“Yeah…That sounds like a good plan, Twi.”

The purple mare nodded, relieved. "Thank you, Sora. It means a lot to me that you trust this plan."

“Right…with that out of the way.” Rainbow spoke up. “The real question is…who’s going with the Diamond Dogs?”

“No way I’m not going with ya.” Applejack spoke up. “If anything, ya might need so good ol fashion muscle down there in them mines with them Diamond Dogs. And ah reckon' Ah'm the pony for the job.”

Pinkie Pie raised her hoof eagerly. "Ooh! Ooh! Can I go too? I bet I could make the Diamond Dogs smile and maybe even throw them a little party! That could help, right?"

The lavender mare looked towards the pink one with a mix of concern and consideration. "Pinkie, this isn’t going to be a vacation. We need to approach this carefully and diplomatically."

The pink mare nodded vigorously despite her smile turning from joyful to determined. "I know, Twilight. But I can’t not go. A bit of cheer, even a little of it, could go a long way in gaining their favor and brightening their day. Sometimes a smile can make all the difference."

The lavender mare made to protest but sighed, closing her mouth and thinking better of it. “I guess…You do have a bit of a point…” She shook her head. “Fine. You’re coming too. And that means me and Sora for last.” She turns to Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. “That means you three are on standby back in Ponyville.”

A groan of frustration caused all to turn towards the prismatic pony pegasus nearby. "Aw, come on, Twilight! You know I hate sitting on the sidelines."

The lavender mare gave her a sympathetic smile. "I know, Rainbow, but we need someone reliable here in case things go south. If anything happens to any of us, we’ll need you to find Riku and get his help."

Rainbow groaned again before slumping into a nearby chair. The blue mare knew her friend was right…she just hated the fact she had to admit it. "Gah…Alright, fine. Whatever. But you better believe I'll be flying your way if anything happens to any of you. Just give me the word."

"I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Rainbow." Twilight answered with a soft giggle. She then turned towards Gilda. “And I know we don’t have any right to ask you…and after everything you went though…but…”

“Hehe…What are you trying to do? Butter me up purple?” The griffin spoke in a teasing tone, her arms folding across her chest. “Well you don’t have to. Was planning on staying in Ponyville for a while anyway so I’m not going anywhere.”

The lavender mare smiled, grateful for Gilda's support. "Thank you, Gilda. Your help means a lot." The mare sighed softly before standing up. “So we have a plan and a big day tomorrow…so…We should take time to rest up early.”

Pinkie Pie bounced in place, her enthusiasm uncontainable even with the serious situation. "Ooh, maybe we can have a small 'get ready for tomorrow' party! Just a tiny one!"

Rarity chuckled softly. "Perhaps something more subdued, Pinkie. A little relaxation to help us prepare."

Fluttershy fidgeted as she spoke up, her tone quite yet uncharacteristically firm. "A quiet evening does sounds nice everypony.” The timid mare gently grasped Sora’s hoof. “But…um…if it's okay…I mean…I don’t want to be rude and I love all my friends…um…”

The fashionista smirked. “Let me guess…You want to spend some time alone with Sora before he leaves with the Diamond Dogs?”

The timid mare blushed deeply but nodded. "Yes, if that's alright."

“You know you don’t have to ask us for permission to have some alone time with Sora, darling.” Rarity spoke.

“I know that Rarity…I just…” The timid mare looked down. “I didn’t want to seem rude and…Its not fair to the rest of you…and…”

Applejack stepped forward, placing a comforting hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. "Sugarcube, you ain't bein' rude at all. It's perfectly fine for ya to want some time with Sora. We all get it." She turned towards the stallion in question. “Guess we’ll all see ya tomorrow then, hero. Make sure to do right by our shy little princess here.” She teased.

Both Sora and Fluttershy blushed, the former of the two groaning as he turned towards the retreating mare, "Not you too, AJ..."

The farm mare smirked, glancing back at the pair. "Couldn't resist, especially with you two. Y'all have a good night now."

The stallion sighed as she shook his head, perking up at the gentle hit to his side. Turning he found Rainbow smirking at him. “See ya tomorrow then Spiky. You to Shy.”

“Yeah. Sure, Dash. And…ah…” He rubbed the back of his head. “Sorry for…ya know…being all mopey before. Barely got time to hang out.”

The blue pegasus blushed a bit before shaking her head and hitting his shoulder again. "It's fine. You definitely gotta make it up to me later, but for now, go hang out with your fillyfriend."

Sora chuckled, relieved. "Will do, Dash. Thanks."

Fluttershy smiled at Rainbow. "Goodnight, Rainbow. We'll see you in the morning."

Dash gave them both a smirk turning to head back to her room. "Have fun, you two! Come on Gil.”

“Oh! Can I come too!” Pinkie squeaked as she followed after the pair.

Rainbow gave them both a smirk, turning to head back to her room. "Have fun, you two! Come on, G."

Gilda rolled her eyes but followed after Rainbow. Just as they started to walk away, Pinkie Pie bounced up beside them. "Ooh! Can I come with you two? We can have a little sleepover! It'll be fun!"

The blue pegasus grinned. "Well…I don’t mind Pinkie…what about you, Gil."

The griffin sighed but didn't protest. "Fine, pink one. But keep it down, okay?"

The party pony nodded eagerly. "Promise! It'll be fun, you'll see! Oh! I can bust out my party cannon and have a real fun time!”

As the trio left, it was Rarity’s turn to make her leave. “Alright darlings. I do believe I’ll be taking my leave now. I do wish you all a good night.” She bows her head before turning to leave with all the grace and poise of a true fashionista.

After watching her leave, the couple turned towards Twilight, the timid mare speaking up for the both of them. “What about you, Twilight? I guess you’re staying here for a while?”

"That's correct.” The lavender mare answered as she made to get up from her seat. “I'll be here for a bit longer. There are still a few things I need to prepare for tomorrow after all. You two go ahead and enjoy your evening."

Sora looked at The lavender mare with an appreciative smile on his lips. "Thanks, Twi. We'll see you in the morning then."

“Indeed.” Twilight agreed as she gave the pair a gentle smile. “Goodnight, you two. Rest well. And do not stay up too late, okay?"

With their goodbyes said, Sora and Fluttershy made their leave, the pair exiting the Grand Library and into the Grand Halls proper. The windows shimmered with a gentle orange glow, the day well into the evening and growing into night. The corridors were quiet save for the occasional guard, with only the soft echo of their hoofsteps accompanying them as they walked.

“So…” The stallion spoke, breaking the silence between them after a while. “What do you wanna do?”

Oh…well…Hmm…” The timid mare mulled over the question as she pulled herself closer to him, an answer popping into her mind just as she did so. “I…well…how about we take a walk in the gardens? It's supposed to be a full moon tonight and I’m…umm…sure it will be beautiful to look at."

The keyblade Wielder nodded, his smile widening. "That sounds perfect. Let's go."

~~~

Applejack was led to her room for the night, the farm mare once again finding herself within the peaceful stillness of her quarters. She sighed contentedly, grateful for the chance to finally unwind after a long day. She needed time to rest, the mare having been on her hooves for far too long the past few days. To think that she would be coming to Canterlot, just as she had wished her Aunt and Uncle well wishes just a few hours ago. The mare wondered how they were doing.

She settled into her room, the soft glow of the evening sun casting long shadows across the floor. She removed her hat and placed it on the bedside table, running a hoof through her mane as she sighed. The day had been long, and tomorrow promised to be just as eventful. She hoped that the upcoming meeting with the Diamond Dog queens would go smoothly.

As she lay down on the bed, her thoughts wandered to her family back at Sweet Apple Acres. Especially Apple Bloom. Pinkie Pie’s words echoed in her mind, more so now than it was back at the station ever since she found out that the stallion had actually started dating Fluttershy proper now.

Applejack's mind raced. She was happy for Sora and Fluttershy, but she couldn't help but worry about her little sister. Apple Bloom seemed to have looked up to the stallion ever since the older sister had introduced him to the family, and her crush on him had been painfully obvious to those who knew her well. The farm mare knew that first crushes could be difficult, and she didn't want Apple Bloom to be heartbroken.

As she stared at the ceiling, the farm mare thought about what she could say to comfort her sister when she returned home. She knew Apple Bloom was strong, but she also knew how sensitive the young filly could be.

"I reckon I should have a talk with her," Applejack muttered to herself. "Make sure she's alright and knows there's plenty of fish in the sea." She sighs as she rolls to her side, her exhaustion from the days on end helping out with the reunion catching up to her. “I’m sure she’ll be alright…she is an Apple after all…”

With that thought, she felt a bit more at ease. She closed her eyes, letting the day's exhaustion catch up with her. The room was quiet, save for the faint sounds of the castle settling for the night. Her breathing slowed as she drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with thoughts of home and family.

~~~

Within another one of the guest rooms within the castle, Rainbow, Gilda, and Pinkie were all settling in for the night ahead having been led to one of the guest rooms with accommodations for three, even having separate rooms for them all. They had gathered within the spacious living room area of their suite, each finding a spot to relax after the long day. The Pink Party mare, being her usual self, couldn’t help but jump for joy around the room nearly bouncing off the walls as Rainbow and her friend watched with a raised eyebrow.

"Ooh, this room is so spacious! I can already feel the party vibes in the air!" Pinkie exclaimed, her excitement infectious as she twirled around happily. “I didn’t even know they had a room like this in the castle! Its almost like another house!”

“Okay, Pinkie, calm down a bit,” Dash said with a chuckle. "We're just having a sleepover after all. No need to get too excited."

"But sleepovers are like tiny parties!” The pink mare grinned, her eyes sparkling with unrestrained glee. “And parties are what I do best!” She giggled before stopping abruptly, turning towards the griffin. “What about you, Gildy? You planning on getting some shut-eye, or are you gonna join in the fun?”

Gilda raised an eyebrow at Pinkie's question. "I think I'll pass on the party vibes, thanks. I’m trying to actually relax after spending two whole days int the slammer, ya know.”

“Oh please!” the griffin’s rainbow maned friend butted in. “You told me all about your time in Canterlot Jails. They were a Three Star Hotel at worst.”

"Rainbow, being locked up is being locked up, no matter how cozy you try to make it sound.” The griffin explained, despite the slight ruffle of her feathers at being called out by the blue peagsus. “I just want to get some decent rest for once, without any interruptions."

The party pony giggled, her bouncing finally coming to a stop. "Okay, Gilda! I'll keep it down. Still, even if it's a soft and quiet game, we can still make it fun! How about we start with some games?"

"Yeah…A board game does sound pretty cool.” Rainbow mused, leaning back in her chair. “As long as it's not that one where you have to buy properties. Too long and too slow for my taste.” She turned towards the mare. “What do you have in mind, Pinkie?"

“Oooooh! I got quite a few actually!” The pink mare pulled a bag from under a nearby chair before she began to rummage through it, pulling out various board games and party supplies. "I've got Twister, charades, and—oh! How about knockout!?" She placed a board on the ground before tossing the other’s four little pieces for each of them, Gilda’s being brown and Rainbow’s being blue. She then began to set her own pieces on the board in one of the corners on her side of the game mat.

The griffin looked at the board with mild interest, then shrugged. "Alright, I guess I can give it a shot. As long as it's not too complicated."

Rainbow Dash leaned over to inspect the pieces. "Yeah, this looks like it could be fun. Just as long as Pinkie doesn't have some crazy rules in mind."

Pinkie Pie giggled once again, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Don't worry, Dashie! The rules are super duper simple. We each take turns rolling the dice and moving our pieces around the board, trying to knock each other's pieces off while keeping our own safe. You can put all your pieces out on the battlefield but you can only move one at a time. Last one with pieces on the board wins!" She gasped. “Oh! And before I forget, if you get a six and you have a piece not in the field, you have no choice but to move one into it.” She smirked. “Its to make sure you don’t horde all your pieces and adds a bit of spice to the game!”

Gilda picked up her brown pieces, examining them thoughtfully. "Sounds straightforward enough, and right up my alley.” She tossed it in the air and caught it, a smirk forming on her beak. “Alright, let's do this."

Rainbow Dash grinned, picking up her blue pieces. "You're on, Pinks. Let's see what you've got!" She placed her pieces on the board, ready for the game to begin.

Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves together in excitement. "Okay, let's start this knockout showdown!" She rolled the dice first, the colorful cubes bouncing across the board before settling on a number. With a squeal, she moved her first piece out into the battlefield, the others following after her.

“So!” The pink one mused, her eyes not once leaving the board. “I know you said you met at flight camp but…how long have you two known each other?”

Gilda looked up from the board, raising an eyebrow at the mare "Huh…oh…Well…We met at flight camp when we were just kids. Must have been… What, Dash? Ten years ago?"

"Yeah, about that, I think,” the blue pegasus answered, smirking a bit. “Hehe…I remember you looked just as timid as Fluttershy when we first met.”

Gilda rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her beak. "Yeah, well, I had to warm up to the place. New environments and all that. But you, Dash, you were a firecracker from day one."

Rainbow Dash laughed, rolling the dice and moving her piece. "What can I say? I was born to be awesome. And you toughened up pretty quick, G."

A yellow beak smirked, taking her turn. "Had to, to keep up with you."

Pinkie Pie giggled, her piece moving strategically. "Sounds like you two were quite the team! Did you get into any trouble?"

Rainbow Dash and Gilda exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter.

"You could say that," the blue pegasus of the two answered,. "We pulled our fair share of pranks. Like the time we switched out the coach's whistle with a squeaky toy. He was so confused!"

The griffin laughed, the memory clear in her mind. "Or that time we set up a fake cloud and made it rain confetti on the whole camp during morning roll call. Everyone was covered in rainbow sparkles for days."

Pinkie Pie's eyes widened with delight. "That sounds amazing! I bet everypony loved it."

"Well, not everyone," Rainbow admitted, still chuckling. "But it was worth it for the laughs. We had a blast."

“I can tell.” She smiled though even Gilda could see that it was more subdued but no less joyful. “And I’m so happy to see the two of you together again! honestly, had felt really bed when you had your fallout in Ponyville…couldn’t help but think it was my fault a bit when you both yelled at each other.”

“Oh yeah…that…” The griffin’s expression softened, rubbing the back of her head as she looked away from her. "Listen Pinkie. I was the one who messed up, okay. Even if its annoying for me to admit, I was a jerk and I let my temper get the best of me, taking it out on you and Dash. Not to mention that whole thing with…ya know…being the one to hurt Rainbow’s coltfriend.”

The blue mare’s wings flared. “Gah! I told you! Sora and I aren't dating Gilda!”

“Well duh. He’s just your colt friend, right?” The griffin smirked as she watched Rainbow’s cheeks turn a shade of pink. “Its what you always told me after all.”

“I…well…yes! That’s right!” the rainbow-maned mare huffed. “Why the hay did you word it like that?!”

Gilda chuckled, her smirk widening. "Because it's fun to see you get all flustered, Dash."

Rainbow Dash grumbled, crossing her forelegs. "You're impossible sometimes, you know that?"

“Hmmm…” Pinkie placed a hoof on her chin as she looked at the rainbow maned mare intensely.

As the exchange between friends continued, their laughter would die down just a bit as both giffin and pegasus noticed the pink mare staring at Rainbow Dash with an unblinking gaze. The intensity of Pinkie's look caused The blue pegasusto raise an eyebrow at her pink friend.

"Uh, Pinkie? What's up?" Rainbow asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable under her friend’s scrutiny.

The pink mare squinted her eyes as she leaned forward, causing the blue mare to lean away, eyes darting from left to right. After what seemed like an eternity, Pinkie suddenly smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Without breaking eye contact, she picked up one of her pieces and knocked Rainbow’s own off the board.

"Gotcha!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, her grin widening. "Sometimes you just need to focus on the game, Dashie!"

The pegasus slumped down in her chair, once again free from the pink one’s gaze. Despite the happy atmosphere Pinkie eluded, something that even affected Gilda at this point, Rainbow couldn’t help but think that her friend had ripped something from inside of her and what it was…she didn’t even know.

~~~

Rarity smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror, the hat she had purchased perched perfectly upon her head. She admired the elegant design and how it accentuated her mane just right. Since she was already in Canterlot, she had figured she would meet up with Fancy Pants tomorrow after seeing her friends off. He had, after all, wanted to discuss a few things with her about her boutique in Ponyville, and she was eager to hear his feedback on her latest designs. She could even show him what she was making for herself and her friends. The mare smiled, making her way towards the other two packs, ones just like she had made for Twilight.

“I best give these to Pinkie and Applejack tomorrow. Aside from how fashionable they look, I’m sure they will need the extra magical protection Twilight enchanted into them…After all they are going into the thick of it once again…” The mare shivered at the thought before shaking her head, forcing a smile on her lips. “I’m sure they will love them…Just like Twilight, Rainbow and Fluttershy love theirs…”

As she placed the packs neatly upon the table, Rarity allowed herself a moment of reflection. Now that the immediate worry for her friends' well-being—both Sora's and Fluttershy's—was lessened, she found herself alone with her thoughts. Now, in the quiet of her room, she couldn't help but feel the weight of everything hit her all at once and with such force, the fashionista nearly toppled over onto the bed, the sheer exhaustion and emotional strain overwhelming her.

Her mind replayed the events in the Crystal Tower, the intense battle at Trottingham, seeing her friends get hurt, and the ever-present threat of the Heartless and Grogar. Each memory brought a pang of anxiety and sorrow and anger, and she couldn’t help but find herself trembling under the weight of it all.

She had maintained a brave face for so long, ensuring that her friends saw her as a pillar of strength and elegance. It was no less than what generosity would do after all. But now, in the solitude of her room, she allowed herself to feel the fear and worry that she had been suppressing for so long.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered the harrowing moments when she thought she might lose her friends. The terror she felt seeing Sora injured, the desperation as they fought against overwhelming odds, and the lingering fear of what Grogar might do next.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "It's alright, Rarity," she whispered. "You're strong. You've always been strong. But it's okay to feel this way too."

She wiped away the tears that threatened to spill over, taking a shaky breath to compose herself. The mare knew she couldn't afford to wallow in her fears. And she was afraid…even more so than when she and her friends had faced down Discord. The stakes felt higher, the threats more insidious and unpredictable.

She glanced over at the packs she had prepared for Pinkie and Applejack. The outfits inside were more than just fashionable—they were a labor of love, imbued with Twilight’s magical protection and her own meticulous craftsmanship.

She walked over to the table, gently touching the fabric. "I have to believe in these, just as I believe in my friends," she said, her voice steadier now. "We will get through this. We have to. And then…after all that…” She shook her head. “I best get some sleep. I must look like a mess right now…And after that spa day I took with Fluttershy…”

As Rarity settled into bed, the soft moonlight filtering through the window provided a calming presence, casting a gentle glow over the room. She couldn’t help but feel Luna’s moon upon her fur, almost as if it was trying to calm her. She would have a dreamless sleep that night, the mare unknowingly thankful for it.

~~~

Sora and Fluttershy made their way through the quiet halls and out into the gardens. The transition from the softly lit corridors to the open air of the garden was breathtaking. The sky was a deepening blue, the first stars beginning to appear, and the full moon cast a silvery glow over everything. The flowers in the garden seemed to glow under the moonlight, their colors muted but still vibrant. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of crickets added to the serene atmosphere.

“Hehe…Hard to believe that Luna raises the moon like that every night,” the stallion spoke as he turned towards Fluttershy. “At least that's what Twilight told me before.”

The timid mare looked at Sora with curiosity. "Who raises the moon in your world, Sora?"

The stallion chuckled softly. "In my world, we don't have anyone who raises the moon. It just happens naturally, part of how the world works. The moon follows its own path around the Earth."

“Oh my…that sounds…kind of scary.” The mare spoke with a shiver. “How do you think it knows to raise and lower itself?”

“Hehe…That's kinda out of my ballpark, Shy.” The stallion admitted. “I did sleep though class sometimes after all.”

Fluttershy giggled softly, a gentle smile on her face. "No…its fine. I should be the one sorry for putting you on the spot like that. Guess it just shows how different our worlds are…” She frowned slightly. “I guess…everything else is done on its own too? Like with the weather and the seasons?”

Sora nodded, looking up at the moon thoughtfully. "Yeah, in my world, everything runs on its own. The weather changes, seasons come and go...it’s all part of the natural cycle. We don't have any magical ponies controlling those things like in Equestria."

“It must be scary…living in a place that acts just like the Everfree Forest all the time.”

Sora chuckled softly. "I guess it does sound a bit like that, but it's just normal for us. Besides, I’ve seen the Everfree as we walked by it to your cabin, and honestly only a few places on our world has a forest as thick as that. "

The yellow mare nodded slowly, still looking a bit concerned. "I suppose it's what you're used to. But it does sound a bit...unpredictable…and scary…." She paused. “But…I can get use to that I guess…I mean…I do want to see your world after all.”

“Oh…well…I wanna show you my world!” The stallion exclaimed. “I mean We live by a huge ocean. Crystal clear and blue like the sky. If we’re lucky we can even see dolphins swimming in it. Oh! And then there's my other friends! Tidus, Wakka, and Selphie. I think You’ll like them alot. I know Wakka and Tidus got this weird game in the water they play all the time now. They actually taught me a lot about it.” he smirked as he rubbed a hoof under his nose. “Not to brag but with their help I became a pretty fast swimmer. Don’t even need the tailfin I got from when I turned into a merman.”

A soft laugh escaped the yellow mare, not quite understanding what he was saying about the tailfin part but happy about it either way. "That sounds wonderful, Sora. I…Um…I wouldn’t mind visiting your friends and your island.” She paused. “But...um, what about your family? Are your mother and father...?"

The stallion’s expression softened at the mention of his parents. "Yeah, they’re both there too. My mom, shes is amazing. She’s always been there for me, supporting me even when I go on these crazy adventures. How Master Yen Sid convinced her to do so I’ll never know…but…can’t say it’s not uncommon for people from our village to ship off and travel the world. Hehe…I even heard they call our home Destiny Islands as a joke sometimes, funny enough.” He turned towards her. “What about your family? I don’t think you talked about them yet.”

She looked down for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Well, my family is very different from yours, I think. My parents are...um, very quiet and reserved. They always encouraged me to be kind and gentle, but they never really understood my love for animals. My brother, Zephyr Breeze, is...well,” She frowned. “Well…he is my brother.”

The stallion’s eyes widened. “You have a brother? Thats pretty cool” He smiled. “I’m an only child so I don’t have any siblings. What’s he like?”

"Zephyr is...unique.” Fluttershy answered after of nearly a full minute. “ He’s very confident, sometimes too much so. He often starts things but doesn’t finish them. He can be…annoying sometimes.”

“Ouch…” Sora couldn't help but feel like she was counting off a list she had memorized before talking to him. “Hehe…Looks like I kinda stepped into a land mine on this one huh? Sorry for bring him up.”

The shy mare shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "No…It's alright, Sora. Zephyr may be a hooffull, but he's still family. He may be a bit…umm…unconventional, but I still want to see him happy…”

A gentle breeze blew through the garden, causing Fluttershy to shiver slightly and move a little closer to the stallion for warmth. Noticing this, He extended his wing and gently wrapped it around her, providing additional warmth and comfort. The usually timid mare looked up at him with gratitude, and they continued to walk in comfortable silence for a while, the moonlight casting a serene glow on everything around them.

After a few moments, Fluttershy broke the silence, her voice soft with concern. "Sora, will you be okay?”

Sora glanced at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "What do you mean, Fluttershy?"

She repeated herself, her voice even softer. "I mean... will you be okay? I don't want what happened last time to happen again. I don't want you to get hurt."

“I…” The stallion made to speak, but the look within the mare’s eyes told him that she wouldn’t settle for anything but the absolute truth from him. He sighs before looking forward. “I can’t promise you I will be okay…Not after what happed back in Trottingham…I did tell you that I would make you worry if we…started dating after all.”

“I know…But…even if we weren’t I would still be worried…” The timid mare responded.

The stallion turned to her, his eyes filled with concern and affection. "Fluttershy, I understand. And I don't want to put you through that kind of worry. But this is something I have to do. It's part of who I am. I can’t just stand by when others need help."

Fluttershy nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know, Sora. And that’s one of the reasons I care about you so much. Just at least…Try and come back in one piece…Don’t do anything that could get you k-killed…”

“All I can say is…I’ll try.” He told her, a smile forming on his face. “Mostly because there still a whole lot of dates we need to go on. No way I can pass that up. Not after getting my first girlfriend.”

The mare blushed deeply at that before looking away, her hoof raising to gently run though her pink mane with a shy smile. “Y-Yes…And I can’t wait to…um…Go on lots of dates with you too…”

As they continued their walk, they came across a nearby fountain, the sound of trickling water adding to the serene atmosphere. The shy mare slipped from under Sora's wing to stand in front of him, her eyes soft and warm.

Sora tilted his head, a hint of concern in his voice. "What’s wrong, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy didn’t respond immediately, the timid mare looking down before gently saying. “We should…head to bed now. I don’t want you getting in trouble with Twilight by oversleeping after all…you know how she is.” Before he could respond, the shy mare moved closer and gently nuzzled under his chin, her soft mane brushing against his face, the scent of strawberry and vanilla filling his senses. He didn't pull away or ask what she wad doing. Instead he leaned a bit into it, his chin resting softly upon the top of her head, used to the mare's actions by now. When she finally pulled away, he could see a noticeable blush on her yellow cheeks.

“Hehe…” The stallion laughed, knowing full well his own were tinged pink as well. “Another goodnight charm?”

The yellow marenodded shyly, her eyes glancing away before meeting his again. "Yes... I just wanted to make sure you have sweet dreams."

“I’m sure I will then…” He told her. “Um…Goodnight?”

Fluttershy smiled softly at the stallion, a warm and genuine expression on her face. "Goodnight, Sora. Sweet dreams." With a final shy smile, she turned and made her way back towards the castle, her graceful movements like a gentle breeze in the night.

Now alone, the stallion placed a hoof over his chest, the spot she pressed against so carefully. The spot where he had been hurt. He stood there for a moment, feeling the warmth of the timid mare’s gentle touch lingering for more than a while. “So…this is what it feels like to have a girlfriend…huh Riku?” He asked softly, knowing he wouldn’t get an answer. “Hope you are treating her right then…You and Kairi…” He shook his head. “I’ll have to talk to them both…soon…at least let them know I’m okay.”

The stallion gave the fountain one last look before turning and making his way back into the castle. He had to be ready. Another day, someone else that needs to be saved.

Chapter 64

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

By Steel Soul

Canterlot Castle

The gentle touch of Celestia’s sun reached Sora's face, causing his eyes to flutter open at the warm ray’s gentle cressess. After a quick yawn and a stretch, the stallion turned over to face upwards, his waking gaze falling towards the ceiling above.

Or…it would have if it wasn’t for the fact he found himself staring into the dark purple face of Princess Luna, her starry mane flowing ethereally as she hovered just above him.

"Good morning to thee, Sora," Luna mused in a soft yet sing-song tone. “I see that thee has finally awakened.”

"Ahh!" The stallion yelped, his heart skipping a beat as he instinctively tried to back away. In his panic, he lost his balance and tumbled out of bed, flailing helplessly before landing on the floor with a thud.

Princess Luna gasped, her eyes widening in alarm. She swiftly flew to his side, her wings flaring as she landed gracefully beside him. "Sora! Art thou alright?"

The Keyblade Wielder groaned, rubbing his head sighing softly to himself. "Okay… I think you girls have it out for me…” He whispered under his breath.

“Pardon?” Luna asked, tilting her head slightly, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

The keyblade wielder quickly shook his head, trying to cover his slip. "Nothing, Luna. Just talking to myself. I’m fine, really. Just a bit of a rough wake-up call."

“We are sorry if that was the case.” The princess apologized. “We meant to wake you up much gentler but we had barely entered the room before I accidentally startled you. Please forgive me, Sora.”

“Like I said…No worries, Luna.” The Keyblade Wielder reassured her, his smile more genuine now. He accepted her offered hoof and stood up, brushing off any remaining sleepiness. "Can’t say it's not effective…if a bit dramatic." Shaking his head he turned towards the princess. “Did I miss anything?”

Luna shook her head, a reassuring smile on her face. "Far from it, my friend. We merely wanted to let thee know that the Diamond Dog Queens arrived at the castle last night. Princess Celestia is in conference with them this morning."

The stallion’s eyes widened slightly. "The Diamond Dog Queens are here already? I didn't expect them so soon."

Luna nodded. "Indeed. If nothing else can be said about our nephew, its that his ship is indeed the best of the best. Princess Celestia thought it best to begin discussions as early as possible. We wanted to ensure that thou art prepared for the meeting."

Luna gave him an encouraging nod. "Very well, Sora. We shall leave thee to it."

As she turned to leave, she paused and looked back at him, her expression softening. "Before we depart, may we ask how thou art feeling? Ever since our discussion a few days ago about not being able to become human again, we have been concerned for thee."

Sora hesitated for a moment, before looking away, rubbing the back of his head. "It's was tough thinking about at first…but…I can live with it. Mom might still freak out but…I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.”

Luna's eyes softened further, showing a depth of understanding. "Hast thou told thy friends yet?"

The stallion hesitated again, his gaze drifting away as he struggled with the question. "Not yet... I don't want to worry them more than they already are. They have enough to deal with right now."

“I see…” She sighed softly before shaking her head, mumbling something under her breath about being the same before she sighed again, this one heavier than the last. When she was done, she turned towards the stallion. “I will not tell you what to do, Sora…that is your decision alone after all…but…You should never let things fester. Secrets, especially those born of fear, can grow into burdens too heavy to bear alone."

The stallion nodded slowly, taking in her words. "I understand, Luna. I'll... I'll find the right time to tell them. They deserve to know. Fluttershy most of all…I just…She…”

Luna placed a comforting hoof on his shoulder. "Thou art concerned for her feelings, and rightly so. She cares for thee deeply, and I cannot lie, such news will be difficult for her to hear. But honesty is the foundation of trust, and thy bond will only grow stronger through it."

the Keyblade Wielder sighed, feeling the weight of Luna's words. "You're right. I just... don't want to hurt her."

“We understand that all too well Sora…but…you won’t be able to not hurt her forever.”

The truth of Luna’s words lingered in the air as he contemplated the inevitable conversation ahead in the future. It was his turn to sigh. “Yeah…I know…I’ll tell them…Promise…”

Luna nodded curtly before turning to leave. With a pop of magic, she vanished, leaving the stallion alone with his thoughts.

“Today is already starting off strong, huh Sora?”

~~~

Sora exited his room, adjusting his glove with his teeth. The early morning light streamed through the castle windows, casting a warm glow on the polished floors. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering unease from his conversation with Luna. As he continued down the hallway, he heard his name being called by a timid voice.

“Sora?”

He turned around to see Fluttershy approaching, her soft, gentle eyes almost glowing at the sight of the stallion. The stallion held himself high as he turned towards the mare, greeting her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Fluttershy,"

The timid mare hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Oh…Um…Good morning Sora. Did you…um…Sleep well?"

He nodded, his smile growing warmer. "Like a baby. All thanks to that good luck charm you gave me."

Fluttershy blushed at the mention of the nuzzle she had given him last night, a shy smile gracing her lips. "I-I'm glad it helped. A-Any way. Twilight told me that the Queens are here. She told me to come get you…”

Sora nodded, deciding to keep the talk he had with Princess Luna quiet for now. He wasn't ready to tell the girls...at least not yet. "Thanks, Fluttershy. Let's not keep them waiting."

The butter yellow mare nodded, her expression betraying a hint of concern as she fell into step beside the stallion. Even from the start she could tell something was bothering him. But if he didn’t want to talk about it, she couldn’t force him to do so. Maybe…Princess Luna warned him about something? I do hope everything goes okay if that’s the case.

The shy mare pushed herself against the stallion, an action that allowed the stallion to know she was there. While it did catch the Keyblade Wielder off guard, it didn’t stop him from pressing his wing against her own in response. The gentle contact seemed to ease some of the tension between them, providing a moment of mutual comfort and reassurance.

It took little time to reach the chamber Twilight and the rest of the Elements of Harmony were waiting. Surprisingly, as he opened the door, he found Gilda and Trixie waiting as well, the later of the two getting bombarded with words by the mare that was named Pinkie Pie.

As soon as the pink mare noticed Sora, she stopped her tirade with Trixie and hopped over towards her butter yellow friend and the stallion that was her coltfriend, welcoming them both with a tight hug each. "Sora! Fluttershy! You’re here!"

Sora chuckled, patting the mare lightly on the back. "Good to see you too, Pinkie."

Fluttershy smiled warmly as she hugged Pinkie back. "Good morning, Pinkie. Um…did you sleep well?”

Pinkie Pie nodded enthusiastically, bouncing slightly as she released them from her embrace. "Yep! Had a super fun sleepover with Dashie and Gilda. It started with a fun game but then somepony threw a pillow at Gilda and then it kinda went into chaos after that!"

Sora laughed, shaking his head. "Sounds like you all had a blast." He smiled as he turned towards the others, offering a good morning to them all before stopping at Trixie. “Didn’t expect you to be here. Guess we haven’t really talked since I left you with Dash. How ya been?”

Trixie adjusted her hat, a small smile appearing on her face. "The Great and Powerful Trixie has been... well, actually. Thank you for asking, Sora.”

“Are you coming to the meeting too?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Trixie shook her head. "No, I’m not. Trixie was only here to say hello to you before leaving. She has to get her wagon back from Trottingham, after all. It was left in the forest."

“I see…”The stallion smiled. “Say hi to Zidane and Kuja for me then. And…ya know. Stay safe.”

"But of course," Trixie said with a flourish. "Trixie still has a show to dazzle you with a show, after all." She then turned to the timid mare, her tone shifting to one of playful seriousness. "Make sure to treat our little dummy right. Trixie's best friend can be quite slow at times, so don't be afraid to tell him what's what."

Fluttershy blushed slightly but nodded with a soft smile. "I will, Trixie. Thank you."

“I’m right here ya know.” The stallion said with a deadpan expression.

“And when did you become his best friend?” Rainbow Dash added with a growl.

Trixie smirked, looking over at the blue pegasus. "Well, who wouldn't want to be friends with someone as great and powerful as Trixie?" she said, her tone dripping with playful arrogance.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. Just don’t get too full of yourself."

Trixie chuckled. "That will never happen, of course, Trixie IS the hype after all." With a flick of her cape, the mare left, leaving the others as the door shut behind herself.

The room fell into a brief silence as Trixie made her exit, leaving the group in a mix of amusement and slight bewilderment. Rainbow Dash snorted, shaking her head. "Ugh…I can’t stand her...."

“Aww she ain’t so bad now,” Applejack spoke as she tilted her hat up to look at the others. “Sure she was a handful back at Ponyville…but I’ve been thinking long and hard about everything and…well…Can’t blame her for everything that happened that day.”

Sora, curious, looked between his friends. "I keep hearing hints and stuff about that but…What exactly did happen back in Ponyville when Trixie arrived?"

Twilight sighed, her expression softening as she looked towards a nearby window. "Well…where to begin…It all started when Trixie first came to Ponyville, boasting about her magical abilities and claiming she was the most powerful unicorn in Equestria. She challenged anypony to outdo her magic."

Applejack nodded. "Yeah, she put on this big show, and when we tried to stand up to her, she used her magic to humiliate us."

"She made me spin around so fast I got dizzy,” Rainbow grumbled as she folded her hooves across her chest. “She turned Applejack's lasso tricks against her, and messed with Rarity's mane. It was a total mess."

“A mess is putting it mildly, Darling,” Rarity all but whined, "It was dreadful. She made my beautiful mane look simply ghastly!"

"But all and all, everything she did was harmless.” Twilight continued, “She was just trying to impress everypony after all. It is what show ponies do. Things only got out of hoof when two colts brought an Ursa Minor into town, thinking Trixie could defeat it. She couldn't, and I ended up saving the day."

“It was amazing.” Fluttershy added softly, "Twilight used her magic to soothe the Ursa Minor and safely return it to its cave."

Twilight nodded. "After that, Trixie left town in disgrace. I was honestly surprised when she wound up here in Canterlot Castle."

“Oohhh…” The stallion placed his hooves behind his head. “I get now it. Still…Its a lot more tamer then I thought the story would be. Though…what is an Ursa Minor?”

Twilight explained, "An Ursa Minor is a giant, magical bear-like creature made of starlight. Despite its name, it's incredibly powerful. It's essentially a baby compared to the Ursa Major, which is even more gigantic and formidable."

“Woah…hang on…” The stallion raised an eyebrow as he asked, “If the baby is giant…how big is a Ursa Major?”

"An Ursa Major is colossal, Sora. It's one of the largest creatures in Equestria, towering over even the tallest buildings in Ponyville. When an Ursa Major moves, it can cause tremors, and its roar can be heard for miles." She paused before adding. “Or so the books say. I haven’t seen one myself and trying to keep it that way.”

“Wow…” the stallion whistled, “Might give Ansem a run for his money when he transformed into that airship.”

“Wait…Who did what?” Gilda asked, her eyes widening.

Sora chuckled awkwardly, realizing he had mentioned a story from his own world. "Oh, uh, it's a long story. Short of it is, a dude with dark powers fused with an airship and I had to take him down to save the world.”

Gilda blinked long and hard before looking towards Rainbow. “This dweeb for real?”

Rainbow Dash smirked. "Yeah, he is. Sora's got some pretty wild stories, and trust me, he's not making them up. He's fought some crazy stuff."

Applejack nodded. "He's been through a lot, Gilda. Just like us, but in his own way."

“I only did what I could honestly.” The stallion spoke. “Every bit of the way I had others helping me, just like now. Honestly wouldn’t have made it this far without anyone of you by my side.”

“With how much trouble you get into, I can see that.” Rainbow teased. “But hey, if you keep getting into trouble guess we gotta keep your sorry butt out of it.”

Sora rolled his eyes and looked away from them, responding with a lighthearted, "Yeah, yeah."

Before they could continue, the door opened, revealing a stallion dressed in a fancy black, butler unicorn, his mustache curled to perfection. He gave a cursory glace around the room, noting everyone within before giving a resolute nod. "I see that everyone is present. If that is the case, Princess Celestia awaits you in her throne room."

The group exchanged glances, the playful atmosphere shifting to one of seriousness and determination. the Keyblade Wielder took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the upcoming meeting settle on his shoulders.

"Alright, let's do this," the stallion said, his voice steady. He turned towards Gilda. “You coming?”

Gilda hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "Nah, I think I'll wait here for Rainbow Dash," she said, her voice casual but firm. "Would head on to Ponyville if I didn’t think I would get run out of town without Dash vouching for me."

Rainbow Dash gave Gilda a grateful smile. "Hehe…We shouldn’t be long. I’ll be back Gilda."

Sora gave Gilda a reassuring nod before turning back to the group. "Alright, let's get going."

It took little time before the small group found themselves in front of the throne room door, the stallion that was leading them giving them one last look and a nod before opening the door. “Princess Celestia, please forgive my interruption. I have arrived with the Elements of Harmony and the one called the Keyblade Wielder.”

Upon entering, Sora’s gaze would quickly find that of two creatures her had never seen before. One, a tall and elegant dog like creature, their fur of various shades of blue, adorned with a purple cape with gold trimming. He couldn’t help but feel that, upon entering the room, she was already judging him and his friends, something that he couldn’t say made his fur bristle.

Beside her, was another one of the creatures, this one slightly shorter then the other, whos fur was that of a pristine white, splotched with black patches here and there. She adjusted a cape that sparkled like the stars against a soft blue sky was upon her back and her eyes, while no less commanding, felt altogether more gentle then that of the other’s. In one of her paws, she held a cane of which she leaned heavily upon, despite her looking no older then the other.

Going though the process of elimination, the stallion figured that these two must be the Diamond Dogs Queens.

Princess Celestia’s voice pulled the stallion back to the present, his focus drawing towards the mare sitting upon her throne. "Thank you, Silver Tray." she said to the butler before turning her attention to the group. “It is good to see you all hail and whole.” She turned towards Applejack and Pinkie Pie. “I trust your journey from Ponyville was uneventful?" Princess Celestia's voice rang out with regal warmth, her gaze moving from one familiar face to another. The room seemed to shimmer with a soft golden light as she spoke.

Applejack nodded respectfully, her Stetson hat dipping slightly. "Yes, Princess, the trip was smooth as silk. No trouble at all."

Pinkie Pie bounced on her hooves excitedly. "Oh, it was super-duper fun! We sang songs and played guessing games all the way here!"

“Hehe…thats good to hear Miss Pie,” Princess Celestia nodded. "Though, as much as I would love to hear all about it, further pleasantries will have to be put on hold.” She waved towards her side, where two creatures were standing. “Our guests have been waiting long enough after all. Allow me to introduce you. Here we have Lady Jennino Lanternlight and Lady Katherina Proudpaws, Regents of Caninia.”

The white and black diamond dog stepped forward, her cane clacking softly as she did so. "Greetings, everyone. Thank you for inviting us to your home and kingdom. As your princess said, I am Jennino Lanternlight, but it is quite a mouthful to say, so you can call me Jenn, if that is okay? And of course, as you now know, this is my sister, Katherina Proudpaws. It really is a pleasure to meet you all."

Rarity, ever the social butterfly, couldn't resist bowing gently before the two of them. "Such lovely names I must admit.” She turned towards Katherina,” And what about you, Lady Katherina? Is it alright if we call you Kat?"

The diamond dog's eyes narrowed slightly, a low growl rumbling in her throat. Her voice, though calm, carried a clear warning. "You shall not, call me…KAT.” The diamond dog spoke. “That word is forbidden in our kingdom. You shall call me Your Highness or Your majesty.” She scoffed. “My sister may not care but I do, so watch yourself ponies."

Twilight quickly stepped forward, bowing slightly. "We’re so sorry! The pleasure is ours, your highnesses."

“Indeed.” The blue diamond dog spoke, her voice while not unkind, carried a curtness to it. She turned to Celestia, “Shall we begin then? And please, a room for my sister to sit. This is the most she’s been active and it's already taking a toll on her due to her illness.”

"Of course.” The princess agreed before turning towards Silver Tray, “I am sorry to trouble you once again, but can you take our guest and my little ponies to the prepared room? I wish for them to be comfortable while speaking to each other."

Silver Tray nodded, bowing slightly. "It is no trouble at all, Your Highness. Please, follow me."

The group followed Silver Tray though a nearby doorway that lead into a rather elegant parlor, adorned with plush couches and delicate tapestries that depicted scenes of valor and friendship. The room was bathed in a warm golden light that seemed to dance off the walls, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Jenn released an audible sigh of relief as she settled into one of the comfortable chairs, leaning her cane against the armrest. Katherina sat beside her, maintaining her composed and regal demeanor. The rest of the group found their seats around the room, the mood shifting from the grandeur of the throne room to the more intimate setting of the parlor.

Twilight bowed her head slightly, her warm smile radiating equal parts friendliness and nervousness. "Allow me to introduce myself and my friends. I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia’s student. These are my friends: Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Sora."

Applejack tipped her hat respectfully. "Howdy, pleased to meet ya both."

Rarity gave a graceful nod. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Pinkie Pie bounced slightly in her seat. "Hi! I'm so excited to meet you!"

Fluttershy offered a shy smile. "Hello. It's nice to meet you."

Rainbow Dash gave a confident grin and a salute. "Hey there!"

Sora nodded, his expression serious yet friendly. "Sup."

“A pleasure to meet you as well,” Jenn spoke, “Thought I wish it would have been under better circumstances. My guess is you have heard a bit of why we are here?”

Twilight nodded. “A bit…I know Princess Celestia sent out a letter to all the leaders she could about a threat known as the Heartless. You were the first to answer her.”

Katherina scoffed. “So I take it you have been dealing with these creatures for quite some time?”

Twilight nodded, her expression growing more serious. "Yes your highness, we have encountered the Heartless before, and Princess Celestia feared that their darkness might spread to other realms. That’s why we reached out to equal parts warn you of the threat and to help if we can. More so Sora then the rest of us. He is a Wielder of the Keyblade after all and he’s been dealing with them longer then the rest of us."

Katherina's eyes narrowed slightly as she regarded the stallion. "A Wielder of the Keyblade, you say? And what, exactly, is that supposed to mean to me?” She gestured towards her sister. “To us?"

The Keyblade Wielder nodded, his expression serious. He held out his hoof

Jenn's eyes widened in astonishment. "Was that…magic?"

Sora nodded, holding the Keyblade firmly. "This is the Keyblade. It's the one thing the Heartless fear above all else. It has the power to seal the darkness and defeat them."

Katherina frowned. “Is that so? And why is it that I have never heard of such a weapon before…or of these Heartless for that matter?”

"The Heartless” The stallion began, “Are creatures that thrive in darkness and can appear in any…ah…well…place where there's enough of it is gathered. And I’m guessing, because of Grogar, that darkness is now spreading as hard as it is.

The blue diamond dog sat up, her eyes widening. “Gorgar? I had not heard of that name since I was a pup on my mother's lap..." She frowned, looking towards the stallion. "And it was only through her tales...A story…nothing more..."

Rarity, with a determined expression, interjected. "He is not only real, your highness, but he revealed himself to us not too long ago." She shivered and looked away. “It was like looking into the eyes of a demon…I shalt forget such a feeling. If any pony is responsible, that…monster is likely behind it.”

“Even if…what you say is true...” Katherina spoke, her gaze falling towards the stallion once again. “You…Keyblade Wielder…You’ve spoken very little for someone who has the power to fight these…Heartless. Tell me…What is it that you are after? If its for money and fame you seemed to have earned the Princess’s trust more then enough for you have have anything you need.”

"What!?"

The sudden outburst caused everyone to jump slightly, the tension in the room escalating, all eyes turning towards the rainbow maned mare who had just yelled.

"Who do you think you are! Saying something like that.” Rainbow asked, her face fuming, “Do you know how many times he risked his life just to save ponies he barely even knew? Do you know how many times he put his life at risk for me and my friends?!” Though Rainbow was the first to voice it, many of the other girls couldn’t help but agree with her. Even Pinkie held a very uncharacteristically serious expression.

Despite that however, Katherina stood firm, “I’ll question him as I see fit,” The blue diamond dog spoke, her gaze never once leaving the stallions. “And he still hasn’t answered my question. What is it that you get out of this? For helping strangers for nothing in return.”

Sora took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the queen's intense gaze. His eyes closed, for only a moment before his own gaze lifted, the diamond dog finding neither hate nor accusation. He gazed at her with a smile as he scratched the side of his cheek. "I get what you're saying, your highness. It's hard to believe someone would do something without expecting anything in return. But the truth is, I've seen what the Heartless can do if left unchecked. Both here and other places I’ve been…too many were lives ruined…Too many lives I couldn’t save.” She placed a hoof over his heart as he lowered his gaze.

“I’m not the strongest…I can’t do anything without my friends by my side…but…Even if they weren’t…even if I didn’t have the power…I can't just stand by and do nothing when I see someone in trouble…” His smile turned wider as he placed both hooves behind his head. “So…I guess…If I had to answer your question…There was no way I wouldn’t try my best to save those in trouble. That’s just who I am.”

Katherina stared at the Keyblade Wielder for a long moment, her eyes narrowing as if she were trying to see right through him. Finally, she folded her arms across her chest and shook her head, a small, almost reluctant smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"Celestia spoke so highly of the Keyblade Wielder before this meeting," she began, her voice tinged with a mix of incredulity and admiration. "I thought I would be meeting with a knight so full of himself that I would have forbidden him even an audience...But seeing you, Sora..." She paused, her gaze softening just a touch. "I see loyalty in your eyes. Your humility and genuine desire to help are... unexpected. Perhaps there is truth in your words after all."

“Me and my sister disagree on a lot of things.” Jenn added, nodding slowly. "And I must admit, I felt the same way, at least a little before we met you properly…but..." she gave the stallion a wink. "But when you walked through those doors, not in the lead…but with your friends…I knew right away I was going to like you.” She turned towards her sister. “So…sister…What say you?”

The blue one huffed. “I still think it was nothing…Or…That would be what I would be saying if I had not gained this new information we are told. I will not allow myself to at least not check on this matter.” She nodded towards the ponies. “

Katherina huffed, her expression contemplative. "I would say that this is nothing to worry about...but in light of this new information about Grogar, I can't not look into matters." She sighed, her stern demeanor softening slightly. "So…as one of the regents of Caninia, I offer up this formal request.” She stood up. “I ask you, Keyblade Wielder, to look into the matter of the missing diamond dogs and determine if it has anything to do with these…Heartless…Do you accept?”

Sora smiled, pounding his chest with determination. "You didn't even have to ask. I accept."

Jenn smiled warmly. "Thank you, Sora. Your willingness to help means a lot to us."

“When do we leave?” Twilight asked as she stood up.

“Tonight.” Katherina spoke. “The Airship should be ready to leave by then. Gather what you need for the trip and be ready to move.” She stood up before looking towards her sister, the other looking back with a smile. The blue diamond dog rolled her eyes before making her exit towards the throne room.

Twilight turned to her friends, her eyes shining with resolve. "Alright…Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Sora. Get ready to move out tonight."

Applejack nodded firmly. "Got it, Twi. I'll make sure to pack everything we might need for the journey."

Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly. "I'll bring snacks! Can't go on an adventure without some party supplies, just in case!"

Sora grinned, giving a hoof pump. "I'll be ready. Don’t worry!”

They would all soon file out of the room, the Keyblade Wielder himself, Fluttershy, and Jenn being the last ones to do so. Just before he and the shy mare exited the room, the black and white diamond dog placed a gentle paw on Sora's shoulder, gaining his attention.

"Sora," Jenn said softly, her eyes meeting his with a sincere look. “For what it is worth, we are sorry for giving you the third degree back there. I know the Princess had spoke very highly of you before but…we had to make sure.”

“Hey its no biggy.” The stallion admitted as he rubbed his muzzle. “Not the first time I went though this. Not gonna be the last time.”

As soon as the words left his lips, he felt a tug on his leg before feeling himself being pulled towards the yellow mare beside him. His gaze fell to the mare, only to find a soft anger he would only see only when she ever caught him doubting himself. Her gaze softened a little before she allowed herself to look away and turn her attention towards the Diamond Dog in front of them.

“I…Um…I know you had your reasons, your highness…” The mare began, her tone calm and cool despite the anger within it. “And…I can understand them…Just…Don’t do it again…”

Jenn’s expression softened further. "I promise, Fluttershy. And for what it is worth we are sorry. We just needed to be sure we could trust him. We’re entrusting him with something very important to us, after all.”

The pegasus nodded, her frown easing into a soft smile. "Thank you, Jenn. I appreciate that."

The stallion rubbed the back of his head. “Hehe…You know I didn’t mind it right, Shy?”

“I…um…I know you didn’t” The timid mare responded. “But I did…and so did the rest of the girls. And if you aren’t going to get mad about it then…um…at least allow us…allow me to do so for you…”

The stallion blushed at her words, rubbing the back of his head. “Geeze…if you say it like that…”

Jenn chuckled softly, gently patting the stallion on the back. “You are blessed, Sora…That’s something you shouldn’t be ashamed of. Perhaps we can talk more once we are in the air. I would love to hear more of your stories, after all.”

The stallion smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'd like that, Jenn. There's definitely a lot to tell."

Fluttershy gave the diamond dog a nod of appreciation before turning her attention back to the Keyblade Wielder. “I’m sure the rest of the girls are waiting for us…um…Shall we?”

Sora nodded, his smile widening. "Yeah, let's go."

With a final nod to Jenn, the two of them left the room, making their way through the grand halls of the castle. As they walked, the weight of the upcoming journey pressed on them, but the support they felt from their friends and each other gave them strength.

~~~

Deep within the mountains near the homeland of the Diamond Dogs, a lone Diamond Dog pup can be seen, torchlight in hand. He had made his way into the mountains, despite the others' warnings. He had to find his mother.

The pup's fur was matted with dirt, and his eyes were wide with determination. He carefully navigated the narrow, winding paths of the cave, the flickering torch casting eerie shadows on the walls. Every now and then, he would call out, his voice echoing in the vast, empty space.

"Momma! Momma, where are you?"

His small paws stumbled over loose rocks, but he quickly regained his balance, pressing on. He could hear the distant sound of dripping water and the occasional rumble of the earth, but he didn't let it deter him. His heart pounded with a mix of fear and hope.

As he ventured deeper into the cave, he noticed strange markings on the walls, glowing faintly in the dark. They looked ancient and ominous, but the pup was undeterred. He had to find his mother. She had disappeared weeks ago, and no one in the pack had been able to find her.

"Momma, please be okay," he whispered to himself, his voice trembling.

“Baby…I’m here…”

The pup froze in his tracks, his torchlight flickering as he turned towards the sound of the voice. It was soft and almost imperceptible, but he knew that voice…it was her’s. Hearing it filled him with a surge of hope. He quickened his pace, the torchlight bouncing off the walls as he ran. The sound grew louder, and he realized it was the sound of breathing—heavy and labored.

The pup rounded a corner and saw a large, shadowy figure slumped against the cave wall. His heart leaped with joy. "Momma!"

He rushed forward, but as he got closer, his joy turned to horror. Slowly but surely the figure before him began to grow larger and larger, Soon towering over the helpless little one. In his attempt to walk back, he stumbled landing on his back as the light from his torch was snuffed out on impact. All he could hear was the sound of his own labored breath, unable to see the creature in the darkness. He quickly shuffled to pull out a spare match, lighting it with a quick flick like his mother had always taught him to.

The match illuminated the cavern, casting flickering shadows on the walls as the pup's eyes widened in fear, bright yellow eyes staring back at him, inches away from his face.

“Hehe…Don’t worry…” The creature spoke. “The darkness…is only scary at first.” Its breath blew the match out, plunging them both into darkness once more. “And just like the others…you too…shall know darkness embrace.”

Chapter 65

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.

Chapter 66

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony
By Steel Soul

Ponyville Train Station

It was early morning dawn when the train carrying Fluttershy, Rainbow and Gilda finally chugged into Ponyville’s station. As the steam billowed out and the doors opened, the trio, along with many others who had rode within, stepped out onto the platform.

It had been a quiet ride all the way though, and now that they were where they needed to be, the blue pegasus would be the first to speak up, the mare stretching the kinks out of her wings before doing so.

"Finally! I thought that ride would never end," she groaned, before taking off to hover in the sky. "I swear, trains are just not fast enough."

Fluttershy, who had been quietly observing the scenery throughout the ride, lowered her head slightly, a hint of guilt washing over her. She had asked Rainbow Dash to accompany her on the train because she felt more comfortable traveling with a friend, especially since Rarity had decided to stay back in Canterlot. The thought that she might have inconvenienced her friend made her feel uneasy.

"I'm sorry, Rainbow," the timid mare murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know you would have preferred flying here instead. I just... I didn’t want to travel alone."

The blue pegasus, noticing the change in her timid friend’s demeanor, immediately landed back on the platform beside her, her expression softening. "Hey, don’t worry about it, Shy," she responded with a wave of her hoof, giving her friend a reassuring smile. "I might complain, but you know I’d rather be with you than flying solo any day."

Gilda, watching the interaction between her old friend and the yellow mare, rolled her eyes slightly but wisely kept her beak shut. She knew better than to say anything that might upset Fluttershy, especially given the history between them. Not just with Trottingham, but with when she first entered Ponyville too. The last thing she wanted to do was open old wounds, not after she and Rainbow finally made up.

Said friend’s voice caught her attention, the blue mare making her way in front of herself and the shy mare "Alright! Now that we're back in Ponyville, how about we go grab something to eat? I don't know about you two, but train food is just... bleh." She made a face, sticking out her tongue for emphasis. "I could go for something way better."

"That sounds, um, nice, Rainbow Dash.” The shy mare spoke up, a small smile forming on her lips. “Sugarcube Corner should be opening soon around this time. We could, um, go there."

"Yeah, whatever.” Gilda spoke, “As long as it's not those tasteless sandwiches they serve on the train, I'm in."

"Awesome! Then lets head on over!” The rainbow maned mare mused. “Pinkie might not be there, but the Cakes are just as, if not better bakers then she is. They even have some fish stuff on their menu for creatures like you Gil.”

The gryphon’s smirk widened a bit at that. "Fish, huh? Now you're talking my language, Dash." She then glanced over at Fluttershy, her expression shifting slightly as she considered something. "But, uh… you sure she’s gonna be okay with that, D? I mean you did tell me she talks to beast and stuff."

The yellow mare looked up at Gilda, her eyes wide with surprise before she offered a small, reassuring smile. "Oh, it's okay, Gilda. I understand that griffons need to eat meat, just like many of my animal friends. It's a part of nature, and I wouldn’t dare ask you to go against it. As long as it's done respectfully, I don't mind."

The gryphon seemed genuinely surprised by the yellow mare’s response, her tough exterior softening just a bit. "Huh. Uh…sure…I…ah… I didn’t expect you to be so... understanding about it. Thanks, ah…Fluttershy right?"

Said mare nodded gently, her smile widening a bit. "mh-mhh. And you're welcome, Gilda. I know we all have different needs, and I respect that."

Rainbow Dash, pleased with how the conversation was going, gave Gilda a playful nudge. "See? I told you Fluttershy’s one of the coolest ponies around. Now, let's get moving before we start drooling all over the platform."

The gryphon chuckled, her guard lowering even more. "Alright, alright, Dash. Lead the way. Let's see what this Sugarcube Corner is all about."

The trio made their way through the early morning streets of Ponyville, the familiar sights and sounds of the town bringing a sense of calm and comfort. The soft light of dawn bathed everything in a warm, golden glow, and the streets were just beginning to bustle with the first ponies of the day.

As they walked, the three of them began to relax, the awkwardness from earlier easing into a more comfortable silence. Gilda couldn’t help but notice how peaceful the town was compared to the bustling cities she was used to. It was… nice. Almost too nice, but she wasn’t about to complain.

When they reached Sugarcube Corner, the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods greeted them, making all of their stomachs rumble in anticipation. The building itself was as colorful and welcoming as ever, with its gingerbread-like design and cheerful atmosphere.

Rainbow Dash pushed open the door, the bell above it chiming softly as they stepped inside. Mrs. Cake was busy arranging a tray of cupcakes behind the counter but looked up and beamed at the sight of them. "Good morning, dearies! What can I get for you today?"

The blue pegasus grinned, her eyes scanning the display case filled with an array of tempting treats. "Morning, Mrs. Cake! We just got back from a long train ride and are in desperate need of some good food. Gilda here could go for something with fish, and I’ll take whatever's the sweetest thing you've got!"

As she finished her order, a familiar voice called out from behind them, filled with its usual youthful energy. "Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy!"

The girls turned to see Sweetie Belle trotting up to them, her eyes bright with excitement. Right behind her was Spike, who waved enthusiastically, his voice as just as much so. "Guy! Wasn’t expecting to see you here!"

A wide grin formed on the pegasus’s face. "Hey, squirt! Spike! What are you two doing up so early? Shouldn't you be sleeping in on a weekend?"

The little filly shook her head. "Nope! Me and the girls got a lot of crusading to do today so me and Spike came here to grab breakfast before I meet up with the others."

Her curiosity piqued, Rainbow raised her eyebrow as she looked between the two little ones, finally noticing that the other girls weren’t with Sweetie. "Just you and Spike, huh? Since when did you two start hanging out together?"

“Oh! Well…” The little filly began to shuffle her back hooves as a foreleg began to rub the back of her head. “It’s a little recent. Kinda just…ya know…happened one day.” She smiled. He’s fun to talk to and really funny.”

Gilda smirked, pretending to cough as she muttered, "Date," into her talon.

A quick hot blush formed on both the filly’s and dragon’s cheeks at the gryphon’s ‘subtle’ phrase.. "N-No! It’s not like that at all!" she stammered, clearly flustered. "We’re just friends hanging out!"

Spike rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin as he added. "Y-Yeah, just friends! She asked me out and I had on reason to say no." He coughed. “A-Anyway! You’re back in Ponyville right? Does that mean Twilight and the others are here too?”

"Actually there’s a lot we gotta talk about." Rainbow told him. “But it will have to wait a bit. Hungry as a horse you know.”

Fluttershy, sensing the need to ease the lingering awkwardness, smiled warmly at the dragon and Sweetie Belle. "If you two are staying here for a bit, why don’t we all eat together? It would be nice to catch up and talk over breakfast."

The filly nodded eagerly. "That sounds great! We were just about to order anyway."

Spike, clearly relieved by the change in subject, quickly agreed. "Yeah, that’d be awesome! We can sit together and you can tell us what’s been going on."

~~~

In the skies high above Equestria, aboard the grand airship known as the Celestial Voyager, a lavender unicorn began to stir. Twilight Sparkle slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the soft morning light filtering through the porthole of her cabin. The gentle hum of the ship's engines provided a comforting rhythm, a reminder that they were still gliding through the vast skies on their journey.

She stretched her legs, feeling the satisfying release of tension as she shook off the last remnants of sleep. Despite the comfort of the bed, her mind was already racing with thoughts of the day ahead. They were on an important mission, and there was much to be done.

Twilight carefully climbed out of bed, her hooves making soft taps against the polished wooden floor. She moved towards the small desk in her cabin, where she had left her notes and plans the night before. Her magic automatically reached for a quill and parchment, but before she could dive back into her work, her gaze was drawn to the porthole, offering a stunning view of the sky.

The dawn was breaking, casting a golden hue across the clouds, blending with the soft blues and purples of the early morning. For a moment, Twilight simply stood there, mesmerized by the beauty of the scene.

Before the lavender mare could immerse herself in her work, a sudden knock on her cabin door interrupted her thoughts. She turned her head toward the sound, recognizing the familiar, cheerful voice that followed.

"Hey, Twilight! It’s Sora. Mind if I come in?"

She smiled, her heart warming at the sound of her friend’s voice. "Of course, Sora," she called out, her magic gently turning the door handle to let him in.

The door swung open to reveal said stallion, his trademark grin already in place. He looked as energized as ever, despite the early hour. "Morning, Twi!” He paused. “Oh…ah…I didn’t wake you did I?”

Twilight shook her head, a soft chuckle escaping her. "Not at all, Sora. I was already up. Just admiring the sunrise." She gestured towards the porthole, “Was there something you needed?”

The stallion shook his head, the ever-present grin softening into a more sheepish expression. "Nah, I was just kind of restless. Couldn’t really sleep, so I’ve been up most of the night. Figured since it’s you, you would be up about this time too."

“Oh?” She pouted. “And what does ‘since it’s you’ mean?”

The keyblade wielder blinked, caught off guard by the lavender mare’s pout. He quickly raised his hooves in a mock defense, grinning sheepishly. "Whoa, no need to break out the pouty face! I just meant that you’re always up early, working on something important. You know, the whole ‘Twilight’s always prepared’ thing."

Twilight’s pout softened into a smile, and she gave a small chuckle. "Alright, I’ll let you off the hook this time. But you’re not wrong—I do like to get a head start on the day. Was just about to send a report to Celestia actually.”

Sora tilted his head, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "A report? But it’s barely been a day since we started this flight. Do you really need to send one already?"

The unicorn nodded, her expression thoughtful as she began to explain. "I know it seems a bit early, but I like to keep Celestia updated on our progress, no matter how small. It’s important that she knows we’re staying on track and that everything is going smoothly so far. Plus, it helps me stay organized and focused on what needs to be done."

He smiled, placing both hooves behind his head in his usual relaxed manner. "I can't argue with that, Twi. I’m more used to just winging it most of the time, so I guess I can’t really relate."

The mare gave Sora a playful deadpan look, rolling her eyes with a knowing smile. "Oh, I know all too well. 'Winging it' is practically your motto."

The stallion couldn’t help but chuckle, unbothered by the light teasing she was throwing his way. "Hehe…something else I can’t argue with.”

Twilight shook her head with a soft sigh, her expression shifting from playful to slightly concerned. "At least for now, Sora, try to keep that impulse on hold, okay? We don’t want you getting hurt again."

With his hooves moving back towards the ground, he gave the mare a nod and a more reassuring smile. "Hey, Don’t worry, Twilight. I’ll be as careful as I can be. It’s not like plan on rushing into anything without thinking, it just happens and I respond the best I can.” He pauses as he looks towards the window. “Besides, maybe the DD queens are right. Maybe the dogs are just leaving on their own…"

The lavender mare couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, her expression settling into a deadpan. "DD queens? Really, Sora?"

Sora blinked for a moment, then rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "What? It's faster than saying 'Diamond Dog queens' every time. I’m just being efficient!"

She released a sigh, knowing that she should expect nothing less of the silly stallion before her expression softened. A tinge of concern still evident despite trusting his words. "I really do hope you're right, Sora. If the Diamond Dogs are just leaving on their own, it would be a relief. But we still need to be prepared for anything, just in case."

The stallion nodded, his tone turning more serious now that they were on the subject. "Yeah, I get that. We have to be ready for whatever we might find when we get there.” He sighs, as he looks away, scratching his cheek. “Sometimes, I wish it was that simple…but…when it comes to the Heartless, it never is.”

Twilight's concern deepened as she watched the keyblade wielder expression shift to something more reflective. His usual optimism was still there, but it was tinged with a hint of weariness that she hadn't seen in him often. She would have said something to lift his sprits a bit but then paused.

Maybe…Maybe now that he was a bit more serious and talkative…

The lavender mare took a seat at her desk’s chair, setting her writing material down before turning to face the stallion, giving him her full attention. “So, Sora…I know you told me all about your adventures, but I don’t think we really…well…talked?”

The stallion blinked as he looked back at the mare, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion at her words. " Huh? Talked?”

Twilight nodded, her expression gentle as she tried to find the right words. "Yes, Sora. We’ve talked about your adventures, the places you’ve been, and the battles you’ve fought, so I’m not talking about anything like that.” she paused for a moment, carefully choosing her next words. "What I mean is… we haven’t really talked about you. How all of…well…everything has affected you. How you feel about everything you’ve been through."

Sora blinked, clearly surprised but not put off by her words. Mostly…confused? He frowned as he folded his forelegs across his chest. "How it affected me? I guess… I haven’t really thought about it. There’s always been another world to save, another fight to get ready for."

Twilight frowned slightly as she spoke, her voice was gentle, almost too much so. "Sora, you’re seventeen now, right?"

He blinked at the unexpected question, nodding slowly. "Yeah, that’s right."

The mare hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "How long have you been fighting the Heartless?"

Sora blinked again before shaking his head, his expression thoughtful as he recalled his journey. "Ah…I think Since I was fourteen. So… about three years now."

Twilight’s eyes softened even further as she absorbed that. "Three years… That’s a long time to be carrying such a heavy burden. Most ponies your age are just figuring out what they want to do with their lives, but you’ve been out there saving worlds and fighting darkness."

The stallion offered a small, lopsided smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, I guess it is a lot if you think about it. But it’s just… what I’ve had to do, you know? The Heartless don’t really give you a choice. They’re always there, always causing trouble." He holds out his hoof and summons his keyblade. “I’m the Keyblade’s chosen after all.”

"Did you ever try to say no?” The lavender mare asked. “To step back from all of it?"

Once again, the stallion was caught off guard by this mare’s sudden questions. One’s he never really had time to think about. Now that he had time though, he thought back on his journey, on all the battles he had fought and the worlds he had saved. Everyone he had met and everyone whose lives her changed. There was only one answer he could come up with after a long while.

"No," he said softly, his voice steady but contemplative. "I never really tried to say no. It never felt like I could in any case."

Twilight tilted her head slightly, her gaze curious but gentle. "Why not, Sora?"

The stallion sighed, his expression growing more reflective as he thought back to the early days of his journey. "When I first got the Keyblade, all I wanted was to find my friends and go home.”

He laughs softly, “I mean yeah it was fun at first. I was traveling to different worlds, one after another. And I made a ton of new friends doing so... But as I traveled from world to world, I saw how much the Heartless were hurting people, destroying lives. I realized that if I didn’t do something, if I just walked away every time… They would end up losing everything, just like I did when the Heartless attacked and destroyed my world. Just like how they are attacking yours.”

The Keyblade shimmered briefly before vanishing from Sora’s hoof, leaving behind only the weight of his words. His gaze met hers, and for a moment, there was a deep vulnerability in his eyes, something that Twilight hadn’t often seen in the usually upbeat stallion. Something that was quickly pushed back down as the stallion closed said eyes, a smile forming on his face,

"It wasn’t a big deal though.” he told her, with a wide smile. “I just did what was right, you know? It’s what anyone would’ve done in my shoes."

Twilight frowned as the stallion grinned. She knew Sora well enough by now to understand that he often downplayed his own struggles, choosing instead to focus on the well-being of others. It was one of the qualities that made him so special, not just her but the rest of the girls deeply.

Despite that, however, she decided not to press the issue. The lavender mare knew that if he ever wanted to open up more, he would do so in his own time. Instead, she opted to steer the conversation in a different direction, one that might lift his spirits.

With a gentle smile, she shifted the topic. "So, Sora, how did your date with Fluttershy go the other night? She mentioned something about you two spending some time together before we left."

The stallion’s face quickly flushed a deep shade of red at Twilight’s mention of the word "date," and he quickly averted his gaze, suddenly finding the floor of the cabin very interesting. "Date? Well, I mean… yeah, we did spend some time together, but… I guess it was a date, wasn’t it?"

“Yes Sora.” The lavender mare giggled. “It was a date. You had at least two of them so far, yes?” She leans in. “Tell me, do you like spending time with her?”

His blush deepened as Twilight leaned in, her curiosity evident. He hesitated for a moment, still not entirely comfortable talking about feelings like this so openly, especially when it came to Fluttershy. But the sincerity in her eyes made him feel safe enough to be honest.

"Yeah," he admitted, a shy smile forming on his lips. "I really do like spending time with her. She's… different from anyone I've ever met.” He pauses. “She tends to be a little…pushy sometimes.”

"Pushy? Fluttershy? That’s not something you hear every day," she teased gently, though her tone was filled with genuine interest.

Sora scratched his cheek, his blush deepening as he tried to explain. "Well, it’s not like she’s pushy in a bad way. It’s just… she’s only like that when I’m being mean to myself, you know? When I start doubting things or feeling down, she’ll give me a little tap on the head or a nip on my wing and remind me to stop."

Twilight smiled warmly at that, her heart melting a little at the thought. "Now, that sounds just like Fluttershy. She has a way of knowing exactly what someone needs, even if it’s just a gentle reminder to be kinder to yourself.” She smirks. “Though I never knew she would be so physical with another pony. That just means you are extra special to her I think.”

The stallion shifted slightly, feeling both flustered and touched by the idea. "I don’t know about being extra special," he mumbled, a shy smile tugging at his lips. “I’m just…well…an ordinary person…er…stallion.”

Before she could respond to his humble words downplaying himself yet again, a soft knock on the door caught both of their attention. The door creaked open, revealing Applejack standing in the doorway. She had a relaxed expression, but when she noticed both Twilight and Sora looking at her, she paused for a moment, clearly surprised to find them together.

"Oh, sorry if I’m interruptin’ somethin’," The orange mare spoke with a small smile, her tone light and easygoing.

The unicorn quickly shook her head, offering Applejack a warm smile. "No, not at all, AJ. We were just talking. Is there something you need?"

Stepping into the room the farm mare’s eyes glanced between the two of them as she spoke. "Well, I was just lookin’ for ya, Twi. Wanted to talk about the plans for when we land, but I can see y’all are busy, so I can come back later if ya want."

Sora, eager to ease the situation, quickly waved a hoof. "No, it’s fine, Applejack. We were just finishing up anyway."

Twilight nodded in agreement. "Right. We can go over the plans now. Sora, if you want, you can stay and help. We could use your input too."

He shook his head with a small grin. "Thanks, Twi, but I’m not really the thinking type. I’ll leave the planning to you and Applejack. But I’ll definitely listen to what you have to say later. Right now, I’m gonna go find Pinkie Pie. She invited me to help with some baking last night before bed, so I was gonna follow up with her on that."

The lavender mare smiled with a roll of her eyes "Alright, Sora. Have fun with Pinkie, and we’ll catch up later."

Applejack chuckled, tipping her hat towards the stallion. "Y’all take care now, Sora. Don’t let Pinkie get ya into too much mischief."

He laughed as he headed towards the door. "No promises, AJ!" He waved goodbye to both of them before slipping out of the room.

Once he was gone, the farm mare turned back to Twilight. "Better check in on them later. I’m sure they’ll have the mess hall staff in a right tizzy soon enough."

She chuckled at Applejack's remark, shaking her head with a fond smile. "Knowing Pinkie and Sora, you're probably right.”

Applejack raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in her eyes as she leaned casually against the desk. "So, what were y’all talkin’ about, anyway? Looked like a pretty serious conversation when I walked in."

Twilight's smile softened, her thoughts briefly drifting back to the conversation she’d had with Sora. "We were just talking about some of the things he’s been through.” She shakes her head. “Honestly, I can’t say I don’t relate. I mean…we saved the world a few times ourselves…though." She looked towards her friend. “You know…he’s been fighting since he was fourteen?”

"Fourteen?” The farm mare repeated, a soft whistling escaping herr lips, “I mean I figured as much…but still…That’s awfully young to be dealin’ with all that. No wonder he’s so good at keepin’ things to himself, even if it sucks at it."

Twilight nodded, her expression thoughtful. "He has. He doesn’t let it show, but it slips…like the time you told me about back when the Heartless attacked Ponyville. You said he was angry…more at himself then anything, right?"

Applejack's frown deepened as she recalled the incident. "Yeah, I remember that. He was real hard on himself even after saving both me and Big Mac. Kept sayin' he should’ve been faster, should’ve seen it comin’. It was like he blamed himself for every little thing that went wrong." She shivered softly. “Down right chillin seeing such a kind guy get angry…”

"I know he can be hard on himself, but I’ve never really heard how you got him to snap out of it that day. You didn’t say much when you told me about the attack."

The farm mare gave a small, knowing smile, tipping her hat back a bit as she recalled the memory. "Well, Twilight, sometimes it ain’t about sayin’ a whole lot. Sora’s a good kid, but he’s got that stubborn streak, just like the rest of us.” She pauses. “Hehe…Getting the full context of the story he told us, Ah think ah get it now when he said it wasn’t supposed to be him…meaning the Keyblade wasn’t supposed to be his and all.”

The unicorn’s expression grew more thoughtful as she considered Applejack's words. "He might think the Keyblade wasn’t meant for him, but after everything he told us about what happened in Hollow Bastion… he’s more than earned the right to wield it.” She frowns a bit. “I…wonder if I would have been as nice to Riku when I first met him if I knew what he did to Sora back then…I wonder if I would have been as nice to Starlight too…”

Applejack shook her head, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Maybe that’s just who Sora is, Twi. He’s got a way of seein’ the good in folks, even when they’ve done him wrong.”

"You’re right.” The unicorn mused. “Just…wish he would be more…I don’t know…careful.”

Applejack winked at Twilight, a playful glint in her eyes. "That’s why he’s got us, sugarcube. You, me, and the rest of the girls—we’re here to make sure he doesn’t do anything too stupid."

The unicorn chuckled softly, her smile returning as she nodded in agreement with her friend’s words. “That’s true, AJ. We’ll look out for him and make sure he stays out of trouble.”

Just as she finished her sentence, a loud crash echoed from the direction of the kitchen, followed by the unmistakable sounds of Pinkie Pie and Sora’s voices raised in a mix of excitement and panic. Both Twilight and Applejack looked up sharply at the door, their ears twitching as they listened to the commotion.

"Speakin’ of keepin’ him outta trouble…" the apple mare spoke with a chuckle.

The lavender mare couldn’t help but chuckle, a mixture of exasperation and amusement in her tone. "It sounds like they’ve already found some mischief to get into."

Applejack pushed herself away from the desk, adjusting her hat with a determined look. "Come on, Twi. Let’s go see what kinda mess those two are makin’ this time."

Twilight nodded, following her friend towards the door. "Knowing Pinkie and Sora, it could be anything. Hopefully, the kitchen is still in one piece."

Chapter 66

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony
By Steel Soul

Ponyville

Inside the cozy walls of Sugarcube Corner, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and the soft hum of conversations. Morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the bakery. At one of the tables near the back, Rainbow Dash sat surrounded by her friends—Fluttershy, Gilda, Spike, and Sweetie Belle. The latter two were enraptured by the tale the blue mare was spinning.

“So there I was! Pegasus vs. Heartless!" The blue pegasus declared dramatically, her wings flaring wide for emphasis and causing a bit of a gust of wind that bothered the other patrons within. "The oversized chew toy thought it had me on the ropes, but no way was I gonna go down that easily!”

Spike and Sweetie Belle leaned in closer, eyes wide with excitement as they listened. Spike’s tail twitched in anticipation. "What happened next, Rainbow Dash?"

"Yeah, tell us!" Sweetie Belle chimed in, practically bouncing in her seat.

The blue mare smirked, clearly loving the attention. "Well, the Heartless came at me with this massive claw, right? But I dodged left—smooth as ever—then I flipped in the air and kicked it right in its ugly face! It tried to swipe at me again, but I was way too fast. Before it knew what hit it, I zoomed in, and bam!" She slammed her hoof down on the table for effect, causing Sweetie Belle to jump slightly. "And just like that, it was lights out for that Heartless!"

Before the two young ones of the group could cheer, Fluttershy raised her hoof. “Oh…um…but didn’t you get knocked to the ground after that…and…My cousin had to save you?”

Rainbow Dash froze for a second, her confident smirk faltering as Fluttershy’s gentle voice cut through the heroic retelling. She blinked, quickly recovering her bravado but with a hint of sheepishness in her expression. "Oh, uh… well, yeah, technically that did happen," she admitted, rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof. "But, hey, I totally softened that Heartless up for your cousin! I was just, you know, giving her a chance to shine."

“Still, to see you get knocked flat on your butt,” Gilda mused. “Would have paid to see that.”

The rainbow maned mare shot Gilda a playful glare, her competitive spirit reignited. "Oh, you think you could do better, Gilda?"

“Didn’t I save you butt back in Trottingham too, Dashy?” The gryphon shot back with a smirk of her own. "Pretty sure I proved I could do better."

Rainbow Dash leaned in with a confident grin, her competitive spirit fully ignited. "And I totally saved you back at Town Hall. No way you would’ve gotten past those magic Heartless without me there."

The gryphon rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay, I’ll give you that one, Dash. You did come through when it counted. But let’s be real, you were lucky I was there to pick up the slack when things got dicey."

Fluttershy, meanwhile, just smiled softly, happy to see the playful banter. "I’m just glad we all made it out of there in once piece." She lowered her head, frowning slightly. "Least...more then I can say for others..."

Rainbow’s confident grin faltered as she noticed The timid mare's sudden shift in tone, her frown immediately catching her attention. The blue pegasus leaned in closer, her voice softening. "Hey, what’s wrong, Flutters?”

Fluttershy shook her head softly, offering her friends a gentle smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Oh, it’s nothing, really. I must just be a bit more tired than I thought. The trip, the excitement… it’s all catching up to me, I guess." Her smile softened as she glanced toward the door. "Besides, I need to get home to see my animal friends. They’re probably wondering where I’ve been, and I don’t want them to worry."

Rainbow Dash nodded understandingly. "Makes sense, Flutters. They probably miss you like crazy. You want us to walk with you?"

The timid mareshook her head gently, her soft smile returning. "Thank you, but I’ll be alright. I’ve done it before…everything…and nothing has happened yet so…”

The blue mare frowned slightly but nodded, sensing there was something more behind Fluttershy's words, though she didn’t want to push her. "Alright, Flutters. But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me, okay?"

The shy mare’s smile brightened just a bit as she looked at her friend. "I will, Rainbow. Thank you." She turned to the rest of the group, her gentle tone as soft as ever. "I’ll see you all later. Have a good day."

As Fluttershy left Sugarcube Corner, the mood around the table shifted slightly. Rainbow watched her go, her usual confident demeanor giving way to quiet concern as she exchanged glances with Gilda.

“You think she’s alright?” The blue mare muttered under her breath.

Gilda shrugged. “Eh…Might be missing her boytoy and wanted to have a good sulk.”

"Oh!" Sweetie Belle pipped up. "That's what Rarity usually calls her coltfriends." She paused. "Fluttershy has a coltfriend!?"

Rainbow Dash blinked at Sweetie Belle's excited outburst, taken off guard by the filly's reaction. She chuckled, though her concern for her friend still lingered in the back of her mind. "Uh, yeah, Sweetie Belle. Kinda recent but she and Sora kinda…well…happened."

Sweetie Belle's face fell the moment Rainbow mentioned Sora and Fluttershy. Her usual bubbly demeanor deflated, and her ears drooped as the weight of the revelation settled in. She squeaked softly to herself, barely audible but filled with worry and dread. "That’s… not good…" she muttered under her breath.

"Wow, Sora and Fluttershy, huh?" Spike chimed in with a grin. "That’s kinda cool! I didn’t see that coming, but I can’t say I don’t see why she would like him. Sora’s such a good guy, and Fluttershy’s the sweetest pony around."

Rainbow Dash grinned at Spike’s enthusiasm, nodding in agreement. "Yeah. Plus they are both major dorks in different ways." She giggled. “No really…you should see the cartoon stuff Fluttershy has.”

Spike, his curiosity piqued, leaned in closer with a grin. "So, who made the first move, anyway? Was it Sora or Fluttershy?"

The blue pegasus opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, Sweetie Belle quickly raised her hoof, her voice cutting through the conversation. "Um, I—I have to get going," she said, her tone uncharacteristically rushed and anxious.

Rainbow Dash and Spike both looked at her, surprised by the sudden change in the usually eager filly. "You too, Sweets?" The blue mare asked, her brow furrowed. "You don’t have to leave so soon ya know."

The Filly forced a smile, though it was clear she was struggling to keep it together. “Oh no it's fine! I have a lot of…ah…Cutie Mark stuff to do with the girls and things and I’m as late as it is.” She turns and gives Spike a hug. “Thanks for coming with me Spike. Gotta go!”

Without waiting for a response, she darted out the door, leaving Rainbow Dash and Spike blinking in surprise.

Spike scratched the back of his head, his confusion deepening. "Well, that was... sudden.” He turned to face the others. “You don’t think she was acting weird there do you?”

“Wouldn’t know about that.” Gilda spoke, as a devilish smirk formed on her beach. “But hey…did you see that Dash? She totally gave him a hug.”
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow at Gilda's comment, glancing back at Spike, who was now blushing furiously. "Yeah, I saw that," she said with a teasing grin, catching what the gryphon was putting down. "Seems like somepony is getting popular."

Spike's blush deepened as he fumbled for words. "W-What? No! Sweetie Belle just... she was just being nice, that’s all!" He laughed nervously, trying to shake off the attention. He made to grab the last cupcake that was on the table but it was swiped before he could, Gilda’s tail being the culprit.

Gilda smirked as she dangled the cupcake just out of Spike's reach with her tail, clearly enjoying the flustered look on the young dragon’s face. "Nice, huh? Sure, Spike, whatever helps you sleep at night." She tossed the treat into her maw, munching down.

He paused before looking towards Rainbow. “By the way, what is she doing here anyway? Thought you two were on bad terms.”

Rainbow Dash shrugged, glancing over at Gilda with a small grin. "Yeah, well, we kinda patched things up after a lotta crazy stuff went down. Turns out, Gilda’s not all bad." She shot a teasing glance at the griffon. "Just mostly bad."

“Again…saved your flank from becoming Heartless chow.” The gryphon mused.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I’ll give you that one, Gilda. You did save my tail back there. But you gotta admit, I’m still the awesome one out of the two of us."

Gilda smirked, leaning back in her seat with a satisfied expression. "Sure, Dash, keep telling yourself that. We both know who the real hero is here."

Spike folded his arms with a playful grin, raising an eyebrow. "You mean, Sora," he said teasingly.

Before he could react, both Rainbow Dash and Gilda simultaneously flicked their tails, playfully smacking Spike from both sides.

~~~

Fluttershy made her way down the cobblestone roads, her hoofsteps soft and almost hesitant. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting a gentle warmth over the town. Ponies moved about, tending to their daily routines—stall owners set up their booths, mothers watched over foals playing in the park, and pegasi zipped through the sky, arranging the clouds.

The timid mare kept her gaze low at first, just like always, but as she walked, her eyes naturally wandered upward. She watched the familiar sight of Ponyville’s bustling life, something she would rarely concern herself with. Yes she was a resident of Ponyville but she often kept to herself, finding solace in the quiet of her cottage and the company of her animal friends. However, today was different.

As she walked through the streets of Ponyville, her eyes were drawn to the small, everyday scenes unfolding around her. At one of the market stalls, an earth pony mare with a rosy mane was cheerfully chatting with her customers while arranging a display of freshly picked apples. A little filly tugged at her mother’s hoof, pointing excitedly at a jar of honey that sparkled in the sunlight.

Not far off, a group of foals were chasing a ball around, their laughter filling the air as they darted between the legs of the adults passing by. A pegasus hovered above them, lazily moving clouds around to provide a bit more shade for the park. She watched as one cloud shifted slightly, revealing a beautiful view of the bright blue sky, dotted with soft, fluffy clouds that seemed to dance across the horizon.

She passed by Roseluck’s flower shop, where the earth pony was carefully watering her vibrant display of daisies, lilies, and tulips. The colors were vivid and inviting, the sweet scent of fresh flowers wafting toward herself, and for a moment, she felt the gentle pull of the beauty around her.

At the edge of town, near the bridge that crossed the stream, she spotted Derpy Hooves, the cross-eyed mailmare, diligently delivering letters to the nearby houses. Her mailbag was overflowing with parcels, yet she carried on with a bright smile and a spring in her step.

She smiled softly as she took in the peaceful sights around her. She had always walked with her head down, avoiding attention and preferring to stay unnoticed as she went about her day. The hustle and bustle of Ponyville had always felt a bit overwhelming, and she found solace in keeping to the quieter parts of the town.

But today felt different.

As she observed the little moments of joy unfolding around her, she realized that she wasn’t hiding away as much as she usually did. She had spent so much time with Sora recently—his boundless optimism, his way of charging into situations with a smile on his face, always ready to help—that she couldn’t help but feel like a bit of that energy had rubbed off on her.

For the first time in a long while, she found herself not just observing, but feeling connected to the world around her. The warmth of the sun, the sounds of laughter, and the simple joys of Ponyville’s daily life all felt a bit closer.

Fluttershy paused as she continued her walk, a gentle breeze ruffling her mane. The thought of holding a conversation with a complete stranger still made her heart race, the idea of stepping out of her comfort zone something she had always struggled with. Even now, with Sora’s influence giving her a bit more confidence, the thought seemed daunting.

But she did feel more… brave.

It wasn’t that she suddenly wanted to engage everypony she passed, but there was a new sense of openness within her. It was as if the world felt a little less intimidating, a little more welcoming. The nervousness that usually kept her quiet seemed to have eased, replaced by a subtle warmth that encouraged her to look up and take in her surroundings.

As she neared the bridge, Fluttershy spotted Derpy Hooves again, the mailmare happily humming a tune as she delivered the last of her letters. For a moment, she hesitated, her old habit urging her to keep walking, to avoid drawing attention. But something inside her urged her to take a small step forward.

Gathering her courage, The timid mare offered a soft but sincere, "Good morning, Derpy."

Derpy paused mid-step, her eyes widening in surprise before her face broke into a wide, delighted grin. "Oh, good morning, Fluttershy!" she responded cheerfully, her voice as bright as her smile. "How are you today?"

Fluttershy’s heart fluttered slightly, but the warmth she felt outweighed the nerves. "I’m doing well, thank you. It’s such a lovely day, isn’t it?"

"It sure is!" Derpy replied, her enthusiasm contagious. "Perfect weather for delivering mail! And for enjoying a nice walk too!" The wall eyed mare blinked before tilting her head.

Fluttershy, feeling encouraged by the warmth of their conversation, decided to take another small step out of her comfort zone. She glanced at Derpy with a gentle curiosity in her eyes. "How's the Doctor been, Derpy? I know I haven't been around much lately, but I haven't seen him in a while."

Derpy’s eyes brightened at the mention of the Doctor, her wings giving an excited little flutter. "Oh, the Doctor's doing great! He's been really busy with his experiments and all those wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey things he talks about. You know how he is, always running around with his gadgets and gizmos!" She giggled, her enthusiasm for the Doctor’s work evident.

The shy mare hesitated for a moment, her voice dropping to a softer tone as she recalled the last time she had seen the Doctor. "The last time I saw him was… after the Heartless invaded Ponyville. Sora told me that he helped everypony that day.”

Derpy waved a hoof dismissively, a knowing smile on her face. "Oh, that’s just the Doctor for you. He tends to disappear for days on end, wrapped up in some project or another. And then, out of nowhere, he pops up with a brand new gadget or some crazy invention that I can’t even begin to understand." She giggled, her eyes lighting up with fondness. "But that’s just who he is. Always working on something important, even if it seems a little odd to the rest of us."

Fluttershy nodded, her smile gentle and relieved. "As long as he’s okay, that’s what matters. He’s always been a bit… unique, but I’m glad he’s doing well."

Derpy paused for a moment, tilting her head as she studied the mare before her a bit more closely. Then, with a curious expression, she leaned in slightly, one of her eyes narrowing as if trying to focus more intently. "You know, Fluttershy, you seem a little… different today," she said, her tone light and inquisitive. "There’s something about you, I don’t know what it is, but you just seem… brighter, maybe?"

Said mare blinked in surprise, her wings fluttering slightly at her sides. "Different? Brighter?" She echoed softly, unsure of how to respond.

Derpy nodded enthusiastically, her usual bubbly energy bubbling to the surface. "Yeah! Like you’re standing a little taller or something. It’s really nice to see! Did something good happen?”

Fluttershy blushed, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink as she looked away, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Oh, I… I don’t feel any different than usual," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "And not much has really changed… except…"

She trailed off, her blush deepening as the memory of her time spent with Sora came to mind. The moments they shared, the quiet conversations, the way he made her feel just a bit braver, all seemed to linger in her thoughts.

Derpy’s smile grew even warmer, and she nodded knowingly, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Oh, I get it, Fluttershy," she said with a playful wink. "It’s a special somepony, isn’t it?”

Fluttershy’s blush deepened further, and she ducked her head slightly, her mane falling in front of her face as she tried to hide her embarrassment. The mare Couldn’t help but feel just as easy to read as Sora was at that moment. "W-Well… I mean… maybe…" she stammered, her voice barely audible.

Derpy chuckled softly, her wings giving a little flutter of excitement. "I knew it!" she said with a delighted grin. "It’s always easy to tell when somepony’s in love. There’s just this glow about them, you know?"

Fluttershy’s blush only deepened, but she couldn’t help but smile at Derpy’s words. "I suppose you’re right," she admitted shyly.

Just then, Derpy’s eyes widened as if she suddenly remembered something important. "Oh no! I’m running late on my deliveries!" she exclaimed, glancing at the sun’s position in the sky. "I’ve got to get going, but I’d love to talk again sometime, Fluttershy! Maybe we can chat more about… well, you know." She winked playfully.

Fluttershy nodded, her smile soft and warm. "I’d like that, Derpy. Thank you."

"Great! See you around, Fluttershy!" With that, Derpy took off into the sky, her mailbag bouncing against her side as she resumed her route.

Fluttershy watched as Derpy flew off, her cheerful humming fading into the distance. The blush on her cheeks lingered, soft but persistent, as she replayed the conversation in her mind. It wasn’t that she minded sharing the truth about her feelings for Sora, but the thought of it still made her heart flutter with a mix of embarrassment and warmth.

She continued her walk toward her cottage, the familiar path bringing her a sense of comfort. Despite the mild embarrassment, there was something undeniably pleasant about acknowledging her feelings, even if it was just in a simple conversation with Derpy.

As she neared her home, the sight of the quaint cottage surrounded by blooming flowers and chirping birds brought a smile to her face. The animals that she cared for so dearly were waiting for her, and the thought of spending the rest of the day in their company helped ease the lingering shyness in her heart. Yet, as she reached for the door, a small, quiet part of her couldn't help but think back to Sora—how his presence in her life had begun to change her in ways she hadn't fully realized until now.

As Fluttershy reached for the door to her cottage, a voice called out from behind her, soft yet clear. "Excuse me, miss?"

Fluttershy paused, her heart skipping a beat as she turned toward the source of the voice. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes fell upon the figure standing just across the little bridge that led to her home. It was a stallion—tall and lean, his coat a deep, almost unnatural black, with a mane as dark as midnight. But what truly unsettled her were his eyes—bright, piercing yellow, almost glowing against the shadow of his form.

Despite his eerie appearance, the stallion’s features were unmistakably familiar. His build, his stance—even the way he smiled at her—reminded her so much of Sora…and yet…so much more…different.

Fluttershy gasped softly, her wings tensing at her sides. "W-Who...?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

The stallion chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down Fluttershy’s spine. His smile widened, though it didn’t reach his eyes, which remained cold and calculating. "Ah, where are my manners?" he said, his tone smooth and deceptively calm. "My name is Vanitas."

Fluttershy’s heart skipped another beat at the name. There was something chilling about it, something that resonated with an underlying darkness she couldn’t quite place. Her instincts screamed at her to retreat, to fly away and find help, but she was rooted to the spot, her eyes locked on the stallion.

Vanitas tilted his head slightly, his piercing yellow eyes never leaving hers. "I’m looking for someone," he continued, his voice almost casual. "My bro actually. Happen to see him?”

Chapter 67

Fluttershy’s breath quickened, her heart racing as she took a small step backward. She tried to steady herself, forcing her voice to stay calm despite the overwhelming sense of danger creeping in. "Y-Your brother?" she asked with a studder, her wings trembling at her sides.

Vanitas nodded, his smile sharp and unsettling. "Yeah, my brother. Maybe you’ve seen him?"

“I... I just got to Ponyville,” Fluttershy finally managed, her voice barely audible as she tried to step back toward the safety of her cottage. “I haven't really seen anypony all too much.”

Vanitas’s smile faded. "Really? That’s a shame. Pretty sure he had something like this with him.” The dark shape of a Keyblade materialized, its edges jagged and ominous, a stark contrast Sora’s own.

Fluttershy's breath caught in her throat as her eyes locked onto the weapon Vanitas had summoned into his hoof. The dark shape of a Keyblade materialized, its edges jagged and ominous, a stark contrast to the bright, hopeful Keyblade Sora wielded.

Her wings trembled as she tried to speak, her voice barely a whisper. "T-that's a...Keyblade..." she muttered, fear lacing her words. "How...?"

Vanitas’s smile returned, “ So you do know what this is?" He twirled the Keyblade effortlessly, as if it were an extension of himself. "Makes things easier I guess. Hate it when stuff gets…messy.” He smiled. “In any case. Thought I would ask around. Test the waters a bit too. Cause something tells me things are gonna get a lot more interesting soon.”

Fluttershy's heart pounded as Vanitas's words lingered in the air, each one laced with an unsettling calm that only heightened her anxiety. His nonchalant attitude, paired with the darkness surrounding him, made her feel as though a storm was brewing, one she couldn't escape from.

Summoning all her courage, Fluttershy took a shaky step foward, her voice soft but determined. "I-I don’t know anything about what you’re looking for... or who you’re after. But I won’t let you hurt my friends. N-Not you…Or Grogar!"

Vanitas raised an amused eyebrow and widened his smile. "Hurt them? You wound me." He twirled the Keyblade once more before letting it disappear into the darkness with a wave of his hoof. "I don’t know what that old coot has planned. But it has nothing to do with me."

Fluttershy swallowed hard. "So... you know who Grogar is, then?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with curiosity and a hint of fear. Mostly fear if she was being honest.

The black stallion chuckled. His golden eyes glinted with a mixture of curiosity and arrogance as he stepped closer, though his posture remained relaxed. "Of course, I know who that old coot is," he said, his tone smooth, almost casual. "Did a little studying you see. The so-called ‘Father of Monsters.’ The big bad who’s been lurking around the shadows of this world for far too long." He paused, eyeing Fluttershy with a sinister smirk. "But don’t get me wrong. I have no interest in what that old fool is scheming and I could care less about what happens to this world. All I care about is finding out where my little brother slithered off too. Take too long…and well…I guess I’ll just have to find a new sibling.”

As Vanitas turned to leave, Fluttershy’s fear mingled with curiosity, and something in her heart told her she had to understand more. Summoning her courage, she called after him, her voice trembling slightly but filled with determination. “W-Wait!” she stammered. “Why me? Why did you come to me, and why are you telling me all of this?”

Vanitas paused in his step, his wings twitching slightly as he glanced back over his shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips. Slowly, he turned to face her again, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. “Why you?” he repeated, his tone laced with mockery. “Well, that’s the question, isn’t it?” She smirked. “You have the same scent as my brother, so it's only natural I come to you.”

Fluttershy blinked, her mind racing to process Vanitas’s words. The same scent? What did that even mean?

“Haha. Guess I’ll see ya then. Places to be and things to do.” He waved a hoof before allowing his wings to spread wide, flapping high into the sky.

Fluttershy watched as Vanitas spread his wings and soared into the sky, disappearing into the distance, her thoughts racing.

She stood there for a few moments, her eyes still fixed on the spot in the sky where Vanitas had disappeared. Her heart was still racing, and the strange mix of fear and confusion weighed heavily on her. He could have attacked me, but he didn’t... why? she thought, her wings trembling slightly.

Maybe he didn’t see me as a threat. Or... was he just toying with me?

The unsettling thought sent a shiver down her spine. Vanitas had made it clear that he had no interest in working with Grogar or helping with whatever dark schemes were brewing in Equestria. His only focus seemed to be finding this brother of his.

But whether he saw her as a threat or not, she couldn’t let it go unspoken. Her friends needed to know Vanitas was here, and that he was looking for something, or someone, that could throw all of them into danger.

~~~

On the grand airship soaring through the skies of Equestria, Sora found himself leaning back in one of the plush seats, his hooves crossed behind his head in a pout. He glanced over at Pinkie Pie, who was sitting beside him with a similar expression, though hers was tinged with a bit more of her usual cheerful energy.

"I can't believe we got banned from the kitchens," Sora grumbled, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Pinkie Pie nodded vigorously, her mane bouncing with the motion. "Yeah! And I didn’t know my new invention, the instant frosting packages, would make so much frosting! I thought it would just be a little, you know, to top off a few cupcakes."

Sora sighed, remembering the chaotic scene in the kitchen. "Well…I mean It was like a frosting explosion... everywhere."

Pinkie giggled, her spirits lifting slightly as she thought back to the event. "It was kind of fun, though! I mean, when else do you get to see that much frosting all at once?"

The stallion couldn’t help but crack a smile at Pinkie’s unrelenting positivity. "Yeah, I guess. But still… banned? That’s a little harsh, don’t you think?"

Pinkie Pie shrugged, her usual bounce returning as she waved a hoof dismissively. "Oh, don’t worry, Sora! We’ll just find something else fun to do. Besides, it’s not like we need a kitchen to make things fun! There’s a whole airship full of possibilities!"

"Why don’t y’all put a cap on that plan for now?" Applejack drawled as bot she and Twilight made their way to the two of them. The farm mare adjusted her hat and looked between the two mischief-makers. "I think we’ve had enough excitement for one day, don’t ya think?"

Twilight nodded in agreement. "Yeah, the last thing we need is the two of you causing more chaos—especially since we’re, you know, several thousand feet in the air. Let’s not accidentally bring the ship down with your antics."

Pinkie Pie gave Applejack and Twilight an innocent grin, her mane bouncing with her usual energy. "Aw, come on, Twilight! You know we’d never do anything that crazy! Well, not on purpose, anyway."

Sora chuckled, nodding along. "Yeah, we were just thinking of exploring the ship a bit. No more frosting explosions, we promise."

Twilight shook her head with a small sigh, though there was a hint of a smile on her face. "How about you two hold off on the exploring for now? There’s something important we need to discuss—our plan for when we reach the Diamond Dog Kingdom."

The stallion blinked, tilting his head slightly as he processed Twilight’s words. "Wait, I thought you and Applejack had that covered," he said, a hint of confusion in his voice. "You know, the planning and all."

Twilight sighed, though her expression remained patient. "We do, Sora, but given… certain recent events," she glanced pointedly at Pinkie, who was still bouncing in place, "we’ve decided it’s best not to let you two out of our sight for now. We can’t afford any more unplanned surprises, especially not when we’re about to enter a potentially dangerous situation."

Pinkie Pie’s bouncing slowed, and she pouted slightly. "Aww, you mean we’re stuck with you guys for now?"

Twilight gave Pinkie a deadpan look. "For now, yes.” She perked up and smiled, “But it’s not all bad, Pinkie. We’re going to need everyone’s input, and having you both close by will make sure we’re all on the same page."

Applejack nodded in agreement. "That’s right. We’re gonna need all hooves on deck for this one. These disappearances ain’t somethin’ to take lightly, and the more heads we’ve got thinkin’ about it, the better."

Sora nodded, his expression becoming more serious. "Yeah…Right. I got ya."

Pinkie, ever the optimist, perked up again, her grin returning full force. "Okay, fine, but we’re still gonna make this as fun as possible! Planning can be exciting too, right?"

Twilight shook her head at the pink mare’s enthusiasm. "We’ll do our best to keep things interesting. Now, let’s go over what we know so far and figure out our next steps."

She took a deep breath before continuing, looking between the others. "Queen Jennino Lanternlight mentioned that the Diamond Dogs have been vanishing. Not all at once, but over time, and enough of them have gone missing to make her very concerned. We need to figure out what’s causing these disappearances and how we can stop it before more of them vanish."

"Do we have any idea where they might be disappearing to?" Sora asked. "Or what could be taking them for that matter?"

Twilight shook her head, her brow furrowed in thought. "Not yet. Queen Jennino didn’t have much to go on. The disappearances seem random—different diamond dogs, different times. There’s no clear pattern that we can see from the information she gave us."

Applejack chimed in, her tone thoughtful. "Could be somethin’ underground, considerin’ how Diamond Dogs like to dig. Maybe somethin’ or someone’s takin’ ‘em from their tunnels?"

Pinkie Pie’s eyes widened, and she gasped dramatically. "Ooh! Maybe it’s a secret underground cupcake-eating monster! Or a big, spooky diamond ghost!"

Twilight gave Pinkie a look that was somewhere between exasperated and amused. "I don’t think it’s a cupcake monster, Pinkie.”

"Actually, Twilight,” Sora cut in, his hoof raised. “I wouldn’t put it past a Heartless to turn into something like that. I’ve seen some pretty weird ones in my adventures—things made out of bags, pots." He paused. "And don't get me started on Oogie Boogie" He shivered. " And he wasn't even a heartless...so...You never know what form something might take."

Twilight’s expression shifted to one of contemplation, considering Sora’s point. "That’s surprisingly true… And also something we’ll have to be prepared for I suppose. We did face those Crystal Heartless after all."

"Ah do remember facing down those varmints back at the Crystal Kingdom." Applejack added, "Those Spiky critters had us ducking for cover near every second.”

Sora blinked in confusion at first, his brow furrowing as he tried to piece together what Applejack and Twilight were referring to. “Wait, what spiky critters? What are you talking about?”

Twilight gasped. "That's right! You were busy with Sombra at the time. You remember when we were in the Crystal Kingdom, right? While you were busy dealing with him, Applejack Pinkie and I were inside the Crystal Castle with Cadence fighting off some kind of Crystal like Heartless creatures."

Sora’s eyes lit up in realization. "Oh Yeah! That's right! You did mention something like that back when I woke up back them." His ears droop a little. “Sorry…I couldn’t help you back then.”

Twilight’s expression softened as she shook her head gently. "There’s no need to apologize, Sora. You were doing everything you could to keep Sombra away from the Crystal Heart. Without you, things could’ve turned out a lot worse."

"Twilight’s right, sugarcube." Applejack added, tilting her hat at him, "We all had our parts to play, and you handled yours just fine. It was tough for everypony, but we made it through thanks to each of us doin’ what we do best."

“Yeah…Until Sunset ruined everything.” Pinkie mused, earning a rough nudge from the farm mare.

“Pinkie! We’re trying to uplift, not bring us down.” Applejack said, gently pushing the mare’s shoulder.

Sora raised a hoof, giving Applejack a reassuring look. "It’s okay, Applejack. Sunset got the jump on us that day, but I’ll be ready for her next time."

Applejack still seemed a bit concerned but relaxed slightly, her eyes softening as she studied Sora. "You sure, sugarcube? I just don’t want ya blamin’ yourself for somethin’ none of us saw comin’. We did the best we could."

Sora nodded with a confident grin. "Yeah, I’m sure. Sunset was clever. But I’ve learned from it. Next time, if she tries anything, we’ll be ready—together."

“True that!" Pinkie Pie cheered before frowning and tapping a hoof to her chin. "Anyway! Back on the topic of ghost…maybe we’ll run into a friendly ghost or two while we’re at it!" She gasped, “If we do, can I call it Casper!?”

Sora's ears pushed to each side as he looked away. "Can we not and say we did?" He asked chuckling nervously.

Pinkie Pie's smirk grew wider, and she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Aww, Sora, are you still afraid of little ol ghosts?"

Sora crossed his forelegs defensively. "I'm not afraid of ghosts!” he stated defensively. Though a slight blush did form on his cheeks at the accusation. He looked to his side and froze.

Applejack didn’t say a word but simply raised an eyebrow, giving Sora a knowing look that spoke volumes. The silent judgment made Sora shrink a bit, his confidence faltering under her steady gaze.

"Okay, okay, maybe I’m a little freaked out by them," Sora admitted, his voice dropping to a mutter as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

Applejack finally let a small smile tug at the corner of her mouth. "Ain’t nothin’ to be ashamed of, sugarcube. We all got our fears. But don’t worry, if we run into any ghosts, we’ll make sure they’re friendly—or at least that Pinkie doesn’t go namin’ ‘em before we know for sure."

Twilight gave a pointed look at the group. "More importantly, there’s no such thing as ghosts. We’ve got enough on our hooves without worrying about imaginary things, especially with Heartless and disappearances to deal with." she sighs. “Though for right now all we can really do is wait till we are there so we can ascertain the situation better.”

“Soooo…we wait then?” Sora asked, both of his hooves moving behind his head.

Twilight nodded, her expression resigned but practical. "Yes, for now, we wait. Once we arrive at the Diamond Dog Kingdom, we’ll be able to assess the situation and figure out exactly what’s happening. Until then, there’s not much we can do."

Sora let out a long sigh, leaning back even further into his seat, his hooves still crossed behind his head. "Waiting… not my strong suit." He glanced at Pinkie, who was now happily bouncing in her seat as if the conversation about ghosts had never happened. "But I guess it could be worse. Guess we can find some way we can entertain ourselves till then.”

Twilight shot Sora and Pinkie a stern look, her wings fluttering slightly in emphasis. "Yes, but whatever you do, please make sure it doesn’t involve bringing down the airship with all of us in it."

Twilight bid them a farewell before she turned and walked away, her horn glowing faintly as she muttered something under her breath as she did so. Applejack stayed behind, glancing between Sora and Pinkie with a raised eyebrow.

"So, what’re y’all gonna do now?" Applejack asked, adjusting her hat as she gave the two of them a curious look.

Sora stretched out, letting out a lazy yawn as he reclined further in his seat. "Honestly, I might just get some shut-eye for a while. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to just laze around. And, well, sleeping’s one of my favorite pastimes."

Pinkie Pie gasped, her eyes wide in mock horror. "Sora! How can you think about sleep when there’s so much fun to be had? Dreams are fun, sure, but there’s real life fun happening right here!"

Sora grinned, giving her a playful shrug. "Hey, I’m not saying sleep’s better than your kind of fun, Pinkie, but every now and then, a guy needs a nap, right? Gotta recharge for all the action ahead."

Applejack scoffed, tipping her hat back as she gave Sora a teasing look. "Didn’t ya just say you don’t like waitin' around, sugarcube? Now here ya are talkin' about nappin' away the time."

Sora chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, I don’t like waiting around when there’s something I can do, but if there’s nothing else, I might as well take a nap and save my energy."

Applejack rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Guess I can’t argue with that logic. Restin’ up ain’t the worst idea if we’re headin’ into somethin’ big."

Pinkie Pie bounced in place, still full of energy. "But rest is boring! Don’t you wanna play a game or do something fun while we wait?"

“I’m all for fun Pinkie but think I got enough of it for a bit.” He touched his his. “Think there still may be frosting in my fur from our last bout of fun.”

Pinkie Pie giggled, her eyes lighting up with amusement. "Oh, come on, Sora! A little frosting never hurt anyone! In fact, it just makes everything sweeter!"

The stallion laughed at the pink mare’s pun. “I don’t doubt it. Still maybe later we can hang out. Wouldn’t mind having some time to myself after all.”

Pinkie Pie tilted her head slightly, studying Sora with a thoughtful look. "Hmm... okay, but only if you promise to be ready for some super-duper fun later! No backing out, mister!"

Sora grinned, holding up a hoof as if making a solemn vow. "Promise, Pinkie. I’ll be ready for whatever crazy fun you’ve got planned." He winked, adding with a smirk, "As long as it doesn’t involve another frosting explosion."

Pinkie gasped dramatically, her hoof over her heart. "I can’t make any promises about that!"

Applejack chuckled, shaking her head at the pair before giving Sora a pat on the shoulder. "Well, get your rest then, sugarcube. We’ll be needin’ ya at full strength soon enough. Can’t have ya nappin’ when things get serious."

Sora nodded, the easy smile still on his face. "Got it, AJ. I’ll be ready."

With a grin, Sora turned and made his way toward the lower decks, heading to where his room awaited. As he descended the staircase, the soft hum of the airship’s engines filled the background, and he couldn’t help but admire the grandeur of the vessel. The interior was sleek, yet warm and welcoming, with polished wood floors that contrasted the metal railings and beams running along the walls. Large windows offered stunning views of the open skies outside, the clouds drifting lazily as they soared high above Equestria.

As he gazed out of one of the large windows, admiring the sprawling landscape of Equestria from high above, he couldn’t help but marvel at the view. “Space is one thing,” he muttered to himself with a grin, “but seeing a world from up above like this… it still amazes me.”

The soft hum of the airship’s engines combined with the serene view outside gave the journey an almost magical feeling. He had seen countless worlds, each with their own unique wonders, but there was something peaceful about flying above the clouds like this. The rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and vast forests below looked like a painting, untouched and perfect.

So focused as he was, that when he turned a corner, the stallion nearly bumped into Prince Blueblood, who was walking down the hallway with his usual air of aristocratic detachment.

The two nearly collided, and Sora quickly stepped back, blinking in surprise. "Oh, sorry about that!" he said, offering an apologetic smile.

Prince Blueblood, looking slightly startled at first, quickly regained his composure. He straightened his posture, his expression shifting into one of mild disdain. "Hm. Watch where you’re going," Blueblood replied, his tone clipped but not overly harsh.

Sora chuckled lightly, brushing off the brief tension. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, flashing the prince a friendly grin.

Blueblood looked the stallion up and down before widening his eyes. “Hang on a moment. You are that keyblade user my aunty told me about. Sora was it?”

Sora blinked, a bit surprised to be recognized, especially by someone like Prince Blueblood. "Yeah, that’s me—Sora, the Keyblade wielder." He offered his usual easygoing smile, hoping to lighten the mood.

Blueblood, who had been wearing an expression of mild disdain, now looked at Sora with more curiosity than before. "Hmm, yes, Aunt Celestia mentioned your... abilities. I must say, you don’t look like what I imagined."

Sora chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I get that a lot. But it’s not about how you look—it’s what you can do, right?"

Blueblood raised an eyebrow, his tone shifting into one of detached curiosity. "How quaint… But tell me, what is it that you want out of all of this?" His question hung in the air, as if he were trying to gauge Sora’s true intentions.

Sora blinked, a little surprised by the sudden shift in the conversation. He tilted his head slightly, thinking for a moment before responding. "If the Heartless are causing trouble then theres no way I can’t help.”

Blueblood raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued, though he still maintained his aloof demeanor. "Is that so? You risk yourself for the sake of others, simply because of some... sense of duty?" His tone was both incredulous and intrigued.

Sora nodded, his expression turning more serious. "Yeah, that's how it's always been for me. If the Heartless are involved, I can't just stand by and do nothing. I’ve seen what they can do, and I’m not about to let them cause more harm."

Blueblood regarded him with a critical eye, as though weighing Sora’s words carefully. "Quite noble, I must admit. Most ponies in your position would demand something in return for such actions, but you seem to be driven by... something more altruistic." He paused, as if considering whether or not to continue, before adding, "I suppose my aunt wasn’t exaggerating when she spoke of your selflessness.” He closed his eyes. “Never got the appeal of pony’s who say such childish words myself. But If it's for the betterment of Equestira then please, give it your all.”

Sora smiled, undeterred by Blueblood’s aloofness. "Thanks, I will. Childish or not, I think helping others is always worth it." His tone was light but earnest, showing he meant every word.

Blueblood opened his eyes, studying Sora for a moment longer before giving a small nod. "Well, if you are as capable as my aunt believes, then I trust you'll do your part. Equestria is not without its challenges, and... despite my reservations, it seems you’ve made a habit of rising to the occasion." He huffs. “Shame tho. Thought for sure you would have been my type of stallion.”

Sora raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by Blueblood’s parting words. "Huh? His type of stallion?" he muttered to himself, blinking in confusion. He wasn’t entirely sure what Blueblood meant by that, and it left him scratching his head.

As the prince walked away with his usual regal demeanor, Sora couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. "Well, that’s one way to end a conversation," he thought, still trying to process the unexpected comment. He decided not to dwell on it too much—after all, Blueblood had his own way of thinking, and Sora had bigger things to worry about.

Shrugging it off, Sora continued down the hallway toward his room, shaking his head with a smile. "Kinda weird…but had worst talks." He would have to have a sit down with Rarity to get the full story between Blueblood and herself when he got back.

With the strange encounter behind him, Sora focused on getting some rest, knowing that the real challenges were just ahead in the Diamond Dog Kingdom.

Chapter 68

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony
Chapter 68

It was quite the spectacle to witness two equally elegant yet distinct mares strolling through the polished marble halls of Canterlot Castle. Rarity walked side by side with Princess Celestia, the smaller mare flashing a warm smile toward her nation's sovereign.

“I simply cannot thank you enough for allowing me to stay at the castle while I work on my new project,” The unicorn mare spoke, her tone of voice more than a little excited, “And allowing me a run of your royal library as well. Cannot forget that, Princess.”

"The pleasure is mine, Rarity.” Celestia responded, “Though I cannot help but be quite curious about why you needed access to the library as well."

“Well, you see, Princess,” Rarity began, “I’ve decided that simply fashioning a new ensemble for Sora wouldn’t be enough. After all, he is a Keyblade Wielder, and he faces dangers that most of us couldn’t even imagine! No, no—this creation needs a touch of magic, something to enhance both its function and its protection.”

Celestia tilted her head ever so slightly. “Ah, so you’re thinking of enchanting your design? Though I thought for sure Twilight had helped with that on his current clothing.”

“Oh, Twilight most certainly did help with his current clothing, and I trust her spells are as impeccable as her studies,” The fashionista answered, “ But..." she trailed off, her gaze falling downward

Celestia tilted her head, intrigued. "But?"

The mare shook her head. "It was twice now…Twice that I watched Sora get hurt nearly to the point of no return. What he has isn’t enough. Not by a long shot.”

Celestia’s warm expression softened, her gaze growing more thoughtful as she took in Rarity’s words. The weight behind the fashionista's usually dramatic tone was undeniable, and something she couldn’t help but relate to after what she had to tell Sora after his last little adventure.

"I see," The princess spoke after a short while. "Sora means a great deal to you, doesn’t he?”

Rarity placed a hoof over her chest. "Of course he does, Princess. The little ruffian has honestly grown on me more and more each time I see him.” She shook her head. “He’s reckless in the most heroic way possible, always throwing himself into danger without a second thought, and I couldn’t help but be drawn into him." She paused, a heavy breath escaping her lips. "So…it hits much harder when I’ve seen him come far too close to losing it all."

“The first time, in the Crystal Empire was devastating…and now just recently…he only survived by the skin of his fur due to both luck and that boy that was within him…Ventus I do believe his name was.” The unicorn sighed. “I know there isn’t a pure spell that can protect everything…but…I have to find something close to it.”

“That…I can understand all too well.” Celestia mused softly, “And while I will allow you access to the tomes, please do come to me before trying anything dangerous. Knowing Sora, he would blame himself if you got hurt on his behalf.”

Rarity smiled softly at Celestia’s words, feeling a warmth of reassurance settle over her. “Of course, Princess. I wouldn’t dream of putting myself in danger unnecessarily. Still, if there’s anything I can do to make sure Sora is safer, I simply must try.” She paused. “Also…there is a third reason I am here.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “A third reason?” she repeated gently, encouraging her subject to continue.

Rarity hesitated for a moment, her usual confidence flickering with a hint of vulnerability. She glanced up at Celestia. “Yes, well... it’s not just Sora that I’m concerned about. There’s... there’s something else, something I’ve been meaning to ask you, Princess, and I suppose now is as good a time as any.”

Celestia’s warm smile remained, though her gaze grew more attentive. “You know you can ask me anything, Rarity. I’m here to help in whatever way I can.”

“I…want a trainer.”

Celestia’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “A trainer?” she repeated, her tone gentle yet curious. “Are you thinking of improving your own magic, or is this about something else?”

“Fencing training actually.” Rarity answered. “I did a little fencing back when I was a filly. It was, after all, considered the martial art of the upper elite, and I was thinking…that…I should pick it back up.” She placed her hoodie upon her head, the feather within it, bouncing with each step. “I was inspired to think about it due to my outfit actually. It is based on your magic knight’s garb after all…with a mix of Sora’s own style of course.

Celestia’s expression shifted from surprise to admiration as she listened, a fond smile forming on her lips. “Fencing, you say? It seems fitting for someone with your grace and poise, Rarity.”

Rarity blushed slightly but kept her composure. “Yes, well, I’ve always believed that elegance and strength need not be mutually exclusive. And after everything we’ve been through... I realized that having a way to defend myself—beyond my magic—might come in handy. Plus, I do miss the thrill of a good duel. It’s an art I’ve neglected for far too long.”

“If that’s the case, I might have a few ponies in mind for you.” Celestia mused. “I’m sure they would love to find time for a determined student such as yourself. But…what about your shop?”

Rarity’s eyes widened slightly at Celestia’s question, the thought of her beloved boutique causing a flicker of concern to cross her features. “Ah, yes… the shop,” she murmured. She Its not like she had forgotten about her other responsibilities but with everything going on it did slip her mind after everything that has happened.

Carousel Boutique was not only her livelihood but her passion, and the thought of leaving it unattended was not something she took lightly. Still...

“I won’t lie, Princess,” the fashionista admitted, “the boutique is a priority, and I could never abandon it. But… I believe I can balance both. After all, I’ve managed to juggle my fashion empire with our many adventures. With a little organization and help from my friends, I’m sure I can carve out the time to pursue this.” She tapped a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps it is time I hired an assistant.”

“Whatever you decide, Rarity, I promise to help you in whatever way I can.” Celestia told her. “In fact, I’ve been keeping my eye on Manehatten and I do believe there are some ponies there that would jump at the chance at working with somepony with your skills.”

Rarity’s eyes lit up at Celestia’s words. “Manehatten, you say? Oh, Princess, you’re absolutely right! The city is brimming with talented and ambitious ponies. I’m sure I could find an assistant who’s not only capable but also passionate about fashion.”

“Glad you are quite taken with my idea.” Celestia mused. “I’ll see if can make arrangements for you to visit Manehatten and explore the possibilities.”

“Oh, thank you, Princess! I’ll make the necessary arrangements on my end as well. I can already imagine meeting potential assistants and finding that perfect fit for the boutique.” Rarity nodded to herself. “And to let any evil doer know that you won’t stop me from achieving any of my dreams or helping my friends.”

~~~

Rainbow Dash opened the door to her cloud house, gesturing for Gilda to come in. "Alright, G, make yourself at home. You can crash in one of the guest rooms upstairs.”.

Gilda slipped inside, glancing around the airy interior. "Still never not surprised how you ponies can just take a cloud and make a home out of it," she remarked.

Rainbow chuckled, closing the door behind Gilda. "Yeah, well, it’s a pegasus thing. Gotta know how to make the most out of all this cloud stuff," she said, giving the wall a light tap with her hoof, causing the fluffy texture to ripple slightly. "Besides, it's not just any cloud—this is prime cloud real estate right here. The best of the best, for the best!" The pegasus floated towards the couch, landing on it with a soft flump. “So…ah…I mean…” She rubbed the back of her head. “What do you wanna do?”

Gilda set her bag down near the door, turning to face Rainbow with a raised eyebrow. For a moment, she seemed caught off guard by the question, but then she smirked. “Wow, Dash, since when did you get all awkward on me?”

Rainbow huffed, “Yeah, well, it’s been a while since we just... hung out, you know? Figured I’d leave it up to you this time.” She offered a sheepish smile before adding, “But hey, if you wanna take a look around town or just crash and catch up here, I’m game.”

Gilda’s smirk softened into something closer to a real smile. She studied the pegasus for a moment before replying, “You know what? It’s kinda nice seeing you like this, Dash. All adorable and stuff.”

Rainbow felt a bit of heat rise in her cheeks, but she quickly waved a hoof dismissively. “Pfft, don’t get all sappy on me, G. It’s just… Well, things have been different since the last time you visited, okay? I guess I’ve learned to chill out a bit.” She shot Gilda a playful grin, adding, “But don’t think for a second I’ve lost my edge.”

Gilda chuckled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Chilled out eh? Is it because of your hero, Dash?" she asked, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm. "Guess all that time you’ve spent around Sora’s been rubbing off on you, huh?"

Dash rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the slight flush in her cheeks. “Ugh…Shut it Gil.”

Gilda burst out laughing. "Ha! That ain't a 'no,' Dash," she teased, grinning from cheek to cheek. "You're not even denying it!"

Rainbow Dash's wings flared slightly in embarrassment as she shot Gilda a half-hearted glare. "Oh, come on, Gil! Always with this with you," she huffed, though the blush on her cheeks betrayed her. "We’re just... friends, okay? Teammates. I have his back and he has mine.”

Gilda waved a claw dismissively, a knowing smirk still on her beak. "Oh, come off it, Dash. You’re acting like having a thing for somepony would be all that complicated," she said with a casual shrug. "And don’t pretend like I don’t know how things work around here. Herds are still a thing, after all. It's not like a stallion always settles for just one mate."

Rainbow sputtered, her face now turning almost as red as Applejack’s prized apples. "Gilda, come on! It’s not that simple!" she protested, flapping her wings in exasperation. "He’s got... Gah!” She groans. “Seeing as you don’t want to drop this like I told you to, I’ll lay it out simple. Sora is just…he’s just a friend. And he’s dating my best friend. And he’s already dealing with other stuff too. Bothering him with stupid stuff like this or anything else is stupid right now, okay?”

Gilda raised an eyebrow, her smirk fading slightly. "Alright, alright, I hear you," she mused softly, "I just thought maybe you were letting something slip by without even realizing it." She smirked again. “Though I did just hear you say you didn’t want to bother him with it right now…Does that mean you plan to in the future?”

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at Gilda, her wings twitching in frustration. “You’re not gonna let up on this, are you?” she muttered, flopping back onto the couch with a groan. She stared at the ceiling for a moment, feeling the familiar pull of the clouds beneath her, trying to find her usual confidence amidst the chaos of her thoughts.

Gilda, for her part, stayed quiet for once, waiting for Dash to continue.

With a heavy sigh, the pegasus rubbed her temples. “Look, Gil… It’s not like I haven’t thought about it, okay? I mean, Sora’s… well, he’s Sora. He’s brave, stupidly heroic, always throwing himself into danger, and I…” she hesitated, her voice dropping a little. “I get it. I get why Fluttershy likes and and I get why he reminds me so much of Locke.”

Gilda remained quiet, her usual snark replaced with a rare moment of understanding as Rainbow spoke.

Rainbow took a deep breath, her eyes still on the ceiling. "Sora... he's a lot like Locke was, you know? All that reckless hero stuff, throwing himself into danger without a second thought. Always trying to protect everyone else. An idiot goofball taking on the world himself. It’s like looking at a reflection of him sometimes, and I guess that’s why I feel this weird connection to him. And... it’s probably why it feels so complicated."

Gilda sits beside her friend,. "So you finally admit it? That he and Locke are kind of the same"

The pegasus scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, well, there are a few differences, you know. Like how Locke was a bit of a thief." She shot Gilda a pointed look, as if that fact alone made the comparison less valid.

Gilda smirked, shaking her head. "Oh, come on, Dash. Didn’t he always say he was a ‘treasure hunter’? Big difference, right?"

Rainbow snorted, sitting up on the couch. "Yeah, he said that, but let’s be real—he was a thief. He just liked to dress it up all fancy-like. Sora’s… well, Sora’s more straightforward, you know? He’s got that whole Keyblade-wielder, save-the-world thing going on, and even if he messes up, his heart’s in the right place."

Gilda laughed, the sound rough but genuine as she leaned back against the couch. "Ha! You know, if I didn’t see it all myself, I’d think you were talking about one of those dumb fantasy video games I’ve seen the young ones play. Keyblade-wielder, saving worlds, magical powers—he sounds straight out of some made-up story."

The blue mare couldn't stop the laughter this time, her body doubling over. "Ahahaaha! Yeah, I know, right? If somepony had told me all this a couple of years ago, I’d have thought they were crazy. But that’s just Sora’s life.”

Rainbow sighed, her wings drooping slightly as she landed back on the floor, the initial frustration giving way to weariness. "Think we are getting off topic though…Right now Fluttershy really cares about him and she was first, okay. Messing something up with them would be stupid on my end. I want them to be happy right now.”

Gilda’s expression softened, her usual smirk replaced by a more genuine look of understanding. She leaned back against the couch, nodding slowly. "Yeah, I get that, Dash," she said, her voice carrying a gentler tone than before. "You’re not the type to put yourself first…well…when it comes to your friends at least."

Rainbow managed a small, wry smile, her wings twitching slightly as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Yeah, well, it’s not like I’m doing anything special. It’s just... the right thing to do, you know?"

Gilda watched her for a moment, then shrugged. "Hey, I respect that…at least from you Dash. Doesn’t mean I’m not gonna give you a hard time about it, but I respect it." She gave Rainbow a small nudge with her wing, a faint grin tugging at the corner of her beak. "Just make sure you’re not putting your own happiness on the back burner forever, alright? Even if you think it’s 'stupid.'"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." Rainbow waved off with a hoof, "But I’m fine, really. I’ve got my friends, I’ve got my flying, and I’ve got the whole saving Equestria thing left to do." She met Gilda’s gaze, her eyes brightening a little as she changed the subject. "Besides, if I need somepony to give me grief about my love life, I know exactly where to find you, right?"

Gilda snorted, rolling her eyes but clearly appreciating the shift in tone. "You bet, Dash. Someone’s gotta keep you on your hooves, after all. But seriously... if you need to talk about this stuff—or if you just need to punch something—I’m here, okay? It...It's good to have a good friend back."

Rainbow's usual cocky grin returned, albeit with a softer edge. “Yeah, thanks, G. It’s good to have you back, too. And, uh, I’ll hold you to that punching offer if things get too crazy.” The mare jumped to her hooves before turning towards her friend, "But don’t think I’ll go easy on you because you’re being all sappy right now. Gotta keep my win steak with you in the skies after all."

Gilda let out a laugh, the sound lightening the mood between them. "Oh, please! You wish you could keep up with me! Just try not to let all those feelings slow you down, huh?"

Before either of them could make a move toward the door, there was a rapid, almost panicked thumping that echoed through Rainbow Dash's cloud house. She blinked, her ears perking up in surprise. “What the—?” she muttered, quickly trotting over and opening the door.

Standing there was none other than Fluttershy, her wide eyes filled with worry and her normally calm demeanor shattered. She was panting heavily, wings slightly disheveled from her frantic flight.

"Fluttershy?!" Rainbow exclaimed, the blue mare stepping aside to let her friend in. "What happened? What’s going on?"

Fluttershy rushed inside, her breaths coming in short, panicked bursts. "Stallion... black... Keyblade..." she gasped, her eyes wide with fear as she struggled to get the words out.

Rainbow Dash's heart skipped a beat as she processed the fragments of Fluttershy’s explanation. "Wait, slow down, Fluttershy. A stallion with a Keyblade? You mean Sora?" She asked, her voice a mix of confusion and urgency.

Fluttershy shook her head frantically, her wings fluttering in agitation. "N-no, not Sora... A black stallion... he looks like him, but... different! He’s got a Keyblade too!" Her voice trembled as she spoke, her worry clearly overwhelming her.

Rainbow’s eyes widened in shock. "A black stallion with a Keyblade?" She frowned. “Calm down and start over from the beginning.”

~~~

Before Scootaloo had left the house, the morning had started like any other, the scent of freshly baked muffins filling the air. She stood at the doorway, adjusting her helmet on her head while glancing back at her aunts, who were busy tidying up after breakfast.

"You sure you don’t want to take a muffin for the road, Scoots?" Aunt Holiday called from the kitchen, her voice warm and motherly.

Scootaloo grinned and shook her head. "Nah, I’m good, Aunt Holiday! Apple Bloom always has snacks at the farm. Besides, I’ve got a busy day with the Crusaders! You know, important Cutie Mark business."

Aunt Lofty trotted over, giving her niece a playful ruffle of her mane. "Busy day, huh? Just don’t go getting into any trouble like last time, okay? I don’t think I’ve quite recovered from pulling you out of that mud pit."

Scootaloo laughed, her wings giving off a gentle buzz. "Hey, that was so last week! Today’s gonna be totally different. We might even help somepony new with their Cutie Mark!" She puffed out her chest, proud of the Crusaders' ever-growing reputation.

Holiday and Lofty exchanged knowing smiles, both clearly used to Scootaloo’s energy and boundless enthusiasm. "Alright, Scoots," Aunt Holiday said with a chuckle. "Just be careful out there, okay? If anything happens, you know where to find us."

Scootaloo gave them a quick salute. "You got it! I’ll be back before dinner!"

With that, she opened the door and stepped out, the warm morning sun greeting her. The clear skies and gentle breeze promised a perfect day for crusading, and she was ready to get started.

Scootaloo grinned, waving back at them before turning to head down the road. Her wings buzzed with excitement as she thought about the day ahead, imagining all the possibilities of what they might do with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

But the moment she turned the corner, her day took an unexpected turn.

Something—or someone—suddenly collided with her, knocking her off balance.

"Whoa!" Scootaloo gasped, barely keeping herself upright as she stumbled back.

She blinked in surprise and looked up to see none other than Sweetie Belle, her eyes wide with panic and her mane slightly frazzled. She was breathing hard, clearly having run all the way to find Scootaloo.

"Sweetie Belle?!" Scootaloo exclaimed, brushing herself off. "What the hay was that for? You almost knocked me over!"

Sweetie Belle, still panting, grabbed Scootaloo’s shoulders, her hooves trembling. "Scootaloo, we need to talk. Right now!" Her voice was frantic, and there was a look in her eyes that Scootaloo rarely saw—pure, unfiltered fear.

Scootaloo’s wings twitched with concern. "Whoa, whoa, calm down, Sweetie. What’s going on? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost."

“It’s worse.” The white filly squeaked. “It’s about Apple Bloom’s love life!”

Scootaloo blinked, her concern quickly turning into confusion. "Wait... what? Apple Bloom’s love life?" She tilted her head "What does that have to do with—"

Sweetie Belle placed a hoof over Scootaloo’s mouth, before she began to talk. "Quiet and I’ll tell you…” She released a deep sigh. “Okay, so I was having breakfast with Spike at Sugarcube Corner, right? And then I saw Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Gilda enter and we all had breakfast together. We were talking and talking and I forget how but the conversation turned towards Fluttershy’s love life. She has a coltfriend now!”

Scootaloo’s jaw dropped. “Okay, hold on. Fluttershy... our Fluttershy, the quietest, shyest pony we know, has a coltfriend? Who is he? And what the hey does it have to do with Apple Bloom?”

Sweetie Belle took a deep breath, leaning in closer. “That’s the thing. It’s Sora.”

Scootaloo stood frozen for a moment, processing the information. Her mouth opened and closed as if trying to form words, but nothing came out right away. After a few seconds, she finally managed to speak.

"You mean Sora, Sora?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "As in, Keyblade-wielding, saves-the-world Sora?! The one Apple Bloom likes Sora?!"

Sweetie Belle nodded quickly. "Yes! That Sora! I couldn’t believe it either, but Fluttershy said it herself." Her voice lowered. “What do we do? When Apple Bloom finds out…not sure how she’s gonna take it…”

Scootaloo’s wings twitched nervously as she processed the situation. "Yeah, this is... not good," she muttered. "Not sure how AB is gonna take this..."

Sweetie shifted anxiously as she looked around, as if the farm filly would pop up out of nowhere at any time, “So... what are we gonna do? We can’t just drop this on her out of nowhere. But we can’t keep it from her either.”

Scootaloo let out a long sigh, her wings sagging slightly. "I dunno, Sweetie. This whole thing is a mess, and honestly, I don’t have a clue what the right move is." She kicked at the ground in frustration. "And of course, this has to happen on a day I was actually looking forward to."

“Yeah, same. I was having a nice time with Spike and everything.” The white filly added.

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, her earlier concern momentarily replaced by curiosity at her friend’s words. “Wait…that's right! You said you were at Sugar Cube Corner with Spike? What the hey is that about, anyway?”

Sweetie Belle squeaked before she quickly waved a hoof dismissively. “Oh, you know! We were just... having breakfast, talking. Nothing special.”

“Uh-huh.” The orange filly smirked. “You know you don’t need to distract him anymore. We got the notes back to Twilight’s place and everything.”

"I know that!!” The white filly huffed, “We were just... hanging out and stuff. He’s a cool dragon when he’s not trying to hit on my sister or anything!" The filly shook her head. “Anyway! Now’s not the time to talk about that! We’ve got to focus on Apple Bloom, remember?”

Scootaloo chuckled, shaking her head. “Alright, alright, I’ll drop it... for now. But you’re not off the hook that easy, Sweetie.”

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “Fine, we’ll talk about it later. Right now, let’s get to Apple Bloom and think of a good solution while we’re at it.”

~~~

Fluttershy sat at the kitchen table, her hooves trembling slightly as she held a glass of water within them. The room was unusually quiet, save for the sound of her shaky breaths. Across from her, Rainbow Dash and Gilda sat, trying to process everything Fluttershy had just told them about her encounter with Vanitus.

Rainbow rubbed her forehead with a hoof, clearly trying to make sense of it all. "Okay, let me get this straight," she began, her voice a mix of disbelief and concern. "A black pegasus that looks like Sora just walked up to you, taunted you, asked if you’d seen his brother, and was about to leave—but you stopped him and, without hesitating, asked what his plans were?"

Fluttershy nodded weakly, her eyes wide and filled with worry. "Y-yes... I didn’t know what else to do. He seemed... dangerous. I thought maybe if I asked him directly, he’d—"

Gilda leaned back in her chair, raising an eyebrow. "You thought he'd just spill his evil plan because you asked him nicely?" she asked, her tone half-amused but mostly surprised.

Fluttershy flinched slightly but nodded again. "I-I know it sounds silly, b-but if he was going to hurt Sora I…” She trailed off, looking away from them. “And…um…he kinda did…Right?”

Rainbow Dash's expression softened as she looked at Fluttershy, understanding the fear and concern behind her actions. "Fluttershy," she said gently, leaning forward, "I know you were just trying to protect Sora, but you can't just put yourself in danger like that. If this guy is as bad as he sounds, you could've gotten seriously hurt."

Fluttershy’s ears drooped, her gaze falling towards the cup, her reflecting within the clear liquid. "I know…I know that more then anypony... I just—I…I had to know…If he was going to hurt Sora..."

Gilda whistled softly, a hint of respect in her tone. "And here I thought you were just a scared little filly... I mean, you still are," she added with a teasing smirk, "but I won’t say you don’t got guts, facing down some creepy guy like that."

Fluttershy’s cheeks flushed a light pink, her gaze still cast downward as she murmured, "I-I wasn’t trying to be brave..."

“In any case we gotta warn the Princess if nothing else.” Rainbow spoke up. “If he knew where you lived he must have been in town for some time. He may not be working for Grogar but I don’t like him hanging around unchecked.”

The seriousness of the situation weighed heavily on the three friends as they considered their next steps. Rainbow Dash was already formulating a plan in her mind, her brow furrowed in determination.

“We tell Princess Celestia.” The blue mare spoke. “Maybe even double the guards around Ponyville.”

“What about Spiky and the others that are on their way to the Diamond Dog place?” Gilda asked.

"They’ve got their own mission,” Rainbow told her, “And we can’t pull them off it just because of one creepy pegasus. We can handle this. Sora’s not the only hero after all. Push comes to shove I’ll take down that jerk myself!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened in concern, “Are you sure, Rainbow? You’ve seen what Sora could do with his Keyblade. What if…what if he’s just as strong.”

Gilda scoffed. "Doesn’t matter how strong he is; cause she gots me to back her up," she said confidently, flexing her talons for emphasis. "Between the two of us, no creepy look-alike is gonna stand a chance."

Rainbow grinned, puffing out her chest proudly. "Exactly! With me and Gilda, this guy won’t know what hit him. Besides, we’ve dealt with way worse jerks before. Besides...” She pulls her necklace out, her Element of Harmony. “I got this. It saved the day with Sora so It has to have some kind of magic juice in it right?”

Fluttershy nodded slowly. "Well…it did help you with reaching me and Sora back then…still…please promise me you'll only fight if there's absolutely no other option. I don't want anypony getting hurt if we can avoid it."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Alright, Fluttershy, I promise. We'll try to handle things without resorting to a fight. But if that guy makes a move, we're not just gonna stand around. Anyway, first things first. Princess needs to know ASAP.” The blue mare turned towards her gryphon friend. “Hey G…Mind keeping an eye on Flutters while I go update Spike?”

Gilda gave a roll of her eyes, smirking as she crossed her talons. "Yeah, yeah, I got this. No one’s gonna mess with the hero’s girl while I’m around." She gave Fluttershy a wink. "Consider her protected."

Fluttershy blushed brightly at that. "Thank you, Gilda... I appreciate it."

Rainbow Dash flared her wings, ready to take off. "Alright, I’ll be back as soon as I can." With a powerful flap, Rainbow shot into the air, leaving a colorful trail behind as she headed for Twilight's library.

Chapter 69

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.”

Chapter 70 Tempting Offer

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony
Chapter 70
Tempting Offer

Golden Oaks Library

Spike released a small puff of green fire, watching as the parchment dissolved into shimmering smoke that twirled out the window and toward Canterlot Castle proper. He placed both claws on his hips before giving a satisfied nod. “There we go. Done and done. Unless the princess is busy with some other matter she should get it right away.”

“Good job, Spike!” Rainbow Dash praised, ruffling his scales with a playful hoof. “Princess Celestia's gotta know about this creep running around. The sooner she does the better for all of us.”

“Yeah, no kidding,” Spike agreed. He looked up towards the blue pegasus with a hint of worry on his features. “Speaking of…You sure he looked like Sora?”

“From what Fluttershy said, yeah,” Rainbow affirmed, frowning. “Don’t know why he does or where he came from…but whoever he is, he sounds dangerous.”

Spike nodded, recalling the urgency with which Rainbow had barreled through Twilight’s library just moments earlier, ranting about everything Fluttershy had told her before. The fact that there is an evil keyblade wielder running was too dangerous to just ignore…still…this…Black Sora? Sora Black? No, he has a name. Vanitas…If this Vanitas has a keyblade like Sora, then he can’t be a walk in the park to deal with.

The drake sighed, “So, what's the plan now?” he asked the mare, hopping off the chair he sat within. “Figured I would ask cause, knowing you, you didn’t make one yet.”

Rainbow huffed, crossing her hooves over her chest as she shot Spike a playfully annoyed glare. “Hey! I can totally make plans!” After a second she deflated a bit. “I just don’t have one at this moment…Besides, whoever this stallion is, if he only just showed himself now, he must be good at hiding. It’s not like Ponyville is crawling with places to hide a guy with a Keyblade and a face like Sora’s after all.”

Spike scratched his head, his brow furrowing. “True… it’s weird though. Why show up, all of a sudden, now?”

“Like Fluttershy said, he says he is looking for his brother…whoever that is.” Rainbow began to pace as she spoke, walking back and forth as she did. “And if he looks like Sora, he must be looking for that dork…” She frowned, looking away “Still…Spiky never mentioned anything about a brother to us before.”

“True…” Spike acknowledged, “And I’m sure Sora told us about everything—his friends, his battles, all those different worlds. If he had a brother and he was a bad guy, I doubt he wouldn’t mention it.”

“Right? Sora doesn’t strike me as the type to hide something like that. He’s an open book when it comes to his adventures and life.” Rainbow frowned again. It's when it comes to his personal feelings that he tends to claim up.” Shaking her head she turned to Spike. “This guy’s gotta be something else…The question is…what?”

Spike crossed his arms, thinking it over. “Maybe he’s not actually Sora’s brother, but just thinks he is. You know, like some kind of… I dunno, dark copy or something? Like those Heartless or that Nobodies stuff he told us about?”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “A dark copy of, Hero? That sounds a little far-fetched, Spike. But, then again…” She trailed off before sighing deeply. “With all the wild stuff Sora’s thrown at us so far, I guess I’d believe just about anything at this point.”

“In any case, guess I’ll have to meet with Mayor Mare about this sooner or later,” Spike muttered. “She wanted to be kept in the loop with all this crazy stuff that’s been happening. Said it helps her plan… you know, just in case any of this affects the town directly.”

“After the first Heartless attack, I can see why.” Rainbow nodded in agreement.

Rainbow glanced toward the window, her expression shifting to one of grim determination. “After everything this town’s been through lately, I can’t really blame her. Mayor Mare’s probably trying to figure out how to keep everypony safe without causing a panic. Still, it’s kinda wild how fast things have escalated. First Heartless, now this Vanitas guy…” She smirked faintly, her wings twitching. “Honestly, I kinda thought we’d get a bit of a break after the last adventure.”

Spike let out a small chuckle, but his tone was laced with dry humor. “Yeah, well, guess we don’t get to clock out when it comes to saving Equestria. It’s a full-time job.”

Rainbow snorted, her grin widening slightly. “Tell me about it. Though I can’t help but feel a little excited. I mean, if this Vanitas guy is anything like Sora, maybe this’ll be a good challenge.

Spike rolled his eyes, letting out a small huff. “That makes one of us,” he muttered, his voice laced with a hint of dry humor. As Rainbow continued to talk, his gaze drifted down to his claw, which he slowly clenched and unclenched, the tips of his claws pressing into his palm.

A quiet sigh slipped from him as he sat there, thoughts swirling in his mind. I wish I could do more, he thought, feeling a familiar ache of frustration settle in his chest. Watching the others throw themselves into danger, risking everything to protect Ponyville and Equestria… it was hard not to feel a bit left behind. Sure, he helped with letters, kept the place running when Twilight was away, and now he was the one keeping Mayor Mare informed. But when it came to the real battles, he was always on the sidelines.

“Anyway,” Rainbow’s voice cut though his thoughts, bringing him back to the present. “I’m gonna go ahead and go.” She smiles at the dragon. “You gonna be okay?”

Spike waved a claw, giving Rainbow a small, reassuring smile. “Sure thing. I’ll let you know if anything comes in from Princess Celestia’s side. Promise.”

"Right, catch ya later, Spike!" Rainbow called as she zoomed out a nearby window, leaving a gust of wind in her wake. The sudden burst scattered a stack of neatly organized scrolls all over the library floor, papers fluttering and landing in every corner.

Spike let out an exasperated sigh, watching the mess unfold around him. “Dang it, Rainbow…”

~~~

Sweet Apple Acres
Crusaders Treehouse

Applebloom hummed to herself as she waited at the treehouse, enjoying the quiet morning and the soft rustling of the leaves around her. She glanced down the path, hoping to see Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle approaching any minute.

It was during her times alone that her mind drifted towards...well...everything...

She remembered saying goodbye to her cousin, Babs Seed, just a day or two ago. The orange earth filly had left Ponyville with her family, heading back to Manehattan after the family reunion. Applebloom could still remember as they hugged one last time, her heart fully of joy, even though there had been a trace of sadness too.

They hadn’t found the secret to unlocking the Keyblade, despite all their efforts and the countless hours spent poring over Twilight's scrolls about Sora’s adventures. Still, it wasn’t a complete loss. Reading about Sora’s journey had lit a fire under Babs’ tail—a fire strong enough for her to declare she’d start her own chapter of budding Keyblade wielders back in Manehattan.

Applebloom chuckled softly to herself as she thought about it. Babs had been so excited, already tossing around names for her little group, like “The Manehattan Key Crusaders” or “Keyblade Kickers.” Of course, Applebloom had made her promise to leave out one very important detail: that Sora wasn’t actually from their world.

“It’s gotta stay a secret, Babs,” Applebloom had told her firmly before she left. “Ain’t no tellin’ what ponies might do if they found out Sora came from another world. We don’t wanna cause trouble for him or for anypony else.”

Babs had rolled her eyes but ultimately nodded. “Yeah, yeah, I get it, cuz. Mum’s the word. But you’d better write me if you lot figure out how to get one of them Keyblades before I do. Got it?”

Applebloom had grinned, bumping hooves with her cousin. “Deal.”

Now, sitting in the quiet treehouse, Applebloom’s smile faded just a little. She was happy for Babs and proud of her determination, but a part of her couldn’t shake the feeling of frustration. Despite all their efforts, she and her friends were no closer to unlocking the secret of the Keyblade than when they started...and no closer to Sora either...

“Waiting for somepony?”

The low, familiar voice from behind made her nearly leap out of her fur. She whirled around, heart pounding, to see a dark-colored pegasus standing just a few paces away. His coat was pitch-black, and his intense, golden eyes seemed to pierce right through her. There was something about him that set off every warning bell in her head.

“Oh! It’s you! That black stallion that helped me and my friends!” Applebloom stammered, the mare instantly recognizing him. “Where the hey did ya come from? Thought the door to the Clubhouse was closed.”

The stallion gave a sly smirk. “Oh, I have my ways,” he replied smoothly, his gaze never leaving her. “Doors don’t always stay closed for those who know how to…open them.”

The filly paused before raising an eyebrow. “Did…did you just make a joke?”

The black stallion chuckled, a sound both smooth and unsettling. “Did I? I suppose even I’m capable of a little humor now and then.”

Applebloom blinked, unsure if she should laugh or take a step back. “Uh… well, I didn’t think ya were the jokin’ type. Last time I saw ya, you were all serious-like.”

The black stallion shrugged, his smirk lingering. “Guess I have layers...just like everyone else.” He glanced around the treehouse, his expression shifting to something more contemplative. “So…find anything in those text I helped you brake into?”

Applebloom’s eyes widened. “Oh, uh…you mean Twilight's notes about Sora’s adventure.” Her ears drooped a little. “Well…we did learn a heap of stuff but nothing about what we were looking for sadly.”

The stallion raised an eyebrow, a faint look of intrigue crossing his face. “Oh? And what exactly were you looking for in those dusty old scrolls?” he asked, his tone casual yet probing.

Applebloom hesitated, then took a steadying breath. “Well… me and my friends, we figured if we really wanted to help Sora, we needed a Keyblade like his.” Her gaze flicked to his weapon briefly, and she added, “Like yours, too. We figured it’d be easier to fight alongside him if we had our own way to fend off those Heartless critters.”

“So, you wanted a keyblade so you could be useful to him?” The stallion asked, almost amused. “Or…did you have another reason? Something more…personal?”

Applebloom’s cheeks flushed slightly, caught off guard by the question. “I mean, yeah, helpin’ Sora’s part of it,” she stammered, looking down at her hooves. “I mean…he’s always putting himself out there for us…for me…and I thought that maybe I could do something for him…”

His smirk deepened, his gaze sharp and almost knowing. “Ah, so it is a bit more personal, then,” he said, his tone smooth and probing. “You don’t just want to help him out of loyalty or duty. You wanted to be beside him…Don’t you?”

Applebloom felt her cheeks flush even hotter, and she fidgeted nervously under the stallion’s intense gaze. His words seemed to cut right through her, exposing the feelings she had been trying to bury deep inside.

"I-I mean, I..." she stuttered, unable to form a coherent response. The idea of admitting her true feelings, especially to this mysterious pegasus who seemed to see right through her, was both terrifying and exhilarating.

He watched her, his smirk lingering as if he took amusement in her reaction. “Interesting,” he murmured, his voice low and almost taunting. “But…all this work…and you don’t even know if he feels the same way about you.”

Applebloom's heart skipped a beat, his words hitting her like a cold wave. She bit her lip, looking down as a flicker of doubt crept into her thoughts. "I… I don’t need him to feel the same way," she mumbled, trying to sound convincing. "I just want to be there for him, like he’s been for me and everypony else. He doesn’t have to know how I feel."

The stallion raised an eyebrow, an amused, almost pitying look crossing his face. “Is that so?” he asked, his tone dripping with skepticism. “All that dedication, all that risk, just to stay in the shadows? Seems like a waste, don’t you think?”

Applebloom frowned, a spark of defiance flashing in her eyes as she looked back up at him. “It’s not a waste if it means helpin’ him. Sora doesn’t need to know everything to know I care. That’s what friends do, even if they care… a little more than friends.”

“I guess I just don’t get it. All that loyalty and effort, putting yourself at risk for someone who doesn’t even know how you feel… It seems like a losing game.” He tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. “Doesn’t it ever frustrate you?”

Applebloom hesitated, his question hanging heavily in the air. “Maybe a little,” she admitted, looking down at her hooves.

The strange stallion regarded her for a moment, his expression shifting to something almost… contemplative. “Well, if you’re content with that, then by all means, don’t let me stand in your way,” he said, his tone soft but laced with a strange, knowing edge. “But… if you’re not, if you ever want to see things a little differently…” He paused, his gaze locking onto hers, intense and unreadable. “Find me, Applebloom. I’ll be waiting.”

Before she could open her mouth to ask what he meant, he took a step back. To her shock, a swirling portal of darkness materialized behind him, shadows curling at its edges with a ghostly hum. Her heart raced as she took a hesitant step back, eyes wide with disbelief.

“Wait—what are you talkin’ about? How would I even find you?” she called out, her voice laced with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

He turned his gaze, giving the filly a wide smirk. “Some things, little filly, are best discovered on your own.”

And with that, he stepped into the shadows, his form vanishing as the portal closed, leaving only a faint chill in the air where he had stood.

Applebloom’s mind reeled, his cryptic invitation echoing in her head. She barely had time to process what had happened before the familiar sound of hooves met her ears.

“Applebloom!” Scootaloo’s voice cut through her thoughts as she and Sweetie Belle entered the clubhouse, both of them beaming.

“Hey, you okay?” Sweetie Belle asked, tilting her head. “You look like you just saw a ghost or somethin’!”

Applebloom shook herself out of her daze, forcing a small, shaky smile. “Oh, uh… I’m fine! Just… thinkin’ about somethin’ real interestin’, is all.” The farm filly tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at her friends. “Where the hay were y’all anyway? Took ya quite some time to make it here. I was startin’ to think I’d have to go crusadin’ all by myself today.”

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exchanged sheepish glances before rubbing the back of their heads. Sweetie was the first to speak, her voice carrying an apologetic tone. “I was, uh, having breakfast before I came over. Over at Sugar Cube Corner and stuff.”

Scootaloo shrugged, her wings giving a small flutter. “And I got held up by my aunts. They needed help moving some stuff around the house. You know how Aunt Holiday gets when she decides it’s time to rearrange everything.”

Applebloom nodded, her energy returning as she accepted their excuses with a grin. “Alright, fair enough. Now that y’all are here, we gotta get ready for our Keyblade trainin’! Even if we can’t summon Keyblades yet, we can still figure out a good fightin’ style to use for when we do.”

Scootaloo tilted her head. “Makes sense, I guess. But, uh… how are we supposed to train without any weapons?”

“That’s easy!” Applebloom said, her grin widening. “We’ll make our own! We just need some good pieces of wood to carve into makeshift Keyblades. It’ll be perfect practice. C’mon, I’ll go find some!” Without waiting for a reply, she bolted out of the treehouse, her hooves thudding against the floor as she disappeared into the distance.

Left alone in the quiet clubhouse, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo exchanged awkward glances. The tension in the air was almost palpable as they avoided each other’s gaze for a moment. Finally, Sweetie Belle broke the silence, her tone accusatory. “Why didn’t you tell her about Fluttershy and Sora?”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened, and she frowned defensively. “Why didn’t you tell her? You knew about it too!”

Sweetie Belle huffed, crossing her hooves. “I thought you were going to! You’re always the one who jumps to spill big news like that.”

“Well I mean…you know she’s been a little down with Sora being away and stuff and right now she looks happy!” Scootaloo told her. “I…ah…Didn’t want to brake that I guess.”

Sweetie Belle sighed, her expression softening as she looked toward the door Applebloom had disappeared through. “I get it, Scoots. She does seem really happy right now, and I don’t want to mess that up either. But… don’t you think she’d want to know about Sora and Fluttershy dating now?”

Scootaloo winced, her wings twitching nervously as she avoided Sweetie Belle’s gaze. “I mean, yeah, she probably would… but is now really the time? Look at her, Sweetie. She’s all excited about training and getting stronger to help Sora. Dropping that on her right now feels like it’d crush her.”

Sweetie Belle frowned, her ears flicking back in uncertainty. “I know, but if she finds out later—especially if it’s from somepony else—she might feel even worse. We’re her best friends, Scoots. We’re supposed to tell her these things.”

Scootaloo sighed, pacing in a small circle as she worked through her thoughts. “I get that, but it’s not like we’ve been keeping this from her out of spite or something. It’s just… complicated. I don’t wanna see her upset, especially when she’s been working so hard to stay positive.”

Sweetie Belle nodded reluctantly, her green eyes flicking to the pile of books and notes they’d been using for research. “Maybe we wait a little longer. Let her enjoy this for now, but… we can’t keep it from her forever.”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo agreed, her tone quieter now. “We’ll find the right time. Just… not today.”

Sweetie Belle let out a slow breath, her ears drooping slightly. “Not today,” she echoed softly.

~~~

Rainbow Dash peered into her own bedroom, watching as Fluttershy lay peacefully nestled under the covers. Her friend’s chest rose and fell in a gentle rhythm, her face relaxed, with no trace of the fear or worry that had clouded it before. Quietly closing the door, Rainbow trotted into the living room, where Gilda was waiting, leaning casually against the wall.

“Thanks for looking after her, G.” She paused, tilting her head curiously. “So, uh… when did Fluttershy fall asleep? You didn’t have to knock her out with a neck chop did you?”

Gilda snorted, rolling her eyes as she crossed her talons over her chest. “Seriously, Dash? What do you think I am, some kind of action movie bad guy? Nah, she fell asleep on her own. Took a while, though.” The gryphon shook her head, “Still can’t believe she stood up to whoever that dude was, knowing he could have destroyed her in a blink of an eye.”

“Hey, Shy is a lot stronger than you think.” Rainbow defended. “Would you believe she not only stood up to a dragon but also a unicorn that controlled dark magic. Though…she only did so because her friends were in trouble.”

Gilda raised a brow, clearly impressed but trying to play it cool. “A dragon and dark magic? Huh. Guess I’ve been underestimating her. Didn’t think she had it in her.” She let out a low whistle, her eyes drifting to the closed bedroom door with a newfound respect. “She’s a lot tougher than she looks, I’ll give her that.”

Rainbow nodded, a proud smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, she might be quiet and shy, but when it comes down to it, she’d do anything for the ponies she cares about.” She chuckled softly. “Guess that's why I kinda became her friend…yeah I thought I had to protect her…and I did a few times…but…she would surprise me when she gets angry.”

The rainbow maned mare sighed. “Enough reminiscing though…Since we are the only two here in Ponyville that really know what we are up against, I think we should talk strategy.”

Gilda tilted her head, a skeptical look crossing her face. “Wait, didn’t Fluttershy say not to confront that black pegasus guy?”

Rainbow shrugged, though her eyes held a spark of determination. “Yeah, she did say that, and I get where she’s coming from. He’s dangerous, and we don’t know what he’s capable of yet. But sitting around doing nothing isn’t exactly my style.” She paused, glancing toward her bedroom door. “If that guy shows his face again, we need to be ready.”

Gilda crossed her arms, eyeing Rainbow with a smirk. “Now that sounds more like you, Dash. So, what’s the plan? You thinking of just rushing in and giving him a piece of your mind?”

Rainbow chuckled, though she shook her head. “Not this time. I might have learned a little about patience…maybe.” She leaned in, lowering her voice as if the walls might have ears. “He already knows we know about him, he wouldn’t have let Fluttershy go if he didn’t care if we knew after all, so the element of surprise is off the table.”

Gilda let out a low chuckle, rolling her eyes. “Sneaking up was never my thing anyway. If this guy’s as tough as he thinks he is, we’ll just go in strong and show him who’s boss.”

Rainbow grinned, feeling a bit of her own confidence fire up at Gilda’s words. “Exactly. We won’t be hiding, and we won’t let him think he’s got the upper hoof here. But we’ll keep things smart. No diving in without knowing what we’re up against.”

Gilda crossed her arms, giving Rainbow an approving nod. “So we stay alert, don’t let him catch us off guard, and if he does try anything, we hit him hard and fast.” She flexed her talons with a smirk. “I like it.”

Rainbow’s eyes gleamed with determination. “And in the meantime, we don’t tell Fluttershy too much. She’s already been through enough, and I don’t want her worrying.” She pulls out her element of harmony. “And if push comes to shove, I’ll use this.”

“That’s your element right?” Gilda asked with a raised eyebrow. “What exactly are you gonna do with that anyway?”

Rainbow huffed, tucking the Element back under her shirt. “Honestly? Not sure. But I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.” She flashed Gilda a confident grin. “I mean, I was winging it when I saved Sora’s butt, and that worked out just fine. I’ll figure it out as I go.”

Gilda snorted, shaking her head with an amused smirk. “Still the same old Rainbow Dash. ‘Why plan when you can just wing it?’” She gave Rainbow a nudge. “Guess that’s what makes you the best at this whole hero thing. Just gotta hope your luck doesn’t run out.”

Rainbow shrugged, unfazed. “Hey, luck’s got nothing to do with it—it’s skill, G! And besides, I’ve got you here, don’t I? Between the two of us, we’ll be fine.” She stretches. “So! You up for a bit of patrolling today? I don’t have to work till later and I’ve been dying to stretch my wings out with a warm up.”

Gilda’s eyes lit up, a smirk spreading across her beak. “Oh, now you’re talking, Dash. Nothing like a good flight to shake off the morning rust. Besides, I could use a bit of action to get the blood pumping. Being cooped up in that giant castle wasn’t exactly the best thing for a free bird like me.”

Chapter 71

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.”

Chapter 1 Every story has a Start

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Every Story has a Start (Edited)

Green to start music and Red to stop music

Two years.

It had been two whole years since Sora had seen any of his friends proper.

Two years since he had failed that Keyblade exam. The very one, his best friend, Riku had passed.

Sora had congratulated him that day, and he had meant every word of praise he had given his longtime bestfriend and rival.

He was proud of him and he would always be proud of him no matter what.

So...

So...Why did it still hurt so much?

His hand combed through his spiky brown hair in silent frustration as he laid upon the sandy shore of the island he and his friends would always frequent when they were oh so young, feeling the cooling breeze of the night air whistle gently across his face as he closed his eyes in contemplation.

Wait. Night air? It was night?

Sora quickly arose from the comfortable spot he had chosen for himself, propping himself on one arm as he took stock of his surroundings and, more importantly, the sky above him. A soft groan escaped the keyblade wielder as he noticed that it was indeed becoming darker and darker as the seconds gradually ticked by. The soft hue of the sun slowly dipping behind the horizon just west of his position, taking with it, its soothing warmth.

“Have I really been here all day?” He asked the question, though he already knew the answer. Just like he was yesterday. And the day before. He couldn’t help but notice that he had been coming to the old island a lot lately.

Another sigh escaped the boy’s lips as he lifted himself off the cooling sand, dusting the particles off his back shorts and jacket. “Better question is… What else can I do but stay here and train?” He asked himself before looking down at his palm. He summoned his keyblade, holding it out in front of himself. He swung back in forth before himself before releasing, letting it dissipate in a shower of light.

Sora soon turned his attention to a set of boats lying along the beach's edge, just out of reach of the water's embrace.

He had to get home.

He took a single step toward the landlocked boats, but then hesitated, looking up at the sky as he did so. A few stars began to sparkle in the encroaching twilight.

It was getting late.

The sea would be a little more dangerous at night. He found that out the hard way when he was just a young one. Shuddering at the long forgotten memory, he turned away and looked back inland, his mind already made up.

“I guess got no choice but to sleep here for the night then...Hope mom won't be too mad with me.”

He chuckled lightly as he shook his head, imagining the talking to he would get soon as he got home. He knew It wasn’t the first time he had to sleep on the island, having done it all the time when he was growing up with Riku, Kairi, and the others.

A sigh escaped Sora once again as he remembered his childhood friends, a frown forming on his features ever so slightly. He knew he didn’t like the feelings he was getting each time he remembered the two of them, especially after all that the they had been through together...But...

Shaking the thoughts from his head, he turned his attention to a large tree, holding a simple house in between its branches. It wasn’t anything spectacular, but to him and his friends, it was a home away from home.

Sora trekked slowly through the sand before finally making it to the rickety ladder that led to the floor of the one-room tree house. As he climbed up the ladder, his mind began to wander as it tends to do when he's alone.

I hope that everyone is doing okay? Donald and Goofy? Are they doing well? They better not be in any serious trouble helping out with King Mickey. I'm sure Axel is getting along with training? He laughed lightly. Hard to believe that he was a Keybearer just like him. His mind soon drifted back to his two best friends...

“Riku…Kairi…I...wonder how they are doing...”

Before he knew it, he had reached the top of the ladder and was sitting comfortably against a wall, the elements of the night air barely affecting him as he leaned his head against the wall. As he closed his eyes, his mind began to wander once again. Riku was strong. And...he was only getting stronger.

Sora shook his head. I had grown strong too. I even defeated Riku more times then I can count, even when he had all that dark power at his command. I defeated Ansem and his Heartless. He sighed softly. I saved countless worlds and defeated most of Organization XIII. He furrows his brow. I even sacrificed myself to release Kairi’s heart… A head shake. I… should be happy with what I've done… So…Why am I...

Can...me....

Blue eyes shot open upon hearing the words echo around his being. It sounded so close, and yet… so far away.

Getting to his feet, he gave the room a quick scan before calling the voice out. “Who’s there?”

Follow...

Behind him?

He quickly turned to find… nothing. No one at all. Someone was playing with him, and he didn’t like it. He jumped out the door leading to the now thoroughly cooled sandy beach below. As he did, the voice sounded again, this time far from where he was before, yet still so close.

Here...Follow…

Sora couldn't help but shudder. Rather it was from the cold air...or the excitement of something other then his normal routine happing he wasn't quite sure.

The voice, ethereal and distant, echoed in his mind, drawing him the small hole within the rocks leading to the Secret Place, a small cave that held a most peculiar door within. As quick as he feet would carry him, the Keyblade Wielder ran straight for the opening in the side of the cliffs. He navigated the small crevice that was the opening for a few feet before coming to a moderately large cave. His eyes turned to the wall, eyeing childhood doodles he remembered drawing with his friends oh so long ago. His eyes softened a bit, seeing his two friends in so many of the markings.

Sora…

The voice startled him once again, quickly making him remember the reason he was there. Steeling himself, he gave the room a quick scan, only to find two doors against either side of the wall. Visions of the first day he gained his Keyblade flooded his mind.

That door… and that man… They were the start of his adventures. How he had encountered so many wonderful worlds.

Sora paused.

Wait, two doors? There were never two doors before.

His gaze drifted toward the new portal, taking in its shape. It was wooden; that much he could tell, but instead of deep brown, the door glistened with pure white, almost as if the wood had been white to begin with. Beautifully crafted, the door stood at least six feet in height and upon its center was a symbol of a bright orange sun. It seemed to glow with its own natural light, drawing him to look closer. A sense of awe washed over his being as his bright blue eyes looked upon the bright white door.

Open…

“What?” his eyes widened as he pulled away from the door a bit.

Please...Open it...

He gave the door an apprehensive look. Whoever or what ever was this voice was, he was sure it needed him. But why. Why him?

Sora bit his lower lip, his hand clenching tight as he got ready to summon his key-shaped weapon. "I...Should I?"

Sora...Please...

Sora took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs as he steadied himself. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing in the silence of the cave. The familiar weight of the Keyblade materialized in his hand, the comforting presence of the weapon grounding him in the uncertainty of the moment. The white door stood before him, glowing softly, as if it were beckoning him to step forward, to cross a threshold he had never encountered before.

His mind raced with questions. What was behind this door? Why had it appeared now, after all this time? And why was the voice so insistent, so desperate for him to open it? Sora’s fingers tightened around the hilt of the Keyblade as he weighed his options. He had faced the unknown before, countless times, but something about this felt different. It was as if the door held the key to something far greater than he could imagine.

Please…

The voice was softer now, almost pleading. It tugged at something deep within Sora, a part of him that had always been drawn to helping others, to answering calls for aid, no matter how dangerous the path ahead might be. He knew he couldn’t ignore it, not when it felt so… important.

With a determined nod, Sora stepped forward, raising the Keyblade. The soft clink of metal echoed through the cave as he extended the weapon toward the lock on the white door. The air around him seemed to pulse with anticipation, the light from the door growing brighter as the Keyblade approached.

“Alright,” Sora murmured to himself. “Here goes nothing.”

A soft light emanating from the tip towards the white door. The was a soft click before it shot opened violently, pure light illuminating the whole of the cave and engulfing Sora with its brilliance.

It lasted for only a second before fading out, leaving nothing but an empty room with one lone brown door left in its wake.

~~~

Equestira: Ponyville

SPIIIIIIIKE! Wheres that book!?

A lavender unicorn bounded from one book case to the other, quickly glancing over the binder of each within her collection as fast as her eyes would allow. A soft growl emanated from her as she turned to a pile of books on the floor. “I promise to Celestia, Spike, if you’ve burnt it like the last one...I...I...I don't Know what I will do but it won't be nice.“ she warned, several strands of her normally straight deep purple and pink mane coming out of place as she glared at the with a noticeable twitch in her eye.

“GOT IT!”

Purple claws raised up high out of the book jumble. Within them lay an old thick tome. It wasn’t too long before a purple aura enveloped the book completely, lifting both the book and what could only be described as a purple reptile with green spines and eyes high into the air. Both the creature and the book levitated toward the unicorn, the former being placed onto her back, while the latter went into an open pocket of her saddle bag.

“Thank goodness you found it, Spike, I was about to suspect the worst there for a second,” the unicorn said with a relieved look, gaining a roll of the eyes from the purple dragon.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Twilight. Can we just get going? We don't want to be late to the party, do we?"

"In a minute, Spike. First things first." A checklist appeared in front of her in a spark of purple energy, accompanied by a quill held within the same aura. “Right then, let me see... Book on nighttime constellations? Check. Plenty of paper on which to take notes? Check. Annoyed purple and green dragon?” She looked behind her towards said dragon, who, by the way, had an extremely unamused expression upon his face. “Annnnnnd Check! Alright, Spike, I do believe we are ready for the Star Gazing Celebration!”

“Finally!” the dragon sighed. “I can’t believe that we’re going to be the first ponies to see the first annual Star Gazing Celebration. We get to stay up late and watch as the stars dance in the night sky and everything! It’s going to be so epic!”

“YEPYEPYEP! And I get to be the first to create a whole bunch of nighttime party games! Like Star Dance Revolution! Or Star Light Tennis! OH! OH! I Know! Constellation Shuffle! Isn't that going to be fun, Twilight! Huh!? Huh!? HUH!?”

Twilight jumped slightly, startled by the sudden burst of enthusiasm that practically exploded beside her. She didn’t need to turn her head to know who it was—there was only one pony in all of Equestria who could manifest that much energy in a single breath.

"Pinkie Pie!"” Twilight yelled in a threatening tone, a hoof stomping on the floor as she addressed the pink pony.

“Yes, Twilight~?” replied said pink mare innocently, her eyelids fluttering at her lavender friend.

Twilight narrowed her eyes, trying to maintain a stern expression, though it was difficult with Pinkie Pie’s wide, innocent eyes staring back at her. The pink pony’s boundless energy was usually endearing, but at that moment, Twilight was focused on ensuring everything went perfectly for the Star Gazing Celebration. She took a deep breath, letting out a sigh as she attempted to calm her nerves. “Okay...Sure. Let’s just get going.”

~~~

It took Twilight, Pinkie and Spike little to no time to find the set meeting place to gaze at the sky. Upon doing so, they were greeted by two other ponies; one a pure and pristine white unicorn, her soft curly locks bouncing every so often as she was conversing with another pony, a butter-yellow pegasus gently sipping her hot coco, being careful not to get her long soft pink mane in the way. Both ponies would smiled as they turned to face the encroaching trio.

The white unicorn waved a hoof as they neared, doing so with lady like grace. “Yoo-Hoo! Over here, Twilight, Pinkie, Spikey-Wikey!” Her voice, while difficult to pinpoint in accent, was very eloquent and posh. “We saved seats for just for you darlings!”

Spike, hopping off the lavender mare's back, plopped himself right next to the white unicorn, doing his best to not steal glances toward her every time he believed she was not looking and failing pretty much nearly every time. Twilight's magic placed her bag down upon the grass as she settled down beside the yellow pegasus who welcomed her with a gentle hello. Pinkie was too excited to just sit still and opted to bounce around in a circle around the pile of ponies.

“Can you believe it?" the pink mare began. "I know I can’t! We get to attend the Bar Hazing Collaboration!"

“Star Gazing Celebration, Pinkie! How in Equestria-?”

The lavender unicorn was cut off as Pinkie continued her rant, unfazed. “I can’t believe we’re gonna be one of the first of hundreds of ponies to see the dancing of the stars! They’re gonna be all bright and shiny and sparkly, and Twilighty!" Pinkie Gasped as a new realization seemingly dawned upon her. "Hey! Oh my gosh! I totally get your name now, Twilight!” She giggled. “Twilight Sparkle! Twilight Sparkle! Twi-mumph!”

A hoof forcefully stuffed an apple fritter into the pink pony’s mouth, semi-ceasing her ranting. “Ah think they get it, sugarcube,” said the culprit, an orange wingless and hornless pony said with a downhome country girl accent. Turning her head to the others the dirty blond mare tipped her stetson in greeting. "Howdy, Twi. Howdy, Rarity. Spike. Fluttershy.” She let everypony (and dragon) greet her in turn before speaking again, addressing the butter yellow pegasus. “Hey Fluttershy, have ya seen Rainbow anywhere? Ah can’t find her for the life of me.”

Fluttershy nodded shyly as she set her cup down upon the blanket. “W-well… yes. That is… I did see her. Not too long ago in fact. She said she would be here shortly. She had to clear some clouds in the northeastern part of Ponyville so the ponies could have a clear view of the show.”

Applejack facehoofed. “Wasn’t she supposed to do that this morning? Ah swear, that pegasus is lazier than a sack o’ potatoes.”

“Hey! I resent that!”

All heads turned to find a cyan pegasus hovering a few feet away, her rainbow mane flowing behind her and a small smug smile on her face. Applejack jumped to the forefront glaring at her her pegasus. She was fully prepared to give her the full force of a verbal beatdown on how one should do the work that was given to them in a timely matter, but, to her dismay, the pegasus dashed past her, plopping herself on the other side of Rarity and comfortably resting her back against a tree.

Giving up, Applejack rolled her eyes as the farm mare sat beside Twilight. “So Twi, what’s all that there paper for?”

“Well,” Twilight began, beaming brightly. “I’m going to take notes on the various dance formations of the stars. I’m hoping that with said data I can ascertain the perc-“

“Oh geeze Twilight, you’re like, the only pony I know that would take their homework to a party.” The glare Twilight gave Rainbow could cut steel.

“Come now, Rainbow dear. How Twilight chooses to spend the celebration is up to her,” Rarity proclaimed with conviction. "The important thing is that we are here together, is that not right?"

Twilight smiled at Rarity in thanks as Rainbow eye rolled.

“Oh! Oh! Look! It’s starting!”

Everypony turned their gazes skyward as the pink pony pointed a hoof upward towards the starlit sky. The beautiful bright lights slowly began to flicker at various degrees. As they did so, they steadily began to sway ever so slightly looking as if the sky itself was dancing to its own beat. Soon, the stars changed color. Some red. Others blue. Green as well. Almost every color imaginable burned in the dark sky, creating a cascade of rainbow color.

And then… Black. Only the soft glow of the moon was shining on Ponyville and other cities and towns.

“Hey! Is that it?” A voice called out somewhere nearby.

The answer came as the night sky exploded with stars; some glowing like a rainbow, others darting across the sky. All looking like fireworks in motion.

“Wow…” Applejack whistled. “Just… wow.”

Rainbow was equally as impressed as the others, their eyes never leaving the night sky.

Twilight alternated between watching the spectacle and taking notes on every detail of the dance. “It seems Luna has been recovering nicely. It looks like she hasn’t even been gone for over a thousand years at all.” She leaned over to pick up a cupcake when something strange caught her eye.

A star, or what looked like a star, was steadily growing bigger, edging closer to the ground. Her eyebrow cocked and her head tilted at the strange sight. It wasn’t long before she realized that the star was in fact hurtling towards the earth...in fact, if her calculations were correct…It would land not too far away within White Tail Woods

She turned to call to the others, but they had their eyes glued to the sky, the sounds of star burst drowning out the unicorn’s voice.

Cursing inwardly, she turned her head back to the falling star just in time for it to silently hit the ground.

That didn’t sound right.

She squinted her eyes. Where was the boom? There had to be at least a rumble. She rose, watching the light around the area it landed slowly flicker and then dim until it disappeared altogether.

She looked back at her friends, before looking back at the point of impact. Something… urged her to take a step forward. She hesitated for only a moment before taking the first step...and then another...

Twilight's hooves crunched softly against the grass as she moved away from the group, her gaze fixed on the spot where the "star" had landed. Her mind raced, curiosity warring with caution. A falling star was one thing, but one that fell so close to Ponyville? That was something worth investigating, especially when it didn’t behave like any falling star she’d ever read about.

She cast a quick glance back at her friends, who were still entranced by the celestial display above. Pinkie Pie was bouncing in place, pointing out constellations that likely existed only in her imagination. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were engaged in a friendly debate about which stars were the fastest, while Rarity and Fluttershy simply watched in quiet awe.

Twilight hesitated for just a moment, then turned her attention back to the woods. She knew she should tell them, but something deep inside her—an instinct, perhaps—urged her to go alone, at least at first. Besides, it was probably nothing. Just a falling star that didn’t make a sound. No need to worry everypony.

It wasn't long before the mare was in full gallop, not knowing what awaited her in her destination.

~~~

Sora's world was a haze of pain and disorientation as he struggled to regain full consciousness. His muscles ached, his head throbbed, and the sensation of burning coursed through his veins, overwhelming his senses. He tried to open his eyes, but the effort sent a fresh wave of agony rippling through his body, forcing them shut again.

Where am I? he thought, his mind sluggish and muddled. The last thing he remembered was... darkness. A void. And then, a sudden fall, as if he were plummeting through endless space. But now, he was on solid ground, or at least, that’s what it felt like beneath him.

He tried to move, but his limbs were heavy, as though they were weighted down by invisible chains. Gritting his teeth, Sora forced himself to roll onto his side, every movement sending a jolt of pain through his frame.

“Hello? Is anypony out there?”

A voice?

A voice!

Someone was close by!

He tried to call out, his voice catching in his throat. A fit of coughing and a fresh wave of pain erupted all over him. His strength began to fail him little by little, and he slowly began to slip into unconsciousness. With one last desperate heave, he raised his arm and called at the top of his lungs.

“Help! P-Please!”

The last vestiges of Sora's strength ebbed away as he strained to keep his eyes open, his vision blurring as the pain continued to assault his senses. The figure approaching through the dim light of the forest was a blur of lavender and purple, a glowing beacon in the growing darkness around him. He could barely make out the shape, but it was unmistakably...

"A...horse?" Was the last thing he said before blacking out.

~~~

Equestira: Canterlot Castle

The summer night sky that had festively been dancing before slowly died down to that of its normal twinkles, ending the first annual Star Gazing Celebration. A deep blue pony, one normally of majesty and grace, panted heavily as her horn began to slowly dimmer before dying down completely. Sweat trickled down her brow, adding an undignified look to her normally regal form. Even her usually flowing mane and tail hung limply behind her in her tired state, alongside her limp wings. The sound of hoofsteps from behind her caused her ears to perk and her head to turn slightly to her right, knowing all too well who was before they even addressed her.

"Do...not even think...about..."

“I do believe… you overdid it, Luna.”

The pony named Luna growled before turning to see a slightly taller white unicorn with wings, much like her. Her mane, an ever-flowing green, blue and pink, gave her just as much, if not more, of an exotic feel.

“Thou said, Celestia, to make sure they did not see him coming,” Luna spat out, though not too maliciously. "I was only doing as thou told me, dear sister."

“Be that as it may,” Celestia began, almost in a lecturing tone. “You overextended too much power, leaving me to make sure the night lasts.” She pouted a little. “I rather began to enjoy my extra sleep, Lulu.”

“Cry thyself a river, Tia,” Luna scoffed before she looked in the direction of Ponyville. A look of concern began to play across her features. “Art thou sure he can do it, sister? He seems so much younger than I expected a 'Hero of Light' to be.”

“And so is Twilight.” She slowly trotted up to Luna, draping a wing over her. “My dearest sister, we have to believe. He has been recommended, and I trust my friend’s judgment.”

Luna scoffed. "Yes well... I have yet to trust the same pony you won't even let me talk to."

"One day, Luna, I'll show you, but for now..." A yawn from Luna caused Celestia to smirk lightly. “Off to bed with you. Come on.”

Luna opened her mouth to protest, but another yawn betrayed her exhaustion, cutting off any argument she might have made. She shot a glare at Celestia, though it lacked the usual fire, more out of stubbornness than genuine annoyance.

"Fine," Luna huffed, her regal demeanor slipping as she allowed herself to lean slightly into her sister's gentle guidance.

Celestia's smile lingered as she looked down at her sister, who was now more willing to accept her guidance. But as Luna allowed herself to be led away, Celestia’s gaze drifted upward, back toward the night sky that had just finished its grand display.

"I just hope..." The princess of the sun began, "That he can save us...and...in return...we might be able to save him."

Author's Note

Okay so Its me, Steel Soul (AKA larrykitty) here with a random update. Yes, I am working of KHoH once again. yay me. Been reading it over and over seeing what i can change here and there and was like "Well...lets start with the beginning." A bit of this and that here and I have the same, yet different, story I'm working on. Won't do anything major, just small story beats.

I am looking for an editor if anyone is interested.

Chapter 5: Keyblades and Butterflies

Kingdom Hearts of Harmony

by steel soul

Keyblades and Butterflies

Green to start music and red to stop music

Within a cottage near the Everfree Forest...

Fluttershy fluttered about her cottage, feeding and tending to the various nighttime critters that she tasked herself to take care of while they healed from various wounds, all the while, a cute pout on her face. It was always such a chore for her to work around one of Pinkie’s impromptu parties, but she could never bring herself to really complain about it. At least not out loud. She always enjoyed the parties where it was just her friends and herself, but the ones where she had to interact with somepony new was always disorienting. Of course, she had told Pinkie she would be there anyway, just like always. She really didn’t want to see Pinkie sad. It was never fun to see Pinkie sad.

“There you go, mister fruit bat.” Her voice was gentle and loving. “So sorry for feeding you this early, but I have to go to the welcoming party Pinkie is throwing for the new pony in town.”

The fruit bat nibbled on a strawberry as he listened intently to Fluttershy, seeing how knowing that she needed to complain to someone. He wasn’t going to complain about it though. He got free food.

“I know I shouldn’t say this,” the yellow pegasus continued, “But I really don’t like meeting new ponies.” Fluttershy sighed softly as she watched the fruit bat enjoy its meal, her wings drooping slightly. "It's not that I don’t want to make new friends," she whispered, "it’s just... it’s so overwhelming sometimes." She fluttered over to the next critter, gently tending to a family of injured rabbits nestled in a cozy basket. Her gaze softened as she stroked their fur, finding comfort in the quiet routine.

"New ponies are always so eager to talk, to ask questions, and... what if I say something wrong? What if they don’t like me?" She paused, her heart giving a little flutter at the thought. "I know Pinkie means well, and I want to be there for her... and for the new pony too. It’s just... so hard.” The mare sighed softly, “But Pinkie really seemed to be happy about the new pony in town, seeing as they are the one Twilight said she found in White Tail Woods. What do I say to somepony like that?”

The fruit bat began chatting automatically, to which Fluttershy responded with wide eyes.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened in alarm as the fruit bat squeaked back at her, his tiny wings flapping as if he were giving her some sort of pep talk. She shook her head quickly, her pink mane swaying with the motion. “Oh no, no, no… I could never just talk to somepony like that. What if I mess up? What if I say something embarrassing, and he laughs at me? Or... what if he gets angry because I’m being too shy? He might yell at me…”

Her voice trailed off into a soft squeak, her imagination running wild with worst-case scenarios. She could almost see herself stammering in front of the new pony, only to have him grow frustrated with her hesitation.

The fruit bat squeaked again, this time more insistent, as if to remind her that she had faced far scarier things than a new pony. Fluttershy bit her lip, her wings twitching nervously. "I know... you’re right. It’s just... different. Monsters are one thing, but new ponies... They’re so unpredictable. What if he’s like…"

The bat placed his wings on his hips, once again chatting in his own bat tongue. Fluttershy’s ears folded back when he finished.

“I know I help my little animals all the time and I’m not scared of them...but...that's different…”

The bat just opted to glare at the pony, not saying a word.

Fluttershy sighed. “I-I guess I could give it a try. If only to build my confidence.”

The fruit bat chattered approvingly, and Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle at his encouragement. "Thank you," she said, her voice still soft but filled with gratitude. "I’ll do my best."

She nuzzled the cute bat warmly before floating down gently towards the floor below. Her eyes quickly glanced toward her clock, gasping lightly at what she saw. “Oh dear! It’s already nine twenty-five. I do hope Pinkie will forgive me for being so late.”

The shy pegasus double-checked her animal friends before heading out her cottage door. She slowly made her way down the dirt path leading to the farm that was Sweet Apple Acres, the gentle breeze playing with her soft yellow coat, almost tickling her. She had always liked the time between winter and spring. Everything was so fresh and new. She got to meet the next generation of bouncing baby animals, taking care of them and loving them. It always set her heart at ease to know that she was there for them. It always surprised her that she was able to get along with animals better than she could with other ponies. Animals were always true to their feelings and never wavering. What they thought was what they thought. Simple as that.

Ponies, on the other hoof, they could be your friend one second and your enemy the next. Of course, Rainbow was the exception, as well as the rest of her little group of friends. Other ponies, though- she could barely deal with them even on her best days.

"Sometimes I wish I could be more like Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy whispered to herself, her wings fluttering slightly as she imagined her bold friend, always so confident and brave. "She never seems to care what other ponies think of her. She just says what’s on her mind." Fluttershy sighed, shaking her head. "I wish I could be like that... but I’m just... me."

Still, as much as she felt nervous around new ponies, she knew she couldn’t let her friends down. Pinkie had worked so hard on this party, and Twilight had mentioned that the new pony had been through a lot. Maybe he’ll be kind... maybe he’ll understand.

In her silent rumination, she failed to notice that she had come within the vicinity of the apple farm, only realizing it after the scent of apples greeted her senses.

Fluttershy breathed in deeply, the sweet scent of apples filling her lungs and briefly calming her nerves. It was always so peaceful here at Sweet Apple Acres, a place where she could often find solace when things felt overwhelming. But as she took in her surroundings, something else caught her attention—a subtle movement in the shadows just ahead.

Her heart skipped a beat, her wings fluttering anxiously as her gaze darted toward the source of the movement. Was it an animal? she wondered. But no, the shape seemed too large, too defined. It wasn’t one of the farm animals, and it certainly wasn’t one of her woodland friends.

It was a black long shadow that slithered across the ground. Its movement resembled that of a snake, but she knew better. No snake would be this close to Applejack’s apple farm without good reason. She froze as she took notice of the strange obscurity. To her surprise, it responded as it too froze, realizing its cover had been blown.

Slowly, the shadow morphed from a flat surface to an object that was more three-dimensional. Its body was still pitch black, but more defined, almost pony-like. Long jagged ears came to a sharp point on its head, as well as a curved horn. Its body was skinny as well as its legs, giving it an almost malnourished look, making it creepier than before. Beady yellow eyes completed the creature's false-facsimile of a pony’s form, it’s gaze focused on the butter yellow pegasus. Fluttershy stared back at it, fear creeping throughout her being. It took a crooked step toward her. She turned to run on instinct, cursing the fact that she ever left the safety of her cottage. She did not get very far, however, as two more of the same pony shadows stood in her way.

She was surrounded now. With her wings too scared stiff to be used, she had nowhere to go. She was done for. She didn’t know how, she didn’t know why, but she just knew she was. She did the only reasonable option left to her.

She screamed.

She screamed at the top of her lungs, long and hard. She had felt that it was a useless gesture, but what else could she do? She watched as the scream only made the shadows falter for a second before they all lunged at her at once.

Just as the shadowy figures lunged at Fluttershy, her scream echoed across Sweet Apple Acres, cutting through the stillness of the night like a blade. She braced herself, her eyes squeezed shut in terror, waiting for the inevitable impact.

But it didn’t come.

Instead, a bright flash of light erupted in front of her, accompanied by a loud, metallic clang. Fluttershy opened her eyes just in time to see one of the shadowy figures thrown back as if it had hit an invisible wall. In the next second, something else zipped past her—a blur of tan and black.

“Back off!” A voice shouted.

Fluttershy’s wide eyes fell upon the figure standing protectively in front of her—a tan stallion with spiky brown hair and a determined look in his eyes. He held a strange, key-like weapon in his mouth, its metallic surface glinting under the moonlight.

He turned his head to face her, his intense expression softening with relief. He exhaled a sigh, and in a flash of light, the Keyblade vanished from his mouth, sparkling as it disappeared into thin air. “I thought I heard something,” he said, his voice gentle but still edged with concern. “Are you okay?”

Fluttershy, still trembling, tried to find her voice. “I-I... think so...” she whispered. “W-What are those…those things?”

Sora’s gaze snapped back to the shadowy figures as they slithered across the ground, regrouping for another attack. His eyes narrowed, his stance shifting into a defensive posture. "Heartless."

"H-Heartless?" Something about the word sent a cold shiver up the mare’s wingtips. Her gaze fell back to the one who saved her. “A-And…who are…you?”

Sora kept his gaze on the advancing Heartless, the creatures inching closer as their yellow eyes gleamed in the night. His stance was firm, ready for their next move, but he took a quick moment to glance back at Fluttershy. "I'm Sora," he said, his voice still calm despite the tension. "And don't worry, I'm here to help."

~~~

Sweetie Belle galloped as fast as her little legs would take her, eating up the distance towards the barn. With Applebloom busy prying Scootaloo from the tree and Sora’s incredible response to Fluttershy’s plight, it was up to her to find help.

Even in her panicked state, her mind raced with rising questions.

Just what were those things? Those shadows were moving. MOVING! They looked like something out of a bad science fiction movie. And that stallion. Just what the hay was he? How was he able to move that fast? Oh, and that weird looking sword! Where did that even come from?!

The barn came into focus and Sweetie Belle shook her head harshly. She didn’t have time to come up with any answers at the moment. She had to get help.

Just as she neared the giant barn doors, they would open, revealing a thoroughly distraught Applejack. She was dragging a bag of what Sweetie Bell could only assume was trash out with her teeth. Despite the loud music, the little filly could clearly hear her muttering something about this being the last time she let Pinkie anywhere near the barn with a potato canon.

The filly quickly made her way towards Applejack, which instantly made the farm mare’s eyes widen considerably at the sight of her. Dropping her charge, she turned to cast an accusing eye toward Sweetie Belle.

“And just what in tarnation are you doing here this late?!”

Sweetie Belle skidded to a halt in front of Applejack, panting heavily from her frantic run. Her eyes were wide with fear and worry, making it hard for her to form the words at first. “Applejack… it’s… it’s-!”

Applejack quickly reached out and gripped the little white unicorn by the hoof, dragging her to the open barn door. “Ya’ll was supposed to stay with Rarity’s parents this evening!”

Sweetie Belle tugged against Applejack's grip, her voice frantic as she tried to explain. "I know! I know! But, Applejack, you have to listen! We-”

“Just wait till ah get Rarity!” She looked back to the struggling filly, “Speaking of which, just where the hey is Applebloom? If’n you’re here, then she ain’t too far behind, right? And Scootaloo, too. Landsakes! You three are sure to get a good talking to when-“

Sweetie Belle forcibly slipped her hoof away from the orange mare. “Fluttershy is in trouble!!”

Applejack did a double take at that. “Wait. What?”

"Fluttershy! She’s in trouble, Applejack! These weird shadow creatures surrounded her, and they’re attacking her! We need to help, now!”

Applejack’s eyes widened in alarm as Sweetie Belle’s words sank in. "Shadow creatures? What in the hay are you talkin' about?"

“I don’t know what they are!” Sweetie Belle cried, her voice trembling. “But Sora’s trying to fight them off, and he needs help! Please, Applejack, we need to hurry!”

“Sora?” Isn’t that the pony this party was thrown for?”

Sweetie Belle nodded.

Applejack’s gaze wavered toward the barn as she spoke. “Sweetie Belle! Go find Twi and the others and tell ‘em what’s going on. She’ll be sure to get the rest together. I’m gonna go on ahead and see what’s goin’ on. Maybe help if I can.” Without waiting for a reply, she sped off, heading in the direction the white unicorn motioned to.

~~~

Fluttershy was at a loss for words. Though, to her credit, words probably wouldn’t have helped her either way. As she hid behind an apple tree, teary eyed teal eyes followed what she could only assume was impossible.

Her savior had twirled his body around in a horizontal slash, the key-like object swiping in an arc at one of the shadows, smacking it across the head without mercy and forcing it into a daze. In the same instance, the one to the left of him flew at him with hooves outstretched, jagged claws forming around the base of them. The stallion acted at the last second, jumping just over the attack and spinning once in the air as it passed under him. The result was the blade of the key relentlessly smacking the attacking shadow upon the back of the head. It added insult to injury when the resulting force caused it to collide into the dazed shadow.

With surprising grace, the stallion landed on the ground on all four hooves, then quickly ducked as another attempt was made to strike at him by the third creature. As the shadow landed and turned to face the boy, it was met with a series of slashes and side swipes across its face. After about the tenth strike, the stallion completely flipped over the shadow. He contorted until his body came out of the flip into a sideways twist. With a loud smack, the key connected to the flank of the shadow, sending it in the direction of the other recovering creatures.

Fluttershy could hardly believe that this random stallion was fighting against all three of those shadow monsters, and, despite the odds against him, he was the one that was on the winning side. With each slash that the monsters lashed out at him, he was quick to either deflect with that giant key or sidestep it completely, and though the monsters’ movements were indiscriminate at best, the stallion kept pace with them without even a blink of an eye.

For a moment, one of the Heartless managed to get a little too close, swiping at Sora with its sharp claws. Fluttershy gasped, thinking the attack had landed, but Sora effortlessly parried the blow, sending the creature reeling back with a swift, powerful strike to its chest. His expression remained focused but calm, as if this was a battle he had fought many times before.

With one final swing of his Keyblade, Sora slashed through the second to last of the Heartless, the creature disintegrating into shadowy mist as it let out a faint hiss. He turned to face the only dark creature there, his head lowering. “Knew I was brought here for a reason.” he frowned. “Just what are you doing here? Did someone send you?” He asked, though he knew it was useless. He knew for a fact that, unless it was an extremely strong heart, normal heartless could not even begin to speak to him.

So he was completely surprised by what happened next.

“K...Ke...y..."

Sora reared back slightly. “W-what…?”

Both monsters took a step back as a grating voice pierced his ears once more.

“B....Bla...deeee....”

He narrowed his eyes as noticed the pair’s slow retreat. “H-Hey...Wait!”

The monsters slowly began to seep into a puddle of darkness, and even then their voice was heard clear as day. "K...Key... Blade...”

By the time the stallion realized it, it was too late. They were trying to get away. Keyblade reappearing in his mouth, he rushed forward in an attempt to seize them. He jumped and aimed the tip of his blade toward the puddles of darkness. Just as he reached the ground, though, the shadows dissipated, causing him to strike at nothing but dirt road.

Sora stood there, staring at the spot where the Heartless had vanished, his mind racing. "They... could talk?" he muttered to himself, still processing what had just happened. He had fought Heartless countless times before, but never had he encountered any that could speak—even in the broken, raspy way those creatures had. It sent a chill down his spine. Talking Heartless meant something different, something bigger, and he wasn’t sure if that was a good sign.

Is it Xemnas? Ansem? Are the Organization here too? Who else could it be? But then… How did they get here? Are they still after me? How did they know I was even here?

He clicked his teeth in frustration at the thought of having to deal with the Organization once again. Riku was the Keyblade master now. Why didn’t they bother him instead?

Why don’t they just go after him and leave me-

His heart panged slightly, a slight pain erupting into its very depths. He reached a hoof toward his chest, gripping his shirt slightly. “No...Stop Sora...I...I don't mean...that...”

His silent ramblings were cut off at the sound of someone approaching. Just as he turned, he was barely able to register the warmth of the body as yellow wrapped around his neck as he was pulled into a tight hug. A neatly styled but slightly frazzled pink mane hid most of her face from his view. Despite that he could feel his neck fur dampening from heated water as the mare that held him cried on his shoulder. Sora could only hover his hooves over her, not really knowing what he should do or how he should do it. He had never dealt with a crying girl before. That was always Riku’s department.

“U-Uh…” he stammered, his hooves awkwardly hovering in the air as he tried to figure out how to respond. “I… uh… It’s okay?”

He winced at his own clumsy words. Riku always knew what to say, he thought. But he wasn’t Riku, and now he was stuck trying to comfort someone clearly shaken by the ordeal they had just gone through.

Tentatively, Sora placed one of his hooves on Fluttershy’s back, patting her gently. “Hey… it’s okay now. You’re safe.”

She pulled away from him for a bit so that he could see her face. Tears streamed down her delicate features, causing the stallion to become rigid at the sight.

“I… I’m so glad you’re alright…” she said in between sobs. “I was so scared and… and…” Her sobs returned, a bit stronger than before, and she buried her face into his chest. The young stallion scratched his cheek with a hoof as he looked off to the side, surprised to see two of the three fillies that had been with him earlier. The yellow one, red-faced with furrowed brow, and the orange one, her mane messed up slightly and her face contorted in a look of total amazement, were both watching the exchange between him and the mare. For some reason, that made the poor boy blush a deeper shade of red.

“Fluttershy!” A new voice rang out, her accent heavy with southern drawl. “What’s goin’ on? Is everything alright?”

All eyes turned to find an orange pony with a stetson standing a ways off, slightly out of breath. The yellow pegasus sniffed as she let Sora go, and, after mouthing thank you, she quickly turned to the new pony and rushed toward her, wrapping her hooves around her in a tight embrace. The freckled orange mare was surprised at first, but then placed a hoof on the back of the other’s head, patting it gently.

Sora smiled as well at the exchange before turning away. He placed a hoof on his keyblade and furrowed his brow slightly. At least he knew the reason he was here now.

~

This is not good… not good at all…

A pony, completely covered in a dark tattered cloak, stood behind a tree, completely out of sight from everypony present. Even under their hood, an aura of hate could be seen radiating off their body. A hoof stomped once; twice; three times in frustration at the turn of events. It was clear that nothing went according to plan, and, at the sight of four other ponies converging upon the little gathering, the cloaked pony felt that a counterattack would be ill-suited. It was time to take their leave. Before they did, however, the figure’s sharp eyes stared straight at the purple unicorn pony approaching with a few others not far behind and glared.

“Your friend got lucky, Twilight.” The voice, clearly female, was sharp and spiteful. “Very, very lucky…” Her gaze fell upon the stallion. “For an actual keybearer to be here… now of all times…” She spat on the ground. “Master will not like this. Not. One. Bit.”

A black portal opened behind her and she slowly entered into it, allowing it to swallow her up before disappearing completely.