"This world... is just too small..." A girl's voice echoes sadly.
Far off on a beach shoreline, the waves crashed as they met the sand. A sense of calmness and the relaxing atmosphere could be felt around these waters as the bright moon made it sparkle and glimmer. As the waves grew stronger and stronger, something peculiar was up.
As one large wave came splashing down, it was carrying something… or rather someone. A human girl, had a long brown ponytail hairstyle with a gray shirt and a silver crown necklace, was soon washed up on the beach. She laid faced down on the sand unconscious, not showing any signs of getting up soon. Voices were then heard around the girl…
“Keyblade…”
“This world has been connected…”
“So, YOU’RE supposed to be a hero?”
“I’ll always be with you…”
“For my father!”
“I’m a witch… I did all of this…”
“My friends are my power!”
“When I really need you Alex… I know you’ll be there.”
“I’m asking you… as a friend…”
“We love you Alex!”
“Just… put an end to me.”
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The voices around the girl seized suddenly as footsteps are heard heading toward her direction. A figure soon came approaching the unconscious human. It appeared to be human too, as well as being female. She wore a very dark purple robe with a hood and a cyan heart pin centering it. She also had light brown eyes and a hairstyle that consisted of two long ponytails going over her shoulders and black in color.
The robed girl kneels down in front of the unconscious lass. She stares at her for a few seconds before standing back up. She then spoke, “So… you are the next hero.” A tear rolls down her cheek as she finished that sentence, “I can see him… in your heart… I know I fell into darkness once, but I promise for his sake, I will protect you and guide you to become something great.”
After her words, she steps back and holds out her arm as a bright light began to glow. After it faded, a small sword with a heart symbol centering it appeared in her grasp. It gave off a heavenly light and sparkled as she held it. She raised it up high as a beam of light shot out of it and bursts as it reached the sky. It exploded into many heart shaped fireworks that lit up the night sky with many colors and patterns that were directly above the unconscious girl.
The robed girl smiled at her work. “There… that should do it.” She says to herself looking back down at the washed up lass. “They will find you in due time with the fancy light show I put on for you. It really has been a while since I’ve last seen the Realm of Light… It’s good to be back… but in any case, I should get going.” She looks at the waves of the ocean as they continue to splash. “Alex… both of you, stay safe for me… I’ll see you later.” The girl then disappears in flash of light, no trace of her left behind. This left the washed up girl all alone with the fireworks still booming above her… hoping for someone or something to find her.
Meanwhile
As I wait for that sorry excuse for a queen to wake up, I’ll start with the next phase of my plan. King Sombra, in his shadow form drifted along the silent wind as he descended upon Earth in search of the other piece of the puzzle of his devious plot. Soon he arrived in the neighborhood that Toby once lived Now, let’s see, where could the one I’m searching for be at? Aha.. I think that’s the home. Slowly, his shadow form moved toward the house.
Inside Toby’s former home, James was sitting at the dinner table staring at a photo of him beside Ashley and Toby when the boy was just an infant. Silent tears rolled down his cheeks as he drank a glass of iced water. After being released from prison for child abuse, countless counts of DUI, and other charges, he returned home with a vow to end his drinking once and for all.
Oh Ashley honey and Toby, my big guy, what kind of monster have I become? If only I wasn’t so blind with alcohol, jealousy, and anger I could still have my family with me. His eyes were shut tight as he shook uncontrollably. After several seconds, he opened his eyes and stared at the photo with a determined look I know you two are gone now and I deserve to be all alone here in this house, but I promise I will try my hardest every day to make up for my crimes and be a better man. He took a swallow of his ice water and sniffled.
“Such a pathetic demonstration of emotion, like all weak, inferior creatures with a heart.” King Sombra slowly drifted into the dim-lit kitchen..
The man looked at the shadowy figure with a look of confusion “Who in the hell are you and how did you get in my house?”
Sombra slowly turned into his full unicorn form as a mischievous smile crept across his muzzle “All you need to know pathetic human is that I’m here to offer you a deal I believe you will be unable to refuse?”
As he looked closer at the evil king, James gasped “Wait, I know what you are. You’re one of those damn ponies that took my son from me, which I deserved I admit that.” He sneered at the unicorn as he took another drink of his water “Whatever you have to offer, you can forget it. I want just be left alone, so get the hell out of my house!” He slammed his fist on the kitchen table.
Sombra simply chuckled “Oh, I promise you will accept my offer one way or another.” He arched his eyebrows with malicious intent and as his eyes started to burn with intensity “Now time for you to go to sleep.” He shot a beam straight at the heart of James and knocked him to the floor. Soon, he would drift off into a state of unconsciousness.
Sombra meticulously trotted up to the fallen man and surrounded him in his magic aura “Time for you to come with me, my loyal subject. I’ll give you the strength you need to help me with my ultimate plan of revenge.” A low chuckle esacped his lips as he made James vanish in a flash.
Hahaha… Soon Princess Celestia, real soon, the reign of King Sombra shall begin.
Tartarus
Queen Chrysalis slowly started to stir in her sleep as a yawn escaped her mouth and her eyes began to flutter open. She blinked her eyes to take in the sight of her prison Gah… this place is such a wretched hole. My precious babies, or what is left of them have to be out there alone and starving without their mommy. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she climbed out of the cell’s cot she slept on.
“Well, well, well it looks like our guest is finally awake.” The voice of Discord rang through the changeling queen’s ears, causing her to cringe with disgust. The draconequus suddenly appeared before Chrysalis’ field of vision bug-sized “Hello Chrissy, how did you sleep my dear?” He chuckled and reached out to pat her head.
“Keep your filthy appendages off me you buffoon!” She snapped at Discord, but he immediately vanished and appeared outside her cell. She stomped angrily toward the cell door “Let me out this instant or I’ll turn you into a pitiful pile of parasprite waste!” She sneered as a scowl formed across her muzzle.
“Easy there bug queen! You’ll be let out when the boss tells me to let you out.” The hoofsteps of the towering Tirek could be heard as he approached the cell door and waved a large hand ‘Good morning Chrissy, I brought you some food just in case you were hungry.” He leaned his hand down and slid a slab of rock under the cell door.
She smacked the slab away and growled at the two “You imbeciles! Changelings do not feed on regular food, we feed on the love of others!” She smacked herself in the forehead with a hoof “And the name is Queen Chrysalis to you, not Chrissy!” She grunted annoyedly.
Discord and Tirek backed away, and tauntingly wiggled their fingers at her “Ooh, a bit touchy, aren’t we?” Discord chuckled as he snapped the talons of his eagle claw to make a glass of pink lemonade with a paper umbrella sticking out appear in front of Chrysalis “Here Chrissy, relax and just take time to cool your jets.” He chuckled.
Chrysalis’ brows furrowed with immense anger as she let out an ear splitting yell “IDIOTS! If I didn’t have my magic stripped by that good two shoes Princess Celestia and her half-witted sister, I would turn both of you into mindless drones of mine to serve and obey my every whim!” She stomped her hoof against the ground “NOW LET ME…”
“SILENCE!” The entire atmosphere of Tartarus rumbled at the commanding voice of Sombra. Slowly he floated into view of the three in his shadow form before morphing into his full unicorn form. His eyes glanced back and forth in between the three until settling on Chrysalis “Ah, it is good to see that you’re finally awake Chrysalis.” A smirk crept across his muzzle.
A look of shock washed over the changeling queen’s face “Sombra? How in the name of this blasted land are you still alive? Last I heard, you were defeated by those pesky and miserable excuses for heroes.” She quirked an eyebrow as she stared at the dark king.
“Leave us.” Sombra spoke lowly as he turned to look at Tirek and Discord.
“Leave? Why should we leave?” Tirek asked, crossing his arms “If this whole plan of Equestria Domination includes myself and Goat Boy here, then we should be involved with your talk with the bug queen.” He quirked an eyebrow curiously.
Suddenly Discord turned and pushed him “Goat Boy? Who are you calling Goat Boy grandpa?” He reached up and pulled at Tirek’s silvery white beard.
A rumbling growl resonated in the tuaren’s gut “GRANDPA?! Alright so called Master of Chaos, let’s…”
“ENOUGH!” The entire area of Tartarus shook at the yell of Sombra. Flames ignited the edges of his irises “That is why you two aren’t involved in this conversation! You two are nothing but children, but alas, don’t fret, both of you will have important roles on my master plan. For now, I just need Chrysalis and her ability of mind control.” He turned back to look at the changeling queen with a sinister grin.
Discord sighed heavily and looked at Tirek “Well, it looks like we are not needed for the time being beardy.” Discord elbowed Tirek who sneered at the nickname he was given.
“That is true donkey lips!” Tirek roughly smacked Discord on the back and let let out a lowly chuckle “Haha… donkey lips. I sleigh myself.” He continued to chuckle until Discord grabbed him by the beard with his lion paw.
“Donkey lips, huh? Do you wanna go Big Red?!” He stepped toward Tirek and got face to face with him “Let’s go!” With a snap of his talons, a pair of boxing gloves appeared on both his paw and talon.
“Do you really want to take me you pathetic, gullible, and once almighty master of chaos turned softee?” He chuckled heavily “Face it buddy, spending too much time with that whimpering, terrified little...oof!” Without warning Discord nailed Tirek in the side of the face with a boxing glove.
“Don’t you dare speak of Fluttershy in that manner!” He snarled at the tauren. The two got face to face again growling at each other.
Sombra simply face hoofed himself Gah.. insolent little children those two are. However, they are vital in my master plan to conquer Equestria. He sighed heavily and used his magic to make the bars of Chrysalis’ cell disintegrate “Come my queen, let’s go talk in private.”
“Whatever! Just to get away from these two buffoons.” She rolled her eyes at the sight of Discord and Tirek, and followed behind Sombra. After they were away a good distance the changeling queen asked curiously “So Sombra, what is this great master plan that you speak of?”
A lowly chuckle escaped the dark king’s lips “Well my dear, it would seem that both of us have suffered defeat from those pesky followers of Princess Celestia and her sister, the Elements of Harmony.” He then gave a smirk “However, I believe last time you tried to take the throne, you were outwitted by a mere child, am I correct?” His brows arched curiously at her.
She scoffed and turn her head “That little runt is the reason why I don’t have my magic, the reason why I am stuck in this sickening place, and the reason why all my children are gone!” She sneered and growled as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
“I do apologize for the loss of your children Chrysalis, but what would you say if I knew how you could extract your revenge, not only on the child, but those meddling elements?” He trotted up close to her and placed a foreleg around her shoulders.
She turned turned toward him with a quizzical look “Well, first I would say that you must have been gone for way too long to realize who you’re talking about. Yet, this does sound like a tempting offer. What do you have in mind my fellow royal intellect?” A slow mischievous grin formed across her muzzle.
“First, I believe we should remove that magic resisting ring around your horn.” Using his magic, Sombra effortlessly removed the cuff around Chrysalis’ horn and inceneragrated it. He smirked evilly “Now, since that is gone, I believe it’s time for you to regain your strength.” He lifted his foreleg up over her shoulders and trotted ahead “Follow me my queen.” With a firm nod, Chrysalis followed behind.
Ponyville
While the towns ponies were performing their daily morning routines, at the Ponyville hospital, a calm silence roamed through the entire establishment. Inside the lobby, Princess Celestia, along with her sister, the family, and friends of Fluttershy and Big Mac all slept peacefully. They were anticipating the arrival of the couple’s baby foal.
However, one member of the group was absent, Toby. The young child stood outside, staring up at morning sun as it shone brightly in the clear, blue sky. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he held the small box he kept on his dresser in his room I hope Momma will like this when I give it to her. Also, I hope… His thoughts were cut off as he felt a light weight on his shoulders.
“Hey little buddy, is something wrong?” He turned to see that it was Sunset Shimmer looking down at him with a warm smile on her muzzle. She leaned her head down to nuzzle at his cheek, and looked up at the sky “It’s a beautiful morning, isn’t it Toby?” She took in a deep breath of fresh air and exhaled.
He looked up at her “Yes it is big sister Sunset.” He then sighed heavily as he looked back down at the box in his hands “Sunset, do you think I’ll be a good big brother to Momma and Papa’s baby?” He looked up into her eyes with a look of hope.
“Toby! How could you ask such a question like that?” She wrapped her foreleg around his shoulders and pulled him close into a warm embrace “You will be a great big brother to the newborn foal.” She rubbed at his shoulders “Just like you are a great little brother.” She nuzzled his cheek.
“Thank you Sunset.” He blushed at the nuzzle and turned to hug her around her neck as he used a free hand to place the small box in his pocket.
She returned the hug by wrapping a foreleg around his back and kissed the top of his head “Anytime little buddy.’ She smiled warmly down at him “What do you say we go back in?” She rubbed his back soothingly as he nodded. The two turned and entered into the hospital lobby.
As the entered, Nurse Redheart was coming out to greet them with a warm smile “Hello young Toby and Sunset Shimmer.” She then looked at the others who were sleeping peacefully and cleared her throat “Good morning everypony, I have some very good news!” Her smile turned into a big grin.
The collection of ponies and others slowly awoken, blinked their eyes, and collective yawn escaped from each of their lips. Toby walked up to Nurse Redheart and looked up at her “Is Momma doing okay Miss Redheart?” He asked with a little worry in his eyes.
She placed a hoof on his shoulder and smiled warmly down at him “Yes she is dear.” She lifted her gaze toward the others “It is a little baby girl and you all can come in and see the little bundle of joy.” She waved for the group to follow as she trotted ahead.
Soon they arrived at the entrance of Fluttershy’s hospital room when they stopped. On the bed, she was cradling a small filly wrapped up in a warm, pink, cotton blanket. She looked at the door with a warm smile on her muzzle and motioned them to enter with a wave of her hoof “Come in everyone, I would like for you all to meet Apple Blossom.” She looked back down to the small bundle cradled in her forelegs.
The group slowly filed into the room so not to disturb the sleeping foal. As they quietly circled around the bed they noticed she had a light pink coat and mint green tufts as her mane and tail, and sprouting from her sides were two small wings. She was sleeping peacefully wrapped up in the warm blanket as the group d'awww at the sight.
“She is such a precious little darling!” Rarity beamed with joy as she looked at the baby “If it’s alright with you two, I would be more than honored to create some clothes for the little dear.” She reached a hoof to very lightly stroke at the young filly’s head.
“Um… that would be nice Rarity, thank you.” Fluttershy smiled warmly at her friend. She looked back down at her newborn baby “Did you hear that sweetheart, your Aunt Rarity is going to make you some nice, cute clothes for you to wear.” She beamed as she leaned her head down to nuzzle at Apple Blossom.
Toby who had a smile on his face stood in the back of all his family and friends while they were enjoying the new arrival. However, inside he felt an ache in his heart Momma sure does look happy with the new baby. I wonder if she looked that happy when she first discovered me. His thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice of his adoptive mother.
“Toby sweetie, come meet your baby sister.” She smiled warmly at him and motioned him with a fore hoof.
The young boy nodded and approached the side of the bed, and stood next to Big Mac. The stallion placed a foreleg around his adoptive son’s shoulders as Toby looked at the sleeping foal. He smiled softly and spoke lightly “Hello Apple Blossom, I’m Toby and I’m going to be your big brother.” He then looked up into Fluttershy’s eyes “She is very pretty Momma and Papa.”
“That she is mah boy, that she is.” Big Mac patted him on the back “And Ah know that ya will be a fine big brother to her Toby.” A warm smirk crept across his muzzle as he looked down at the boy.
Fluttershy reached over with her free hoof to gently stroke at Toby’s hair “Yes you will Toby. Your papa and I love you so much.” She looked from Toby back to Apple Blossom “We love you both.” She smiled warmly at her two children and then at Big Mac.
The others felt tears form in their own eyes at the sight of the family all together. “Ya know, Ah wish we had a camera. This would be a perfect family photo.” Applejack spoke as she smiled at the sight.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door and the group turned to see who it was “Did somepony say they needed a camera?” In the doorway stood a stallion with a light blue coat, wavy brown mane and tail, and for his cutie mark he had a camera.
The group looked at the new pony curiously “Who are you stranger?” Nikolai asked as his ally, Riley stood beside him letting out a low growl. The adult human looked down at his canine companion “Calm yourself Riley. This new arrival does not look threatening.” He reached down and rubbed between the wolf’s ears.
“No Sir, I’m not threatening or dangerous at all. My name is Shutter Flash and I am from the town of Hoofington. I’m a professional photographer and I would be honored if you would let me take a family photo.” He gave a warm smile.
“Oh, I’ve heard of you darling. I’ve seen some of your photography in the latest fashion magazine and if a lady may admit, they were rather stunning.” She giggled and blushed.
With a nod of his head “Well, thank you Ma’am, I truly appreciate that.” He then looked around at the whole group “So who is the lovely family I will be photographing today?” He had a saddlebag worn over his back as he started to search through it.
“Um… we are Mr. Flash.” The timid pegasus raised her hoof and waved at the new stallion “My name is Fluttershy and this is my family.” She motioned toward Big Mac first “This is my husband, Big Macintosh Apple.”
Shutter Flash was setting up a small tripod and a camera while Big Mac nodded “Howdy there Mr. Flash. We certainly do appreciate ya taking the time out of your day to take our picture.” He chuckled.
“No worries Sir, it is my honor. Also, no need to call me Mr. Flash, Shutter is just fine.” He chuckled as he spotted the human boy “Oh, and who might you be young lad?”
Fluttershy smiled warmly at her son and reached over with her free fore leg to lay over his shoulders “This is Toby Mason and he is my son.” She smiled motherly at the boy and then at the little bundle in her other foreleg “And this is my new foal, Apple Blossom.”
With a gentle nod of his head, Shutter Flash stood behind his camera “Well it is nice to meet you all.” He focused the lens until he had a clear picture “Alright, say cheese.” He chuckled as the FlutterMac family got close together. He reached up a hoof and pressed the flash button “And there, a perfect family picture.” He smiled proudly at his work, but then looked at everyone else “I know, why don’t all of you get all together, and I will take one of the whole group.”
They all looked at each other with smiles on their faces and nodded as they all gathered around the family. Shutter Flash focused the lens again and smiled at the picture “Alright everyone, smile big and proud.” He chuckled and pressed the flash button again.
After making sure he took the perfect pictures, he packed up his camera equipment back into his saddle bag “Um… Shutter… um… thank you again for taking our picture together.” Fluttershy smiled warmly “Um… how much will it cost?”
“Oh, don’t worry Miss Fluttershy, it’s on the house.” He gave a wink as he placed the saddle bag back over his shoulder “I will get the film developed and I will get the pictures back to you as soon as possible.” He smiled warmly at the whole group and saluted with a hoof “Well, I know I didn’t get to meet all of you, but hopefully I will before I leave to go back to Hoofington. For now I’m visiting my mother here, because she has fallen under an illness that affects the horns of unicorns.”
Celestia trotted up to him and placed a hoof gently on his shoulder “Well, we are sorry to hear that dear Shutter Flash. We all hope that she gets better soon and may we welcome you to Ponyville.” She smiled warmly at the stallion.
Shutter Flash bowed his head “”Thank you your majesty, I appreciate that.” He waved bye to everyone and trotted out of the hospital room.
“You know that this means don’t you?” Pinkie Pie spoke up as she beamed excitedly “I get to throw a Welcome To Your New Home Of Equestria And Ponyville Party!” She threw her forelegs up in the air happily, earning a giggle and roll of the eyes from her friends.
Tears started to form in Fluttershy’s eyes as she looked from the baby in her forelegs, to her son, and to Big Mac “What’s wrong Momma?” Toby asked worriedly as he saw her tears.
“Nothing’s wrong sweetheart. I’m just so happy to have my very own family.” She said proudly as they embraced each other. The others looked on with smiles on their faces as it seemed that everything was going going joyfully.
Tartarus (Secret Cavern)
Drip...Drip...Drip. That was all could be heard in a deep, damp cavern in the lower regions of Tartarus. Laid out on a cold, steel table was James, still unconscious after his brief meeting with King Sombra back on Earth. The drops of water falling from the cavern’s ceiling struck his head causing him to slowly stir.
As he started to wake, his vision was blurry as he let out a low grunt. He blinked his eyes a couple of time until his sight became clear “Gah.. where am I?” He spoke aloud to himself and tried to get up. However, he felt that his wrists were stuck, along with his feet, and he looked to see that his hands and feet have been shackled. He gasped and looked around to see nothing but a vast, dark, cold, and damp cave “What?! What’s happening?!” He said in an angry tone.
“Aah… you are awake.” Sombra slowly trotted into view and over to a side of the table, peering down at James “Now that you are, it’s time to start phase two of my master plan.” He cackled as he levitated a vial with a black liquid in it.
“Let me go you damn pony!” James yelled as he pulled and struggled in his bindings, but his struggles was futile. He looked at the vial slowly approaching him “What is that crap anyways?!”
“Well this little concoction prepared a dear good friend of mine will make you relax, but also help turn you into a loyal servant of mine.” Sombra chuckled lowly and used his magic to hold James mouth open ‘Drink up slave!” He tilted the vial near James opened mouth as the liquid slowly poured into his gullet.
Forced to swallow it James hacked and suddenly his head became light heavy “W-what’s going on now you blasted equine?!” He sneered at the looming Sombra.
“Oh, you are just going to take a little nap, and when you awake, you will be a brand new being. Now go to sleep my loyal servant and when you wake, I shall take my plan up above.” He cackled and trotted off as James slept.
Oh, young Toby, wait until you see your father in his new form. I promise you will feel the worse pain you have ever felt.
Following the events of the hooded figure finding her, the young girl still laid lifeless on the shores as the waves of the water continued to echo throughout the area. Her clothes still soaked while she laid on the sand and the fireworks still boomed above her. Physically, she was still as a statue without any signs of consciousness. Mentally however, she was thinking many things as visions filled her head.
Glimpses of people. places and symbols she didn’t recognize, feelings and thoughts that flooded
her mind, and the name “Alex” always being brought up. The person with that name seemed to be all that she thought about… But never an actual clear picture of this one’s face. She would she this person arriving always with a key shaped sword in hand to save the day in whatever vision she had. From the looks of things, this “Alex” was a hero… But something didn’t match up.
“Who… is this?” She thought to herself. “I don’t remember seeing any of this… What’s happening to me?”
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A bright light blinds the thoughts in her head to reveal another vision. This time of two girls sitting inside of an all white room. One of them was the hooded figure from before while the other had long flowing light-blonde hair. She wore a gray colored dressed and carried a sketchbook with her.
“Jaden… Something’s come up.” The dark purple robed girl spoke, “And I have a feeling it involves his heart being asleep… My brother and I have lost the power of the Keyblade.”
The blonde girl sighs and responds, “I see… and you are right Adri.”
The robed girl now known as Adri started to grow concern now, “What’s going on?” she asks her.
“While I was fixing his memories after you gave him to me, I noticed something wrong about him… His memories began to shift and change.” She said, “Soon, it became whole and turned into a real person.”
Adri gasps, “Where is it now?!” She exclaimed.
Jaden shook her head. “I can’t say for sure… But it may be wandering the worlds you and the others travelled to on your adventure.”
Adri stood up, “I need to go look for it! It’s the only way to save him and those in tied with him!”
Jaden countered, “No wait! It’s too dangerous now without your powers!... I know of a way to fix all of this. It may take more time, but I know a way to safely return him back.”
The hooded girl was determined and refused, “His purpose to go on our previous adventure was originally to find and save me when I was captured. I owe him this much… after all, he’s one of the greatest big brothers you could have. Sure, he’s pretty careless at times, but his name and spirit tells the tale… I may not have the power the Keyblade now, but my heart is enough. He said the same thing during his final hours before he fell into this sleep.”
Jaden smiled and sighed at Adri, “I see that I can’t stop you… Ok, you win. Search for this figure and tell me where it’s going… Shouldn’t be too hard to find. Remember, this thing has the power of the Keyblade so just look for that. But please be careful, I have no idea what that thing’s intentions are or what it wants… Just come back safely, for Alex.”
Adri nodded, “I’ll be back soon.” She turns and begins walking away. “...Alex, I promise I’ll find whoever this is so we can wake you up… Me and the other two are missing you… I won’t let this cycle that the books foretold continue. For your sake and for everything you did for us, I promise this cycle will finally be broken.”
The vision ends, leading the unconscious girl back to blank thoughts. She felt concern for what she saw, but didn’t know how to react. Every thing she saw wasn’t her own memories… In fact, she has no clue who she even is.
“Alex… could this person be me?” The girl thought, “Who… am I?”
