Magic of the Heart

Chapters

A Heart's Meaning
Balance Altered
Division
Reveal
Sparkle of Hope
Princess' Teacher
Rotten Core

A Heart's Meaning

Magic Of The Heart
Prologue: A Heart’s Meaning

How does one measure the purity of ones heart? Do you by the actions they do from day to day? Could you figure it out with the one saintly task that sets them apart? Most believe that a heart is nothing more then the organ that keeps blood flowing. While others see it more deeply, as the part of you that feels love, hate, even holds ones dreams and memories. Do you deep down hold those in your heart like you say? Or is the expression nothing more then that, a expression? That is mostly on how you see it. But the one thing that everyone can agree on, the heart is a powerful part of ones body.

“HI TWILIGHT!!!”

“AH!?” The purple alicorn was snapped out of her book she was reading by the sudden surprise by her friend. The book fell to the floor with a light thud as the unicorns magic no longer floated it in front of her. She snapped her head toward the pink pony starring at her from across the table in the library built in the tree. “Pinkie what’s going on? You could’ve given me a heart attack!” She blurted out but trying to remain civil with her harsh tone.

“Oh, sorry Twi, I just came to invite you to a party I’m planning later!” She should have guessed. “I’m having a special celebration for Hearts and Hooves day today!” Pinkie Pie began to bounce around happily before giving her friend a invitation looking a lot like what we may call a Valentines card. Twilight took it with her magic and looked at it then nodded her head.

“Thanks Pinkie I believe I should be able to show up. Just let me finish with this book and I’ll head over to Sugarcube Corner. The Princess actually asked me to do some research on the heart. Apparently she wants me to look into some mumbo jumbo about how the hearts can hold memories and stuff like that. Not sure why she of all ponies would believe in that. Everypony knows that you keep your emotions and memories really in the mind with a elaborate…” Twilight Sparkle was cut off as she picked up her book with a picture of a cartoon heart illustrated on the front of it.

“Oh I know something about the heart! The heart makes a good rhythm just like a drum! Bum bum! Bum bum!” She began imitating the sound with a slow tempo speeding up now and again to make it sound like music. In fact she began dancing around the room to the beat. Her friend rolled her eyes but laughed a bit clopping her hooves together to the beat. To her this was a little silly but she expected nothing different from her friend. Pinkie kept dancing until she was out the door. Twilight lifted the book back up but watched her friend and yelled out to her, “I should be there in about a hour!” She laughed a little more to herself before shutting the door with her magic. She turned back to her book and began to read, “In many cases the heart is meant to also house ones feelings for their family and friends.” She paused for a moment thinking about her friends, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and her baby dragon assistant Spike. She dropped the book, quickly put a saddle bag on and ran out the door she opened. “Pinkie Pie hold on! I’m coming!” She yelled with a smile.

Balance Altered

Magic Of the Heart
Chapter 1: Balance Altered

Twilight Sparkle, a purple alicorn with a purple and pink mane and tail. A star cutie mark with five smaller stars surrounding the other. She was one special pony though she would not admit that out loud as she didn’t wish to boast. She trotted into Sugarcube Corner looking at the heart decorated room. Heart balloons, heart cut outs, heart shaped sweets, even a rendition of pin the tail on the pony, where the tail was replaced by a heart. Two years ago when she used to live in Canterlot she used to turn down parties like this all the time. She always thought studying was far more important then any party could ever be. That all changed after coming to Ponyville and meeting her friends however. She learned the value of friendship and was even asked to make reports based on her findings on friendship. This came pretty simply to her as she was always one to analyze everything, even if she never thought friendship was that important until then. Her and her friends grew very close during the time they’ve spent, especially after finding out that they were able to use the Elements of Harmony and defeating both Nightmare Moon and Discord.

Twilight trotted toward the snack table that Pinkie had set up. The heart shaped food looked amazing. But that wasn’t a surprise as Pinkie may have been a Earth pony but she almost seemed to have her own magic when it came to making sweets. Apple Jack was sitting at the table with a apple cobbler half gone in front of her. She had eyes curiously on some sort of wrap with cherries inside. It seemed…familiar. Before she could put her hoof on it Twilight came up. “Howdy Twi. Happy Hearts and Hooves day.” She said with a tip of her hat.

Twilight Sparkle smiled to her orange Earth pony friend. “Happy Hearts and Hooves day to you too Applejack. Wow this is quite the spread Pinkie has set up.” She couldn’t resist licking her lips at the thought of trying one of those cakes Pinkie had sitting out. “I may have to have a slice of that cake right now.” As she said this she began cutting a slice out.

“Go right at it. Pinkie said she is baking three more as we speak.” AJ said before she swallowed the last piece of her cobbler. The orange pony didn’t hesitate to grab another confection from pile. The two began talking about different things, now and again heading back to the fact that they weren’t currently looking for a special somepony like many other couples did on this special day.

As they spoke Twilight felt something touch her leg. She looked down to see a purple claw reached out to her that she was familiar with. “Spike, what are you doing under the table?” Twilight asked the dragon.

“I’m too nervous to come out…” Spike said nervously.

“What? Why?”

Spike didn’t respond verbally, instead he just pointed. In the direction he pointed was Rarity and Fluttershy by a bowl of punch. Rarity was sure this wasn’t Gummy’s favorite this time as last time that disturbed her a bit. The unicorn and pegasus were gossiping about a few handsome colts they had saw around town. Well Rarity was talking more while Fluttershy mostly blushed and agreed now and again when a colt she recognized was mentioned. “Come on Fluttershy there must be someone you have your eyes on. Today would be the perfect day to go tell him your feelings.” She smiled trying to influence her friend to spill on someone she would want to get together with.

The timid pegasus shook her head, “Ohh n…no, there’s no one I’m that interested in.” She lowered her head a bit afraid to admit anything like that. “Besides…there are plenty of other mares that they could get together with besides me.”

As Rarity shook her head to tell Fluttershy how wrong she was, and compliment her natural beauty and such Twilight looked back to Spike, who she now noticed had a heart shaped card in his hands. “Why are you afraid of Rarity? Are you afraid to give that card you made to her?” Spike nodded slowly. “Oh Spike, don’t be so afraid shy. Rarity already knows about you liking her and I know she’d love to get a card from you!”

Spike shook his head once more. “No way! Rarity is a high class pony. She’d want a lot more then such a simple hand made card for Hearts and Hooves!”

“Nonsense Spike. Rarity would love a card you put your hard work into much more then one you could go out and buy. Besides didn’t you have some rare gem you planned to give her that you were saving?”

Spike hung his head in shame. “I got so nervous making the card I by mistake mistook it for one of the snack jewels on had so I ate it.” Twilight gave a caring smile, trying not to laugh as that was a rather funny mistake. Applejack on the other hoof was having a little more trouble as she smirked a bit. “It’s not funny guys.” Spike crossed his arms angry then sighed at the fact he couldn’t pull up the courage.

As this was going on the tension was broken by the cyan pony over by the record player, Rainbow Dash. “Hey Pinkie! Where are all the rock songs? I’m finding nothing but your usual party music and some mushy love music.” She took one of the love song and tossed it aside with a “Bleck!” not being one fond of that sort of junk.

Rarity looked her way. “Oh come now Rainbow Dash. It’s Hearts and Hooves day. Love is in the air for everyone. Could you show some class and enjoy the romance today brings? Besides this song can’t be so bad could…WHAHA!?” Rarity in the process picked up the record Dash tossed aside and was taken back by what she saw. “Oh Celestia I love this song! Rainbow Dash how could you toss it aside like it was last months design?!”

“Why would I care if it was last-”

“Show some respect, some of us love this wonderful music.” Rarity placed the record onto the player and set the needle. She listened as the music began and slowly hummed along. “Oh this beautiful track~. I remember this being played when I was on my first date ever.” Rarity swooned at the very memory. Rainbow Dash pointed her hoof to her open mouth pretending to vomit. “Ah he was quite the colt. At the time I believed we would last forever!”

“What happened then?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

“Oh well…I don’t like thinking about that part but let’s just say that he wasn’t looking for the…one.” She sighed but held a small smile. Her friends all said their different forms of bringing her confidence up that Rarity loved to hear. Soon she was back to her swooning over the music.

The party went on for a bit everyone having great fun, even Rainbow Dash who was afraid to enjoy the love songs but eventually Pinkie swapped the music to some rock to make her ‘bestest’ friend happy. The party seemed to be going great, that was until the door opened and everyone paused to look at what was standing there. None of the ponies had seen anything like it. It appeared to be some black creature, with glowing yellow eyes. It was about the height of Spike, only taller then him due to its antenna. It slowly stepped foreword looking tough on it’s back two legs, though it’s clawed hands didn’t appear to be used often. “Oh a new face! Welcome to Sugarcube corner, and what a great time too, we already have a party going so I can just make a small alter to it and it won’t just be for Heart and Hooves day but also a welcome to Ponyville party!” Pinkie bounced toward the creature as she spoke. The creature kept looking around at the group, but seemed to not understand them, or just not care what they said. It began making its way toward Rarity and Fluttershy. As it did Spike went to hide behind Twilight’s leg but then felt a pressure in his stomach leap up toward his mouth. In that instant he let out a flaming burp, rising a scroll straight out of the flame. Twilight took it with her magic. She knew it was from the princess and she wanted to look at it…but this creature didn’t look safe so she kept her eye on it. She also said nothing because if it could think she didn’t want to hurt its feelings.

Fluttershy examined it a bit, though very hesitant to get too close to it. “I’ve never seen anything like you before. Can you speak?” She asked the pitch black creature. It didn’t respond, only starred at her intently, as if trying to figure it’s own thing out about her.

Twilight was still very skeptical on what the creatures intentions were but she figured now would be a fair enough time to read the message the princess had sent.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle,

It has come to my attention that some strange creatures have begun to appear all around Equestria. I have been looking into it and so far I have only found more and more threats pop up. It has become too much for me and my sister to handle and we request your assistance as soon as possible. So far most of these creatures we have come into contact with have been shrouded in darkness as if they were living shadows themselves. We believe that they are attracted to those with the strongest hearts as they seem to aim for the most loving of families, even passing our guards just to attack them. In some cases we have even seen the ponies attacked slowly transform into these creatures as well. There has been old lore of creatures using the darkness as means to travel and populate. They aimed to steal the hearts from others for purposes most find unknown. This accurately sounds like the threat we may now be facing so we have deemed them the same as the creatures of the lore; Heartless. We beg that you and your friends come to Canterlot so we may discuss further details, and in hopes drive back this threat to our nation.”

Princess Celestia

Twilight starred at the scroll confused. ‘A creature without a heart? That made no sense, how could anything survive that way?’ Her concentration was quickly broke as her friends suddenly screamed, Fluttershy screaming the loudest. When she looked up from her scroll…she was stunned to see the creature was attacking Fluttershy and she was surrounded. The Heartless were upon them.

Division

Magic of the Heart
Chapter 2: Division

Shadows, Shadows everywhere. And worst of all, one was on Fluttershy, doing something that no pony could put their hoof on even if they were thinking rationally. But it wasn’t the time for that, it was time for action! Rainbow Dash, as quick as her name flew straight at the Shadow knocking it off of Fluttershy. However even then the creature still appeared unphased by this, only shoved. It got back onto it’s hind legs ready for more. Fluttershy balled up, traumatized by this. All her friends quickly surrounded her defending, even Rarity who didn’t wish to get dirty could not let her friend be hurt. Only Twilight didn’t get in the circle quickly looking over the message. “Heartless…Shadows! Girls this must be things the princess was warning me about! These strange creatures have no hearts!” Twilight yelled out.

“Explains a lot!” Applejack yelled. “These varmints don’t seem tah have a lick of remorse!” Applejack showed off her bucking skills to one of the Shadow’s face once more only knocking it away. “Resilient aren’t they?”. Just that moment the girls heard another scream, this time outside. “What the hay?”

Twilight peered outside and what she saw sent her stumbling back in fear. Staring back at her was a black smoky body with bright yellow eyes staring at her. And around it was more Shadows and some other creatures that must have been Heartless too. Ponies were running all over, decorations were ripped apart, and the oddest part, some ponies were being tackled and sapped of their heart, just to become one of the Heartless creatures. “Oh my Celestia…they are multiplying! And they are making other ponies like them!” All the other ponies eyes went wide, only thing breaking them of that was the pouncing of the Shadows attempting the tackle them once more. The girls quickly knocked them away once more. “Girls! Run!” Twilight didn’t need to tell them twice. The girls were out of there quickly, just running through town avoiding everypony.

“So, where the heck are we even going Twilight?!” Rainbow Dash yelled out to her friends low from the air. She knew she could get out of there just by flying away, but she refused to leave her friends. Twilight looked up a bit toward her, but mostly yelled to the whole group. “Well, it seems Princess Celestia knows what’s going on. I guess going to Canterlot to her castle is about the best choice we have!” “Oh great, that’s far enough!” Rainbow growled back. “Well it’s our only hope dear.” Rarity said, “The Princess has lived long enough to see so many things, she must know someth-” at that moment the girls heard a scream they’ve heard before. Rarity gasped stopping her gallop, causing the others to stop. “SWEETIE BELLE! Oh dear I need to help her!” Rarity began galloping toward the yell as fast as she could. “Rarity! Wait we need to-” Once again everything was cut off when Applejack was running full force toward her. “Ah got her! You girls keep going! Ah’ll make sure we catch up! Besides…Applebloom was with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo last ah heard!” The two were gone toward the scream in moments. The others looked afraid to keep running but they did anyway.

The last of the girls rushed faster and faster, only a short distance from the train station, hoping the train still ran. Luckily the train hadn’t come recently, so there wasn’t anypony around, meaning none of those creatures. The girls huffed and puffed for breath, sitting and lying down. “Alright, we should be safe here…” Twilight said through heavy breathing. “Oh I hope Rarity and Applejack are ok…” Fluttershy said still gasping for air. “Applejack will be fine.” Rainbow said, least tired of all. “She’s a tough pony. As for Rarity, she’s able to hold her own, but I am still worried about them.” Pinkie Pie took a seat and crossed her front legs. “All that planning for Hearts and Hooves and then these shadow things ruin everything! Then they attack all of Ponyville! We need to get rid of them or something.” Pinkie held a determined face, that surprised the other girls a bit. “Pinkie we can’t. Not yet at least.” Twilight said a little uneasy to say those words. “Princess Celestia knew these were coming somehow, which most likely means she knows how to get rid of them.” “Why didn’t we just write to the Princess like usual Twilight?” Spike asked, now to Twilight’s side, to give her more room to breathe. “She wanted to speak to us directly Spike. As much as I hate to leave Ponyville in a state like this, Celestia knows what she’s talking about. Now, we need to hurry. The sooner we get to Canterlot and speak with the princess, the sooner we can rush back and make sure everypony is ok. The three girls and Spike nodded in agreement to Twilight, getting up and running the short distance to the train station.

Lucky for the girls the train station didn’t appear to have much, if any of these heartless creatures. But just as they ran up they could hear a few screams from some different animals. This caused Fluttershy to pause and look back. “Oh no…the animals are being attacked too? We need to help them.” Fluttershy tried to convince the others. “There’s nothing we can do Fluttershy. You saw what happened to the ones that tried to attack you in Sugarcube Corner. No matter what we did to them they didn’t seem to be hurt, and I am NOT going to try and hold those things.” Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy let out a light sigh feeling defeated. That was until she saw it. A new kind of these heartless creatures. A small white furry one, with a mysterious stitched up heart pattern on it’s chest. It’s yellow eyes glowing bright for a creature of the darkness. “Is that a rabbit?” Pinkie asked recognizing the shape. Fluttershy gasped loudly, before spreading her wings and flying a speed that made Rainbow Dash look slow…in the opposite direction of the train station. “ANGEL BUNNY!!” The girls heard her yell as she rushed back to her cottage. “Fluttershy?!” Pinkie yelled worried for the yellow pegasus. “I got her! You three hurry to Celestia and figure this out!” Rainbow Dash yelled chasing her friend down. Pinkie and Twilight looked at each other now more worried then ever. The six ponies were down to two and one baby dragon. “We need to go Pinkie. We can’t leave the girls forever.” Twilight said, looking a bit grim. “But…but we can’t just leave all of them.” Pinkie said, though starting the gallop to the train. “We can’t do anything. You heard Dash. No matter what we did it appeared these Heartless are both resistant to pain, and way too determined to attack. If Celestia knows of a way to fight them, we need that to help the others.” Twilight didn’t like to admit these words, but there was nothing else that could be done, and Pinkie knew it. Though Pinkie was first to run, due to her hesitant feelings Twilight quickly got ahead of her.

Finally the train station, and just in time. The train was seconds from leaving. Though she knew it was wrong, Twilight got onto the train without a ticket. However seeing as about all the other few ponies who were getting on didn’t seem to care for a ticket either due to the panic in Ponyville, no one would care. “We made it Pinkie. Should be easy until we get to Canterlot.” Twilight took a moment to slow her walk, happy in a moment she could sit after that panicked run. However, she started to get worried when Pinkie Pie said nothing. “Um Twilight.” Spike said still on Twilight’s back. “Pinkie isn’t behind us…” “What?! She was there a moment ago!” Twilight stepped off of the train and spread her wings, lifting herself about the height of the station building, searching for her friend but just couldn’t see her. “Of all the times you could do this Pinkie…” Twilight said sadly. “Should we turn back and try and find her? Maybe get the others?” Spike asked, now shaking a bit in fear, imagining what could be happening to his friends. “No.” Twilight was blunt about it. “Like I said, we need to get to Celestia.” Twilight lowered herself to the ground and headed back into the train, but not before one pony caught her eye. One exiting another car had a fully black cloak, hood over his head so you couldn’t see his face. But what she could see was his cutie mark, on his lavender coat fur. A black heart? It looked familiar, but she couldn’t place it. Before she could say anything the door shut. Guess it didn’t matter. She trotted over to a seat and sat. “Finally, to Canterlot.”

Reveal

Magic of the Heart
Chapter 3: Reveal

The train ride wasn’t super long to Canterlot, but after what Twilight and Spike went through it felt like ages. The tension in the air was thick. Both of them had things they planned to say but couldn’t bring themselves to saying it. Though they didn’t talk much other ponies were talking, fear strong throughout the car. When Canterlot was finally seen ahead of the train car, the baby dragon finally spoke, “I hope the others are ok.” He said looking at the floor. “They should be Spike. We’ve all been through a lot.” The alicorn princess smiled lightly but she could not make it convincing. “Let’s just get the castle and see the princess alright?” Spike nodded and hopped down from the seat as the train came to a stop. Twilight followed shortly after. The two started their run to the castle, but not in full gallop in slight fear that it may cause panic in the city. “Those creatures don’t appear to be here Twilight. Maybe we’re finally in luck?” “I don’t know. If the princess saw these monsters coming then maybe she already has a way to keep them out? Though she seems to have extra guards just in case.” Twilight said noticing the extra guards stationed around. “Can’t blame them. I think these things maybe worse then a hyrdra, manticore, and zombie ponies all put together!” Spike said trembling. Twilight rolled her eyes on the zombie pony part, “Still on about zombie ponies?” “Can you blame me? With stuff like this how can we be sure that isn’t possible?” Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but paused realizing there was a slight point.

A short time passed and the two came up the castle. A guard noticed the rushed two and raised his weapon at the ready before lowering it once more realizing who it was. “Oh Princess Twilight there you are. Princess Celestia has been waiting for you.” He stepped aside, this time saluting. Twilight nodded, now galloping at a faster pace, forcing Spike to tighten his grip. The castle was much more silent than normal. There were a few more guards down the halls, yet this oddly seemed the least guarded location. Each one saluted the charging alicorn who did not stop to say anything. Normally these halls had more servants and even a few visiting ponies, but today it seemed the princess requested everyone out or something. Twilight slowed her pace as her breathing became labored. It had become a little too much to run that fast and long. She felt she’d run more this day then any other day in her life. That’s when her ear went up hearing a familiar voice coming from behind a large doorway. Twilight glanced at it remembering seeing this room before but it normally had a large padlock on it. “Is that Celestia’s voice behind it?” Spike asked hearing it too. Twilight nodded a moment trying to say ‘yes’ but couldn’t let it out through her gasps for air. She lifted her hoof and knocked on the door. Inside she heard the princess’ voice say to someone, “Ah that must be Twilight Sparkle. One moment.” The door slowly creaked open for Twilight and Spike to enter, and what she saw inside surprised her a bit.

“Ah Twilight, we’ve been waiting for you.” Celestia said smiling. The princess was sitting on a pillow much like one on her throne with a small table to her side. On top of the table was a teapot and a cup still steaming from the hot tea inside. In front of Celestia was a mirror, slightly larger than herself, and appeared stylized with decorations of wizard hats and wands, looking like something The Great and Powerful Trixie may have designed. In fact, the whole large room had different mirror on each side of the room with different designs on them, all fitting some theme. Twilight stood there, mouth a bit agape from seeing her old tutor sitting around when there were so many ponies out there in trouble. “Excuse me princess?!” Twilight could not help but yell. She did not normally speak out against the princess like this, as it was rather common for the princess to do nothing, but at a time like this was terrible. “All of Ponyville is being attacked and who knows where else?! While you are just sitting here looking at yourself in the mirror?! And what do you mean ‘we’?!” Twilight screamed, infuriated.

“I must say Princess Celestia, for how much you spoke of your apprentice I did not expect that to be the first words I heard from her.” Twilight’s anger vanished in almost a instant and turned to confusion. That voice she never heard before, and it seemed to come from the mirror the princess was sitting before. Twilight slowly stepped forward without saying a word, the door shutting behind her. As she got closer to where the princess was she could see in the mirror, no reflection of the princess but instead a old human man garbed in blue robes and a wizard hat on his head. His face appeared to be in a angered state, but he didn’t seem to give off any real anger at all. “Is that?” “A human?” Spike finished Twilight’s question. The man’s face, though remaining stern let a small smile creep across his face. “Ah there you are Princess Twilight Sparkle. I wondered if you were going to keep us waiting any longer.” The old man said making Twilight freeze. “I’m so sorry I came as fast as I could um…” She paused just keeping eye contact through the looking glass. Celestia cleared her throat to break the silent tension. “Twilight this is Yen Sid, a powerful wizard from another world. I called you to speak to him as he knows very much about these Heartless attacking our world.” Yen Sid’s demeanor changed to a much more upset hearing Celetia’s words. When Celestia noticed she waved her hoof to dismiss the fear, “Oh Yen Sid she knows of other worlds. She noticed you were a human didn’t she? She’s been to another world at least once.” Twilight realized what that meant, and started looking down the hall. There were so many of these mirrors, each with different symbols. If what Celestia had hinted to then that would mean each of these mirrors would be a portal to another world, just like the one in the Crystal Empire. “I would suppose that is true.” Yen Sid said stroking his long gray beard, “But you know the rules between worlds. Just because you have the connections to other worlds, does not mean you should go and tell others. It keeps our worlds safer this way.” Twilight shivered feeling this man’s coldness come to surface. Celestia let out a gentle sigh as she used her magic to both sip her tea and pour a cup for Twilight and Spike at the same time. She paused looking toward the door and Twilight once more. “Wait. Where are your friends Twilight?” Celestia asked a bit surprised rarely seeing them separate sense she moved to Ponyville. “They are back in Ponyville still princess. There were some grave matters they needed to attend to.” Worry crawled on the lavender alicorn’s face which she preferred to try and hide. Celestia’s own face changed too, but to that of fear. “Twilight I asked for you all to be here.” “I know princess but I had to be here quickly, and the other girls had to protect their own loved ones. They are all strong, no reason they shouldn’t be safe right?” Twilight looked between Yen Sid and the princess, both with grim expressions. Yen Sid finally spoke up. “Young princess…you may have put your friends very lives at risk.”

Sparkle of Hope

Magic of the Heart
Chapter 4: Sparkle of Hope

The room was silent. Not a word was spoken as the realization sunk into princess Twilight Sparkle. It was what Yen Sid had said struck her hard. Her friends lives? When she thought about it, no matter what the girls seemed to try they just couldn’t stop these creatures. And she just left her friends there. Both Twilight and Spike trembled, imagining the worst had already befallen their best friends. “W…What can we do?” Twilight finally asked, still shaking like a leaf. “We tried to get rid of them. Nothing seemed to work.” Her gaze quickly went to Yen Sid. “You’re some expert on them. How do you get rid of them?!” Tears began flowing from Twilight’s eyes. If only she would’ve stayed with them maybe they’d be okay. Yes Sid let a smile appear once more. “What are you smiling about?!” Twilight had no patience left in her. If her friends were hurt, or worse, she’d never forgive herself. “You were correct Princess Celestia.” Yen Sid began, “She really does have a strong heart. Maybe she is the perfect one to wield the Keyblade.” Celestia nodded agreeing, “It’s why she’s a princess after all.” Twilight looked on confused, “Keyblade? What are you talking about?” “You see Twilight, that is why we called you here. We wished for you and your friends to work together to rid the land of these Heartless by finding the source of them and stopping it.” Celestia gave her old pupil a soft smile hoping to calm her. “But as Twilight said, we tried to get rid of them. Even Applejack's bucking did nothing.” Spike said, still a bit amazed on what was happening. Yen Sid nodded. “It is true the Heartless can only be stunned by normal means, they still have a weakness. The Keyblade we mentioned. Celestia if you will.” Celestia nodded getting up from her cushion walking behind the mirror. There appeared to be a magically locked chest there, that seemed to respond to the princess’ magical aura differently than any normal lock. No doubt it was linked to her to prevent anyone else from opening it. When the chests lid was opened a small light floated out heading toward the mirror before stopping shortly from Twilight. She could not help but flinch as it approached but then lean in confused. “What is it Twilight?” Spike asked. “I’m not sure, I’ve never seen anything like it.” Twilight glanced to Celestia who smiled, and motioned her to touch it. Twilight gulped once, trusting the princess. She reached her hoof up touching the orb. As she did a rush went through her, eyes lighting up making her freeze in place. To Twilight however, it felt like she was teleported elsewhere.

As the blinding light faded Twilight Sparkle noticed she was no longer in the castle anymore. Instead before her was darkness, however the floor itself appeared to be stained glass with light shining through. “Hello?” Twilight asked the darkness, with no response. “Princess? Spike?” She still asked hopelessly. After letting the realization of being alone set in, Twilight looked down at the stain glass and was stunned seeing what she did. Below her was a stained glass portrait of herself with images of her friends scattered around. What was most curious however was floating by Twilight in the image was a strange key. It appeared to be about as long as she was, with a chain coming off it. “What in the world is that?” Twilight thought allowed. After examining the strange instrument she recalled what Yen Sid and Celestia had said. “The Keyblade…” She quietly said to herself. “Step foreword.” This caused Twilight to jump in surprise, her wings unfurled. She gazed around to see no one. Come to think of it, she heard no one either. And yet, she knew a voice had just spoken to her. After thinking it through a moment she felt the need to follow its orders. She calmed a moment and stepped foreword, until she was in the middle of the glass. A light began to shine in front of her causing her to flinch once more. When it faded, before her was a real version of this ‘Keyblade’. A golden guard, silver blade and teeth, the teeth appeared to shape a crown, and a strange chain with a three circled pattern unknown to Twilight. It floated there a moment before beginning to fall. Twilight quickly grabbed it with her magical aura making it float in front of her. As she did she felt a strange connection, as if it was becoming tied to her very being. “A world full of light, attacked by darkness. Though doomed it appeared, a sparkle of hope shines through. Is that you?” The voice returned, this time not frightening Twilight. She nodded her head once, staying as inaudible as the voice that spoke to her. “Your destiny has been set. Become one with the light, but do not be blinded by it. Embrace the darkness, but do not be engulfed by it. For now, you are a Keyblade wielder.” Twilight smiled lightly, realizing what this meant. However the princess lost her smile taking another look at the images of her friends. Each had lost their smile and it appeared shadows had been creeping up their bodies. Her eyes went wide seeing this, until it was gone.

After moment to rub her eyes Twilight regained vision. She was still in the castle. She never seemed to have left. “What was that?” Twilight asked the princess. As she did though she noticed her magic was being used. In front of her was that strange weapon she had in that world. “Whoa! It’s real…? The Keyblade.” Such a name felt so fitting. Yen Sid nodded his head, “Yes, and it seems it has accepted you to use it. Congrats young princess.” Twilight couldn’t help but swing it a bit using her magic. She had never used a sword before, let alone a over sized key. She did recall a few books on weapons and skills that the royal guards would use. Hopefully she could remember them enough to actually use these skills to her advantage. Celestia could not help but smile seeing her old student wielding such a special weapon. “So this can actually get rid of the Heartless?” Twilight asked the two who believed she could use this weapon. Yen Sid stood from his desk and paced slowly around the room. “Yes. The Keyblade is a powerful weapon that the Heartless fear. It’s capable of destroying them and releasing the hearts they have stolen. But because of this same fact they are also attracted to the weapon and it’s wielder.” Yen Sid made a quick glance through the mirror to see Twilight’s reaction. He was glad to see she didn’t seem to lose confidence. “So you must be careful when you are out there. But never give up hope. Trust in yourself and the Keyblade will gain strength. Also you should know that the Keyblade shall also aid those around you. As long as you work side by side with others the Keyblade will allow your allies to also fight off the darkness.” Twilight seemed to gain even more confidence hearing this. “So I can get my friends to help me?” Yen Sid nodded his head. “Indeed. Though I advise caution leading others into the fray. The extra protection for all of you may help.” Celestia nodded agreeing, “The more help you’d get the better. Your friends would gladly do anything for you.” Twilight nodded spinning the Key blade a bit before it disappeared. She flinched looking around confused. Yen Sid could not help but chuckle lightly, “It’s quite alright, it can disappear and reappear at will. Just focus for a moment and it should return.” Twilight did as she was told and it indeed returned. Right away she grabbed it with her magic once more. “This is great. Thank you, I won’t let either of you down!” Twilight began running out of the room as the two wished her luck.

As Twilight stepped through the door she heard somepony she forgot was with her. “Twilight hold on!” Spike yelled at chasing after her. Twilight paused and turned towards him. “Spike?” Twilight almost forgot her assistant was with her. “Don’t forget me. We need to save Ponyville!” Spike said sounding very determined. She thought about how dangerous these creatures were and could not imagine Spike getting hurt by them. Then she recalled how there were no Heartless in Canterlot. Twilight shook her head, “No Spike, you need to stay here.” “What?!” Spike blurted out in utter disbelief. “It’s better off here in Canterlot. There aren’t monsters here.” Twilight gave a reassuring smile to her assistant. She always saw him like a little brother and could not help but be protective. However seeing his sad face made her do the other thing a good older sister should; inspire confidence. “Spike, I need you here.” She started, “If Canterlot does get attacked somepony has to be here to help Celestia stay safe right? And who better then a fearsome dragon!” Twilight said giving him a playful hug. Though Spike didn’t fully trust she believed it herself, it did help. He returned the hug to Twilight and nodded. “Yeah I guess you’re right. I’ll make sure nothing harms the princess!” He gave the best heroic pose he could, causing Twilight to stifle a giggle. “Thank you Spike. Good luck!” and with that Twilight Sparkle flew out of the castle. “Good luck to you too!” Spike yelled back. “And please stay safe.”

Author's Note

This took longer then I wanted it to. Hope everyone enjoys the story so far. Also I couldn't resist one title sounding like a actual MLP title.

Princess' Teacher

Magic of the Heart Chapter 5
Princess' Teacher

Twilight Sparkle decided now that she was alone the train was no longer needed. The faster way would be to fly there herself. She wasn’t perfect at it yet, but this way she didn’t have to wait for the train or wait for it to round the mountain. With a quick thought Twilight allowed the keyblade to appear in front of her and disappear. She almost lost it with her increased speed and wind yet when she made it disappear it was right back where she wanted it. Twilight could not help but smile slowly. This could be very fun to use. She never had a desire to become a fighter but she was curious on learning swordplay. Then again, what didn’t she wish to learn?

After a short time of playing with the new weapon in the air she decided to scan the world beneath her. There did appear to be some of these small shadow creatures now and again scattered, but luckily there were no ponies she could see. Twilight made the keyblade one more time getting a little prepared if she did see a pony in trouble. That’s when she noticed a change in the Heartless behavior. Almost the moment the key was in existence a few Shadows looked up at her. This made Twilight flinch a bit causing her to unbalance her flight path. She quickly righted herself starring back at their beady yellow eyes. “Starting to question if they gave me a weapon to fight these things, or a magnet.” Twilight gulped watching a few of the Shadows hop into the air slashing with their claws. They were way too far to strike her but that did not stop them from attempting. Twilight cringed realizing in a short time she’d need to fight them to save Ponyville. She hoped her friends were holding up alright without her. “I’ll be there soon girls…” she whispered to the open air. “Back off you…thing!” a voice broke the silence. Twilight looked off to a path leading toward Ponyville and saw a caravan that appeared to be transporting weapons and armor for royal guards. ‘They must have been coming to help defend us,’ Twilight thought to herself. But something just wasn’t right. Where was everypony? Only one guard appeared to be there and he looked like a young teen. Was he even a guard? It did not matter, shadows were surrounding him.

The young stallion gripped the sword tightly with the magical aura from his horn. His white fur standing a bit on end from fear. “I don’t know what you are but I swear I will strike you down if you step any closer!” He threatened. This had no effect on the shadows as they got closer and closer. He could not wait anymore, these were getting way too close. With a flick of his head the blue magic held sword slashed right through one of the Shadows making a clean cut. The only problem was it’s body reformed causing no harm to the creature. The stallion went slack jawed, stunned by how perfect the cut was, yet still doing no damage. His eye twitched feeling a bit in trouble. The shadow the male pony cut through took the moment to lunge, causing him to slash once more at it in desperation. A loud sound pierced the air as the sword went through the shadow once more. Something felt different the stallion realized. When he starred at the shadow he noticed the cut didn’t heal, instead the creature exploded into a black smoke disappearing from existence. His eyes lit right up and he smiled, getting into a attack stance once more, sword at the ready. “I don’t know what’s changed but I don’t care!” He could not help but charge head long at the shadows swinging his sword causing the same effect. The remaining shadows, though not very intelligent, knew they were beat and faded into the ground scurrying away. “Yeah you better run!” He laughed to himself turning back to the cart full of supplies with a big grin on his face. Standing there surprised him a little more then the Heartless that had just left. “Princess Twilight?” He muttered under his breath, more from surprise, less because he wanted to.

Twilight stood before the young guard, keyblade hanging to her side. “So that’s how that works. Seems the keyblade did it’s job.” Twilight trotted up to the guard smiling to him. “Good job taking out those heartless. Once the keyblade let you hit them you seemed to be quite skilled with that sword. How many years have you been a guard?” The stallion starred at Twilight confused by just about everything she had just said. Twilight raised her brow waiting for a response. After a moment she realized what she said must have been overwhelming, causing her to giggle lightly. “Oh excuse me. My name is…” She was cut off by the stallion nodding his head, “Princess Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville.” A full title? That caused Twilight to blush slightly, not used to anyone being so formal. “Oh, I guess you do know me. You can just call me Twilight if you like. We don’t need to be so formal. In fact what is your na-” “I’m also not a guard.” She was once again cut off, though this time she was surprised. “What do you mean? You have the armor on?” Twilight glanced over at the supply caravan noticing that there was armor they were transporting too, which easily could have meant…”You stole it!” Twilight gasped, getting the keyblade ready. The white furred male quickly sat back on his hind legs, waving his forelegs in protest, “No no! I didn’t steal it I swear!” He quickly removed the helmet, revealing the bright red and orange mane underneath. “I was just borrowing it when those monsters showed up. There were no guards here when I found it. I’m guessing they were scarred off or something!” The pony gave a nervous smile hoping that would prevent him being arrested, being hit by that oversized key, or both. Twilight gave him a glare, starring at the sword he had dropped when defending himself from the hoof pointing. It was odd, nothing like the usual swords a guard had. The caravan didn’t appear to have one like it either. “If that’s true, then what about that sword?” She motioned to the ground, causing him to sweat a little knowing that looked bad. “It’s mine!” He defended himself with. “I keep it on me whenever I can. I may not be a guard, but I’d like to be one someday.” Twilight glared at him skeptical of the whole situation. She sighed to herself about to admit she believed the stallion, that was until rattling armor could be heard. Twilight and the stallion looked toward the noise, seeing more heartless. These ones were however no shadows.

Before the two ponies were about five new heartless. The creature had a dark blue body, the strange heartless symbol appeared to be embedded onto it’s chest. On top of it’s head was adorned with some strange helmet with a curl on top. Inside the helmet’s mask the only thing that was visible was it’s bright yellow eyes, and a toothy maw with a disturbing grin on it. Their movements were sporadic, dancing about with claws sharper than a dragon’s waving in the air. “What are these? Some soldier monsters?” The male asked Twilight starring at their sporadic movements. Twilight blinked at them confused, staring at them as well. “I guess so. They still are heartless though.” Twilight got into position with the keyblade out. “More than likely not friendly.” The stallion gave Twilight a look of confusion. “Heartless? Is that what they are called? Explains their cutie mark, even if it’s in a strange spot.” He said peering at the chest containing said symbol. Twilight found herself starring at the symbol a moment longer, shaking her head. Twilight lifted the blade ready to finally strike the soldiers, until she was met in the face by one of the soldier’s giving her a swift kick. “Ah! Hey!” She cried out rubbing her cheek. The stallion jumped over Twilight using a quick vertical slash to the soldier’s head, destroying it quickly. He looked back at the princess with a serious face on. “What are you doing? Keep your weapon close to your body to protect yourself! Have you ever used a sword before?” Twilight gave him a sheepish grin shaking her head. “I was just given the keyblade by Celestia then ran out. I haven’t trained with this at all.” Twilight held a nervous blush rubbing the back of her head with her hoof. The stallion rolled his head quickly blocking a soldier’s claw slash coming for him, “Well help me take out these heartless and try to watch.” He couldn’t help but grin as he destroyed another soldier, “And for now, call me Teach.”

The two ponies were quickly attacked by the heartless soldiers, their speed becoming apparent at this point. About three soldiers ran to each side of the ponies causing them to get back to back. ‘Teach’ did not allow the soldiers to attack first charging in. As the heartless did not appear very competent they jumped in as well, with a spinning kick. The stallion quickly spun deflecting the kicks from each of the heartless causing them to stumble back. Without a second thought he jumped into the air flipping the sword straight down into a stab on one of the soldiers causing it to flinch in pain, just before disappearing into shadow smoke. Twilight observed a bit nodding her head. She turned her attention back to the heartless just as they jumped at her. Noticing that caused Twilight to recoil a bit in surprise, not being able to stick to the plan with the initial charge herself. “Step one to charge first! W…What do I do?!” She yelled out nervously blocking it last second by the oversized key, causing the heartless to stumble, but not fall. “Oh no I messed it up!” Twilight screamed out. Slashing and clang noises were heard behind her as the stallion fought off the remaining two heartless who were putting up a slight fight. “Don’t worry about what order you do everything in.” He yelled to the princess, “Just go with the flow. You can’t always do everything in a set list. Be…be spontaneous if you need to!” He tried to convince her. Twilight heard these words as if they were gibberish. No list? No set order? Spontaneous? These were not things she normally did. And yet…Pinkie Pie did. If only she was here right now. However she has been with Pinkie enough she could probably figure it out, right?

Princess Twilight nodded slowly, spreading her wings out to relax and taking a deep breath. “Be Pinkie…” She said quietly to herself, then rethought about it, “Well if Pinkie Pie was wielding a giant key sword to fight off dark creatures.” Just then the soldiers were coming for her again, this time slashing with their claws. Twi watched then, eyes expecting a moment they’d look open. And there it was. The solder’s claws synced up at one point for a short time. Twilight used this chance to turn her keyblade to the side catching all the claws. She then quickly lifted it up flipping the soldiers upward. With one last swipe she captured all three on the back sending them flying. Twilight smiled with a mental ‘I did it!’, which was short lived. She may have smashed them and sent them flying, but not far as they sprang back up. “Huh? But isn’t this thing supposed to be like their bane or something?” She looked at the keyblade a bit confused, starting to regret agreeing to fight these beasts. The stallion took the princess’ side examining it as well, but still ready to defend her if he needed. “Well if it’s the reason I can fight them, then it does have power. Maybe it’s only has strength based on your skill and will to use it? Wouldn’t put it past something so magical.” He did however have his brow raised still confused why this weapon was so special. Twilight thought about what he said. Could be true? She nodded her head once more. “I guess that could be. I should try every possibility that this can take. Same as any sp-” Twilight was quickly shoved out of the way but the male pony, who quickly slashed right through a soldier. A stupid grin crossed his face. “Whoa thanks!” Twilight said getting back to her hooves. “But you maybe enjoying this too much.” His grin was lost a bit as he rolled his eyes again. “Well I don’t normally train a princess. Besides, you’re kinda bad at this.” He admitted to her. Twilight shot him a disapproving look before looking at the last two soldiers

She wasn’t a fighter. What could she do? Her eyes went back to the floating key. She had her magic…and this weapon had it’s own. If she could concentrate, maybe the energy could become one. Twilight began to focus pointing the blade right at one of the soldiers, just as it began to charge her once more. The stallion noticed the pointing she was doing. “You won’t be able to get rid of them that way.” It was time for the stallion to take action and be the hero. As he galloped straight toward the soldier he heard a odd puffing noise from behind. A fireball shot past him, turning the heartless to smoke, but this time a pink crystal looking heart rose into the air, just to disappear into darkness as well. “Whoa, what the?” The stallion turned and saw Twilight gasping a bit with the end of the blade smoking. “That took some strange power from me. But it worked!” Twi’s own cocky grin returned, making the male’s jaw drop. “Was that like…dark magic or something?” “Well it seemed to be something the keyblade just knew how to do. I just concentrated and shot a fireball! That was so wonderful. I think even Rainbow Dash would be jealous of that magic!” Twilight mused on her success. Magic, the one thing she could do. The remaining soldier starred, mouth a bit agape. That was a bit stronger then the very feral creature expected. Twilight smiled lightly aiming the tip of the blade right for the soldier, causing it to jump in fear, disappearing into the darkness.

Twilight gave the stallion a cocky grin, making him roll his eyes, though a smile plastered on his face. “That was a good one princess. Of course the element of magic would resort to a spell.” The unicorn said poking at her side. “You’re just jealous I took your glory of being a guard is all.” “Well fine you got me. But none the less I’m not even in the academy yet so that’s down the line. Hey maybe if I’m lucky I can be your first royal guard? You may need it if those are your sword skills.” He mused once more to the mare. “He I could get better. And I do need to learn after all, I need to help…” Twilight gasped realizing she was wasting time. Ponyville and her friends were in trouble, and if the keyblade was truly the only way to fight them off then she needed to be there. “I must go!” She turned away, her wings spreading. “Stay safe ok? I need to save my friends! Also…return that stuff when everything is here, got it?” She gave him a dark glare until he nodded, causing her to smile. “Thank you, and goodbye!” Twilight lifted off the ground and began to fly away, before turning slightly in the air. “Oh hey I just realized something! I never got your name. I’d love to meet you again, possibly we could be friends!” Twilight yelled out not stopping her flight. The stallion waved back, his sword sheathed, “My name’s Zen! Goodbye Princess Twilight! Good luck!”

Author's Note

Finally finished this chapter. First story I've written ever to make it past the fourth chapter.

I hope you are enjoying the adventure so far, even if this is basically the tutorial of a Kingdom Hearts game.

Rotten Core

Magic of the Heart Chapter 6
Rotten Core

Twilight wanted to believe she was ready. She had just fought the heartless, and won, but that was with the help of another pony. Could she take them on alone? She was not a fighter. At least not with a weapon of any kind. Best she could possibly do is use what she learned from Zen, and some minor things she learned from books. At least she had her spells. Come to think of it, she was near Sweet Apple Acres, which is where Rarity and Applejack ran toward. Twilight adjusted her weight turning toward the Apple family orchard. Going there she could make sure a fair amount of her friends were safe, and possibly get help from a strong fighter like Applejack? No. No she couldn’t imagine putting any of the girls in more danger. She was chosen to use the keyblade, and this was her responsibility.

When Twilight’s hooves touched the ground right away she could feel something just wasn’t right. The orchard was quiet, and though the sun was up with little to no clouds, it seemed darker. “Hello?” Twilight called out, voice breaking a bit from fear. Could the heartless be here? That one question echoed in her head. Twilight tried to pull herself to a full gallop to the farm house, but she just couldn’t. Fear struck her to the very bone. The wind causing the trees to creak was not helping in the slightest either. Wait…there was no wind on that one. Twi was afraid, but she looked toward the tree that made the noise, just to catch it moving closer.

…

MOVING CLOSER?! Twilight was stunned. This could not be true. Trees don’t normally move on their own. Finally after clearing her thoughts…at least slightly, she as able to figure out that this was not a normal tree. Instead what she was starring at had been one of the many apple trees uprooted, using it’s roots to crawl toward the alicorn princess. The heartless emblem appeared on it’s now noticeable front. Yellow angered eyes above the emblem, making the emblem almost appear like some kind of mouth. Twilight starred at this creature for a moment not sure what to make of it.

“THUNK!!!””OW!” Echoed through the whole orchard. Twilight put a hoof to the back of her head feeling a large bump. Something had smacked her hard in the back of the head. She noticed something land shortly after, peering at it. A apple? Simple but effective. And it hit her with such force she was honestly sure any harder would’ve knocked her right out. Twilight turned to see what had put some much force on the apple that had clonked her so hard. What she saw was her worst fear realized.

Just a few steps away from her was a pony lowering it’s hind legs after bucking said apple at Twilight Sparkle. The coat on this pony was a dark orange, looking moments from turning black if any darker. Her mane and tail were blonde, yet them too had the dark tones on them. Both also were tied up in a pony tail. The mares eyes glowed a bright yellow, similar to the heartless Twilight had seen so far. Her cutie mark was the final nail in the coffin for Twilight’s fear. On the pony’s flank were three red apples, however they were surrounded by the heartless emblems, being crossed out by the stitched pattern in the middle. Twilight was starring at her friend, the Element of Honesty, Applejack, as a heartless.

The two ponies eyes locked together. Can you save her? Twilight remembered that voice. It was the one from that strange world when she first got the keyblade. As if on queue it appeared before her, quickly grabbed by her magic. She is not lost. Her heart fights on. Shall you? The voice seemed somewhat forceful. Fight her friend? She couldn’t do that. At that very moment a orange hoof came flying at her. Thinking fast Twilight blocked the oncoming attack with her keyblade. Twilight couldn’t believe it; one of her best friends had attempted to attack her, and not just once. A few more punches and quick turns to buck at her kept coming. Twilight could barely keep the mental strain as she did block everything with the keyblade, but each heavy hit faltered her magic more and more. She knew AJ was strong but she appeared to have no mercy.

She does not hold back. Another buck came, striking the keyblade so hard it was knocked from her magic, and kept going. Applejack’s back hooves hit Twilight square in the jaw, sending her flying back, spinning around and landing lying flat on her stomach. Why should you? Twilight’s eyes shot open as AJ reared up to stomp the last out of the princess. Get up! AJ brought her hooves down…right onto the keyblade that was grabbed by Twilight once more. This time though force was being applied back holding the heartless mare in place. Twilight focused her magic into the blade, remembering the feeling of using that fireball from before. This time instead of shooting it through she wrapped the spell around the blade causing it to ignite in flames. AJ jumped back in pain, though no noise escaped her mouth. Twilight flapped her wings a few times to help herself quickly get up to her hooves. Once more the two ponies eyes locked. “I…I will save you Applejack!” Twilight screamed out through pained breaths. “I will free you from this…this Rotten Core!” She felt the need to name this creature. Though Applejack was within it, this was not her.

Rotten Core did not look pleased that her chance to strike down this keyblade user had been foiled. It wasn’t too big of a deal however. If what she had first witnessed was her strength it wouldn’t take much longer to overpower her. The heartless pony hopped back behind two of the tree like heartless using them for protection for now. If she did have fight left in her, the trees could soften her up a little more. Twilight picked up on why she was hiding, and quickly rolled away from a incoming apple. It was not propelled as fast as the one from Rotten Core earlier but it still would’ve hurt. The trees, no, the Dark Roots, as Twilight thought, seemed to be protecting their master Rotten Core.

Twilight glared at the Dark Roots, eyeing everything about them. Repeatedly she found herself dodging apples, or blocking them. Rotten Core every so often would buck apples herself at a high velocity. “Come on Twilight, these things must has a weakness.” She thought aloud. That’s when a idea hit her. “Oh AJ, I hope this doesn’t have a chain effect, or you are going to hate me!” Twilight’s keyblade glowed once more with the energy she used to summon the arcane magic.

Rotten Core kept herself hidden behind one of her defending trees, preparing for a new attack. This keyblade wielder was formidable when she was angry. No matter, she is still weak! Wait, what was that smell? Rotten Core flinched, jumping away from the heartless shield she had, seeing it catch fire. A wooden defense against a keyblade wielder who discovered her fire magic in hindsight may not have been smart. Though in honesty Rotten Core knew her intelligence came from the flicker of power Applejack still had. If she was lost, she’d be working on instinct alone. Regardless, her heartless companions were on fire, and weakening fast. Without saying a word, she gave the commands to the heartless to shake as hard as they could. The Dark Roots followed orders, causing their apples to fly high, giving Rotten Core ammo raining down.

Twilight didn’t like to see any of the trees in AJ’s orchard ignited, but it was necessary if it meant saving what remained of the orchard in the first place. The work she had done as not over however. She noticed these trees spreading their apples high into the air, and soon they were coming at her like bullets. Rotten Core was on the offensive again. Her attacks came fast, hard to dodge, and blocking was taking it’s toll on Twilight. She couldn’t use her magic like this, too much focus. That’s when a idea struck her. A crazy idea, but hey, maybe it’d work. Through the focused struggle, the alicorn princess watched each apple coming at her, timing them. She finally saw the speed she wanted, pulling her blade away from blocking.

Rotten Core grinned a bit seeing as her defense was down. This one would surly hit her hard enough to knock her out; then the keyblade wielders heart would be hers. A loud crack echoed through her ears, but it didn’t sound like it hit Twilight’s skull. No it hit something else, coming back at the same speed. Rotten Core was too surprised to dodge. She was smacked square in the skull, causing her hooves to fall out from under her. Twilight responded a fast as Rainbow Dash, running in and striking Rotten Core. She didn’t like it, but right now she shut out all thoughts that this was her friend. Right now, it was a creature hurting her friend. She struck at it a few times, every attack got stronger, as if not only was she striking, but another pony did as well. “Applejack…” She said, striking one final time. She felt the strength of her Earth Pony friend helping her.

The creature in her friends place laid there. There had to be something Twilight could do. Was Applejack forever going to be Rotten Core? “There must be a reversal spell…” she thought aloud, fear retaking her. Just as she thought that, she felt the keyblade tug at her magic. “What the?” The blade pointed itself at Applejack, summoning up a strange light. Fear struck her instantly. “No! We can’t hurt her more!” She is safe. Trust the key. Twilight’s eyes widened. Trust the key? It was the weapon that could save all of Equestria. Though she was greatly afraid of the outcome she nodded, following the orders of the blade. The light on the weapon glowed brighter and brighter, before finally firing directly into the shadowed earth pony. “APPLEJACK!?!?”

Author's Note

I feel weird making the strongest of the Mane 6 so easy to fight. But when I think about it, she's probably so stubborn she'd probably be able to make herself "weaker"

Hope this is still enjoyable was SO afraid to write a fight scene. Sadly I cut a corner here or there. I'll try to do better.