Kingdom Hearts 2.7: Friendship Is Magic

Chapters

New World, and New Friend
Awkward Meetings
Party Down Hill
Trials
Dark Intentions
Friendship Is Magic

New World, and New Friend

Author's Note

Hello!!!
This is pretty much a crossover between Kingdom Hearts X My Little Pony, retelling the first two episodes, where Sora finds himself in Equestria and helps Twilight and her new friends take the Nightmarish Nightmare Moon.
Keep in mind while this follows the first two episodes, which I re-watched to get things down well, some things have changed, because with it being Kingdom Hearts, and Sora is in the middle of all this.

This is also the start up of another Kingdom Hearts X My Little Pony that I'm working on.
So, I hope that you enjoy the story.

P.S. This was not written in just one day. Took me the whole month to write it.

New World, and New Friend

HASBRO

DISNEY

SQUARE-ENIX

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria...

There were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her alicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger brought out the moon to begin the night.
Thus, the two sisters have maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects - the unicorns, pegasi, earth ponies, all the different types of ponies.

But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth... but shunned and slept through the younger's beautiful night.

One fateful day, the younger alicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder princess tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart... had transformed her ito a wicked mare of darkness. Nightmare Moon!

She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known throughout the entire universe.

The Elements of Harmony!

Using the magic of the six elements; Honest, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, Laughter, and Sixth Unknown, she defeated her younger sister and banished her in the moon.

Guilty but Determined, the elder sister took on responsibility for both the sun and moon, day and night, and harmony has been maintained in Equestria…

But... not all legends can stay locked away permanently, for the elder sister was told that in a thousand years, her younger sister would break free and spread darkness across the land once more. Little did both know that six young mares, and a boy who came from nothing, can save the land...

KINGDOM HEARTS

Friendship Is Magic

"Do you have to go?"

"I was asleep wasn't I? Besides, I got some stuff to take care of."

"Don't be gone too long!"

"Be careful Sora."

"Very careful."

"Ok!"

Chapter 01: New World, and New Friend!

Sleep... Sleep...

"Ummph.... ugh..."

He moves in place, feeling something flat against his body. He moved a bit, still feeling the flat surface. His eyes began to open slowly, and before him he saw green grass before him. He slowly began to get up, rising to his knees, and then to his feet. He glanced down at the ground, seeing his black-yellow shoes with a zipper running across the top and black straps holding them together here and there. He glanced at his hands, which bore black gloves on the outside and white on the inside, with a yellow line running around them. The boy also wore a very distinctive outfit. His hooded jacket was black with silver-pauldron-like additions to his shoulders, while his sleeves were black with white lining at the end. His undershirt was navy blue with a red patch at the lower center. His pants, similar to chaps, are black on the outside, and blue on the inside, lined with silver-white edging. Yellow straps criss-cross around his pants, held together with a black belt. The pants aso featured red side pockets with ablack cross over them on each leg. Around his neck was a silver crown pendant. The wind blew a little bit, making his brown spike-hair bristle a bit in the wind. The boy Sora, viewed his surroundings. He was somewhere not familiar. He had no idea where he was. The last thing he remembered was being in Traverse Town, training with his dream eater friends. He was on his way back to the Mysterious Tower, where his friends were waiting for him. but he was not at the tower. He was somewhere else. Where was he?

"That's strange." Sora said. "This isn't Master Yen Sid's tower." He took another glance around, seeingnothing but grass, along with some white/gold architecture.

"Did I make a wrong turn?" Sora thought to himself, crossing his arms and thinking. Sora is what everyone would call, an upbeat boy, positive, brave, and heroic in everyway possible. He shows extreme loyalty to his friends, even willing to risk his life to save those he barely even knows. Always looking on the bright side of any situation at hand, he's an eternal optimist. Although he can be simple-minded at times his sense of justice is so strong. He even has a remarkable capacity to forgive, even his sworn enemies.

He possesses a competitive streak, where he often competes with his friend Riku over numerous things, but that streak has died down over the past two years. He can be gullible and oblivious to what should be obvious, but he is still bright and clever enough to know when something is wrong. While there at times he can be unintentionally show disrespect toward people of higher authority, he means well. That wonderful personality of his also made him feel unworried of the situation he is in now.

"Well, I guess I better find out where I am." Sora said. With that said, he began walking though the grass, and looking around, seeing some buildings nearby. Was this another world? A world still submerged in sleep? Neverless, he was about to find out.

"Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently into the moon." Sora froze in place, hearing the voice. It was a voice he didn't recognize, but a voice was indeed female, and sounded like a character he saw from a TV show he watched one. Turning toward the direction of the voice, he made his way to the bushes.

"The elder sister then took responsiblity for both the sun and moon, and harmony was maintained in Equestria for generations since." The voice continued. The boy moved his hands across the bushes a bit, seeing what's behind them. There, feet away, to his surprise, he saw a young pony mare! The pony was a lavender color, along with the horn on her forehead, showing that she was a unicorn. Her mane was a dark sapphire blue, with one moderate purple streak, and a brilliant raspberry streak on the left side of her horn. She also possessed beautiful moderate violet eyes. On her rear leg was a depiction of a six pointed magenta star, surrounded by smaller white stars around it. A talking unicorn? That's something you don't see everyday, he thought.....

"The Elements of Harmony..." She said. "I know I've heard of those before... but where?" She glanced up at the sky, trying to think. The boy watching tilted his head. Curious, he moved from his spot and approached her.

"Hi, is something wrong?" He asked, getting the mare's attention. As she turned, she nearly gasped in surprise, seeing someone that was not a pony.

"Oh!" She said, making the boy stand in place.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Sora said. "Is everything ok?" The pony tilted her head, surprised that there was someone who was a species different than her own.

"Um... yes, everything is fine." The unicorn said. "I was just reading."

"Oh." Sora said. "What are you reading?"

"Just a book about The Tale of the Royal Sisters." She said.

"Tale of the Royal Sisters?" Sora asked. "What's that about?"

"The story about two royal sisters who once ruled Equestria a long time ago, that is until the younger one became evil and the elder one had to banish her to the moon." She said.

"Huh..." The boy said, and began thinking. Did he hear about this story before? It does sound a bit familiar.

"Equestria... is this what this place is called?" Sora asked.

"Yep, the continent at least." The pony girl spoke. "You're actually in Canterlot, the home of Princess Celestia."

"Canterlot?" Sora asked, still thinking. "Kinda sounds like Camelot... except it's in a more horse way." The unicorn however turned her gaze upon the boy, and examined him closely, making him almost back away.

"Who are you?" She asked. "And where did you come from?"

"Oh, my name is Sora." The boy said. "And I'm from-" Before he could continue, he froze. He just remembered that he's in a different world, and he's an outsider. His friends had warned him not to go talking to people that he's from another world, because it could disrupt the world order.

"I'm... from... somewhere far away, yeah, that's right." Sora said. "I came from a far away land!"

"What land?" Twilight asked.

"The... Capital... of... uhhh..." He gave a nervous smile, trying to come up with something to say. But the lavender unicorn glanced at him closely.

"You..." She said, examining him from bottom to top. She knew something was different about the boy. He wasn't a pony... And there's no record of someone looking like him in any book she has read. Could it be, she thought?
"You're from another world, aren't you." The pony said. The boy nearly gasped, and blushed.

"Uhhhh...." He said, with his face showing a bit of sweat, something that the pony caught one quick.

"Aha!" Twilight said. "I knew it! You are from another world, aren't you!" The boy couldn't find the words to counteract or convince her that he was not. So he sighed with defeat.

"Yeah, yeah I am." He said. The unicorn gasped.

"Oh my gosh!" She said. "You're an outsider! I can't believe it I'm talking to an outsider!" Before she could say more, Sora quickly rushed in and covered her mouth.

"Quiet!" He said. "I'm not suppose to be telling anyone that, let alone let someone find out." The lavender unicorn tilted her head, but her eyes were showing realization brewing in them.

"Oh, right." She said. "Because of the order."

"Yeah, the order." He said.

"Well, what are you doing here anyway?" She asked.

"I... it's a long story." Sora said.

"Well, say no more." She said. Suddenly, her horn began to glow a brilliant magenta coloring, and the book was then covered with an aura of the same color. The book was then levitated into a bag that had the same star as the one on her rear, implying that it's her's. She placed the saddle bags on her back and began trotting away.

"Oh, where are you going?" Sora asked.

"I'm taking you to my place so we can talk more privately." She said.

"Um... ok." Sora said. "Think you can help me find a way to get back home?"

"Absolutely." The unicorn said. "Come on." She began trotting along, while the boy followed her.

"I never got your name." Sora said.

"Twilight." The unicorn said. "Twilight Sparkle."

"Twilight... Sparkle..." Sora said, thinking. "It's a beautiful name."

"Oh, it's nothing special." Twilight said. The boy shifted his head to the pony's rear, examining the star upon it.

"What's with the tattoo?" Sora asked.

"It's not a tattoo." Twilight said. "It's my cutie mark."

"Cutie... Mark?" Sora asked.

"It kinda represents my special talent." Twilight said.

"Special Talent?" Sora asked. "What is your special talent?"

"Magic, of course." Twilight said.

"Ohhh..." Sora said. "Pretty cool."

"There you are Twilight!" a voice called out, getting their attention. Looking ahead, they saw three other ponies, all three of them are unicorns. One was Twinkleshine, the white unicorn with a curly pink mane and tail, bright blue eyes, her cutie mark was three blue stars. The second pony was Lemon Hearts, her body colored bright yellow, with her mane a curlier medium blue mane and tail, red-violet eyes, and her cutie mark was two light blue hearts and one light green. The third was Minuette, who's coat was medium blue, two-tone blue mane and tail, with deep blue eyes, and her cutie mark was an hourglass.

"Hey Twilight!" Twinkleshine said. "Moondancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come with us?" To Sora's notice, Twilight however recoils a bit from them.

"Oh, sorry girls." Twilight said. "I'm... quite busy at the moment. You know, lots of studying to catch up on. Bye!" Giving a bit grin, she then passed them and galloped.

"Hey, wait for me!" Sora called out as he went after. The three mares only sighed in disappointment.

"Does that pony do anything except study?" Minuette asked.

"I think she's more interested in books than friends." Lemon Hearts said while the other two gave a nod. They then were on their way.

The two then made their way down the street, passing a couple of ponies, or pedestrians if one would call them. Pretty soon, the two came to a halt, while Sora then looked up at the view. His eyes widened open with astonishment. Before him was a tall tower, but next to it was a much bigger building, colored with light, yellow, and purple. It was actually a castle!

"Wow..." Sora said amazed. "Is this your home?"

"Sort of." Twilight said. "The tower is my house, but the castle actually belongs to Princess Celestia."

"Princess Celestia?" Sora asked.

"The ruler of all of Equestria." Twilight said.

"Equestria..." Sora said. "And this is what world this is?"

"Yep." Twilight said as she accended up the steps, with Sora following her into the tower.

Inside the building, there was a balcony outside the top level, where the inside is shown to be a library, with various scientific instruments, including a large hourglass arrayed near the floor to ceiling windows on one side. There was also a telescope near the balcony. Also inside, there was a small dragon walking upright toward the doors carrying a present. His entire body of scales was light mulberry, and his underbelly was a spring budish grey. His spikes were a green harlequin and his bat wing shaped ear fronds were a light lime green. His eyes were a moderate pisatchio. Before he could reach the door however, they burst open, throwing him backwards into the ground.

"Spike! SPIIIIKE!" Twilight spoke as she emerged from the doorway. "Spike?" His eyes spinning, the little draik, Spike, rose up.

"Right here." He said a bit dizzy.

"Spike, there you are." Twilight said as she gallops past as he clears his head. The woozy dragon looks back, seeing the present impaled on his tail.

"Quick Spike, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies." Twilight said, before noticing Spike trying to pull the box loose. "Spike, what's that?" The baby dragon pulled off the box, but the bottom fell off, dumping a damaged teddy bear that squeaked as it hit the floor.

"It's a present for Moondancer... well it was." Spike said, seeing the damaged gift.

"Oh, Spike." Twilight said as she begins knocking books off a stack with her head and magic. "You know we don't have time for that sort of silly thing."

"But we're on a break." Spike said, though Twilight was more focused on finding a certain book. The baby dragon only sighed, but then turned his head to see Sora walking inside.

"Whoa... this is amazing." The boy said as he came inside.

"Holy Guacamole." Spike said, looking at the spikey-haired boy, who then glanced at the little draik.

"Oh, Hi there." Sora said. "Who are you?"

"I'm Spike." He said. "Spike the Dragon." The boy gasped in even more amazement.

"Wow!" Sora said. "You're a talking fire-breathing dragon?" He knelt down to get a better look at the dragon. "Awww, you look so cute." The baby dragon blushed.

"I'm not that cute." Spike said.

"So you live here with Twilight?" Sora asked.

"Well yeah." Spike said. "I've lived with her ever since she hatched me."

"She hatched you?" Sora asked, and began thinking. "So... that makes her... your mom?" The draik then blushed again, this time as he heard those words.

"Ummm... technically yes." He said as he scratched his head, but his thoughts were brought back on the boy.

"Say, who are you?" Spike asked.

"I'm Sora." The boy said, extending his hand forward. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too." Spike said. "I like the spikes on your head. Say, are you a friend of Twilight's?"

"Something like that." Sora said. "And these spikes are actually my hair."

"Wow..." Spike said. "Hey Twilight, since when did you get a boyfriend?" The boy blushed hearing that.

"Spike!" Twilight called down, showing a tint of red on her cheeks. "He's not my boyfriend!" She then went back to the shelf and checked the books upon it, and groaned and she tossing the books to the side after checking each cover. "Where Is It?!"

"Where's what?" Spike asked.

"The copy of Predictions and Prophecies!" Twilight said as she continued to check the shelves. Sora turned his head to his right, and saw a book on a table. Picking it up, he read the title; Predictions and Prophecies for Dummies."

"Hey Twilight, I think I found it." Sora called out, waving the book in his hand.

"You did?!" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, I did." Sora said, and glanced back at the book. "But it says for dummies at the end of IT!" Before he could finish, he was covered in a magenta aura, and was lifted off the ground. He was pulled up upon the balcony and in front of Twilight. Then, the aura around Sora disappeared, and he dropped on his bottom gently to the ground, while the book hovered in Twilight's magic.

"Thank you!" She said as she trotted to her table, while Sora scratched her head. The lavender unicorn opened the book and began scanning the contents. Finding the section Elements, she then checked the pages for more information. The boy tilted his head, while Spike came up the stairs and began picking up the books around him.

"Uhhh... is she always like this?" Sora asked.

"Yeah, she's a bookworm if you wanna call it." Spike said. "She's been like this ever since she got accepted into the School for Gifted Unicorns, and became Princess Celestia's Personal Student."

"Princess Celestia's Student?" Sora asked, but his eyes widened with realization. "Wait, you mean The Princess Celestia? The one who rules this world?"

"Yep." Spike said. "Twilight has studied under her ever since, because she's very powerful with her magic."

"Her magic is very powerful?" Sora asked.

"Yep, and I know because I've seen." Spike said. "And I am Twilight's Number One Assistant." The boy looked back at the pony who was reading and scanning the book.

"Wow... she must really be special." He said.

"Aha!" Twilight said as she turned the page. "The Mare in the Moon." The page she began reading showed an illustration of the Nightmare's silhouette frammed by a crescent moon. "The Mare in the Moon was once a powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, but she was defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid her escape, and she will once again bring about nighttime eternal." As she finishes reading, she gasped in revelation.

"Do you guys know what this means?" Twilight asked. The two glance at her with confusion.

"Not really." Sora said.

"Mare in the Moon?" Spike asked. "But Twilight, that's just an old pony's tale."

"But I believe it will happen." Twilight said as she made her way to another table, collecting a scroll with her magic and a quill in her mouth. She then gives it to Spike.

"Take a note please, to the Princess." Twilight said.

"Okey-dokey." Spike said as he begins writing, while the lavender unicorn begins to speak aloud while pacing.

"My dearest teacher." Twilight began. "My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster."

"Hold on..." Spike said, trying to figure out how to spell precipice. "Precp... no... Preci... um..."

"Threshold." Twilight said.

"Uhhh..." Spike said. "No, don't know that one."

"Um... how about Brink?" Sora asked, pointing out. "Means the same thing."

"Yeah, I know that one. Thanks." Spike said as he continued writing. "Brink of disaster." Twilight smiled, and then continued speaking.

"For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she may return to Equestria to bring about her eternal night. Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

"Twilight Sparkle..." Spike said as he finished writing. "Got it!"

"Great!" Twilight said. "Send it."

"Now?" Spike asked.

"Of course, Now!" Twilight said.

"I don't know Twi." Spike said. "The Princess is probably getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration, and it's like tomorrow."

"That's just it, Spike!" Twilight continued. "Tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration. It's imperative that the Princess is told right away!" The baby dragon glanced at her.

"Say what now?" Spike asked.

"Important!" Twilight said.

"Um... can I say something?" Sora asked with his hand up.

"NO!" Twilight spoke, making the boy lower his hand in surprise.

"Sorry?" Sora asked.

"Ok, ok, I'm sending it." Spike said. The dragon takes a deep breath, and holds the rolled parchment in front of his mouth. He then blows a burst of green fire over it. The message burns away, but begins to spark and fly outwards, leaving only a tendril of sparkling pink smoke that flies out the window.

"Wow..." Sora said with more astonishment. "You can send letters with your fire?"

"Yep." Spike said. "But I wouldn't hold your breath though, because she might not answer."

"Oh, I'm not worried Spike." Twilight said smugly. "The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she's been my mentor, she's never once doubted me." Spike was about to speak, but then he began to hiccup, then hiccup again, then again, then again, while Twilight and Sora watched.

"Uh, I think he's got the hiccups." Sora said.

"Don't worry." Twilight said. "Watch." Spike covered his mouth. But then his tummy began to rumble, and began to bloat up a bit like a balloon. His cheeks began to bulge as if he was about to vomit. But instead, he belches up a burst of green fire that forms into a sealed scroll, which drops to the ground.

"Wow!" Sora said. "He can receive messages too? He's like a mailbox!" Spike only started coughing.

"Yeah, though I wishes I didn't inflate like a balloon a bit." The baby dragon said.

"I'll work on that Spike." Twilight said as she nuzzled his cheek. "I knew the princess would take immediate action." She then lifted the scroll up and opened it up with her magic. She began reading it silently with a smile. But after a couple seconds, her face shifted to a state of shock, much to Sora's notice.

"Twilight?" Sora asked. "Is it not from the Princess?" Seeing that she is frozen solid in shock, the boy removes the paper from Twilight's magical grip and begins to read it himself.

My dearest, most faithful student Twilight... You know that I value your diligence and I trust you completely, but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books. There is more to a young pony's life than just studying. So I've decided to send you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location, Ponyville.

"And I have an even more essential task for you to complete... make some friends." Sora said as he read the letter, with Spike joining in with the last three words. A sigh came from Twilight as she hung her head over the side. The three were now on a chariot, with two pegasi pulling it. The pegasi were white stallions in gold armor and boots. They had two-tone blue tails and matching crests of the sun on their helmets, similar to those worn by soldiers during the time of ancient Rome. The pegasi were leading the chariot to a small pleasant-looking town of wood-frame, thatched-roof buildings bordered by a stream and mountain. On one side of town is a fenced fruit orchard. As said in the letter, the group were assigned to prepare the Summer Sun Celebration in the town Ponyville, which was exactly where they were heading to. Sora watched from the chariot and a smile formed on his face. His time of traveling to different worlds, he has seen many wonders in each one, such as Agrabah, Neverland, The Pride Lands, even Hollow Bastion... or Radiant Garden. But this one has to take the cake. He glanced back at the castle, which was on the side of the mountain. All this time, he was in a city that was on the side of the mountain. The landscape was to vast and beautiful. If only his friends were here to see this. Unfortunately, Twilight wasn't excited to go. The thoughts of Nightmare Moon returning was still engraved into her mind. The boy glanced at the unicorn.

"It's ok Twilight." Sora said. "It's not too bad."

"Well, look on the bright side." Spike said. "At least the princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Does that make you happy?"

"Yes, I suppose so." Twilight said, her attitude a little more brightened up now. "You know why? Because I'm right. I'll check on the preparations for the festival, and then we get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return." The chariot makes it to town, and touches down in the street. The two pegasi give whinny voice, and the trio departs.
"Thank you sirs." Twilight said. The soldiers give a smile and huff in response and then took off back to Canterlot. The group then headed towards town, passing a couple of more ponies as they walked. The town was a bit more lively than usual. Maybe because it was later in the day. Twilight sighed as she walked.

"Aww c'mon Twilight." Sora said. "There's more to life than just studying. You should really try to make some friends like the Princess said."

"The Princess said to check on the preparations." Twilight said. "I am her student, and I'll do her royal duty. But the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends."

"Well, if anything, it did for me." Sora said, making Twilight tilt her head.

"What, you have friends?" Twilight asked.

"Of course I do." Sora said. "I have a lot of friends, all of them from every world I've been to."

"Huh... wait, from every world you've been to?" Twilight asked. "You've been to more worlds before this one?!" The boy almost halted in place, realizing what he just said.

"Uh.... yes?" Sora said. Twilight glanced at the boy more closely.

"Who.... what are you?" Twilight asked.

"I'm... uh..." Sora studdered. She knows that he's from another world, but he can't tell her about the keyblade or all that stuff. But then he remembered Donald's Uncle Scrooge, and that he was a salesman and traveler that went to many worlds to open businesses.

"I'm a... traveler!" Sora said. "Yeah, I travel with a business to help... set up a traffic system... no wait, a transit system!"

"A transit system?" Twilight asked. "Uhhh... ok?"

"Wow, you're a traveler?" Spike asked.

"Yep." Sora said.

"Incredible." Spike said. "You're kinda like those warriors who wielded those key shaped swords and all that."

"Spike, they're called Keyblades." Twilight said.

"Whatever you say Twi." Spike said. Sora was even more surprised now, how they mentioned the keyblade, and those who once wielded it. How did they know about the keyblade?

"Wait, how do you guys know about the keyblade?" Sora asked.

"I read it in some books once." Twilight said. "The story of the Keyblade wielders are pretty much known here in Equestria... Wait, how do you know about the keyblade?"

"Oh... because... I've heard stories about it." Sora fibbed, trying to keep a straight face.

"Oh... Ok?" Twilight said, with Sora giving a sigh.

"Well still Twi, you really should make some friends." Spike said. "Maybe the ponies here in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about!" He then glanced forward and saw a pony walking toward them happily. The pony had no wings or horn, so she's indeed an earth pony. Her coat was a pale, light raspberry, and her mane, curly and fluffy, was brilliant red along with her tail, which was also curly and fluffy. Her eyes were light cerulean, and her cutie mark consisted of three balloons, two blue and one yellow.

"There's someone who looks interesting." Sora said, pointing at the approaching pony. "She's colorful too." Twilight stopped in her tracks, just as the earth pony approached them. She glanced at the trio with a smile.

"Well come on Twi, just say hi." Spike said, urging the unicorn. She glanced at the pink pony, who tilted her head in confusion, but the smile remained.

"Uhhh... hello?" Twilight asked. Then out of nowhere, the pink pony responded with a massive gasp of pure surprise, and leaping into the air that actually leaves her suspended in midair. She then suddenly, dashes past the group, that nearly blows Twilight's mane and tail off. They are left confused by this sudden motion.

"Well, that was interesting, all right." Twilight said a bit disappointed as she trots off, while Sora and Spike only watched.
"I've never seen someone suspended in the air in that amount of time." Sora said.

"Me neither." Spike said.

"Spike! Sora! C'mon!" Twilight called out. The two then followed her, with Spike giving a weary moan.

Awkward Meetings

Chapter 02: Awkward Meetings

The trio kept walking down the street, this time they were a little out of town. Right up ahead was an open fence gate leading into a farm and a huge orchard full of all kinds of apples: Within the farm were barns, barrels, apples, hey bales, a well, apples, and so on and so forth, there were a lot of apples. Above the gate was a wooden board with an apple-shaped cutout.

"Number one on the list is the Banquet Preparations." Spike said from the list. "Sweet Apple Acres." The group stopped at the fence, where they saw the view of the entire farm.

"Wow... what a farm." Sora said, and glanced at the trees. All of them were apple trees, and he could tell because there were apples on all of them. "Gosh, that's a lot of apples."

"Guess that's why it's called Sweet Apple Acres." Twilight said. "But where is everypony?"

"YEEEE-HAAAA!!!" The heavily southern-accented voice nearly made the group jolt in surprise. Looking to the right of the apple trees, they saw a brilliant gamboge orange colored earth pony with a tousled blonde pale light olive mane and tail. She wore a cowboy hat and her eyes were sap green. There was also a small cluster of light freckles on her cheeks, though they could be birdcatcher spots. There was a trio of small red apples as her cutie mark. The cowgirl pony was racing up to one apple tree, which had several empty wooden tubs set around it's base. She then gives the trunk a solid kick, or buck, with her hind legs. The strike that shook the tree caused all the apples to fall loose to fill the tubs in seconds. She then moved to the next tree and bucks it again, shaking the tree and dropping the apples into the buck. Next tree, buck, drop apples. Next tree, buck, drop apples. After the trees in her area were all bucked and the apples in the tubs, she lifted her head proudly, crossing one foreleg over the other.

"Whoa... that's one strong pony." Sora said.

"Yeah." Spike said. "Sounds like another good chance to make a friend Twilight." Hearing that made the lavender unicorn sigh.

"Let's get this over with." She said as she made her way to the earth pony with a polite smile, with the other two following.

"Good afternoon." Twilight said, getting the cowpony's attention. "My name is Twilight Sparkle." Before she could say more, her face shifted in surprise and sudden pain, as the apple pony began shaking one of her front hooves vigorously. Despite that, the farmer pony was boisterous and friendly.

"Well howdy do, Miss Twilight." The pony said. "A pleasure makin' your acquaintance! I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin' new friends."

"Friends?" Twilight asked vibrating. "Actually, I-"

"Nice to meet you, Applejack." Sora said as he stepped forward. "And my name is Sora."

"Pleasure mister." Applejack said with a wink, and released the unicorn's hand to shake Sora's more slowly than fast. "Like I said, we like makin' friends with anybody!" Twilight on the other hand, was shaking from Applejack's hoofshake. The baby dragon placed his hand on her hoof to help her stop shaking.

"So, what can I do you for sugarcube?" Applejack asked. Despite shake, the unicorn clears her throats and keeps her cool.

"Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration." Twilight continued. "And you are in charge of the food?"

"We sure are sugarcube." Applejack said. "Would you care to sample some?"

"Well, as long as it doesn't take-" Twilight said, but Applejack zips away. "-too long?" Before there was any other words, the sound of an iron triangle began to ring as a meal summons.

"SOUP'S ON EVERYPONY!!" Applejack called. Before they knew it, the ground began to rumble. Turning their heads, Twilight, Sora, and Spike saw a stampede of earth ponies running towards. The group was then lifted off the ground and swept up into the stampede. Twilight was nearly screaming, but Spike and Sora were laughing with surprise. Soon, the three were seated at a table, with Twilight becoming daze. Suddenly, Applejack pops up next to them.

"Now, why don't I introduce y'all to the Apple Family?" The farmpony asked, revealing several and many faces around them.

"Thanks, but I'm kinda in a hur-" Twilight said, right before Applejack tossed an whole apple pie right into Twilight's mouth, followed by a piece of desert thrust right in front of her, Spike, and Sora, with each family member introduced began placing an apple based food item on the table before rushing off.

"This here's Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp." Applejack kept going on and on with the the names with the other ponies kept stacking the apple food and deserts on the table, growing into a massive stack of food. Twilight, still with her mouth full was surprised, but Spike and Sora were smiling. Before they knew it, they were then turned from the table.

"And most importantly, meet my blood family!" Applejack said, showing two ponies in front of the group. One was a large stallion with birdcatcher spots of his own, sleepy sap green eyes. His coat was brilliant amaranth while his hooves were a yellowish grey. His mane was brilliant orange and shaggy. His cutie mark was a big half green apple. He was lifting a cupcake on one hoof. Next to him was a younger pale grayish olive filly with no cutie mark. Her mane and tail was brilliant amaranth, the mane kept up in a large pink bow, and her eyes were a brilliant gamboge orange. She was balancing a cake on her back.

"This is Apple Bloom." Applejack said pointing to the small pony.

"Howdy!" Apple Bloom said.

"This is Big Macintosh!" Applejack said pointing to the taller stallion.

"Yeeup." Big Mac said.

"Annnnd... Granny Smith!" Applejack said, pointing toward the pony in the rocking chair. The mare was an old elderly light lime green mare whose mane and tail was light-gray and each tied in a bun. Her cutie mark was a fresh apple pie, and she was wearing an apple-decorated shawl around her neck. She was snoozing and rocking, like any elderly woman would.

"Granny Smith, Up and at 'em!" Applejack called out. "We got guests!" The old pony began to wak up with a snort, opening her brilliant orange eyes.

"Wha?" Granny Smith asked as she began shambling over and mumbling, her joints creak audibly as she moves forward, reaching the table. "Soup's On... I'm... here I come, I'm coming..."

"Awwww, I love the elderly!" Sora said with a happy smile, while Twilight, her mouth still full of pie, rolled her eyes.

"Why, I'd say you guys are already part of the family." Applejack said, patting Twilight on the back. The lavender unicorn, who couldn't take any more of this, swallowed the pie down whole, and moaned as it dropped down into her stomach.

"Ok..." Twilight said. "Well, I see the food situation is handled, so we'll just be on our way."

"Be on our way?" Spike asked. "But Twilight, we should try some more of these pies. They do look delicious."

"Spike, we're on a time schedule." Twilight said.

"Aren't you gonna stay for brunch?" Apple Bloom asked, showing big sad soulful eyes, with a puppy dog pout. Twilight could only cringe in a bit of guilt.

"Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do." Twilight said. "And now's not the appropriate time to have brunch since it's afternoon." Her answer only received awwws of disappoint from the ponies.

"Aww c'mon Twilight." Sora said, getting the pony's attention. "Why don't we stay for dinner? Besides, you can't say no to this little face..." The boy knelt down beside Apple Bloom and gave the same puppy dog pout to the unicorn.

"And besides Twi." Spike said. "We haven't had lunch yet either." Twilight glanced at the boy, the dragon, and the entire Apple Family. Eventually, she gave a sigh.

"Fine... I guess we can stay for a while." Twilight said. With that said, the apple family began to cheer in excitement. For Twilight however, this was probably gonna be a long while...

It was a little later in the day, but the sun was still out and the sky was still blue. The group was making their way back to town for the next section on the list for the Summer Sun Celebration.

"Wow, those Apple ponies knew how to throw a dinner party." Sora said, chewing on an apple he got from the orchard.

"I know, right?" Spike asked. "Normally I'd eat gems, but any other food is fine by me."

"Wait, you eat gems?" Sora asked.

"Of course we do." Spike said. "What did you think we eat?"

"Uhhhh... real life creatures?" Sora asked.

"Nah, we don't usually do that... at least I think we don't." Spike said.

"I take that you've never been around other dragons, have you." Sora said.

"Not really." Spike said. "Besides, dragons can be mean. And I don't like mean."

"Ooooooohhhh..." a loud moan of discomfort came from behind them. Turning around, they saw Twilight trailing behind by several steps. She didn't feel too good, as was the proof of her round tummy, so round it looked like she was with a full term foal...

"I ate too much pie..." Twilight said, before puffing her cheeks up, as if she was about to vomit. Luckily, she swallowed it back down.

"Awww, Twilight." Sora said. "You probably shouldn't have ate too much."

"First off, I wasn't planning to eat that much." Twilight said. "Secondly, the ponies were pushing the food into my mouth and down my throat. And I didn't get a chance to tell them no than-" Her mouth puffed up again, but luckily she didn't vomit, she only let a belch.

"Excuse me..." Twilight said.

"Anyway, what's next on the list Spike?" Sora asked.

"Next up is the weather." Spike said, who then glanced up at the sky. The boy glanced up too, seeing a couple of clouds in the sky.

"The weather seems fine to me." Sora said.

"Yeah, but we can't have clouds in the way." Spike said. "The pegasi are in charge of the weather, and they clear the weather in the sky. There's suppose to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds." Twilight stopped for a second, and sat down on the ground, her full tummy jiggling as she sat. She looked up at the sky, seeing several clouds and no pegasus named Rainbow Dash.

"Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?" She said.....

-THUD-

Without warning, a multicolored blur flashes through and plows Twilight away, with globs of mud splatterig from where they landed, surprising Sora and Spike. They then turned to see Twilight landing face first in the mud, groaning softly. On top of her was a light grayish cerulean pegasus whose unruly mane and tail were both striped with all the colors of the rainbow; consisting of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The pegasus also had moderate cerise eyes, and her cutie mark was a thunder bolt striped in red, yellow, and blue, issuing from a cloud. The pegasus gets up and looks at who she crashed into, and gave a big goofy grin and chuckle with a raspy tomboyish voice.

"Uh... 'scuse me?" She said, with Twilight groaning again as the pegasus lifted herself off the ground.

"Here, let me help you." The rainbow maned pegasus said as she dashed off, with Twilight barely having enough time to stand up before the pegasus pushes a gray cloud over her head. She then floated on top of it, and she gave the cloud a few stomps on it's top to produce a quick shower that washes the mud and cleaning up Twilight. But the lavender unicorn is soaked from head to tail.

"Oops!" The pegasus said with a giggle. "I guess I overdid it. Uh... Oh how about this?" The pegasus then began to fly aroud Twilight, and to her surprise, a striped whirlwind began to surround Twilight, and began blowing her hair, and drying up her body.

"My very own patented... Rainblow-Dry!" The rainbow maned pegasus called out as she kept going. After a couple of seconds, the pegasus halted, dropping to the ground, and the whirlwind died away.

"No, no, don't thank me." She said. "You're quite welcome." She then gets a good look at the finishing product she has done. Twilight's mane and tail were now a fizzed out mess. While she was not amused, the rainbow pegasus couldn't help but smile.

"Bahahahaha!" She laughed as he voice got raspier, with Spike following suit. Twilight however only glare, and gave a snort. Sora approached the pegasus.

"You must be Rainbow Dash, right?" Sora asked. The pegasus, Rainbow Dash, bolted right up, pitching Spike away.
"The one and only." She said hovering in the air. "Why? You've heard of me?"

"Well actually I'd figured because your mane and tail are the colors of the rainbow." Sora said smiling, his hands behind the back of his head.

"Excuse me, Miss Dash." Twilight said, trying to keep her cool. "My name is Twilight Sparkle, and Princess Celestia sent me to check on the weather, which is what you're suppose to be doing."

"Yeah yeah, that'll be a snap." Rainbow Dash said as she lounges on top of a cloud next to her. "I'll do it in a jiffy, just as soon as I'm done practicing."

"Practicing?" Twilight asked. "For what?"

"The Wonderbolts!" Rainbow Dash said, pointing to the poster on the wall. The poster depicted silhouettes of four pegasi streaking across a starry sky, while three more stand proudly below. All three of them wore goggles and blue-green jumpsuits that leave the snouts, ears, and manes exposed, and their manes were electric blue. Three thunderbolts were also displayed below them, with the center one having a pair of wings.

"They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow." Rainbow Dash said getting off the cloud and doing a loop to another cloud. "And I'm gonna show 'em my stuff."

"The Wonderbolts?" Sora asked.

"The most talented flyers in all of Equestria." Spike said. "They also help protect Equestria and save lives from all over."

"Yep, those are them." Rainbow Dash said. Twilight only gave a smile.

"Pfft!" She giggled. "Oh please, like they'd actually pick someone like you." Hearing that made Rainbow Dash's ears quirk up.

"What'd you say?" She asked giving a glare at the unicorn.

"The wonderbolts are flyers who fly with honor, courage, chivalry, and of course loyalty." Twilight said. "They'd never accept a pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day."

"Oh yeah?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I could clear the sky in ten seconds flat!"

"Really?" Twilight asked.

"Really." Rainbow Dash said.

"Then prove it." Twilight said.

"Ok then!" Rainbow Dash said, and she then took off at super sonic speed, flying all over, springing into action to kick apart one cloud after another. The wake of her movements made Twilight drop her jaw in surprise, as Sora and Spike watched. How is it possible that this Rainbow Dash is flying so fast? How is she this fast? Twilight has never seen a pegasus with this kind of speed. Not even the Wonderbolts can go this fast.

"Loop-the-loop around, and WHAM!!!" Rainbow Dash shouted, kicking the last cloud in the sky, which was now empty. No cloud in sight, only the sun was visible.

"See?" Rainbow Dash asked, dropping onto the bridge over the stream. "Ten seconds flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging."

"Wow!" Sora said. "That was amazing! That was pretty cool!"

"Thanks, though I'd prefer awesome." Rainbow Dash said. Twilight still stood in shock with her mouth hung down.

"H... How are you able to go that fast?" Twilight asked.

"Because, I'm a natural born flyer!" Rainbow Dash said as she flew toward Twilight. "You should've seen the look on your face. You're a laugh Twilight Sparkle. But hey, you're pretty cool too. Can't wait to hang out sometime." She gives Twilight a friendly nudge on the cheek, while the unicorn's brain was kicking back in gear by the pegasus' last sentence.

"Anyway, see ya later!" Rainbow Dash said as she zipped away, leaving the group to their own devices.

"Wow... she's amazing!" Spike said. Having seen the show, he was impressed. "She might be better than you, Twi." Hearing that made Twilight give a disapproving groan, and she walks away.

"I was just kidding Twi! Plus, I think your mane is pretty once you get used to it!" Spike said as he ran after her, while Sora looked back at the direction Rainbow Dash went.

"Man, this place is full of surprises." He said with a smile. "I wonder who else we'll meet next." Turning his head back, he saw Twilight and Spike heading off. He then followed after him, looking forward to who else they'll meet.

Next stop was the Pavilion, where they were heading off too. As they headed inside the building, they stopped. What they saw was a beautiful scenery, where the entire single circular room was decorated so wonderfully, with such elaborate hangings, various artwork, and a plethora of adornments on the balcony railings.

"Wow... this is so beautiful..." Sora said.

"Yes." Twilight said as she saw the decorations. "The decorations seem to be coming along nicely. This oughta be quick. I'll be at the library in no time."

"I wonder who's in charge of all this." Sora said. He looked to his right to see Spike walking forward. There was astonishment all over his face and in his eyes, something that the two noticed quickly.

"Spike?" Twilight asked. Spike didn't say anything. He was staring ahead, but not at the decorations. He was staring at the unicorn pony who was examining the ribbons she was putting up. The unicorn was light gray, and her moderate indigo mane and tail were long, purple, done in loose elegant curls. Her eyes were azure as the ocean, and she wore a bluish gray eyeshadow over her eyes, and her cutie mark were three light blue lozenge-shaped jewels. Whoever this was, this pony was indeed beautiful.

"No... no... no... Oh! goodness no... hmmmmm..." The unicorn said, turning her head, showing her beautiful face. Seeing her made Spike widen his eyes more, and his eyes began to change into hearts. One thing's for sure, this little dragon was developing a crush on her.

"She's so beautiful..." He said. "I feel all mushy inside."

"Spike?" Twilight asked more sternly. Brought out of his trance, he began to groom his spikes and spines.

"How are my spines?" He asked. "Are they straight?" Twilight only rolled her eyes, while Sora couldn't help but smile at the dragon's crush at first sight. The group then approached the dais.

"Good afternoon Miss." Twilight began.

"In a moment please, I'm in the zone as 'twere." The unicorn said, examining a ribbon. "Ah yes!" The unicorn then began tightening a glittering red bow on the post. "Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why Rarity, you are a talent."

"Yeah, you sure are..." Spike said as he smiled, with hearts still in his eyes. The unicorn, Rarity, turned her head, seeing the group.

"Now, how can I help you all- WHOAHOHOW!!!" Rarity gasped with a cry of horror, seeing Twilight's poofed up mane and tail.

"Uh... hi?" Twilight asked.

"Oh my stars, darling!" Rarity said. "Whatever happened to your coiffure?"

"Coiffure?" Sora asked.

"Oh, you mean my mane?" Twilight asked, noticing that her mane was still a wreck. "Well, it's a long story. I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your hair."

"Out of my hair?!" Rarity asked. "What about your hair? Come along dear, let's get you fixed up." She then began to push Twilight along.

"Wait!" Twilight shouted. "Where are we going? Sora, Spike, Help!"

"She just wants to fix your mane up Twilight." Sora said. "No harm doing that." He then glanced down and to his surprise, Spike, the poor lovestruck dragon began to float after the pair, using his tail as a propeller. Sora watched with a bit of confusion.

"I hope that's not contagious." Sora said as he followed the group.

Next thing they knew, they were inside the Carousel Boutique, where the door is plit halfway up it's height into two sections, each with its own knob. They were inside the two story building, inside Rarity's fitting studio, where there were several life sized pony dolls were held up with different dresses and suits on them. They were mannequins... or ponyquins if they should say. Sora took a good look at the designs. They were amazing and beautiful. They may be dresses and suits for ponies, but they were indeed fabulous.

"What beautiful dresses you have." Sora said.

"Why thank you darling." Rarity said as she grabbed several different clothes and dresses. "Made them all myself. It's my talent you know, along with finding rare gems to make them with."

"Oh, you're a miner?" Sora asked.

"Oh goodness no." Rarity said. "Mining is... dirty."

"Oh, makes sense." Sora said. "You like to do things... cleanly."

"Yes, but it doesn't hurt to get a little dirty if it means helping ponies." Rarity said. "Now then, let's get started." She then moved to the large showroom, where Twilight was on a platform, wearing a new outfit, only to be switched out immediately after the fashionista found the dress inappropriate.

"No... no... uh-uh." Rarity said as she began to suit Twilight in different dresses and clothing. The lavender unicorn's mane and tail were fixed up, but the stylist decided to fit her with a dress too. "Too green, too yellow, too poofy, not poofy enough, too frilly, too... shiny." She then lifted Twilight up on her hind legs, and noticed Twilight's stomach was still extended from all the pie she ate.

"Hmmmm we'll have to do something about that.. pudgy tummy." Rarity said as she went to the back, leaving Twilight to stand on her hind legs.

"Actually I don't really have time fo-" Before she could finish, a strap was placed around Twilight, and before she knew it, she was being squeezed around the waist while Rarity began pulling the straps with her teeth. Good news is Twilight's stomach was back to normal, but she could feel the pressure from the strap squeezing against her.

"So, do tell me darling." Rarity asked. "What brings you here to Ponyville?"

"I've... been... sent... from... Canterlot... to..." Twilight said as she was being strangled, but then suddenly, Rarity letted go in surprise, causing both of them to fly in opposite directions. Rarity was the first one to get up.

"Canterlot?!" She asked rushing over to Twilight and picking her up. "Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistiation! I've always dreamed of living there!" She was spinning Twilight around like a ballot dancer, and until she then pulled her in close. "I can't wait to hear all about it! We're gonna be the best of friends, you and I." She then gasped.

"Oh my what am I thinking?" Rarity said. "A Canterlot royalty like you should be dressed in the most finest of glamour! Let me get you some rubies!" She then dashes off to get some ruby gems. Seeing the opportunity, Twilight got up and galloped out of there, leaving the strap behind.

"Quick!" Twilight shouted to Sora and the lovestruck Spike, who was then pulled by Twilight's magic. "Let's go before she decides to dye my coat a new color!"

"Hey wait up!" Sora called out, and then glanced back. "Sorry Miss Rarity, we have to go!"

"Oh, no trouble at all darling!" Rarity called out. "You're welcome to come back anytime!" The boy glanced back and gave a thumbs up.

"Thanks!" He said, and then he headed out the door, following Twilight and Spike to their next objective.

Another task was done and over with. But if anything, for Twilight, it was exhausting. First she meets a gasping pony, then eats too much pie, gets her mane dirty and messed up, and the dresses, well the dresses and the mane cleaning she can put up with, but this whole day has been very exhausting. But for Spike and Sora, it was actually quite fun.

"Man, what a day, huh?" Sora asked.

"Yeah." Spike said, still thinking about Rarity. "Wasn't she wonderful?" Twilight only sighed.

"Focus you two." Twilight said. "We still have work to do."

"Oh right." Sora said. "Spike, what's next on the list?" The little draik pulled out the list and examined it.

"Oh, it's music." Spike said. "And it's the last one!" Hearing that made Twilight sigh in relief.

"Thank goodness." Twilight said. "We'll be at the library in no time!" But then, the three stopped short, hearing something from afar. It sounded like music. A fanfare being whistled somewhere ahead of them. As Sora pointed forward, the three go up to the bushes and poke their heads out to see the source of the music. Before them were several birds perched in a tree, with a pale light gold pegasus hovering in front of them. Her long straight light grayish rose mane and tail that curled gently upwards at the end was floating as she hovered with her wings. Her eyes were a beautiful moderate cyan, and her cutie mark was of three pink butterflies. It appears that she's conducting the birds to sing, and they were singing beautiful. But one bird was out of sync with the rest of the group, something the pegasus noticed.

"Oh my..." she said with a soft, gentle, and timid voice. "Um can we please stop everyone?" The birds quickly stopped singing as the pegasus flew up to the one out of sync.

"Um... excuse me mister bird." She began. "I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny tiny bit off, ok?" the bird gave an understanding nod and reassured itself. Then the pegasus flew back and was ready to conduct again. Behind the bush, Twilight was quite impressed with the birds' singing, making her emerge from her hiding spot.

"Ok, now all together please." The pegasus said. "A-one, a-two, a-one, two, three-"

"Hello?" Twilight called up. The call quickly startled the conductor very greatly, and it scared her entire bird ensemble out of the tree.

"Oh!" The pegasus said.

"Oh my!" Twilight said, realizing what she had done. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music and it's sounding beautifully." The yellow pegasus gently touched down onto the ground, looking at Twilight in a sidelong position, while fidgeting one hoof against the ground without saying anything. After a moment of silence, Twilight onl grinned nervously, while her eys flickered in the same way, before breaking that silence.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle." The unicorn said. The pegasus didn't respond.

"What's your name?" Twilight asked.

"Um... I'm... Fluttershy..." The pegasus said, but it was too soft to hear.

"I'm sorry what was that?" Twilight asked.

"Um... my name is Fluttershy..." The pegasus, Fluttershy said, before backing away.

"Didn't quite catch that." Twilight said, moving forward. The sudden movement made the meek pegasus make a tiny squeak and hide her face with her long mane. Behind her, the birds returned to the tree.

"Well, it looks like your birds are back." Twilight said. "So, I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work." Another nervous squeak came from the pegasus.

"Oookay..." Twilight spoke as she backed off slowly. Sora emerged from his own hiding spot, approaching the unicorn.

"Well that was easy." Twilight said.

"Is she ok?" Sora asked.

"I don't know." Twilight said looking back at the mare. "I just said that her birds were singing wonderfully and well... she couldn't tell me her name." The boy glanced at the pegasus, who's head was still hidden among her mane. Placing his hands on his hips, he began thinking.

"Awww, she must be shy." Sora said.

"I guess she is." Spike said as he emerged from his hiding spot, now in plain sight. Fluttershy moved her head, her eyes suddenly on Spike. She gasped and smile.

"A Baby Dragon!!" Fluttershy spoke loudly, fluttering her wings up, which scares the birds off again. She then zips over to Spike, knocking Twilight away, and examined the little draik.

"Oh my gosh!" The pegasus said with a smile. "I've never seen a baby dragon before! Oooh, he's so cute! Look at his adorable scales, and beautiful eyes!"

"Well, looks like she isn't shy anymore." Spikes said as he gave a smile to Sora, who gave a nod back.

"Oh my, he talks!" Fluttershy said, even more excited. "I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just incredibly wonderful, I... oh... I just don't know what to say." She was hovering in excitement. Seeing her happy brought a smile to Sora's face. After being sprawled out however, Twilight quickly lifts Spike off the ground with her magic and hoisted him on her back.
"Well, sorry to leave in such a hurry, but we need to go." Twilight said as she went off with Spike. "C'mon Sora." She quickly nudged the boy to move.

"Oh, well..." Sora began.

"Wait, wait!" Fluttershy called as she hurried after them. "What's his name?"

"I'm Sora." The boy said.

"Hello Sora." Fluttershy said. "Is this your little dragon?"

"Um, no." Sora said. "He's actually Twilight's dragon."

"Ooooo, what's his name?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'm Spike." The baby ragon replied.

"Hi Spike!" Fluttershy said. "I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! How did you come to be?"

"Well, what do you wanna know?" Spike asked.

"Absolutely everything." The pegasus replied.

"Well, I started out as a cute purple egg with green spots." Spike began. As the conversation began, Twilight's only groaned loudly in annoyance, knowing that this was not going end any time soon.

Pretty soon, it was now almost evening, where the sun was just meeting the horizon. Luckily for Twilight, they finally made it to the library up ahead. Ponyville's Golden Oak Library, a large gnarled tree whose trunk and foliage are set with many windows, each one had a hanging lantern. There was also a outside balcony about halfway up, with the front door displaying a picture of a lit candle, and a sign outside next to it depicted an open book, showing that it was the library.

"This must be the library." Sora said.

"Finally." Twilight sighed, still hearing Spike and Fluttershy talking behind her.

"And that's the story of my whole entire life." Spike said. "...well, up until today. Do you want to hear about today?

"Oh yes please!" Fluttershy cheered. Twilight however, has had enough. She quickly turned around to face Fluttershy.

"I am sorry..." Twilight said, trying to keep her tone in check. "But we really need to be checking in. My poor baby dragon needs his sleep." Spike and Sora looked with surprise.

"Wha... No I don't." Spike said, only to be bucked off Twilight's back by herself, making him drop to the ground.
"Oooohhh wookit that." Twilight said in baby talk. "He's so sweepy, he can't even keep his wittle bawance." The dragon gives her a glare while she gives phony grin.

"Oh, you poor thing." Fluttershy said as she picked up the baby dragon with her hooves. "Dragons do need sleep. You simply must get him to bed. I'll stay and help." She was about to move toward the door, but Twilight quickly grabbed Spike, and pushes her away.

"Yes, yes, I'm getting right on that." Twilight said. "Well, good night!" She quickly runs inside the library, leaving a very befuddled Fluttershy, with Sora watching a bit surprised. He glanced back at Fluttershy.

"Um... see you around." He said, going into the library and closing the door behind him. He then turned forward to see Twilight giving a sigh of relief, and Spike only getting up from the ground. It was also pretty dim inside, much to their notice.

"Well, that was nice..." Spike said as he got up.

"Geez Twilight." Sora said. "Did you have to be so rude?"

"I'm sorry Sora." Twilight said. "This has been very stressful for me. I have work to do. I need to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time. I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying make friends all the time. Now, where's the light?" Before anyone could answer that question, the lights suddenly came on, revealing a large circular room, where the walls are lined with bookshelves, with volumes scattered around lofts set into the walls above them. But... that wasn't what caught their attention. What really caught their attention was the many many ponies inside the room, with many of them having noisemakers in their mouths.

"SURPRISE!!!" They all called out, with confetti raining down from the ceiling, surprising Sora, Twilight, and Spike completely.

"Whoa..." Sora said

"WHAT?!" Twilight asked. "What are you all doing in here?!" Before she could say anything else, a pony stepped forward. To Twilight's surprise, it was actually the very first pony that Twilight had met when she and the others first arrived here!

"SURPRISE!" She cheerfully called with a energetic and hyperactive voice.

"Uhhh..." Twilight said.

"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie!" The pony said. "And I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were you, were you? Huh? Huh? Huh?" She showed a very happy smile, though it looked a bit creepy.

"I was surprised." Sora said with a smile.

"Me too!" Spike said.

"Very surprised..." Twilight gritted through her teeth. "Libraries are suppose to be quiet..!"

"That's Silly!" Pinkie Pie giggled, leaning on Twilight and shaking her head. "What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh! Boooring! You see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were like all Hello, and I was all GASP, remember? You see, I never saw you before, and if I never saw you before, that means you're new. 'Cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony, in Ponyville at least!" As Pinkie Pie went on and on, Twilight only groaned.

"I need a drink." Twilight said, and she made her way to the table, picking up a red bottle and began shaking it into the waiting glass in front of her, not realizing that all the other liquid bottles on the table are green.

"And if you're new, it meant you hadn't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends. And if you don't have any friends, then you must be pretty lonely, and it makes me so saaaad! But then I had an idea and that's why I went GASP!"

Twilight then places the red bottle down, which the label showed a picture of flames while the green ones had labels that said drinks on it. She then placed a straw in the glass in front of her and started zipping and drinking. Suddenly the taste was rather strange. Then Pinkie Pie appeared out of nowhere right in front of Twilight, making her jump back. How did that crazy pony do that?

"I decided to throw you a great big ginormous, super-duper spectacular welcome party andinvite everyone in Ponyville! And the best part is, I invited ponies that you've met! She then pulled close to her Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy near Twilight. The lavender unicorn's eyes widened in surprise.

"Wait, you all know each other?" Twilight asked.

"Well not really, but we know Pinkie Pie." Rainbow Dash said.

"She does throw the most magnificent parties." Rarity said.

"Oh, I just came back inside because of the party." Fluttershy said.

"See?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Now you have lots and lots of friends!" Twilight was about to say something, but then, her eyes widened as the size of dinner plates, and her entire face began to turn red, her cheeks began to bulge, and her eyes began to stream tears down, and there was smoke slowly emitting from her mouth.

"Are you alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asked. Before anyone could guess, Twilight began to jump into the air, and open her mouth, showing flames coming out, while her mane and tail briefly turned into flames and her steam whistled from her ears. She zipped out of the room into the other one in top speed, leaving everyone surprise, even Sora and Spike.

"I... think you guys broke her." Sora said, while Spike glanced down at the red bottle near Twilight's cup, and noticed what it was.

"Ummm... I think it was the hot sauce actually." The little draik said. Appearing from his right, Pinkie Pie took the hot sause from him and began to dip some of the sauce on some of the cupcakes. She took a couple in her mouth and ate them with the sauce on them, happily chewing it down. She then glanced at the crowd, who watched with confusion.

"What?" She asked. "It's good!" Seeing her act silly with her appetite, everyone in the room began to laugh. "Come On Everypony, Let's PARTY!!!"

Party Down Hill

Chapter 03: Party Down Hill

Hours later...

He could not tell the time how long he was up, but that didn't matter, because he was having so much fun! The ponies around him were cheering as he played several party games with them, such as Pin the Tail on the Pony, Limbo, and of course, dancing. To his right, Pinkie Pie was leading a congo line, with a noisemaker in her mouth. With her being a party planner, she knows how to throw a party. The boy then suddenly tripped to the ground after dancing so much. But he gave a cheerful laugh.

"Wow, this party is amazing!" Sora said to himself. "We don't have stuff like this back on the Islands." As he got back up, he scanned the room carefully. He noticed there was one pony not in the crowd. Where was Twilight? He remembered that she ran into one of the rooms after she accidently drank that hot sauce. He might as well go check on her. Going to the door she ran to, he opened it up and found that it was dark. He turned on the light, seeing bookshelves lined up on one wall, but the rest of the space had enough room for a bed at the top of the staircase, a house plant, a nice mat on the floor, and a table by the window with a unicorn bust on it. Hung on the wall were two overlapping horsehoes and a cuckoo clock, and there was a nice telescope. But no sign of Twilight inside.

"Hello?" Sora asked. "Twilight are you in here?" There was a loud tired moan coming from the side of the room, underneath the bed covers. The boy approached the bed.

"Twilight, are you ok?" Sora asked.

"No... I'm not ok." Twilight hissed.

"Well, do you want to play Pin the Tail on the Pony?" Sora asked.

"NOO!" Twilight shouted, showing her tired face, nearly startling the boy. "I came here just to check on the Summer Sun Celebration preparations, but I ended up eating too many pies, get my mane frizzled by a pegasus, tried on too many dresses, listened Spike talking about his life story, and I drank hot sauce that nearly burnt my tongue off! All the poinies in this town are CRAZY!!!" The unicorn began panting as she finished her rant, leaving the boy speechless.

"So?" Sora asked.

"SO?!" Twilight asked. "Do you even know what time it is?!" She pointed to the clock, showing that that it was almost six, just before the crack of dawn.

"Wow, the party's gone on for that long?" Sora asked. "That's so cool!" Hearing that only made Twilight groan with more fustration.

"Seriously, Twilight, you really should lighten up a bit." Sora said. "It's just a party." Twilight only began mimicking the tone of hsi voice with gibberish before ranting again.

"How can someone like you handle all this?!" She asked.

"What?" Sora asked. "I like to have fun." Twilight only shook her head.

"Here I thought I'd have time to learn more about the Elements of Harmony, but silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!" She shouted.

"Oh c'mon Twilight." Sora said. "It's good to make friends. Is that such a crime?"

"When the world is at stake yes!" Twilight said. "Apparently you don't get that with that stupid happy-go-lucky attitude of your's all the time?!" Hearing that made Sora's eyes widen with surprise, and a sad expression began to form on his face. The lavender unicorn stopped herself, realizing that what she just said. She lowered her head in shame.

"I'm sorry..." She said. "I didn't mean to be-"

"No." Sora said, turning his head. "It's ok. If anything, I'm not perfect either." The unicorn made a turn with her head too.

"How do you put up with me?" Twilight asked.

"I just like making new friends." Sora said with a smile. Twilight couldn't help but smile at his happy face. She then looked towards the window, seeing the full moon in the sky, whose craters and darkened surfaces formed the silhouette of a pony.

"When I was a filly, I'd always wondered where my life would be." Twilight said. "One night years ago, I went to the Summer Sun Celebreation, and saw Princess Celestia raise the sun. Seeing her do that was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. She inspired me to learn everything I could about magic. I always had a bit of trouble with starting my magic. One day, my parents helped me get enrolled in Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. It was a dream come true... except for one thing." Interested, Sora sat down next to her, wanting to hear more.

"And what's that?" Sora asked.

"I had to pass an entrance exam." Twilight said. "I was to hatch a dragon from it's egg. It was the most important day of my life that would affect my entire future, but my magic wasn't responding, and I thought I was about to blow. But then suddenly, an loud boom startled me greatly, and my magic activated, where I managed to successfully hatch the egg. But then I lost control of my magic, and I was doing crazy things. Suddenly I was calmed down, and I saw Princess Celestia looking down at me. She was smiling right at me. She said that I had a very special gift, a gift of raw talent, and she offered to teach me everything about magic."

"So you got accepted into the school?" Sora asked.

"More than that." Twilight said. "I became Princess Celestia's personal protégé."

"Gosh... that's amazing." Sora said.

"Yeah, it was a dream come true... but it also made me a bit of a worriedsort, and a target for bullies." Twilight said, her head lowering down. "Sometimes ponies would tease me because of my intelligence, and sometimes the bullying would get violent at times. That's why I never actually made friends because of that."

"I'm sorry." Sora said. "I had no idea."

"Well, it wasn't the bullying that made me a worriedsort though." Twilight said. "I was the Princess's apprentice, and... I always do my best to make her proud. There are times when I think, what if I fail or disappoint her?" The unicorn glanced out the window, still seeing the moon, and the four stars around it. Sora glanced back the pony and smiled.

"You don't need to worry too much." Sora said. "You should never be afraid of failure, because failing is also part of learning. I should know. And don't worry about Princess Celestia. I know she would never be disappointed in you." The unicorn looked at the boy and gave a weak smile. But her head turned back at the window.

"I'm just worried... if the legend does come true, and Nightmare Moon returns..." Twilight said. "The world will be drowned into an everlasting night."

"Try not to think about it Twilight." Sora said. "And if it does happen, then we'll find a way to stop her." The unicorn looked at the boy's whose smile was so bright. She then gave a smile of her own and nodded.

"Thank you Sora." Twilight said.

"Hey Twilight!" The two turned around to see Spike in the doorway.

"It's time to watch the sunrise!" Spike said. "Unless you guys want to be left alone..." The boy and unicorn looked at each other.

"Spike!" Twilight said as she gave a blush, while Sora looked confused. Regardless, he got up and made his way to the door.

"We better go, Twilight." Sora said. "If you want to, that is." Twilight gave a smile and nodded, getting up from the bed.

"Sure, I would like that." She said. Glad to hear that, the boy followed Spike out the door, with Twilight following. She made one last look at the window, seeing the moon.

"I hope it really is just an old pony tale." Twilight said as she went out the door.

It was almost the crack of dawn, when the sun is to rise from the horizon. Everypony was gathered at the Town's pavilion, its windows glowing into the night as many ponies made their way through the entrance. Inside, the banners were hung by the walls and ceiling posts, with many ponies admiring them. They will have Rarity to thank for the decorations. The pavilion had a balcony and a curtained archway behind the railing. Sora and Twilight, with the baby dragon on her back, made their way in, seeing many ponies inside. Sora and Spike took a moment to be astonished by the decorations.

"Wow..." Sora said. "This place looks amazing."

"Yeah... and so is the pony who decorated it." Spike said, his eyes on Rarity, who was among the group.

"How many times have you said wow?" Twilight asked to the boy.

"Don't know." Sora said. "This place is full of surprises, but I like it."

"Isn't this exciting?" Pinkie Pie asked, poking her head between the group. "Are you excited? 'Cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went - GASP. But I mean, really, who can top that?" Sora couldn't help but chuckle at Pinkie Pie's silliness, while Twilight only rolled her eyes. Then, a short fanfare was performed, and the spotlight the picks out and descends to the stage, revealing a middle age light grayish amber earth pony that wore half-moon glasses, and a collar secured with a green ribbon tie. Her mane and tail were waved with two light shades of gray, one shade light cornflower, and the other darker. Her eyes were a nice moderate phthalo blue, and the cutie mark on her flank was a scroll tied with a blue ribbon.

"Who's that?" Sora asked.

"That's the Mayor." Pinkie Pie said. "Mayor Mare. Did you know that she's a mayor?"

"Yeah, you said that she was." Sora said.

"I know." Pinkie Pie said with a squeal.

"Fillies and Gentlecolts, Mares and Stallions!" Mayor Mare said. "As Mayor of Ponyville it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration! In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this, the longest day of the years!" As the ponies watched, Twilight only felt a bit uneasy. But Sora then placed his hand on her head.

"You ready to see the sunrise?" He asked. The pony then gave a weak smile and a nod.

"And now..." Mayor Mare said. "It is my great honor to introduce to you... the ruler of our wonderful land... the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day... the good, the wise... the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria."

"HURRY UP ALREADY!" a pony shouted from the crowd.

"Ok, ok." Mayor Mare said. She then turns to Rarity and gives a wink. Then, the fashionista grabs a nearby rope and hauls on it.

"Princess Celestia!" The mayor called as she stepped aside, and the curtain opens up. The spotlight hits the platform as the stage if more revealed. Then....

Nothing...

Nothing happened.

Everypony watched in confusion, with murmurs and clammers were brought about. There was no sign of Princess Celestia. No sign of her in site. Twilight then showed a worried look.

"Ooooh, is she hiding?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Ooh ooh, I love guessing games! She's really good!" Sora then began thinking, wondering what was going on. But then his head was brought to the sky, seeing the moon shining down. He then saw something strange happening in the sky. Four drifting stars around the moon began to disappear, and the silhouette of the unicorn head then vanishes from the surface. That... didn't look good.

"Now remain calm everypony." Mayor Mare said. "There must be a reasonable explanation."

-BOOM-

The sound of thunder began to ring the pavilion, causing panick inside. Everypony then glanced up, to see a twinkling cloud of deep phthalo blue vapor make it's way inside through the window, and landing on the platform before them. Gasps began to light the room, as Twilight watched in horror.

"Oh no..." She said. Then, the thickened cloud bursts away, revealing a tall pony with a long unicorn horn, and pegasus wings! A pony with wings and a unicorn horn is what is called an Alicorn. The alicorn was very dark, her skin cornflower black blue, wearing a light zure armor set. The edge of her helmet framed scornfully, and her eyes were a bright cyan blue, with catlike pupils, with deep violet eyeshadow, with her eyebrows being moderate blue violet. Her mane that was phthalo and grayish persian blue were actually flowing like an actual vapor, along with her tail. And the cutie mark on the alicorn's flank was a dark purple splotch, with a light blue crescent moon, which was also on her chest armor plate. The ponies gasped as they saw the alicorn, as did Sora.

"Who is that?!" He asked.

"Nightmare Moon..." Twilight said, as Spike fainted off her back. That's right. The mare of the moon has truly returned as predicted in the Predicitons and Prophecies Book. She gives a smile and glare to the frightened ponies.

"My beloved subjects." She spoke with an unsettling mixture of suavity, contempt, and manace hiddened in her voice. "It has been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces. The ponies were all fear-stricken as she spoke, that is until Rainbow Dash flew in in front of the mare.

"What did you do to our princess?!" She asked, while Applejack pulled her back.

"Ahahahahaha!" Nightmare Moon chuckled evily. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"

"Ooh, Ooh, I know!" Pinkie Pie called out. "I love guessing games. Um... Hokey Smokes! How about Queen Meanie? Oh Oh! Black Snooty! Black Snooty!" Her speech is however halted by a cupcake stuffed into her mouth by Applejack.

"Oh, have you all forgotten?" Nightmare Moon asked, leaning to Fluttershy, who was scared, along with her birds, who scattered away quickly. She then glances at Rarity, and craddled her face with her intangible mane.

"Does my crown mean nothing to you now that I've been imprisoned for a thousand years?" Nightmare Moon asked. "Do you not recall the legend? Nor have you seen the signs?"

"I do!" All attention was pointed to Twilight, who stepped forward. "I saw the signs, and I know who you are! You're the Mare in the Moon... Nightmare Moon!" The crowd gasps in surprise and even more horror, remembering the name.

"Well, well, well." Nightmare Moon said. "Somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here."

"You're here... to... to..." Twilight spoke, her nerve finally being lost, and made her swallow hard.

"Hahaha..." Nightmare Moon said. "Losing your nerve? Then let me make an example..." Her horn then lights up, charging up with lots of energy, as Twilight stood in shock, while other ponies quickly ran out of the way. The mare in the moon then fired a powerful blast at the lavender unicorn.

"Twilight!" Sora called out as he ran toward her, his hand beginning to glow. He lept toward her just as the blast made contact.

-BOOOM-

An explosion of blue sparks and smokes lifted into the air, as everypony watched with shock. Nightmare Moon gave a grin. But then that grin faded away to a state of surprise. As Twilight opened her eyes, glancing back to her direction, she saw Sora standing between her and Nightmare Moon. The unicorn then glanced a bit to the right, seeing what he was holding in his hand. She gasped. In his hand was a sword, but not any sword though. The sword resembled a skeleton key, approximately 3.5' long. The square-shaped guardwas bright gold yellow, and the blade was silver, along with teeth at the top shaped like a key, and the teeth's outline matched the crown necklace Sora wore. At the bottom of the guard and hilt was a silver keychain that had a lucky emblem token at the end. The weapon he wielded was a keyblade! The ponies watched with amazement.

"No way!" A pegasus said.

"Is that?" A unicorn asked.

"A keyblade?" Twilight asked. The boy turned his head and gave a smile.

"Foals!" Nightmare Moon shouted, getting the boy's attention. "How dare ye stand against me! Who do you think you are?!"

"It's Sora." The boy said, and pointed his keyblade forward. "And I'm not gonna let you hurt anyone else!"

"Ahhh how brave you are... or how foolish you are to defy me." Nightmare Moon said. Her horn then lit up once again and fired, and the boy swung his keyblade, countering the beam like a baseball, sending it flying to the ceiling, which exploded upon impact.

"Let's get out of here!" A earth pony shouted as he, and many of the ponies ran for it out of the building, leaving only Twilight, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and a frightened Fluttershy in the building, as Sora pointed his keyblade forward.

"Is that all you got?" Nightmare Moon asked.

"Let's find out." He said as he then charged forward. He leapt into the air and swung his keyblade down, only for Nightmare Moon to dodge, and swing her head, using her horn like a sword. The boy countered by raising his keyblade up, clashing against the horn. He then slid under her and swung, striking the alicorn in the wings. But the mare took flight and turned, firing another beam at the boy, who then dodge rolled out of the way. As the two kept fighting, Twilight watched with amazement, while the mares reacted wth awe.

"Ooooooo." The five said. Sora then made one last leap into the air and swung down, but the mare's horn ignited, and suddenly, Sora was suspended in the air, surrounded by a blue aura.

"Hey, put me down!" Sora shouted.

"Ok then." Nightmare Moon said as she then tossed the boy backwards. Luckily, the boy tiled backwards into a somersault and made a perfect landing.

"Had enough?" Nightmare Moon asked.

"Nope." Sora said. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve too. Check this out!" He leaped up into the air and pointed his keyblade forward.

"RAGNAROK!!!" He shouted, and his keyblade began to charge up energy. Then...

-BFFFT-

The tip of the blade gave a little spark, and did nothing. The boy gasped in surprise.

"What?" He asked. "Hold on a second.... FIRAGA!!!" Still nothing.

"Um... Blizzaga?" Sora asked. Yet, his keyblade did nothing at all.

"Uh... Strike Raid!" Sora shouted as he threw his keyblade, hoping it will spin around and strike the Nightmare alicorn, only for it to dangle up and down to the ground, like any object thrown. Nothing was working! Why?

"Wha... why can't I do any of my abilities?" Sora asked. Nightmare Moon only gave a smile.

"Fool... are you really a keyblade wielder, or just some knockoff?" She said. Then with her horn, she fired a blue beam of energy right before Sora. The blast knocked him back into the chairs and table behind him.

"Sora!" Twilight called out as the boy crashed.

"Ow..." He said opening his eyes. He sure felt that, making him fall backwards, and drift into unconciousness. The lavender unicorn made her way to the boy.

"Sora!" She said. "Sora, wake up!"

"Awww... the brave wannabe keyblade master has fallen." Nightmare Moon said as she approached the boy. Twilight then stood between her and the unconcious boy, protecting him from what she's about to do next.

"Seize Her!" a voice shouted, getting both their attention. It was Mayor Mare, with three pegasus guards, all of them having white coats of fur, wth golden boots, saddles, and roman-style helmets. It was the Royal Guard, ready for action.

"She knows where the Princess Is!" Mayor Moon called out. "Stop Her!" The soldiers then galloped, two of them flying upwards to attack.

"Stand Down, you foals!" Nightmare Moon beamed, producing more lightning that hurls the guards over backwards. Watching the guards go down, the mayor then ran out of the pavilion. Twilight watched in horror, and then glanced up at the alicorn. The lavender unicorn began to ignite her horn, ready to fight. The Mare in the Moon glanced at her carefully and smiled.

"Well well, such power there is inside you." She said.

"What of it?" Twilight asked. The alicorn only laughed.

"While you seem worth to fight against, I have no time to deal with a foal like you." Nightmare Moon said. She then turned to see the five mares watching and approached them.

"Remember this day, little ponies, for it is your last." Nightmare Moon said. "From this moment forth, the night will last forever! Ahahahahaha!" Then, with a burst of magic, she transformed into a blue-violet mist and flies out the window.

"Hey, Come Back Here!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she went after it, only to see if go off into the forest. She then glanced up at the sky, seeig the moon and stars still roaming.

"Nighttime... forever?" She asked, while the four other ponies watches. Twilight was glancing down at Sora, who was still unconscious.

"Sora..." Twilight said with a worried look. He couldn't fight Nightmare Moon off. Poor thing. However, a determined expression came across Twilight's face. Using her magic, she lifted the boy off the ground and onto her back. She then made her way to the door.

"Twilight?" Spike asked, who had gotten up after fainting eariler. "Where are you going?" Spike asked. "We have to stop Nightmare Moon."

"We are, Spike." Twilight said. "But we need to get back to the Library to find out how. And you need to get to bed."

"Why?" Spike asked. "I don't feel..." Then suddenly, he let out a yawn. He then began to feel drousy from the lack of sleep. Twilight then used her magic to lift him up and put him on Sora's back.

"You've been up all night, Sike." Twilight said. "You are a baby dragon after all." Carrying the two on her back, she made her way to the exit, unaware of the five other mares watching her leave.

"Where's she going?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Let's find out." Applejack said as she and the other four mares followed, hoping to get answers of this strange happening.

The world was black around him. Actually it wasn't black at all. His eyes were closed. He then felt the urge to move his head a bit. Opening his eyes, his vision was a bit blur, and the only thing he saw was a strange lavender blob, glancing down at him. Suddenly, his vision began to clear up, he saw a human girl before him. Her hair was a long and dark red, her eyes were violet-blue, and along with her pale complexion, she had a necklace with a silver bead around her neck.

"Sora?" She asked. The boy gave a bit of a smile.

"Kairi?" He asked. "What are you doing here?" Before there was an answer however, her figure suddenly, shifted, revealing the lavender unicorn he had met previously.

"Sora?" She asked. The boy's eyes widened a bit, recognizing the pony.

"Oh... it's just you." He said. "Twilight... Sparkle, right?"

"Oh good... you're ok." Twilight said. Looking around, he saw that he was in a bed, a bed with a blanket that hard stars and crescent moons on it. He lifted himself up, and sighed. He then started thinking what happened. He remembered leaving Traverse Town, then finding himself here in Equestria, and then... The Party! He looked around, seeing that he was back in the Golden Oak Library.

"What happened?" Sora asked. "Where's everyone?"

"Everypony's ok." Twilight said. "They went back to their homes."

"And Spike?" Sora asked.

"He's in bed." Twilight said. "He's had a long night."

"Good." Sora said, but then remembered Nightmare Moon. "Wait... did Nightmare Moon get away?"

"Yes, she did." Twilight said. The boy lowered his head in disappointment, along with a sigh.

"So... care to tell me the truth now?" The unicorn asked, getting the boy's attention.

"Huh?" He asked.

"You said you were a traveler, but you can't be a traveler if you have a keyblade." Twilight said. The boy raised an eyebrow, but then realized something was in his hand. Turning to his right, he saw the keyblade still in his grip. He almost gasped, but sighed once more.

"Oh, yeah." Sora said, glancing back at Twilight. "I probably should've told you when we met. But I'm not suppose to be telling anyone about the outside worlds stuff, so we don't mess up the Order. Then again, there were a few exceptions though."

"Hmmm..." Twilight said.

"I'm sorry for not telling you." Sora said.

"Don't be." Twilight said. "I understand why you didn't. Keyblade wielders have always tried to keep the order from going all crazy. Unfortunately, they're not good at doing that. Look what happened with the Keyblade War." The boy gave a nervous smile.

"So... we still friends?" Sora asked.

"Huh?" Twilight asked. "You're my... friend?"

"Well yeah." Sora said. "You've been my friend from the start... right?" The lavender unicorn began thinking. The entire time Twilight has hung out with this boy, while she had been a bit serious, he's had a good time with her.

"I... guess so." Twilight said. "But... I don't know anything about friendship though. If anything, there's nothing in a book about friendship."

"Friendship isn't something you learn from a book." Sora said. "It's what you learn from experience." Twilight looked at the boy and gave a smile. Despite his own smile, he only lowered his head in shame.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

"I... what happened back at the party when Nightmare Moon showed up." Sora said. "My powers... they weren't working like they should be. Back then I used to do a lot of cool stuff, but now... I can't do anything now. Not even magic."

"You lost your power?" Twilight asked. "How?"

"I... don't know..." Sora said, and then he gave a sigh. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be." Twilight said. "You did your best. And that's all you could do." The boy looked at the unicorn and gave a smile.

"Thanks." Sora said. He then started thinking, of what do to next? "So... what now?"

"We have to stop Nightmare Moon." Twilight said. "Hopefully the library has something about the Elements of Harmony." She made her way to the ladder near the bookshelf and started checking the books. Anything with Elements, but there was nothing.

"Find anything?" Sora asked.

"No, nothing." Twilight said. "Nothing on the Elements of Harmony or anything!"

-KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK-

The knocking on the front door caught their attention.

"Who could that be?" Sora asked as he went to the door. Looking through the window of the door, he saw that there were five ponies outside. But he recognized them as the ponies he ran into today... or yesterday.

"Oh, it's the five we ran into." Sora said as he opened the door. "Hey-" All five ponies began rushing in, with Rainbow Dash dashing through first, pummeling Sora to the ground by accident. Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flew right to Twilight and picked her up from the ladder.

"HEY!" Twilight shouted.

"Alright, you! Spill the beans!" Rainbow Dash said.

"What?!" Twilight asked.

"How did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Are you a spy?!"

"No!" Twilight said. "I'm not a spy! I'm Princess Celestia's apprentice!"

"Like I should believe that?" Rainbow Dash asked. But then she felt her tail being tugged on. Turning her head, she saw Applejack using her teeth to pull Rainbow Dash to the ground.

"Simmer down, Sallygirl." The farmpony said. "She ain't a spy."

"How do you know that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Because, I know honesty when I see it, and I know she's telling the truth." Applejack said. "Plus, her keywielding outsider buddy was with her, that and he kindly opened the door for us." Speaking of which, the boy rose himself from the ground.

"Wait, you knew I was from the outisde world this whole time?!" Sora asked.

"Nah, we saw you wielding that keysword thing while you were tryin' to fight Nightmare Moon." Applejack said. "And you goofed up doing so." Hearing that made Sora almost gasp, but then slump a bit.

"Thanks for mentioning that." Sora said. Rainbow Dash looked at the boy, then at Applejack. She sighed, and then placed Twilight onto the ground.

"But... she sure knows something's goin' on." Applejack said. "Don't you Miss Twilight?" The lavender unicorn sighed.

"I read about the prediction of Nightmare Moon." Twilight said. "According to the book, these mysterious objects known as the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her. But I don't know where they are, or where to find them. I don't even know what they do."

"Well why not reading about them in here?" Pinkie Pie chirped, holding a book in her hoof. On the cover art of the book, it had the same symbol of the Elements that was in the book Twilight read about before she met Sora. The five colored crystals, orange, red, purple, yellow, pink, surrounding the big magenta one in the middle. The title of the book was called The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide for Ponies. Twilight's eyes widened as she saw the book. Suddenly, she toppled upon Pinkie Pie and the two rolled over with Twilight on top. She lifted the book up with her magic.

"Where did you find this?!" Twilight asked.

"Well, it was in the T section!" Pinkie Pie said. "Because it starts with the letter T." Twilight froze, processing all of this in her head.

"She likes reading books and novels, doesn't she?" Rarity asked the boy next to her.

"Apparently." Sora said.

"What do you make of this Twilight?" Applejack asked.

"I just met her recently so, I don't know much." Sora said.

"Oh, so she's an Egghead." Rainbow Dash said, with Applejack kicking Rainbow Dash in the leg, making her be quiet, and causing the rainbow pegasus to cringe in pain. Back with Twilight she began to shift through the pages, until she found the one that she needed to read.

"According to the book, there are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known." Twilight read aloud. "Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, and Laughter. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said the last known location of the elements was in the ancient Castle of the Royal Sisters." The five mares in the room gasped as they heard about the castle.

"The Castle of the Royal Sisters?!" They asked, surprising Sora and Twilight.

"Wait, you know where the castle is?" Twilight asked.

"Of course we do!" Applejack said, though her hooves were trembling a bit.

"It's actually not far from Ponyville!" Rainbow Dash said.

"It.... It's... located in..." Fluttershy said.

"The Everfree Forest!" They all spoke together. As they spoke, they were completely unaware of a shadowy figure looking through the library. The figure was wearing a black trench coat that's double-breated and twin-tailed, with long sleeves and a hood that shrouded his face. The only visible thing within the hood were two glowing amber yellow eyes. He seemed to be easedropping on their conversation. After hearing the five ponies speak of the Everfree Forest, he turned away and departed.

"The Everfree Forest?" Sora asked, and began thinking. It must be the large forest area that he saw on his way to the Pavillion.

"Ok then, let's go!" He called out.

"WHAT?!" The five mares asked.

"Well, the Castle is in the Everfree Forest, so let's go there and get the Elements." Sora said smiling.

"But Mister.... uh..." Rarity said, though she didn't fully know his name.

"Sora." He said.

"Right." Rarity said. "Mister Sora, the Everfree Forest is a very dangerous place, and it's not one for a pony, especially a fabulous pony like myself should be in!"

"Huh?" Sora asked.

"I take it this is your first time in Equestria, right?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, pretty much." Sora said.

"Well, the Everfree Forest just ain't natural!" Applejack said. "Folks say it don't work the same as Equestria. The plants grow..."

"Animals care for themselves..." Fluttershy said shaking.

"And the clouds move..." Rainbow Dash said.

"All on their own!" The three ponies spoke, where Rarity faints onto the ground.

"So?" Sora asked. "That's pretty much the same thing that happens in every world I've been to-" But he quickly covered his mouth, realizing that he just said more about the outside worlds.

"It's alright sugarhog." Applejack said. "There's no need to be quiet about it. We all know about the worlds outside our own. Everypony knows." Hearing that actually made Sora feel relieved.

"Oh... thanks." Sora said. "It's pretty hard to keep it a secret.... wait... sugarhog?"

"A nickname for fellas like ya." Applejack said. "Of course, my relative has a pet hedgehog who he calls sugarhog, but it means any kind of boy."

"Wow... thanks." Sora said. "But anyway, the Everfree Forest can't be that bad."

"Oh it's bad alright!" Pinkie Pie shouted. "Because there's a wicked enchantress that lives in that forest doing a lot of evil black magic... stuff! She's so evil, I even wrote a song about her!"

"Here we go..." Rainbow Dash said. And in that instint, Pinkie Pie began jumping, dancing, and singing.

She's an evil enchantress
She does evil fances
And if you look deep in her eyes
She'll put you in trances
Then what will she do?
She'll mix up an evil brew
Then she'll gobble you up
In a big tasty stew
Soooo... WATCH OUT!

She stood up on her hind legs, and her front hooves doing a hoof raised stand. That singing pretty much took a bit out of her, where she was breathing heavily. Sora was a bit surprised himself seeing a pony do a lot of humane stances like that.

"Wow... catchy." Twilight said.

"It's still a work in progress." Pinkie Pie said.

"Awww c'mon, it can't be that bad." Sora said. "And besides, if we don't stop Nightmare Moon, your world will be trapped in an eternal night! Do you honestly want that?" The five ponies looked at each other, and they lowered their heads. He was right. If Nightmare Moon isn't stopped, the night will last forever, and they'll never see the beautiful day again.

"Well, I'm going to the castle." Sora said. "If that's where the Elements were last seen, then I'm gonna go there and find them."

"You gonna go all the way out there?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah." Sora said.

"And you're gonna help save our world?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Why?"

"Because it's what I do." Sora said. "I know you all have probably heard different stories about the keyblade wielders and all that, and there are some that do bring ruin. But I chose to protect the order from the forces of darkness, because helping those who need it is what I love doing." Hearing those words of courage and determination began to reflect on the other girls, each of them smiling.

"So I'll go take care of Nightmare Moon." Sora said. "I'll be back." Then made his way to the door.

"Sora, wait!" Twilight called out, getting his attention. "I'm coming with you."

"Are you sure?" Sora asked.

"Yes." Twilight said. "Like you said before, you don't have much of your power and abilities, so I'll go with you and help."

"Really?" Sora asked.

"I'm positive." Twilight said. "And besides, I've learned a few offensive spells while studying under Princess Celestia. So I can handle myself." The boy looked at the unicorn and smiled.

"Ok then." Sora said.

"Wait." The two turned to Applejack, who spoke up. "If yer goin', we're goin' too."

"Yeah, we'll help you take on Nightmare Moon." Rainbow Dash said. The other girls gave nods, including Fluttershy.

"What?" Twilight asked. "You are?"

"Of course we are." Applejack said. "Besides, this whole nightime forever is gonna mess up our farming."

"Plus, I won't be able to keep training while it's night out." Rainbow Dash said.

"I may get my hooves dirty, but I definitely don't want our home to have an eternal night." Rarity said.

"Plus, some of the animals I take care of won't survive without sunlight." Fluttershy said. "I can't have my woodland friends suffer in the cold night."

"And though I love throwing parties at night, I love throwing them in the day too!" Pinkie Pie said. "So Let's Go!" The lavender unicorn looked at the five mares.

"Look, I really appreciate the offer." Twilight said. "But I'd rather do this with just me and Sora. I don't want you all to get hurt."

"No can do sugarcube." Applejack said. "We sure ain't lettin' any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone." Twilight's ears perked up in surprise, hearing Applejack refer to her as their friend.

"You... think of me as a friend?" Twilight asked.

"Of course we do." Applejack said.

"Sure the first time meetings were a bit... awkward, but every friendship is like that at times." Rainbow Dash said.

"And besides, friends help each other whenever they can." Rarity said.

"Right." Fluttershy said. "It may be scary, but helping friends is always the right thing to do."

"Yep!" Pinkie Pie cheered.

"No matter what sugarcube, we're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple." Applejack said.

"Especially if there's candy apples in there too!" Pinkie Pie said, while everyone looked at her. "What? Those things are good..." The four mares gave a laugh.

"C'mon guys, let's go save Equestria!" Rainbow Dash said, while the four girls cheered.

"Ok, let's go!" Sora said as he led them out the door. As they began to depart, Twilight had a moment to think. These ponies accept her as their friend? Even after the awkward first time meetings? Looking at them, she realized now that they aren't so bad after all. And at that moment, she found herself smiling. Sighing, she heads off after them, to save Equestria!

Author's Note

Just a reminder, the Everfree Forest was never mentioned how it worked in the first two episodes until Bridle Gossip. So I'd figured that I put that part in, especially Pinkie Pie's evil enchantress song.
No, Zecora won't be in this story, because this focuses on the first two episodes. Besides, Rhyming is tricky.

And that hooded figure... Shhhhh….

Also, Sonic SatAM reference...!

Trials

Chapter 04: Trials

Pretty soon, while the stars were in the nightsky, shining the way for the ponies, the group then found themselves in front of the Everfree Forest, where it is said to be a mysterious place that is the home of a variety of creatures and animals, possessing a quality that allows these animals and plants to thrive without pony intervention, something that ponies consider... unnatural.

"So... none of you have been here before?" Sora asked.

"Heavens, no!" Rarity said as she shuddered. "Just look at it. It's dreadful!"

"And it ain't natural." Applejack said.

"Well actually, my cottage is actually outside near the forest." Fluttershy said.

"Really?" Twilight asked.

"Of course." Fluttershy said. "Some of my animal friends live there, and I do go inside her to find some things for them. But I stay on the safe path."

"Then, should we take the safe path?" Sora asked.

"Oh no, it doesn't lead anywhere near the castle." Fluttershy said. "At least I don't think."

"Then... the dangerous path it is." Sora said.

"Let's go." Twilight said, as the group departed on the path. All of them begin looking around, seeing different things, different plant life from all around.

"So... you say this place is unnatrual." Sora said. "And that the plants grow and the clouds move on their own. Does this world act a bit different?"

"Oh yeah." Applejack said. "You see, the way things work around here, it's a lot different than all the places you've been here. We Earth Ponies are in charge of growing crops and making food."

"And pegasi control the weather." Rainbow Dash said. "I work at the Weather Factory, where we make clouds of all kinds so when it needs to be cloud, it's cloudy."

"Oh... and unicorns?" Sora asked.

"Help keep the magic in balance." Twilight said.

"Ooohhh..." Sora said.

"What about your world though?" Twilight asked.

"I... dunno if I can say." Sora said.

"It's alright sugarhog." Applejack said. "There's no need for secret keeping." The boy only sighed, but a smile formed on his face.

"Well, I actually came from a world that has lots of islands." Sora began. "My whole life growing up there, I've always thought that the world revolved around my home. That is until I met Kairi. When we were kids, she just washed up upon the shore out of nowhere. She had no memory of where she came from, only her name. You would like her. She's so caring, kindhearted. She even traveled to other worlds just to find me after we were separated for so long. If anything, she means so much to me." Hearing that made Rarity lean in a bit.

"Ooooh, sounds like you really like her..." Rarity said. The boy thought for a second, but then realized what Rarity was talking about.

"Oh, no no no no!" Sora said as he blushed. "She's... just a friend..." Despite saying that, he couldn't help but blush even more, and think on the subject. "Then again..."

"Oh it's so obvious darling." Rarity said. "But don't worry, we won't say anymore."

"So, what happened next?!" Pinkie Pie asked. Then the boy continued on.

"Years later, when we were old enough, we decided to build a raft to see the world beyond our's." Sora said. "But then when it was finished, a storm fell upon our islands, and the darkness consumed it. I was separated from Kairi, along with my friend Riku.

"Riku?" Twilight asked.

"My best friend growing up." Sora said. "He's pretty much the mature one out of all of us. During my first adventure, I had to clash with him several times. We had one goal; to find Kairi. But he was doing it much differently, and he had done a lot of bad things, even giving in to darkness. But I couldn't blame him. We both had a rivalry growing up, and those we fought against, used that against us. In the end, he helped us by staying in the Realm of Darkness."

"Really?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah..." Sora said. "But I went looking for him, for almost a whole year until we reunited. He was willing to sacrifice everything, even his own form, to help me. And I was willing to do the same for him. That proved that even though we fought, our friendship has grown so much. Now he's a keyblade master, and I couldn't be happier for him." Twilight was quite touched by this story. Despite how much Sora and his friend had been through, they were able to make it through, all thanks to their friendship.

"Wow..." Twilight said.

"That is SOO Beautiful!" Pinkie Pie cheered.

"Sounds like my kind of friend." Rainbow Dash said. "You should bring your friends over sometime."

"Yeah... I'll think about it." Sora said. Pretty soon, the group found their way to the edge of a cliff. Looking down, they saw a vast view of the deep forest, so many trees, so much plant life.

"Oooooo!" The girls said. Sora took a quick scan of the view, but then something caught his eye. Far in the distance was an old looking castle, that appeared to be in ruins.

"Hey, look over there!" Sora called out, pointing at the castle. "Is that it?" The girls looked forward and saw the castle.
"Yep, that's it!" Applejack said.

"But... how are we gonna get over there?" Twilight asked, with the entire group completely unaware of a blue misty spirit behind them, and going deep into the ground, permeating the rock surface.

"I can fly there within seconds." Rainbow Dash said as she was about to take off.

"Hold on there Rainbow." Applejack said. "You can't just fly there all on your own."

"She's right." Twilight said. "We need to stick together." The pegasus only sighed.

"Ok, we'll take the long way." Rainbow Dash said.

"Down the cliff?" Rarity asked.

"It's the only way down." Sora said.

-CRACK-

The ground below them began to rumble around them, startling the ponies and boy on the cliff.

"Um... is this cliff strong enough to hold all of us?" Sora asked. But the suddenly, the edge of the cliff they were on began to crumble away, taking him, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity down. Fluttershy quickly flaps her wings in surprise, her flying saving her from the fall. Rainbow Dash sees the five falling down.

"Fluttershy, Quick!" She shouted as she dives down in.

"Oh My Goodness, Oh My Goodness!" Fluttershy squeaked as she followed. While the others keep going down with the rockslide, Sora quickly summons his keyblade, and stabbs it into the wall neck to him, allowing him to slow his descent and preventing from falling.

"Girls!" He called out. But then Rainbow Dash flies down and grabs Pinkie Pie, who was smiling and giggling as she was saved. And Fluttershy snaps her teeth onto Rarity's tail to hole the brakes.

"Thank you, darling!" Rarity said. Applejack was able to stop herself from sliding by grabbing an exposed root with her mouth, but Twilight, on the other hand, continued to skid toward the edge. With her forelegs, she held on, with her hind legs dangling over the cliff. Seeing her new friend in trouble, Applejack lets go of the root and slides dow.

"Hold on, I'm a-comin'!" Applejack called out, reaching the edge, grabbing Twilight's front hooves to prevent her from falling.

"Applejack!" Twilight cried out. "What do I do?!" Applejack could only squeeze one eye shut from the strain of her muscles. She couldn't hold on for much longer. But then she looked around, until she stared up for a moment, as if she saw something. Glancing back at the unicorn she spoke.

"Let go." She said.

"WHAT?!" Twilight asked. "Are you crazy?!"

"No, I ain't." Applejack said. "I promise you'll be safe."

"How can I believe that's true?" Twilight asked.

"Now listen here." Applejack said, showing assurance. "What I'm sayin' to you is the honest truth. Just let go, and you'll be safe." Twilight could only look at the pony before her. But somehow, something inside her was telling her to let go and trust her. Whatever this feeling was, it was right. She needed to believe the farm pony. Instinct finally winning over her panicking brain, she lets go, and plunges screaming over the side with her eyes closed.

She felt no impact.

Opening her eyes, she saw that she was still in mid-air. Looking to her side, she saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy holding on to her. She was safe. Twilight let out a sigh of relief, until she slipped out out Fluttershy's grip, but the pony quickly grabbed Twilight again, and the three began to descend slowly to the ground, where Rarity and Pinkie Pie watched safely out of harms way.

"Sorry, I'm not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two." Fluttershy said.

"Don't sweat about it Flutters." Rainbow Dash said. "You did awesome." Twilight glanced back at the farmpony, who was leaping down from one ledge to another, back to solid ground.

"Wow... thank you Applejack." Twilight said. "How did you-"

"I saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy in the air, and I knew they would catch ya." Applejack said.

"Thanks Applejack." Twilight said. "You were really honest. Thanks."

"Yeah, that was pretty cool!" Sora's voice called out. Glancing their heads up, they saw the boy dangling onto the keyblade he drove into the side of the wall.

"Oh Sora!" Twilight said. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm good." Sora said. "Be right down." With his feet and hands, he pulled the keyblade out of the ground, and he slid down the wall, and then to his surprise, he jumped and dash forward, surrounded in light-blue energy. With his keyblade, he latched onto the tree branch near by and swung in a circle before jumping off and landing safely on the ground.

"Ooooo!" The girls said. The boy lifted himself up, surprised.

"Whoa..." Sora said.

"Wow!" Rainbow Dash said. "That was cool!"

"Looks like yer power is comin' back." Applejack said. "What was that?" The boy began to think, and remembered his recent adventure in the Sleeping Realm.

"I think that was Flowmotion." Sora said. "Something that I learned back while I was in the Sleeping Realms."

"Well, you should do hat more often!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Come on girls." Twilight said. "We should be able to get to the castle from here." The girls and boy agreed and they followed the unicorn into the forst, unaware the mysterious blue mist above watching. It must be the spirit of Nightmare Moon, as it whisks away and pours herself into the silhouette of a hulking creature away, which it then gives a lion-like growl.

"So wait... you're friends with the King's subjects?" Twilight asked as she, the girls and Sora kept going forward.
"Yeah." Sora said. "I met Donald and Goofy on my first adventure, and they've been by my side on almost every adventure. Say, how do you know King Mickey?"

"Well, Princess Celestia and the King write letters to each other." Twilight said. "She'd sometimes ask Spike to deliver them with his dragon flame. But how'd you become friends with the King?"

"He and Riku are pretty close friends too." Sora said. "The king helped Riku face against the darkness while I was... sleeping I think."

"Sleeping?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah... it's a long story." Sora said. "While I was looking for Riku and the King, me, Donald and Goofy went into some creepy castle. And according to them, my memories were taken apart by Namine."

"Namine?" Twilight asked.

"It's hard to explain..." Sora said. "From what I've seen, she's Kairi's nobody."

"Nobody?" Twilight asked. "You mean those... creatures in white?" The boy glanced back at her.

"Did you read that in a book?" Sora asked.

"Pretty much." Twilight said.

"Told ya." Rainbow Dash said. "Egghead." That got a whack in behind by Applejack, making the rainbow maned pegasus to keep her mouth shut.

"Namine was forced by members of the Organization to take apart my memories." Sora said. "But we defeated them and Namine was able to restore my memories, though I forgot about my experiences in the Castle."

"The Organization?" Twilight asked.

"Organization XIII." Sora said. "They're the bad guys we've been fighting. They were once led by Xemnas, who is actually the nobody of an old keyblade wielder named Xehanort." Twilight gasped.

"Wait, you mean Master Xehanort?!" Twilight asked, with the group looking back at the girl.

"Wait, you know Xehanort?" Sora asked.

"Not really, but I've heard about him from Celestia." Twilight said. "She said that he gave into the darkness in his heart and was trying to recreate a powerful weapon to bring darkness across the world. That was until he was defeated by three young keyblade wielders, and in the process, nobody survived. But how did Xehanort survived?"

"I don't know." Sora said. "But it turned out he became an apprentice of Ansem the Wise, and used his experiments to bring about the Heartless across countless worlds. But we were able to defeat his heartless and his nobody. But that also brought his physical form back."

"Of course." Twilight said. "When a heartless releases the heart is has, and the nobody containing the soul are both destroyed, the two can become whole again, restoring the person who has lost both."

"Yep." Sora said. "And now he wants to pick a fight with us. That's why me and Riku took the Mark of Mastery, so we could become strong enough to fight against them. We have a big fight ahead of us."

"Well I think you can take him." Rainbow Dash said. "And hey, maybe I can help."

"Sorry, but we're not suppose to bring other people from other worlds to the next." Sora said. "That would be meddling."

"But aren't you meddling by being here?" Rarity asked. The boy started thinking.

"Yeah... but I'm actually helping at the same time." Sora said. "Is that any different?"

"Not really." Twilight said. "You're not causing that much trouble."

"Yeah... I guess-" The boy said, but suddenly a loud growl is heard ahead of them. Looking forward, they saw a huge beast blocking their path. It had a lion's face and body, but it also had bat ears and wings, and on it's behind was a scorpion tail!

"What is that?!" Sora asked.

"A manticore!" Twilight shouted as the beast roared before them. "We have to get past him!" Fluttershy on the other hand began to back away in fear, seeing the monstrous beast. Speaking of said beast, it leaped toward Rarity for a swipe of its paw.

"Rarity, Look Out!" Applejack called out. The manticore swung, but the fashionista ducked and countered with a buck to the face that knocks the monster back.

"Take that, you ruffian!" Rarity spoke.

-ROOOOAAAR-

The beast roared in Rarity's face, leaving her mane frizzled up by the moisture of the manticore's breath.

"My Hair!" She shouted as she took off screaming behind Twilight. The manticore attempted to go after her, but it stops, feeling something jump on its back. Looking up, he saw Applejack on top. It then began to move around, trying to get her off.

"Yee-Haa!" The farmpony cried. "Get along, little doggie!" But one good heave sended the cowpony off, and sending her tumbling past Rainbow Dash. "All yours partner!"

"I'm On It!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she dashed forward, and with her fast speed, she trapped the foe in a rainbow striped twister, similar to the Rainbow-Dry used eariler, making the manticore dizzy instead of dry. But the beast then lashed tail, swatting Rainbow Dash toward the trees with a yell.

"Rainbow!" Twilight shouted. She then meets face to face with the manticore, who gave a growl. But then, Sora stepped between it and Twilight.

"Don't worry, I got this!" He said, summoning his keyblade. He then pointed forward.

"FIRE!" He called out, but the keyblade didn't give off any magic. He spoke a worried noise as the manticore prepared to charge itself.

"Um... BLIZZARD! Thunder!" Sora called off again, but nothing. The manticore then charged foward.

"Uhhh... Water?" He asked, pointing his keyblade into the sky. Then suddenly, the keyblade began to glow, and a mystical wave surrounded Sora, and went up to his keyblade, summoning a water sphere, which then shot out onto the manticore, splashing all over him, and making him tumble back. The boy smiled.
"Wow!" Sora said himself.

"Whoa... that was... amazing." Twilight said.

"Yeah..." Sora said. "I didn't even that was a spell!" A smile came across the pony's face, but then, a growl got their attention. Turning forward, they saw the beast get back to his senses, and roared once more. But then, his front paw began to limp, and he winced a bit in pain. Fluttershy, who was watching from the distance, noticed something about that paw, and her eyes widened.

"I think that weakened!" Rainbow Dash said as she, Applejack, Rarity, who's mane was quickly fixed up, and Pinkie Pie, huddled up to Twilight and Sora.

"Then Let's Get It" Applejack called out.

"Got it...!" Twilight said with a snort. Looking back at Sora, who gave a smile, her horn began to light up, and the group charged, while Pinkie Pie only hopped toward he unbalanced manticore.

"WAAAIIIT!" Fluttershy screamed, causing the group to come to a halt in surprise.

"Flutters, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Just wait." Fluttershy said. She then looked back at the manticore, and walked toward the manticore. It then rose its meaty paw, ready to strike her on the spot, making the group cringe. But then suddenly, the pegasus touched the beasts' face and began to pet it, finally calming it down.

"Shhh... it's ok." The pegasus said, while the beast then gave a bit of a whimper. Fluttershy then glanced at the paw, and nods at the manticore, who then un-clenches its paw to reveal a large thorn stuck in it.

"Oh, you poor, poor little baby." Fluttershy said.

"Little?" Rainbow Dash asked, while the yellow pegasus gently placed her hoof on the manticore's paw.

"Now this might hurt for just a second." She then leans her head on the thorn, and with her teeth, she pulls it out. Within that second, the manticore begins to roar.

"Fluttershy!!!" The girls and Sora called out, but then tilted her heads in confusion, seeing the manticore craddling and licking the pegasus in his arms, thanking her for pulling the thorn right out.

"Aw, you're just a little old baby kitty, aren't you?" Fluttershy asked as she petted the manticore. "Yes, you are. Yes, you are." The group watched with amazement, seeing that the beast is actually friendly.

"Wow... she must be really good with animals." Sora said.

"Yep, she sure is." Rainbow Dash said. Soon, the manticore places the pony back on the ground gently, and then allows her and her friends to past on without trouble.

"Wow, thanks." Sora said as he and the girls passed the beast, giving a wave of thanks as the manticore nods. Twilight then approached Fluttershy, who's mane has swept up into a thick cowlick by the manticore's show of affection.

"How did you know about the thorn?" Twilight asked.

"I didn't." Fluttershy said. "Sometimes we all just need to show and be shown a little kindness." As she walks on with the group, Twilight begins to ponder for a second, and smile. The pegasus was right. Fighting doesn't always solve any problem. Only giving kindness can help in the toughest times. Giving a smile, the unicorn followed the group, unaware that the discarded thorn began to spin in place, turning into the nightmare's mist and follow the group.

The group continued to make their way through the forest. There is actually no telling how much time has passed, especially with the moon still out and no sun. It could've been minutes, or hours, probably. Neverless, the group continued onward. Rarity found herself giving a shudder.

"My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck." Rarity said. As they kept going, the view around them began to darken, as the trees around them began to block out the moon's light, so no light is seen at all.

"Well, I didn't mean that literally." The fashionista said, while the group continued on, unaware of the blue nightmare wisp snuck past them, and wrapped itself into a twisted old tree as they continued on.

"Hey Sora-dude, ya think you can light the way for us?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well, I'll try." Sora said as he summoned his keyblade, and pointed it forward. Then then gave a bright light, only to dim out. The mares groaned in disappointment.

"Sorry." Sora said.

"Hold on, let me try something." Twilight said as she closed her eyes. Then, her horn began to light up with magic, and then, it gave off a bright light, like a flashlight piercing through the dark.

"Now we're talking!" Rainbow Dash said. "I guess I underestimated you Twi."

"Thank you, Rainbow Dash." Twilight said. Applejack kept going, but then she felt something under her hoof.

"Oh, wait." Applejack said. "I think I stepped in somethin'." She glanced down, but then sighed.

"Oh, nev'rmind, it's just mud." Applejack said.

"AAAAHHHHHH!!!!" a scream came from Fluttershy as she glanced at Applejack.

"What?" Applejack asked. "All I said that it was just mud."

"No.... Look!!!!" Fluttershy screamed. The apple farmer turned her head, and right before her, she saw a massive tree trunk in front of her, with a gruesome face that had a gaping, toothy maw formed from an opening in the bark and two glaring knothole eyes.

"WHOAAAUUH!" Applejack shouts as she bolts while the other ponies watched. Then around them, more trees began to emerge from the shadows, all of them showing leering snarling visages. The ponies began to shout and run, while Pinkie Pie only stood there and saw the trees with a gasping face. While the others hid, Sora stepped forward.

"Don't worry, I got this!" Sora said as he broughtout his keyblade, ready to fight the trees. Then to his surprise, he saw the trees surrounding him, ready to fight or scare him.

"Though... it would be nice if I had fire magic though." He said. But then he heard something next to him. It sounded like... giggling. Turning his head, he saw Pinkie Pie, on her back, rocking back and forth, laughing and giggling at the sight of the scary trees.

"Pinkie Pie, get out of here!" Sora said. "The trees will get you!"

"Oh silly!" Pinkie Pie said as she continued to giggle and hop. "They're not that scary. In fact, they actually look pretty funny!" She continued the laugh, and the trees came to a halt, surprised that the pony was not scared of them.
"Oh!" Pinkie Pie said. "I can do funny faces too!" She then began to make a few goofy faces of her own right in front of the confused trees. Sora looked at the party pony, surprised that she's not scared.

"You're... not scared?" Sora asked.

"Of course not!" Pinkie Pie said. "Just look at them! They're so funny!"

The boy glanced up at the tree, and stared at it's face. After taking a second to look, he then realized that they don't look monstrous at all. They actually look... pretty funny. A smile formed right on his face.

"Yeah... you're right!" Sora said as he approached the tree. "It doesn't look scary at all. They look hilarious!" The boy then found himself laughing, chuckling along with the pink pony next to him. He then turned his head, seeing the other five in the background.

"Hey girls, it's ok!" Sora called out. "They're not so bad at all!"

"What?" Twilight asked as she was the first to approach them. "You're not afraid?"

"Nope!" Pinkie Pie said. "When something looks scary, just giggle at the ghostly." Then she started tapping her hooves, getting ready to sing.

When I was a little filly,
and the sun was going down

"Is she...?" Twilight asked.

"Yep, she is." Rainbow Dash said.

The darkness and the shadows,
they would always make me frown.
I'd hide under my pillow from what I thought I saw
But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way to deal with fears at all
She said Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall, learn to face your fears
You'll see that they can't hurt you, just laugh to make them disappear

"Ha! Ha! Ha!" Pinkie Pie giggled at the tree, and just like that, the tree's face vanished, only leaving a normal old tree before her. The others gasped in surprise, and then found themselves laughing at the menacing apparitions. Though Twilight felt unsure, Pinkie Pie and Sora pushed her to find her spirit, and seeing the tree, which was actually not scary but funny, Twilight began to laugh. And as everypony and Sora continued laughing, the faces began to disappear as Pinkie continued singing.

So giggle at the ghostly
guffaw at the grossly
Crack up at the creepy
whoop it up with a weepy
Chortle at the kooky, snortle at the spooky
And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna...
LAAAAAAUUUGH!!!

As Pinkie finished with a long high note, the remaining faces began to disappear. With all the faces gone, the party pony flops on her back next to Twilight for another long laugh, and the lavender unicorn and the others, along with Sora, continued laughing.

"Wow... Pinkie Pie, you sure know how to put ponies in a good mood." Sora said as he lifted himself up.

"Thank you!" Pinkie Pie said. "Sometimes we all just need to smile and laugh!" As she continued laughing, Twilight heard the words she said. She was right. Everyone needs to laugh and smile, something that Twilight has hardly done for most of her life. And for the first time in her whole life, she was having fun, with the ponies and boy around her.

Through the forest, the group continued singing the song as they continued onward in forest, with Pinkie Pie and Sora leading the group onward with smiles and songs. For Twilight, it was very enjoyable. She had never had this much fun in her whole life. Probably because she spent most of her time studying and training with her magic. It was really a fun time, and even though they didn't know where they were going, they didn't care. As long as they had each other and had fun, that's all that mattered to her. And it was grand.

Then suddenly, Sora and Pinkie Pie stopped, with Twilight bumping into Pinkie's rump, followed by Rainbow Dash, then Rarity, then Applejack, then Fluttershy. The five poked their heads out from behind Pinkie for a good look, seeing a river before them, and the land on the otherside blocked by the torrent of water.

"A river." Sora said. "And it looks pretty wild."

"How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Me and Flutters can fly over it." Rainbow Dash said. "Hey Sora, can you do that cool Flowmotion thing?"

"Yeah, but I don't know if I can make it across this with it." Sora said.

"Maybe we can use magic to get us across?" Applejack asked, looking at Twilight.

"I suppose, but I don't know how much magic is needed though." Twilight said.

"Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!" In the distance, there was moaning and wailing.

"What was that?" Sora asked.

"Over there!" Twilight said, pointing to the side of the river the water was moving from. Taking cover behind the bushes around them, they saw a long, scaly tail thrashing about. The color of the tail was a grayish mulberry, going all the way to the source. Along the river, there was a immense serpent with skinny mulberry arms and long brilliant orange hair, mustache, and eyebrows with yellow highlights. His entire body was grayish mulberry, just like his tail, including the beard tuft on his chin, except for his belly, which was a light sapphire blue. But what was interesting about him was that... he was crying.

"Oh, what a world!" He said. "What a world!" The girls and Sora looked with confusion. Curious, they approached him.
"Excuse me sir, are you alright?" Sora asked.

"Why are you crying?" Twilight asked.

"Well, I don't know." The serpent, Steven Magnet said. "I was just sitting here, mindig my own business, when this tacky little cloud of blue smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off!" He then showed his mustache, to everyone's surprise, his left side was completely off!

"Oh." Sora said. "Ok?"

"And now... I Look Horrible!!" Steven shouted, his tail makes a flop into the river, splashing all over the ponies, except for Sora and Rarity, who quickly moved to the side. The serpent continues to make a fresh hissy fit and assorted groans.

"Oh, give me a break." Rainbow Dash said.

"That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack asked.

"Why, of course it is!" Rarity said as she walked past the group. "How can you be so insensitive? Oh, just look at him." She approaches the serpant as he lowers his head on the ground and begins to stroke his snout.

"Such lovely luminescent scales." She said.

"I know..." Steven said as he sniffed.

"And your expertly coiffed mane." Rarity continues.

"Oh, I know, I know...!" Steven said as he began patting his mane down.

"Your fabulous manicure!" Rarity said.

"Oh it's so true!" Steven said with a gasp.

"All ruined without your beautiful mustache." Rarity finished.

"It's true... It's true, I'm hideous!" Steven sobbed.

"Well, I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!" Rarity said resolutely. She then turned to Sora.
"Sora, I need a favor." Rarity said.

"Um... ok." Sora said as he approached the unicorn. He leaned forward, and the fashionista unicorn whispered into his ear. He then looked shocked as she finished.

"What?!" Sora asked.

"Please Sora." Rarity said. "We must put him out of his misery." Sora looked at her, then at the serpent, then back at her. He scratched his head.

"Ok... if you insist." He said, summoning his keyblade. "This won't hurt, will it?"

"Nope, not at all." Rarity said as she turned around to show her flank.

"Ok..." Sora said and raised his keyblade into the air.

"Wait, what are you guys doi-" Twilight asked.

-SLASH-

The five other mares shocked at what was done, and Steven Magnet fainted as he saw what happened. Sora... cutted Rarity' tail... right off! Not all of it though, for only the ragged nub remained. Then using her magic, the fashionista levitated the cutted piece of her curly tail and then attached it to the ruined half of the blond mustache. The serpent awakens and sees this new piece of hair on his mustache. He then gives a jubilant laugh.

"Oh, My Mustache Is Fixed!" He said. "And it looks perfect! Oh thank you!"

"No problem at all." Rarity said. "And thank you Sora."

"You're welcome." Sora said. "But your tail."

"Oh don't worry, it's fine." Rarity assured him. "Short tails are so in this season. And besides, it'll grow back."

"So would a mustache." Rainbow said to Applejack and the others. Twilight then looks forward to see the river has completely calmed down. Turned out Steven's crying rant was making the river wild. But now he's calm and happy, and the river was calm too!

"Look, we can cross now!" Twilight said as she made her way to the river edge. "Let's go!"

"Oh, allow me!" Steven said as he moved in front of them. Then, he dived straight down, using the coils of his body to serve as stepping stones!

"Thank you sir!" Sora called out as he and the ponies used the coils to make it to the other side. As they made it across, Twilight glanced at Rarity.

"That was very nice of you to do that for him Rarity." Twilight said.

"Of course darling." Rarity said. "I just love doing things and giving things to ponies. It's all part of being friends, helping them for nothing in return." Twilight smiled at Rarity's gesture. She gave up her own tail to help someone in their desparate time for nothing in return. That was very generous of her to do. Hopefully Twilight can learn from that.

Dark Intentions

Chapter 05: Dark Intentions

Pretty soon, the girls and Sora continued onward to their destination. And there was good news! Twilight then glanced up ahead and saw something in the distance. Across a mist-choked abyss, was a massive castle, or what was left of it since it was completely in ruins! It was it! The Castle of the Royal Sisters! They made it!

"There it is!" Twilight spoke out. "The ruins that holds the Elements of Harmony! We made it!" At last, the elements that will help them defeat Nightmare Moon was almost before them. Happy and excited, Twilight galloped ahead.
"Hey Twilight, wait for us!" Sora called out as he chased after the unicorn, with the others following them.

"We're almost there!" Twilight called out, but however, because she wasn't watching the road, she tripped forward, almost sliding halfway over the edge with a yelp. Before her was a broken bridge, that hung from one post from the other side, and one post from this side. She was then dragged back by the tail by Rainbow Dash.

"What's with you and falling off cliffs today?" Rainbow Dash asked. The group then glanced over the broken bridge.

"Now what do we do?" Fluttershy asked.

"Duh.." Rainbow Dash said as she hovered off the ground. She lept up and dived into the misty abyss, but then flew out a moment later with the snapped bridge roles in her teeth, allowing her to lift the bridge back up.

"Nice one Rainbow!" Sora called out.

"Thanks." Rainbow Dash said as she gets one of the ropes tied down.

"Rainbow...." Rainbow Dash turns her head, hearing the strange voice.

"Huh?" She asked. "Who's there?"

"Rainbow...." Then, suddenly around her, a dark blue mist emerged from around her. She glances around, still seeing the mist. She then realized it. It must be Nightmare Moon.

"Show yourself!" Rainbow Dash said as she began to punch the air. "I'm not afraid of you!"

"We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria." The voice said.

"Who?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Why, you, of course."

"Really?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Well, yeah that's me. Hey, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would you? Cause I've been trying to get into that group for, like, ever!"

"No, Rainbow Dash." The voice spoke. "We want you to join us..."

"Who?" Rainbow Dash asked as she glanced at the mist. Then, emerging from the mist, were three pegasi, approaching her at high speed. They then skid to sa stop, revealing themselves. There were two purple-maned stallion sand one blue-maned mare, and all of them were in full-body jumpsuits and yellow goggles over their head, similar to the outfits worn by the Wonderbolts. However, the bodies were more purple and the head and hooves were black, with yellow lightning bolts marking the boundaries. Each outfit displayed an emblem that didn't look like the Wonderbolt symbol, for the symble was of a winged pony skull where a cutie mark normally appears. The mare before her had a coat and wings of light gray, and the stallions behind her were of a darker shade.

"Us... The Shadowbolts!" The mare said as she stood before a puzzled Rainbow Dash. "We are the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon, we'll be the greatest in all of Equestria." She then leaned in close to the rainbow maned pegasus. "But first... we need a captain." Rainbow maned daredevil's eyes went wide as she gasped.

"Really?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"The most magnificent... swiftest... bravest flyer in all the land." The mare said, as Rainbow Dash formed a smile.

"Really?!" Rainbow Dash asked.

"We... want... You!" The mare said. The Rainbow maned pegasus almost squealed in joy. The Shadowbolts want her to be their captain! Her, leading a team of the greatest flyers in the world! Her dream could finally come true!

"Rainbow!" A voice called out from behind. Turning her head, she saw the five mares looking at her, calling her name.

"Rainbow, what's taking so long!" Twilight called out. Rainbow Dash then glanced back at the Shadowbolts.

"Um... just let me tie this bridge up real quick, and I'll give you an answer." Rainbow Dash said as she turned around to get the rope tied up.

"NO!" The Shadowbolt mare said, zipping across her, blocking the rainbow maned pegasus from the bridge, showing a more menancing tone. "It's us... or them!"

"What?!" Rainbow Dash asked. "But, what about them?"

"Them?" The Shadowbolt mare said. "You don't need them! They'll only just get in the way! You'll be better off without them." On the other side, the ponies were wondering what's going on. Sora leaned his head forward, and saw that Rainbow Dash was talking to some other pegasi.

"Hey, there are other pegasi on the other side." Sora said. Twilight looked forward, and saw that she was. But her eyes widened with horror, seeing the blue mist surrounding the group.

"Oh No!" Twilight said, and in instinct, she jumped onto the bridge and galloped across. "Rainbow!"

-CRACK-

"GAAAH!!" Twilight shouted as she slipped through the broken step of the bridge, and grabbed the rope with her hooves.

"Twilight!" Sora and the girls called out. Twilight found herself dangling on the rope of the bridge. Looking down, she saw the misty abyss as one of the planks from the bridge fell down.

"HELP!" Twilight cried out. Rainbow Dash turned her head, seeing Twilight dangling for her life.

"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash called out as she tried to get to the bridge.

"No!" The Shadowbolt mare said as she stepped between her and the bridge. "You don't need them. They will only get in the way of your dream and desires! Don't you want the world to know that you're the best flyer in all of Equestria? Join us Rainbow Dash! Join us!" Rainbow Dash looked at the Shadowbolts, who want her to join them as their captain and become the best flyer in the world. She then glanced back at her friends, and then at Twilight who was struggling to hold on. She then lowered her head and began thinking. After some thought, she sighed.

"Thanks for the offer." Rainbow Dash said, as the Shadowbolt mare smiled.

"But I'm afraid I have to say no." Rainbow Dash said.

"W...What?!" The Shadowbolt Mare asked.

"There'll be other chances to have my dream." Rainbow Dash said. "But not one where I sacrifice my friends!" She then flew up to the sky and flew directly toward the bridge, where Twilight held on as much as she could, but then she found herself slipping, slipping.

Her hooves could not hold as she let go.

"GAAAAAAH!" Twilight screamed, until a blue blur flew in and picked her up. Opening her eyes, the mare saw that it was Rainbow Dash who saved her.

"Rainbow!" Twilight said.

"Gotcha, friend!" Rainbow Dash said as she flew up and carried Twilight to her side of the road. The rainbow maned pegasus dropped Twilight carefully to the ground, then she begins to tie up the other rope to the post, restoring the way to the other side.

"Thank you Rainbow Dash." Twilight said.

"No problem." She said. "I'd never leave my friends hanging." Hearing that made Twilight smile. But then, there was a growl. Turning their heads, they saw the malevolent pegasi giving growls and glares. Then, they disappeared in three puffs of dark bue smoke, which then began to form up into the silhouette of Nightmare Moon. The two gasped as the mare of the moon charged up her horn, ready to strike. As Twilight watched, Rainbow Dash threw herself in between them, ready to protect her friend.

"Hang On!" Sora called from the other side, making his way to the cliff and leaped off, only to drop to the abyss below him.

"SORA!" The girls called out. But then, suddenly, a bright light shined through the mist, where the fog began to disappear, showing Sora on the other side, running up the side of the cliff, without climbing it! His feet was giving off light sparkling blue steps as he made his ascent up the wall. He then leaped up out of the abyss and jumped in with his keyblade pointing forward.

"FIRE!" He called out, firing a small orb of fire at the Nightmare silhouette, the fireball hitting her in the face, causing her to cringe and back off. With a growl, she turned into a mist of smoke, and disappeared. The two ponies watched with awe at what Sora did. The boy lifted himself up, giving a smile of assurance.

"You two ok?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, we're good." Twilight said.

"Wow, that was amazing!" Rainbow Dash said. "And I'm surprised you managed to run up that wall! So cool!"

"Yeah." Sora said, glancing down at his hand as his keyblade disappeared. "I guess my power is slowly coming back." Twilight turned her head to Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow, you were willing to throw yourself between me and Nightmare Moon to protect me?" Twilight asked.

"Well, duh, egghead." Rainbow Dash said. "That's what friends do, they help each other."

"Well, it would be nice if you didn't call me egghead." Twilight said.

"Aww, I don't mean it when I say it." Rainbow Dash said. "That's what friends do, they kid around. But if it makes you feel better, I'll try not to say it too much. Sound fair?"

"Deal." Twilight said with a nod.

"Twilight!" The girls called as they made their way across the bridge to the others.

"You alright sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, I'm ok now." Twilight said. "I'm ok."

"That was really loyal of you Rainbow Dash." Applejack said. "Giving up being a Shadowbolt to help us."

"Hey, there's one difference between a Shadowbolt and a Wonderbolt." Rainbow Dash said. "Shadowbolts don't like helping ponies, but Wonderbolts do. And helping others, is what I like doing, because friends help one another. I'd never leave my friends hanging." The lavender unicorn gave a smile. Rainbow Dash has really proven herself to be so loyal to her, and to her friends... Honesty... Loyalty... Generosity... Kindness... Laughter... That sounds very familiar to her. Applejack then turned her head, to see the castle before them.

"Well, we're here at the castle." Applejack said.

"C'mon, let's go!" Sora said, and the girls gave a nod, making their way to the castle.

"Out of all places, never did I think you would find yourself here."

Sora froze in place, hearing the voice. Turning his head, he saw the last thing he thought to see. A man wearing a black coat, a coat that belonged to Organization XIII!

"Organization XIII!" Sora shouted as he summoned his keyblade, and the girls turned their heads, seeing the hooded man.
"What?" Twilight asked.

"Is that the vermins you were talking about?" Applejack asked as she ran up to Sora's side, along with Rainbow Dash.

"The bad guys?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah, it's them." Sora said.

"Finally, to kick some flank!" Rainbow Dash said, punching both hooves together.

"You'd better what yourself pony." The man said. He then unhooded himself, revealing his face. His skin was mildly tanned, and his eyes were amber gold. His hair was silver, which both slightly spikes and falls past hs shoulder, with four bangs framing his face. Sora's eyes widened, recognizing him.

"You... you're from the dreaming realm." Sora said. "You're Xehanort's Younger Self!" The girls looked with confusion, while Twilight gasped.

"Wait, that's Xehanort?!" Twilight asked.

"Yeah... his younger self at least." Sora said.

"Impressive." Young Xehanort said. "I'm flattered that you remember me. I'm a bit surprised to find you here playing with these colorful horses." The girls gasped as they heard that insult.

"Hey, they're ponies!" Sora said.

"Same thing." Young Xehanort said.

"What are you doing here?" Sora asked in a demanding voice.

"Nothing to put you to worry." Young Xehanort said. "I'm just seeing how you're doing fighting against the forces of the Nightmare."

"What?" Sora asked. "You're following us?"

"More like observing so to speak." Young Xehanort said. "So, you're here to find the Elements of Harmony, to defeat Nightmare Moon. Well, it's not as simple as you think."

"What do you know?" Sora asked. "You don't know a thing about this world."

"Really?" Young Xehanort asked. "Well, you don't know a thing about this world, not even about your own abilities, like how your powers aren't working anymore." The boy's eyes widened in surprise, feeling that Xehanort's words show that he knows something.

"What?" Sora asked.

"Dream by dream, you threw yourself into the abyss of sleep, and now you've suffered the consequences." Young Xehanort said. "When you fell into the deep sleep and nearly became one of our vessels, you lost every power that you've had over the years, and left you at a clean slate."

"What?" Sora asked, and glanced down at his hands. When he was in the Sleeping Realm, he unlocked the seven keyholes to find the Power of Waking, and it was a trap set by the Organization to place the boy into a deep sleep, and they succeeded, until Riku got him out with his own power. But apparently dropping into a deep sleep must've took all the power Sora had, even the ones he had from his previous adventures.

"And now, you are powerless." Young Xehanort said. "A mere weakling. You don't even stand a chance in defeating Nightmare Moon... You've only placed these ponies into the face of doom. You... are useless."

"That's not true!" Twilight said, getting the man's attention. The unicorn stood by Sora's side, supporting his friend.
"Sora was able to get us this far, even without his power." Twilight said. "If he managed to get us here without it, then we have a pretty fair chance against Nightmare Moon. He doesn't need to be powerful to help us. Because he helped us by being himself. So stop toying with my friend, and get out of our world!"

"Or else what... pony?" Young Xehanort asked.

"Yes, I am a pony, but I'm also a friend." Twilight said. "And friends always help one another!"

"You?" Young Xehanort asked. "You call yourself a friend? You know nothing about friendship. The only thing you do is read books, and study magic, staying out of others' circle of friends, like the little egghead you are. How could someone like you be a friend when you don't know a thing about friendship?" Twilight could not speak, but lower her head. He was right about that. She didn't know about friendship, so how could she be a friend?

"It doesn't matter if she doesn't know." Applejack said, her and the other mares standing by Twilight's side. "She don't have to know friendship right away to be a friend."

"Yeah, we still have a lot to learn about it, and that's not stopping us from being friends!" Rainbow Dash said.

"And sure, our first introductions were awkward, but so is every beginning of a friendship." Rarity said.

"Right." Fluttershy said. "And in time, we can also learn how to be better friends together."

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie said. "And no matter what, we'll always be friends and stick by one another no matter what, and we'll even throw a party!" Hearing the mares' wonderful remarks made Twilight smile even more, and their support brought back her confidence.

"They're right." Twilight said. "And besides, Xehanort, ponies can be friends with anypony and anyone, and their friendships will grow over time. You don't have to know friendship right away to be a friend, because it only takes a moment to make a connection with the ponies, and people around you." Hearing that made Sora smile.

"You see, Xehanort?" Sora asked. "Friendships are formed all around us, just like there are hearts all around us, connecting to one another. Sure, there's a lot to learn about friendship, but there's one difference between us and you. You don't accept friendship, but we do. I may be powerless, but I will still help these ponies save their world, because they're my friends too." The silver-haired man only gave a frown, seeing that the boy as much more harder to hinder then he thought. Neverless, he gave a smile.

"You're words are so touching." Young Xehanort said. "But yet, you are still so blind, to think that six little gemstones can help you save Equestria. What do you even think the Elements of Harmony are for? Their purpose is to keep the magic and the universe in balance. Not to destroy the darkness and enforce light. Even trying to use them to destroy the darkness doesn't completely destroy it. Darkness is only kept at bay, banished, or imprisoned, only temporarily. And there's a high price to pay, for wielding such power foolishly. Just look at the Elder Princess. She used the elements to try to destroy the darkness, and it cost her her only sister."

"So what?" Sora asked. "You're actually caring about us?"

"No..." Young Xehanort said. "I could care less about this world, and as for you, there's no saving you." Then with his hand, he summoned a black portal behind him. A corridor empowered by the darkness.

"I have already seen your future Sora, and it will end grimly." He said. Sora only gave a smile.

"Well, who's to say I can't change it?" Sora asked. "Even in the darkness, there will always be light that shines through, because unlike darkness, there's more to light than meets the eye." Hearing that actually made the younger version of Xehanort chuckle.

"You just made me think of an old friend." Young Xehanort said as he began to step backwards into the dark corridor. "Regardless, you've already paid the price, and now it will lie into the bottom of the abyss." With that said, he disappeared into the corridor.

"Wait!" Sora called out.

"Sora, don't." Twilight said as the corridor disappeared. "Let him go. He doesn't want to accept friendship, that's his choice." The boy gave a nod, and glanced back at Twilight.

"Thanks Twilight." Sora said.

"No problem." The lavender unicorn said. "But I'm the one you should be thanking." She then turned to Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. "They deserve the credit."

"Nah, there's no need." Applejack said as she stepped forward. "Having you as our friend is good enough." Twilight gave a nod.

"Come on girls, let's go save Equestria." Twilight said. The girls gave nods, as did Sora, and they headed to the castle. Before continuing on, Sora took one last look to where Young Xehanort was, seeing nothing but the bridge to the other side. He couldn't help but think of the last words Xehanort had said. He said that he paid a price, and it now lies in the abyss.

"What price?" Sora thought before continuing on.

Passing through the doors of the ruined castle, Sora and the six ponies, the Mane Six, began to look around, seeing the broken architecture, with several broken windows on the walls. But what was more astonishing was the apparatus before them in the roo, consisting of five round stone tablets mounted at the ends of radial shafts, with a larger orb at the center. The rig was heavily overgrown with moss and vines, not even cleaned, especially in a thousand years. Each of the orbs had a gem-shaped carving, and the rig's resembles the framework that Elements of Harmony, as seen in the reference guide.

"Is this what you've been looking for Twilight? Sora asked. Twilight smiled as she saw the rig.

"Yes!" Twilight said. "The Elements of Harmony! We've found them!" The girls gave a cheer as they saw the rig.

"I'll get 'em!" Rainbow Dash said as she flew up and grabbed two of the orbs, and placed them before Twilight.

"Becareful with them." Twilight said.

"Sorry." Rainbow Dash said with a grin as she flew up to grab two more, while Fluttershy flies up and grabs the last one. Pinkie Pie glanced at the orbs and began counting.

"Aren't there suppose to be six?" Pinkie Pie asked. "There are only five."

"Yeah, where's the sixth?" Rainbow Dash asked. Twilight then began thinking.

"The book said 'When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed'."

"What in the hay is that suppose to mean?" Applejack asked.

"I'm not sure." Twilight said. "But I do have an idea. Stand back." With that said, the girls stepped back. Twilight then closes her eyes shut, and takes a deep breath. Then, her horn begins to light up with magic, which then surrounds each of the five tablets. Applejack notices that she's trying to perform a spell.

"Come on now, y'all." Applejack said as she urged the others to stay further back. "She needs to concentrate." The girls nodded and took a couple of steps backwards. Sora watched as Twilight tried to harness a spell. He then glanced at the window, and something caught his eyes. The mist from eariler slips inside and approaches the unicorn in front of her, enveloping the five artifacts before her.

"Twilight, Look Out!" Sora called out as he summons his keyblade. Opening her eyes, Twilight then sees that the blue mist around her begins to form a cyclone, growing in size, sucking her and the elements right inside. The girls watched in shock with no time to react, while Sora then charged forward and leapt into the vortex. As he did, the storm then shrinks away, disappearing into the ceiling, leaving the others shocked.

"TWILIGHT! SORA!" They cried.

"Look!" Rarity called out, pointing at the doorway far across the room, which had a stairway up, which lead to the upper partof the castle.

"They must've been taken higher up!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Then let's get goin'!" Applejack said as they galloped to and up the stairs to find their friends.

In a higher part of the castle, a ball of light appears and explodes in a smokey blast, sending Twilight and Sora across the floor away. As Twilight huddled and coughed from the smoke, Sora get to his knees. Glancing forward, the two saw with a gasp of shock. Before them stood Nightmare Moon, standing on a pedastal, giving an evil chuckle. In her magical grasp, the five Element stones were floating around her.

"You're kidding, right?" She asked.

"What?" Twilight asked. "How did?"

"Oh please." Nightmare Moon spoke. "Did you honestly didn't think that I would follow you?" Sora then realized, that everything that they've been through, the stuff that was happening. The cliff falling apart, the thorn in the manticore, the scary trees, Steven's mustache ripped off, and the Shadowbolts! It was all her.

"It was you!" Sora said. "You were the one doing all that stuff on our way to the castle!"

"Exactly!" Nightmare Moon said. "Everything I did was to scare you off or hinder your work. But apparently those ponies are much more braver than I thought. But now... the Elements belong to me."

"No!" Twilight shouted as she charged forward.

"Twilight!" Sora called out. The lavender unicorn kept goin, her horn aimed forward. Nightmare Moon only scuffs and charges in as well. But before their horns collided, Twilight's horn lights up, and she disappears in a flash. The alicorn skids to a stop, confused by the unicorn's disappearance. But then, back on the pedastal, Twilight re-materializes, right where the Elements are. She then grabs them with her own magic.

"What?" Nightmare Moon asked.

"You're not the only one who can use magic, Nightmare Moon." Twilight said with a smile.

"Yes!" Sora called out with joy, and bits of relief.

"Foal!" Nightmare Moon said. "You will pay for that. No pony can save you now!" She then charged her horn up, ready to strike.

"Oh no, she's not!" Sora said as he stepped between her and Twilight. "Because I'm right here." The Mare in the Moon gave a growl, and then with her magic, she summoned a blue sword of magic. Spinning it, the alicorn was ready to fight. Sora then turned to Twilight.

"Twilight, you focus on getting the sixth Element." Sora said. "Let me handle Nightmare Moon."

"Sora..." Twilight said with concern.

"It's ok." He said. "I don't need to be strong to fight her." He gives her a wink, making the pony smile and nod. Sora then faces forward, and charges toward Nightmare Moon, who was ready to swing her sword back. The boy however, changed his attack, throwing his foot outward, sending a kick with his foot into the alicorn's face, sending her back. Sora then leaped forward and swung his keyblade, crossing with Nightmare Moon's sword. Seeing the two fight, Twilight took the opportunity and began focusing on her magic, lifting the Elements with her magic. Back with Sora, after pushing Nightmare Moon's sword aside, he held his keyblade back and spun it, with it glowing with energy.

"RIPPLE DRIVE!" He shouted, swinging the keyblade up and generating a magical aura that engulfed and blasted Nightmare Moon away! Sora was surprised by that attack.

"Hey, my power is coming back!" Sora said with a smile. However, his happy tone was short lived at Nightmare Moon got back up and gave a shout. Sora then glanced over and saw three pillars that kept the ceiling up. Giving a smile, he then rushes forward, and jumps on, using his keyblade to swing around the pillar in front of him, allowing him to use his Flowmotion Pole spin. He then slid to another one, and then another one, making Nightmare Moon look around and spin her head a bit, making her dizzy. Then, the boy dashed forward her.

"BUZZ SAW!" He shouted as he flew in with a spinning attack, striking Nightmare Moon. The mare then got angry, she took flight, then used her magic to firing at Sora, who then started to leap on the wall and began to run across it, dodging every attack. The boy then fired small Fire ball to fight back, while Nightmare Moon dodged and kept firing her own magical projectiles.

"Ok, time to finish this one!" Sora said as he dropped to the ground and jumped up to the Alicorn.

"Time for an AERIAL FINISH!" He shouted as he swung his keyblade two times vertically, the one time horizontally, striking Nightmare Moon with each attack. Then he brought one final slash and hurled Nightmare Moon to the wall, but not before firing a Water sphere that soaked the Mare in the Moon. The boy then gave a smile.

"Had enough now?" he asked.

"You... FOAL!" She shouted and then used her magic to send a wave of energy, blasting the boy backwards, making him fall on his behind. He then lifted himself up, but a hoof was placed on his chest to prevent him from getting up.
"It's going to take a little more than that to defeat me." Nightmare Moon said. "Despite these little surprises, you are powerless to stop me."

"Stop?" Sora asked. "I wasn't trying to fight you. I was just... stalling you."

"What?!" Nightmare Moon asked. Then a bright light began to light up the room. Turning her head, she saw Twilight, with her magic igniting, and the elements began to glow brightly. Nightmare Moon realizes that she was tricked.

"No!" She shouted as she then charged toward the pony. Then, as Twilight's horn lit up brightly, a spark emerges, kicking Twilight backwards, throwing her across the floor.

"Twilight!" Sora called as he got up and ran towards her. The lavender unicorn got to her hooves.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Twilight said. "But she won't be." Glancing forward, they saw the five orbs glowing in Twilight's color, and then, they surround Nightmare Moon, ready to strike her down.

"No!... NO!" Nightmare Moon said, as Twilight and Sora began to smile. The five Elements began to glow brightly, nearly covering the room with their light. And then...

-POOF-

The light from the Elements go out suddenly, and dropped to the floor, as Sora and Twilight watched with shock.

"What?" Sora asked.

"But... where's the sixth?" Twilight asked. Seeing the Elements not responding, Nightmare Moon gave a laugh.

"You little foal." She said. "Thinking you can defeat me?" Then with her hoof, she then made one mighty stomp, sending a rumble and a shockwave across the room. Then, the stones before then shattered into gravel, as the two gasped and watched helplessly.

"No..." Twilight said with no hope.

"Now you will never see your Princess, or your sun!" Nightmare Moon said. "The night will last forever!!!" She then gives off a laugh while her horn begins to light up with powerful magic. Twilight could only lower her head in hopeless despair. She failed. She failed her beloved mentor, and all of Equestria.

"Not so fast, Black Snooty!" A high voice echoed in the room. Surprised, the three turned their heads to see Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity charging into the room, and huddling close to Sora and Twilight.

"Girls, you found us!" Sora said.

"Yeah, we just took the stairs." Applejack said.

"Though it would be nice if this place had an elevator." Rarity said.

"Foals!" Nightmare Moon shouted. "You have no hope in defeating me! How can you defeat me without the Elements of Harmony." The five mares then took their stances.

"Because, the elements of harmony are more than just stones." Applejack said.

"The elements are represented through everypony!" Rainbow Dash said. The other three gave nods, as Sora began thinking. He then realized something. Over the course of this whole journey to the castle, he has seen the power of the elements through the five mares that helped him and Twilight to the castle. Applejack represented Honesty, Fluttershy represented Kindness, Pinkie Pie represented Laughter, Rarity represented Generosity, and Rainbow Dash represented Loyalty. A smile emerged on his face.

"They're right!" Sora said as stepped forward. "We don't need the stones, because the Elements of Harmony, are right here!" He then refers to the girls. "These five mares are the spirits of the Elements of Harmony. They've represented the elements by helping us get here, and that's all we need to take you down, Nightmare Moon!" Hearing Sora say those words made Twilight make a deep gasp. The moments where the girls helped her and Sora get to the castle, each of them representing their rightful element, began to flash through their mind. Then, a magical spark emerged from her eyes, making her smile.

"Of course!" Twilight said. "The stones are not the Elements of Harmony... We are the Elements of Harmony!" With that, the stone shards at Nightmare Moon's hooves began to glow brightly, levitating freely off the ground and around the mares.

"What?!" Nightmare Moon asked.

"You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony? Well, you're wrong!" Twilight began. "The spirits of the Elements are right here! Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who gave up her heart's desire to help her friends, represents the spirit of Loyalty! The spirits of these give ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us. Nightmare Moon!"

"But what about the sixth one?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, we don't have that one yet?" Pinkie Pie said.

"No... we do." Twilight said as she turned to her friends, and to Sora. "I did feel the spark. A different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, and how much I cared about you, just as you cared about me. The spark ignited inside me, when I realized that you all, are my friends!" Then, right above the group, emerged a bright powerful light that shined through the room, revealing a sixth stone tablet that materialized overhead. And interesting enough, the stone had an engraving of a six pointed star, the same star on Twilight's cutie mark! Nightmare Moon could only shield her eyes as the tablet descended above Twilight's head, who then turned to face the Mare in the Moon.

"You see, Nightmare Moon." Twilight began. "When those Elements are ignited by the spark, the spark that resides in all of our hearts. It creates the sixth element. The Element of Magic!" Then, the light from the floating element flares out and engulfs all six, while Sora and Nightmare Moon watches, the former smiling. Then, the crystal shards around the five mares began to transform into five golden necklaces, each set with a jewel in the shape of the wearer's cutie mark. The orange apple for Honest, the red lightning bolt for Loyalty, the purple lezenge for Generosity, the pink butterfly for Kindness, and a blue balloon for Laughter! As the five mares wore the necklaces, the unbroken stone transforms into a gold tiara with a magenta colored six-pointed star, which rests itself upon Twilight's head. Her eyes began to shine out a white light as all six of the mares began to charge up with a rainbow colored light.

"Noooo!!!" Nightmare Moon shouted. "NOOOOOOO!!!" She then spread her wings out, and flew in to strike. But Sora, seeing his, moved forward and shot forward his keyblade.

"Oh no you don't!" He shouted, his keyblade charging up with energy. In an instant, it fired a magical yellowish white grip that grabbed ahold of Nightmare Moon, trapping her in place, and preventing her from breaking free. Then, the girls joined hooves together, and the light grew even bigger! Within seconds, a rainbow colored light shot forward from the group, right toward Nightmare Moon, trapping her into a rainbow colored twister, making her scream.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" She shouted as the twister consumed her, and the light began to blast forward, engulfing the entire room, flashing all over through the castle windows.

Author's Note

So, we're almost at the end...

For those who don't know why Sora doesn't have most of his abilities. As Young Xehanort said, Sora nearly drowned himself into the abyss of sleep, which placed him in a comatose state in Dream Drop Distance, and nearly became a vessel for Xehanort, until Riku used the Power of Waking to save him.
But being put in that state caused Sora to lose his power... or suppress it in some way.
And as for Sora using his abilities from his Second Form in III, his power is slowly coming back. Since he was able to use Fire and Water, including bits of Athletic Flow in III, I figured to show him slowly getting his power back, as you saw in the previous chapter.

Anyway, Nightmare Moon is down, and you'll know what happens next.

Friendship Is Magic

Chapter 06: Friendship Is Magic

Pretty soon, the light cleared up, with Sora having his left arm up to shield him from the light, and his keyblade was still in his hand. Opening his eyes, he saw Twilight and the girls on the ground.

"Twilight! Girls!" He called out as he ran toward them. The lavender unicorn opened her eyes, and lifted herself up from the ground.

"Twilight, are you alright?" Sora asked.

"Yeah... I'm ok." Twilight said. "I'm ok." Then, the five other mares got off the ground.

"Uh... my head." Rainbow Dash said as she came to.

"Everypony alright?" Applejack asked.

"Oh, It's Back!" Rarity's voice called out. Turning their heads, they saw Rarity, glancing down at her tail, which grew back! The Elements must've also restored her tail too! "My tail is back!"

"Why, Rarity, your necklace looks lovely." Fluttershy said, pointing at Rarity's Element necklace. "It looks just like your cutie mark."

"So does yours, dear!" Rarity said, noticing Fluttershy's necklace.

"Oooh, Look At Mine!" Pinkie Pie said, pointing at her own necklace. "Mine has a balloon on it!"

"Aww, yeah!" Rainbow Dash said. "Mine looks awesome!"

"Wow... the Elements look like our cutie marks!" Applejack said. "And Twilight, so does your crown!" Twilight glances up at her crown, seeing the six pointed star that matched her cutie mark.

"I know." Twilight said.

"That's because you each represent the Elements of Harmony." Sora said. "Or maybe they should be the Elements of Friendship. You each represented your special element that's been inside you all all along. Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, Laughter, and Magic. You guys are the Elements of Harmony."

"They sure are indeed." A mystic gentle voice spoke through the room, almost surprising everyone. Turning their heads to the cracked window, they watched the sky go from dark to light, where the sun begins to rise over the hills, shining the light through the window. Then, a massive sphere of light emerges from it and floats through. It settles to the floor in front of the group and disappears, revealing a tall alicorn. Except this alicorn a much lighter color, a light fuchsiaish gray, with pale light grayish magenta eyes. Her long sparkly mane and tail, colored with a light cerulean, turquoise, cobalt blue, and heliotrope, waved gently as if a breeze was blowing past. She also wore a gold tiara, a necklace with a large violet diamond-shaped gem, and she wore regal shoes on her hooves. She gave a smile as she saw the ponies and Sora. The five mares bowed before her, while Sora watched with surprise.

"Is that...?" Sora asked.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight spoke out as she approached the princess, removing her own tiara for a split second.

"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student." Celestia said as she nuzzled her student affectionately. "I am so proud of you. I knew that you could do it."

"Wait... you knew?" Sora asked as he approached the two. "About the legend?"

"Yes, I did." Celestia said.

"But... you told me that it was all an old pony's tale." Twilight said.

"I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more." Celestia said. "Yes, I have saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and I knew that you could defeat her with the magic inside you. But the only way to release it was for you to let true friendship into your heart." The two glanced forward to the five mares, who all gave smiles and nods.

"Thank you princess." Twlight said.

"No need." Celestia said. "Thank you friends, for they helped you learn what friendship is all about. But more importantly, thank Sora for putting you in the right direction." The boy scratched his chin and gave a nervous chuckle. But then, he just realized. She said his name, and they never met before.

"Wait, you know me?" Sora asked.

"Of course I do." Celestia said. "I happen to know a certain sorceror and a young king that you know both very well." Sora then knew who she was referring to. Master Yen Sid and King Mickey!

"Oh, you know the King?" Sora asked.

"Of course I do." Celestia said. "He's told me all about you in his letters, saying that you're a very brave young man."

"Awww, thanks, Princess." Sora said as he gave a respectful bow. The regal alicorn gave a nod of her own, but then turned her attention to where Nightmare Moon used to be.

"Now... to set things right." She said as she approached the pedestal, where the broken remains of Nightmare Moon's armor. But there was something else there... no... somepony else there. On the ground was another alicorn! But while this one was taller than Twilight, she was considerably smaller than Celestia. But her coat was dark blue, and her mane and tail, both moderate sapphire blue with a grayish persian blue outline, were flowing like Princess Celestia's. And her cutie mark was the same as Nightmare Moon's, but the crescent moon was white. She wore a dark collar with a crescent moon on it, and light gray blue slippers, and her eyeshadow was a lighter sapphire. The younger alicorn began to come too, opening her cyan eyes.

"Princess Luna." Celestia said as she approached her, getting the other alicorn's attention. The young alicorn looked up in fear.

"It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this." Celestia said. "I have something to tell you after all this time." She then leaned forward, as the younger sister lowered her head and stared up at the elder alicorn, who surprisingly knelt down.

"I am so sorry, my little sister." Celestia spoke. Then, everyone's faces were in a state of shock.

"Sister?!" The mares asked.

"Whaaaaa?" Sora asked.

"S...Sorry?" Luna asked, surprised.

"Yes, I am sorry I have let you become overshadowed in my greatness." Celestia said. "It has made you become bitter, but the fault is mine as well. I should've talked to you before things go so bad. But you and I... we are sisters, and nothing will ever change that. We were meant to rule together, sister." The sun princess stands up and extends her hoof forward. Luna glances up at her sister, while Sora, and the others watched, leaning in expectantly for what's to come. Then, with tears in her eyes, Luna makes her move. Instead of taking her sister's hoof, she wraps her hooves around her and nuzzles against her, as tears began to run down her eyes.

"I am so sorry!" Luna spoke in tears. "I am so sorry I have been blind by my own bitterness."

"It is alright Luna." Celestia said. "And since I wasn't able to help you and endured your absence for so long, I'm sorry too." The two sisters hugged each other, nuzzling against one another, tears down their faces, but both of them smiling, crying with tears of joy.

"I've missed you so much, big sister." Luna said.

"I've missed you too, little sister." Celestia said as a tear dropped from her eyes.

"Awwwww..." The mane six said with smiles, while Sora looked happy, but confused at the same time.

"So, wait." Sora said. "Those two were the sisters from the legend?"

"Yep." Twilight said. "I'm just as surprised. I thought that Princess Celestia was a descendent, but she is actually the elder princess from the legend."

"And... she's over a thousand years old?" Sora asked.

"Yes, Sora." Twilight said.

"But... they're both so young!" Sora said, with Twilight only rolling her eyes with a smile. Whatever it was, it was best to accept it. Suddenly, there was a nose being blown heard. Turning to the source, the group saw Pinkie Pie crying with a hankerchief, producing waterfalls of tears from both her eyes.

"It's Soooo Beautiful!" Pinkie Pie cried, but then she perks up to her usual happy self.

"Hey!" She said. "Do you know what this calls for?"

"What?" Sora asked.

Later that day...

"A PARTY!" Pinkie Pie called out as confettie and streamers began to rain down as she and many cheering locals race through the meadows. Sora and company had returned to Ponyville to celebrate the rest of the Summer Sun Celebration, but more importantly, to celebrate the reunion of Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna, who everyone was so happy to have back as well! As the princesses were excorted through a chariot, many ponies began cheer. Princess Luna felt a bit uneasy at first, but as two pegasus fillies flew up and placed a wreath of red and white roses around her neck. She smiled. She was a little confused how the ponies could forgive her for her wrong doings, but yet she was happy to be back with her sister.

Spike had woke up when the sun came up and was happy to greet Twilight and Sora again, giving them the biggest hug he could manage. As for Twilight, Sora, and the rest of the mane six, they were also excorted through the parade, as they waved to several ponies who cheered for them. Twilight was a bit nervous, since she hasn't been part of a parade, but Sora and her new friends helped her have the confidence she needed.

Sometime after that, many ponies were talking and having gun as the rest of the day went on. Sora watched as all the ponies played together or did anything socially. He was quite happy that they got a happy ending. It was a rough start, but the world has been saved, as always. But then his attention was turned to Twilight, sitting at a short distance, looking a bit down. Noticing this, the boy approached her.

"Hey, is everything ok Twilight?" Sora asked.

"Yeah... I'm ok... well, not on the inside." Twilight said. "It's just... I'm gonna miss this place, and I'm gonna miss them." She glanced forward to see Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. All of them noticed that Twilight was looking down. So they approached her too.

"What's the matter sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Aren't you happy that we saved Equestria?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"And that you became our new best friend?!" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Yes, I'm happy, verry happy for both of that." Twilight said. "But... my mission's complete now and... I have to return to Canterlot." The others realized what she was saying. She had to leave, which meant that they probably won't see her for a while.

"Oh, you have to return home, don't you." Rarity said.

"Oh my..." Fluttershy said.

"Awww, and I just made you a Welcome to our Circle of Friends cake." Pinkie Pie said.

"It's alright sugarcube, we understand." Applejack said with assurance. "It's just that, we'll miss you."

"Me too." Twilight said, unable to hold back a tear. The sudden sadness was noticed by Princess Celestia.

"Why so glum, my faithful student?" The Sun Monarch asked. "Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?"

"That's just it, Princess." Twilight said. "Just when I learn how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." The girls look saddened, as did Spike, who joined the group. The princess formed a smile.

"Spike, take a not, please?" She asked.

"Got it princess." Spike called out as he pulled out a quill and scroll out, and began writing as Princess Celestia speaks.

"I, Princess Celestia..." The princess began. "...hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship and report her findings to me from her new home in Ponyville." Twilight's eyes widened hearing that. The Princess is allowing her to stay in Ponyville! A bright smiler appeared on her face, as the girls smiled too, cheering and congratulating their new friend.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, Princess Celestia!" Twilight said as she gave a bow. "I'll study harder than ever before!"

"YAY!" Pinkie Pie cheered with a hop. "Isn't this exciting? Are you excited? Because I'm excited, I've been so excited! Well, except for the time that I went-" Before she could finish, she dropped backwards. Despite that, she gave a playful giggle, and everyone laughed.

"I'm so happy for you, Twilight." Sora said.

"Me too." Twilight said. The boy gave a happy smile, but then he realized something, and a frown came to his face.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

"I just realized... I have to go." Sora said. The unicorn realized it too. He had to leave. He is a keyblade wielder after all, and whenever their task is done, they would have to depart.

"Oh." Twilight said, a frown on her face appeared, but a smile of understandment quickly took over. "That's ok. It's your job."

"Yeah." Sora said. "I need to get ready too, for my next adventure. And it's probably gonna be the biggest and toughest one yet. I just hope... my power returns to me when that time comes."

"I'm very certain that it will return Sora." Princess Celestia said as she approached the boy. "As long as you do what you do best, your power will return. Most likely pretty quick too if you put your mind and heart to it." Those words boosted the confidence in Sora, and he gave a smile of assurance.

"Yeah, you're right." Sora said, and then gave a bow to the Sun Monarch. "Thank you Princess Celestia." But then a thought came to his mind. Now the question is, how will he be able to get back?

"Ummm... any hint on how to get home?" Sora asked.

"Seriously?" Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow. "Aren't you a keyblade master?"

"Uhhh... not really." Sora said. "I kinda... failed my Mark of Mastery Exam." The princess gave a chuckle.

"Well, that certainly explains it." Celestia said. "Just follow where ever your heart takes you. Trust the guidance it gives, and think of the ones close to you. That is how you will find your way." The boy began thinking on what she said, and then smiled.

"Thank you Princess." Sora said. "I'll remember that." He then glanced back at Twilight Sparkle. He then approached her.

"Well... this is goodbye." Sora said. "For now at least."

"Yep." Twilight said. "Thank you again Sora."

"For what?" Sora asked.

"For teaching me that friendship is so wonderful." Twilight said. "I would've never learned so much about it without you."

"Thanks Twilight." Sora said as he knelt down a bit to reach her level height. "I'll come back and visit you again."

"W...What?" Twilight asked.

"You and I are friends now." Sora said. "So nothing can stop me from visiting you." The unicorn tilted her head a bit.

"You and me... we're friends?" Twilight asked.

"We've been friends ever since we met." Sora said. "Friendship is magic, right?" Hearing that made Twilight giggle.

"Yeah, it sure is." Twilight said.

"Oh, if there's also any problems, don't hesitate to call me if you have to." Sora said. "I'll swing by and help out, and I'll even bring some of my friends too."

"I would like that." Twilight said.

"And remember Twilight." Sora said. "Even if I'm not here, I'll always be here." He then pointed at Twilight's chest, directly to her heart. The unicorn knew exactly what he meant.

"Friends in our hearts." Twilight said.

"Yep." Sora said. He extended his hand out, offering to shake her hoof. However, Twilight walked toward him and placed her front hooves around him, giving him a tender hug. Surprised at first, but he wrapped his arms around her too, completing he hug.

"Hey, when you're back in Ponyville, be sure to hang out with us too!" Rainbow Dash said. "I'd love to race ya sometime."

"And if you want some apples." Applejack said.

"Need a new outfit." Rarity continued.

"Any moral support." Fluttershy said.

"Or wanna have a party." Pinkie Pie finished.

"We're always here!" All five of them said. The boy gave a nod.

"Gotcha." Sora said. "You all be good friends with Twilight, and learn more about friendship, ok?"

"Promise!" The girls said. The boy gave a nod.

"Ok." He said. "See y'all soon!" He then turned and glanced forward. He then summoned his keyblade, and with it, energy began to charge up at the tip. In a split second, the beam shot out and opened a portal of light. Sora then began to glow brightly, his body began to come transparent, and the particles shot out and seeped into the portal. The portal closed as he disappeared within it, with the ponies waved goodbye.

"Awww, I forgot to bake him a cake." Pinkie Pie said.

"You'll get another chance to do that Pinkie Pie." Applejack said.

"Ok!" Pinkie Pie said with a happy smile. "When he comes back, I'll bake him the biggest cake in the whole world!" The girls gave out a happy chuckle, and Twilight glanced up at the sky, now filled with high spirits. The road to friendship has just begun, and everything was gonna be just fine...

In a mysterious world, where there were many stars in the sky. There was a small floating countryside that was consisted of several hills floating in the air. Other than that, there was also a tower, surrealistic, crooked, golden brown colored. At the top was a blue cone-shaped turret roof, decorated with moons and stars.

Near the stairway to the entrance, laying on the edge of the stairs was a black anthropomorphic dog, wearing a teardrop-shaped hat with goggles, a green sweaterneck and combat jacket, yellow pants and shoes with metal toes on them.

Next to him was an anthropomorphic white furred duck with a blue hat with zippers all over it. He wore a dark blue shit with pouches, and a lighter blue short cape over his shoulders.

These two, Donald and Goofy, the subjects of King Mickey, were waiting for Sora. It has been quite some time since he left to go train. They had recently seen Riku and Mickey head off to go search for Aqua in the Realm of Darkness, and now they were waiting for Sora to come back. Hopefully it will not take long.

"Garsh, Sora has been gone for quite a while." Goofy said, as Donald gave a worried quack.

"Riku and the King went off to go find Aqua." Goofy continued. "And Kairi returned to Radiant Garden."

"Yeah." Donald said. "I feel so bored."

"Wish there was something we can do." Goofy said. Then suddenly, a star twinkled in the sky, and then a column of light rained down onto the ground, before Donald and Goofy. Both of them yelped as they saw the light crash down before them. They quickly got up and wondered what was going on. Then, the light quickly evaporated, revealing non-other than Sora, rising up to see the two staring at him.

"Hey guys!" Sora called out.

"Sora!" Donald and Goofy called out. The two ran up and hugged the boy tightly.

"Good to have ya back Sora." Goofy said.

"Good to be back too." Sora said.

"Ok, Start Talking!" Donald shouted.

"What?" Sora asked.

"Where have you been?" Donald asked.

"I've been training, that's what." Sora said, making his way up the stairs into the Mysterious Tower. "And I had to help some new friends."

"New friends?" Donald asked as he and Goofy followed the boy up the stairs.

"You were gone for a long time." Goofy said. "What were you doin'?"

"Hehehe... secret." Sora said with a wink. As he made his way to the top of the tower, he proceeded to open the door, knowing that his next adventure was about to begin.

But this next adventure... was going to be his greatest and biggest one yet.

Reconnect
KINGDOM HEARTS

The adventure is over, but the story is not
Be ready on April 21st

Author's Note

So, that's a wrap here. But as the last part says, it's not over.

Next story will be much bigger, and darker in a way. Be ready on April 21st.
My plans is to post the prologue on that day, and the first chapter.

So anyway, see you guys later!