Days had passed since the ‘Spoiled Milk’ incident and things had been mostly calm in Ponyville… of course, there was the incident with a bunch of tickets for the Canterlot Grand Gala and Applejack’s strange bucking season. They were resolved without any compilations… Although in the Element of Honesty’s case, she ended up being exhausted due to her stubbornness.

As for Rumi, he continued to train with the Keyblade to make sure his skills were still up to par. He had managed to learn a couple of Sora’s old moves such as Strike Raid or Sonic Blade. To test them, he asked for Twilight’s help in conjuring some practice dummies for him to practice with… along with her trying once or twice to pass on a simple flirt much to his embarrassment.

And if that wasn’t enough, his queen was also flirting with him but he didn’t mind it since Namine was very special to him. In fact, he started to question himself if there was a way to repay her back somehow… hence why today was a very special day for him.

The boy was walking down the dirt road towards the Golden Oaks library so he could question Twilight on where the nearest restaurant in Equestria was so that he could reserve a spot for him and his girlfriend. He was sure there was one - maybe in Canterlot or another city like Manehatten.

But there was one serious issue on his mind - how to step forward and ask his queen out on a date. He felt so nervous and scared of everything going wrong on this date… what if Namine ended up being mad? He loved her yes but he didn’t know how’d she react if the date was messed up. Would she hold it against him? God, he hoped now…

As he walked, the Golden Oaks Library came into view and soon he was at the front door. Taking a deep breath, he dusted himself off. “Okay, Rumi… just ask Twilight for any popular locations for a restaurant around Equestria… it won’t be hard.”

Yes, that was his plan… and he was about to put it to work. Plus, he was only going to ask Twilight. How hard would it be? Actually, he ignored it and tried not to think. Then he knocked on the door and waited.

The door sooned opened as Twilight stepped out with a yawn and rubbed her eyes… which sooned widened when she saw who had knocked on her door. “O-oh, hi Rumi! You’re up early!”

Rumi chuckled. “I guess I am… you know the old saying: Early bird gets the worm. I’m here for a favor though, Twi.”

Twilight’s eyes widened and she blushed. “A f-favor!? O-of course! Oh, where are my manners!? Come on in and we’ll discuss it better.”

She invited him inside for breakfast which was a good thing since Rumi didn’t manage to eat today due to getting up early and leaving the house to practice with the Keyblade. Soon, they were both at a dining table and chatting while enjoying some eggs and bacon with toast that came with coffee.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Twilight asked after taking a bite from her eggs.

Rumi took a sip from his coffee before speaking. “I’m in need of a very fancy restaurant ASAP… truth is, I wanna invite Namine out on a date.” He admitted while blushing.

“Really?” Twilight was surprised.

“Yeah… so, I’m wondering if you know of any nearby spots for a fancy restaurant… if you know some, of course.”

Twilight placed her purple-skinned finger on her chin and went silent for a bit. Rumi had to guess that she was thinking of the place at this very moment so all he did was eat his breakfast and remained silent while awaiting an answer.

Drinking his coffee, he also wondered if Twilight wouldn’t try to muscle in on his date with his queen. Knowing her feelings towards him and her on-going flirting the chances were quite high. He wondered how long it would take for her to admit that she had feelings for him. Probably a long time since she had difficulties expressing how she felt towards others - be it friends or family.

After a while, she finally came up with an answer. “I do know a couple of fancy restaurants around Canterlot. Most of whom I visited with my folks but if you’re looking for one where the couples dine… I might just have the place that you’re looking for.”

“Oh?” Rumi was intrigued.

Twilight nodded and left the table for a moment to go and get some maps of Canterlot. Then she returned to Sora and showed him all the various hot-spots around Celestia’s castle town. “This is all of Canterlot - around here, there’s a couple of jewelry stores and a pizzaria however if you want a classy place to wine and dine, I’d recommend ‘Golden Chef’ - their cooking skills are off the chart. Namine will definitely find it to her satisfaction. Also, you can take her out to the local Canterlot park after dinner… the stars out there are very beautiful to look at.”

Rumi nodded and memorized every detail that Twilight had given him. The Golden Chef and an evening at the park… sounds like a plan. He couldn’t wait until he asked his girlfriend out. First though he had to call the restaurant in advance or write to them to save up a reservation. Then he’d have to pick a good uniform dress… or he’d just stick in his usual attire. But he’d definitely be showering and preparing for the date.

After breakfast, Twilight gave him all the information he needed on the restaurant and as if she read his mind also offered locations of various shops that he would want to visit in preparation for the date. Later, he left the library and headed home to check up on everything and how his mother was doing. Half-way though he couldn’t help but stop and look around.

“Why do I get the strange feeling someone’s watching me… hmmm, must be cause of that breakfast.” He concluded and continued on his way…

Only to stop once more and look around. Odd but he was sure that something or someone was watching him from the shadows. Was it the wind or maybe a rabbit? It must have been…

Continuing on his way, he tried to ignore it… but failed to notice that someone was indeed watching him. A cloaked figure whose face was covered and hiding behind a tree. They kept their gaze entirely on the unsuspecting Sora who was still walking home.

“Sora…” The figure whispered, the voice betraying that she was a girl. But her face was still hidden by the hood. Who and what her goals were nobody knew but one thing was known.

She had a secret relation to Sora and she would soon attack to find out - find out why he was still alive and why he was in this world. But for now, she had to be patient and wait…

(Days later…)

“Oh, you are just so precious, baby! So adorable!” Luna squealed while her son hid his face from her motherly gaze.

Rumi was dressed in a formal outfit and felt embarrassed enough as it is. His mother wasn’t helping at all with her teasing. It was just one date but Luna decided to embarrass him to the max…

“M-mom! S-stop it!”

In response, Luna snuggled him. “Like that’s happening, young man! My boy’s going on his first day and it’s my duty to embarrass you as best he can!”

“Nooooo… Mom…” Rumi groaned and hid his face while Luna giggled. Her boy was becoming a big strong man… just the type that Namine needed.

Rumi was done refreshing himself and fixing his hair. Then he picked up the bouquet of lilies that he had bought earlier this morning and took a deep breath before walking out the front door. “Wish me luck, Mom!”

“You don’t need it, honey. Just be yourself!” Luna wished and smiled as her son left for his date. Since the restaurant was all the way up in Canterlot, the Keybearer would have to take a train to get there. It wasn’t a problem…

Namine had informed him that she would be waiting at the station as well with a surprise in tow. What that surprise was he hadn’t a clue… hopefully something good.

And then he started to worry once more about the date - what if he messed up and Namine hated him!? What if he did something stupid!? No, no… he shouldn’t think that. He pushed the thought away and tried to relax as he walked towards the station.

Once arrived, he sat down and waited patiently for his date to arrive. The first thing he would do is offer her the bouquet of lilies he had bought and then the two would buy a ticket straight for Canterlot. Yes, that was the plan on his mind so far.

Speaking of plans, he wondered how long until he got his Custom Dark Mode… it had been weeks and still nothing. Would it awaken soon? He hoped so - having both light and darkness on his side was an advantage against his worst enemies.

“There’s my King… waiting for me like the proper prince that he is.” A voice interrupted his thoughts as Rumi jumped in surprise.

When he turned to look at her, he gasped… Namine had donned a sleeveless blue-colored dress with a lace pattern and white lines on it along with a white sash with a bow tied around her waist. A new set of blue sandals with white bows adorned her feet.

Rumi was in awe. “Wow… you look gorgeous.”

Namine giggled. “So are you, Rumi.”

Rumi was blushing heavily and then remembered the bouquet… which he presented to her. “H-here.”

Namine gasped. “For me!? Oh, Rumi! You didn’t have to… they’re wonderful. I’m surprised you know that my favorite flowers are the lillies. How’d you find out?”

Rumi shrugged. “Lucky guess… I don’t know much about your personal taste so I just chose for random and hoped for the best. Do you like them?”

Namine nodded and took the bouquet. “They’re wonderful, love. Thank you so much!”

Namine then kissed his lips and Rumi kissed back. After breaking off they smiled at each other with blushes on their faces.

“My Queen.”

“My King.”

Once the train rolled into the station, the couple bought their tickets and got on board for Canterlot… unaware that the same black-coated figure from days ago was also climbing aboard as a stowaway while keeping her eyes set on Sora at all times.

“I’ll find out who you are, ‘Sora’.” She whispered with a hint of venom in her tone before closing the door and falling silent for the trip to Canterlot.

(Inside the first class wagon…)

“I’m so excited about this.” Namine admitted with a small grin on her face. A date with the boy that she loved… It was like a dream come true. If Kairi was here, she would definitely be jealous.

“Me too. Feeling a little nervous on how things might turn out in the end though… you?”

“Fine as well. Don’t worry about the outcome… just relax and enjoy yourself, Rumi. It’s just a simple date.”

Rumi nodded while keeping a sigh from escaping from his lips. Maybe she had a point. It was nothing but a simple date between herself and him… he had to just give in to the peace and enjoy himself.

“Say, love?” Namine broke the silence.

“Hmm?” Rumi looked at her.

“Where’s this place that we’re going to exactly? Somewhere fancy and exquisite or cheap and tasteless?” Her last words were laced with disgust due to having a low tolerance towards food that tasted bad.

“It’s one of the many restaurants in Canterlot High - they call it ‘Golden Chef’. Twilight explained that the food that’s cooked there is off the chart. I think you’ll be satisfied.”

Namine gave her prince a nod followed by a small peck on the cheek. “We’ll see. Anywhere else you’d like us to go after dinner?”

“Oh, yes… already planned a small outing at the local park. Nothing better than watching the night sky and the stars inhabiting it, right?”

Namine blushed with a small smile. “Nothing like it… it sounds romantic.”
Rumi chuckled. “It should be. This evening will be nothing but you and I… my Queen.”

Namine’s blush increased along with her affection towards Rumi. What a flatterer he was… so cute and innocent. In a way, he was just like the original Sora.

Thinking about him made Namine sad in a way… she wondered how they were all doing in the afterlife. Were they at peace? Did they wish to return to the world of living to continue their heroic adventures? Some things would remain a mystery for her. However she did hope to at least find a way to communicate with their spirits one day… even if it was an impossible feat.

But still, one can dream, right? Maybe she could ask one of the Elements to help her out? Or possibly a voodoo priestess? Worth a shot at least. She’d have to come back to it later on and see what could be done with communicating with the spirit world.

Little did Namine know was the fact that someone did indeed remain among the living from her old friends. A person whom she had long thought had passed away from old age.

And one that had stowed away on board the train that she and her king were travelling to get to Canterlot. One that was long thought to have left the world behind… and one who was unknowingly targeting her King. Though she wasn’t aware of her presence just yet, things would end up being a mess once the couple arrived at their destination.

A dinner date that would never be forgotten.

Author's Note

Heyo, heyo! Welcome back to the next chapter of the Displaced Key! Sorry for long wait - had a large gust of writer's block and I didn't feel like writing at all... Apologies for that. I hope that the chapter is worth the wait.

We finally had that date that Rumi and Namine should have gone to but haven't just yet... romance at its finest, ladies and gents. I'm not the best at writing it so I apologize for that. Next part is the second in the dinner arc. However, a mysterious guest will come and ruin all of that... who are they and what is their agenda? Wait and read to find out!

As usual, I don't own Kingdom Hearts nor My Little Pony - they belong to their respective writers. More to come soon! Hopefully I'll try and update next time as best I can but no promises! For now, enjoy reading!