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Merlin's Side Adventure (5/22/2017)

By DisgruntledAnon
Created: 2020-12-24 23:37:09
Expiry: Never
twilight sparkleocsafecyoakingdom heartsmlpkh

  1. >You are Sora, wielder of the mysterious weapon known as the Keyblade.
  2. >Originally from the Destiny Islands, the forces of darkness forced you from your home, where you found your two closest companions:
  3. >Donald, a potent Royal Wizard with short patience, and a temper to match it.
  4. >You have butted heads with him in the past, but when your backs are against the wall, he'll protect himself and his allies with the arcane arts.
  5. >Then there is Goofy, Captain of the Royal Guard, a lovable oaf with a body of iron.
  6. >While not the brightest lamp in the group, he's determined to keep you and Donald behind his shield, weathering the blows of the enemy and returning them in kind.
  7.  
  8. >And currently, the three of you are flying through the void of space, gunning down Heartless ships in a bid to make it to the next world.
  9. >"Hey, guys, I think we're here!"
  10. >Goofy points past the remains of the last Heartless ship at the rapidly approaching dot.
  11. >As the ship draws nearer, a world of greens, purples and blues shows up on the visor.
  12. >"Looks like this is the next place. Sora, get ready to- Woah!"
  13. >Donald cuts himself midsentence as two massive orbs rotate around the world, before stopping in opposite locations.
  14. "What was that?"
  15. >"It looks like a sun and moon, but those shouldn't be anywhere close to that planet!"
  16. >"Gawrsh, what do we do now?"
  17. >You look closer at the readings: the scans showing life is indeed surviving on the world.
  18. "Whatever it is, it looks like it's not life-threatening. We should check it out!"
  19. >Donald grumbles as he looks at the readings as well.
  20. >"Fine. Doesn't look like our normal forms are gonna cut it, though. There isn't much life down there that looks like us."
  21. >"But Donald, you and I never fit in wherever we go."
  22. >"That's not the point! Sora would stick out way more than us here, so we'll need to change to fit in."
  23. >Your eyes light up and you sport a grin, eager to see what this world holds.
  24. "Sounds good to me, let's land!"
  25.  
  26. >The three of you step out into the new world, a gentle breeze carrying its way through the field you ended up in.
  27. >Although, stepping might not be the appropriate word, your new horse form's four legs wobbling as you try to figure out how to properly balance on them.
  28. "This feels pretty weird, not having hands. I'm liking the wings, though."
  29. >You flex your new wings on your back, feeling rather large with them out.
  30. >"Gawrsh, Sora, you and Donald sure are tiny here."
  31. >Donald rolls his eyes as he goes onto his hindlegs, displaying his outstretched size as a griffon.
  32. >"We're not tiny, Goofy, you're huge."
  33. >"Guess you're right. Hyuck!"
  34. >The big, lumbering dog that is Goofy's new form chuckles and looks around the field of corn and trees you were left in.
  35. >"But where do ya suppose we are now? Doesn't looks like anyone's home."
  36. >Finally being able to stand firmly with your new hooves, you notice a large, red barnhouse in the distance.
  37. "It looks like we're in someone's farm. Look at that barnhouse: it looks like there's people living nearby."
  38. >"Let's go check it out, then!"
  39. >With a new goal in front of you, the three of you make your way towards what was hopefully civilization.
  40.  
  41. >You are Applejack, proud apple farmer in a long line of apple farmers.
  42. >You're also the Element of Honesty, but that wasn't nearly as important.
  43. >The time looked to be Way Too Early O'Clock, not even the crickets were awake at this hour.
  44. >However, judging by the faint sound of conversation outside, it would appear that someone was indeed awake.
  45. >A group of someones that you didn't invite.
  46. >You softly knocked on your brother's door, a solid thud and a few steps follow as he drowsily opens the door.
  47. >"Eeyup?"
  48. "Sorry, Big Mac, I know it's early. Thing is that Ah heard some folks talking outside that I don't think are here for a Family Reunion."
  49. >"Nope."
  50. "Get yourself awake, and meet me downstairs. Looks like we need to teach some varmints the definition of 'private property'.
  51.  
  52. >You are Sora, no?
  53. >You're pretty sure you are, as the lull of the walk killed the conversation as the barnhouse drew closer.
  54. >"Look, guys, there's some ponies heading this way!"
  55. >Goofy points a gargantuan finger towards two ponies,
  56. >Without wings, you note sadly,
  57. >Heading towards the three of you, rope in hand, or mouth.
  58. >The big, red one doesn't seem to be much else but tired, his face betraying little emotion.
  59. >The shorter one with the hat, however, was glaring murder at you like you insulted her mother.
  60. >Great first impressions, to say the least.
  61.  
  62. >You are Applejack, and it looks like your ears weren't tricking you.
  63. >An extremely odd assortment of characters were slowly walking towards your house from the seasonal corn yards.
  64. >A white griffon, a towering, black Diamond Dog, and a tan pegasus with unnaturally spiky hair, all walking with intent, as if they were planning something.
  65. >You bite harder on the rope in your mouth.
  66. >You don't know what these varmint are up to at this hour, but you're not going to let them harm you or your family.
  67. >Clearing your throat, you address the thugs.
  68.  
  69. >"Howdy there, partners. My name is Applejack, and you're trespassing on Apple property."
  70. >For such a warm welcome as "Howdy" implies, you can tell there's venom behind the words as the hat pony glares at you.
  71. >"You'd best explain yourselves before Ah buck your sorry behinds to Twilight."
  72. >Clearly there is a misunderstanding here, and you, Donald, and Goofy are somewhere you're not supposed to be.
  73. >You wrack your brain, searching for a solution to this mess.
  74.  
  75. >Goofy raises his hands up in defense.
  76. >"We surrender!"
  77. >"Goofy!"
  78. >Donald punches his side, attempting to silence him before he says something that'll make the situation worse.
  79. >Thankfully, you think you've found an explanation that will help while keeping the world order.
  80. "What my friend meant to say was that we're travellers from... a far off kingdom. We didn't know this was your property, and we'll leave. Sorry 'bout that."
  81. >You give a sheepish smile and rub the back of your head, the explanation a raher solid one, given the circumstances.
  82. >Applejack stares at the three of you, distrust still there, but nowhere near the violent levels from before.
  83. >"Well, if you fellers weren't here on purpose, Ah suppose we can let you go. Right, Big Mac?"
  84. >The large, red pony next to her simply nods.
  85. >"Eeyup."
  86. >"Still, y'all really should know better than to wander around in crop fields. Not a good first impression-"
  87. >"Applejack?"
  88. >A more distinctly high-pitched voice comes from behind the two farm ponies, coming from a young yellow pony with a red mane.
  89. >The filly comes out from behind the two as she looks at all of you with piqued interest.
  90.  
  91. >You've been Applejack your entire life, and that won't change for a long while.
  92. >And these three fellers have to be some of the oddest around.
  93. >The diamond dog, apparently named Goofy, flat out surrendered for a moment, with his griffon companion trying to keep him quiet.
  94. >Then the pegasus explained that the three of them weren't from around here.
  95. >That much was apparent regardless, but they don't seem like bad folk.
  96. >"Applejack?"
  97. >A familiar voice interrupts you as you turn around and find Applebloom looking at your uninvited guests.
  98. "Applebloom? What are you doing up so early?"
  99. >The filly trots past you too take a closer look.
  100. >"Ah noticed you two talking earlier and decided to follow you."
  101. >After a short while of examination, Applebloom begins to beam at the three of them.
  102. >"Howdy! What's your names?"
  103. "My name is Sora."
  104. >"I'm Donald."
  105. >"The name's Goofy!"
  106. >The filly known as Applebloom nods.
  107. >"Sora, Donald, and Goofy, huh? Sounds catchy."
  108. >She turns to Applejack.
  109. >"Can they stay for breakfast. Please?"
  110. >Applejack's serious face falters a little as the filly pulls off a mean puppy dog face.
  111. >"A-Ah don't know..."
  112. >"Pleeaase?"
  113. >"What do you think, Big Mac? Should we?"
  114. >Big Mac ponders the dilemma for a while, then nods.
  115. >"Eeyup."
  116. >A slight grin betrays her, as Applejack walks over to you.
  117. >"Well, it would be rude not to offer hospitality to our guests. Even if they come at ungodly hours."
  118. >She extends a hoof to you, which you manage to grab for a solid shake.
  119. >"Nice to meetcha, Sora."
  120. "Likewise, Applejack."
  121.  
  122. >As it turned out, the barnhouse was nearby the actual house where the Apples, as you found out, reside.
  123. >While a rather roomy place, it was clearly designed for ponies in mind, as Goofy stands around awkwardly, and Donald is lying on the ground like a cat, less by choice and more by the lack of suitable furniture.
  124. >You managed to hit the transformation jackpot, relaxing on a chair as your stomach growls.
  125. "Guess it has been a while since we've had actual food."
  126. >"You're right. These Apple folk sure are nice too, offerin' to feed us and all."
  127. >"Not like you helped, Goofy."
  128. >Donald grumbles once more as he looks at the three of you.
  129. >"Still, this seems like an interesting world, considering the transformations. Goofy stands out way more just by walking on two legs."
  130. "And it doesn't look like all ponies here have wings, so we might actually be sticking out much more than we expected."
  131. >As the three of you are talking amongst each other, Applejack and Applebloom exit the kitchen with friendlier faces than outside.
  132. >"Breakfast is ready, fellas. Come on in!"
  133.  
  134. >Breakfast, as well as the names of the ponies you've met so far, give you an omen of future happenings.
  135. >Apple fritters, apple pie, apple scones, soft apple cider...
  136. "I guess if you're good at something, you might as well go the whole mile."
  137. >"Come on, Sora, don't be like that. This stuff's delicious!"
  138. >Goofy says in between mouthfuls as he digs into his apple mountain.
  139. >"Glad to see even diamond dogs can appreciate some good ol' apple byproducts. Feel free to help yourself to more."
  140. >So Goofy's a diamond dog, whatever that means.
  141. >As everyone enjoys an earlier breakfast, an elderly green mare makes her way to the table.
  142. >"Well now, who're these young folks? Friends of yers, Applejack?"
  143. >"Just some early morning guests, Granny. From a far off kingdom, if I recall."
  144. >"Eh? A Griffon King? You sure make a lot of friends in high places."
  145. >Donald turns confused, looking at Granny like she lost her marbles.
  146. >"Don't mind her, Donald. Granny has a bad ear sometimes."
  147. >"Whatever. So, Applejack, where are we?"
  148. >"You're on Sweet Aple Acres, just off of Ponyville."
  149. >Donald lets out an exasperated sigh.
  150. >"A horse pun, great."
  151. "You mentioned a Twilight earlier. Is she a friend of yours?"
  152. >"Yep, she's Princess Celestia's student and a good friend to me."
  153. >Goofy halts his eating and joins in on the conversation.
  154. >"Princess?"
  155. >Applejack gives him a deadpan look.
  156. >"You know, the Princess? Most powerful pony in Equestria? Moves the sun?"
  157. >So that explains the oddly close movements.
  158. "Don't mind Goofy, he probably just forgot, right?"
  159. >"Uh, yeah, just forgot. Hyuck!"
  160. >"Uh huh..."
  161.  
  162. >Applebloom is the first to finish as she goes outside, leaving the rest of the Apple Family and you to talk.
  163. "Would it be alright for you to introduce us to Twilight? I think she miht be able to help us with our problem."
  164. >Applejack looks at you inquisitively.
  165. >"Problem?"
  166. >"We're looking for something to protect this place from threats."
  167. >"That's an odd thing to look for. Mind explaining why you'd need tha-"
  168. >"A-Aahhh!"
  169. >Applebloom's panicked voice rings through the house, as you, Donald, Goofy, and Applejack rush outside.
  170. >Just in time too, as a familiar trio of shadowy gremlins and a janky armored one are closing in on the terrified filly.
  171. "Applebloom!"
  172. >The group rushes to block the Heartless from Applebloom as Applejack turns around.
  173. >"Get back inside, Applebloom! We'll deal with this!"
  174. >The frightened filly nods as she runs back inside, Applejack preparing her rope as your Keyblade forms in your mouth and Donald and Goofy grab their weapons.
  175. >"So you can fight?"
  176. "We've had past experiences."
  177. >"Let's get to it, then."
  178.  
  179. Battle 1: Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Applejack VS 3 Shadows and 1 Soldier
  180.  
  181. GO!
  182.  
  183. >Almost immediately, one of the Shadows melts into the ground swiftly moving away from the other Heartless.
  184. >With a quick skip, the Soldier spins at you, lightly swiping your side as he lands behind you.
  185. >"Ah'll try to keep that varmit from scurrying about!"
  186. >Applejack swings her lasso at the Soldier, attempting to catch any part that would ensnare the Heartless.
  187. >Unfortunately, the rope falls just short of the Soldier, mechanically jerking in confusion.
  188. >"Horseapples."
  189. "Take this!"
  190. >You turn around swiftly and strike the Heartless's side, catching it in a weak spot that sends it tumbling towards Donald.
  191. >Goofy readies his shield and tosses it at one of the remaining Shadows, clocking it aside the head and causing it to explode into darkness.
  192. >The final above ground Shadow leaps at Donald, its claws swiping madly in an attempt to take him out.
  193. >However, the Heartless was only able to deal a glancing blow as electricity began to crackle from Donald's staff.
  194. >"Thunder!"
  195. >Bolts of lightning arc from the sky onto the Shadow and dazed Soldier, disintegrating them into dust.
  196. >Applejack looks at Donald in surprise.
  197. >"Ah've never heard of a griffon that could cast magic before."
  198. >Puffing his chest, Donald looks down on the last Shadow, still melted on the floor.
  199. >"Now to finish up with this one-"
  200. >As he said that, two orbs of darkness appear with a duo of gold-plated Soldiers, jankily moving towards the battle.
  201. >As far as you can see, the remaining Shadow is crawling towards Applejack, while the new Soldiers are making their way towards Donald and Goofy respectively.
  202. >What's should you do?
  203.  
  204. Sora: 9/13 HP
  205. 40/40 MP
  206.  
  207. Donald: 5/6 HP
  208. 53/60 MP
  209.  
  210. Goofy: 14/14 HP
  211. 25/30 HP
  212.  
  213. >As your pondering, the Shadow finally emerges from the ground and lunges at Applejack, leaving a scratch on her side.
  214. >In return, she quickly turns around and bucks it at the Soldier next to Goofy.
  215. >The poor Heartless vaporizes on contact, and the Soldier staggers, wounded by the blow.
  216. >Just then, an idea pops into your mind, and you focus on the Keyblade.
  217. "Here, Goofy, Fire Blade!"
  218. >In Goofy's opposite hand sprouts a blade of fire, making him look truly knight-like.
  219. >"Thanks, Sora!"
  220. >He lunges at the staggered Soldier and takes a swipe with the Blade.
  221. >It connects, searing through the darkness holding the Heartless together and cleaving it in two.
  222. >The other Soldier, however, manages to catch Donald by surprise, spinning right into him and knocking the air right out of the griffon.
  223. >"G-gah..."
  224. >Donald falls, too wounded to get back up as the victorious Soldier gauges what to do next.
  225. >It looks like this is the last Heartless, but you're already down one, and your wizard at that.
  226. >The two of you stare each other down, looking for a weakness or plan to execute.
  227.  
  228. Sora: 9/13 HP
  229. 26/40 MP
  230.  
  231. Donald: 0/6 HP (KO)
  232. 53/60 MP
  233.  
  234. Goofy: 14/14 HP
  235. 25/30 MP
  236.  
  237. >Applejack prepares her lasso once more, determination in her eyes.
  238. >"Ah'm not gonna miss this time, varmint!"
  239. >True to her word, the rope hits its target: pinning the Soldier's arms to its body and locking it's movement!
  240. >"Ah got 'em. Hit 'em hard, Sora!"
  241. "Got it. With me, Goofy!"
  242. >With a nod, the two of you take intersecting paths, Keyblade and magic sword in hand.
  243. >A roar sounding from your lips, the two of you charge the hapless Soldier and slice through him!
  244. "Cross Strike!"
  245. >The Heartless, along with the rope that was tied to it, burns away as Donald gets back up.
  246. >"Oof... Hey, you guys finished without me!"
  247. "Maybe next time you can take a hit better."
  248. >The two of you argue about as Goofy chuckles at the scene.
  249. >Behind the three of you, however, Applejack is staring at the smoldering remains of the Heartless you defeated.
  250.  
  251. >You are Applejack, proud apple farmer in a long line of apple farmers.
  252. >And you've seen some strange things in the past few months, thanks to your adventures with your friends.
  253. >But those things weren't like anything you've ever seen, and they certainly didn't stay long after being defeated.
  254. >You look at the trio once more, even more strange than they were before.
  255. >Especially that pegasus, Sora, and the giant key he was using to fight with.
  256. >Just who are these folk?
  257.  
  258. Battle Concluded:
  259.  
  260. Sora, Donald and Goofy have leveled up.
  261.  
  262. Each have 2 points that can be added to any stat.
  263.  
  264. Sora has two abilities available:
  265.  
  266. >Berserk: Increased damage die (2d6 -> 2d8) when below 50% HP.
  267. OR
  268. >Stun Impact: 10% chance to stun opponents when attacking.
  269.  
  270. Donald has two abilities available:
  271.  
  272. >MP Haste: MP regenerates during combat (5% per turn).
  273. OR
  274. >Second Chance: Once per battle, can survive a fatal hit with 1 HP.
  275.  
  276. Goofy has two abilities available:
  277.  
  278. >Charge: Ram opponents in front of you (1d6+dex modifier), and can continue pushing for 10 MP per push.
  279. OR
  280. >Rocket: Leap at opponents above you and hit with your shield (2d6+dex modifier) (5 MP per use).
  281.  
  282. [Sora has toughened up from the last fight, and has learned Berserk. Donald's knowledge of the world has grown from this battle, leading him as far as he can go, and has learned Second Chance. Goofy has grown muscle from the last battle, allowing him to hit harder, and has learned Rocket.]
  283.  
  284. >"Say, Sora?"
  285. >Fixated in your argument, you almost forget that you are indeed Sora.
  286. >And Applejack might not be too happy about the lasso you and Goofy burned.
  287. "Oh, sorry about the rope, Applejack. That was an unintended casualty."
  288. >The farmhorse shakes her head and smiles.
  289. >"Don't you worry none 'bout that. Rope can easily be replaced, but you helped me save my sister from whatever it was that attacked her."
  290. >She extends a hoof once more, giving a more firm and serious shake when you retun it.
  291. >"Thank you, from the bottom my heart."
  292. >You give a sheepish smile while you bask in the praise.
  293. >It always felt good to help those in need, and Applejack's family did quite a bit for you three.
  294. >"That said, it seems like y'all have experience fighting those things."
  295. >Applejack gives a sharp look at you, kiling the afterglow of the praise.
  296. >"Um... "
  297. "Well..."
  298. >"Ya see..."
  299. >As the three of you attempt to explain yourselves in a statisfying, but vague matter, Applejack holds up a hoof.
  300. >"Ah ain't trying to interrogate you fellers, but these things could mean danger if they make it to Ponyville."
  301. >She turns her gaze down the road to a town nearby.
  302. >"As Ah doubt those were the only ones, I need to report this to my friends. And Ah'd like you three to follow me."
  303. >Donald attempts to protest, but grumbles away as he sees she's not willing to budge on this point.
  304. >"Ah phooey, I guess we don't have much choice in the matter."
  305. >A more genuine smile pops up on Applejack's face.
  306. >"Consider it payment for the breakfast. It shouldn't take too much of your time, so y'all be able to find what your looking for too."
  307. >You weigh the options in your head, but it looks like she's got the upper hand in this negotiation.
  308. >Besides, what's the worst that could happen?
  309. "Alright, we'll come with you."
  310. >"Yeehaw! That's what Ah like to hear. Let's not waste any more time, then."
  311. >Thus the three of you, plus Applejack, make your way down to the nearby town.
  312.  
  313. >Of all the places you expected this Twilight to be, a literal tree house was not in the top ten.
  314. >Applejack knocked on the door as other ponies began waking up and beginning their daily activities.
  315. >Still, your group still attracted curious stares from the townfolk as you waited for someone to answer the door.
  316. >Eventually, the door creaked open as a small, scaled creature rubbed his eyes and yawned/
  317. >"Who is it? It's way too early for the Library to be open, so please wait until la-"
  318. >"Ah'm sorry for waking you up, Spike, but there's some news Twilight needs to hear. Could you get her for us?"
  319. >"Oh, Applejack! Um, sure, but what about the group behind you?"
  320. >Spike asks inquisitively, pointing at the three of you in confusion.
  321. >"Don't mind them, they're guests that might be of some help soon."
  322. >He looks back at Applejack with some doubt, but shakes his head and goes back inside.
  323. >"I'll see what I can do. Twilght!"
  324. >As Spike's voice vanishes into the distance, Applejack leads the three of you into what appears to be a living room in a library.
  325. "You mean someone lives here?"
  326. >"Twilight can be... Zealous about her books."
  327.  
  328. >It doesn't take long for Spike to return with a somewhat tired unicorn following behind him.
  329. >"Applejack? What brings you here this early?"
  330. >The tired seems to snap away as she looks at your intriguing posse.
  331. >"And who are they?"
  332. >"Relax, Twilight, they're just travellers from a far-off kingdom. That being said, there's something sinister happening nearby, and Ah think we're gonna have to fix it."
  333. >Upon hearing the word "sinister", Twilight's attitude becomes serious.
  334. >"I see. I'll go get the rest of the girls and-"
  335. >"Actually, Ah'm going to go get them while you get some coffee. Those all-nighters aren't doing you any favors, Twilight."
  336. >Twilight smiles sheepishly.
  337. >"Well... This time I think I've discovered something very interesting."
  338. >Applejack smiles back.
  339. >"That so? Anywho, Ah'll let you mingle with these fellers. The pegasus is Sora, the griffon's Donald, and the diamond dog's Goofy."
  340. >With that short introduction, the farmhorse leaves, probably to grab the rest of the girls Twilight mentioned.
  341. >You return to Twilight, who is currently looking at the three of you with a scientist's stare, as Spike has left the room to probably get coffee.
  342. >You've no doubt that Twilight has questions for you, but this might be an excellent time to ask some of your own, before Applejack returns with more company.
  343. >Anything you want to ask?
  344.  
  345. "So what were you researching? That discovery must have been amazing to have kept you up all night."
  346. >Twilight rubs the back of her head sheepishly.
  347. >"Well... all-nighters have been my thing for a while now, but this time I think I've found something. Tell me, do you remember the incident with Discord a few months back?"
  348. >Goofy tilts his head in confusion.
  349. >"Discord?"
  350. >"He was a draconequus that attempted to take over Equestria with chaotic magic. During that time, he managed to manipulate the emotions of my friends into negative ones. In a way, he managed to turn my friends against me."
  351. >You grimace a little at the thought of someone strong enough to control Donald and Goofy's actions against you.
  352. >Certainly not something you want to experience firsthand.
  353. >"The thing was, it didn't look like he fabricated the negative emotions. Manipulated, yes. Exaggerated, certainly. But those emotions were already inside them, like a darkness in their hearts."
  354. "Darkness in their hearts?"
  355. >"If you can call negative emotions 'darkness'. So I dug in a bit, and found another connection with Princess Luna and Nightmare Moon."
  356. >Thankfully, Goofy remained quiet in his curiosity, but you gathered that the name implied that Luna was the one moving the moon.
  357. >"Not necessarily affected by Discord's manipulation, but the darkness in her heart consumed her too, before the Elements of Harmony helped her."
  358.  
  359. >Before you can push about those "Elements", Twilight quickly turns the table on you and takes control of the interrogation.
  360. >"That said, Sora, you keep rather interesting company. How did you come to be with Donald and Goofy?"
  361. >Before you can answer, Donald steps forward.
  362. >"You see, our king is currently missing on an important mission, and we have to find him."
  363. >Twilight's eyes light up as she turns to the wizard.
  364. >"King? So you're nobility, then?"
  365. >A smug smile creeps on Donald's beak as he enjoys the attention.
  366. >"Something like that. Sora, here, holds an important key to our mission, and he's pretty good at fighting as well."
  367. >Hyuck! Yeah, all for one."
  368. >She giggles as Spike finally returns with a cup of coffee for Twilight.
  369. >"Ah, if Starswirl created anything good for this world, it would be coffee."
  370.  
  371. >Sensing an opening, you push for another question that has been nagging you.
  372. "Has anything strange been happening lately?"
  373. >"Besides you three in my library, and Applejack calling a meeting?"
  374. >Twilight looks into her coffee, attempting to wrack her thoughts.
  375. >"Well, I haven't seen anything personally, but it does feel like something's going to happen soon, if it hasn't already. Oh!"
  376. >She jumps up, nearly spilling her coffee.
  377. >"That's right, I recall somepony mentioning that Carrot Top was acting strangely a few days back. I don't know her well, but a small town like this is good at noticing that sort of thing."
  378.  
  379. >"Now it's my turn to ask a question. It's nothing serious, but I've noticed that your cutie mark is rather strange."
  380. >Twilight's gaze focuses on your flank, and you turn around to notice that there is indeed a mark on it: the crown that's on your necklace normally.
  381. >"I've never seen a cutie mark like that before. What's your special talent?"
  382. >What is a cutie mark?
  383. >What does it have to do wth your special talent?
  384. >You can't quite put the puzzle together, and every moment spent mulling is a moment Twilight gets more suspicious.
  385. "You see, I'm actually part of a minor house that specializes in fighting. That's why Donald and Goofy asked for my help initially, and why I have a crown cutie mark."
  386. >Probably.
  387. >It was a last second excuse, but it seems to have been satisfactory to Twilight's curiosity.
  388. >"I have heard about some pegasus houses still practicing the arts of warfare."
  389. >Albeit for possibly the wrong reason.
  390.  
  391. >Before either of you can think of another question to ask, a pink blur bounces in from behind you.
  392. >"Wowee, Applejack, you weren't kidding! These guys really do stand out."
  393. >"Honestly, Pinkie, it's rude to jump on guests."
  394. >Another unicorn, white this time, trots past Pinkie currently poking at Donald and annoying him greatly.
  395. >"That said, it's not every day a diamond dog and griffon come to our little town."
  396. >"But did you have to drag us all for a meet and greet?"
  397. >Another pegasus flies in, fully confident in her flight abilities, but not terribly impressed with the three of you.
  398. >"I was going to get some practice in before weather duty."
  399. >"Settle down, everypony. There's a good reason why Ah brought you all here."
  400. >Applejack comes in, tailed by a yellow, more muted pegasus creeping behind her.
  401. >"Now that everypony's here, let's get started."
  402.  
  403. >"So let me get this straight."
  404. >The blue pegasus now known as Rainbow Dash interjects in Applejack's explanation.
  405. >"You're telling us that these guys popped up from a 'far-off kingdom' and helped you fight off shadow monsters?"
  406. >"Ah wouldn't say 'shadow monsters' per se, but that's the simplified version, yes."
  407. >"Aw man, that sounds awesome! Fighting monsters like that, you should have let me me join in!"
  408. >Applejack rolls her eyes at her enthusiasm for the wrong reason, and continued.
  409. >"These varmint were nothing like I ever seen. But Sora, Donald, and Goofy all seem to have experience fighting them, so Ah asked them to share their expertise. Anything we can do to keep these things from invading Ponyville shoud be our top priority."
  410. >Twilight and the others look at you expectantly, waiting for your piece in the matter.
  411. >How do you want to explain all of this?
  412.  
  413. >You'll need to be careful not to reveal too much about yourselves, as Twilight looks like the pony who'd drill you with more questions and experiments if she knew the power of the Keyblade.
  414. "These things are called the Heartless, creatures without hearts that we've been hunting down for a long time. We search for sources of these creatures to seal away, and we've got reason to believe there's one nearby."
  415. >Twilight nods as the other girls look at each other with concern.
  416. >"Is that what your king is doing as well?"
  417. >"Eeyep. We're trying to catch up with him and take care of spots he might've missed."
  418. >Goofy responds, doing a rather fine job adapting to the story.
  419. "Applejack is correct in assuming they're dangerous, as they'll attack civilians and try to steal their hearts. They're completely corrupted by the darkness in their past hearts, so they can't be reasoned with."
  420. >"Um..."
  421. >The quiet pegasus known as Fluttershy finally speaks up.
  422. >"How do we find the source and seal it? If it's not what you were going to talk about next."
  423. "We can handle the sealing, but where we'll find it varies. Speaking of, has anything strange happened lately? Anything we could use as leads would help our search."
  424.  
  425. >Rainbow Dash is the first to speak up.
  426. >"Well, Derpy's been doing an amazing job on weather duty."
  427. >A rather unfortunate name, but that doesn't sound particularly strange, as Applejack speaks your mind.
  428. >"Ah don't think somepony doing a good job is something to keep an eye on."
  429. >"You don't get it, AJ, Derpy's known for being clumsy, and has a track record of making mistakes. But right now, I haven't seen her make one lately. That's pretty strange to me!"
  430. >A polite cough interrupts the two as the unicorn Rarity responds.
  431. >"I have seen Lyra acting rather suspicious, like she thinks somepony's watching her. I've never had the opportunity to ask her, but she did look concerned."
  432. >"Um... I haven't noticed anypony acting weird, but I've noticed more animals leaving the Everfree Forest than usual."
  433. "Everfree Forest?"
  434. >Twilight pipes up.
  435. >"It's the forest next to Ponyville. It's rather chaotic and dangerous for normal ponies."
  436. >Pinkie jumps up and down with her hoof stretched out.
  437. >"Ooh! Ooh! I've noticed something odd with Octavia: she seems to be actively avoiding Vinyl like they got into a fight. I remember Vinyl mentioning that she didn't know what she did."
  438. >Applejack turns back to you.
  439. >"The only thing lately that fits your description is you fellers, and Ah don't think that's what you're looking for."
  440.  
  441. >With everyone's piece in, Twilight's face scrunches up in thought, as if processing all the information given.
  442. >"Sounds like we've got a number of potential locations for our 'Heartless' source. You girls go on ahead and look into your leads. I want to have a couple more words with Sora."
  443. >The other ponies nodded and left the libary, each going their own ways.
  444. >As the last one left the door, Twilight turned back to you with a more serious gaze.
  445. >"You know something about my research, don't you?"
  446. >Knowing you can't avoid talking about it, you respond honestly.
  447. "I've seen folk researching the darkness in everyponies hearts, and every time they've gone too far and have been consumed by that pursuit. Just be careful about the research."
  448. >Twilight looks down, somewhat concerned by the warning, but nods.
  449. >"I'll keep that in mind, Sora. Say, do you mind me accompanying you three to check out those leads? It might help to keep other ponies from glaring at you as much."
  450. >You ponder for a bit, but with an enthusiastic nod from Goofy and a moderate shrug from Donald, you nod back.
  451. "Sure, welcome to the team, Twilight."
  452. >An excited grin plasters Twilight's face as she hears the response.
  453. >"Excellent! This should be useful to my studies. Come on, everypony, let's move!"
  454. >Donald groans once more.
  455. >"Of all the worlds we could land on, this one had to be Horse Pun Land."
  456. >You ignore him as the four of you leave the library.
  457.  
  458. >From what you could gather, there seems to be five potential targets.
  459. >Twilight mentioned earlier that she heard that a pony named Carrot Top was acting odd.
  460. >Rainbow Dash seemed convinced that this Derpy pony was performing too well, considering her past record.
  461. >Rarity's observation of Lyra's paranoia implies she might be in some trouble, though perhaps not from Heartless.
  462. >Fluttershy seems worried about the amount of animals leaving the Everfree, and considering the forest's reputation, it might be something rather dangerous.
  463. >Pinkie's talk with Vinyl revealed that Octavia was intentionally avoiding her, and from the tone spoken, this seems uncommon to say the least.
  464. >Knowing that any of these can be the lead to this world's Keyhole, where do you want to start?
  465.  
  466. Twilight has joined the team!
  467.  
  468. "Let's start with Carrot Top. If she's sticking out enough for townsfolk to notice, there might be something wrong with her."
  469. >"I agree. Small town observations are often accurate."
  470. >As you make your way down the morning bazaar, you notice that other ponies are less inclined to gawk at you from a distance.
  471. >"I guess having a Princess's student following you around does wonder to unwanted attention."
  472. >Donald muses as Twilight coughs awkwardly.
  473. >"Try not to think of it that way. I'd rather ponies treat me for me, rather than the student to Princess Celestia."
  474. "You don't like the attention?"
  475. >"I've been living here for quite a bit to learn more about friendship. It's part of my lessons with the Princess: if I learn a lesson, I write her a report about what I learned.
  476. >"Gawrsh, seems a bit complicated."
  477. >"It's not so bad. Besides, living here with my friends is more than enough for me."
  478.  
  479. >As you continue talking, you arrive to Carrot Top's stall.
  480. >The stall is well-made, though it does appear that little has been done to make it stand out, other than a lone carrot sign on the top.
  481. >Similar to her stand, Carrot Top seems rather out of it as well, sighing tiredly before she notices the four of you and switches to shopkeeper mode.
  482. >"Oh, welcome to the Carrot Emporium! Might I interest you in some fresh carrots? Carrot dogs? Or maybe a Carrot Muffin: a Carrot Top original."
  483. >Twilight raises a hoof and shakes her head.
  484. >"That's quite alright. Might I ask you how you've been? I've heard some ponies were worried about you."
  485. >At first, Carrot Top looks about to decline and assure Twilight, but she sighs and relents.
  486. >"Well, there is something bothering me. I'm sure you've noticed the lack of fresh carrots available."
  487. >It's true, the cart in front of you seems quite empty, with the cart bottom showing in some places.
  488. >"For the past few days, something has been ruining my carrot garden at night, or when I'm away for longer than an hour. I've tried everything from traps to fences, but they keep coming in and ruining patch after patch."
  489. >Carrot groans and places her face between her hooves.
  490. >"At this rate, I won't be able to make enough of a profit for the month! And that's already hard enough to do, thanks to the Apple family popularity.
  491.  
  492. >You look around at your companions, each of them nodding back at you.
  493. "I think we'll be able to handle that problem for you, Miss Top."
  494. >"Please, call me Carrot."
  495. "Miss Carrot, then. Would it be alright to point us to the direction of your garden?"
  496. >She nods and puts an "Away" sign on the cart before trotting up to you.
  497. >"Sure. It's not like there's anypony at this hour looking for a good carrot or two. Follow me."
  498. >It's not a long trip, her house being relatively close to where she keeps her cart, with the garden behind it.
  499. >You notice four patches of healthy carrots, bunched together in a sea of ruined crops.
  500. >Donald whistles at the vegetable carnage, and whispers to you.
  501. >"I'm seeing some frost on a couple of these vegetables, and it doesn't look like we're in Winter."
  502. >You nod and turn back to a concerned Carrot Top.
  503. "My friends and I will look around and try to take care of this problem of yours."
  504. >Relief washes over Carrot as she smiles at you.
  505. >"I would certainly appreciate it. I haven't been able to fix this, but if you can, I'll give you something in return. Now I need to return to my stand. Be careful!"
  506. >With that, the less tired pony turns around and trots back to her stand, a new skip to her step.
  507.  
  508. >"I appreciate you offering to help Carrot Top with this, but how are we supposed to locate these things that are attacking the crops?"
  509. >Twilight asks as you draw out your Keyblade.
  510. "With luck, they'll come to us."
  511. >As if right on cue, five orbs of darkness appear, spawning two Soldiers and two small blue Heartless with pointy, yellow wizard hats.
  512. >Goofy pulls his shield up, standing between the carrots and Heartless.
  513. >"We need to keep them away from the carrot patches!"
  514. >You nod and get into a battle stance, with Donald, Goofy, and Twilight following suit.
  515.  
  516. Battle 2: Sora and friends VS The Karrot Killers (2x Soldier, 2x Blue Rhapsody)
  517.  
  518. Go!
  519.  
  520. >"What are those things, Heartless?"
  521. >Twilight is caught by surprise, momentarily stunned as Goofy makes himself a more likely target.
  522. >"Look over here!"
  523. >One of the Rhapsodies, unaffected by his taunt, fires a bolt of ice that strikes the wing.
  524. > Donald grimaces from the cold burn, but remains standing.
  525. >With the nearby Soldier distracted at Goofy, you aim at the other Rhapsody and shoot a fireball from your Keyblade.
  526. >The spell connects with the Heartless, burning it away to cinders as Twilight looks at you, shocked.
  527. >"You can cast magic as well?"
  528. >You chuckle and rub the back of your head.
  529. "I'll explain later, okay? Let's take care of these guys first."
  530. >Recovered from his freeze, Donald aims his staff at the Heartless that hit him.
  531. >"Fire!"
  532. >The ball of flame soars towards the Rhapsody, but it hops away from it, the spell careening into the ground.
  533. >Meanwhile, the aggravated Soldier finally acts, spinning at Goofy but only barely scratching him as Goofy pushes it back.
  534. >The other one gets luckier, as it manages to spin past Twilight, cutting her in the process and getting closer to the carrot patches.
  535. >"Oh no you don't!"
  536. >Twilight gallops around the Soldier and activates a shroud of flames around her, standing her ground against the Heartless.
  537. >"I won't let you harm these carrots!"
  538. >As if on cue, two more Rhapsodies appeared, ready to battle.
  539.  
  540. >From what you can see, one Soldier is distracted by Goofy's taunt, one is dangerously close to one of the carrot patches with Twilight protecting them, the Blue Rhapsody that attacked Donald is now about 5 feet ahead of you, from the jump it made, and the two new ones are ten feet away, with Donald closest to them.
  541.  
  542. >You quickly rack your mind to find a suitable solution.
  543.  
  544. Sora:
  545.  
  546. 15/15 HP
  547. 32/40 MP
  548.  
  549. Donald:
  550.  
  551. 3/10 HP
  552. 56/60 MP
  553.  
  554. Goofy:
  555.  
  556. 15/17 HP
  557. 25/30 MP
  558.  
  559. Twilight:
  560.  
  561. 8/12 HP
  562. 62/70 MP
  563.  
  564. >"Gotcha now!"
  565. >Goofy senses an opening within the Soldier's defenses and deals a critical blow, the Heartless bursting into darkness.
  566. >The Blue Rhapsody in front of you charges another Blizzard and shoots it at you.
  567. >Thankfully, you manage to dodge at the right moment and cast a fireball back at it, burning it to pieces.
  568. >Suddenly, a thought pops up in your mind.
  569. >If the Blizzard didn't hit you, wouldn't it hit the carrots?
  570. >In a panic, you turn around, sighing in relief as you notice the ice whiffing by the vegetables and melting in the sunlight.
  571. >Meanwhile, one of the new Rhapsodies shoots another blast of cold at Donald, grievously harming him, but still holding on by a thread.
  572. >"These things hurt a lot. Cure!"
  573. >Donald raises his staff once more into the air, healing his wounds completely,
  574. >The Soldier that's close to its intended carroty goal swipes at the offending unicorn in front of it, leaving a notable scratch, but badly burning itself in the process.
  575. >With another blue light, the other Heartless shoots a cone of frost at Donald, severely harming him once more.
  576. >Twilight, badly injured, lights her horn and blasts the burned soldier with a frost spell, freezing the thing in place and shattering it with a touch.
  577. >"We're good back here, guys!"
  578. >As if waiting for her to mention that, two more orbs of darkness spawn, leaving two more Soldiers close to Goofy.
  579.  
  580. >As you can see, the two remaining Rhapsodies are crowding a wounded Donald, and the Soldiers are only slightly annoyed by the weaker taunt Goofy exerts.
  581. >From what it appears, this seems to be the last of them, and no more reinforcements should be arriving.
  582. >You take the minor lull in combat to figure out what to do next.
  583.  
  584. Sora:
  585.  
  586. 15/15 HP
  587. 24/40 MP
  588.  
  589. Donald:
  590.  
  591. 3/10 HP
  592. 52/60 MP
  593. (Second Chance used)
  594.  
  595. Goofy:
  596.  
  597. 15/17 HP
  598. 25/30 MP
  599.  
  600. Twilight:
  601.  
  602. 4/12 HP
  603. 58/70 MP
  604.  
  605. >One of the new Soldiers rushes Goofy, attempting to spin past him and go for the carrots.
  606. >Unfortunately, it only manages to get the business end of his shield, damaging it and knocking it back dazed,
  607. >"Keep yer attention on me!"
  608. >Goofy taunts out once more, catching the ire of the other Soldier and one of the Blue Rhapsodies.
  609. >Seeing an opportunity, you attempt to shoot at the distracted Heartless, only for the fireball to whiff and dissipate in the air.
  610. >The other blue Heartless, sensing the weakened Donald, attempts to finish him off with another spell, only for it to miss the mark and land a foot in front of him.
  611. >Donald's eyes suddenly light up as he raises his staff and summons an ice shield around himself.
  612. "Why didn't you do that before?"
  613. >Donald huffs to your question.
  614. >"I could handle it."
  615. >With his injured state, that was rather hard to believe, and Donald grumbled at your skeptical stare.
  616. >The Soldier and Rhapsody, seemingly on the same wavelength, both charge at Goofy.
  617. >The Soldier swipes from underneath his guard, leaving a nasty cut, while the Rhapsody unleashed a cold stream at his shield arm, slowing it down.
  618. >"G-Gawrsh, that was a doozy."
  619. >Twilight, seeing no one else near the vegetables, blinks up to Donald's location and fires anoter Blizzard at the dazed Soldier, freezing and shattering the ambitious Heartless.
  620.  
  621. >One of the Rhapsodies is next to you, Donald and Twilight, while the other one and the remaining Soldier are heckling an injured Goofy.
  622. >In fact, besides yourself, everyone else is rather injured at the moment, but a swift assault might bring this to a close.
  623.  
  624. >You contemplate what to do next as the situation seems to be close.
  625.  
  626. Sora:
  627.  
  628. >15/15 HP
  629. >16/40 MP
  630.  
  631. Donald:
  632.  
  633. 3/10 HP
  634. 8/8 Blizzard Bulwark
  635. 44/60 MP
  636.  
  637. Goofy:
  638.  
  639. 3/17 HP
  640. 20/30 MP
  641.  
  642. Twilight:
  643.  
  644. 4/12 HP
  645. 54/70 MP
  646.  
  647. >Ignoring his injuries, Goofy swings his shield at the Soldier's head, dealing negligible damage, but hitting just the right way to stun it temporarily.
  648. >Deciding to forgo magic for this Rhapsody, you swing at the Heartless, connecting hard and taking it out with one mighty blow!
  649. >"Goofy!"
  650. >Donald cries out as he uses his magicks to heal some of Goofy's wounds, albeit not restoring him to full health.
  651. >"Thanks, pal!"
  652. >While the Soldier was dazed, the remaining Blue Rhapsody takes it's chances and shoots one more cone of frost at Goofy, injuring him once more.
  653. >Twilght takes aim and fires another bolt of fire at the remaining blue Heartless, burning it away, and leaving you with one dazed Soldier left to deal with.
  654. >While victory is essentially assured, your experiences remind you that cornered Heartless might be the most dangerous of all.
  655. >You think about your next line of attack as this battle reaches its conclusion.
  656.  
  657. Sora:
  658.  
  659. 15/15 HP
  660. 24/40 MP
  661.  
  662. Donald:
  663.  
  664. 3/10 HP
  665. 8/8 Blizzard Bulwark
  666. 40/60 MP
  667.  
  668. Goofy:
  669.  
  670. 5/17 HP
  671. 15/30 MP
  672.  
  673. Twilight:
  674.  
  675. 4/12 HP
  676. 50/70 MP
  677.  
  678. >Goofy goes once more for a strike against the final Heartless, but misses completely and loses his balance!
  679. >However, you plant your feet down and swing hard at the Soldier, connecting right at the middle and cleaving it into two as the final Heartless falls!
  680.  
  681. Battle 2 Finished!
  682.  
  683. >Everyone is clearly out of breath as you hear noises coming this way.
  684. >As you look up, you notice Carrot Top looking at all four of you with concern.
  685. >"Oh my! What happened to you all?"
  686. >You shake your head an smile.
  687. >"It turns out your problem was a lot feistier than we imagined.But it's gone now, and your carrots should be safe for now."
  688. >A quick check behind you shows all four patches in pristine condition, considering the battle you all went through.
  689. >"Well, at any rate, thank you all so much for helping me like this! I already feel much better than before, I've even managed to sell a few more carrots than usual."
  690. >Twilight smiles as the rest of the grouppick themselves up.
  691. >"I think this problem has been officially solved, Sora. Though you still have some explanations to give."
  692. "Don't worry, Twilight, I haven't forgotten."
  693. >A series of growls echoes through the scene as the four of you hold your stomachs in hunger.
  694. >Carrot Top giggles as she beckons you al to follow her.
  695. >"Please come with me, everypony.I think you've all earned some food to fill you up. My carrots are rather nutritious, after all."
  696. >As the four of you make your way out, Donald notices an unknown scrap lying in the asshes of one of the posthumous Heartless.
  697. >He quickly snags it before following th rest of you for second breakfast.
  698.  
  699. >As you partake in the carrot dogs and muffins Carrot Top gave you, you certainly feel rejuvenated.
  700. >You pat your fully stomach as everyone else prepares to get going to the other leads.
  701. >"Oh! Before you go, take some of these."
  702. >Carrot Top offers you some fresh carrots and a couple carrot muffins in a bag.
  703. "You don't have to, that meal was a really good rewards as is."
  704. >You attempt to explain, only for her to cut you of with a shake of her head.
  705. >"That won't do, Mr. Sora. You've saved my livelihood, and a Carrot always pays her dues. With those carrot patches you saved, these will be easily replaced."
  706. "Thank you, then. Well, we need to be heading off."
  707. >"Thanks again, friends!"
  708. >As the four of you exit out of earshot, Twilight turns to you.
  709. >"I'm still curious about your magical abilities, but we should check on my friends first. Rainbow Dash is still probably looking into Derpy, Rarity's most likely in her boutique, Fluttershy's almost certainly in her cottage near the Everfree, and Pinkie will be in the bakery at this hour."
  710. >She turns to face the more crowded bazaar.
  711. >"Where should we head next, Sora?"
  712.  
  713. [Recieved 4 Fresh Carrots and 3 Carrot Muffins.]
  714.  
  715. "Let's go check up on Rarity. If Lyra's being stalked by those things, we should help her as soon as possible."
  716. >"Good idea, Sora. Thankfully, the Carousel Boutique's nearby, so let's see if she's there."
  717. >Twilight places the Fresh Carrots and Carrot Muffins in her satchel as your group makes their way to Rarity's place.
  718.  
  719. >As you enter the Boutique, you're greeted with a number of exquisite-looking dresses, specifically made for ponies.
  720. >Even with your limited knowledge on fashion, you can tell that Rarity must be on a league completely of her own.
  721. >However, through the laces and frills, you can't seem to find her anywhere.
  722. >Donald and Goofy look high and low, but with little luck as Goofy turns to Twilight.
  723. >"Do ya think she's somewhere else?"
  724. >Twilight shakes her head as she makes her way to the staircase.
  725. >"I think she might just be upstairs. Rarity, Sora and I are here to help you with Lyra!"
  726.  
  727. >The faint sound of clopping can be heard as Rarity makes her way downstairs to greet you all.
  728. >"Just in time, darling, I just saw her making her way to the park."
  729. >Before the group of you could leave, Donald raises his voice.
  730. >"You know, we might make her paranoia worse if she sees us following her."
  731. >"Too true, dear. If we aren't in top form in terms of stealth, there's a good chance we may make the poor girl panic."
  732. >Twilight nods, and turns to you.
  733. >"If we simply meet up with Lyra face-to-face, I bet she'd be less paranoid around us. However, if there really is something stalking her, we could get a jump on them if we stay hidden"
  734.  
  735. >Lyra might not take it kindly if she finds you sneaking around her, but if there truly is something chasing her, an ambush would be possible.
  736. >Playing it safe and meeting face-to-face wouldn't help you much if there is something waiting to strike, but Lyra would probably be much more amicable.
  737. >You ponder whether or not your stealth capabilities are up for the task.
  738.  
  739. "Sneaking around's not my style. Let's just meet Lyra and talk to her about her troubles. We can deal with whatever comes in the worst case scenario."
  740. >"Sounds good. Alright, everypony, let's talk to Lyra!"
  741. >Rarity smiles as she places a satchel on her back.
  742. >"Excellent, I just finished packing!"
  743. >With Rarity in tow, the four of you make your way down to the local park.
  744.  
  745. >Being around the late morning, the park is populated with the early morning exercisers and passerby.
  746. >You can see Lyra sitting on a bench in the less populated side, her discomfort telling even from here.
  747. >As your group makes their way closer, you turn back to Rarity, her satchel making some interesting sounds while moving.
  748. "So what do you have in there, anyway? Sounds important."
  749. >"Not at all, Sora. Just some gems Spikey helped me find earlier that I thought might help allay Lyra's worries."
  750. >Donald tries to look annoyed, but you can notice his greed kicking in at the sight of some gems peeking out of her bag.
  751. >A sharp jab brings his focus back as he tries to cover his glances.
  752. >"T-this might be more serious than a cheering up situation, Rarity. I don't think gems will help you in a fight."
  753.  
  754. >Rarity grins as she pulls a ruby out with her telekinesis and puts it to the air.
  755. >"Oh, I beg to differ, darling. I might not be as advanced as Twilight here, but I have some knowledge in Geomancy. Enough to protect myself, at least."
  756. >For an example, she focuses some more magic onto the ruby, sending a small fire ball into the air.
  757. >The fireball grazes Donald, scorching a couple of his feathers and earning Rarity a rather nasty glare while she giggled.
  758. >"Apologies, Donald, just a small joke. Besides, I've been told I have a mean right hook as well."
  759.  
  760. >You finally make it to where Lyra is sitting, her attention more preoccupied by the nearby grass.
  761. "Lyra?"
  762. >She jolts up from her stupor and turns to you all, somewhat defensive, but not enough to completely avoid you.
  763. >"Who are you? What do you want?"
  764. >Twilight clears her throat and gives a smile.
  765. >"We've heard from some other ponies that you looked like you were in trouble. We were wondering if we could help with anything."
  766.  
  767. >Lyra furrows her eyebrows for a while before looking back up, more relieved than she was before.
  768. >"Well, I've been getting this feeling for the past few days that I'm being followed by somepony or something. It's been getting to thepoint where I have to keep away from my other friends to make sure they don't get targetted."
  769. >Twilight looks back to you, giving a silent question about the probable suspect.
  770. >You nod as you walk up to the distressed pony and give her a hoof on the shoulder.
  771. "Don't worry, Lyra, we'll help you find whatever's following you."
  772. >Goofy looks behind him and readies his shield.
  773. >"I don't think we have to worry about lookin' too hard. Here they come!"
  774. >As he said, you notice Heartless spawning as Lyra panics and hides behind the porch.
  775. "We need to protect Lyra. Don't let anything near her!"
  776.  
  777. Battle 3: Sora, Donald, Goofy, Twilight, and Rarity VS Heavy Impact (1 Large Body, 2 Soldiers, 2 Green Requiems, and 3 Shadows)
  778.  
  779. GO!
  780.  
  781. [Rarity, as a guest, has unknown values, but currently has 10 Rubies, Sapphires, and Topazes (Total 30). Each gem can be used to channel an elemental spell (Fire, Blizzard, and Thunder respectfully). These can stack up to three times for increased effect. The more you stack of one gem, the stronger the spell (1 Ruby = Fire, 2 Rubies = Fira, 3 Rubies = Firaga). These will not regenerate during battle, so be mindful how you use them. Creativity might yield interesting results.]
  782.  
  783. >Goofy raises his shield and hollers at the mob of Heartless, makng himself the center of attention as Rarity hovers a ruby, sapphire, and Topaz into the air.
  784. >"Let's start with something extravagant!"
  785. >The three gems glow and spin in a triangle as she fires them into the crowd, causing an explosion of fire, ice and electricity that obliterates the Shadows and heavily damages all but one Soldier that dives out of the way!
  786. >You notice one of the green Heartless sprinkling some dust onto the damaged Soldier, recovering some of its fighting strength, while you concentrate on your own spell.
  787. "Thunder Blade!"
  788. >Your Keyblade crackles with electricity as it takes on a longer, yellow sheen of magic.
  789. >"We'll help too, Sora! Blizzard Bulwark!"
  790. >"Fire Shroud!"
  791. >You feel the oxymoronic combination of being wreathed with flames while an icy shield covers your left arm, fully upgraded to take out some Heartless.
  792.  
  793. >Heartless who heal the faster Requiem back to full strength and focus their revenge on Goofy.
  794. >The Large Body walks over and takes two clean swings at Goofy, battering him somewhat behind his shield.
  795. >Meanwhile, the two Soldiers take advantage of his concentration and perform a nasty pincer attack, knocking the wind out of Goofy's sails and staggering him.
  796. >"Oof! These guys aren't messing around."
  797. >Twilight turns to you and motions to her satchel.
  798. >"Don't forget we've got some food from Carrot Top that we can use if one of us in in danger. There's no point in being stingy with supplies!"
  799.  
  800. >From your viewpoint, Lyra is the last thing on the Heartless' minds right now.
  801. >However, Goofy took a rather nasty pummeling while you prepared yourself for battle, with the Large Body in front of him and the two Soldiers on his side closer to you.
  802. >The Green Requiems are keeping their distance behind the Large Body currently, keeping them out of normal reach.
  803. >You think about what to do next.
  804.  
  805. >Current Stats
  806.  
  807. Sora: 15/15 HP, 27/40 MP
  808. Donald: 10/10 HP, 53/60 MP
  809. Goofy: 7/17 HP, 28/30 MP
  810. Twilight: 12/12 HP, 63/70 MP
  811.  
  812. Lyra: 15/15 HP
  813.  
  814. 9 Rubies, 9 Sapphires, and 9 Topazes left.
  815.  
  816. New Combination Found: Tri-Attack (Ruby+Sapphire+Topaz: Deals 3d6+int modifier universal damage against all enemies)
  817.  
  818. "Goofy, try to get around the big guy and get those healers!"
  819. >"You got it, Sora!"
  820. >Goofy spins around the Large Body almost gracefully as he winds up and launches himself at the two defenseless Heartless.
  821. >Halfway through the second spin, both Requiems dissolve into the ground, completely pulverized.
  822. >"Excellent work, Goofy. Now we just need to take care of this brute and his friends."
  823. >Rarity pulls out a single Ruby and charges a fireball at the lumbering giants, burning its belly with ease.
  824. "Let's take some of the heat off Goofy's back. Take this!"
  825. >You raise your lightning blade and crack down on the injured Soldier, cleaving it in two while the other scampers away.
  826. >"Heads up, Goofy!"
  827. >Twilight pulls out one of the carrots Carrot Top gave you and tosses it to Goofy, chomping on it and regaining his lost strength!
  828. >"Fire!"
  829. >A crimson light pulses from Donald's staff as another fireball hits its mark, causing the Heartless to roar and thrash about!
  830. >A radiant aura exudes from the Large Body as it glares at the two who burned it with white hot rage.
  831. >You get the feeling that Goofy's provocations might not work when the Heartless is so mad, with all its rage targeted at Donald and Rarity.
  832. >As you look at that predicament, the Soldier that got away manages to sneak up on Goofy, landing a sharp blow with its claws, Goofy recoiling in pain.
  833. >"Yeeowch! How'd it get all the way back here?"
  834. >Twilight looks behind her at the still panicking Lyra.
  835. >"This is bad. If we're not careful, that big Heartless might just barrel through us and Lyra."
  836.  
  837. >You get the feeling that she's not wrong.
  838. >From what you can see, the Large Body is badly injured, but exuding rage that might make fighting him more complicated.
  839. >The final Soldier is not only at full health, but got a real nasty blow on Goofy that undid any healing the carrot brought wih it.
  840. >Goofy's the furthest away currently, having staggered further from the blow, and getting an item to him might be difficult without getting closer.
  841. >Donald and Rarity are public enemy number one for the Large Body, and it's doubtful that additional taunting will change any of that.
  842. >There only seems to be two Heartless left, but one wrong move might prove disastrous for you and Lyra.
  843.  
  844. >Current Stats:
  845.  
  846. Sora: 15/15 HP, 27/40 MP
  847. Donald: 10/10 HP, 49/60 MP
  848. Goofy: 3/17 HP, 23/30 MP
  849. Twilight: 12/12 HP, 63/70 MP
  850.  
  851. Lyra: 15/15 HP
  852.  
  853. 8 Rubies, 9 Sapphires, and 9 Topazes left.
  854.  
  855. >"We need to take down that brute as soon as possible!"
  856. >Rarity takes out three more topazes as a large bolt of lightning bursts forth, piercing the Heartless, but not quite finishing it off!
  857. >"I'm not down yet!"
  858. >Goofy winds up a swing and hits the Soldier square in the face, knocking it back and giving him some breathing room.
  859. "Looks like the big guy's about to charge!"
  860. >You position yourself between Donald and the Large Body as it barrels towards you, the rage stronger than before.
  861. >You swing your Keyblade in an attempt to knock it back, only to whiff by and give you a front row seat to Painville.
  862. >Or it would have, if not for the icy shield taking the brunt of the blow as the flames wreathed around you finish off the big guy for good.
  863. "That was close."
  864. >Donald casts another blue shield onto Lyra.
  865. >"Better to play it safe than sorry, though. That last one's still kicking!"
  866. >Twilight blinks over to Goofy and gives him one of the Carrot Muffins, recovering his strength and power.
  867. >The final Soldier, potentially with the realization that none of its allies are alive, leaps through Goofy, barely grazing him, but ending up behind him.
  868. >"Gawrsh, I don't think my goading's working no more."
  869. >As he mentions that, you notice your other two Spellcrafts vanishing from your person.
  870.  
  871. >From what you can see, everyone's in good condition, and there's only one Heartless left.
  872. >The Soldiers sights seem to be on the unicorn behind you all, with Goofy's taunting now fading away.
  873. >This seems to be the end, so you consider what to do next..
  874.  
  875. >Current Stats:
  876.  
  877. Sora: 12/15 HP, 27/40 MP
  878. Donald: 10/10 HP, 42/60 MP
  879. Goofy: 13/17 HP, 30/30 MP
  880. Twilight: 12/12 HP, 58/80 MP
  881.  
  882. Lyra: 15/15 HP, 10/10 Blizzard Bulwark
  883.  
  884. 8 Rubies, 9 Sapphires, and 6 Topazes remaining.
  885.  
  886. >Rarity's face begins to light up, inspiration catching her as she signals to Goofy.
  887. >"Let's give this goon the old one-two, darling!"
  888. >Goofy nods and swings his shield arm three times before sucker-punching the Soldier in the back, sending it flying towards Rarity!
  889. >Rarity gently lifts her jewel satchel and places it onto the grass, then swings her hoof with all her might at the fastly approaching Heartless.
  890. >The blow connected to the poor Soldier's face, crashing it hard against a tree and splattering it's dark goo across it before evaporating!
  891. >"Troglodytes."
  892. >Rarity proceeds to wipe her hoof clean before turning her attention to Lyra, who began leaving her spot behind the bench.
  893. >"Are you alright, dear?"
  894. >Lyra nods dumbly.
  895. >""Y-yeah, not a scratch on me. What was that? What were those things? What's going on?"
  896. >Twilight holds up a hoof to silence the onslaught of questions and takes a slow breath.
  897. >"It's a bit complicated right now, but there seem to be unknown creatures causing havoc around here."
  898. "Though perhaps not as bad as our own..."
  899. >You look at the medium-sized hole next to the walking path, the result of Rarity's show of power at the start.
  900. >"Oops. So sorry, I got a little carried away there. Don't suppose we can get some ponies to fix that, would it, Twilight?"
  901. >Twilight groans and rolls her eyes at the suggestion.
  902. >"Not without making a huge commotion over it! What do you think I am, a princess?"
  903.  
  904. >Lyra clears her throat to interrupt the two quarreling mares.
  905. >"Well, I'm not sure what's going on, but you guys really helped me out. Now I can hang out with my friends again without worry. It's not much, but here."
  906. >Lyra hands you a necklace with a miniature harp hanging from it.
  907. >"It's a little something I made for a friend of mine, but I can always make more. Thanks again!"
  908. >As Lyra heads off, Rarity picks up her satchel from the ground and turns to the four of you.
  909. >"I must be off as well. As fun as fighting these creatures with you all is, I simply must get back to the Boutique and get some more work done. Let me know if you find what you're looking for. Farewell for now!"
  910.  
  911. >You and your friends wave a short goodbye to Rarity as Donald whispers between you all.
  912. >"Two might be a coincidence, but I think certain folk here are being targetted by the Heartless."
  913. >Twilight nods, a serious look in her eyes.
  914. >"I agree. This and Carrot Top have both been cases of Heartless attacks, and there's a good chance the other ponies we've got leads on are in danger as well."
  915. "We should try and resolve these problems as soon as possible. The longer we take to check out ponies, the worst the situation might get."
  916. >The four of you nod as you plan out where to go next.
  917. >To Twilight's knowledge Pinkie Pie is currently working at the Sugercube Corner, trying to cheer up a worried Vinyl.
  918. >Rainbow Dash is working in Derpy's weather shift, keeping an eye on her while trying to keep a low profile.
  919. >Fluttershy is most likely in her cottage, tending to the animals that have been fleeing the Everfree Forest.
  920. >Twilight doesn't know where Applejack is at the moment, but it's most likely that she's helping somepony else with their leads.
  921.  
  922. >As it appears that all options are currently the same distance from each other, which way do you wish to recommend?
  923.  
  924. [Obtained Harp Amulet: Raises Intelligence Modifier by +1 to the wearer.]
  925.  
  926. These last two fights have given your team another level.
  927.  
  928. Sora, Donald, and Goofy have two points to add in any stat, as well as the following new skills:
  929.  
  930. Sora:
  931.  
  932. >Short Fuse: Berserk occurs at 75% HP.
  933. OR
  934. >Stun Impact: 10% chance to stun opponents when attacking.
  935.  
  936. Donald:
  937.  
  938. >Spellcraft (Blade): (Allows for Strength or Dexterity Modifier to replace Intelligence Modifier) Requires spell for crafting component.
  939. OR
  940. >Spellcraft (Shroud): (1d6+int modifier damage when struck by enemy) Requires a spell for crafting component.
  941.  
  942. Goofy:
  943.  
  944. >Charge: Ram opponents in front of you (1d6+dex modifier), and can continue pushing for 10 MP per push.
  945. OR
  946. >MP Gift: Spend an amount of up to 15 MP to give to another ally.
  947.  
  948. [Sora has grown stronger through his tribulations and has gained the skill Short Temper. Donald has grown wiser, and has gained the Spellcraft Shroud. Goofy has effectively become a brick wall, and has gained the skill Charge. Twilight has gained substantial Intelligence, and has learned the spell Cure.]
  949.  
  950. >Part of you wants to run into Applejack again, but the lack of knowledge all around makes such a feat impossible to know.
  951. >Ultimately, you turn to face towards the diabetic building poking out in the distance.
  952. "Let's go to the Sugarcube Corner and help Pinkie out with her lead."
  953. >"Sounds good. Pinkie Pie should be on her break time around now."
  954. >And so, your group subtly leaves the battlefield that's slowly becoming suspicious to passerby.
  955.  
  956. >As you open the door, you hear several ponies talking to each other.
  957. >"I dunno, I feel like I've done something wrong to Tavi. But I dunno what I did, and she won't even look at me!"
  958. >"I'm sure she's just preoccupied with something else, right, Pinkie?"
  959. >"Absolutely! Well, it could just be amanifestationoftheDARKNESSinourheartsslowlyeatingawayatheranddrainingallthefunoutofherlifeuntilherownheartfallstosaidDARKNESS, but probably not. Oh, hi Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Twilight! You came just in time to help!"
  960. >You think you caught DARKNESS a few times, but that small tirade from the pink pony's mouth almost completely flew over your head.
  961. "Uh, hey there."
  962. >You see Pinkie Pie and Applejack sitting next to who you can only assume is a depressed Vinyl.
  963. "So it sounds like you've got some problems?"
  964. >"Yeah, you could say that. Tavi and I are pretty close friends, you know? And most of the time we work together on our own works and some experimental music."
  965. >Vinyl takes a bite out of the cupcake in front of her, then continues.
  966. >"Thing is that Tavi's been real out of it lately. I haven't been able to ask her what's up; in fact, she practically ignores me sometimes. I can't help but feel like part of this is my fault, but I can't think of any way to apologize with her avoiding me."
  967.  
  968. >Twilight trots up to Vinyl and places a hoof on her shoulder.
  969. >"If you like, we could try and find out what's on her mind for you."
  970. >Vinyl shifts uncomfortably on her chair and looks down.
  971. >"I dunno..."
  972. >As if to join in the conversation again, Pinkie Pie pops up next to Vinyl.
  973. >"Don't you worry, Vinny, we'll help Tavi and make her feel all better!"
  974. >"Well, okay. If you find out something I can do to help, just let me know. Tavi's my best friend, and it hurts me to see her so down."
  975. >Pinkie nods and bounces over to the door.
  976. >"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going!"
  977. >You nod and take off after the active pink fluff, with Applejack following from behind.
  978.  
  979. "So who's Tavi?"
  980. >"Octavia. She's a musician living in Ponyville with Vinyl as a roomate. A Classical type pony with her fancy cello."
  981. >Applejack explains as the six of you make your way to their split house.
  982. >"And Vinyl also does music?"
  983. >Donald inquires as Applejack continues.
  984. >"Yes, but not quite the same kinda music. She remixes music into new work. A bit loud for mah tastes, but there's definitely an audience for it."
  985. >"Gawrsh, sounds like they're pretty different."
  986. >"Sometimes your closest friends are complete opposites."
  987. >Pinkie bounces back to catch to the rest of you.
  988. >"Annnd speaking of Octavia, we're here!"
  989. >Sure enough, the half orange, half purple house is right in front of you, evenly split by the doors.
  990.  
  991. >You knock on the door a few times, eventualy having a serious-faced grey pony open the door in disinterest.
  992. >"Yes?"
  993. "Hey, we were wondering if we could talk to you for a bit about your friend."
  994. >The pony who most likely is Octavia shrugs and opens the door for the six of you, unintentionally showing off the classical instruments on one side, and the high-tech remixing equipment on the other.
  995. >All of you make your way past that room and into what appears to be a rather spacious study flooded with paper.
  996. >Octavia sits on the chair in front of the desk and turns around to face you all with a tired, almost blank expression.
  997. >"So what do you want to talk about?"
  998. >You consider what kinds of topics might help shed light on the problem.
  999.  
  1000. >You find Octavia's lack of responsiveness worrying, but do your best not to show it as you ask her a few questions.
  1001. "So what are you working on right now? Considering all the crumpled up papers, it looks pretty important."
  1002. >Octavia's eyes light up a bit as she looks back to the draft on her desk.
  1003. >"It's a request from a patron. I've been working on it for the past few days."
  1004. >"If you don't mind us asking, who requested the music?"
  1005. >Twilight asks as it become apparent that Octavia's eyes are more plastered on the unfinished work than her guests.
  1006. >"It was an anonymous request, but the bits they paid up-front in the letter makes me think that it's a noble requesting."
  1007. >Octavia replies, quill now in her hoof as she continues working mid-conversation.
  1008.  
  1009. >Applejack coughs in slight annoyance as she notices the bags under her eyes.
  1010. >"No offense, sugarcube, but you look worse for wear. Have you been taking care of yourself?
  1011. >"I've been sleeping enough."
  1012. >The answer is met with a skeptical glare.
  1013. >"I've been sleeping some."
  1014. "I'm not familiar with writing music, but I don't think neglecting sleep's going to help you make it better."
  1015. >Octavia looks back at your statement with a look of clear agitation as she points to the littered floor.
  1016. >"Trust me, I would like nothing more than to get some rest, but everytime I get some work done on this piece, SOMEPONY keeps messing up the draft while I'm away."
  1017.  
  1018. >Pinkie reaches down and uncrumples one of the balls to reveal an unfinished music piece not unlike the one on the desk.
  1019. >That is, save for random, electric blue scribblings and changes to the music.
  1020. >While you may not be any maestro, it certainly looks like a complete mess of sound.
  1021. >"Wowee, this looks like it could be fun to play!"
  1022. >"If by 'fun', you mean 'completely useless for my patron', I guess that's an appropriate phrase.
  1023. >Goofy scratches his head in confusion.
  1024. >"Wait, you don't mean that ya think Vinyl's been messing up yer drafts, do ya?"
  1025. >Octavia huffs and procures a pen with the same color as the markings.
  1026. >"Who else could it be? These markings were drawn with her own pen, which I found lazily hidden under some of my failed scores."
  1027. >A groan escapes her mouth as she slumps on her chair.
  1028. >"The blasted girl, what could possess her to sabotage my work like this? The money I'm going to get from this will keep us afloat for months."
  1029.  
  1030. >From what you can see, Octavia's been working on a musical score for an unknown patron.
  1031. >Whoever they are, they seem rich enough to give a generous payment up front, and Octavia has put this on the front burner.
  1032. >So much so that she's neglecting sleep, and is probably running on fumes.
  1033. >It also appears that she believes that Vinyl's sabotaging her work, due to her pen writing on all he ruined drafts.
  1034. >That could explain why Octavia has been ignoring her lately, but it does seem odd that Vinyl would be unaware of her own sabotages.
  1035. >Twilight leans to you and whispers while Octavia is lamenting.
  1036. >"I don't know Vinyl's writing personally, but the writing on this draft looks far too crude for a unicorn's. Even the weakest unicorn has finer motor skills with quills than that."
  1037. >If the two could just talk to each other, this could probaly resolve itself, but Octavia seems too tired and too mad to consider it right now.
  1038. >You think about what you could do to defuse some of her anger and make her more reasonable.
  1039.  
  1040. >All of a sudden, it clicked.
  1041. >The pieces have lined up perfectly.
  1042. >This can only be the work of one pony, disturbed enough to ruin a friendship like this into darkness.
  1043. "Red Herring!"
  1044. >As the words leave your mouth, you hear a voice coming from outside.
  1045. >"This ain't even the right series, you weenie!"
  1046. >Okay, so it probably wasn't Red Herring.
  1047. >Even though you really want it to be.
  1048. "Say, Octavia, do you mind if we look around the place?"
  1049. >Octavia waves her hoof dismissively without looking at you.
  1050. >"Just don't interrupt my work."
  1051.  
  1052. >Twilight nods and motions the six of you to move out of the study.
  1053. >"Let's split up and look around. With six of us, we should be able to comb this place effectively."
  1054. >Donald goes off to the entrance hall, while Goofy meanders towards the bedrooms.
  1055. >"I'll give their library a check."
  1056. >"And I'll give a look-see outside."
  1057. >Twilight and Applejack go their separate ways as Pinkie hops towards the kitchen.
  1058. "Hey, Pinkie?"
  1059. >"Whaddya need?"
  1060. >You look back to the study, then back to her.
  1061.  
  1062. "You know Vinyl, right? Do you think she would do something like this?
  1063. >Pinkie Pie shakes her head vigorously, an odd sound coming from her movement.
  1064. >"No way! Those two are like the closest friends I know. Vinny might love a great party more than Tavi, but there's no way she'd try and ruin her friend's things!"
  1065. >You nod, slightly relieved at the answer.
  1066. >For somepony this nuanced about friends to advocate for Vinyl makes you feel more confident about this conspiracy.
  1067. "I'm going to check out the study. Hopefully our culprit left something behind there."
  1068. >As you turn back to wish Pinkie luck, you notice a detective hat on her that clearly wasn't there before.
  1069. "How did you-"
  1070. >"No time, Sora, we've got an adventure to continue! Good luck on the study!"
  1071. >And she's gone.
  1072. >You shake your head as you walk back in for your investigation.
  1073.  
  1074. >This was clearly a mistake.
  1075. >Discounting the overlittered floor, there's far too many places to check for clues.
  1076. >All the tossed transcripts have similar electric blue changes, though you do notice the more crude writing on the edits compared to the original.
  1077. >Something does catch your eye in your investigations: a rather ornate drawer in the far corner.
  1078. >Closer inspection reveals a sturdy lock keeping prying eyes out.
  1079. >"Hey, don't mess with that. That's where I keep my original copies of transcripts."
  1080. "Sorry."
  1081. >You back away from the drawer, but can't help but feel like something's weird about it.
  1082.  
  1083. >As you leave the study for some fresh air, you noticed the others, minus Pinkie, resting in the living room.
  1084. >From the expressions of most of them, chances are they didn't have as much luck.
  1085. >Donald notices you first and motions you to sit, coughing a little before giving his report.
  1086. >"The entry hall's clean. Nothing but music stuff and dust."
  1087. >Twilight shakes her head as well.
  1088. >"That was the wrong kind of library. There's a lot of records, but very few books."
  1089. >The rest of you look at her confused before she blushes a bit and continues.
  1090. >"Also, I didn't see anything that could help us."
  1091. >Applejack takes her hat off and looks at space.
  1092. >"Well their garden's doing well enough. Don't think there's much anything out there fer a clue."
  1093.  
  1094. >While the four of you are disappointed with your lack of leads, Goofy sticks his hand up and speaks.
  1095. >"Do any of ya recall if Octavia or Vinyl said they had a cat?"
  1096. >Pinkie pops her head out of the kitchen.
  1097. >"Nope, Tavi's allergic!"
  1098. >A more grim look covers Goofy's face as he tells his report.
  1099. >"Well somethin's been under Octavia's bed fer a while. I noticed some rather deep claw marks on the floor under her bed."
  1100. >You recall a familiar scene from Wonderland about claw marks, and the looks on Donald and Goofy's faces betray the same recollection.
  1101.  
  1102. >Pinkie Pie finally takes her leave of the Kitchen and plops down right next to you, a weird black string covering her hoof.
  1103. >"Their kitchen is completely empty! I thought Vinny came over to talk, but it looks like she didn't even have food here."
  1104. "Wait, how did that happen? I know Octavia's probablyout of it, but you'd think Vinyl would notice that."
  1105. >"Oh, it's not that there's nothing in the kitchen. It looks like something's been eating through the containers like some sort of super-rodent!"
  1106. >The visage of the Rat of Steel flies through your head as Donald looks closer at the black string.
  1107. >"That looks like silk. I mean, if silk was black."
  1108. >You look closer, and have to agree with that deduction.
  1109. >The substance isn't unlike silk from an insect, taut and strong, but smooth and shiny,
  1110.  
  1111. >All of a sudden, your thoughts go back to the drawer in the study.
  1112. "I think I found something else important as well. Follow me."
  1113. >The six of you make your way back to the study, with Octavia barely acknowledging your presence in the midst of her work.
  1114. >As you make sure she's not looking, you lean your ear against the drawer and hear...
  1115.  
  1116. scritch
  1117. tear
  1118. scritch-scratch
  1119.  
  1120. >Something's in there, and it sounds like it's messing with Octavia's transcripts.
  1121. >Thankfully, your Keyblade can unlock this bad boy, but your mind returns to the busy pony at the desk.
  1122. >She might not take kindly to you messing with something so important out of nowhere.
  1123. >Then again, it might be best to do it while she's distracted.
  1124. >Regardless, a scuffle may be very likely when you open this drawer.
  1125. >You weigh your options as your teammates look at you for directions.
  1126.  
  1127. "Whatever's in there is probably doing more harm than good to those transcripts."
  1128. >"So unlock it, then, and let's take it out!"
  1129. >Donald whispers assertively to keep out of Octavia's earshot.
  1130. >You frown and shake your head.
  1131. "The things in this drawer sounded very important to Octavia, when she mentioned it to me. At the very least, we should at least try and gain permission."
  1132. >The group nods in agreement, but before anyone can react, Pinkie Pie's knee fumbles a bit as the pink pony squeeks in pain.
  1133. "Pinkie, are you okay?"
  1134. >But soon enough, she gets back up and nods to you, a more serious look on her face.
  1135. >"I'm super duper okay, but my Pinkie Sense is tingling. I just got a pinchy knee, and that means something scary's about to happen."
  1136.  
  1137. >You look in partial confusion and Applejack and Twilight back her up.
  1138. >"I've known Pinkie fer a long while now, Sora, and lemme just say that her Pinkie Sense hasn't failed her yet."
  1139. >"I can vouch for that, with the number of medical expenses and property damage I've experienced..."
  1140. >Twilight mutters the last bit under her breath as you take the information into account.
  1141. >Whatever this "Pinkie Sense" is, it wouldn't be wise to ignore it.
  1142. >You make your way to Octavia, while everyone else positions themselves around the drawer, and you tap her shoulder.
  1143.  
  1144. "Hey, Octavia? Do you mind if we checked out your drawer for a while?"
  1145. >Abruptly, Octavia places her quill down and looks back at you, rather annoyed at your request.
  1146. >"Did I not just say to leave it be? Why should I let guests I barely know ruffle through my private things?"
  1147. >You point back to the drawer and motion for her to follow.
  1148. >As the two of you get closer to it, you turn back to her.
  1149. "Take a listen."
  1150. >She places her ear to the drawer, then recoils in shock.
  1151. >"Th-there's something in my drawer!"
  1152. >You nod and continue.
  1153. "Whatever's in there can't be good for those transcripts, can they? If you let us look in it, we can at least keep them from being harmed."
  1154.  
  1155. >Octavia mulls over it, then sighs.
  1156. >"Oh, alright. Let me get the key from the desk."
  1157. >Goofy chuckles as he wraps an arm around your shoulder.
  1158. >"There's no need fer that. Sora here can take care of just about any lock."
  1159. >You nod and materialize the Keyblade, aiming the beam of light at the lock surrounding it.
  1160. >After a bright flash of light, the lock and chains fall to the floor, and Donald walks right to the drawer and confidently prepares to pull.
  1161. >"Time to see what's really in there!"
  1162. "Donald, wait-!"
  1163. >But too late, he pulls the drawer out, revealing three very awake, black silkworms.
  1164. >Except these silkworms were the size of kittens, and emblazened with a familiar emblem.
  1165.  
  1166. >The fattest of the three opens it's mouth and begins to shriek!
  1167. >The majority of you, including Donald, manage to cover your ears at the knick of time, but Pinkie seems to have caught the entire attack point blank.
  1168. >Snarling at the seven of you, the Heartless hop out of the drawer, revealing several half-eaten transcripts that Octavia shrieks at the sight of.
  1169. >"My originals!"
  1170. "Octavia, you need to step back. These things are dangerous!"
  1171. >As if to prove your point, two Soldiers, three Shadows, and two Heartless with giant books appear, all but the book ones seeming protecting the offending insects.
  1172. >Octavia nods fearfully and retreats behind the desk with her latest piece.
  1173.  
  1174. "This is bad. We're outnumbered, and Pinkie's out of the game for n-!"
  1175. >"What's that about a game? Sounds exciting!"
  1176. >You turn in asonishment to see Pinkie Pie in almost top condition, readying herself to fight.
  1177. "How did you-?"
  1178. >"Avoid the scriech that was supposed to stun me? Easy!"
  1179. >She turns her head to both sides and plops out two globs of wax.
  1180. >"I brought my 'One-Time Use Patented Odyssey Earwax! Had a feeling it'd come in super handy today."
  1181. >Twilight looks at your confused expression and shakes her head.
  1182. >"It's just Pinkie being Pinkie. Try not to think too much on it."
  1183. >You open your mouth to protest, then sigh and ready yourself against the group of enemies in the study.
  1184.  
  1185. Battle 4: Sora, Donald, Goofy, Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie VS Bookworms (2 Soldiers, 3 Shadows, 2 Bookmasters, 2 Silkworm Stage 1's, and 1 Silkworm Stage 2)
  1186.  
  1187. GO!
  1188.  
  1189. [Pinkie, as a guest, has no known values. However, she is gifted with the power of Song and Dance and Pinkie Sense. There are 3 Songs and 3 Dances: Regen Requiem, Counter Canon, Magic Minuet, Attack Tango, Guard Waltz, and Focus Samba.]
  1190.  
  1191. [Regen Requiem regenerates HP at the beginning of each turn (+5% for 5 turns.]
  1192.  
  1193. [Counter Canon primes everyone for a chance to counter an enemy's physical attack (40%) for 3 turns.]
  1194.  
  1195. [Magic Minuet reduces magic damage (-5) for two turns.]
  1196.  
  1197. [Attack Tango makes your attacks stronger (+4) for 3 turns.]
  1198.  
  1199. [Guard Waltz makes you take less physical damage (-4) for 3 turns.)
  1200.  
  1201. [Focus Samba makes your attacks more likely to hit (+4), and more likely to crit (17 to 20), but only lasts for 1 turn, and can only be used every other turn.]
  1202.  
  1203. [Pinkie can only sing and dance one song and dance at a time, but can switch at any time, save for said situations.]
  1204.  
  1205. [Pinkie Sense is a special passive which allows Pinkie a chance to ignore failed defense rolls. However, every time she successfully activates Pinkie Sense, the chance of activating become less and less likely (100% the first time in battle, with a general degrdation of 20% with each success).]
  1206.  
  1207. [Applejack, on the other hand, has two unique skills: Buck and Lasso.]
  1208.  
  1209. [Buck is a very powerful physical attack (2d10), but requires Applejack to firmly plant herself into one area, making it impossible to dodge attacks directed at her.]
  1210.  
  1211. [Lasso has evolved since your last encounter with her, with successful catches having to make a successful Strength check of 12 or higher or continue being stuck. Any opponent of the Small to Medium size range can be flung around for 1d6 to 1d8 damage to both target and captured enemy. Large size enemies cannot be completely bound by the Lasso, but Applejack can target a limb in order to either damper attacks or movement. Large size enemies have a higher chance to escape.]
  1212.  
  1213. >Goofy begins his taunting as the fastest of the three Shadows melds into the ground.
  1214. >The fattest of the Silkworms munches on one of the discarded drafts, growing fatter and encasing itself into a silk cocoon.
  1215. >"Alright, fellas, let's get focused!"
  1216. >Pinkie begins to energetically dance as the room is filled with Brazilian music coming out of nowhere.
  1217. >Surprisingly against your assumptions, you feel more focused than ever, giving you better accuracy for this turn!
  1218. >Another Shadow goes in the ground as Applejack gallops up to one of the book-wielding Heartless and plants her front hooves down.
  1219. >"Let's see how ya like this, an Apple Family technique!"
  1220. >The Bookmaster holds its book up in an attempt to shield itself, only for Applejack's powerful legs to punch a hole clean through the pages and into its face, pulverizing it instantly.
  1221.  
  1222. >Noticing the last Shadow about to follow its brethren, you leap to it and cleave it cleanly in two, melting it entirely!
  1223. >The two Soldiers, almost like twins, move in synch to each other as they swipe and leap at Goofy and Applejack!
  1224. >Unable to dodge, Applejack takes a minor scratch from the leaping attack, while Goofy gets swiped moderately.
  1225. >The remaining Bookmaster flips through its pages and points at a particular section with giggling glee.
  1226. >Suddenly, a bolt of lightning strikes Goofy by surprise, shocking him and injuring him badly.
  1227. >"Yee-ow-ow-owch!"
  1228.  
  1229. >"If you can't move while doing that, Applejack, let me give you some protection. Thunder Bulwark!"
  1230. >Donald's staff lights up yellow as a similar-colored shield sheens across Applejack's body.
  1231. >"I'll help too. Blizzard Shroud!"
  1232. >A torrent of ice covers her body as well as she tips her hat at the two.
  1233. >"Thanks fer the help, but I think I can handle myself just fine. Goofy's in more trouble than I am."
  1234. >The still partially crackling Goofy gives an embarrassed chuckle at the remark as the two smaller Silkworms eat two more drafts, growing to the size the first one was at earlier.
  1235.  
  1236. >From what you can see, the two Soldiers are almost on opposite sides of each other, dealing with Goofy and Applejack respectively.
  1237. >The two Shadows remaining are in the ground right now, but it looks like they might target Goofy when they resurface.
  1238. >The last Bookmaster is still in perfect health, and is currently looking at you mischievously.
  1239. >Using your intuition, you think the Silkworms are eating in order to metamorphise into someting more dangerous down the line.
  1240. >It might be effective to take them out before they grow.
  1241. >You consider your options on what to do next.
  1242.  
  1243. >Current Stats:
  1244.  
  1245. Sora: 25/25 HP 44/44 MP
  1246. Donald: 14/14 HP 58/65 MP
  1247. Goofy: 10/27 HP 30/32 MP
  1248. Applejack: 25/30 HP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  1249. Pinkie: 20/20 HP
  1250.  
  1251. >Before Goofy can react, the closest Shadow to him leaps out from under the ground and lunges at him!
  1252. >...Only to land pathetically short of his goal.
  1253. >"Now that's just embarrassing."
  1254. >Goofy begins to twist himself, then kicks off and spins off at the Soldier, prone Shadow, and one of the Silkworms.
  1255. >All three try their best to avoid it, but can't stop the momentum, taking the full force of the attack, dissolving all in Goofy's wake!
  1256. >Pinkie cheers and applauds the performance with gusto, a single tear in her eye.
  1257. >"That was amazing, Goofy! Time to do my part. Ahem."
  1258. >Pinkie clears her throat and begins to sing.
  1259.  
  1260. "We've only got one action,"
  1261. "Before their lot attack~."
  1262. "But keep your eyes open,"
  1263. "There's openings to fight back~!"
  1264.  
  1265. >Not quite a canon, but you can feel the effects of the music take hold, allowing you to see holes in the enemy's attacks.
  1266. >The cocoon sits still, save for some soft noises inside.
  1267. >"Now to finish the other one!"
  1268. >Applejack charges at the final Bookmaster and bucks once more, though the blow does not kill, it severely injures it, sending it sprawling into a wall.
  1269. >The final Shadow, unable to catch up to Goofy, harmlessly materializes back above ground, looking at the battle.
  1270. "I'll give you some firepower, Goofy! Fire Blade!"
  1271. >A fiery sword materializes in Goofy's hands, granting him a blazing edge in battle.
  1272. >The remaining Soldier continues its assault on the immobile Applejack, swiping at her side ineffectually against her Bulwark.
  1273. >However, Applejack's eyes glint as she turns around and kicks the Soldier with her left back hoof, crushing and burning the Heartless with the aid of her Shroud!
  1274. >"Those songs sure do their wonders."
  1275.  
  1276. >Pulling itself out of the wall, the Bookmaster angrly throws a fireball in your direction!
  1277. >While you try to dodge, the flame connects, singing your fur somewhat as the Heartless grins in satisfaction.
  1278. >"I'll give you some protection too, Goofy. Blizzard Bulwark!"
  1279. >Goofy's shield begins to shimmer with a bright blue sheen, cool mist emanating from it.
  1280. "That actually looks like it'd be amazing in the Summer. Or in the Gummi Ship."
  1281. >Donald glares at your comment with a serious face.
  1282. >"The godlike forces of the arcane aren't meant to be a glorified air conditioner!"
  1283. >As he goes on his tangent, Twilight's horn shimmers white as a healing glow surrounds Goofy, taking some of the damage off of him.
  1284.  
  1285. >All of a sudden, Pinkie's body begins doing weird things again, and she dives down for cover.
  1286. >"Look out!"
  1287. >The fat Silkworm still outside of its cocoon is threatened by how close Goofy is and lets out another screech!
  1288. >The majority of you manage to block out the sound in time, but Donald and Twilight are too preoccupied by their actions, and are stunned solid by the horrible sound!
  1289. "This isn't good. They're the only ones that can heal with magic."
  1290. >"Frankly, Sora, we're all still doing pretty fine right now. I reckon we can take the rest out in no time!"
  1291. >Applejack grins as she looks at the remaining forces.
  1292.  
  1293. >From what you can see, there's 1 Shadow, a badly injured Bookmaster, and two Silkworms left to deal with.
  1294. >However, Donald and Twilight are completely stunned by the screech, and can't do anything right now.
  1295. >Those buggers might need to be taken care of quickly.
  1296. >You consider your next strategy, as the turning point seemingly shows itself.
  1297.  
  1298. >Current Stats:
  1299.  
  1300. Sora: 19/25 HP, 34/44 MP
  1301. Donald (Stunned for 1 turn): 14/14 HP, 51/65 MP
  1302. Goofy: 16/27 HP, 30/32 MP 10/10 Blizzard Bulwark
  1303. Twilight (Stunned for 2 turns): 16/16 HP, 63/75 MP
  1304. Applejack: 25/30 HP 2/10 Thunder Bulwark
  1305. Pinkie: 20/20 HP
  1306.  
  1307. "We need to stay between theses guys and Donald and Twilight! Don't let them get close enough to attack them!"
  1308. >The four of you in your senses nod and shield the stunned mages, with Goofy flinging himself through the Bookmaster to get there.
  1309. >The attack from behind catches the excited Heartless by surprised and bursts it into a shower of black goop!
  1310. >"Alright, fellas, time to get agressive!"
  1311. >Pinkie begins to dance in a sharp, majestic way, filling your body with newfound strength.
  1312.  
  1313. >However, before anyone can properly use this strength, the cocoon bursts in a violet light, revealing a sleek, black moth-like Heartless with the Emblem on the back of it's thorax.
  1314. >The Sonic Moth wastes no time and flies straight up into the air, diving down at Goofy at its top speed!
  1315. >Even with the Bulwark on Goofy's shield, the Heartless breaks through and deals severe damage to Goofy, sending him flying!.
  1316. >The Shadow remaining leaps at Goofy, scratching him unconscious.
  1317. >"Oof... Didn't see that comin'..."
  1318. "Goofy!"
  1319. >"That just about tears it, these worms are dangerous. C'mere, you varmint!"
  1320. >Applejack pulls out her lasso and tosses it at the remaining Silkworm, ensnaring it and immobilizing the shrieking offender.
  1321. >"Yeehaw!"
  1322. >With a ferocious pull, the lasso'd Silkworm begins to swing towards the Sonic Moth, barely missing, but slamming right into the Shadow, dealing heavy damage to the two of them!
  1323.  
  1324. "This is for Goofy!"
  1325. >You raise your Keyblade into the air, a yellow glow from the tip signalling a barrage of lightning bolts that strike the whole field!
  1326. >When the smoke clears, you notice that the only Heartless that remains standing is the Sonic Moth, injured, but not out of the race yet.
  1327. >As you think about what to do next, Donald shakes out of his paralysis and looks angrily at the remaining Heartless.
  1328. >"You're going to pay for that!"
  1329.  
  1330. >From what you can see, the Silkworm in the cocoon is now a brand new Heartless altogether.
  1331. >It's also fairly dangerous, considering how it managed to help knock out Goofy.
  1332. >Speaking of, you notice that Twilight is still stunned from the late Silkworm's screech, and Goofy is currently ot cold.
  1333. >With Donald back in action, healing Goofy can be done by him, or perhaps by someone else if you wish to do it sooner.
  1334. >There's only one Heartless left, and it doesn't appear that any more Heartless are going to appear.
  1335. >You consider your options as the Sonic Moth flitters about, looking at you all with a curious expression,
  1336.  
  1337. >Current Stats:
  1338.  
  1339. Sora: 19/25 HP, 26/44 MP
  1340. Donald: 14/14 HP, 51/65 MP
  1341. Goofy (KO): 0/27 HP, 20/32 MP
  1342. Twilight (Stunned for 1 turn): 16/16 HP, 63/75 MP
  1343. Applejack: 25/30 HP 2/10 Thunder Bulwark
  1344. Pinkie: 20/20 HP
  1345.  
  1346. >Pinkie reciprocates the odd looks from the Sonic Moth, then shakes her head.
  1347. >"This mean little bug's probably a magic user. I've got a song just for this kind of occasion!"
  1348. >She clears her throat and takes to the song floor once more.
  1349.  
  1350. "Calling this a minuet~"
  1351. "Was prolly a mistake, but for the~"
  1352. "Buggers with magic, this will help you guard it,"
  1353. "To keep this from being tragic~."
  1354.  
  1355. >You gotta give her props for trying to work with a style which is clearly not for singing.
  1356. >In addition, a mysterious feeling emanates from you all, granting an extra protection from the arcane.
  1357. >The Sonic Moth opens it's mouth and lets out a very low tone that thankfully misses Applejack and Pinkie Pie.
  1358. >Unfortunately, the sound hits you and Donald, dealing minor damage, but making it impossible to speak or cast spells!
  1359. >"That's a low move, you varmint! Git over here!"
  1360. >Applejack's lasso once more sails through the air and catches one of the wings of the Sonic Moth and dragging it to the ground.
  1361. >"There we go. Sora, this one's all fer... Sora? Sugarcube?"
  1362.  
  1363. >Applejack attempts to grab your attention, but you're too busy being overwhelmed by this immense hatred towards this Heartless.
  1364. >How dare it hurt Goofy so bad?
  1365. >How dare it silence both you and Donald?
  1366. >How dare it try to ruin two ponies' friendships with such underhanded tactics?
  1367. >There's some small part of you trying to get your attention and calm you down.
  1368. >But there's no stopping this rage train.
  1369. >Though you can't speak, you certainly can still use your vocal cords.
  1370. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-!"
  1371.  
  1372. >The Sonic Moth actually looks terrified at your appearance.
  1373. >You think you see everyone else looking at you worried as well.
  1374. >But you don't care.
  1375. >You're just so ANGRY.
  1376. >And this little bugger's the only thing you can vent your frustration on.
  1377. >You lunge at the defenseless Heartless and go all out on it!
  1378.  
  1379. >One swing.
  1380. >Two swings.
  1381. >Five swings.
  1382. >Anyone who sees this can clearly tell this Heartless is no more.
  1383. >It's little more than a black stain on the floor.
  1384. >But still you wail on it with your Keyblade, because you're not done being angry yet.
  1385. >Eventually you slam the spot one more time with your blade, the Heartless little more than a fine paste as it finally dissolves.
  1386.  
  1387. >You sigh out the remaining anger and feel surprisingly good for venting everything on that creature.
  1388. >You turn around, only to find everyone looking at you with partial relief, partial worry.
  1389. "...What?"
  1390. >Donald puts his claw against his head in exasperation while Pinkie whispers to Applejack.
  1391. >"Somepony's got an anger issue~."
  1392. >"That's not the half of it..."
  1393.  
  1394. .>Twilight coughs audibly to interrupt the reactions to whatever it is they're so surprised about, and turns over to Octavia, slowly making her way out from behind the desk.
  1395. >"Are you alright, Octavia?"
  1396. >"A little shakened, but I'm fine. What were those things?"
  1397. "If I had to hazard a guess, your culprits."
  1398. >Octavia looks surprised for a moment, then begins to look guilt-ridden.
  1399. >"If those things were messing with my drafts, then that means-! Oh, Vinyl, how could I have been so quick to assume?"
  1400.  
  1401. >Pinkie takes that cue to pop up right behind her and give her a cupcake.
  1402. >You're not even surprised anymore.
  1403. >"Oh, don't worry your head over it, Tavi. Vinny's just worried about you, that's all! Just talk to her about all this, and it'll resolve itself for sure!"
  1404. >Octavia takes the cupcake and gingerly eats it, her temperament getting a bit better.
  1405. >"You're probably right. I don't know what I'll have to do to make up for hurting Vinyl's feelings like that, but we'll figure out a way. Thank you all for the help."
  1406. >You nod and smile, thankful to have helped out another pony in need of help.
  1407. >Donald abruptly ruins said feeling by jabbing your hoof.
  1408. >"Not to ruin the happy moment, but where did Vinyl's pen go?"
  1409.  
  1410. >You turn over to the desk and realize Donald's right: the electric blue pen is missing from where it was before opening the drawer.
  1411. "Where did it go?"
  1412. >All of you look around for it, only for Goofy to point at the door.
  1413. >"Sora, look!"
  1414. >You turn your head just in time to see an extremely lithe Heartless slip out of the room, pen in hand!
  1415. "We need to stop that thing! Come on!"
  1416.  
  1417. >As you all leave the study, you see the Heartless fleeing towards the door.
  1418. >Only for the door to open, showing a slightly more optimistic Vinyl.
  1419. >"Tavi? Are you there? I wanted to talk about-"
  1420. >"Vinyl, look out!"
  1421. >Almost faster than you've seen anypony run in this place, Octavia lunges at Vinyl, pushing the both of them out of the way as the creature runs through them!
  1422. >The landing was a bit more rough, with the two crashing into one of the pianos in the hall.
  1423.  
  1424. "Octavia! Vinyl! Are you both okay?"
  1425. >The two seemed dazed, but nevertheless in fine health.
  1426. >"Sorry about the piano, Tavi..."
  1427. >"It's alright, Vinyl. I've got a spare lying around. Listen..."
  1428. >"Tavi..."
  1429. >"I'm sorry."
  1430. >"I'm sorry."
  1431. >The two look at each other in surprise, then giggle some of the awkwardness away as they get out of the wreckage.
  1432. >"Vinyl, I think we should talk about my poor actions and the events that lead to them. I've been a horrible friend to you lately."
  1433. >Vinyl shakes her head and smiles.
  1434. >"No worries, Tavi. I know you've got a lot on your plate sometimes. But I just wanted to let you know that I'm here to help you, if you need it."
  1435. >Octavia smiles, a slight tear to her eye.
  1436. >"I think I'd like that. I think I'd like that a lot...
  1437.  
  1438. >Suddenly, Vinyl takes Octavia's hoof and drags her upstairs.
  1439. >"But you need to get some sleep first. You call me the night owl, but you've been up for days!"
  1440. >"I-I'm fine, really..."
  1441. >Your group is left at the bottom of the staircase, laughing lightly at the dynamics of the two's relationship.
  1442. >"Wowie, that was a lot of fun! And you guys do that all the time?"
  1443. >You nod to the still energetic Pinkie, who continues to bounce around you excitedly as Twilight gives you a worried look.
  1444. >"That thing that got away..."
  1445. "Yeah, that and the other ones seemed to be unusually independent Heartless. Normally they don't act so well coordinated, unless..."
  1446. >"Unless?"
  1447. "Unless somepony's controlling them."
  1448.  
  1449. >Applejack rubs her chin in thought.
  1450. >"But who could be controlling the Heartless so efficiently?"
  1451. "I dunno, but I think this proves our fears. All of these incidents must be getting manipulated by the same individual, for some purpose."
  1452. >Everyone looks grimly at each other until Pinkie pulls you all together.
  1453. >"No need to worry about that now, we've won! Vinny and Tavi are no longer fighting, and we've learned new clues. That's good enough for..."
  1454. >"A PARTY!"
  1455.  
  1456. >Suddenly, you notice balloons everywhere, and an inconspicous table covered with juice, cookies, and cupcakes.
  1457. >Before Pinkie can continue, Twilight puts a hoof on her shoulder.
  1458. >"Pinkie, I agree we should celebrate. But we've got a pony trying to sleep upstairs. We should do this outsie, don't you think?"
  1459. >Pinkie blushes a little in embarrassment and drags everything outside, everyone else following behind.
  1460. >After the short party, Pinkie Pie and Applejack prepare to depart.
  1461. >"That was fun! Buuuut my shift's starting really soon, so I need to get ready for that."
  1462. >"And I've got some more business to do on the farm. Y'all take care now."
  1463.  
  1464. >As you wave the two goodbye, Twilight turns to the three of you with a serious face.
  1465. >"I can't help but think that all of these events have been occurring at the same time. If that's the case, these last two leads might be much more dangerous than the others."
  1466. "All the more reason to get them resolved as soon as possible. Who's left?"
  1467. >Twilight wracks her mind for a while, then points in two directions.
  1468. >"Rainbow Dash should still be keeping an eye on Derpy. It looks like weather duty's almost done, so the two should be free soon."
  1469. >"On the other hand, Fluttershy's probably still in her cottage, dealing with the freaked out animals."
  1470. >With these two leads in mind, you think about where to go next.
  1471.  
  1472. "It sounds like the situation with Fluttershy's a more pressing concern. Let's go help her out next."
  1473. >Twilight nods and points over to the forest in the distance.
  1474. >"Her cottage is the closest house to the Everfree, so it'll be a bit of a walk. Let's hurry!"
  1475. >The four of you take off from the bicolor house, determination in your steps.
  1476.  
  1477. >Fluttershy's cottage looks more like a nature resort than an actual house.
  1478. >Across a bridge, over a running river, the several trees around the cottage are covered in active bird houses.
  1479. >The cottage itself is covered in vegetation, giving the roof an image like a garden more than anything ponymade.
  1480. >Another thing you notice are all the crowds of frightened and slightly injured animals.
  1481. >In the midst of them all, taking care of a bear with a broken forearm, is a somewhat tired Fluttershy.
  1482. >A small rabbit on her shoulder notices you all approaching and tugs on Fluttershy's mane assertively.
  1483. >"Hm? Oh, you've all made it! Welcome, Sora, Donald, Goofy."
  1484. >You all give salutations in return, as you give a closer looksee to all the animals here.
  1485. "I don't suppose the amount of animals here is normal?"
  1486. >Fluttershy shakes her head, a worried look covering her face.
  1487. >"Oh no, not at all. Sometimes a few visit when they're hurt, but everypony's been chased out of their homes by some sort of monster. It's just horrible!"
  1488.  
  1489. >As the conversation continues, Donald looks around outside, almost tripping over the rabbit from before.
  1490. >While he didn't notice anything from it, you see the little creature look at him with a grudge.
  1491. >You sigh and turn your attention from the new bloodfeud brewing back to Fluttershy.
  1492. "A monster?"
  1493. >"Apparently it's nothing the creatures in the Everfree have experience with. Whatever it is has been scaring these dears from their homes and sometimes injuring them. In fact,"
  1494. >Fluttershy walks into her cottage for a while, then returns with a covered basket making mewling sounds.
  1495. "What do you got in there? A kitten?"
  1496.  
  1497. >As she removes the cover, you can definitely say, with 100% accuracy, that this is not a normal kitten.
  1498. >It looks like an amalgamation of a lion cub's body, miniature mane included, a bat's wings, and a scorpion's tail.
  1499. >Twilight jolts in surprise as she looks closer with wide eyes.
  1500. >"Fluttershy, that's a Manticore cub!"
  1501. >While Goofy plays around with the young cub, Fluttershy nods and continues.
  1502. >"I found the little one limping out of the forest this morning during breakfast. Manticores do eventually leave their cubs on their own, but this one seems far too young for that yet."
  1503. "Which means this cub's mother..."
  1504. >"Is still most likely in the forest. I've been helping these injured animals all morning, but I can't get that worry out of my mind. I could really use your help through the forest, ifi'salrightwithyou."
  1505.  
  1506. >You place a hoof onto Fluttershy's shoulder, smiling to help alay her worries.
  1507. "Don't worry, Fluttershy, we'll go with you into the Everfree Forest to find that mother manticore."
  1508. >"Oh thank you, Sora. Angel, could you keep an eye on everypony while Sora and I help that poor cub's mother?"
  1509. >The rabbit named Angel salutes as he makes his way through the animals to help.
  1510. >"Let's not waste any time, then. Come on, everypony!"
  1511. >Twilight leads the charge as the five of you hurry towards the Everfree Forest.
  1512.  
  1513. >While first impressions suggest the Everfree to be a normal forest, your inner instinct senses a more unstable atmosphere.
  1514. >Twilight looks to you, Donald, and Goofy and lists off a few rules to follow here.
  1515. >"Rule one: don't touch anything strange, if you can help it. The Everfree has some strange things within it, and you don't want to suffer the side-effects."
  1516. >"Rule two: stay together. It's really easy to get lost in here, and I don't want anypony to go missing."
  1517. >"Rule three: be alert. Even with most of the animals gone from here, who knows what could happen here?"
  1518. >Goofy points behind her with a worried stare.
  1519. >"Ya mean like those wood dogs behind ya?"
  1520. >Twilight slowly turns around to see four wooden wolves, very much alive, and very much looking at you all voraciously.
  1521. >"Timeberwolves!"
  1522.  
  1523. >Fluttershy hides behind the rest of you as you materialize your Keyblade.
  1524. :"We need to keep Fluttershy safe and get these things out of here!"
  1525. >Everyone else readies themselves, as the wolves begin to encircle you.
  1526.  
  1527. Sora, Donald, Goofy, Twilight, and Fluttershy VS Timberwolves x4
  1528.  
  1529. GO!
  1530.  
  1531. [Fluttershy, as a guest, has no known values, and has no real combat potential. However, she has the unique skill Misdirection. Using Misdirection, Fluttershy can focus attention on another unit, similar to Provoke. New abilities may arise later...]
  1532.  
  1533. "Fluttershy, can you protect yourself? It looks like we're not leaving without a fight."
  1534. >Fluttershy shakes her head.
  1535. >"I don't like fighting, really. But I think I can help distract the timberwolves, ifanyonedoesn'tmind."
  1536. >"I think I can handle some more attention."
  1537. >Goofy thumps his chests in response, as Fluttershy goes up behind him and places something on his back
  1538. "What's that?"
  1539. >"Some incense I always take for Everfree trips. The scent draws attention to whatever's on it."
  1540. "If that's the case, we should probably give Goofy some protection. Fire Blade!"
  1541. >Your Keyblade lights up a crimson red as a sword of flame sprouts in Goofy's spare hand.
  1542. >"I'm not entirely up for burning the entire forest down, but I trust Goofy's restraint. Fire Shroud!"
  1543. >Twilight focuses as a fiery cloak materializes around Goofy, giving him a fearsome appearance.
  1544. >"Blizzard Bulwark!"
  1545. >Everyone stops and looks at Donald, confusion on their faces as he angrily waves them off.
  1546. >"I don't have Fire yet, okay?"
  1547. >Albeit standing out in the midst of fire weapons and cloaks, Goofy's shield takes on a brilliant blue shimmer, granting him Full Cloth once more.
  1548.  
  1549. >Almost as if waiting for you all the finish, the timberwolves descend on the desirable Goofy.
  1550. >"Woah!"
  1551. >Even with the protection of the Bulwark, the concentrated assault breaks through it, with a particular timberwolf with a scarred eye leading the charge!
  1552. >However, even through the mauling, goofy's shroud catches them all alight, sending them retreating backwards and rolling to kill the flames.
  1553. >Goofy begins spinning after two of the retreating wolves, severely burning them and leaving them prone on the ground!
  1554. "I know they were the ones that attacked us, but..."
  1555. >You look at the singed timberwolves, snarling weakly at the enflamed Goofy standing over them.
  1556. >Clearly you're justified with defending yourselves, but you can't help but feel like you're the bad guy here.
  1557.  
  1558. >Just then, you hear a piercing howl as the remaining two timberwolves rush over to the wouded ones.
  1559. >As they arrive, a huge shadow leaps from the bushes, pushing Goofy back to the rest of you as the light begins to fall on it!
  1560. >A timberwolf, much, much larger than the others attacking you is in full snarl mode, glaring at Goofy with a menacing glare.
  1561. >Fluttershy gasps, her eyes wide at the sight.
  1562. >"It's an alpha! I thought those were far deeper in the Forest!"
  1563. "Whatever it is, it doesn't look like it's here to chat!"
  1564. >You shout as you ready for the alpha timberwolf, who howls once more at the lot of you!
  1565.  
  1566. >From what you can see, two of the four initial timberwolves are too injured to keep fighting.
  1567. >However, a new threat has emerged with the Alpha Timberwolf, who seems to be rallying the final two timberwolves.
  1568. >Judging from the reaction to Goofy's Fire Shroud and Fire Blade, it wouldn't be a wild guess to assume they are weak to fire.
  1569. >Fluttershy's incense still seems to be working well enough, with all the timberwolves' attentions on Goofy.
  1570. >Then again, it could just be the animosity towards him incapacitating the other two.
  1571. >You consider your options as the battle continues.
  1572.  
  1573. >Current Stats:
  1574.  
  1575. Sora: 25/25 HP, 30/44 MP
  1576. Donald: 14/14 HP, 58/65 MP
  1577. Goofy: 14/27 HP, 27/32 MP
  1578. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 68/75 MP
  1579. Fluttershy: 10/10 HP
  1580.  
  1581. >Before anyone can react, the Alpha lunges at Goofy, ignoring the burn as it bites down hard on his blade arm!
  1582. "Let go of Goofy, you oversized stack of lumber!"
  1583. >A fireball bursts through your Keyblade and slams into the side of the wolf, howling in pain as it leaves a somewhat nasty burn.
  1584. >The howl also releases Goofy, a deep bite mark on his arm.
  1585. >"I think I got a splinter from that..."
  1586. >"I really hope we don't burn down the forest by accident..."
  1587. >Twilight mutters as she shoots more fire at one of the timberwolves, causing it to roll frantically on the ground to put it out.
  1588. >It succeeds, but lacks the strength to get up again, weakly looking at the Alpha and remaining wolf.
  1589.  
  1590. >Almost sensing your observations, Donald quickly snaps you to your senses.
  1591. >"We don't have time to feel sorry for these things. They were the ones that attacked us first!"
  1592. >A white light shines upon Goofy, restoring him moderately as a piece of wood pops from the wound.
  1593. >"Much better. Thanks, Donald!"
  1594. >Not long after he says that, the last regular timberwolf lunges at him, and the two tussle it out!
  1595. >The timberwolf gets some hits in on Goofy, but the fire from both his Shroud and Blade ultimately make it a losing battle.
  1596. >Goofy finally gains the upper hand and tosses the defeated Timberwolf back, sending it rolling towards the Alpha.
  1597.  
  1598. "There's only one left, so let's hurry it up and-"
  1599. >"Sora, look!"
  1600. >You follow to where Fluttershy is pointing, and you see the Alpha growing larger than it was before.
  1601. >A dark aura surrounds the beast as it looks back at you all, standing between you and the injured timberwolves.
  1602. >"The darkness! But how did it infect the Alpha?"
  1603. "However it happened, it looks like this fight isn't over yet."
  1604. > Before you can rady yourself, Fluttershy taps your shoulder and whispers to you.
  1605. >"Um, I forgot to tell you this before, but I have some animal medical supplies I brought in case of emergency. I know we had to defend ourselves, but I think the Alpha thinks we're trying to kill them. If I can get around him and heal the timberwolves, they might leave in peace."
  1606.  
  1607. >From what you can see, the only remaining opponent is the Alpha.
  1608. >The power of darkness seems to be emanating from it, making it far stronger than it was before.
  1609. >Other than Goofy, everyone is in good health, but the speed of the Alpha might make that less a guarantee.
  1610. >It doesn't look like the Alpha's attention is completely on Goofy right now, and provocation might be less effective.
  1611. >You also consider what Fluttershy said.
  1612. >If she's correct with her guess, you might be able to peacefully resolve this by distracting the Alpha long enough for her to help the injured timberwolves.
  1613. >Then again, is the risk worth the effort?
  1614. >You contemplate your options, staring down the enraged Alpha.
  1615.  
  1616. >Current stats:
  1617.  
  1618. Sora: 25/25 HP, 23/44 MP
  1619. Donald: 14/14 HP, 53/65 MP
  1620. Goofy: 14/27 HP, 27/32 MP
  1621. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 64/75 MP
  1622. Flutershy: 10/10 HP
  1623.  
  1624. >As you consider your options, The Alpha leaps once more at Goofy, taking another nasty bite out of him and swinging him around.
  1625. >"Yeeouch! I don't think he likes me much."
  1626. "No kidding. We'll try our best to distract the big guy while you take care of the timberwolves."
  1627. >"Alright. Be careful you guys."
  1628. >Fluttershy quitely calls out before beginning her sneak quest.
  1629. "Now..."
  1630. >You look at the giant wooden wolf playing ragdoll with Goofy with a look of worry.
  1631. "How are we supposed to distract such a huge creature?"
  1632. >You look over to Twilight, who thinks deeply as Donald hurriedly attempts to heal the rapidly growing wounds on Goofy.
  1633. >"If we want to distract, why not a number?"
  1634.  
  1635. "What, you mean like one or twelve?"
  1636. >Twilight shakes her head, slightly annoyed.
  1637. >"No, a dance number. Don't tell me your country never did dance numbers before."
  1638. >You quickly shake your head, attempting to save what credibility your excuse from earlier had.
  1639. "No, no, I know about that. I, uh, am just a little rusty from my adventures."
  1640. >Twilight nods, smiling in an attempt to make you relax.
  1641. >"That's fine, I'll start and you can follow at your own pace."
  1642. >Just then, something quite odd happened: music started playing.
  1643.  
  1644. >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhyhP_5VfKM
  1645.  
  1646. >Initially, you thought you heard drums in the background, but dismissed it as your imagination.
  1647. >Then you began to hear the honest-to-god instruments coming to life in a lively jazz tune.
  1648. >It was almost enough to distract you from Twilight, but then you see her dancing.
  1649. >Oh goodness, that dancing.
  1650. >Her movements looks more like flailing around, her eyes closed tight as her hooves swing aimlessly about.
  1651. >Is this how ponies normally dance in this world?
  1652. >Still, when in Rome...
  1653.  
  1654. >You slowly start feeling the jive and beat in your hooves, your body swinging to the rhythm.
  1655. >You've never danced much while a human, and it's no less awkward with four legs and forelegs.
  1656. >However, it does become easier as time goes on, your body, really feeling it as the music moves through you.
  1657. >"That's the way, Sora!"
  1658. >Eventually, you convince yourself to try out Twilight's style, which is much harder to emulate than you thought.
  1659. >But soon the two of you are nearly in synch with each other as the music reaches the energetic finale!
  1660. >As the music reaches it's crescendo, you notice a white aura surrounding everyone as Goofy's wounds seem to completely vanish!
  1661.  
  1662. >All the while, the Alpha has been staring at the two of you go at it for five minutes, jaw agape in confusion as your perfectly performed terrible dancing continues.
  1663. >It seems the poor creature's brain has been overloaded with all the sensations flowing into it, which gives Fluttershy enough time to get to the first timberwolf and tend to its burns and scratches.
  1664. >In fact, it seems that the distraction was so effective that Fluttershy is now halfway done with treating the second timberwolf!
  1665.  
  1666. >Donald and Goofy look at the two of you with awe.
  1667. >"...What was that?"
  1668. >Twilight looks at the perfectly healed Goofy with surprise, then rubs her chin in thought.
  1669. >"Dance numbers have latent magic in them naturally, but not enough to cure wounds. Sora and my own dancing must have been so in synch that there was a harmonious magic overload."
  1670. "You mean that we could use this again, if we needed to?"
  1671. >Twilight nods.
  1672. >"Hypothetically, it should be possible. However, the results might differ depending on our synch, and I doubt we can do this again so soon."
  1673. >You look back to the still stunned Alpha, considering what you've just learned.
  1674.  
  1675. >From what you can see, you've successfully managed to stun the Alpha temporarily.
  1676. >You doubt this can last more than a hearty while, but it should be enough to buy Fluttershy the time she needs.
  1677. >Due to your perfect synch with Twilight, the harmonious magic overload from your dancing has restored everyone to fighting strength.
  1678. >While you probably won't be able to replicate it for some time, this could be a helpful tool later.
  1679. >You consider your options as the Alpha sits dumbly.
  1680.  
  1681. [New Combo learned: Dance, Dance, Dance!]
  1682.  
  1683. [Cost: 50% of current MP from Sora and Twilight once per battle]
  1684.  
  1685. [Effect: Group heal based off of Perform rolls. Depending on the synchronization, different side effects may occur, such as Charm, Stun, Silence, and Death. Different songs for the dance numbers may add different bonuses.]
  1686.  
  1687. >Current Stats:
  1688.  
  1689. Sora: 25/25 HP, 12/44 MP
  1690. Donald: 14/14 HP, 53/65 MP
  1691. Goofy: 27/27 HP, 27/32 MP
  1692. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 37/75 MP
  1693. Flutershy: 10/10 HP
  1694.  
  1695. 1.5 out of 4 Timberwolves tended to.
  1696.  
  1697. "Donald, Twilight, go help out Fluttershy with those timberwolves. The faster we can heal them up, the sooner we can hopefully calm this big boy down."
  1698. >Twilight looks back to the still dazed Alpha with some worry.
  1699. >"Won't splitting up make it harder to keep its attention away from Fluttershy?"
  1700. >You thump your chest with your hoof and give a confident smile.
  1701. "Don't worry about it, Goofy and I will be more than enough to keep its attention away from you guys."
  1702. >Still somewhat uncertain Twilight and Donald head their way to Fluttershy regardless, as you look to Goofy with a more serious expression.
  1703. "Alright, Goofy, let's set up a tripwire and push the Alpha into it when he gets back up."
  1704. >"You got it!"
  1705.  
  1706. >While Goofy does his own preparations for charging, you begin setting up the tripwire.
  1707. >You haven't had much experience with trapmaking like this before, but you manage to get a proxy set up with two trees and a somewhat sturdy vine.
  1708. >After testing the tautness of the vine, you give a thumbs up to Goofy, who gives his own before bracing himself to the side of the Alpha.
  1709. >While this is going on, you notice Donald and Twilight using their magic to accelerate Fluttershy's own efforts.
  1710. >By the look of their work, they're almost done with the third timberwolf when you notice the Alpha stirring in your peripheral.
  1711.  
  1712. >Shaking its head, the Alpha turns its head and notices the three next to the injured timberwolves.
  1713. >The Alpha howls in anger, mistaking the healing efforts in its fit of dark-fueled rage!
  1714. "Goofy, now! We need to keep it away from Fluttershy!"
  1715. >Goofy nods and charges, roaring his own battlecry as flesh struck wood.
  1716. >The two large bodies struggle against each other for a while, neither giving way.
  1717. >Eventually, you notice Goofy losing his ground, the Alpha pushing back with vigor.
  1718. >With one final push, the Alpha tosses Goofy back, sending him hard on his back!
  1719. >Almost immediately ignoring him, the Alpha sets its sights once more onto the distracted trio.
  1720.  
  1721. "This is bad."
  1722. >If the Alpha manages to ambush those three right now, who knows what kind of damage it would do to them.
  1723. >Even the injured timberwolves might be at risk.
  1724. >Just then, in the midst of your concern, you notice a chance of opportuity.
  1725. >The Alpha's current path is about to intersect with your trap.
  1726. >You psyche yourself up as you take to the sky, the blind side of the Alpha your target.
  1727. >As the wolf finally makes it to your trap, you charge yourself, determined to keep it from its goal!
  1728. >The timberwolf looks up at the last moment and notices your rapidly approaching form.
  1729. >It attempts to brace itself once more, but you're too fast for the creature.
  1730.  
  1731. >The force from you colliding into the Alpha feels like charging right into a huge tree.
  1732. >You don't blame Goofy for not being able to push it into your trap.
  1733. >But somehow, either by your force or its surprise, you manage to push it just enough for the vine to catch its footing and cause it to stumble back!
  1734. >...Unfortunately, you aren't able to stop your newfound momentum, and crash into the Alpha's tumble, sending the two of you into a nearby tree.
  1735. >Before you can get up and get your bearings, you feel a heavy paw pushing you down.
  1736. >Looking up, you see the Alpha, baring its teeth at you and seething with darkness.
  1737.  
  1738. >As the large timberwolf opens its jaws, you hear a choir of howls from behind it.
  1739. >The Alpha looks up in surprise, then turns around to see all four timberwolves in decent condition running up to it.
  1740. >You cough a little as the Alpha removes its paw and joins the rest of them, and you see your friends making their way to you.
  1741. >"Sora!"
  1742. >"Are you alright?"
  1743. >Stifling a cough, you nod.
  1744. "A bit crushed, but not nearly as bad as it could have gotten. So you managed to heal the timberwolves while we kept the big guy busy?"
  1745.  
  1746. >Fluttershy nods, pointing out the meat the wolves are currently devouring.
  1747. >"I had some extra food as well, so I gave it to them after treatng them. Timberwolves normally only eat ponies out of desperation."
  1748. >That would certainly explain the hungry looks they were giving earlier.
  1749. "Well, if they're not going to attack us any more, I say we should continue to search for the manticore. The longer we stay here, the more likely we'll run into something else."
  1750. >Everyone nods and prepares to leave, but before you can get going, Fluttershy points behind you.
  1751. >"Oh, it's the Alpha! I wonder what it wants with us?"
  1752. >You turn around to see the large timberwolf, no longer exuding darkness, making its way towards Fluttershy.
  1753. >Before you can stop it, the Alpha rubs the side of its head with Fluttershy and licks her face, causing her to giggle.
  1754. >"Oh my, hehe, that tickles!"
  1755. >Goofy and Donald have a chuckle as Twilight looks on in interest.
  1756. >"I think the Alpha wants to help us out in thanks, especially for you, Fluttershy. What do you think, Sora?"
  1757. "As long as its not gonna chomp us from behind, the more help the better, right?
  1758.  
  1759. >"Oh, it won't do something like that, would you, boy? Would you?"
  1760. >The once intimidating beast rolls over in play at Fluttershy's doting, making him look far less menacing than before.
  1761. "She sure is good with animals."
  1762. >Twilight nods and looks forward with renewed determination.
  1763. >"Alright, everypony, let's find that manticore!"
  1764. >With a friendly wag of its tail, the Alpha joins with the rest of you, as the rest of its pack return to their home.
  1765.  
  1766. [Fluttershy now has the Alpha as a stand-in member. While in combat, the Alpha will fight for Fluttershy and take damage in her stead.]
  1767.  
  1768. [The Alpha takes twice the amount of fire damage, but half the amount of physical damage than normal, and has a stronger physical attack (2d8 + 2). In addition to this, the Alpha has two unique skills: Howl of the Pack, and Team Player.]
  1769.  
  1770. [Howl of the Pack buffs all rolls by +2, and gives the team +5% HP regen for three turns. However, this can only be done once per battle.]
  1771.  
  1772. [Team Player is a passive that grants the Alpha a +1 in Hit and Damage when fighting an enemy that another teammate is targetting. The bonus will increase by +1 for every teammate atacking the target.]
  1773.  
  1774. >Trees.
  1775. >Even for a forest, there sure seems to be a lot of trees.
  1776. >If it weren't for the waymarks Twilight and Fluttershy were placing, you could easily see getting lost amongst the foliage.
  1777. "Are you sure we're going the right way, Fluttershy?"
  1778. >You look to the pony happily sitting on the recently befriended timberwolf.
  1779. >"Well, according to Twilight's research, this should be close to the Manticore breeding grounds."
  1780. >Twilight nods with a confident smile.
  1781. >"Yep, that should be right just around the corner."
  1782. >As you turn the bend, you notice some shapes moving in the distance.
  1783. "Look over there, that must be it. Come on!"
  1784.  
  1785. >Donald points towards an apparent shortcut through this odd blue grass.
  1786. >"Let's cut through the blue grass. It'll save time."
  1787. "Good idea, Donald."
  1788. >"Blue grass...?"
  1789. >Twilight turns around in confusion, then in horror as the three of you hustle through the grass.
  1790. >"Sora! Donald! Goofy! Wait!"
  1791. >"Oh no..."
  1792.  
  1793. >By the time Twilight was shouting, the three of you were already on the other side of the field.
  1794. "What was that, Twilight?"
  1795. >The two worried ponies make their way to you, Twilight more annoyed than before.
  1796. >"The path led around those, you idiots! Now you're infected with Poison Joke!"
  1797. >Goofy scratches his head in confusion.
  1798. >"Ya mean poison oak?"
  1799. >"No, Poison Joke. It's a type of plant in the Everfree that plays a practical joke on your physical appearance."
  1800. >Donald looks at her worry with skepticism.
  1801. >"That doesn't sound too bad."
  1802.  
  1803. >"It can seriously affect your performance. It made my horn all floppy last time!"
  1804. >"I don't want to say what happened to me..."
  1805. >You raise your hands to calm the two small ponies down.
  1806. "Now, now, Twilight. I'm sure it won't be that ba-"
  1807. >Wait.
  1808. >Hands?
  1809. >You look at your now human body with surprise.
  1810. >This hasn't happened before, thankfully in some cases like Atlantica.
  1811.  
  1812. >You turn to Donald and Goofy, who are also their original forms, and are just as surprised as you.
  1813. >Turning back to a very shocked Twilight and Fluttershy, you chuckle nervously and rub the back of your head.
  1814. >"What happened to you guys? This isn't like any kind of Poison Joke case I've ever seen!"
  1815. "Uh... Woah, yeah! What is this weird transformation that totally happened out of nowhere! Right, guys?"
  1816. >You try your best to send your most subtle wink and nudge to Donald and Goofy, who catch it about as well as Twilight did.
  1817. >"Huh? Oh yeah, this is totally a complete surprise to us. What do you think this strange form is Goofy?"
  1818. >"Not a clue, hyuck!"
  1819.  
  1820. >You see Twilight's face scowl some, clearly not buying any of your excuses.
  1821. >But before she can interrogate you about anything, you hear a loud, ferocious roar coming from the other side of the foliage.
  1822. "A lion?"
  1823. >Fluttershy's eyes widen as she realizes the sound.
  1824. >"No, a manicore! We need to hurry!"
  1825. >"But I'm not done with-! Urrgh! Fine, but I expect answers after this!"
  1826. >You nod to Twilight, leading the charge around the foliage in your human form.
  1827.  
  1828. >What you see next surprises you.
  1829. >Cages, all lined up with injured animals, surround the area.
  1830. >In the back of all these cages, you can see a group of Heartless harassing what you assume is the Manticore you've been looking for.
  1831. >The most notable Heartless is a fat one, not unlike a Large Body, but with the garb of someone out for a safari.
  1832. >As you get closer, it seems to be holding a toy rifle with a cork stop in it with one hand, and a chair in the other.
  1833. >The manticore is standing ferociously at the group of Heartless, but even you can tell that she's probably on her last legs from the injuries on her.
  1834. >But still it stands, teeth, claw, and tail ready to take out any who get closer.
  1835. >"This is horrible..."
  1836. >Fluttershy is almost in tears at the sheer animal abuse as your grip on the Keyblade tightens.
  1837. "We've gotta get rid of these things before the manticore gets hurt anymore!"
  1838. >"Right!"
  1839. >You all charge in on the mob, ready to take them on!
  1840.  
  1841. Sora, Donald, Goofy, Twilight, and Fluttershy(Alpha) VS Danger Game, 4 Soldiers, 2 Air Soldier, 2 Green Rhapsodies, and 4 Shadows
  1842.  
  1843. GO!
  1844.  
  1845. [While in their normal form, Sora and Donald no longer can fly, and Sora loses his Perform bonus. In exchange, new Keyblade techniques Home Run Derby and Strike Raid have been unlocked.]
  1846.  
  1847. >"I'll freeze them up. Blizzard!"
  1848. >A gout of ice shoots out of Twilight's horn and slams hard into one of the Air Soldiers focused on the Manticore.
  1849. >The ice begins to creep up the Heartless's legs, and soon encases it entirely in ice!
  1850. >The block of ice and dark clunks onto the ground, the Air Soldier's expression one of surprise.
  1851. >As if taking that as a cue, a Shadow melds quickly into the ground, retreating from Twilight with haste.
  1852.  
  1853. >Meanwhile, a Soldier twitches a little, then leaps against the Manticore, slicing its side and inducing a roar of pain from the mother.
  1854. "Stop that! We're your real opponent!"
  1855. >You place your feet firm to the ground, taking the position of a batter looking for a run.
  1856. "Batter up!"
  1857. >You swing hard at the Shadow in front of you, connecting and sending it flying towards the other Air Soldier still standing.
  1858. >Your swing was better than your aim, however, for the Shadow completely misses the airborne Heartless by a long shot, and crashes into a nearby tree.
  1859. >"Leave that poor manticore alone. Alpha!"
  1860. >The large timberwolf howls and lunges at one of the Green Rhapsodies, biting hard into it, but not quite finishing it off as the Heartless slips out of its jaws.
  1861.  
  1862. >The batted Shadow melds into the the ground as the Danger Game looks at you with fascination.
  1863. >The rotund hunstman lifts its toy gun at you and fires the cork top from it in your direction!
  1864. >Despite your efforts to dodge, the toy shot hits its target true, leaving glancing damage and a minor welt on your side.
  1865. "Are cork tops supposed to sting this much?"
  1866. >Goofy spins straight into the crowd of Heartless, missing most of them, but catching Danger Game and a Soldier in his spin!
  1867. >The Soldier is unable to withstand the force of Goofy's onslaught, and splatters across the trees before dissolving.
  1868. >Danger Game, however, takes the damage in stride, stumbling somewhat from the blast, but still full of energy.
  1869.  
  1870. >Another Soldier gangs up on the manticore as well, mercilessly swiping at the injured beast.
  1871. >Meanwhile the final Soldier leaps at Alpha, harmlessly smacking its wooden exterior as it bounces back.
  1872. >The two remaining Shadows meld into the ground while the Green Rhapsodies sprinkle their green dust on themselves and Danger Game, recovering some of their wounds.
  1873. >"Deep Freeze!"
  1874. >Donald shoots another glacial spat at the remaining Air Soldier, heavily injuring the Heartless but not quite killing or freezing it.
  1875.  
  1876. >The manticore roars in anger, manipulating its tail to target the first Soldier that attacked her.
  1877. >The stinger strikes true, skewering the Soldier and bisecting it before it dissolves into the earth.
  1878. >Twilight looks worriedly at the situation.
  1879. >"It'd be a disaster if all the Heartless targeted the manticore at once. We need to get their attention away from her!"
  1880.  
  1881. >From what you can see, two Soldiers have bit it, but there's still quite a lot of Heartless yet.
  1882. >The Air Soldiers seem on their last legs, either frozen or terribly injured, and the Rhapsodies aren't fast enough to heal them before you can get to them.
  1883. >All the Shadows are underground right now, and it doesn't look like they'll pop out any time soon.
  1884. >The Danger Game is currently eyeing Goofy, a sinister grin on its face, for whatever reason.
  1885. >The manticore can clearly defend herself, but has no means of healing.
  1886. >You consider what to do next, as the battle rages on.
  1887.  
  1888. >Current Stats:
  1889.  
  1890. Sora: 22/25 HP, 44/44 MP
  1891. Donald: 14/14 HP, 61/65 MP
  1892. Goofy: 27/27 HP, 27/32 MP
  1893. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 71/75 MP
  1894. Fluttershy (Alpha): 10/10 HP (40/45 HP)
  1895.  
  1896. Manticore Matriarch: 65/80 HP
  1897.  
  1898. >The Shadow originally fleeing from Twilight finally regains its courage during your pondering and emerges right next to the Manticore, swiping weakly at the cornered creature.
  1899. >"I'll try and recover some of the manticore's wounds. Heal!"
  1900. >Twilight's horn shines a bright white as the restorative energies quickly seal some of the manticore's wounds.
  1901. "Let's try some dual-handed action. Thunder Blade!"
  1902. >You focus as a blade of lightning in your other hand, giving you more power behind your attacks.
  1903. >"Alpha, let's try and distract some of these Heartless."
  1904. >The timberwolf nods as Fluttershy places some incense onto it, increasing its enmity and making it a larger threat.
  1905. >As if on cue, a nearby Shadow bites the bait and emerges at the Alpha, weakly slicing at its hard, wooden exterior.
  1906.  
  1907. >The Danger Game lets out a laugh as a bright red light emanates from the toy gun.
  1908. "Look out, Goofy! It's gonna do something with its gun!"
  1909. >Before Goofy can react, a huge gout of flame erupts from it, severely burning him and singeing the Matriarch in its arc.
  1910. >"Yaaah-hoo-hoo-hoo-hooey!!!"
  1911. >Almost as if retreating from the fire, Goofy spins back towards the injured Air Soldiers and Green Requiems.
  1912. >The frozen Heartless can't move out of the tornado of fiery destruction, and the other Air Soldier and Requiems are unable to escape it either.
  1913. >All four of them suffer the entire onslaught, bursting into darkness as Goofy finally reaches his true target.
  1914. >The ground.
  1915. >"Stop, drop, and roll! Stop, drop, and roll!"
  1916. >After a moment of rolling the fires out, Goofy gets back up and sighs in relief while the rest of you stare in awe.
  1917.  
  1918. >One of the remaining Soldiers hops over to Goofy and gives him a good wallop for the embarrassing performance.
  1919. >The other leaps at Alpha and strikes hard against the timberwolf, cutting deep and dealing far more damage than the other Heartless!
  1920. >As if taking that as their cue, one of the remaining Shadows pops out of the ground and continues to swipe at the Alpha's wound, dealing considerable damage!
  1921. >Meanwhile, the final Shadow remains underground, seemingly watching the events unfold before acting.
  1922. >"Let's give Alpha some protection. Ice Bulwark!"
  1923. >Donald's staff lights a bright blue as a coat of ice surrounds the timberwolf, granting some extra defenses.
  1924. >The manticore lifts its paw in rage and slams it down on the Shadow that attacked her, utterly crushing it under her weight.
  1925.  
  1926. >From what you can see, Goofy managed to take out the airborne enemies in his rush to put out the fire.
  1927. >Speaking of fire, the fact that Danger Game can do something like that is certainly something to consider with Alpha's weaknesses.
  1928. >The Alpha and Goofy have taken some major damage from the onslaughts directed at them, but are still in fighting condition.
  1929. >Two of the remaining three Shadows are out of their protection, and can probably be taken care of quickly.
  1930. >The two Shadows are also relatively close to the Shadows surrounding the Alpha and Goofy.
  1931. >The fight has gotten considerably easier, but it's certainly not over yet, as you contemplate your next action.
  1932.  
  1933. >Current Stats:
  1934.  
  1935. Sora: 22/25 HP, 30/44 MP
  1936. Donald: 14/14 HP, 54/65 MP
  1937. Goofy: 11/27 HP, 22/32 MP
  1938. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 68/75 MP
  1939. Fluttershy (Alpha): 10/10 HP (20/45 HP, 10/10 Ice Bulwark)
  1940.  
  1941. Manticore Matriarch: 60/80 HP
  1942.  
  1943. >"Heal!"
  1944. >Twilight focuses as another white glow surrounds Goofy, restoring some of his wounds.
  1945. >You plant your feet to the ground once more, intent on making up your poor accuracy from before.
  1946. "And he goes for the swing-!"
  1947. >The Keyblade connects hard against the Shadow's face, sending it flying towards its companion!
  1948. >Thankfully, your aim has gotten better, as the Shadow essentially becomes a mobile bomb, bursting from the damage and severely harming its friend.
  1949. >Alpha lets out a loud howl and chomps into the Soldier that injured it so badly, swinging it around like a ragdoll before throwing it back, darkness leaking out of the wound!
  1950.  
  1951. "Goofy, try to get the big guy's attention before-"
  1952. >Almost as if mocking you, the Danger Game's eyes glint as it raises its gun towards the Alpha, pulling the trigger and sending another corktop at the large timberwolf.
  1953. >...Which sails harmlessly overhead and plinks against a nearby tree, barely leaving a mark as it falls to the ground.
  1954. "...Well that was anticlimactic."
  1955. >The two Soldiers remaining take swipes at Goofy and the Alpha, dealing minimal damage thanks to Goofy's bulk and Alpha's icy shield.
  1956. >As if wanting to make up for the lackluster damage of their allies, the Shadows leap at both targets as well, missing completely and landing face first into the dirt for their efforts.
  1957.  
  1958. >"Time to take out the trash. Come, Thunder!"
  1959. >Donald raises his staff like the mighty Thor, a dark cloud looming overhead as bolts of lightning strike the earth.
  1960. >The bolts hit true but for one Soldier that dodges behind a tree just in time, smiting the other one and the remaining Shadows into dust.
  1961. >As nothing seems to be targeting her for the time being, the Manticore Matriarch stands defensively, keeping an eye on all the combatants, and looking for anyone stupid enough to attack her.
  1962.  
  1963. >From what you can see, you outnumber the Heartless now, thanks to Donald's divine fury.
  1964. >The remaining Soldier is close enough to pummel to submission, and the Danger Game seems too preoccupied by Goofy and the Alpha to pay any attention to the manticore.
  1965. >Alpha and Goofy are still rather injured, but should be in a good enough state to take a few more hits, not including the Danger Game's flamethrower.
  1966. >The Manticore is still in good condition, especially with most of the heat on her gone.
  1967. >Strangely enough, you've noticed that she hasn't moved from that spot ever since the battle started, practically fighting defensively.
  1968. >You ponder this, as well as your options, as the battle becomes one-sided.
  1969.  
  1970. >Current Stats:
  1971.  
  1972. Sora: 22/25 HP, 30/44 MP
  1973. Donald: 14/14 HP, 50/65 MP
  1974. Goofy: 15/27 HP, 20/32 MP
  1975. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 68/75 MP
  1976. Fluttershy (Alpha): 10/10 HP (20/45 HP, 1/10 Ice Bulwark)
  1977.  
  1978. Manticore Matriarch: 60/80 HP
  1979.  
  1980. >"As stupid as this sounds. that toy gun's way too dangerous, especially for our wooden friend here."
  1981. >Twilight's horn glows white as Alpha's wounds begin to seal up.
  1982. "Agreed. I'm gonna try and break it!"
  1983. >You pull your arm back, then toss the Keyblade at the Danger Game, intent on disarming the faux hunter.
  1984. >The Keyblade does hit the Heartless hard, but misses the intended target, bouncing off its girth before returning to you.
  1985. >"I'm sorry, Goofy, we need you to be more of a distraction..."
  1986. >Fluttershy places some more incense on Goofy's clothes, making him a more important target to the Danger Game, who aims at him next.
  1987. >Unfortunately for the Danger Game, its aim as not improved any, as the cork top once again flies aimlessly into the forest.
  1988. >"C'mon!"
  1989. >Goofy readies his shield arm and bashes it hard into the Danger Game's side, dealing severe damage to the hunter.
  1990. >The remaining Soldier attempts once more to swipe at the Alpha, but pitifully misses its mark as the timberwolf leaps away.
  1991. >"Goofy!"
  1992. >Donald's staff glows once more as a bright light surrounds Goofy, restoring some of his health.
  1993. >"Thanks, pal!"
  1994. >Meanwhile, the Manticore stands ready, wary of any who are stupid enough to approach.
  1995.  
  1996. >From what you can see, not much has changed in terms of quantity.
  1997. >However, you've managed to harm the Danger Game quite a bit, its safari attire slightly shredded from your assault.
  1998. >The only Soldier remaining is being completely harmless with its attacks, but it never hurts to be prepared.
  1999. >While the Alpha's suffering some leftover dmage, Goofy's now in perfect fighting condition.
  2000. >This battle will probably be decided soon, as you ponder the best way to finish this quickly.
  2001.  
  2002. >Current Stats:
  2003.  
  2004. Sora: 22/25 HP, 25/44 MP
  2005. Donald: 14/14 HP, 47/65 MP
  2006. Goofy: 27/27 HP, 20/32 MP
  2007. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 65/75 MP
  2008. Fluttershy (Alpha): 10/10 HP (28/45 HP, 1/10 Ice Bulwark)
  2009.  
  2010. Manticore Matriarch: 60/80 HP
  2011.  
  2012. "Let's hurry and finish this. Batter up!"
  2013. >You plant your feet and swing hard at the bumbling Soldier, sending it flying at the Danger Game at an alarming speed.
  2014. >The two connect, moderately hurting both of them as the Alpha begins its charge!
  2015. >Unfortunately, its cleave goes wide, whiffing in the air as it hops back.
  2016. >"Oh, don't worry about it, Alpha, it happens to everypony."
  2017. >"Take that!"
  2018. >Goofy spins towards the two injured Heartless, a merciless glint in his swings.
  2019. >He hits the Soldier and Danger Game hard, completely obliterating the Soldier, but barely not managing the Danger Game.
  2020.  
  2021. >Alone, barely alive, and perchance with the thought that it won't get its catch, the Danger Game's eyes light up as it roars in anger.
  2022. >Lifting its toy gun, the tip begins to glow a bright hot red as the Heartless begins to flail around!
  2023. "Look out, it's gonna use the fire again!"
  2024. >But too little, too late for Goofy, who take the brunt of the firestorm, dealing considerable damage to him as you notice he isn't the only victim.
  2025. >Due to the Danger Game's flailing, the gout of flame is hitting all the nearby trees, setting them alight!
  2026. >Almost as if to say, "If I can't catch this manticore, no one will!"
  2027.  
  2028. >Fluttershy looks in horror as the Alpha begins to whimper at all the fire surrounding them.
  2029. >"The animals are still in their cages! We need to get them out of here!"
  2030. >Twilight shakes Fluttershy a bit to regain her composure, a serious look on her face.
  2031. >"First we need to take this thing out, before it can do any more harm! Donald, let's put this thing on ice. Blizzard!"
  2032. >"Blizzard!"
  2033. >The two magicians' spouts of ice shoot through the air, striking the Heartless hard and going through it, leaving two holes through the Danger Game before it dissolves into the ground.
  2034.  
  2035. >The good news is that you've managed to stop the Heartless from harming the Manticore too bad.
  2036. >The bad news is that the Danger Game's final spectacle has set the Everfree Forest on fire!
  2037. >Twilight looks around at all the caged animals, then picks up a strange key from where the Danger Game was iced.
  2038. >"This looks like the key we need to open those cages, but with the fire spreading, they might not have enough strength or time to flee. What should we do, Sora?"
  2039. >From what you can see, the fire's spreading rather fast, with some trees almost halfway on fire.
  2040. >The caged animals are freaking out, but don't seem to have too much strength from the wounds the Heartless inflicted.
  2041. >What should you do to keep this fire from devouring the Everfree, with you in it?
  2042.  
  2043. >Your mind races through potential solutions.
  2044. >Perhaps a backburn with some of the trees?
  2045. >But the time it'd take to burn and extinguish them would take too long.
  2046. >If only there was some way to magically make it rain around here.
  2047. >But even then it might not be fast enough to save your hides.
  2048. >You look down to your Keyblade, ready to serve your commands, when it hits you.
  2049. "Donald, let's try combining our magic."
  2050. >"What are you talking about?"
  2051. "Your Blizzard, my Fire. We should be able to make water or something, right?"
  2052. >Donald scratches his chin in ponderance as the flames dance.
  2053. >"It's possible. But we'll need a lot more time then that fire's giving us."
  2054.  
  2055. "Then we'll make time. Twilight, we need you to cast Blizzard on the Fire!"
  2056. >Twilight looks at you with bewilderment, before it clicks.
  2057. >"Oh, you want to try and create water through fire and ice. I'll buy you some time, then. Deep Freeze!"
  2058. >Twilight's horn shoots out a steady stream of ice that collides against the growing flames with a startling hiss.
  2059. >Fluttershy and Goofy are currently doing their best to help the animals out of their cages and escape, so you and Donald prepare your catalysts for the combination spell.
  2060. >"Let's hope this works. I don't think we'll have enough time for a second try."
  2061. >You shoot Donald a grin with confidence you don't have.
  2062. "What's the worst that can happen? Now, together!"
  2063.  
  2064. >"Blizzard!"
  2065. "Fire!"
  2066.  
  2067. >Your Keyblade and Donald's staff glow red and blue as the primal elements burst out of them, the force taking you both by surprise!
  2068. "Oof! This is a lot rougher than I was expecting it to be."
  2069. >"Hold on!"
  2070. >The shaking continues, the two opposing elements violently mashing into each other before a new light appears at the end.
  2071. >Purple.
  2072. "...Is that supposed to happen?"
  2073. >"You're asking me? WAH!"
  2074.  
  2075. >Just then, a violet spray of water violently shoots out of the combination, spraying an innocent tree before the two of you direct it towards the fires Twilight is frosting.
  2076. >"Did you manage to- GLARGLBLARGLGLARB!"
  2077. >Twilight turns around just to see the purple stream crash into her, covering her and the fires with the odd-colored water.
  2078. "H-how d-do we s-stop this c-crazy thi-i-ing?"
  2079. >"H-how should I kn-kn-know?"
  2080. >The water continues to splash the fires out, one by one, until the final ember is suffocated under Poseidon's wrath.
  2081.  
  2082. >With that, the glow from your catalysts fade, and the two of you collapse from the mana exhaustion.
  2083. >You look up into the air and stare at all the slightly burnt, but not completely killed trees.
  2084. "That... was awesome."
  2085. >Donald heaves a bit from the exertion on his poor constitution.
  2086. >"Never... never again."
  2087. >But wow, that sure was an impressive display of combined magic.
  2088. >I wonder if Twilight saw-
  2089. "Twilight!"
  2090.  
  2091. >The two of you shoot up to see a very drenched, very peeved Twilight glaring at the two of you.
  2092. >"You could have at least warned me first!"
  2093. "Sorry, it just kinda came out on it's own."
  2094. >Twilight uses her magic to wring her hair, purple water draining onto the floor.
  2095. >"Uggh, there's so much in my hair. And I think I got some in my mouth..."
  2096. >Donald abruptly talks before the two of you lose your E rating.
  2097.  
  2098. >"What's important is that we're all okay, right?"
  2099. >Everyone nods, save for Fluttershy, whose gaze betrays her worries.
  2100. >You follow her gaze and see the slightly charred manticore, still defensively looking at all of you for any sudden movements.
  2101. "What should we do about her, Fluttershy?"
  2102. >"She's hurt and scared. Let me try to calm her down before we do anything."
  2103. >Fluttershy daintily glides over to the injured manticore, earning a growl, but not much else.
  2104. >"Shh... It's okay, now, dear. We've taken care of those meanies for you, so just relax, and I can help you."
  2105. >Almost as if magic, the manticore slowly drops to the ground with a thud, revealing three other manticore cubs, scared out of their wits and mewling at their mother.
  2106.  
  2107. >"It's alright, little ones, mommy's just tired from Keeping you safe. I'll take good care of her, so have some food for now."
  2108. >Fluttershy takes out some more pieces of meat and offers them to the cubs, who slowly begin to feast upon them while she begins her work.
  2109. >Meanwhile, you feel yourself slowly shrinking, as the Poison Joke finishes its course.
  2110. >Soon you, Donald, and Goofy are Pegasus, Griffin, and Diamond Dog once more.
  2111. >As you ponder why the Poison Joke did such a thing, Twilight turns to you, wearing a very serious expression,
  2112. >"You've been lying to us, haven't you?"
  2113.  
  2114. >The suddeness of the question hits you like a bag of bricks, your brain thinking of the best response to this.
  2115. "Huh?"
  2116. >Perfect.
  2117. >"You knew more about the darkness than you initially lead us to believe. You can use magic with that strange key of yours, besides being a pegasus. You had no clue about dance numbers until an hour ago. And you all seemed way too comfortable in those forms than you should have been."
  2118. >Twilight sighs.
  2119. >"Look, I appreciate what you've done here, and you all have saved lives. I just don't want us to have all these lies between us. Are you hiding more from us? Are you the cause of all this? Please, just be honest with me."
  2120.  
  2121. >"We're friends, aren't we?"
  2122.  
  2123. >The final question hits you hard, while you recall the last time you were figured out.
  2124.  
  2125. As the key bearer, you must already know one must not meddle in the affairs of other worlds.
  2126.  
  2127. >To be frank, you really just came here to check things out, but after being here for so long, you've grown some attachment to these talking horses.
  2128. >Is it truly so bad to tell the truth?
  2129.  
  2130. The key bearer shatters peace and brings ruin.
  2131.  
  2132. >There's always the chance that telling the truth will lead to more troubles down the road.
  2133. >The World Order exists for a reason: to keep the knowledge of other worlds from falling into the wrong hands.
  2134.  
  2135. >You look back to Twilight, looking at you for answers.
  2136. >You look to Fluttershy, doing her best to heal the Manticore.
  2137. >You look to Donald and Goofy, their eyes betraying their own conflicts.
  2138. >Perhaps this was the practical joke: to show the emperor had no clothes.
  2139.  
  2140. >Whatever decision you make, to lie or tell the truth, you feel like there will be severe repercussions in the future.
  2141.  
  2142. >What will you do, key bearer?
  2143.  
  2144. >You think long and hard on this choice, both the pros and cons of each choice.
  2145. >Twilight's been a good friend, for somepony whose only known you for a day, basically.
  2146. >It doesn't seem right to keep her in the dark like this.
  2147. >Then again, the World Order exists for a reason, and you'll probably only invite danger to her and her world by telling the truth.
  2148. >As you ponder your options, you feel a warmth in your chest.
  2149. >Your heart is telling you to do what feels right, rather than worrying about what could happen.
  2150. >And you're not foolish enough to ignore your own heart.
  2151. >After all, your friends are your power.
  2152.  
  2153. "Twilight, what I'm going to tell you is intended only for your ears, but you can tell others if you trust them."
  2154. >"Sora!"
  2155. >You looks back to the shocked and slightly angry Donald with a serious glare of your own.
  2156. "There's no way we're going to get anywhere here without help, and Twilight's smart enough to take us seriously."
  2157. >Twilight nods, taking your directions with the utmost seriousness.
  2158. >"Okay. So who are you really?"
  2159. "We haven't necessarily lied about our identities. I'm Sora, he's Donald, and he's Goofy. But we aren't what we look like right now: rather, we look like when we were affected by the Poison Joke."
  2160.  
  2161. >"So you're not from a far-off kingdom, then."
  2162. >You shake your head and point to the sky.
  2163. "You see the stars in the sky every night, right?"
  2164. >Twilight nods slowly, confused by your question.
  2165. "What if I told you that every star you see is another world, with their own kinds of life and atmosphere?"
  2166. >At first she laughs at your question, then looks shocked as your face doesn't change its seriousness.
  2167. >"There are other worlds? Ponies have barely explored Equestria, and you're telling me there's other worlds? That's amazing! This kind of information could change everything!"
  2168.  
  2169. >You hold a hoof up to Twilight, interrupting her mania as you continue.
  2170. "There's a reason why we tried to avoid this topic. Like every living thing, all worlds have hearts too. The Heartless search for hearts to devour, and are attracted to a world's heart like a moth to flame."
  2171. >"What happens if the Heartless take a world's heart?"
  2172. "Well, without their heart, the world becomes overwhelmed by darkness, its inhabitants either consumed by the dakrness or sent to other worlds."
  2173. >The excitement in Twilight's eyes turns into horror, as she realizes the true extent of the danger.
  2174. >"Is there any way to stop the Heartless?"
  2175. >You nod and point to the Keyblade on the ground.
  2176. "Every world's heart is hidden behind a Keyhole, and the Keyblade can be used to seal them and prevent the Heartless from getting to it. It's part of the reason we came here, we're looking for the Keyhole so we can keep this world from fading."
  2177.  
  2178. >Twilight looks to the ground, processing the information and catching the general gist of your meaning.
  2179. >"So the scientist you talked about who researched the darkness..."
  2180. "Was consumed by the darkness and attempted to snuff out all light in all the worlds.That's why even minor research into darkness is a risky thing to do. The lure of darkness is strong, but it will slowly take everything from you."
  2181. >Perhaps even more depressed than before, she looks back to Fluttershy slowly but surely tending to the more amicable manticore.
  2182. >"So you were helping us because you wanted to find the Keyhole."
  2183. >You shake your head as Donald and Goofy gather round as well.
  2184. "That might have been our original intention."
  2185. >"But now we want to help you guys out and make this place peaceful again."
  2186. >"Yeah! After all, what are friends for? Hyuck!"
  2187.  
  2188. >Twilight smiles at your statements, a few tears coming from her eyes.
  2189. >"Thank you all. I think I'll keep this a secret for now, but I think the girls and I can help you find the Keyhole after we finish up our leads."
  2190. >You put your hoof out, Donald and Goofy putting their claw and paw on top of it.
  2191. "You betcha. And we'll help you guys 'till the end."
  2192. >"All for one!"
  2193. >"And one for all!"
  2194. >Twilight hesitates for a moment, before placing her own hoof in the pile, determination in her eyes.
  2195. >"Let's do this together, then."
  2196.  
  2197. >Resolving this issue rather amicably, the four of you make your way back to Fluttershy and the freed animals.
  2198. >You hear a snap and rapid flight to the right of you, but when you look, all you see are trees and naturally fallen branches.
  2199. "Must have been another animal."
  2200. >Shaking your head, you catch up to your friends, Twilight talking to Fluttershy while Goofy and Donald are playing with the cubs.
  2201. >"So they're alright now? Thank goodness."
  2202. >Fluttershy nods, a genuine smile of relief plastered on her face.
  2203. >"All I need to do now is return the cub back to her, and they can be a happy family again. Thank you so much, Sora, Donald, and Goofy. I don't think we'd have been able to save all the animals without your help."
  2204. >The three of you smile back, relieved that you saved not only these innocent creatures, but also your friendships.
  2205. >There will probably be consequences for dropping the truth of other worlds here, but for now you feel confident that you made the right choice.
  2206.  
  2207. >The trip out of the Everfree Forest was surprisingly uneventful, thanks to your markers and expereince with the Poison Joke.
  2208. >Eventually the five of you make it back to Fluttershy's cottage, the Alpha still in tow.
  2209. "You think it's going to stay with you, Fluttershy?"
  2210. >The normally shy pony scritches the Alpha's ears, making it roll on its back in joy.
  2211. >"I don't think this little guy's going to abandon its pack, but I'll make sure to send him back after I return the cub. Oh, before you go, take this."
  2212. >Fluttershy hands you ten incense sticks and a very sturdy wooden claw.
  2213. >"I thought you might need those incense sticks in the future, so here's some for the road. Oh, and alpha claws are said to give inner strength, so I thought it'd be a good luck charm of sorts."
  2214. >You take the gifts and thank Fluttershy before turning back to the road to society and setting off.
  2215. >"Good luck! Thanks again!"
  2216.  
  2217. >As you make your way to town, you turn to Twilight for directions.
  2218. "So where is 'weather duty' anyways? I don't think I've ever heard of it before."
  2219. >Twilight motions to the sky as you continue walking.
  2220. >"Pegasi can effect the weather by kicking clouds to disperse or activate them."
  2221. >So you really could've gotten a rain cloud to magically come to douse the forest fires?
  2222. >Ponies are weird.
  2223. >Goofy scratches his head in confusion.
  2224. >"So where are we supposed to find folk the do the weather everywhere?"
  2225. >I don't think that'll be a proble, Goofy. The weather crew should be done with their workshift by now, so Rainbow's probably at her house right now.
  2226. "Let's go, then."
  2227.  
  2228. >As you arrive at Rainbow Dash's house, you marvel at the seemingly impossible house made of clouds in the sky.
  2229. "Pegasus can build and live on clouds too?"
  2230. >Twilight giggles at your reaction, to your slight annoyance.
  2231. >"You really don't know anything about ponies, do you?"
  2232. "Well, I-"
  2233. >"It's fine, Sora, Anyways, let's get Rainbow's attention. Rainbow Dash! We're here about Derpy!"
  2234. >Silence exudes from the house, Twilight becoming more annoyed as she takes another deep breath.
  2235. >"Rainbow Dash!"
  2236.  
  2237. >"You called?"
  2238. >Donald jumps in surprise while you flinch at the voice close to your ears.
  2239. >You turn around to see Rainbow Dash, grinning at your reactions.
  2240. >Especially Donald's, who looks angry and ridiculous in Goofy's large arms.
  2241. >"Sorry, sorry, I couldn't resist. So it's time to investigate Derpy, huh?"
  2242. >You nod, looking around you.
  2243. "Yeah. Does she live around here, or something?"
  2244. >Rainbow Dash shakes her head, slightly annoyed.
  2245. >"She managed to slip out after our shift. Nopony even saw her leave, but she disappeared without a trace!"
  2246.  
  2247. >Donald, finally out of Goofy's grasp and slightly calmer, finally pipes up.
  2248. >"So how are we supposed to find a pegasus if we don't know where she is?"
  2249. >Rainbow Dash grins in response as she points towards three large clumps of clouds heading towards a huge castle in the distance.
  2250. >"There were some rogue clouds that appeared in the sky a while ago, and they all seem to be headed towards Canterlot. Thing is, that Canterlot's not expecting rain until next week."
  2251. "So somepony's moving those clouds towards Canterlot, then?"
  2252. >"Probably. Though for what purpose, I have no idea.
  2253.  
  2254. >Twilight looks at Rainbow with skepticism.
  2255. >"Why do you think Derpy's that way? That could just be any pegasi moving the clouds."
  2256. >"Come on, Twilight, you know none of this makes sense. Derpy disappeared like magic, now there's weird clouds going where they're not supposed to go. Coincidence is leaving the station, Twilight, and we're losing time arguing."
  2257. >Twilight sighs in resignation as she concedes.
  2258. >"Fine, we'll go after them. But which one should we go after first?"
  2259.  
  2260. >On closer examination, the three clouds all have different looks to them.
  2261. >The one on the right rumbles loudly, even from here, and is dyed black like a storm cloud.
  2262. >The one on the left is pale and somewhat fluffy in appearance.
  2263. >The one in the middle is very oddly shaped, somewhat like a mountain, or upside down ice cream cone.
  2264. >According to Rainbow Dash, Derpy is most likely moving all these clouds, and is hiding on one of them.
  2265. >Which cloud do you wish to check first?
  2266.  
  2267. [Obtained 10x Incense and Alpha Claw. The Incense is a limited Misdirection that can be used by anyone. The Alpha Claw grants a +1 Strength modifier to its holder.]
  2268.  
  2269. [Pegasus Sora has learned the skill Weather Control. Using 5 MP, Sora can grab a cloud from the sky and kick it for varying effects, such as rain, lightning, and snow. There is also the chance that kicking a cloud might result in it dispersing, wasting your turn.]
  2270.  
  2271. "That oddly shaped cloud looks the most suspicious. I say we check that one out first."
  2272. >"An oddball cloud for an oddball pony, huh? Ow!"
  2273. >Rainbow Dash receives a sharp elbow for her crack by Twilight, who turns towards Goofy.
  2274. >"Unlike Rainbow, Sora, and Donald, we can't walk on clouds, so I'll cast a Cloudwalk spell on us both. Just stand still..."
  2275. >Twilight focuses as she and Goofy are surrounded with a grey light, eventually settling on their feet and hooves.
  2276. >"Gawrsh, I feel a bit funny."
  2277. >It's just the magic. Now we'll be able to get onto the clouds."
  2278. "One question: how are we supposed to catch up to the clouds?"
  2279. >Twilight points over to a nearby purple hot-air balloon.
  2280. >"Goofy and I will use the balloon to catch up to you guys, so the rest of you can go ahead and fly to it. Ba safe, you guys!"
  2281. >As Twilight and Goofy leave the three of you to the Balloon, Rainbow Dash slaps a hoof onto your shoulder and grins.
  2282. >"So..."
  2283. "So?"
  2284. >"How fast would you say you are?"
  2285.  
  2286. >Apparently nowhere as fast as Rainbow Dash, as you and Donald can barely keep up to her zooming towards the clouds.
  2287. >"Come on, you slowpokes, it's like you were just born with wings!"
  2288. >"Don't know the half of it..."
  2289. "Not now, Donald."
  2290. >As the three of you continue through the air, you notice some familiar dark spots in the approaching distance.
  2291. "Rainbow Dash, look out!"
  2292. >She catches your warning just in time to avoid the clawed swipe of a winged Heartless with a helicopter hat, and it's two friends.
  2293. >"Woah! What's the big idea, you creeps?"
  2294. >Donald catches up and readies his staff, while you materialize your Keyblade.
  2295. >"These are the Heartless we talked about before."
  2296. >Rainbow looks closer at the floating Heartless before smiling excitedly.
  2297. >"You mean these guys are looking for a fight? Bring it on!"
  2298. >The three of you ready yourselves as the Air Soldiers buy time for the clouds.
  2299.  
  2300. Sora, Donald, and Rainbow Dash VS 3 Air Soldiers
  2301.  
  2302. GO!
  2303.  
  2304. [Twilght and Goofy are not available during this fight.]
  2305.  
  2306. [As a guest, Rainbow Dash has no known values, but has Weather Control and the unique skills High Jump and Crescent Slice.]
  2307.  
  2308. [High Jump has Rainbow Dash leap or fly into the air, unable to command for one turn. After one turn, she will land on the intended target, dealing 3d8 + 3 damage. If the intended target is already defeated, she will automatically target another opponent.]
  2309.  
  2310. [Crescent Slice can be activated immediately, allowing Rainbow Dash to attack all enemies with a standard attack. However, she will be unable to command for the next turn for cooldown.]
  2311.  
  2312. >Before any of you can act, one of the Air Soldiers makes a rush at you, claws ready to strike!
  2313. >Thankfully you notice early enough to evade the blow, leaving the Heartless to whiff and tumble through the air.
  2314. "Time to give you some extra firpower, Dash. Fire Blade!"
  2315. >In Rainbow Dash's mouth, a blade of fire forms, giving her an extra edge with her attacks.
  2316. >"Thanks, Sora. Let's wipe this up in one blow!"
  2317. >In a blink, Rainbow Dash disappears in a rainbow blur, circling herself for a clean run.
  2318. >She deems the angle appropriate and begins her charge, slamming, slicing, and burning all three Air Soldiers, dealing considerable damage!
  2319. >"Drat, these things are made of sterner stuf than I thought."
  2320. >Donald's staff glows an icy blue as a wintery veil surrounds Rainbow Dash.
  2321. >"This should help deal some more damage."
  2322.  
  2323. >Almost as if on cue, the sturdiest Air Soldier goes for Rainbow Dash, claw in the air.
  2324. >The strike hits true, cutting deep into Rainbow and dealing considerable damage!
  2325. >"Gah! That hurt a lot for such stupid looking things."
  2326. "These creatures are dangerous. Don't give them an inch!"
  2327. >Rainbow Dash nods as she gracefully dodges the slowest Air Soldier, the Heartless harmlessly kicking at nothing.
  2328. >"That last attack took some wind out of me. I think I need a breather."
  2329.  
  2330. >From what you can see, the Air Soldiers are all damaged, but not out of the fight yet.
  2331. >Rainbow Dash is currently cooling down, and is unable to do anything for a while.
  2332. >Her last stunt seems to have earned some ire with the Air Soldiers, and without intervention, it seems they will continue to target her.
  2333. >You notice several clouds nearby, and recall what Twilight said about Pegasi and weather.
  2334. >If you're lucky, you could use one of those clouds to change the flow of battle, but you could get a dud instead.
  2335. >You consider your options, as this aerial battle continues.
  2336.  
  2337. >Current Stats:
  2338.  
  2339. Sora: 25/25 HP, 30/44 MP
  2340. Donald: 14/14 HP, 58/65 MP
  2341. Rainbow Dash (Cooldown): 13/21 HP, 20/20 MP
  2342.  
  2343. >The fastest Air Soldier rushes at the recovering Rainbow Dash, scoring a solid hit on her injured side!
  2344. "Let me try to take some attention away from you!"
  2345. >You fly over to one of the nearby clouds and drag it above the three Heartless.
  2346. "Let's hope this works."
  2347. >You ready your back hooves and kick hard, a cold feeling pushing back.
  2348. >In response to your kicking, the cloud spews forth a torrent of snow, injuring all the Air Soldiers and burdening their movements!
  2349. >Rainbow Dash, still recovering from her last move, keeps an eye on the nearby Heartless to try and dodge any coming attacks.
  2350. >"Rainbow Dash!"
  2351. >Donald's staff lights up, a soft light surrounding Rainbow Dash and restoring her wounds.
  2352. >"Thanks, man!"
  2353. >You notice the two other Air Soldiers glaring at you through the snow, before they rush at you!
  2354. >You feel the force of their kicks and swipes, taking bad damage, but you also feel something sprouting up again.
  2355. >A red, hot feeling burning in your chest.
  2356.  
  2357. >Rage.
  2358.  
  2359. >"Oh boy, here we go again..."
  2360. >"Is Sora alright? It was only a few bruises."
  2361. >You hear these voices, but you can't understand what their saying.
  2362. >All you can see is how badly injured the two Soldiers who hurt you are.
  2363. >If you focus on them, they should go down easily, just like the Moth from earlier.
  2364. >You seethe in anger as you plan how best to bring the pain.
  2365.  
  2366. >Current Stats:
  2367.  
  2368. Sora (Berserk): 13/25 HP, 25/44 MP
  2369. Donald: 14/14 HP, 55/65 MP
  2370. Rainbow Dash: 18/21 HP, 20/20 MP
  2371.  
  2372. >Attempting to take revenge for your snowstorm, an Air Soldier attempts to kick your enraged form.
  2373. >You effortlessly dodge to the side and rush towards one of the Heartless that attacked you earlier.
  2374. "Take this!"
  2375. >Your rage-fueled blade bisects the offending Air Soldier in two, the pieces falling down to the earth before dissolving.
  2376. "YEAH!"
  2377. >You shout in victory, as a much deeper response echoes from down below.
  2378. >"YEAH!"
  2379. >If you weren't so angry right now, you might question where the voice came from.
  2380. >But slicing things up feels so good you ignore that conundrum.
  2381.  
  2382. >Rainbow Dash looks over to the nearby clouds as an idea pops in her head.
  2383. >"Be right back, guys!"
  2384. >She rushes over to a cloud and bring it over the remaining Heartless.
  2385. >"Let's see how you like this!"
  2386. >A swift kick unleashes a torrent of rain, soaking the two Air Soldiers and making it harder for them to concentrate!
  2387. >"Aw man, I was hoping for lightning. Aw well, rain's the next thing, I suppose."
  2388.  
  2389. >"Alright, Sora, I think you need to relax a little."
  2390. >A white light goes from Donald's staff and envelops you, restoring your wounds and clearing your mind.
  2391. "...Did I do it again?"
  2392. >Donald rolls his eyes and gives you a glare.
  2393. >"What do you think?"
  2394. "Hey, at least I'm productive with my anger."
  2395. >As the two of you argue, a rain-soaked Air Soldier makes a lunge at Rainbow Dash.
  2396. >Unfortunately, the water makes it hard for it to see, and it completely misses her, colliding into another cloud.
  2397. >"These chumps are on the ropes, so let's hurry and finish them off!"
  2398.  
  2399. >From what you can see with your clearer mind, the remaining Air Soldiers are on their last legs.
  2400. >Both of the Heartless are wet, and may be effected differently by spells.
  2401. >Everyone is now in good condition, and the Air Soldiers don't seem to be focused on anyone in particular.
  2402. >You consider your options, as this battle becomes one-sided.
  2403.  
  2404. >Current Stats:
  2405.  
  2406. Sora: 21/25 HP, 25/44 MP
  2407. Donald: 14/14 HP, 52/65 MP
  2408. Rainbow Dash: 18/21 HP, 15/20 MP
  2409.  
  2410. >Shaking off the rain, the fastest Air Soldier makes a swipe at Rainbow Dash, grazing her side.
  2411. >"Come on, Sora, let's kick these things' butts and keep going!"
  2412. "Right!"
  2413. >The two of you soar in different directions, flying some distance before turning around and charging the two Heartless.
  2414. >Your blows strike true, breaking the Air Soldier amongst your assault and dissolving them soundly!
  2415. >Rainbow Dash shakes the dark residue off her hoof before pointing at the cloud structures, slowly but surely getting away.
  2416. >"Looks like those things were buying time for the clouds. Let's hussle!"
  2417. "Yeah!"
  2418. >Rainbow Dash zooms on ahead, while you and Donald struggle to keep up.
  2419. >"You'd think she'd wait for us..."
  2420. "That pony sure likes to do things fast."
  2421.  
  2422. >The two of you finally make it to the oddly-shaped cloud, where Goofy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash are waiting.
  2423. >Impatiently in Rainbow's situation, a look of clear irritation on her face.
  2424. >"You guys are so slow. Even Twilight got here before you!"
  2425. >Twilight puts her hoof on Rainbow's shoulder, attempting to calm her down.
  2426. >"It's fine, Rainbow Dash, we're all here, aren't we?"
  2427. >"Yeah, and we're all together again. Hyuck!"
  2428. >Rainbow sighs, exasperated, then walks down the oddly made path through the cloud cluster."
  2429. >"Whatever. Let's just hurry and catch up to Derpy."
  2430.  
  2431. >You follow the path with Twilight, whispering to her so Dash can't hear you.
  2432. "Is she normally this hasty?"
  2433. >"She's the kind of girl that loves to go fast, and she is impatient to a fault."
  2434. >Twilight looks at Rainbow marching on ahead, a look of worry in her eyes.
  2435. >"Rainbow and Derpy have a complex relationship. Rainbow Dash has been rather harsh concerning Derpy's clumsiness."
  2436. >Goofy and Donald look at each other with concern as you continue your whispering.
  2437. "Her clumsiness can't be that bad-"
  2438. >"She dropped a flowerpot, an anvil, a cart with bales of hay, and a piano on me once."
  2439. >You all look in horror as she looks back with confusion.
  2440. >"What? I got better."
  2441.  
  2442. >You shake your head and continue.
  2443. "Okay, let's just assume she's clumsy. If Rainbow Dash dislikes her clumsiness, why is she so worried about her?"
  2444. >"Well, I have seen the two hanging out a lot more. I think Derpy's optimism and cheerfulness rubbed off a little on Rainbow, and they're more friendly with each other."
  2445. >Eventually, the five of you make it to the top of the cloud, and see a grey pegasi looking in the direction of Canterlot.
  2446. >"Derpy! There you are. What are you doing with all these clouds? Canterlot's not expecting any weather changes for a week, and we're not in that jurisdiction!"
  2447. >As Derpy turns around, you can tell immediately there's something wrong.
  2448. >"Oh, Dashie, you're just in time! I'm doing some preemptive work so that the Canterlot ponies don't have to."
  2449. >While her face and voice are certainly cheerful, you notice an aura of darkness surrounding the pony.
  2450.  
  2451. >Apparently not noticing the complete change of atmosphere in Derpy, Rainbow moves closer to her, annoyed but worried.
  2452. >"You know that we don't get paid for overtime like this. What if the Canterlot division sends a complaint to our boss? You're running out of jobs to fall back to."
  2453. >Derpy looks down, her smile still on her face as she looks at the cloudy floor.
  2454. >"...Oh, I know. My clumsiness has costed me quite a few jobs. Little Dinky's still in school, and I can't even guarantee her a secure childhood..."
  2455. >Rainbow Dash gets closer, and places a hoof on her shoulder, her expression softening.
  2456. >"That's right, so let's break these clouds and get back to Ponyvil-"
  2457. >"But if I do good, no, EXCEL at this job, they'll have to keep me, right?"
  2458. >Alarmed by her change in tone, Rainbow Dash slowly backs away, as the rest of you hurry closer.
  2459. >"D-Derpy?"
  2460. >"And that means I have to do better than anypony else..."
  2461. >You notice a glint and charge at Rainbow.
  2462.  
  2463. >"Especially you!"
  2464.  
  2465. "Rainbow, look out!"
  2466. >You collide hard into her, the two of you tumbling away, but safe from the surprise attack by Derpy.
  2467. >The cheerful facade's gone, a look of dangerous glee replacing it as a solid blade of darkness materializes in her mouth.
  2468. >Rainbow gets back up and is shocked by Derpy's transformation.
  2469. >"What's wrong with her?"
  2470. >The rest of your team meets up with you and prepare themselves while Twilight turns Rainbow's face to her own serious one.
  2471. >"Something's possessing Derpy, and we need to beat it out of her."
  2472. >You get up and materialize your Keyblade next to her while Heartless begin to climb out of the cloud.
  2473. "We need your help to save your friend, Rainbow Dash."
  2474.  
  2475. >Rainbow appears conflicted for a while, before hardening herself and facing the possessed Derpy.
  2476. >"Alright. We're going to help you, Derpy!"
  2477. >What used to be Derpy laughs as she readies herself as well.
  2478. >"Oh don't worry, Dashie, you can help me now. All you have to do is not be able to fly until I become irreplacable!"
  2479. >The five of you prepare for the worst as the battle is set on this weird cloud cluster.
  2480.  
  2481. Sora, Donald, Goofy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash VS Derpy, 2x Soldiers, and 2x Shadows
  2482.  
  2483. GO!
  2484.  
  2485. >"Ready or not, here I come, Dashie!"
  2486. >Derpy leaps at Rainbow Dash lunging with her shadow blade and cutting deep into her, dealing severe damage!
  2487. >"Gah! Snap out of it, Derpy!"
  2488. >Undeterred, Rainbow leaps back and rushes at all the enemies, bursting one of the Shadows and injuring everything other than a single Shadow that ducks out of the way.
  2489. >"Let's clear out the rest of these Heartless. Thunder!"
  2490. >Donald lifts his staff into the air, a black cloud materializing and crackling with power.
  2491. >Suddenly, multiple bolts of lightning burst out, striking across the battlefield and smiting the Heartless.
  2492. >While Derpy is able to escape the onslaught, she finds herself alone in this battle.
  2493.  
  2494. "Now's our chance! Let's go, everypony!"
  2495. >You leap at the possessed Derpy, scoring a solid hit against her and sending her sprawling on the cloud-ground.
  2496. >"Time to freeze some sense into you. Blizzard!"
  2497. >A torrent of ice shoots from Twilight, striking Derpy hard, but not quite solidifying on her.
  2498. >"Take that!"
  2499. >Goofy winds up a shielded punch, but Derpy sees this coming and jumps out of the way in time, Goofy's attack hitting nothing but air.
  2500. >Derpy giggles and looks at Rainbow again.
  2501. >"Oooh, that looks pretty bad. You might need to take the next week to heal that off. Then again, it wouldn't hurt to make sure."
  2502. >Rainbow pants as she grits her teeth, glaring at the possessed pony.
  2503. >"This isn't like you, Derpy! Stop this before anypony gets really hurt!"
  2504. "I don't think she can hear you, Rainbow, but we're going to help her back to her senses.
  2505.  
  2506. >From what you can see, your proactive assault has destroyed the Heartless accompanying Derpy.
  2507. >While Derpy is damaged, she still looks ready to fight, her eyes still partially on Raibow Dash.
  2508. >Rainbow's currently out of breath, her last attack and injury leaving her unable to do much.
  2509. >Everyone else is in peak fighting condition, ready to do anything they need to.
  2510. >You consider your options, as the battle for Derpy's Heart continues.
  2511.  
  2512. >Current Stats:
  2513.  
  2514. Sora: 25/25 HP, 44/44 MP
  2515. Donald: 14/14 HP, 61/65 MP
  2516. Goofy: 27/27 HP, 32/32 MP
  2517. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 71/75 MP
  2518. Rainbow Dash: 9/21 HP, 20/20 MP
  2519.  
  2520. >"Time to show the fruits of my labor!"
  2521. >Derpy pulls out a cloud from the ground and gives a good kick.
  2522. >A torrential downpour covers the field as everyone becomes drenched in water!
  2523. >"Hmm... Still need some practice, I suppose."
  2524. >Rainbow continues to catch her breath, wincing in pain from the wound.
  2525. >"If Derpy's attention is on Rainbow, we need to keep her protected!"
  2526. >Donald's staff lights a bright blue as a frosty shield surrounds Rainbow Dash, granting her some extra protection.
  2527.  
  2528. "I'm gonna try pinning her down!"
  2529. >You charge at Derpy, colliding hard against her and fighting to get a solid hold on her.
  2530. >Unfortunately, Derpy manages to squirm out of your grapple, swiftly flying back to safety.
  2531. >"Rainbow will need a lot more than a shield if Derpy keeps focusing on her. Heal!"
  2532. >Twilight's horn glows white as a soothing light surrounds Rainbow Dash, healing her injury.
  2533. >"C'mon!"
  2534. >While Derpy's still in the air, Goofy leaps up and connects with his shield, knocking Derpy out of the air and crashing her to the cloud below.
  2535.  
  2536. >Coughing a little from the impact, Derpy gets back up, a smile on her face.
  2537. >"You're all pretty good, but I can't stay here. I need to check up on the other clouds, so have fun with one of my friends!"
  2538. "Wait!"
  2539. >Derpy flies off, but before you can do anything to catch her, a giant green Heartless with a demonic face and comically large bag falls down from the sky.
  2540. >The Heartless lands with a soft thud, rising up and unleashing a ferocious roar!
  2541. >Rainbow Dash finally catches her breath as she looks at the new foe.
  2542. >"Looks like Derpy wasn't alone in making these clusters. Let's beat this bozo and catch up to her!"
  2543.  
  2544. >From what you can see, Derpy has fled the battlefield, and a new opponent has appeared.
  2545. >The muscles on the Heartless are menacing, but the bag also makes you suspicious.
  2546. >Whatever you do, it might be best to hurry and take this one out to catch up to the fleeing pegasus.
  2547. >You consider your options, as the Foolish Jinn enters.
  2548.  
  2549. >Current Stats:
  2550.  
  2551. Sora: 25/25 HP, 44/44 MP
  2552. Donald: 14/14 HP, 56/65 MP
  2553. Goofy: 27/27 HP, 27/32 MP
  2554. Twilight: 16/16 HP, 66/75 MP
  2555. Rainbow Dash: 18/21 HP, 20/20 MP 10/10 Blizzard Bulwark
  2556.  
  2557. >"Time to take flight. Keep it distracted, everypony!"
  2558. >Rainbow Dash soars high into the air, disappearing from vew, but still with a presence on the field.
  2559. >"Goofy, we're going to need you to distract this thing."
  2560. >Donald casts another frosty Bulwark, surrounding Goofy's shield with ice.
  2561. "Rainbow, catch! Thunder Blade!"
  2562. >A bolt of lightning is heard, but never seen as Rainbow catches the bolt sword, ready to bring on the pain.
  2563. >"Here's some extra protecton, Goofy! Thunder Shroud!"
  2564. >A layer of electricity engulfs Goofy, granting him some protection with potential counters.
  2565.  
  2566. >The Foolish Jinn pulls his giant bag out and opens it at the four of you on the ground.
  2567. >While nothing seems to happen initially, you hear a nasty rumbling as the wind around you changes.
  2568. >"Look out!"
  2569. >Goofy dodges out of the way in time, but you, Donald, and Twilight are unable to escape the hurricane of pain!
  2570. >The three of you crash into each other and the cloud walls, severly harming Donald and Twilight before you all crash back to the ground.
  2571. >"Hey, pick on someone yer own size!"
  2572. >Goofy yells, taunting the Heartless while pushing his shield out, provoking the monster's ire.
  2573. >The rest of you get up painfully, Donald groaning while Twilight winces.
  2574. >"That bag's dangerous. I don't think Donald or I can survive another attack like that."
  2575.  
  2576. >From what you can see, the battle has quickly turned to the Jinn's favor.
  2577. >Donald and Twilight are badly injured from that attack he unleashed from his bag, and you didn't come out unscathed either.
  2578. >Thankfully, it looks like the Heartless's attention's currently on Goofy, and the bag is deflated.
  2579. >Rainbow Dash is currently somewhere higher, ready to drop on the enemy with her Thundr Blade.
  2580. >You consider your options as the battle continues.
  2581.  
  2582. >Current Stats:
  2583.  
  2584. Sora: 16/25 HP, 30/44 MP
  2585. Donald: 4/14 HP, 49/65 MP
  2586. Goofy: 27/27 HP, 27/32 MP 10/10 Blizzard Bulwark
  2587. Twilight: 5/16 HP, 59/75 MP
  2588. Rainbow Dash: 18/21 HP, 20/20 MP 10/10 Blizzard Bulwark
  2589.  
  2590. "Donald, Twilight, heal up! Goofy, Rainbow, let's bring on the pain!"
  2591. >"Right!"
  2592. >Donald and Twilight's magical catalysts glow a soft white, surrounding the two and healing their wounds.
  2593. >Meanwhile, the reamining three of you wait as the Foolish Jinn lifts its bag and swings it down hard, striking Goofy.
  2594. >Fortunately, the Bulwark absorbs the blow, while the Shroud burns the Heartless, causing it to recoil in pain!
  2595.  
  2596. "All right, let's do this, everypony! Take this!"
  2597. >While not as effectively as your normal form, you fling the Keyblade from your mouth and strike the Foolish Jinn, knocking it back towards Goofy, lying in wait.
  2598. >"Take that!"
  2599. >With a mighty swing, Goofy's shield connects hard into the Heartless sending it flying further into the air!
  2600. >As it hurtles into the air, you catch a rainbow glint as the speedster rushes to the opponent flyng at her.
  2601. >"Incoming!"
  2602. >The rest of you manage to retreat to a safe distance as the two forces collide, Rainbow overcoming the Jinn's momentum with her speed and tackling him towards the clouds.
  2603.  
  2604. >The force of the impact shoots a ridiculous amount of air from the Heartless, speeding its descent and making its bag fly off into the air!
  2605. >In less than a minute, the two crash into the cloud, bursting through the "floor" and continuing through the cluster!
  2606. "Is that supposed to happen?"
  2607. >Twilght looks down the hole in worry.
  2608. >"Clouds aren't the most stable, but it doesn't look like she's gone through the whole cluster yet, so-"
  2609. >As Twilight is talking, a burst of lightning shoots out of the hole, catching you all off guard!
  2610. >"Rainbow!"
  2611. "Rainbow Dash!"
  2612.  
  2613. >After a moment of silence, a slightly smoky Rainbow Dash flies out of the hole, coughing slightly, but otherwise alright.
  2614. >"Was totally not expecting a thundercloud in this cluster. Big guy's down for the count, so let's keep moving."
  2615. "You sure? We could patch you up a bit-"
  2616. >Rainbow quickly flies up into the air, basically ignoring your point.
  2617. >"I'll just fly it off, these clouds are still moving, and Derpy's still out in large."
  2618. >Regardless of her refusal, Twilight ruffles through her satchel bag before stopping abruptly.
  2619. >"Huh."
  2620. "What is it, Twilight?"
  2621. >She proceeds to pull out 5 cupcakes with wrappers on them, to keep them from messing up the inside.
  2622. >"I don't recall putting these here..."
  2623. >Donald looks inside the bag as well and pulls out a letter in a bright blue envelope.
  2624. >"Look, a letter."
  2625.  
  2626. >Twilight opens the letter and begins to read aloud to the three of you.
  2627.  
  2628. >"Heya, Twilight!"
  2629.  
  2630. >"I was walking back to the Sugarcube Corner when I totally realized that I forgot to give you some cupcakes for the road!"
  2631. >"So I sent Gummy to sneak into your satchel bag and drop off the cupcakes."
  2632. >"Hugs and kisses, Gummy!!!!!"
  2633.  
  2634. >You notice a small weight on your head as a tiny alligator with no teeth is lazily watching Twilight read along with you.
  2635.  
  2636. >"Anyways, I'm guessing you're with Rainbow right now, and things haven't gone very well with Derpy."
  2637. >"I know that, when I apologize to friends, food always helps!"
  2638. >"My shift's about to start, so I'm going to wrap this up and give the goods to Gummy."
  2639. >"Hope they help!"
  2640. >"Love, Pinkie."
  2641.  
  2642. "Well that's nice of her to do."
  2643. >You say, Gummy riding on your back before Twilight interrupts you.
  2644. >"Hold on, there's something else on the back."
  2645.  
  2646. >"P.S. Hey, Sora, I've got a question for you: Polka or Disco?"
  2647.  
  2648. >You look at the postscript in confusion as Rainbow comes down and announces her discovery.
  2649. >"I couldn't find her, but the other two clouds are doing some real strange stuff. The thundercloud clusters crackling with electricity, and I think I saw icicles on the other one."
  2650. >Twilight scratches her chin as she ponders.
  2651. >"She could be on either one, but we should expect a fight either way. What's your call, Sora?"
  2652. >You consider your options, as well as the intricate differences between Polka and Disco.
  2653.  
  2654. [Found 5x Cupcakes: heals 1d8 + Cha HP.]
  2655.  
  2656. [Gummy has joined the team! You... aren't quite sure what he can do, but the more help the better, right?]
  2657.  
  2658. >Disco definitely seems the better of the two, as you follow everyone back to the hot air balloon tethered to the cluster you're on.
  2659. >As Twilight, Goofy, and Gummy all board the vessel, Twilight's eyes light up.
  2660. >"I wonder if I could look around to see which cloud Derpy could be on?"
  2661. >You look at Twilight with some skepticism as Rainbow does her stretches to prepare herself for flight.
  2662. "From what Rainbow said, the path should be cold by now."
  2663. >Upon hearing such a challenge, Twilight's chest fills up with pride.
  2664. >"Not to brag, or anything, but I pride myself as something of a detective. Goofy, could you help me with making a list?"
  2665. >"Sure thing, Twilight!"
  2666. >Twilight hovers a quill and parchment to Goofy, who tries his best to delicately hold them in his meaty paws.
  2667.  
  2668. >"Good! First thing we'll need to do is check out trace darkness particles in the air. Derpy's aura had to have left a trail somewhere."
  2669. >"Alright, 'trace dark-'"
  2670. >"Then we'll need to check the contrails and potential feather drops on nearby clouds."
  2671. >"U-um, 'contrails and feathers'..."
  2672. >"It also wouldn't hurt to gauge the magical energies coming from-"
  2673. >You look at Goofy trying his hardest to keep up with Twilight's list making, the quill looking worse for wear each time.
  2674. "Twilight sure does like her lists, huh?"
  2675. >Rainbow rolls her eyes as she makes her way up in the air.
  2676. >"Twilight has to make a list about everything. I don't know how Spike handles that kind of nagging."
  2677. >The three of you can only watch hopelessly as Twilight's list grows ever larger and Goofy's quills start breaking quicker.
  2678.  
  2679. >"Alright, this should be enough for a list, and the list for the list.Thanks for your help, Goofy."
  2680. >"N-no problem, Twilight..."
  2681. >Twilight rolls up the two lists and starts up the balloon.
  2682. >"We'll run through this and find Derpy. Go ahead and search as well."
  2683. >With that, the three of them take off while Rainbow begins moving off.
  2684. >"We're wasting time, let's keep moving."
  2685.  
  2686. >As you, Donald, and Rainbow are looking over the nearby clouds for clues, you notice a lone, dark cloud hiding amongst the others.
  2687. "Hey, Rainbow, what's this?"
  2688. >Rainbow flies over and pulls out the cloud.
  2689. >"Looks like another thundercloud that got shoved in with the rest of them. We should take this with us, lightning might be pretty effective later on."
  2690. >You nod and get a solid hold onto the cloud, your fur standing up from its electrical fury.
  2691. "Let's keep looking around. With any luck, we should be able to find some..."
  2692. >"Heartless!"
  2693.  
  2694. >You turn around to see Donald pointing out four orbs of darkness materializing in the distance.
  2695. >Out of the pops out three winged Heartless with burly arms and striped bandanas, in addition to a large pirate ship with a Heartless steering it.
  2696. >And from the way they're moving, it looks like they're headed towards Twilight's hot air balloon!
  2697. "We gotta stop them! Come on!"
  2698. >The three of you rush towards Twilight, Goofy, Gummy, and the Heartless, managing to block their route before they got too close.
  2699. "It looks like Twilight's still doing her work, so let's take these pirates out before they reach her!"
  2700. >"Right!"
  2701. >The pirate Heartless look at you for a moment before charging!
  2702.  
  2703. Sora, Donald, and Rainbow Dash VS 3x Air Pirates and 1x Battleship
  2704.  
  2705. GO!
  2706.  
  2707. [Obtained 1x Thundercloud: Provides one guaranteed Lightning Weather Control. Disappears after one use, and can only be used by Sora or Rainbow Dash.]
  2708.  
  2709. "Let's spread out the damage, Rainbow Dash! Fire Blade!"
  2710. >Your Keyblade lights up, a blade of crimson red forming in Rainbow's mouth, ready to deal its fiery assault.
  2711. >"Sure thing, Sora. Eat my dust, pirates!"
  2712. >Zooming back to gather momentum, Rainbow charges the group of Heartless, landing solid hits and burns to each of them!
  2713. >In retaliation, one of the Air Pirates attempts to kick you, but it's too slow, as you manage to fly over the blow.
  2714. >The second Heartless has better luck, as you fly up and meet its fist, knocking you back as Rainbow avoids the final Air Pirate's kick.
  2715.  
  2716. >The Battleship begins whirring and clicking, the cannon's sights on Rainbow as it fires a comically large cannonball.
  2717. "Rainbow, look out!"
  2718. >Your warning comes too late, as the projectile explodes in her face, dealing heavy damage as she recoils in pain.
  2719. >"Blizzard Shroud!"
  2720. >Donald's staff lights a bright blue as a layer of frost surges around her, giving her a means to fight back while she takes a breather.
  2721. >"Thanks, Donald. That cannon hits way too hard for how silly it looks."
  2722.  
  2723. >From what you can see, the enemy has taken heavy damage, but so has Rainbow Dash.
  2724. >With her Crescent Slice, she won't be able to do much next turn, so you and Donald will have to pick up the slack.
  2725. >While the Air Pirates are a threat on themselves, the Battleship does seem rather silly.
  2726. >The parts click around and shake, almost like it's a shoddily made replica.
  2727. >You consider this information, and your options, as Twilight continues her investigations in the distance.
  2728.  
  2729. >Current Stats:
  2730.  
  2731. Sora: 18/25 HP, 30/44 MP
  2732. Donald: 14/14 HP, 58/65 MP
  2733. Rainbow Dash (Cooldown): 13/21 HP, 20/20 MP
  2734.  
  2735. "Time to shut down thaose cannons. Donald, take care of Rainbow Dash!"
  2736. >You fly towards the Battleship, the Heartless clearly not expecting a point-blank battle.
  2737. >You fly around the Heartless, taking swipes at the Cannons and striking hard: breaking the artillery and dealing minor damage to the ship itself!
  2738. >"Good going, Sora! Now that chunk of wood has nothing to defend itself with!"
  2739. >Rainbow cheers as she catches her breath from her earlier attack.
  2740. >The Air Pirates continue their assault, two of which aim for the recovering Rainbow Dash!
  2741. >Thankfully, she manages to avoid one of their kicks, but was unable to avoid the other, taking more damage.
  2742.  
  2743. >The Air Pirate targetting you manages to sucker punch you while you're not looking, injuring you, but making yourself happy that you defanged the Battleship.
  2744. >...Which was what you were thinking before the Heartless's engines begin flaring up as the mast goes full sail!
  2745. >The front of the Battleship lights up a menacing purple as the giant ship charges at you, knocking you back quite a ways.
  2746. >"Sora!"
  2747. >The world spins around you as the momentum continues to hurtle you into a pile of clouds nearby.
  2748.  
  2749. "Ow..."
  2750. >You pull yourself out of the clouds, dusting some fluff off of yourself as you fly back to the others.
  2751. "It turns out it has more than it's cannons to attack with."
  2752. >"If only Twilight were here. It's hard being the only one who can heal wounds."
  2753. >Donald's staff lights up once more as a curative light surrounds Rainbow, restoring her injuries.
  2754. >Shaking off the pain, Rainbow grits her teeth harder on the flame sword in her mouth.
  2755. >"Then let's make sure we wrap this up quick!"
  2756.  
  2757. >From what you can see, the Air Pirates are all still in the condition they were earlier: injured, but ready to fight.
  2758. >The Battleship has lost its cannons, so you won't have to worry about it's hard-hitting artillery.
  2759. >Unfortunately, it seems to have a new trick up its sleeve: a charge that doesn't hit as hard, but still is dangerous.
  2760. >Something you did notice from when the Battleship charged was that the Mast and Engines were especially vulnerable.
  2761. >However, it seems thatdamaging the parts won't do much to the main Battleship unless you strike hard.
  2762. >Everyone but you seems to be in a good condition to fight.
  2763. >You consider your options as the aerial dance continues.
  2764.  
  2765. >Current Stats:
  2766.  
  2767. Sora: 10/25 HP, 30/44 MP
  2768. Donald: 14/14 HP, 54/65 MP
  2769. Rainbow Dash: 15/21 HP, 20/20 MP
  2770.  
  2771. >Suddenly, you feel a searing hot stab in your gut, your anger taking over the reins as you notice something.
  2772. >That is one nice ship.
  2773. >And you want it.
  2774. "Get over here, I want to try out your ride!"
  2775. >You charge towards the Battleship, its captain surprised as you board the vessel and attempt to take over!
  2776. >"Looks like it's time to bring on the thunder!"
  2777. >Rainbow Dash pulls out the thundercloud you found earlier and gives it a hard kick.
  2778. >The cloud erupts into a hail of lightning bolts, striking all the Heartless and severely harming all of them!
  2779.  
  2780. >Two of the Air Pirates descend on Rainbow, while one goes after your raging form.
  2781. >While you're able to shrug off the blows as you grapple the captain, Rainbow Dash is nowhere near as lucky.
  2782. >The Heartless manage to sucker punch and kick her around, catching her by surprise and knocking her into a nearby cloud.
  2783. "Rainbow! You're going to pay for that!"
  2784. >Your anger grows as you manage to get the Heartless into a solid grip and hold it over the edge.
  2785. "Consider this a mutiny, Captain."
  2786. >You drop the Heartless over the edge, not bothering to look as it has a date with gravity.
  2787.  
  2788. >Taking the wheel, you turn the ship to face the three Air Pirates, unknowing that you've taken the ship as your own.
  2789. "Full speed ahead, it's ramming time!"
  2790. >The engines light up as the mast takes full sail, the front of the ship glowing purple as the former Battleship charges at the trio.
  2791. >The ship connects with all of them, destroying one of the Air Pirates and putting the other two on the ropes.
  2792. >Unfortunately, the worn Battleship didn't have the strength to survive the impact, dissolving from under you as the damage finally finishes it off.
  2793. >Ah well, that was fun.
  2794.  
  2795. >"Sora, come to your senses!"
  2796. >A white light surrounds you as your injuries and pain recede greatly, restoring your mind as well.
  2797. "...What happened? Where did the ship go?"
  2798. >Rainbow slowly gets up, her body clearly pushing itself as the severe injuries try to weigh her down.
  2799. >"Y-you really need to work on that anger, man. It would've been more helpful if it came sooner..."
  2800. "Rainbow, you're hurt! We need to get you to-"
  2801. >Rainbow holds a hoof up and looks at you defiantly, a strong fire still burning in her eyes.
  2802. >"I can still... fight. I'm not letting those things near my friend."
  2803.  
  2804. >While your were consumed by anger, it seems that a lot has happened.
  2805. >The Battleship is thankfully gone, along with one of the Air Pirates.
  2806. >The other two seem really weak as well, and probably won't take much to defeat.
  2807. >Your biggest worry, however, is Rainbow Dash.
  2808. >Whatever happened to her, she's barely hanging on with her injuries, and it would be best to wrap up quickly.
  2809. >You consider your options as the battle continues.
  2810.  
  2811. Sora: 22/25 HP, 30/44 MP
  2812. Donald: 14/14 HP, 49/65 MP
  2813. Rainbow Dash: 1/21 HP, 20/20 MP
  2814.  
  2815. "Rainbow needs healing, so let's finish this quick! I'll run interception if anything gets past her!"
  2816. >You fly to the blindside of the Pirates, ready to counter them if they survive.
  2817. >"Stop being such a pain, and disappear already!"
  2818. >Rainbow pushes herself as she moves back, her trajectory set as she glares at the weakened Pirates.
  2819. >With a rainbow explosion, she rushes at the two Heartless, gritting her teeth in pain and determination.
  2820. >The blow strikes directly against the necks of the Heartless, decapitating them and dissolving the threats!
  2821.  
  2822. >"And that's how you do it."
  2823. >Rainbow smirks and puffs her chest out in pride, as she slowly begins to lose altitude.
  2824. "Rainbow Dash!"
  2825. >You manage to catch the injured pony in time, Rainbow groggily noticing your save.
  2826. >"S-sorry, I think that took a bit out of me..."
  2827. >"Stay awake, Rainbow Dash! Heal! Heal!"
  2828. >Donald's staff goes into overtime as he hurries to recover her wounds.
  2829.  
  2830. >A few pancicked moments and an empty magic pool later, Rainbow stretches her wings and other muscles.
  2831. >"A little sore still, but I should be good for now. Thanks, Donald."
  2832. >"It'd be better thanks not to get in trouble like that..."
  2833. >Donald grumbles under his breath as Rainbow laughs it off.
  2834. "Now let's catch up to Twilight. She should have found where Derpy is by now."
  2835. >The three of you fly towards the approaching air balloon, where a worried Twilight and Goofy are waiting for you.
  2836.  
  2837. >When you finally get close enough to hear, Twilight immediately starts talking.
  2838. >"Are you alright? We hear explosions and fighting, and we saw that Rainboom. Were there Heartless over there? What happen-?"
  2839. >Rainbow Dash holds up a hoof to stop the torrent of questions.
  2840. >"It's fine, Twilight. We just had a run-in while you were investigating. Speaking of which, were you able to find anything?"
  2841. >Twilight's eyes light up as Goofy pulls out paperwork that should've clearly made this thing sink long ago.
  2842. >"Thanks to Goofy's assistance, I can say with 97.9% certainty that Derpy's currently on the thunder cluster."
  2843.  
  2844. >"Whaddya mean '97.9%'? Didn't you have all that time to look around?"
  2845. >Twilight looks annoyed at Rainbow, sighing in exasperation as she explains.
  2846. >"I'm not a miracle worker, Rainbow. Nothing is 100% guaranteed, not even things you plan ahead of time. Regardless, we're getting closer to Canterlot, and we need to decide."
  2847. >She looks back to you, determination in her eyes.
  2848. >"My research indicates that it's very likely that Derpy's on the thunder cluster right now, but she could always be on the other one. Which one do you think we should investigate?"
  2849. >You scratch your chin as you decide which cloud cluster you think Derpy is currently hiding in.
  2850.  
  2851. Everyone has gained a level. Sora, Donald, and Goofy have 1 point to put into any stat, plus one of two options.
  2852.  
  2853. Sora:
  2854.  
  2855. >Grip of Antaeus: Permanent +3 to grappling chances, and allows for complex grappling maneuvers.
  2856. OR
  2857. >Stun Impact: 10% chance to stun opponents when attacking.
  2858.  
  2859. Donald:
  2860.  
  2861. >Emergency Response: Allows Donald to cast a spell immediately, at the cost of triple the spell cost (1.5x when taking his Half MP skill into account).
  2862. OR
  2863. >MP Haste: MP regenerates during combat (5% per turn).
  2864.  
  2865. Goofy:
  2866.  
  2867. >MP Gift: Spend an amount of up to 15 MP to give to another
  2868. OR
  2869. >Protect: Allows Goofy to select a single ally, and take all damage that ally would receive for 3 turns.
  2870.  
  2871. [Sora and Goofy have become somewhat stronger over these last few tribulations, and have learned the skills Grip of Antaeus and Protect.]
  2872.  
  2873. [Donald has grown sturdier, and has gained the skill Emergency Response.]
  2874.  
  2875. "I trust your judgement, Twilight. Let's head for that thunder cluster!"
  2876. >Everyone nods as the six of you make your way to the dark cloud cluster.
  2877. >"So what do we do about Gummy?"
  2878. >Donald points to the tiny reptile that has returned to the top of your head.
  2879. "Well, we can't just leave him on the balloon. What if he finds a way out and falls through the clouds?"
  2880. >Twilight rubs her chin as an idea pops into her mind.
  2881. >"I'll use the Cloudwalk spell on him too. That way we'll have some insurance in case he escapes."
  2882. >Her horn lights up as the spell takes full effect over Gummy, leaving a windy aftereffect on the little gator's feet.
  2883.  
  2884. >"Put Gummy down, Sora. We need to see if the spell worked."
  2885. >You lower your head and bump the little guy to the cloud floor, landing on all fours with a look of general apathy.
  2886. >As Gummy shuffles across the cloud successfully, you notice a white light growing under the reptile.
  2887. "Gummy, look out!"
  2888. >You nab the gator with your teeth and roll out of the way in time to avoid a bolt of lightning that bursts out!
  2889. >"Woah!"
  2890. >Rainbow and Donald jump back as well, avoiding their own bolts from where they were standing.
  2891. >Twilight looks around carefully as she motions carefully forward.
  2892. >"It looks like we'll need to wacth our step here, everypony."
  2893.  
  2894. >You meticulously make your way to the center of the cloud cluster, finding Derpy once more.
  2895. >"Derpy!"
  2896. >At the sound of Rainbow's voice, she turns around to look at you all, her mood quite different from before.
  2897. >While there was a manic glee beforehand, now there is a look of annoyance and minor anger.
  2898. >"Oh. It's you again. Didn't think that Heartless was going to be that utterly useless."
  2899. >Taken aback by the attitude shift, Rainbow shakes her head and continues.
  2900. >"Listen, Derpy. All of these clouds are ridiculously unstable mish-mash of other clouds. If these things make it to Canterlot, it'll be utter chaos!"
  2901.  
  2902. >"If you won't think about Canterlot, at least think about Dinky! What will happen to her if her mother ends up in jail?"
  2903. >Derpy pulls out a cloud and gives it a good kick, sending lightning scattering around you!
  2904. >"What would you know about Dinky? You're not only famous, being the 'Element of Loyalty', but you're clearly going to become a Wonderbolt too! Why do you even need to do this weather job? Why can't you just quit so I don't have to resort to this?"
  2905. >The dark blade materializes in her mouth once more, as a shroud of darkness also surrounds her body.
  2906. >"As far as I can see, you're the problem here!"
  2907.  
  2908. >Three dark orbs appear around her, popping out two Air Soldiers and Air Pirates as Rainbow Dash is staring down, processing Derpy's accusations.
  2909. >"Is that what you truly think, Derpy? Am I in the way of your happiness?"
  2910. "Rainbow..."
  2911. >She shakes her head, readying herself for combat as the rest of you take positions.
  2912. >"It's fine. Right now we need to save Derpy. I can get an answer later.
  2913.  
  2914. Sora, Donald, Goofy, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Gummy VS Derpy, 2x Air Soldiers, and Air Pirate
  2915.  
  2916. GO!
  2917.  
  2918. [While in the Thunder Cluster, the chance of rolling a Thundercloud with Weather Control doubles. However, there is a 10% chance of lightning bursting out of the ground and injuring a unit with 1d8 Thunder damage.]
  2919.  
  2920. >Once again, Derpy gains the upper hand in speed, charging at Rainbow Dash for another strike.
  2921. >Thankfully, Rainbow sees this attack coming, and flies out of the way, Derpy clicking her tongue in annoyance.
  2922. >"You can't expect the same trick to work twice!"
  2923. >The Air Pirate lunges at Goofy, its kick barely phasing him as it strikes his body.
  2924. >"Hyuck! That kinda tickled."
  2925. "Goofy's turned into a real tank. Rainbow, here's a Blade for you to go to town later!"
  2926. >Your Keyblade lights a crimson red as a familiar fiery blade forms in Rainbow's mouth.
  2927.  
  2928. >"Thanks! Now, let's see if we can't find a good thundercloud in thic cluster..."
  2929. >Rainbow digs through the cloud cluster for a while before pulling out a thick, black cloud that rumbles with each movement it makes.
  2930. >"This should do it!"
  2931. >With a hard kick, Rainbow unleashes a barrage of lightning bolts that fly haphazardly around.
  2932. >While Derpy and a Air Soldier get hit by some, the latter becoming stunned as a result, the second Air Soldier and the Air Pirate manage to avoid the shocks!
  2933. >"It's be bad if Rainbow got hit by a stray bolt. Thunder Bulwark!"
  2934. >Donald's staff glows yellow as a protective shield of bolts surrounds Rainbow Dash, granting her some extra protection.
  2935.  
  2936. >"Here's some counter for you, Goofy. Blizzard Shroud!"
  2937. >Twilight's horn glows a soft blue as a layer of frost covers Goofy, giving him a chilling bite.
  2938. >"Here I go!"
  2939. >Goofy hollers as he begins to spin into the crowd of enemies, the Air Soldier too stunned by the lightning to strike first!
  2940. >Unfortunately, it seems that the same thing that happened with Rainbow happened with Goofy, Derpy and the stunned Air Soldier taking the brunt of the blow while the other two Heartless manage to escape in time.
  2941. >Thankfully, the first Air Soldier dissolves while the second one swings at your in a panic, only flailing emptily into the air.
  2942.  
  2943. >The floor beneath you shifts and crackles as three lightning olts shoot up from the ground, striking the remaining Air Soldier, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash.
  2944. >The Heartless manages to avoid it for the most part, while Rainbow's Bulwark absorbs the discharge, but Twilight is unfortunately given a hard shock from the bolt.
  2945. >"Ow! It's really hard to tell where these things are popping up from."
  2946.  
  2947. >From what you can see, Derpy has taken quite a bit of damage from Rainbow and Goofy's attacks.
  2948. >One of the Air Soldiers is also gone, thanks to their teamwork, leaving only two Heartless left.
  2949. >Unfortunately, the remaining ones are in near perfect condition, thanks to their uncanny evasions.
  2950. >You recall that Derpy fled after getting injured somewhat, and can't help but feel like that might happen again.
  2951. >Everyone is in okay condition, though Twilight's the most injured currently, with that shock from the bolt.
  2952. >You consider your options as the electric slide boogaloos.
  2953.  
  2954. >Curent Stats:
  2955.  
  2956. Sora" 35/35 HP, 34/48 MP
  2957. Donald: 19/19 HP, 63/70 MP
  2958. Goofy: 34/38 HP, 30/35 MP
  2959. Twilight: 15/20 HP, 73/80 MP
  2960. Rainbow Dash: 25/25 HP, 20/25 MP, 7/10 Thunder Bulwark
  2961.  
  2962. >"Well, if I can't catch you, Dashie, then maybe one of your friends would like to play instead?"
  2963. >Derpy does a complete 180, looking at all of you before locking one of her eyes on you.
  2964. >Almost instantly, she lunges at you like a feral beast, ramming into you and plunging her dark blade into your shoulder!
  2965. "Gah!"
  2966. >The feeling of darkness seeping into you burns as you kick the psychomare back, the pain still stinging as you regain your footing.
  2967. >The Air Pirate lunges at Rainbow Dash, his tackle switching into a flying kick as it knocks into her electric Bulwark, causing it to crack.
  2968.  
  2969. "Let's clear up the Heartless, Rainbow Dash!"
  2970. >"Right!"
  2971. >You lift your Keyblade into the air, as Rainbow zooms backwards to prepare her own momentum.
  2972. "Ready?"
  2973. >She gives a nod as the Keyblade's glow charges to a blinding yellow.
  2974. "Go! Thunder!"
  2975. >A yellow beam shoots out of the Keyblade and into the sky, slowly forming a dark cloud overhead.
  2976. >Then, a barrage of bolts crash into the enemy, dealing heavy damage to Derpy and the Heartless while Rainbow begins her sweep.
  2977.  
  2978. >"Time to bring on the pain!"
  2979. >With her shield up, the lightning sails harmlessly around her as her blade finds its mark and cuts the Heartless to pieces!
  2980. >Unfortunately, Derpy manages to catch on to what the two of you were doing, and manages to only weather a few bolts as she jumps out of the way of Rainbow's attack.
  2981. >"You can't catch me with the same attack, you know. Right, Dashie?"
  2982. >Derpy giggles lightly as Rainbow clicks her tongue and jumps back to the rest of you.
  2983.  
  2984. >"Twilight, here's some protection against the lightning!"
  2985. >"I'll do one for you too. Tunder Bulwark!
  2986. >A vermillion barrier surrounds Twilight, granting her some protection from electricity while she does the same for Donald.
  2987. >"Don't hurt Sora like that. I'm your real target!"
  2988. >Goofy hollers as he attempts to gain Derpy's attention, shield raised in challenge,
  2989. >The floor beneath you rumbles as a bolt erupts from the ground, grazing you slightly as your head begins to ache.
  2990. >Rage begins to cloud your thoughts, the lightning from before not even a afterthought as you realize Derpy's wide open.
  2991.  
  2992. >You're angry, not blnid, so you see quite a bit of what's happened.
  2993. >The Heartless are gone, thanks to your teamwork with Rainbow, leaving Derpy without any assistance.
  2994. >She's probably gonna run if you don't find some way to keep her grounded.
  2995. >The lightning from the ground barely tickles, so it probably won't be much of a problem.
  2996. >You stand back up, anger fueling your strength, as the battle continues.
  2997.  
  2998. >Current Stats:
  2999.  
  3000. Sora (Berserk): 25/35 HP, 27/48 MP
  3001. Donald: 19/19 HP, 56/70 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3002. Goofy: 34/38 HP, 28/35 MP
  3003. Twilight: 15/20 HP, 66/80 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3004. Rainbow Dash (Cooldown): 25/25 HP, 20/25 MP, 1/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3005.  
  3006. >Derpy, distracted by Goofy's taunts, swipes at him with her dark blade and strike through his shield!
  3007. >The blade does no damage to his shield, but sinks into his arm, dealing some damage as he shakes her off.
  3008. >"Yeeowch! That blade's something else."
  3009. >You eye the dark pegasus, knowing Derpy'll jump ship at any moment.
  3010. >And you'll be damned if you have to go to another cloud cluster with an even more convoluted aerial battle in between.
  3011.  
  3012. "Alright, time to sequence break. Get over here!"
  3013. >You tackle Derpy and begin to roll around the cloud-floor, your rough tumbling causing stray bolts to fly harmlessly into the air.
  3014. >While you clearly are the more skilled grappler, you're barely making headway into pinning this pony down.
  3015. >Slowly, but surely, you're losing this battle of inches as Derpy begins to break your grasp.
  3016. >"It'll take more than your skills to keep me down! Hahahaha, huh?"
  3017. >As Derpy laughs, you notice something small and green moving on her head.
  3018. >It takes a while for your rage mind to figure it out, but Gummy's currently in Derpy's mane, looking around as a fly buzzes around.
  3019.  
  3020. >"What the-? Get off me!"
  3021. >Derpy begins to thrash her head, in an attempt to get Gummy to fall off, but the tiny gator clamps his teethless jaws on her mane, holding on for dear life.
  3022. >"Ow! Stop biting, your pulling my mane!"
  3023. >Seeing you're opportunity, you renew your efforts to pin down the elusive pony and succeed, pinning her down and preventing any real kind of movement!
  3024. "Got you now!"
  3025.  
  3026. >Almost as if waiting for you to succeed, two giant orbs of darkness begin to emerge, dropping another Foolish Jinn, and another Heartless.
  3027. >This one's skin is a deep red, with a floating drumset circling around its waist like a hula-hoop and two ridiculously long poles shaped like drumsticks in both hands.
  3028. >The emblem is blazened on it's forehead as it wears a tacky leather jacket, ripped jeans, and sunglasses with a lense missing, revealing a lone, glowing, yellow eye.
  3029.  
  3030. >"Looks like the welcome commitee's here, so let's give you some more protection, Sora!"
  3031. >Donald's staff glows a bright blue as an icy shroud surrounds you, giving you a biting counterdefense!
  3032. >"Here's some protection from the lightning, too! Thunder Bulwark!"
  3033. >Twilight's horn shines yellow as another electric shield forms around you, granting you some protection from the lightning below you.
  3034. >"Here we go!"
  3035. >Goofy flies into the enemies, his arms spread out as his shield strikes the two Heartless hard, but misses you and Derpy.
  3036.  
  3037. >"... et... f... me.."
  3038. >You hear a faint voice beneath you.
  3039. "What was that?"
  3040. >"I said... GET OFF OF ME!"
  3041. >A powerful, yet harmless burst of dark sends you and Gummy flying back as Derpy arises once more with abject fury in her eyes.
  3042. >"Now I get it, you all want to sabotage my efforts. You WANT me to lose my job! Well I won't let you monsters do that to me or my Dinky! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
  3043. >Derpy screams as a shield of darkness surrounds her, and the aura darkens even more, smoky tendrils emanating from her.
  3044.  
  3045. >"Derpy!"
  3046. >Rainbow manages to catch her breath in time to see her friend's transformation.
  3047. >"Rainbow Dash, focus! We have to find some way to stop her before these clusters make it to Canterlot!"
  3048. >"But..."
  3049. "We can help her, Rainbow, but right now she's a threat to everypony, including herself. We need to incapacitate her and keep her from hurting others, and we need your help!"
  3050. >Your anger-fueled words take Rainbow a little aback, but she nods as determination begins to grow once more.
  3051. >"You're right, this has to stop. Let's save Derpy!"
  3052. "Right!"
  3053. >"Right!"
  3054.  
  3055. >The floor shifts, but nothing happens.
  3056.  
  3057. >Welp, Gummy certainly helped keep Derpy down long enough to keep her from running.
  3058. >She's really mad right now, though, and she's got an extra layer of darkness that will protect her from some damage.
  3059. >In addition, while Goofy did a number on the Raging Drummer and the Foolish Jinn, they're still threats you have to deal with.
  3060. >Luckily, everyone's in good condition to fight, and you're ready to roll.
  3061. >What next?
  3062.  
  3063. >Current Stats:
  3064.  
  3065. Sora (Berserk): 22/35 HP, 27/48 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3066. Donald: 19/19 HP, 49/70 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3067. Goofy: 34/38 HP, 23/35 MP
  3068. Twilight: 15/20 HP, 59/80 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3069. Rainbow Dash (Cooldown): 25/25 HP, 20/25 MP, 1/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3070.  
  3071. >"RRRRAAAAAA!"
  3072. >Derpy tackles you and attempts to thrash you into submission, her blade breaking your Bulwark and scraping your side as you tumble.
  3073. >The Raging Drummer effortlessly lifts its drumsticks up and begins to bang around the drums surrounding it, a dark cloud forming above it.
  3074. >As it reaches a fevered pitch, a large lightning bolt crashes down on the Heartless, surging it with electrical energy and restoring the wounds inflicted by Goofy!
  3075. "You think you can out-grapple me? Think again!"
  3076. >Even while injured, your only thought is to pin this pegasus down, reversing the hold she did on you and repinning her to the ground.
  3077.  
  3078. >"We need to break that shield and get rid of these bozos quick!"
  3079. >Rainbow flies around the enemies, distacting them with her trail, then swoops down on all of them with her disappearing Fire Blade.
  3080. >Derpy's shield of darkness takes a massive hit, the barrier cracking in the seems while the Foolish Jinn takes the full brunt of the assault.
  3081. >Unfortunately, the Raging Drummer manages to jump out of the way in time, avoiding the attack and cackling at Rainbow's efforts.
  3082. >As she finishes her run, the fiery sword in her mouth vanishes as she begins to pant.
  3083. >"Stupid Heartless, you should just let me hit you..."
  3084.  
  3085. >"Blizzard Shroud!"
  3086. >"Thunder Bulwark!"
  3087. >"Goofy! Hyuck!"
  3088. >Donald and Twilight place another icy shroud and lightning shield on Goofy as he launches himself once more into the enemy.
  3089. >The two bulking Heartless take heavy damage, and shield strikes against shield as Goofy shatters the barrier of darkness around Derpy and scores a solid hit on the pony, thanks to your hold.
  3090. >The Foolish Jinn lets out a pained sigh, the air leaking from it's mouth creating a tiny green cloud with a pointy smile and two yellow eyeballs.
  3091.  
  3092. >The floor under Donald violently shakes as a bolt of lightning shoots out and chips his Thunder Bulwark.
  3093. >"Phew, it's a good thing we made these."
  3094. >You've got Derpy in your pin, and the two other Heartless are injured quite a bit.
  3095. >The new cloud thing probably won't be a problem with its size, but why was it summoned.
  3096. >You're stuck here holding Derpy, so what should the others do?
  3097.  
  3098. >Current Stats:
  3099.  
  3100. Sora (Berserk): 21/35 HP, 27/48 MP
  3101. Donald: 19/19 HP, 42/70 MP 9/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3102. Goofy: 34/38 HP, 23/35 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3103. Twilight: 15/20 HP, 52/80 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3104. Rainbow Dash (Cooldown): 25/25 HP, 20/25 MP, 1/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3105.  
  3106. >The tiny cloud Heartless flies around all the enemies and glows a soft green, restoring some of their wounds.
  3107. >"LET GO OF ME! I NEED TO DO THIS FOR MY DINKY!"
  3108. >It seems the previous assualt has weakened Derpy, as her energy doesn't match her voice, struggling in vain against your grip.
  3109. >Incandescently, the Raging Drummer rocks out as bolts of lightning strike your entire group.
  3110. >While Donald, Goofy, and Twilight manage to block it out with their Bulwarks, Rainbow's breaks and she suffers a heavy shock, while you take the full brunt of the blow!
  3111.  
  3112. "Gah! You're, you're gonna pay for that!"
  3113. >You're badly injured, but that seems to only fuel your fire, as you begin to tighten around Derpy's neck.
  3114. >Suddenly, a brief feeling of clarity strikes your mind.
  3115. >Instead of taking Derpy down, perhaps you can talk her down instead.
  3116. >She has to still be in there, right?
  3117.  
  3118. >As Donald takes his chance to freeze the Foolish Jinn into a glorified popsicle, you push Derpy down and face her, staring her rage down with the controlled anger of your own.
  3119. "Listen to me! Do you really think Dinky would want this? For you to hurt your friends and yourself? For you to push yourself this hard?"
  3120. >Derpy's struggles stop as she hears your angered pleas, Twilight's fireball sailing past the Nice Cloud and harmlessly landing on the cloud.
  3121. >"But if I don't do this, she'll..."
  3122. "We'll do whatever we can to help, but she needs you! The real you, who doesn't need this darkness!"
  3123.  
  3124. >Goofy's wild swinging manages to nearly take out the cloud Heartless, but the Drummer manages to dodge the attack.
  3125. >Derpy looks to the side, while her other eye's stuck at your own, the rage slowly fading.
  3126. >"I-I... I just don't know what went wrong..."
  3127. >Her eyes slowly shut, a bright light shooting from her as you see a familiar shape floating from behind you.
  3128. >"That's-!"
  3129. "Derpy's Heart! Catch it quick, before-!"
  3130.  
  3131. >Before anyone can react, a large red hand closes around Derpy's Heart, the light slowly fading from view in the Raging Drummer's grasp.
  3132. >"No!"
  3133. >"Derpy!"
  3134. >You look on dumbly, as your anger shoots back up and you struggle to get up and face down the red Heartless.
  3135. >The Drummer grins wickedly as it crushes the Nice Cloud and takes its remaining energy into itself!
  3136.  
  3137. >Suddenly, darkness shoots out from the creature, sending you all back as you break the unconscious Derpy's fall.
  3138. >Where the Raging Drummer stood, an incandescent, golden Heartless looks down on all of you, a pole shaped like a drumstick in one hand, and the Foolish Jinn's bag in the other.
  3139. >It's clothing looks similar to it's previous form, but on its head, a lone, red ponytail sits on top, looking down on all it sees.
  3140. >The newly formed Raging Jinn roars as it faces you all down.
  3141.  
  3142. >You're outright furious about this outcome, but a sharp pain reminds you that your body is barely holding itself together.
  3143. >Other than Rainbow Dash, everyone else seems in good condition to fight.
  3144. >Derpy is lying still behind the rest of you, breathing, but otherwise unresponsive.
  3145. >Whatever this thing is, you're not letting it get away with Derpy's Heart.
  3146.  
  3147. >Current Stats:
  3148.  
  3149. Sora (Berserk): 4/35 HP, 27/48 MP
  3150. Donald: 19/19 HP, 42/70 MP 3/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3151. Goofy: 34/38 HP, 23/35 MP 2/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3152. Twilight: 15/20 HP, 52/80 MP 4/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3153. Rainbow Dash: 11/25 HP, 20/25 MP
  3154.  
  3155. "Fire Blade!"
  3156. >Your Keyblade bursts into flames as you prepare to go all out on this Heartless.
  3157. >"Time to get serious."
  3158. >Rainbow Dash kicks off the cloud ground as she soars up in the air, quickly vanishing out of sight as she prepares to dive on the Raging Jinn.
  3159. >"Twilight, we need to give Sora some more protection. Thunder Bulwark!"
  3160. >"Right, I'll take care of his wounds!"
  3161. >Donald and Twilight create another electrical shield and restore your wounds respectively, while Goofy moves in to take blows for you.
  3162. >"I'm not letting ya lay a finger on Sora!"
  3163.  
  3164. >The Raging Jinn charges at Goofy, its drumstick facing forward like a lance as it tries to impale him.
  3165. >Thankfully, Goofy manages to dodge the attack, as it flies past the rest of you as wall.
  3166. >Suddenly, the Heartless pulls back with intense speed and lunges once more, catching Goofy by surprise as the second attack hits its mark, breaking through the Bulwark and jabbing him in the side.
  3167. >"Woah! So this thing can attack twice?"
  3168. >The Jinn jumps back, a confident grin on its face as it motions its weapons menacingly at you.
  3169. >The floor shifts, but nothing happens.
  3170.  
  3171. >Like Goofy said, this Raging Jinn seems to be able to strike twice, though whether that was a special occasion or not is hard to tell.
  3172. >You're not as badly injured right now, and the extra protection from the Bulwark is certainly nice.
  3173. >Everyone else besides Goofy is the same as they were before, with Goofy's Bulwark now broken.
  3174. >Raiunbow Dash is now in position to bring on the pain with a High Jump, though it's not a guarantee she'll connect.
  3175. >You consider your options as you grit your teeth hard on the Keyblade.
  3176.  
  3177. >Current Stats:
  3178. Sora (Berserk): 15/35 HP, 13/48 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3179. Donald: 19/19 HP, 35/70 MP 3/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3180. Goofy: 30/38 HP, 23/35 MP
  3181. Twilight: 15/20 HP, 47/80 MP 4/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3182. Rainbow Dash: 11/25 HP, 20/25 MP
  3183.  
  3184. "GRAAAA!"
  3185. >You leap ferociously at the Heartless, not unlike Derpy did earlier, your flaming Keyblade singing its golden exterior as your blow connects hard.
  3186. >"Coming in hot! MAKE WAY!"
  3187. >The rest of you jump back as Rainbow crashes into the burned Heartless with a resounding headbutt, knocking the creature back as she rubs her forehead in pain.
  3188. >"Man, that thing's got a hard noggin."
  3189. >Donald's staff glows as a burst of frost strikes the Heartless, freezing its burns and making it roar in pain!
  3190.  
  3191. >"Sora, you're still hurt. Have this carrot."
  3192. >Twilight tosses a Fresh Carrot your way, which you catch and angrily chomp down on, healing your wounds and reinvigorating you.
  3193. >Goofy rushes the Heartless and ducks under it, leading it to look down right as Goofy prepares his steel uppercut.
  3194. >"Golly, we're really doing a number on this thing."
  3195. >The Raging Jinn shakes off the frost and pain, roaring as it squats down and leaps into the sky!
  3196. >You can't see the Heartless, but you know it's still here, readying a powerful attack.
  3197. >"You think that thing's gonna do what I just did? Talk about original."
  3198. >Rainbow jokes, but grimaces as she keeps her eyes and ears open.
  3199.  
  3200. >Your assault did massive damage, like you hoped it would, and another concentrated attack might do the trick.
  3201. >However, it looks like the Raging Jinn's preparing some sort of attack up in the sky.
  3202. >If it's anything like Rainbow's attacks, it won't be pretty when the Heartless decides to land.
  3203. >Rainbow's the worst for wear right now, and both her and Goofy lack any sort of Bulwark.
  3204. >You consider your options with a less angry, but still pretty mad mindset, as the thundercloud cluster continues to shift peacefully.
  3205.  
  3206. >Current Stats:
  3207. Sora (Berserk): 24/35 HP, 13/48 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3208. Donald: 19/19 HP, 31/70 MP 3/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3209. Goofy: 30/38 HP, 18/35 MP
  3210. Twilight: 15/20 HP, 47/80 MP 4/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3211. Rainbow Dash: 11/25 HP, 20/25 MP
  3212.  
  3213. >Thanks to Twilight's curative carrot, you're mind is clear enough to actually strategize.
  3214. "Goofy, catch! You're our bait."
  3215. >You draw out one of the incenses that Fluttershy gave you and toss it over to Goofy, who catches it and sticks it in his hat.
  3216. >"Gotcha, buddy!"
  3217. "Donald, put another Bulwark on him!"
  3218. >"Right!"
  3219. >Goofy goes into a defensive position, while Donald's magic creates another electric protective layer around him.
  3220. "Everypony else, get into pincer formation! We're gonna flank it when it lands!"
  3221. >Everyone nods and jumps to the sides of the makeshift arena, muscles tense as you hold your breath for...
  3222.  
  3223. >Nothing.
  3224. "..."
  3225. >"..."
  3226. >"...Did it jump too high?"
  3227. >Goofy asks, as he lowers his shield somewhat in confusion.
  3228. >Twilight looks around to see if you all missed something, but everything looks that same as it did before.
  3229. >"I've got a bad feeling about this."
  3230.  
  3231. >Your sixth sense agrees: whatever this Heartless is planning, taking its time is certainly a cause for alarm.
  3232. >The air around you begins to crackle as your fur and mane stand on end.
  3233. >Everyone but Rainbow is in good condition, with Rainbow's injuries glaringly apparent without a Bulwark surrounding her.
  3234. >It doesn't look like the Heartless is going to strike right now, so what should you do?
  3235.  
  3236. >Current Stats:
  3237. Sora (Berserk): 24/35 HP, 13/48 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3238. Donald: 19/19 HP, 31/70 MP 3/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3239. Goofy: 30/38 HP, 18/35 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3240. Twilight: 15/20 HP, 47/80 MP 4/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3241. Rainbow Dash: 11/25 HP, 20/25 MP
  3242.  
  3243. "Donald, Twilight, take care of Rainbow!"
  3244. >The two spellcasters nod, the pegasus's wounds closing as a lightning shield encircle her.
  3245. >Meanwhile, you, Goofy, and Rainbow Dash look around defensively, keeping your attention to the sky.
  3246. >You begin to think that you have some more time to prepare, but the sight of the Raging Jinn hurtling down at breakneck speeds dashes that hope.
  3247. "Brace yourselves!"
  3248. >As you yell, the drumstick strikes the cloud cluster, a gargantuan shower of sparks flying everywhere as Donald manages to dodge in time.
  3249. >Unfortunately, the rest of you aren't nearly as lucky, your Bulwarks cracking under the pressure, and Twilight's shattering, the remaining voltage shocking her lightly.
  3250.  
  3251. >As you prepare to counterattack, you feel the clouds beneath you begin to give way.
  3252. >You look down to see them breaking away, one by one: the entire cluster falling apart around you!
  3253. >The Heartless chuckles as it leaps off and lands on the oddly-shaped cloud you were on earlier, taunting you with its arms wide open.
  3254. >"This is bad. Whatever that thing did, it must have let out all the energy from the thunderclouds!"
  3255. >Rainbow rushes over to the unconscious Derpy and picks her up, heaving somewhat as she motions to you and Donald.
  3256. >"I need to get Derpy somewhere safer. You guys get Twilight and Goofy, and kick that Heartless's butt for me, got it?"
  3257. >The two of you nod, and get to work, Rainbow Dash flying off in a flash while you fly over Twilight and wrap your hooves around her torso.
  3258.  
  3259. >"W-What are you doing?! We have the air balloon..."
  3260. "We don't have time for that, Twilight. Hold on!"
  3261. >"Idiot..."
  3262. >Completely missing Twilight's embarrassment, you take off into the air, a familiar weight on your head as Gummy lazily looks at Donald's attempts to carry Goofy.
  3263. >They aren't going too well.
  3264. >"You're too heavy, Goofy!"
  3265. >"Hyuck! Sorry, Donald, guess those apple fritters are coming back to haunt us."
  3266.  
  3267. >With a strained heave and motion, Donald's finally able to get Goofy off the ground, just as the cloud cluster you were all on finally dissapates.
  3268. "Now, time to beat this Heartless and get Derpy's Heart back!"
  3269. >Everyone voices their agreement as you all make your way to the odd cloud cluster, the Raging Jinn ready for Round 2.
  3270. >You consider your options as you end up one member short, the remaining clusters slowly making their way to Canterlot.
  3271.  
  3272. >Current Stats:
  3273. Sora (Berserk): 24/35 HP, 13/48 MP 3/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3274. Donald: 19/19 HP, 26/70 MP 3/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3275. Goofy: 30/38 HP, 18/35 MP 4/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3276. Twilight: 12/20 HP, 40/80 MP
  3277.  
  3278. [Rainbow Dash has left the party.]
  3279.  
  3280. >You charge the Raging Jinn, ready to unleash some rage of your own with your Keyblade.
  3281. >However, your hoof catches on something in the cloud cluster, causing you to land flat on your face, enbedded in the cloud ground.
  3282. >As the Raging Jinn guffaws at your tripping fiasco, Donald casts a curative spell on Twilight.
  3283. >Thanks, Donald. Now it's time to get up close and personal!"
  3284. Twilight's horn shines a bright purple as she pops out of existence.
  3285. >The Heartless searches for the missing pony, only to notice the icy feeling behind it.
  3286. >It tuns around to see Twilght charging her spell and is unable to get away before she unleashes it!
  3287. >"Take this!"
  3288. >The Blizzard explodes all over the Raging Jinn, the ice shards all connecting and giving a nasty kick to its gut.
  3289.  
  3290. >As it stagers back, Goofy winds up his arm, the Heartless's momentum too strong for it to avoid his shield.
  3291. >The blow leaves him on the ground for a while, before it jumps back up and opens its bag.
  3292. >The Raging Jinn swings the bag around, cleaving through the clouds and smacking through the rest of you, breaking your remaining Bulwarks.
  3293. >As you get back up, you notice the bag has inflated quite a bit, almost fit to burst.
  3294. >Your mind goes back to your first encounter with the Foolish Jinn: that hurricane that horribly injured you, Donald, and Twilight.
  3295.  
  3296. "Is that what the Heartless is planning to do? Using that wind move again?"
  3297. >Neither you nor your companions are protected by Bulwarks, and none of you are in peak condition.
  3298. >Is there a way to stop this from happening?
  3299. >Or perhaps to turn the tables?
  3300. >You try to calm your anger and consider your options.
  3301.  
  3302. >Current Stats:
  3303. Sora (Berserk): 20/35 HP, 13/48 MP
  3304. Donald: 18/19 HP, 21/70 MP
  3305. Goofy: 24/38 HP, 18/35 MP
  3306. Twilight: 13/20 HP, 31/80 MP
  3307.  
  3308. "We need to pop that bag, before the Heartless uses that move again!"
  3309. >You awkwardly attempt to fling your Keyblade from your mouth, the trajectory slightly wobbly but hits it's mark, leaving an imprint on the bag.
  3310. >"Blizzard!"
  3311. >Donald's staff lights up as a blast of ice shoots out and strikes the Foolish Jinn's bag, the frost caking the outside of the taut bag.
  3312. >"The more ice pushing down, the more likely it'll break!"
  3313. >Twilight blinks forward to get a cleaner shot and shoots another Blizzard at the bag, adding to the pressure of Donald's attack and making the bag quiver and become brittle.
  3314. >"This should do it!"
  3315. >Goofy flings his shield just in the right way for the sun to gleam and reflect an eagle soaring nearby.
  3316. >You can't help but feel a bit patriotic at the display.
  3317.  
  3318. >As the shield strikes the frosty bag, it manages to shatter the ice-covered part and release the air within!
  3319. >Unfortunately for you and Twilight, the explosion of air catches the both of you, along with the Raging Jinn, blasting you back over to Donald and Goofy.
  3320. >As you groan and get back up you notice something about the Heartless.
  3321. "It's not moving?"
  3322. >Sure enough, it seems that the explosion of wind and sound stunned the Raging Jinn and made it unable to act while you were down.
  3323. >"This is our chance, Sora! Let's gang up on it and finish this!"
  3324. >Twilight's words of encouragement fuel your confidence, but a small voice whispers the risks of overconfidence as the Heartless remains motionless.
  3325.  
  3326. >Current Stats:
  3327. Sora (Berserk): 16/35 HP, 8/48 MP
  3328. Donald: 18/19 HP, 17/70 MP
  3329. Goofy: 24/38 HP, 13/35 MP
  3330. Twilight: 8/20 HP, 27/80 MP
  3331.  
  3332. "Donald, Twilight, let's put the freeze on this thing!"
  3333. >"Right!"
  3334. >The three of you aim your catalysts at the stunned Raging Jinn, the cool feeling of the magic washing over you as the Heartless comes to its senses.
  3335. >It's look of confusion quickly turns to fear as it tries to find cover, but the torrent of frost blasts the golden Heartless with it's entire frigid might!
  3336. >Slowly, but surely, the ice begins to build up: starting from it's feet and climbing up the Raging Jinn's legs.
  3337. >It roars in fury and dread, as the Heartless desperately struggles to break free from his growing coffin.
  3338. >But all its effort is for naught, as the ice finally encases the Heartless in a final roaring pose of defiance.
  3339.  
  3340. "Goofy, finish it!"
  3341. >"Take that!"
  3342. >Goofy hollers as he charges straight into the frozen monstrosity and slams hard against the frigid surface.
  3343. >What used to be the Raging Jinn shatters from the impact, the icy fragments falling towards the countryside below before dissolving into the wind.
  3344. >Derpy's Heart gently floats down to the cluster as Twilight catches it gingerly with her magic.
  3345. >"I've got a jar in my satchel.It's a bit morbid to put somepony's Heart in there, but it should be safe."
  3346. >After Twilight safely stores the pegasus's Heart, the four of you look at each other with relief, before collapsing from the injuries and mana exhaustion from the battles.
  3347.  
  3348. "Man, everything hurts."
  3349. >"I don't think we could've taken much more of that."
  3350. >Twilight groans as she turns on her back and looks at the sky.
  3351. >Gummy rolls off your head and meanders towards the edge of the cluster.
  3352. >You grunt as you stand back up and follow the gator to see what piqued his interest.
  3353. >As you do so, you notice several pegasi with strange uniforms flying towards the two clusters you were on.
  3354. "Hey, guys, I think the cavalry has arrived."
  3355. >You breathe a sigh of relief as you pick Gummy back up and make sure he's on your back again.
  3356. >Things are starting to look up.
  3357.  
  3358. >"...Unstable cloud formations, unlawful use of royalty-sanctioned clouds, trespassing, AND undocumented pets. Do you realize how much trouble you're in?"
  3359. >On second thought, things might have gotten worst.
  3360. >And considering how you fought a ton of Heartless and save a pony's Heart before they could enact their plan, that's saying something.
  3361. >"Look, we didn't make those cloud clusters!"
  3362. >Donald shouts in anger as the yellow pegasus with fiery hair and a pair of sunglasses looks skeptically at you all.
  3363. >"Oh? Then who, pray tell, did make it?"
  3364.  
  3365. >Donald's anger quickly dies as you recall Derpy's strained situation with her job, and you stay silent as the pony nods in reaffirmation.
  3366. >"That's what I thought. Mind you, it's already suspicious that an unknown group of Pegasus, Griffin, and Diamond Dog were trying to sneak into Canterlot so late in the afternoon. But you didn't even both trying to make your attempt subtle!"
  3367. >You look to your right, a side mirror showing Twilight silently shouting at the uniformed pony guarding the entrance, with little success and a lot of frustration in her motions.
  3368. >"As I was saying, do you even realize how much trouble you're in? If you ruffians decided to do this a week before or after today, this would be a night's stay in prison. But you had to pick today, of all days, and now you're looking at a month's worth of time."
  3369. "A month?!"
  3370. >"A month!"
  3371. >"It's out of my hands. Should've thought about what you were doing before- O-oh!"
  3372.  
  3373. >The pegasus looks behind you and opens her mouth in shock, pen and parchment dropping out of her hooves.
  3374. >You look around and see a pony much taller than you, about the same size as Goofy, with a pure white coat, whispy rainbow mane, and a horn and wigs.
  3375. >Behind her is Twilight, who moves from behind her to her side, the guard from before shamefully looking at the wall.
  3376. >"Your Majesty! I-I wasn't expecting such a wonderful surprise visit."
  3377. >The royal nods as she looks down at you, Donald, and Goofy, a little smile dancing her lips as she speaks.
  3378. >"Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt anything important. It just so happens I was walking by when I saw my student having an argument with your wonderful guard outside. Apparently Twilight's friends have gotten into some trouble"
  3379.  
  3380. >The pegasus gulps, but does her best to keep a straight and serious face as she responds.
  3381. >"Well, these three ruffians were trying to sneak into Canterlot with those cloud clusters we broke apart earlier and-"
  3382. >The alicorn's eyes pop in surprise as if remembering something.
  3383. >"Oh! You mean the clouds I ordered for the festivities?"
  3384. >You all look in confusion at her remarks, including the pegasus drilling you.
  3385. >"You mean you...?
  3386. >"Oh, yes, I realized that we were short a few clouds to make up for the lack of rain for the next few days. I sent a message to a close friend of mine to bring some over as soon as possible. I'm very sorry about this, especially with how everypony's working so hard to keep us safe..."
  3387.  
  3388. >The pegasus quickly bolts up and tries to calm the sad alicorn.
  3389. >"Oh, no no no! That's fine, I must have missed the memo from somewhere."
  3390. >The Princess begins to brighten up as she motions to the three of you.
  3391. >"Thank you. Now that we've gotten that cleared up, would you please release my close friend's workers?"
  3392. >"Of course, right away! Um... sorry for treating you guys so roughly. Things have been a bit rough lately."
  3393. "Uh, no, that's alright."
  3394.  
  3395. >After the pegasus fills out the correct paperwork, you, Donald, Goofy, and Twilight leave the station with the Princess following behind you.
  3396. "Thanks for helping us out there, Princess...?"
  3397. >"Celestia. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sora, Donald, and Goofy."
  3398. >"Gawrsh, how do ya know our names?"
  3399. >Celestia giggles at Goofy's question as she motions the four of you to follow her.
  3400. >"Spike sent me a letter this morning about the three of you and your mission. On behalf of all my little ponies, I thank you for assisting them in their plight."
  3401.  
  3402. >You finally stop at what appears to be a train station, and Celestia procures four tickets and hands them to Twilight.
  3403. >"Thank goodness I came when I did. It appears this is the last train for the day, so don't miss it. You've got something to return, do you not?"
  3404. >Your thoughts go back to Derpy's Heart in Twilight's satchel as the four of you nod and begin to make your way to the station.
  3405. "Thanks, Princess Celestia. You really saved our hides!"
  3406. >"You're very welcome, Sora. Oh, and one more thing before you go."
  3407. >She leans to you secretively as she whispers.
  3408. >"Your pony impression is pretty spot on. Compliments to your magician."
  3409. >She gives a mischievous wink and walks off as your brain slowly processes that information.
  3410. >"Sora, hurry up! The train's about to go!"
  3411. >You shake your head and go on the train, these questions clearly meant for another day.
  3412.  
  3413. >As you find a section of the train that can fit Goofy's bulk, Twilight looks at you all with a serious expression.
  3414. >"I was thinking that, after we return Derpy's Heart, that we tell the truth to the other girls. I'm certain they'll be able to help quite a bit with finding this Keyhole."
  3415. >You slowly nod, realizing that the time for secrets was long past.
  3416. >"The thing is that I think it would be more effective if you showed your true form to the others. It wouldn't be for more than enough to prove the point, but I don't want to force you if you don't want to."
  3417. >At this point, it would seem that all of Twilight's friends will find out the truth tonight.
  3418. >However, do you want to disable Donald's magic to reveal your true selves as well?
  3419. >It doesn't feel like an important decision, but Twilight is leaving it to you.
  3420.  
  3421. [Obtained Derpy's Heart! Be careful not to lose it.]
  3422.  
  3423. "Well, if we're going to tell the truth, it wouldn't hurt any more to show our true forms. Besides,"
  3424. >You wave your hoof around and chuckle.
  3425. "It'll be real nice to have hands again."
  3426. >The four of you laugh as you relax in the train seats, this long day almost over.
  3427.  
  3428. >The train finally reaches its destination, as you arrive on the station to see Spike and Pinkie waiting for you.
  3429. >"Gummy, welcome home!"
  3430. >The hyper pink pony hops to you and whisks the alligator into her forelegs.
  3431. >"Did you munch on the hair, like we practiced? Ooh, I knew you could do it!"
  3432. >How would she...?
  3433.  
  3434. >No.
  3435. >Just accept it and move on.
  3436.  
  3437. >You also see a relieved Spike run up to Twilight and give her a hug.
  3438. >"Twilight! You're okay!"
  3439. >Twilight returns the hug, smiling as she winces.
  3440. >"Ouch! Not too hard, Spike, we've had a pretty rough day."
  3441. >Spike's eyes light up as he lets go and points towards the treehouse.
  3442. >"That's right. Rainbow Dash and the others are waiting for you with Derpy at the Library! Rainbow brought her in a while back, and I did all I could, but she just won't wake up!"
  3443. \>Twilight shifts her satchel carefully, remembering the fragile package within.
  3444. "I think we know how to help her, so let's get going, everypony!"
  3445. >"Oh, wait for us, too! Come on, Gummy!"
  3446. >The five of you hurry to Twilight's home, with the dynamic duo following right behind you.
  3447.  
  3448. >As you enter, the other girls are surrounding a sleeping Derpy, with Rainbow Dash right beside her.
  3449. >Rainbow quickly notices you as you approach and hurries over to you, concern and hope in her eyes.
  3450. >"You're here! Does that mean...?"
  3451. >Twilight nods and levitates the jar with Derpy's Heart within.
  3452. >"Huh. Now that I get a closer look, this thing looks so fragile, yet radiant. I'll take care of it, if you don't mind."
  3453. >Rainbow's demeanor seems different than before: more hesitant and polite compared to earlier.
  3454. >Twilight nods, and the two of them move closer to Derpy, Twilight handing the jar over to Rainbow Dash.
  3455. >Rainbow Dash opens the jar and the ball of light descends onto Derpy, softly landing on her sleeping chest before sinking in.
  3456.  
  3457. >For a moment, nothing seems to change, but you notice Derpy take a deep breath of air as her eyes slowly open.
  3458. >"Derpy? Derpy! Can you hear me?"
  3459. >Her maladjusted eyes blink for a moment, adapting to the light of the house, before she looks over to a distressed Rainbow.
  3460. >"Dashie? Why do you look so worried? Did I do something wrong?"
  3461. >Rainbow shakes her head as she hugs Derpy, hiding the tears from her gaze.
  3462. >"No, you haven't done anything wrong. I'm sorry, Derpy. I'm so sorry."
  3463. >Derpy looks around her in confusion, as Rainbow hugs her and silently cries for quite some time.
  3464.  
  3465. >After the emotional moment, Rainbow excuses herself for a while to help Derpy get back home.
  3466. >Twilight mentioned earlier that she had some news for the girls, so everyone is huddled up in the main library area as Rainbow returns.
  3467. >"Managed to get her back in time for dinner. Derpy doesn't seem to remember anything that's happened for he past few days, but other than that, she's okay."
  3468. >With more composure than before, Rainbow sits down in the mock circle you've made as Twilight clears her throat.
  3469. >"Now girls, I know you've met Sora, Donald, and Goofy before, but there's more to their story than they said. They're not actually a pony, griffin, or Diamond Dog, and they came from another world entirely!"
  3470. >Applejack raises an eyebrow skeptically as Rainbow barely holds back a giggle.
  3471. >"Darling, we've all spent time with the good gents, and I can't see where you got this idea from."
  3472.  
  3473. >Twilight nods to Donald as he lifts his staff into the air, and a bright light surrounds the three of you.
  3474. >As the light fades away, the other girls look in shock at your true, much taller, forms.
  3475. >"Oh my, so the Poison Joke wasn't wrong?"
  3476. >Fluttershy looks at you with some fear, but mostly curiosity as Pinkie jumps in excitement around you.
  3477. >"Wowee, you're HUGE!"
  3478. >You scratch the back of your head as Applejack clears her throat and pulls Pinkie back.
  3479. >"So you're not from this world? And there are others? Why did ya come here, then?"
  3480. >Twilight steps up, her Lecture Mode activating as the rest of you sit down.
  3481. >"Well, what if I told you that every star you see in the sky is another world, with their own kinds of life and atmosphere?"
  3482.  
  3483. >...
  3484.  
  3485. >"And that's why Sora and his friends are here: to seal the Keyhole and keep the Heartless from plunging our world into darkness."
  3486. >As Twilight finishes her explanation, the other girls have mixed feelings of surprise, worry, and excitement.
  3487. >"So why did Sora have to disguise himself as a pony, then? Learnin' how to move like a pony when yer not sounds overly difficult."
  3488. "Well, I don't think there are many humans around here, are there?"
  3489. >"What's a human?"
  3490. "I rest my case. But we're not just here for the Keyhole anymore: we want to help you keep the Heartless from hurting others."
  3491. >"Which is why we need to brainstorm as to where this Keyhole could be. I've got some ideas, but I wanted to hear what you girls think."
  3492.  
  3493. >"You know what I think, Twilight?"
  3494. >"What is is Pinkie?"
  3495. >Twilight turns to Pinkie, only to see her fit to burst with excitement.
  3496. >"I think we need a PARTY!"
  3497. >As soon as she shouts that, you find party food and drinks everywhere, with balloons and music filling the air.
  3498. >"Pinkie, we don't have time for-"
  3499.  
  3500. "Actually, Twilight, it might be good to do this."
  3501. >Twilight stops mid-sentence and looks at you confused as you explain yourself.
  3502. "We've been running around, beating Heartless all day. Everypony has to be exhausted, right? I think we'll get better results if we party the stress away for tonight."
  3503. >"But-!"
  3504. >Twilight tries to argue against your master plan, but surrenders with a slight huff.
  3505. >"Alright... But tomorrow morning, we figure out what to do next."
  3506. >"Right!"
  3507.  
  3508. >And so you, Donald, Goofy, and the girls have a fun time into the night: the plan being to sleepover for the night and plan the next day.
  3509. >Donald and Rainbow Dash have an argument over the last muffin and get into a little brawl over eating rights, as Applejack walks nonchalantly by and takes it for herself.
  3510. >Rarity and Goofy are talking about his attire and potential upgrades to it, but judging from what the two are describing, it would seem the two have very different definitions of "upgrades".
  3511. >Fluttershy and Pinkie are having fun talking to each other while Angel Bunny whispers suspiciously to Gummy, his eyes glaring death Donald's way.
  3512. >With all of these interactions, you can't help but remember Riku and Kairi, and your friendship and tribulations.
  3513. >Are they doing alright?
  3514. >When will you find Riku?
  3515. >These questions and memories lead you to leave the party as everyone else enjoys the festivities.
  3516.  
  3517. >You crouch as you make your way out of Twilight's treebrary awkwardly and sit on the slightly damp grass.
  3518. >As the cool fall wind brushes through your hair, you look up and see a magnificent moon and stars dot the sky in a beautiful tapestry.
  3519. >"Princess Luna does an amazing job with the night sky, doesn't she?"
  3520. >You jump a little as you turn and see Twilight walk up to you and sit down next to you, your size difference exacerbated by the change in species.
  3521. >"Is something wrong, Sora? Everypony else is enjoying the party."
  3522. >You shake your head as you stare back into the night sky.
  3523. "Not really. It's just that seeing you six being such good friends reminds me of my own friends."
  3524.  
  3525. >"What are your friends like?"
  3526. >You close your eyes and recall your memories.
  3527. "Well, Riku's been my best friend since childhood. He's always been better than me in most things, so we've been rivals as well. We managed to get separated the last time we met, and I've been looking for him ever since."
  3528. >"A rival, huh? Must be nice, having somepony to help push you to excel. I haven't really had that yet."
  3529. "And Kairi, she's also a really close friend of mine. She's kind, brave when she needs to be, not afraid to speak her mind."
  3530. >"Sounds like she's special to you. Perhaps a special somepony?"
  3531.  
  3532. >You blush at Twilight's jabs, her giggling annoyingly ringing in your ears.
  3533. "I-it's not like that!"
  3534. >"I'm joking, Sora. But she definitely seems very important to you."
  3535. >You smile and look back up to the night sky.
  3536. "Yeah. I wonder if she's forgotten me, after all this time..."
  3537. >"I wouldn't worry about that, Sora. You're definitely the kind of human that sticks out."
  3538. "What's that supposed to mean?"
  3539. >The two of you laugh and talk more into the evening, of your past exploits and adventures, and of hers.
  3540. >As you go back to sleep, you could have sworn Twilight looked a bit odd while smiling, but write it off as being tired.
  3541.  
  3542. >The night continues silently, watching over all of your sleeping forms.
  3543.  
  3544. >The next morning, the nine of you are sitting around the same spot as last night, Spike grabbing Twilight some more coffee as she closes a nearby book.
  3545. >"Alright. Now that everypony's rejuvenated and unstressed, let's get down to business."
  3546. >Rainbow Dash begins the brainstorming, nursing her own cup as well.
  3547. >"So we're supposed to find some sort of 'Keyhole'? There's like a billion of them all over the place, so where do we even start?"
  3548. >"According to Sora, the Keyhole's protecting the Heart of our world. So if we find out where the Heart is, we'll find the Keyhole."
  3549.  
  3550. >"If we're talkin' about the 'Heart of the world', wouldn't that be underground, in the center of the world?"
  3551. >Rarity shakes her head as she adds some cream to her coffee.
  3552. >"I don't believe we need to get that literal, Applejack. Perhaps it's in a city?"
  3553. >"I haven't heard anything like that before. You'd think something as important as the Keyhole to our Heart would be heavily protected."
  3554. >You scratch your chin as you recall some of the more obscure Keyholes you've locked before.
  3555. "Well, it might not be a physical Keyhole. We've had Keyholes made with butterflies, a crystal trident, and with a reflection of the moon to the ground. Is there anything that might fit that description?"
  3556.  
  3557. >The girls look amongst each other for a moment before Pinkie eyes light with revelation.
  3558. >"The Elements!"
  3559. >"Of course, that makes so much sense! Let's find that book from before."
  3560. >As the ponies move around, searching for a book, the three of you look at each other with a shared confusion.
  3561. >"Did ya catch anything they were saying?"
  3562. >"Nope."
  3563. "Not really."
  3564.  
  3565. >After a few minutes of digging through the stacks of books around them, Twilight's face gleams with excitement as she pulls out a brown tome with a golden, blue-eyed unicorn on the front.
  3566. >"The place where we first found the Elements of Harmony: the ancient castle where the royal sisters lived. That must be where the Keyhole is."
  3567. "Then let's get going!"
  3568.  
  3569. >"Sora, wait!"
  3570. >Donald stops you before you go too far and casts his magic once again, turning you back to your pony form.
  3571. >"Just because we told the girls the truth doesn't mean you can run around without a disguise! The last thing we need is a scene."
  3572. >Twilight nods as she puts the book into her satchel.
  3573. >"I agree. The ponies in Ponyville tend to be... dramatic."
  3574. >"Last Nightmare Night comes to night, for certain. Well, shall we get going, Darling?"
  3575. "Yeah, let's get... Wait, what?"
  3576. >You turn around to see the other girls all packed up and ready to go.
  3577. >Even the Alpha from before pokes its head through the window as Fluttershy fails to sneak some food to it.
  3578. "You're all coming with us?"
  3579.  
  3580. >"Of course, sugarcube. You've done us all a good turn, and this sounds like a job for the Elements of Harmony."
  3581. >Rainbow grinds one hoof into another as her brash nature shows itself again.
  3582. >"Yeah! We haven't had an adventure like this since Discord."
  3583. >"This'll be fun! I've always wanted to party like it was the 60's!"
  3584. >You smile as you look forward towards the outside.
  3585. "Alright, everypony. Let's do this!"
  3586. >"Right!"
  3587. >Twilight turns to Spike with a determined expression.
  3588. >"Spike, if we don't get back before dark, assume the worst and go get help."
  3589. >"Got it. Stay safe, everypony!"
  3590.  
  3591. >As you make your way through the Everfree once more, you notice the forest is much livelier than before.
  3592. "Guess all the animals returned to their homes."
  3593. >Fluttershy nods as she rides comfortably on the Alpha.
  3594. >"Oh yes, thanks to your help we were able to take care of all the little creatures and get them back safely."
  3595. >You take a different turn than before, keeping a closer eye out for the bright blue Poison Joke, taunting you to try your luck once more.
  3596. >After a while, you finally make it to an open area with a sharp drop into a canyon.
  3597. >"We'll go in through there."
  3598. >Twilight motions to the long, eroded sidepath that snakes down into it.
  3599. >"Sure a lot safer than the last time we did this."
  3600.  
  3601. >Almost as if to defy Applejack's comment, dark orbs begin to form in a circle around you as you're about halfway down the valley.
  3602. >A multitude of Heartless surround you as an armored variant of the Large Body from before takes front and center, pointing menacingly at you.
  3603. "Looks like we might be right on the money with this one!"
  3604. >"Sora, behind us!"
  3605. >You look around to see a sizable group of Heartless approaching from behind your position in a pincer formation.
  3606. "This isn't good."
  3607.  
  3608. >Twilight and her friends look at each other and nod before turning to you.
  3609. >"Let's spilt up: you, Donald, Goofy, and one of us can help you with that big Heartless while the others will deal wih the ones behind us."
  3610. >You think about it, and the logic is sound.
  3611. >Four should be more than enough for this Armored Body and its henchmen that are beginning to appear behind it.
  3612. >The only question is who to take with you.
  3613.  
  3614. >Twilight is the pony you're most familiar with: with a wide array of powerful magicks but low HP.
  3615. >Applejack is very sturdy and powerful, but loses mobility with her stronger attacks.
  3616. >Rarity has an impressive control over her gem magic and packs a mean right hook, but is mostly reliant on those temporary gems.
  3617. >Pinkie Pie is the perfect support pony, and her Pinkie Sense helped her out quite a bit with Octavia, but she doesn't seem to have many damaging moves.
  3618. >Fluttershy can draw attention to a particular target and also has the mighty Timberwolf Alpha from before who specializes in team attacks, however the Alpha is very weak to fire, and without it Fluttershy is mostly defenseless.
  3619. >Rainbow Dash can zoom across the battlefield and deal heavy and group damage without using magic, but these attacks either take time or cause her to take a break afterwards.
  3620. >You consider your options as the battle awaits.
  3621.  
  3622. >Sora, Donald, Goofy, and the Elements of Harmony VS Large Armor, 3x Soldiers, 2x Shadows, Red Nocturne, Blue Rhapsody, Yellow Opera, and Green Requiem
  3623.  
  3624. GO!
  3625.  
  3626. [Pick one ally for this fight: Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, or Rainbow Dash. Each girl has a variant of Dance, Dance, Dance! along with one extra Limit each. This choice will only apply for this current battle.]
  3627.  
  3628. [Donald has learned the ability Dispel. With it, he can change Sora's form from Pony to Human at the cost of his own turn in battle. You're free to decide which form to start with at the beginning of every battle. Human Sora gains a size class and takes no penalties with the moves Home Run Derby and Strike Raid. Pony Sora has an innate bonus in Performance, the Limit Dance, Dance, Dance!, Flight, and Weather Control.]
  3629.  
  3630. "Pinkie, you're with us! Twilight, go help the others cover our back; we've got the big guy."
  3631. >"Okie Dokie Lokie!"
  3632. >"Be careful, Sora!"
  3633. >Twilight moves back to support the other Elements as Pinkie runs over to your side.
  3634. "Donald, switch my form!"
  3635. >"Right!"
  3636. >Donald's staff lights up as your pony form dissipates, returning you to your more familiar human one.
  3637. >"Let's get this party started!"
  3638.  
  3639. >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKf8cHlT4cs
  3640.  
  3641. >The Green Requiem retreats to the back of the Large Armor before anyone else can react, protecting itself from attacks behind the hulking monstrosity.
  3642. >"Coward!"
  3643. >Donald's outrage is ignored by the Heartless as the Red Nocturne attempts to roast the griffin, the fireball sailing by and harmlessly dispelling on the ground.
  3644. >One of the Soldier leaps at Pinkie, getting a solid blow on the hyper pony and ending up behind you all.
  3645. >"Ow! That's not very nice, you meanie. Let's get ready to fight back, fellas!"
  3646. >Pinkie hums a repeating melody that makes you more aware of the blindspots when the Heartless attack, and the timing to strike them back.
  3647.  
  3648. >Meanwhile, the Blue Rhapsody shoots a torrent of frost into Goofy's face as well, leaving some icicles forming on the top of his hat.
  3649. >The Large Armor raises its arm as it looks down on you, the fist coming down like an iron guillotine and hitting your side.
  3650. >While you recoil from the pain, you notice that the Heartless is slow on retracting its punch: a prime opportunity to strike!
  3651. "Take this!"
  3652. >You swing your Keyblade in retalitation, a hard clang resonating from it as you strike the Heartess's hard armor, dealing less than optimal damage.
  3653. "Ghh! This thing's pretty tough, I better bring on the heat. Fire Blade!"
  3654. >A sword of fire forms in your other hand, as you assume an agile stance: Keyblade above the fiery blade below as you face down the Large Armor.
  3655.  
  3656. >"Look over here!"
  3657. >Goofy hollers as he raises his shield, taunting the Heartless as one of the Shadows manages to sink into the ground.
  3658. >Another Soldier takes Goofy up on his offer, bouncing jankily over to him and swiping past his guard, cutting into his side and making him grunt in pain.
  3659. >"Goofy, you can't just taunt the enemy without protection! Thunder Bulwark!"
  3660. >A familiar yellow sheen surrounds Goofy's shield as Donald's magic grants him extra protection.
  3661. >The final Soldier attempts to follow its compatriot's example with a spinning kick towards Goofy, but its momentum dies out before it can conect, sending it falling face first into the ground.
  3662.  
  3663. >The Yellow Rhapsody makes a moderate ringing sound as it glows yellow and unleashes a large surge of lightning at you all.
  3664. >While Goofy is able to avoid it, the rest of you take moderate shocks as the damage begins to make you see red again.
  3665. >"Ooh, Sora's maaad!"
  3666. >"Don't encourage him, Pinkie."
  3667. >While Donald looks at Pinkie's joke with mild exasperation, your rage makes you want to rip and tear through these weaklings.
  3668. >Thanks to Goofy's taunt and protection, you'll probably get away with whatever target you want.
  3669. >Unbeknownst in your anger, the remaining Shadow melts into the ground, potentially to escape from your wrath.
  3670. >You ready your weapons and let out a roar, ready to partake in this wonderful feast.
  3671.  
  3672. >Current Stats:
  3673.  
  3674. >Current Stats:
  3675. Sora (Berserk): 26/35 HP, 34/48 MP
  3676. Donald: 10/19 HP, 63/70 MP
  3677. Goofy: 29/38 HP, 33/35 MP 10/10 Thunder Bulwark
  3678. Pinkie: 10/25 HP
  3679.  
  3680. Counter Canon has three turns remaining.
  3681.  
  3682. >The Green Requiem flies out from behind the Large Armor, patching up the scratchs you caused earlier with its green dust.
  3683. >Charging a large fireball, the Red Nocturne lets loose on Goofy, the spell colliding harmlessly into his Thunder Bulwark.
  3684. >Meanwhile, the Soldier behind you all attempts to catch Goofy in his blind spot, but trips and rolls back to the front of him, eating dirt in the progress.
  3685. >"Well, since Sora's all grumpy-wumpy, let's pile up the damage!"
  3686. >Pinkie shoots up on her hindlegs and begins to dance a strange mix of ballet and primal body movements, filling the team with renewed strength.
  3687. >The Blue Nocturne releases another wave of cold onto Goofy, his lightning shield slowly begining to crack as the focused attention weather on his guard.
  3688. >In an attempt to capitalize, the Large Armor swings a bulky arm towards Goofy, its slow movements simple for the diamond dog to avoid.
  3689. >"Not the most dangerous Heartless, I guess."
  3690.  
  3691. "Blood and thunder!"
  3692. >You lunge at the armored titan and swing with reckless abandon, your target thankfull large enough to catch the blows from your Keyblade and fire sword.
  3693. >With the increased force from your anger and Pinkie's dancing, you rip and tear through the Heartless's armored shell, leaving a nasty, melted hole in it.
  3694. "Go to town, Goofy!"
  3695. >"Gotcha!"
  3696. >With a perfect spinning kick, Goofy releases a tornado of steel and flesh, colliding hard into the Red Nocturne, Yellow Opera, and the helpless Soldier.
  3697. >Eventually Hurricane Goofy crashed into the Large Armor, catching the hole you ripped open and peeling half the armor off as the opposing forces kill his momentum.
  3698. >As he lands, one of the remaining Soldiers leaps at him and tears through the remaining bulwark with a well timed kick, the excess force knocking him back.
  3699.  
  3700. >One of the Shadows moves silently through the ground, keeping an eye out for an opportunity to strike as Donald focuses his sights on the Large Armor.
  3701. >"Let's take this palooka down quickly. Thunder!"
  3702. >Donald's staff begins to lengthen as a long, lone bolt of lightning emerges from it.
  3703. >With a mighty heave, the griffon tosses the spell at the Large Armor, blasting through it's tattered armor!
  3704. >The slowest Soldier begins to charge Goofy and spins a pointy foot at the diamond dog while the Shadow pops out of the ground and unleashes a barrage of swipes!
  3705. >Both attacks connect successfully, whittling into Goofy's health as he swings his shield around, lightly smacking the two Heartless back to the group.
  3706.  
  3707. >Just then, a ferocious roar erupts from the Large Armor, who begins to swiftly and violently rip and tear at the remaining pieces of its armor.
  3708. "What, you need some help with that? I'm more than happy to provide!"
  3709. >As you taunt the Heartless, the armored half begins to groan and bend, the edges slowly tearing from the seams with a sickening crack.
  3710. >With a final roar, the Large Armor removes the remaining armor, revealing a bulky Heartless with ridiculously large arms wearing rags and a loincloth.
  3711. >"Gawrsh, i sure looks stronger without all that armor on..."
  3712. "It's also more fragile now! Let's tear the rest of them apart!"
  3713.  
  3714. >Everyone is rather injured right now, but you've certainly punched a hole through the enemy.
  3715. >Two of the four magic Heartless are down, as well as a Soldier and battered the Large Armor.
  3716. >Like you said earlier, the Large Armor might have grown stronger by removing its armor, but it's now more vulnerable too.
  3717. >You ready your weapons once more against the newly frenzied Armor as the other Elements make progress thinning the horde behind you.
  3718.  
  3719. >Current Stats:
  3720. Sora (Berserk): 26/35 HP, 34/48 MP
  3721. Donald: 10/19 HP, 59/70 MP
  3722. Goofy: 18/38 HP, 28/35 MP
  3723. Pinkie: 10/25 HP
  3724.  
  3725. Counter Canon has two turns remaining.
  3726. Attack Tango has three turns remaining.
  3727.  
  3728. >The Green Requiem rings lightly as a curative light surrounds the injured Shadow, recovering most of its injuries.
  3729. >The Blue Rhapsody continues its frigid assault on Goofy, the frost doing middling damage as his icicles start growing icicles.
  3730. >"You didn't eat any of my cupcakes yet? Great, I'll just help myself to one, then!"
  3731. >Pinkie tosses one of the wrapped cupcakes into the air, skillfully unwarpping it before catching it in her mouth.
  3732. >To your surprise, she puckers a little and looks a little dissatisfied.
  3733. >"Lime, huh? Not a huge fan of it, to be honest."
  3734.  
  3735. >Before the Frenzy Armor can make a move, you catch an opportune moment to strike and ram into the bulky Heartless!
  3736. "Not fast enough, big guy!"
  3737. >Your Keyblade and fire blade dig into its vulnerable flesh, leaving nasty burns and cuts all over it.
  3738. >In a fit of rage, the Frenzy Armor tosses you off of him and wildly swings around, catching Goofy and sending him flying back!
  3739. >"Wa-ho-hooooah-! Oof!"
  3740. >After a hard crash into the nearby cliff face, Goofy gets back up and launches himself at the Green Requiem that foolishly revealed itself.
  3741. >"No more healing for you varmints!"
  3742. >The Heartless is incapabe of retreating, as it and one of the healed Soldier suffer a triple swing that reopened the Soldier's wounds and left the healing Heartless a stain on the ground!
  3743.  
  3744. "Alright! Way to go, Goofy!"
  3745. >"Now they won't be able to heal anymore!"
  3746. >Keeping his golden smile, even with all those injuries, Goofy lets out an embarrassed chuckle as a menacing Shadow emerges out of the ground.
  3747. "Goofy, look out!"
  3748. >"Huh?"
  3749. >As he looks behind him, the Heartless strikes his face, causing him to back up while nursing his wound.
  3750. >Unbeknownst to him, the uninjured Soldier takes this opportunity to slice his unguarded back, sending Goofy to the floor!
  3751. >"Sorry, fellas, just need a little rest..."
  3752. >With that, Goofy clocks out like a light.
  3753.  
  3754. >"Goofy!"
  3755. "You little-!"
  3756. >Donald quickly casts a curative spell on himself before weaving out of the way of the injured Soldier's kick.
  3757. >The newly healed Shadow sinks back into the ground as you double down around the unconscious Goofy.
  3758. >"Goofy's still breathing, but unless we take care of some of these wounds, he's not going ot be able to help anyone!"
  3759. >Your anger flares at the enemies' utter concentration on Goofy, and how badly they injured him, as your Fire Blade dissipates.
  3760. >There's still one more magic Heartless, the Blue Rhapsody, the two Soldiers, Shadows and the Frenzy Armor.
  3761. >Thankfully, the Armor and one of the Soldiers are very close to death, and a focused assault might be just the thing to wipe them all out.
  3762. >Goofy's out of commission for now, and it seems his focus of the enemies' attention has gone out with it, with each Heartless looking at their own targets.
  3763. >This is a hairy situation, but it's not over yet.
  3764.  
  3765. >Current Stats:
  3766. Sora (Berserk): 26/35 HP, 34/48 MP
  3767. Donald: 19/19 HP, 54/70 MP
  3768. Goofy (KO): 0/38 HP, 23/35 MP
  3769. Pinkie: 16/25 HP
  3770.  
  3771. Counter Canon has one turn remaining.
  3772. Attack Tango has two turns remaining.

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