Void was sitting silently in the disk platform, worried that the three will never come back from what she had said...
She sighed as she stood up from her 4 hoofs and walked over the edge of the platform, looking at the dark void beyond.
"I guess there is no such thing as the Cores of Friendship anymore... I suppose it's the end of my mission." Void sighed as she turned around with sadness in her eyes.
Fortunately, a bright aura shined behind Void as a figure of a fox slowly descended to the platform before reverting back to normal.
"Ashley? Have you changed your mind?" Void asked as she walked closer.
"No, I- I made up my mind," Ashley replied before showing Void her Shoulder Bag before continuing...
"It's colder than it used to be. I guess it's different than a dream..."
As moments of silence, Void spoke up...
"Why did you come back?" Before Ashley replied...
"I don't have that many friends back at my world." Void smiled as Ashley took out a small pony plush toy from her bag and offered it to Void.
"W- What? No... I shouldn't." Void blushed as Ashley smile back as she said...
"I- I insist. I thank you for letting me in this mission..."
Void held the plush toy as she hugged it with her forelegs.
"Ashley... I haven't been given a gift for... centuries..."
Ashley gasped as she asked...
"How long have you've been here?" She stated as Void's cheek rolled a tear.
"Longer than you..." Void's aura faded as Ashley's eyes widen, revealing the Void's true self.
The void was an orange pony with bright white eyes and red curly mane with her cutie mark being an eagle spreading its wings outward and sword crossing each other on the back.
"V- Void... I'm sorry..." Ashley frowned as she kneeled down, looking at Void's eyes.
"It's not your fault, Ashley. I was born like this." Void smiled as she cried while wrapping her forelegs around Ashley.
"No problem, friend." She replied as the two embraced each other for quite a while before ending the hug.
"I am thankful for your kindness." Void rubbed her tears as her aura glowed back up again before making her plush toy fade in ashes, flowing with the wind.
"W- What d- did you do?" Ashley stuttered as Void smiled back before responding...
"I kept it in my room. Thank you for your offering, and that's one reason I chose you than the others."
The two stood up before Ashley fiddled with her scarf as she looked down at the floor and back up to Void.
"How m... many minutes are left until the 60th-minute hits?" Ashley asked.
"It has only been 50 minutes, leaving with 10 minutes. I hope the other two will come along with you." Void frowned, not knowing what to do if they refused to come back.
Void sat down in front of Ashley before the two sat down together on the floor.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Void asked with a sad tone.
"I- I am! As you said earlier that I- I need to be fearless, so I am gonna be one!" Ashley smiled before Void smiled.
"Well, I suppose this is the first step in being fearless." Void responded before Ashley nodded as the two stayed in silent.
Void notices that Ashley's face was filled with sorrow and pain, gripping her scarf and eyes at the floor. She was hurt, having no friends at all struck her way of living life.
Void herself was friendless, she can relate to Ashley. She sighed before looking at Ashley's sad face before looking at the ground.
Void decides to give Ashley a gift as she spawned in a small bracelet unto her left foreleg before walking up to Ashley.
"Ashley... I have something for you." Void spoke as Ashley turned at Void as she gasped at the offering Void has made.
"I- I can't take this..." Ashley quickly responded as Void ascended from the ground and leveled with Ashley's face.
"This is to show my gratitude for your kind-heartedness, as I wish you the best of luck once you are in combat. This necklace was given to me while I visited Equestria, given to me by Celestia. She gave this to me after I helped her upon troubles and problems, and I honestly hope that you may keep it to yourself. Celestia may not recognize me, but this necklace will do the trick. Here, have this as a token of my gratitude." Void smiled as she wrapped the necklace around Ashley's neck before locking it on the place.
Ashley inspected the necklace as there were 3 colored gems attached to its front. A blue, yellow, and green ones, representing the 3 core friendships.
"I... I can't thank you enough..." Ashley whispered with joy in her face.
Suddenly, a bright figure appeared above Void and Ashley as it descended upon the floor as a familiar voice came upon the figure...
"I guess this isn't a dream, huh? Holy damn It's cold here..." Leo chuckled as Void sighed in relief before speaking...
"I am glad to see you two here. I just hope SB is willing to protect Equestria from the growing evil."
Leo placed his backpack on the floor as he rubbed his chin before asking...
"What's this growing evil you're talking about?" He crossed his arms as Ashley turned her head at Void, listening to whatever she says.
"We are dealing with my brother. He thinks friendship is the cause of our mother's death. We need to-" Void was interrupted as Ashley decided to speak up...
"F- Friendship that caused death?" She stuttered before Void nodded and replying...
"I don't wish to explain what happened further. My brother will send his champion to Equestria, and I know that they will strike tomorrow evening."
Leo scratched his head as he asked... "We don't have any time to practice our skills in using our weapons yet..." As Void smiled as she explained...
"The crystals that are connected to your weapon will guide you. It will show you it's true potential during combat. Since the crystal is now connected to your body, it will help you move during combat as well."
Ashley sighed in relief as she heard that the crystals help your movement during a fight. Leo sighed as well before sitting down at the floor.
"How many minutes are left?" He asked the two females before Void answered.
"3..." Void sighed in disappointment as he sat down in defeat.
"I hope SB comes before time runs out..." Ashley stated nervously as Leo grunted before replying...
"Let's face it, he's a dork and I am 100% sure he isn't coming back."
Ashley stood straight up as she walked over Leo and stated...
"He's not a dork! He is friendly and is willing to help others in need! Even if he ends his own life!" Ashley shouted as she defended SB's dignity before Leo protesting that...
"Ash, I know that you are kind. You can drop that act now and agree with me!" He stated as Ashley replied...
"Don't 'ASH' me! You're just jealous that he gets to be the center of-"
Unfortunately, Leo pushed Ashley as he shouted in anger and stomped his foot at the ground.
Void managed to catch Ashley before she hits the floor.
Leo sigh as he sat at the floor in anger.
Void looked at Ashley as she nodded before trotting next to Leo.
"Go away," Leo stated as he wiped his tears and buried his face into his arms.
"Leo, I get that you're mad for being homeless. But I assure you, always smile and be positive. Not all of your wishes are going to be true." She explained as Leo faced Ashley, with dried tears on his cheeks.
"I... I'm sorry for pushing you Ashley, I will never do that... Again..." Leo slowly stood up as he dusted off his pants before facing Ashley.
"Leo, all of us makes mistakes, and I accept your apology. Hug?" Ashley grew more confident after she was chosen as the core of kindness.
The two wrapped their arms around each other before letting go, as Ashley asked Void how many minutes is left for SB to join.
"30 seconds..." Void looked at the floor before Ashley and Leo do as well...
All hopes were lost as the three lowered their heads, as they waited for the last seconds to finish.
Fortunately, in the last few seconds, a bright blue aura glowed above the three before hearing a happy familiar voice...
"HI! IM BACK" SB shouted as he slowly descended while carrying a backpack and a shoulder bag.
"SB!" The three shouted in unison before Ashley and Leo dashed towards him as they group hugged.
"I thought you were never coming back!" Void said with glee as she walked over SB before letting go of their hug.
"I thought as well! But thank YOU for this opportunity for me to explore other realms!" SB smiled as Leo replied...
"You were like... 15 seconds before the clock hits its the 60th-minute!"
"I'm just glad you came!" Ashley smiled before a confident smile grew on SB's face.
"I was worried that I may never come here again and see all of my new friends." He stated as the three formed a group hug before letting go.
"Let's do this thing! I'M PUMPED UP!" Leo shouted as the three core's of friendship circled around Void as her horn shined before giving the three their respective weapons as she spoke.
"Before you all depart, you all shall name the weapons of your choice."
SB spoke first before rising his sword...
"THE SWORD OF VALOR!" A smile grew on SB's face as bolts of lightning from above struck the blade before stopping.
Leo nodded at SB as he raised his Shield and shouted...
"THE PEACEKEEPER!" As shards of green glass appeared at Leo's shield before vanishing again.
Ashley sighed during a smile as she raised her bow upwards before shouting...
"THE SHOOTING STAR!" She shouted as orange glowing rings moved around her bow before realizing...
"Wait... How about my arrows?" She asked as Void answered.
"Just pull the string and an energy arrow will be summoned." As Ashley does what she was told, an arrow with orange aura was instantly summoned between two of her hands as she shot it into the sky.
"Wow... It means... I HAVE UNLIMITED ARROWS!?" Ashley jumped with glee as her bow grew slightly in size as the three cores
of friendship faced Void before she lifted the 4th weapon, a ring, to SB before stating...
"You are the holder of the ring of connection, find it's wielder and make me proud." Void stated as SB held his hand before Void placing the ring on his palm.
"How about you? Will we ever see you again?" Ashley spoke as Void smiled before replying...
"I will be always with you... Now... It is time." She trotted towards the middle of the disk platform as her horn glowed brighter than anything they have ever seen before she started rhyming.
"GIVE US WAY TO LAND BEYOND.
KINDNESS, POWER, AND FEARLESS AS BOND.
EQUESTRIA WE FEND FROM EVIL WE STRIKE, HELP THESE HEROES GIVING ENDLESS MIGHT!" Void shouted as a beam of light shot high up to the sky before 3 separate beams of light shot back unto the platform, each representing their unique color. An orange, sky blue, and neon green beams.
"SB, Leo, and Ashley." Void caught their attention as the three walked over Void before continuing.
"You three will be my champions from here on out. I will be responsible for any death. And please do not reveal yourselves yet, wait for the right time."
The three looked at each other as they grouped hugged with Void as she blushed with happiness.
"Now go, take your things and be careful." She let go of the hug as the three carried their bags before standing in front of the glowing beams.
"SAYONARA, DUDES!" Leo shouted as he jumped to the beam before disappearing.
"See ya on the other side, Ashley," SB stated as he jumped unto his beam before disappearing as well.
Ashley stood there, looking at her beam.
"Go ahead now, Ashley." Void stated as she felt someone was hugging her.
"I hope we will meet again..." Ashley stated as she ended their embrace before jumping unto the beam.
Just before the three left Void, she sighed as she teleported out of the disk platform.
She opened her eyes to see her room, looks like an ordinary room... Sun shined through her window, as she trotted over her desk and wrote on her journal with a pencil using her magic...
"Day 367192,
Today, I have chosen my champions. I am willing to defeat my elder brother and end evil once and for all. A stick figure by the name of Sean Benjamin, A human by the name of Leo Prince, and a kind fox by the name of Ashley Luen. I am glad to see these three accepting such a challenge that I once accepted when I was a little more. My role as the last Core of Friendship will end eventually. I will remember my last moments as a Celestial Pony, and being the last pony of their kind. May luck bless this with strength."
SB's PoV
As faint sounds of wind and shuffling grass, I decided to rest for a while and appreciate the pleasant sounds of nature.
I slowly lifted myself before standing up while keeping my eyes shut tight, then carefully opened my eyes.
"It's kinda dark out today... I'm in a forest? Where am I... Where are my friends!? What the f-" I was interrupted as a loud flash of lightning struck me before I could finish.
I kneeled unto the ground as a grip on my right hand felt familiar. It was my sword, randomly sparking electricity as I slowly swung it around as trails of light flow behind.
"This... Is the coolest thing that ever happened to me." I whispered as took my bags and left quickly as possible.
The sounds of me stepping on grass was one of my favorite things to hear when I was young since cities started to pollute my world. Likely got the chance to walk on nature's creations.
As time passed, I was still walking before my stomach began to rumble.
"Jesus... Now it's not the time." I complained before continued walking.
I walked the forest floor for quite some time now, still no sign of life but for me... as the sounds of rustling came behind me, holding my sword tightly as I suspect an attack.
Just before I turned around, a wolf that was made of wood jumped at me as my reflexes said kick the wolf as I sent it flying into a tree.
"A wolf made of logs and twigs... how scary..." I whispered as my sword's aura slowly weakened, realizing that my kindness has slowly decayed.
I facepalmed myself as the wolf stood on its legs as it came back charging at me.
Sighing, I suddenly thrust my sword onto the wolf, swiping it leftward as I hear cries from the wolf before it's logs and twigs finally fell to the floor.
I gave a stern look to my sword as it's aura faded, making my sword looking normal. I continued my venture to the forest as I remembered the Void's words...
A sword that is activated by kindness? Yeah right... I should have picked the bow in the first place...
Looking around the forest, trying to find food. I stumbled upon a small cottage near the end of the forest, as it's windows lit from inside before a figure of a pony walked passed the window.
"I better hope they are friendly or anything..." I thought to myself, walking towards the cottage doors before hesitating in knocking.
As I sighed in a sad tone, I knocked on the door three times before saying...
"Um, anybody home?" As sounds of clops can be heard behind the door as It opened.
"I am willing to-" I stopped before realizing that I was talking to nobody.
Before looking left and right, I then looked down as I saw a yellow pegasus mare with her pink mane, looked up right at me as I sensed fear on her eyes before looking at the sword I was holding.
"Hey, I was just wondering- OW!" The door quickly shut as it faces planted me before I fell to the ground.
"Jeez... Fine..." I whispered, sighing in frustration as the pony shouted behind the door...
"PLEASE DON'T HURT ME!"
As I grinned from her reply, I stated... "I'm not going to hurt you. I just wanted a place to..."
My voice trailed off to nothing as I sighed before walking away from the cottage.
I didn't walk that far away from the cottage as I just rested myself behind a tree which is near enough to see the view of it.
I placed my bags behind my head while figuring out how to despawn my sword.
Quickly gave up, placing it behind my bag before pulling out my phone.
"No reception... No entertainment..." I muttered before tapping the camera app, point it to the sky where the cottage and the moon were on the screen as I took the shot before resting my phone unto my chest.
I looked at the night sky, wondering in what lies ahead. Closing my eyes as sounds of calming wind made a smile in my face as I whispered goodnight unto the night sky.
Ashley's PoV
Darkness is all I can see... numb, scared, and alone...
Tried to move my body, but it feels like something is keeping them from responding.
Fortunately, I felt a breeze. A moment where I felt the grass between my fingers as the familiar dirt smell.
Slowly opened my eyes, inspecting my surroundings. I'm... in a forest? Not a big fan of nature but also not a big fan of being a hater.
It was also night time. Thankfully, I adjusted my eyes as my night vision started to kick in.
I stood up slowly before shouting in pain, kneeling down again as pain from my right leg causing me to grind my teeth.
I crawled over to my shoulder bag, pulling out my phone before seeing no reception.
"I'm so screwed..." I whispered before attempting to stand up slowly as possible.
Surprised, I manage to stand with one leg as I took my shoulder bag and wrapping it around my shoulder before hopping my way through the forest.
Suddenly, as I looked down my left arm, a red ring moving up and down, as a familiar bow immediately spawns on my hand.
"I- It's my bow!" I smiled before it slightly shrunk in size before realizing...
"N- No! Don't do this to me, bow!" It shrank in size.
My bow was now as long as my entire arm as I sighed, composing myself...
"I can do this... Just believe...Just... Believe..." I continued as my bow slowly adjusted it's size before stopping, making the bow's weight and size more comfortable.
"I just need to be tough... I just need to be- AHHHHH!" A loud lightning bolt echoed the forest, making me jump in fear while my bow shrunk immediately.
"W- why is my life like this..." I slowly kneeled down, grabbing my bow as I sighed.
"I have leg pain and a bow that tells me to quit being a scaredy cat. I'm too weak..." I sat down it defeat before continuing...
"I shouldn't have been one of the cores of friendship..." I rubbed my cheek as tears started dropping to my scarf before lying down, my shoulder back as my pillow and my bow on my right.
I glared at the night sky, twinkling stars and trails of shooting stars... oh what wonderful night we have today...
I gently closed my eyes as the beautiful sounds of ambient wind soothened my emotion as I went to sleep...
Next Morning, Celestia PoV
I walked the castle halls next to my sister, tempting to share the vision I have seen earlier.
"Sister, is something wrong?" Luna asked me as I sighed, replying...
"Do you remember the old legend you always wish to happen?" I asked her as we both stopped walking before she faced me, nodding.
"The Legend of the three Cores of Friendship? It has been so long since I last thought about it-" Luna stopped as her eyes widen when the realization hits her before replying back...
"Wait... Is this about the vision you had earlier? Is the legend... REAL!?" She shouted in glee as I smiled at her enthusiasm.
"Now, now. We don't know who it is yet. That's why I'm sending Twilight and her friends to search for these Cores." I stated as Luna and I continued walking the halls, can't stop noticing her huge smile on her face.
SB's PoV
A familiar breeze of wind flew to my body as I rubbed my eyes, followed by a groan.
Slowly opened my eyes as the bright sun shined down as I stood up before stretching my arms.
I took my backpack and shoulder bag before grabbing my sword, sighing in relief that no one stole it while I was asleep.
"I need to eat something... anything at least..." I stated before looking towards the cottage.
Regretting what I was about to do, I walked over the cottage window as I peaked on who's inside.
"No sigh of the yellow pony... She might be sleeping, but I would rather take some food than die from starving..." I thought to myself as I dropped both my bags behind a bush next to me as I slowly opened the window doors.
The sound of creaking wood made me nervous.
"This is gonna be sketchy..." I whispered as I lifted one leg through the window before stepping in the other leg quietly.
I looked over my surroundings, tippy-toed my way through the kitchen.
As I was about to get through the living room, sounds of clopping are heard upstairs as I instantly panicked.
I opened one of the kitchen cabinets as I entered before silently closing the door.
I could hear hoof steps near me as I held my breath as long as possible before hearing...
"I don't remember opening this window." a soothing voice stated as sounds of windows getting shut.
Panicking, I gripped my sword as I prayed to not be seen.
The sounds of clopping got louder and louder at the point where I could see a figure between the cracks of the cabinet doors.
It was the pony who slammed the door to my face, and how god damn beautiful was her mane.
After adjusting my position, I accidentally bumped my head underneath the counter.
"S- SHIT!" I whispered as I rubbed my head before sighing.
"W- WHO'S THERE!?" The yellow mare shouted as I sighed, slowly opened the cabinet before standing up.
"H- hey..." I frowned in embarrassment, kneeling down to level with her blue eyes.
"I- It's you..." She slowly backed up as I looked down to the wooden floor before apologizing...
"Look, I'm sorry that I entered your house without your permission. I'm just hungry, at the point where I would steal for food. I will go now." I stood up as I walked towards the front door before hearing a reply...
"You can stay. I am having breakfast, and it would be nice to have some... one... to talk to." I looked back to see her smile, as I turned around with sorrow in my eyes.
"I don't want to be a burden..." I placed my hand unto the doorknob as the yellow pony replied back...
"Don't worry, I would love to know more about you. I haven't seen anything like you before." the voice of hers truly calmed me down as I kneeled in front of her, offering a handshake before I stated...
"Name's SB."
"Fluttershy," she stated as we both shook... hoof/hands before my sword slightly glowed.