Last time found our heroes battled alongside Sara and her friends as they defended Paradise Estates from a Heartless attack. One thing lead to another, resulting in Sara using a great yet slightly unpredictable magic to endthe battle, The Rainbow of Light. At the same time, the demon Zabuchrion planned his next move, while The Ethereals selected their champion; Kenshin Himura. 'Nuff said, on with the show!
Chapter 4: The Sage of the Mushromp
"I've got a feeling that whoever's controlling The Heartless in this world," said Aiden, "they won't be launching any more attacks tonight."
"How can you tell?" David asked.
"That last attack with that big Shadow," said Riku.
"Giga Shadow," said Sora.
"Right," said Riku, "anyway, it was most likely a coup de grâce, a final strike to end it. I believe that the controller hasn't anything else to throw at us, not tonight anyway."
"You did say that The Heartless only appear at night in this world," said Kairi to Sara, "so we're probably safe until dawn, and then safe for sure until dusk."
"In that case," said Sara, "we should get some rest now, while it's still night, and then plan what to do in the morning."
"I have an idea about what to do tomorrow," said Megan as everyone went inside to the large sitting room, "but first, Sara, I think you should hold onto The Rainbow of Light, for now anyway."
"But it's yours, mom," said Megan, "the Moochick gave it to you when you first came to Dream Valley."
"He did," said Megan, "but he never said anything about it being mine forever."
"What's a Moosestick?" Goofy asked.
"That's Moocow, ya' big palooka!" said Donald.
"You're both wrong," said Megan, "The Moochick is a gnome magician who lives in a part of the forest called the Mushromp. He's really wise, and a bit eccentric, and more than a bit forgetful, but he's always helped me and the Little Ponies when we needed him."
"The Moochick gave my mom The Rainbow of Light to fight Tirnac," said Sara, "And he later designed Paradise Estates."
"He must be a really great person," said Kairi.
"He is," said Galaxy as she, North Star, Cherries Jubilee and Spike came into the room, "assuming he can ever remember who you are and why you're there to see him."
"I'm amazed he can even remember who he is," said Shady.
"But he usually remembers in the end," said Megan, "Which is why I think it would be a good idea to go see him tomorrow. If anyone in Ponyland can tell us why The Heartless are abducting the Little Ponies, it's him. And he can also help solve another riddle."
"Like how we can do what we can do," said Lance, while Nate, Denise, David and Sara nodded in agreement.
"Then it's settled," said Kairi, "we'll go see The Moochick in the morning."
"We should get as much sleep as we can," said Sara. She looked at Sora and the others, "there's plenty of guest rooms for humans here at Paradise Estates. I'm sure you'll be comfortable."
Our heroes were shown to a part of the house with several guests rooms that were indeed very comfortable. Sora and the others said their goodnights to Sara and her friends.
A few minutes later found Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aiden, Donald and Goofy in Sora's room for a last meeting before they all turned in for the night.
"This is getting a little out of hand," said Riku, "we're still lost."
"We're not lost," said Goofy, "we're in Ponyland."
"I mean that King Mickey and everyone else in our universe has lost us again," said Riku.
"He's right," said Sora, "The King and Yen Sid were supposed to bring us back home, but Maleficent's dark magic sent us here."
"Well I'm glad we're here," said Kairi, "it's clear that something else other than a bit of dark magic and pure chance brought us to this world. Sara and her friends need us."
"I'm not denying that," said Riku. "Goodness knows that I'd like to break the head open of whoever's abducing the Little Ponies."
"Same here," said Aiden.
"Are you okay?" Sora asked, "all of this must still look really weird to you."
"It is weird," said Aiden, "but I was expecting weirdness. I'll be used to it soon enough, especially since I'm not going back to my world."
"What are you talking about?" Kairi asked, "didn't you tell Travis and Kaylee that you would return?"
"I hated lying to them," said Aiden, he sighed in a way that said he was in the middle of a confession, "but it was the only way they'd let me go. Besides, it's not like I have a choice in going home. I told you before that when I got my Keyblade and gained the powers that came with it, I had to give up something."
He sighed again, "Equivalent Exchange, 'to obtain, something of equal value must be lost.' I can't go home, not until fate is done with me, whenever that is."
"I'm really sorry to hear that," said Riku.
"But at least I'm not alone," said Aiden as he smiled, "and I think I know what part of my task is."
"The new Princesses of Heart," said Kairi, ""Maleficent and her cronies are looking for them."
"If they get all seven," said Riku, "just like they almost did last time, they can open the door to Kingdom Hearts and flood the universe with darkness, perhaps all of existence even."
"No way we'll let that happen!" said Donald, while Goofy nodded in agreement.
"But we may not have a choice in the matter," said Riku, "not while we're stuck jumping from one random universe to another."
"At that rate," said Sora, "well never fine the new Princesses of Heart before Maleficent does."
"We've already found one," said Aiden, "you remember that I said that I had a vision of the new seven Princesses of Heart, and that I couldn't remember their faces? And that I would remember them when I see them?"
"Of course we remember," said Kairi, while Sora, Riku, Donald and Goofy nodded in agreement, "that's one of the reasons you asked to go with us."
"Well I saw one of them tonight," said Aiden. "Sara Lancaster, she's one of the new seven Princesses of Heart."
There was a moment of stunned silence among our heroes
"Are you sure?" Riku finally asked.
"I'm positive," said Aiden, "the platforms I was on in my vision were like stain-glass windows, and each showed a different girl. Sara was on one of the platforms. I remember the image clearly now…
"She was in the center of a meadow of sorts, a white aura was around her body. To her upper left was a flame, to her lower left was a leaf, to her upper right was drop of water and to her lower right was a cloud. Behind her was a large rainbow, and all around her were pictures of Little Ponies. I remember seeing Galaxy, North Star and a few others we saw tonight. I haven't seen the others that were in the picture yet."
He looked at Sora and the others, "I'm absolutely certain about this. Sara is one of the new Princesses of Heart."
"If that's true," said Riku, "then we have to protect her, no matter what. Even if Maleficent isn't involved in what's happening in Dream Valley, Sara is still in danger. We have to tell her that…"
"That she is one seventh of a human key that can flood all of existence in darkness?" Kairi asked, "I don't think so."
"Are you saying that we shouldn't tell Sara that she's a Princess of Heart?" Sora asked, "wouldn't not telling her be more dangerous?"
"I was thinking the same thing," said Aiden, "lack of knowledge can be just as dangerous as knowing the danger exists."
"That's true," said Kairi, "but we also need to think about Sara herself. She's going through a lot right now. First, she learns that all the stories her mom told her about another world and talking ponies is true, and that alone is enough to turn someone's head completely around.
"Second, she learns about The Heartless, and they, also, are enough to turn someone's head around. Third, she and her friends discover that they have powers when they've always believed that they were normal kids.
"I'm just saying that telling Sara that she's a Princess of Heart, and that Maleficent and her goobers will be after her, it may just be more than she can handle."
"I see where you're going," said Aiden, "Sara does have more than enough on her plate, and that was before we showed up here. Telling her that she's in even more danger could push her over the edge."
"And that's the last thing anyone needs," said Riku.
"I get it," said Sora, "okay then, we'll keep this a secret, for now."
"For now," Kairi agreed, "once we've dealt with whoever or whatever is controlling The Heartless in this world, and rescued the kidnapped Little Ponies, then we'll tell Sara that she's a Princess of Heart. And I think it would be a good idea that when the time to tell comes, I should be the one to tell her."
"That's a good idea," said Riku, "once Princess of Heart to another."
"Well, if there isn't anything else to talk about," said Aiden, "I'm about ready to hit the sack."
"Same here," said Sora as he yawned.
Everyone said their goodnights and went to their separate rooms. Donald and Goofy fell asleep almost as soon as their heads touched their pillows, while Riku and Aiden tossed and turned for a while before sleep overcame them. But Sora and Kairi were still wide awake.
As if driven by instinct, they left their rooms and met at a nearby veranda that had a long, swinging couch.
"Still can't sleep?" Sora asked.
"I feel like I can't relax unless I'm with you," said Kairi. They sat on the porch swing with Kairi leaning against Sora.
"What's going to happen to us?" Kairi asked.
"We'll go see this Moochick tomorrow," said Sora, "figure out what to do, rescue the Little Ponies, defeat whoever's controlling The Heartless, help Sara in any way we can, and hopefully by then, The King and Yen Sid would have found us and brought us home."
"I mean about us," said Kairi, "you and me."
"Oh," said Sora, "well, I guess whatever's going to happen, we'll face it together."
He then pulled out from his pocket the Thalasa shell charm that Kairi gave him when they began working together. It was a miracle that it was still in once piece and unscratched considering everything that has happened.
Kairi then pulled out her shell charm that Sora made for her. It to was untouched by all the chaos surrounding the two of them. "Looks like we are in this together," said Kairi.
"You can say that again," said Sora, "Kairi, no matter what's going to happen, my heart will always be with you."
"And mine will be with yours," said Kairi, "and that's a lot of heart."
They both laughed, and then finally, they kissed for the first time. They would have kissed longer, but then exhaustion overcame their emotions and they both fell asleep leaning against each other on the porch swing.
DREAM SEQUENCE
Sora found himself in a strange forest. It was cold and damp, with a heavily overcast sky above. Yet despite the gloomy atmosphere, ther forest seemed to hum with a strong lifeforce.
He then saw someone sitting on a nearby tree branch. It turned out to be a girl, about 11 or 12, wearing a white dress. She had a pale, oval face with chocolate-brown eyes and long, curly bronze hair. Whoever this mysterious child was, she was exceptionally beautiful for her age.
The girl looked down at Sora and smiled dazzlingly. She then jumped from the branch, landing lightly on her feet. "Hello, Sora," said the girl. Her voice was like ringing bells.
"Who are you?" Sora asked.
"You'll know soon," said the girl as she smiled again and then she seemed to vanish.
END DREAM SEQUENCE
Sora and Kairi both woke up at the same time, an hour or so before dawn, and were startled to see each other at such close quarters, startled enough to fall off the porch swing.
"Next time we decide to get close," said Sora as he and Kairi got back up and stretched their stiff muscles, "we should be in a place were we won't wake up awkwardly." Sora then tried to remember his strange dream, but it quickly faded to the back of his mind, only to be forgotten within seconds.
"That's a good idea," said Kairi, "and speaking of last night, am I to take it that we really are now a couple?"
"I guess so," said Sora, "so, what now?"
"Well, as soon as we have some time," said Kairi, "we should go on a serious date."
"I think I have something in mind already," said Sora, "once we're home, I'm taking you out to dinner at the best restaurant in town."
"Sounds like a plan to me," said Kairi as they went inside. They went to their respective rooms and washed up, then went towards the common room, where Riku, Aiden, Donald, Goofy, Sara, David, Nate, Lance, Denise, Megan, Spike, North Star, Galaxy and sever other Little Ponies, were already there with a large breakfast buffet set up.
"Well," said Aiden in a teasing manner, "if it isn't the two lovebirds. Enjoy your evening?"
"It was alright," said Sora as he and Kairi helped themselves to eggs, toast, bacon and hash browns, "we sort of fell asleep before anything really happened, but…wait, why am I telling you this?"
"And how did you know anyway?" Kairi demanded as she slathered her toast with jam, then proceeded to drown her eggs in ketchup.
"We have our sources," said Riku.
"Oh," said Sora, "that." he remembered that he, Kairi and Riku had a strong empathic bond that allowed them to sense each others emotions, as well as when they were in danger. King Mickey said that this bond would gain in strength, eventually to the point where they could communicate telepathically.
"I got a buzz of some sort last night," said Aiden, "somehow I knew that the two of you were together, and that you were the happiest you've been in a while. Is that normal? Or am I losing it?"
"Guess it's part of being a Keyblade Wielder," said Kairi, "you get all sorts of powers."
"You'll work them out in time," said Riku, "we still are."
"This is all nice and dandy, talking about your personal lives," said Denise, "but can we move it along? I'd like to be on our way sometime this morning?"
"She's right," said Lance, "from what I've heard, it's quite a ways walk to the Mushromp."
"It's not that far," said Galaxy, "about an hour or so."
"We know the way," said North Star, "as well as a bit of a shortcut that will get us there in no time."
"We're already packed," said Sara as she pointed to a few backpacks by the door, "just some things we may need; water, trail mix, first aid kits, everything you'll need when trekking through the woods."
"I'll stay here with the other Little Ponies," said Megan, "and I'll also keep watch for Malcolm to come back."
"Do you really think dad is alright, mom?" a concerned Sara asked.
"I'd know if anything happened to your father," said Megan as she gave Sara a reassuring smile, "don't worry about me, Sara, I'll be fine until you all get back."
"There really isn't anything to worry about, not now anyway," said Nate, "The Heartless don't come during the day."
"I know that," said Sara, "but thanks for saying it anyway."
"I just had a horrible thought," said David, "we're all in agreement that the reason why the enemy didn't attack again last night was that they didn't have any more Heartless to throw at us. Well, they've had all night to get more, and they'll have all of today as well."
"In that case we'd better get going," said Riku, "the sooner we speak with this Moochick, then sooner we can get back and prepare for tonight."
They were all ready to leave in less than half an hour. By then the sky was beginning to brighten as dawn approached. Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aiden, Donald, Goofy, Sara, Denise, Lance, Nate and David, North Star, Galaxy, Shady, Cherries Jubilee and Heart Throb, left Paradise Estates and headed for the woods.
They passed the time with idle small talk, comparing interests and dislikes. It turned out that the Earth that Sora, Riku and Kairi came from had a lot of similarities as the one Sara and her friends came from.
"So they have 'Lord of the Rings' on your world?" Sora asked.
"You bet," said Lance, "and all four movies were awesome."
"There were only three on our world," said Riku, "'Fellowship of the Ring,' 'The Two Towers,' and 'Return of the King.'"
"They also made a movie of 'The Hobbit,'" said David, "and that was awesome."
"What about Spiderman?" Kairi asked.
"Three movies," said Sara, "and they're planning a crossover with X-Men, as well as a Fantastic 4 vs. The Hulk movie."
"Wouldn't that be something to see," said Riku.
"It would," said Nate, "assuming we live to see it."
"Well I've got something to live for," said Denise as she smiled eagerly, "it cost me a lot, I had to promise my folks that I would do extra chores for a year, but it got them."
"You got the tickets!" Sara asked in an excited tone.
"I was going to surprise you, but yes!" said a slightly giddy Denise, "last time we checked in with home the other day, I heard from my folks, the tickets are in the mail. It's official, Sara! Next month, you and I are flying to L.A. to see Hannah Montana in concert!" At that both girls screamed with excitement.
"Hannah Montana is in your world as well!" a surprised Riku asked.
"You'd better believe it!" said Sara as she and Denise grinned eagerly.
"I didn't know you liked Hannah Montana," said Kairi.
"I didn't know either," said Sora, "and I'm his best friend."
"What's not to like about Hannah Montana?" Riku asked as he grinned eagerly, "she sings like an angel, she's incredibly cute, and underneath all the fame and glamour, she's an ordinary person at heart."
"That's what I like about her to," said Denise while Sara nodded in agreement.
"Should I be worried?" Aiden asked as he cautiously looked at the still grinning Riku.
"I don't think so," said Kairi, "I mean, I'm surprised that Riku likes Hannah Montana. I mean, I like her music to, but I'm not a mega-fan."
"I like her music to," said Sora, "but if Riku wants to be a mega-fan, then I'm okay with it."
"And I'm okay with it to," said Kairi, "as long as it doesn't distract Riku from his responsibilities."
"It hasn't yet," said Sora.
They would have talked some more, but then they came upon a large clearing in the woods, a clearing full of large, multicolored mushrooms. In the middle of the clearing was a large house that looked like something out of a Tolkien story.
"So this is the Mushromp," said Sara as she and everyone looked around, "it's not as weird as mom said it would be," she then looked at the house, where a gnome wearing with a long white beard and moustache, and wearing various shades of green, including a large green hat, ambled out towards our heroes.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my," said the gnome in an eager tone, "I was wondering when you young heroes would get here."
"Now that's weird," said David in a hushed tone.
"Well, now," said the gnome, "there's so much time and so little to do, or is it the other way around?"
"Umm, you are The Moochick," said Sora, "are you?"
"I am, young man," said the gnome, The Moochick, "or, at least I believe I am. Then again, it all depends on how you look at things."
"I guess that's true," said Riku.
"Indeed," said The Moochick. He then saw Sara, "well now, for a moment I thought you were your mother. You're her mirror image, almost. Now, what was her name? Martha? Melody? Melinda?"
"Megan, sir," said Sara, "my mom's name is Megan, and I'm Sara."
Our heroes then introduced themselves to The Moochick.
"We've come to talk with you, Mr. Moochick," said Kairi, "about…"
"The Heartless," said The Moochick in an abrupt manner, "yes, yes I know all about them. Horrible things, they are. Quite possible the greatest threat to all life in all of existence, and unless something is done, they'll cover everything in darkness."
"We are doing something about it," said Sora, "we've saved lots of worlds."
"We're real heroes!" said Donald.
"Real junior heroes," Goofy corrected.
"True, true," said The Moochick, "all of it true. But for every world you've saved from the darkness, another world, somewhere in time and space, falls to the darkness."
"I've never thought about it that way," said Sora honestly. The thought made him feel rather uncomfortable.
"So what you're saying," said Kairi, "is that what we're doing, it isn't enough."
"Oh you three are doing marvelously," said The Moochick, "or is it four now? Has 'The Alchemist' joined you yet?"
"I'm here," said Aiden, "and it's 'The Keyblade Alchemist.'"
"Quite right," said The Moochick, "well, all of you are doing the best you can, and you will get better as your individual powers, and your powers as a whole, grow with time. But what you don't know is that as you progress in life, you will be joined by others."
"Other Keyblade Wielders?" Riku asked.
"Just how many of us are there?" Kairi asked.
"There's the four of us now," said Sora, "you, me, Riku and Aiden. Five, counting The King."
"And there will be others," said The Moochick, "some will come to you, others, like The Alchemist here, you'll run into eventually."
"That's right," said Aiden, "in my vision, I heard a voice that said that there would be others. I didn't know what the voice was talking about, but now it makes sense. Sora, Riku, Kairi, you and I are just the first of many Keyblade Wielders.
"How do you know about this?" Denise asked The Moochick.
At that The Moochick laughed heartily, "my dear young lady, if I could tell you half the things I've learned from looking into a crystal ball, you'd probably suffer from permanent headaches for the rest of your life."
"Sorry I asked," said a slightly sheepish Denise.
Riku decided it was time to get back on topic, "We need to know who is controlling The Heartless in this world, and why they are kidnapping the Little Ponies."
"They've taken Firefly, Wind Whistler, Lofty and nearly everyone else," said Galaxy.
"They'll probably get us next," said Shady.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," said Sara, "but it would help if we knew why they were taken."
"That, I'm afraid I cannot help you with," said The Moochick, "nor can I tell you where they've been taken."
"Oh," said Lance in a deflated tone.
"Well this has been a waste of time," said Nate.
"But I can tell you who, or should I say what, has taken them," said The Moochick, "the one who has kidnapped the Little Ponies, the one who is controlling the Heartless, is a demon, one of gargantuan power, who calls itself Zabuchrion."
"Zabuchrion," said Sora.
"Sounds like one evil creep," said David.
"More than you can imagine, young man," said the Moochick, "demons can be particularly nasty, especially those whom are stronger than most, or upper level demons. If you were to structure the hierarchy of demons by alphabet, with the lowest of demons being 'E' rank, than Zabuchrion would be 'A' class."
"Sounds dangerous," said Lance, "fortunately, danger is my middle name."
"Glad you're so eager to go looking for trouble," said Riku.
"No, seriously," said Lance as he smiled smugly, "Danger really is my middle name."
"It is," said Sara, "I saw his birth certificate."
"That still doesn't explain why Zabuchrion has power over The Heartless," said Lance, "Or why he's kidnapping the Little Ponies."
"It's quite simple actually," said The Moochick, "demons have no hearts, not as humans do that is. They are therefore able to delve into depths of darkness that would shatter a human in a blink of an eye. Therefore, they can exert their will on The Heartless without risking becoming them."
"If one demon can control as many Heartless as we faced last night," said Kairi.
"Imagine what more demons can do," said Riku.
"I'd rather not," said Sora.
"It isn't pleasant to think about," said The Moochick, "nor is speculating why this monster is doing what it is doing. None of the postulations I have aren't good, not for this world anyway. But the most logical reason for Zabuchrion's actions if revenge. From my crystal ball viewings, Zabuchrion was an acolyte of Tirnac."
"You're kidding!" said Sara.
"I wish I weren't," said The Moochick, "and if Zabuchrion is an A class demon, then Tirnac was surely an A+, possibly one level higher, S class."
At that everyone gulped. "At least we don't have to deal with Tirnac," said David.
"But we still have to find our friends," said Heart Throb.
"That you will," said The Moochick, "that you will. But first, some of you need to have some more questions answered. I do believe that some of you have recently discovered some strange abilities."
"I can make the earth move," said Lance, "David can control the wind, Nate can manipulate water, Denise can bend fire, and Sara…well, we're not sure what her power is about."
"It has something to do with light," said Sara, "light magic."
"Oh no," said The Moochick, "no, not at all. I'm afraid your powers aren't magic, not in the sense you think it is." He checked his left side coat pocket, "now, where did I put that book?" he checked his right pocket, "I was sure I had it with me." He then went back inside to his house, "I probably left it in the library. Oh, I knew I wouldn't remember."
There then came a loud clattering from inside the house as The Moochick searched for the book he thought he had.
"Should we be worried?" Donald asked.
"I honestly don't know," said David.
It was then that from the other side of the house came a very tall brown furred rabbit.
"Aren't you Habbit?" Sara asked, "The Moochick's friend?"
The rabbit, Habbit, nodded in acknowledgement. He then looked towards the house and rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"I'll bet you know where the book is," said Kairi.
Habbit nodded, then went inside and dragged The Moochick back outside, then pointed to a nearby table, where a very old looking tome was sitting in plain sight.
"Oh, that's where it is," said The Moockick, "I swear, if my head weren't attached to my neck, it'd just fly away with the clouds."
"Are we sure we have the right Moochick?" Nate asked.
"I never heard of another one," said Sara, "so I guess he's the right one."
"Now," said The Moochick as he took the book in his hands and handed it to Sara, "everything you need to know about your powers is in this book. There's so much you and your friends need to learn about Stands."
"About what?" Sara asked.
"Oh, right," said The Moockick, "you're still in the dark. Allow me to explain; what you and your friends have isn't magic, like The Rainbow of Light, or the magic a Keyblade Wielder uses. No, your magic is a manifestation of your will on the world.
"Some people, and they are a rare people indeed, can use their mind, heart and will, to move objects without touching them, or see far away, or even call upon the elements to command. These abilities are called Stands.
"Each Stand is unique to the user; just as no two people are the same, no two Stands are alike either. Sure, some share the same attributes, but each one looks different."
"What do you mean?" Denise asked.
"In time you'll be able to see your Stands," said The Moochick, "as of now, you've just begun to use your Stands, so they're not very developed. But with time and use, your Stands will grow in strength, and with that strength, they will take shape and you will see them for what they are.
"When you can see them, you may be surprised by what they look like. Remember, the Stand depends on the user, but they will reflect who you are in more than one way."
"Well," said Nate, "I guess that answers a lot of questions."
"But will our Stands be able to help the Little Ponies?" David asked.
"You've seen what your powers can do to Heartless," said Riku.
"If that's just at the beginning of your powers," said Kairi, "imagine what they can do when they're developed."
"When you're right, you're right," said Lance.
"There's still one more question," said Sara. She took out from her pocket the red, heart-shaped locket.
"Ah, yes," said The Moochick, "you have it now, um, what is it again?"
"The Rainbow of Light," said Sara, "Mom tried to use it against The Heartless, but it didn't work as well as it should have. Mom said that it had been getting weaker, and it was, but when I used it against that big Heartless, it was like a brand new piece of magic."
"Not exactly," said The Moochick, "rather, like it had found its rightful place. I can only guess why The Rainbow of Light had been growing weaker; perhaps it had something to do with your mother becoming an adult.
"Even though your mother still believes in magic, and always will, she is no longer the innocent child whom came to me for help so long ago, and The Rainbow of Light knows that."
"How can magic know something like that?" Aiden asked, "I thought magic is like Alchemy; it's all energy and that energy depends on how its used."
"Magic and Alchemy are two completely different things, young man," said The Moochick, "Magic is itself alive, and magic such as The Rainbow of Light, it knows who is holding it and what kind of person he or she is.
"When I gave the locket to Megan, I told her that it was only a piece of a larger magic that was long lost. I gave it to Megan because I knew she would be the right person to use it, and to keep it safe, until the right person to unlock its full potential came along, the right person to make it whole again," he looked at Sara, "your mother was only a caretaker. You, Sara, are the rightful keeper."
"Me?" Sara asked, "but what am I supposed to do? If the Rainbow of Light is one part of a greater whole, then how am I supposed to make it that whole?"
"I'm afraid that's something you'll have to figure out for yourself," said The Moochick, "even if I did know, even if I could remember if I did know, it wouldn't be right for me to tell you."
"I guess that's true," said Sara, "I'll do my best to figure it out."
"You won't do it alone," said Denise.
"We'd be sorry friends indeed if we didn't," said David, while Lance and Nate nodded in agreement.
"We'll help to if we can," said Sora, while Riku, Kairi, Donald, Goofy and Aiden nodded in agreement.
"That's the spirit!" said The Moochick, "now, I do believe you younglings have a lot of work to do before sunset tonight."
"We sure to," said Sara, "thank you, Mr. Moochick, we won't let you down." Everyone nodded their thanks to the Moochick and left the clearing.
"Those children might just save the world," said The Moochick, he then looked at Habbit, "then again, maybe not. Nothing is forever after all, not even a world. But, that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy the time we have, am I right?"
At that Habbit nodded in agreement.
"Then let's say we enjoy our time, my friend," said The Moochick, "now, where did I leave the checkers? Did I put them in the closet? Or maybe the attic?"
Habbit sighed in annoyance, then pointed to the table, where a checkers set was out in plain sight.
"Oh, so that's where they are!" chuckled The Moochick, "I must say, Habbit, I would be lost without you." With that he and Habbit sat down and played.
"Well, some of our questions have been answered," said Denise as our heroes trekked back through the woods, "that's something, I guess."
"We still need to find out where the Little Ponies have been taken," said David.
"And we also need to figure out what this demon, Zabuchrion, wants with them," said Riku.
"And we need to do it before sunset," said Kairi, "I've got a feeling that tonight is going to be pretty wild."
"I think you're right," said Aiden.
"I'd be a lot happier if we had some recovery items," said Sora.
It was then that Riku pointed at something ahead, "ask and you shall receive."
It was a Moogle, a small white creature with small wings on their backs, a big orange nose and an even bigger red ball attached to their heads
"Greetings, travelers, Kupo!" said the Moogle, "what can I do for you?"
"What brings you here?" Sora asked.
"My brothers and I go wherever there's business to be found," said the Moogle, "and sometimes, you have to look very far to find that business. Looks like I found it, Kupo!"
"We'll you've found business, alright," said Riku.
"How are we going to pay?" Aiden asked, "I don't know about you guys, but I'm flat broke."
"Looks like someone needs a lesson in munny," said Donald.
"Ya know all the little things them Heartless drop?" Goofy asked.
"Yeah," said Aiden, "what about them?"
"The green orbs help heal a bit," said Sora, "and the clear bubbles can replenish magic, or in your case, Alchemy. But the little yellow, green and blue colored things, that's munny. We can trade it for items."
"And I have many wares to sell," said the Moogle. From an extra-dimensional pocket, it revealed a wide variety of items. Sora and the others, having had no chance to spend the munny they collected from countless slain Heartless, selected and bought as many Potions, Ethers and other recovery items as they could carry, as well as some statistic-boosting accessories.
"I'm feeling better about this already," said Riku.
"Same here," said Kairi.
"Nothing better than a satisfied customer," said the Moogle, "now if there isn't anything else, I'll be one my way, Kupo!"
"There is one more thing," said Sora, "can you possibly deliver a message to King Mickey? Could you tell him and Yen Sid where we are and that we're alright?"
"That's Disney Castle you want me to go to, right?" the Moogle asked, "that's a long way off, and I'm heading the other way. But I can do this; I'm meeting some of my brothers soon, and they're heading to Traverse Town. They'll make sure that your friends get the message."
"How much will this cost?" Aiden asked.
"This one's on me, Kupo!" said the Moogle, "anything for such happy customers."
"That's great!" said Sora, "thanks!"
"Any time!" said the Moogle, and with that he went on his way.
"That was a bit weird," said Nate, "then again, you never know what you'll meet in Ponyland."
"Try us," said Aiden.
"Well, there's The Grundles," said Sara, "they're sort of like goblins, but are very nice people once you get to know them. Then there's the Buishwoolies, another bunch of nice people, but highly single-minded. What the leader does, the others automatically do.
"Then there's the Sea Ponies, whom live in the water, and the Flutter Ponies, whom are like Pegasus Ponies, but with butterfly wings."
"This is getting a little too much to keep track," said Kairi.
"I know," said Sara.
"We'll worry about that when we have time to worry," said Denise, "right now I just want to get back to Paradise Estates and get to work."
"You got that right," said Sora.
When Kenshin could see again, he found himself in a room larger than anything known to man, large enough to hold the universe, for he could see countless stars around him.
"Kenshin Himura," said a voice, "we apologize for your sudden departure from your world, but time is of the essence, and we have great need for you."
"We wouldn't have brought you to us unless the need was of the most importance," said a second voice.
"Who are you?" Kenshin asked as he looked around, only to see stars, stars and more stars, "are you gods? Or angles as the Christians believe?"
"We are neither gods or angels," said a third voice, "but rather, ascended beings who seek only to watch and learn from the events of the past, present and future. If you must, you may refer to us as Ethereals."
"We have no wish to interfere with the natural order," said a fourth voice, "but sometimes, we are forced to intervene."
"A great evil is about to be unleashed on a world of innocence and joy," said a fifth voice, "there are those who defend this world, but without further assistance, they will fall."
"And you believe that I can give assistance?" Kenshin asked. "not that I doubt my own abilities, that I don't, but if you are so powerful to bring me to…wherever this place is, why can you not give aid yourselves?"
"It would go against our vows," said the first Ethereal, "we have long ago sworn to interfere unless absolutely necessary. We hold true to these vows just as much as you hold true to you vows."
"But the evil we speak of isn't human," said the second Ethereal, "rather, it more than even the most dark of human souls can compare to."
"A demon?" Kenshin asked.
"That," said the third Ethereal, "and creatures of pure darkness who seek out to corrupt the hearts of people, filling them with darkness and turning them into more of the creatures, or Heartless as they are called."
"I can see why you have sought me out, that I have," said Kenshin, "though I have sworn to protect live and never kill," he drew his reverse blade sword, "I have no qualm against vanquishing a demon and other creatures of darkness, especially if innocent lives are at stake." he returned his sword to its scabbard, "I am at your service, that I am."
"Then we have best get to work," said the fourth Ethereal, "for there is so much for you to learn before you go to give aid to those who are in need, and so little time."
"I am an eager learner," said Kenshin.
As Kenshin listened to the first, second and fourth Ethereals explanation of what The Heartless are and what they're about, as well as a brief overview of Zabuchrion, and a summarized version of the story of Sora, Riku, Kairi, Aiden, Donald, Goofy, and even Sara and her friends, the third and fifth Ethereals had a private conversation.
"I do believe you've chosen a most satisfactory champion," said the fifth Ethereal, "Kenshin possesses a pure and just heart, despite his dark past. But will he be in time to help Sora and the others?"
"I hope so," said the third Ethereal, "I do hope so."
The end of chapter 4. Next chapter, our heroes help their new friends prepare for the coming battle. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!
