Hello, fellow readers! Welcome back to Harmonic Hearts! Now what do we have:
johannvanguard: Good question, let's find out!
Nisha: Thank you! Oh, that makes sense. It's clear that the two sides expand their characters in different ways, which is why I try to fuse it as best I can. That's also because I had a clearer interpretation of Vanitas and Midnight, unlike Xehanort.
And I'll be honest, I'm more accustomed to Equestria Girls than FiM. I've spent a lot of time on what I'd do differently with those movies, unlike this movie where I'm kinda taking shots in the dark. BUT, I'm glad you're telling me what I can improve, that'll help me greatly when I get to the redux.
Which is why looking back, I agree that the previous chapter wasn't my best. Like I said, I was stuck on that Canterlot fight for so long, I just wanted to get it over with! When I get like that... you saw the result. But don't worry, I still have some surprises up my sleeve.
On the topic of Xehanort, I can't help but feel that he's a neutral character. The series kept saying that he's the big bad, until KH3 and Dark Road came along to say otherwise. In my eyes, he changed from an enigma to basically an unreformed Starlight Glimmer! In a way at least.
And I should clarify, I'm using YOUNG Xehanort and not MASTER Xehanort. Master Xehanort is menacing, Young Xehanort isn't. I feel like the latter is more of a troll, if anything. But you do bring up an interesting idea, as we barely see anyone actually challenge his philosophy.
As always, thanks for your support!
Thanks for the feedback! With that said, let's continue!
Visit 5-3: Chasing Time
Earlier, in Canterlot
The throne room was silent, where some of our heroes were captive as stone statues. Only the faint sound of a cold wind blew outside the stained glass windows, until someone enters as quiet as a ghost. It was Xehanort, his hooded figure now standing in the center of the room.
He looks around at the statues, seeing their petrified expressions from the moment they were frozen. The princesses of Equestria were placed in an incomplete circle while the rest were lined up by the wall. The sight made him smirk under his hood:
"Interesting spell, isn't it? You're now in your own limbo, unable to move... You really should have ran when you had the chance."
The doors then open, with Tempest entering soon after. "Were you talking to the statues?"
"No... Is the ship ready?"
"It will be soon."
"Hmm..."
She raises an eyebrow at this, "Is there something on your mind?"
"...Tell me, why do you follow the Storm King?"
She was kinda put off by the sudden question before answering:
"I lost a part of myself a long time ago. He brought me in with a promise to grant my wish."
"Is that so? And how can you be sure of his word?"
Before she can question that logic, one of her soldiers came in with news:
"The ship is ready, commander."
"...We'll depart immediately." Tempest orders as she walks out.
Xehanort smirks under his hood, now that a seed of doubt was planted. Now time will tell what comes of it...
Fast Forward to present time, Klugetown
"Welcome my little ponies, and Riku, to my little manor."
Capper opens the hatch to said manor, hopping on up to allow the group inside. The ponies and Spike enter first, taking in the sights as Riku enters last. The keyblade wielder was expecting more of a rundown look, but the cat does keep his place tidy.
"I see you're doing a... roko hobo bohemian hosh posh." Rarity comments.
"Apologies for the state of my litter box, I wasn't expecting guests." Capper casually mentions.
Riku raises an eyebrow at that, "I'm surprised you even get guests..."
"It's very rare. Anyways, feel free to make yourselves comfortable. I won't be long."
As Capper goes to look through his books, the group sat down at the table with Rarity still looking at the place:
"You know with a little touch here and there, this place would look a tiny bit nicer."
"We're not staying long." Riku reminds them, "Once we know the location, we're gone."
"Why the hurry, sugarcube?" Applejack questions.
"...Let's just say I've had experience with characters like this cat. Some can really get under your skin."
"I've met those kind of ponies on my travels." Starlight mentions, "Always sleazy in one way or another."
"Let's not jump to conclusions about him." Sunset counters, "He hasn't done anything suspicious... yet."
"Found it!"
The group see Capper walk over with a book, soon pulling out a piece of paper from said book. Placing said paper on the table, it was actually a map showing various locations. The cat sits down next to Rarity and Fluttershy, putting the book down on the table as well:
"Now just to be sure I heard you right, you're looking for the Hippogriffs?" He questions.
"Yes sir, the Queen of the Hippogriffs!" Pinkie answers.
"Not the queen of the lions, or tigers, or bears?"
"Oh my..." Fluttershy mutters.
"I'm sure it was the Hippogriffs." Twilight reiterates.
Capper nods before pointing at a page in the book, "Well, it says here that they've been gone for some time."
"What do you mean?" Riku questions.
"The author of the book was a researcher of various species. It says here, and I quote..." He looks at the paragraph and reads aloud:
"By the time I finally reached Mount Aris, it was a ghost town. No signs of life for what appears to be years. I'm not sure if they were extinct or had fully abandoned the lands above the sea, but there was one thing I found in the ruins of the gates. A strange mark on a piece of armor, which I recognized as the Storm King's sigil."
The group was shocked to hear the last part, Twilight especially. "What!?"
"Don't believe me? It says it right there." Capper turns the book for her to read as he wonders, "Now if you don't mind me asking, why are you looking for them?"
"The Storm King is invading Equestria right now. If we find them and team up, we can take him down!" Rainbow answers.
Riku then picks up the map, "So what is this for?"
"That map depicts the lands around Klugetown. One of them happen to be Mount Aris."
Looking at the map, the cat was right. One of said locations was a mountain of sorts, depicted with wings as two pony-like birds framed it. Twilight stopped reading to look at the map and sees the same thing:
"So that's what they look like." She comments, "Part pony, part eagle..."
"Wait, eagle?" Riku repeats before reading the same paragraph in the book, "Then why does it specifically say 'the lands above the sea'?"
"Funny you mention that." Capper said before he starts flipping a few pages back, stopping to then point at another paragraph:
"This part right here, the author listed various artifacts the species had. One of them was this pearl, capable of transforming the user into any animal they want."
"Any animal?" Applejack repeats, "Like a dog or cat?"
"Or a dragon!" Pinkie exclaims.
"Or since it said the sea, then it's likely that they used it to become some sort of fish." Fluttershy deduces.
"I wonder what it's like to live underwater..." Starlight thought aloud.
Sunset then takes the book to read as she poses a question, "So did the Storm King invade them to obtain this pearl?"
"Most likely." Twilight answers, "I just hope that king doesn't have it..."
"We're going to find out." Riku gets up to his feet before Capper spoke up:
"Whoa there! Why not take a minute to rest? You and the girls have traveled a long way."
Riku was about to retort, but Fluttershy spoke up instead. "Walking through that desert was rather tiring..."
"Come on, sugarcube. Even you need a breather every now and then." Applejack adds.
The keyblade wielder sees that the others were thinking the same thing, eventually relenting as he sits back down.
"Excellent. Allow me to make some tea for all of you." Capper offers as he gets up himself.
"Why thank you!" Rarity accepts with the others nodding.
Riku lets out a small sigh before getting that strange feeling again. He isn't sure why, but there was something coming... But where?
"They're here somewhere..."
Tempest was walking through the marketplace with Grubber in tow, her personal guards searching every nook and cranny along the way. The latter was munching on a snack as he looks around:
"You really think they got this far?"
The former looks down to see tracks in the dirt, some resembling hooves while one was that of boots. Considering the locals, it's clear that these aren't from said locals.
"Oh they're here." She reaffirms.
Xehanort was walking beside them, mainly observing as there wasn't much to do in this town. It wasn't until he sees a large carriage pass by them, overhearing a one-sided conversation from a well-dressed mole-rat:
"Capper better not be lying. Those pastel ponies can easily sell for a fortune! Even has their own bodyguard..."
The three were amazed at the coincidence, soon following the carriage from a distance. Needless to say, their targets make it too easy to find them.
Riku kept to himself while sipping tea, watching the others as some of them converse with Capper. The sly cat was clearly the charming type, suave and cunning if his lifestyle was evident of it. He then hears the cat chuckle from something Rainbow said:
"Oh come on, a 'Sonic Rainboom'? That's not a real thing... Is it a real thing?"
"Yeah! Here, I'll show ya!" The rainbow pegasus was about to take off before he stops her:
"Nonono! I don't need you 'Sonic Rainbooming' up in my place, thank you very much."
"Don't worry, she can't do it inside anyways." Starlight assures him.
"Otherwise, she'd have to pay for tons of property damage." Sunset adds.
Rainbow was kinda offended by this, "Hey, I'm not that reckless!"
The two gave her a blank stare, which was enough of an answer. Rainbow rolls her eyes as Capper walks off, only to be intercepted by Rarity. The unicorn levitates his arm closer to her, catching him off guard:
"Whoa, hey! Hold up... now?"
His surprise shifts to confusion upon seeing a sewing needle and yarn, which she uses to snitch up a hole in his sleeve. After that, she places two buttons on the front of his coat.
"Here you are. I do apologize, I might have done a bit more with proper material. This is what I can manage at the moment." Rarity admits.
Capper was now more suspicious at the gesture, "OK... what's the catch?"
"Nothing! After all you've done for us, consider it a thank you."
His surprise returns, but more genuine than before as he couldn't even make eye contact. "Oh... don't thank me. Really."
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
The group look over to the door, where a voice can be heard from the other side. "Capper! It's Verko! Come on, open up! I have precious time today!"
Riku slowly turns to the cat, who was actually showing a hint of nervousness. "My, I didn't expect more guests today... Excuse me for a moment."
The latter goes to open the door, only for Verko to push it open. The group sees this well-dressed mole-rat strutting in before seeing the ponies:
"Well well, you weren't lying! They better be able to shoot rainbow lasers out their eyes, IF you want all your debt cleared off. Even brought the big cage, so let's load them up!"
The girls were baffled at this, especially Rarity. "Y-You were going to sell us!?"
"I should have guessed..." Riku growls.
The mole-rat then notices the keyblade wielder, "Whoa! Now YOU will certainly sell! Especially bundled with them!"
The latter gets up to his feet and approaches, "I'll repeat what I told the townsfolk. NOBODY here is for sale, so you best walk out... or else."
"Oh... you misconstrue what I'm saying." With a snap of his claws, two large well-dressed sharks walk inside as Verko sternly said:
"This ISN'T an offer you can refuse."
The girls and Spike brace themselves for a fight, only for Riku to step in and cracking his knuckles. "I'll handle this."
Capper wasn't sure how to process this, but knew just to get out of the way right now. The keyblade wielder rolls his shoulders as the sharks close in, with one swinging the first punch. In one swift dodge, Riku counters with a hard gut punch, knocking the air out of said shark.
As the first shark backs away in pain, the second shark tries to swing his claw at the teen. Riku proves again to be faster, deflecting the claw before kicking the shark's hide, knocking him down to the floor. Shark One recovers and snarls, angrily rushing in with a hammer swing.
The others were expecting Riku to dodge again, but the boy had a different plan. With one arm, he stops the attack in its track, shocking the shark before punching his snout. Shark One reels back holding his snout as Shark Two comes back, running with his arms out to grab the teen.
If the first show of strength wasn't enough, Riku decides to wrap this up in style. To the others' surprise, he grabs the shark with one arm to lift him into the air, easily throwing him into Shark One. The two guards collide as they flew out the door, slamming a large dent into the cage.
Verko was baffled at what had transpired, slowly turning around as Riku casually dusts his shirt off:
"Is that all ya got?" The keyblade wielder taunts.
"That's gotta hurt."
Grubber comments after finishing his snack, with Tempest and Xehanort just staring before turning to where it came from. The two saw Riku staring down the mole-rat, the latter backing away as he stammers threats:
"Y-You'll pay for this! No one crosses Verko and gets away with-" Said mole-rat bumps into Xehanort, making him freak out. "I WILL SEND YOU TO-"
BOOM!
A burst of lightning from Tempest silences him as the suited rat was smoked, plopping onto the dirt in silence. Well, as quiet as it could have been:
"Eww, so that's what burned rat smells like." Grubber mutters.
Riku had closed the door as soon as he saw the trio outside, quickly turning to the girls:
"We gotta go, now!"
"Wait, they're here!?" Spike yelps, "I thought Sora and Mickey-"
Sunset realizes what that meant, "They must have gotten captured too..."
Riku briefly clenches his fists at this turn of events, but returns to the task at hand and turns to Capper:
"How do we get out of here?"
The sly cat didn't hesitate to answer, "Out the window. Head west to the docks and hitch a ride on one of the airships, it's the best way if you want to get to that mountain."
Starlight opens said window as he said this, exiting first with the others following soon after. Riku was the last one out before he hears the door slam open, quickly glancing to see Xehanort had kicked it. The former bolts out of there, running along the wooden ramps as he sees the others up ahead:
"RUN!"
His shout alerts them just as Xehanort gives chase, where they quickly form a plan. Twilight, Rainbow and Fluttershy flies off with Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity respectively as Starlight carries herself and Spike with her levitation. Sunset willingly stays behind to help Riku, where the two see the hooded man summon his keyblade.
Though his next action wasn't to attack them, but instead slice off the windmill nearby. He then delivers a strong kick to make it roll into the ramps, crumbling their foundations to bring the duo down. Riku instinctively grabs Sunset and books it, sprinting away from the windmill's collision course with skilled parkour before leaping into a building. He didn't stop upon landing though, keeping up the pace as he sees the others reach an airship up ahead.
Sunset was just hanging on tight at this point, soon seeing a blue aura around his frame before he jumps again. Hopping onto the top of a nearby wall, he then springs off of it like a slingshot, launching them right up to the docks. Quickly looking at the ship already departing, he sees the others waving to get their attention.
"Sunset, brace yourself." He quickly warns her, which she does.
The blue aura reemerges as he goes full speed, reaching the very end of the dock before he takes a massive leap. The airship was out farther than said leap, which Sunset comes in clutch by levitating them the rest of the way. The two land on the ship safely, but they barely had time to rest when Starlight pulls them to the group, who were hiding behind a bunch of crates.
"What-" Sunset barely said when Applejack shushes her.
Their answer came as they heard footsteps beyond the crates, soon hearing a voice:
"Did you hear something?"
Another voice answers with a low squawking sound, which the voice casually responds back to. "Eh, probably the rats. If we find them... we'll eat them."
Riku was kinda grossed out by that, which Rarity shares the same feeling more noticeably. Either way, best to stay hidden for now. At least until they reach their destination.
Capper was held prisoner by Tempest's personal guards, who was interrogating him as their ship was preparing to continue their chase. Xehanort simply looks out at the sea of clouds, honestly just taking in the sight as she repeats what the cat told her:
"So the princess and her friends are heading to Black Skull Island?"
"Correct. They never mentioned why, but I'm not one to pry into personal business." Capper answers before slowly moving away, " Now I'm honored to be of service to the almighty Storm King, so I'll just be on my way-"
The guards step in his way, stopping his leave as Tempest spoke:
"Only when I get my princess. Until then, your fate is still... up in the air."
Grubber took a moment to catch her meaning, "Ooh! I get it."
They got on board the ship as Xehanort finishes his sightseeing, being the last one on before the airship takes off. He'll admit though, he's rather curious on where this was going. What could Riku and the others be looking for to combat this 'Storm King'?
Every time, this world just gets more and more fascinating...
"So... what now?"
The others gave that some thought as Riku was mainly wondering what kind of crew this ship has. Would they be similar to those under Captain Hook... or worse, those cursed pirates that Sora faced before? Before anyone said an answer, they heard a crate be moved followed by a voice:
"Guys, check this out!"
The group look to see they were spotted, where four crew members in total loom over them. The one with the eye patch smirks upon seeing them, "Looks like we have some stowaways."
"What do you suppose to do with them?" The chubby one questions as the fourth member simply squawks.
Starlight soon notices the symbol on their attire, "Guys, they work for the Storm King!"
"Oh come on!" Rainbow yells in frustration.
Riku just sighs in annoyance before brandishing his keyblade, "Look, we're here to stop your boss. Now tell your captain to set course for Mount Aris!"
The crew members weren't expecting such boldness, simply backing up as the eye patch bird spoke:
"Why tell us when you can tell her yourself?"
The group look on as the captain makes her appearance. She had a peg leg and carries a large book, the latter having the Storm King symbol as well. She soon stops a few feet away, staring down Riku as he glares back. Though, she couldn't help but notice his weapon:
"That's an interesting sword you're carrying."
"So I've heard. Now-"
"I overheard your demand, but we don't take orders from a kid like you. Now are you gonna jump ship, or does it have to be the plank?"
Riku scoffs at the idea, "Tch... all right. There goes the passive option."
Her eyes narrow, dropping the book before one of the crew hands her a sword. The two didn't budge in their standoff as the wind blows by in the growing silence. The girls and Spike watch on as the crew members look between the combatants.
The two were about to make their move-
CHOOO!
"ALL RIGHT, THAT'S LUNCH!" The captain shouts.
Without even a moment to process what happened, the group were now at a table with food in front of them. Riku was the most baffled, seeing that he was about to fight these people. Twilight was also baffled, considering that the others were just fine with this.
Looking around, the crew were eating the slop of food from their plates. Pinkie was poking at hers, Rarity was not very enticed to eat, Fluttershy was just looking, and Applejack was actually eating. Rainbow was also processing the turn of events as Spike was attempting to reach for his food, the latter helped by Riku who sat next to him. Starlight and Sunset were the only ones that attempted a conversation:
"Sooo... you guys just haul stuff around all day?" The former asks.
"Yup. The Storm King only allows one break a day, then it's back to work." The hook hand pirate answers.
"So you're just delivery guys?" Sunset repeats.
"And gals." The captain answers, "These uniforms aren't doing us any favors."
"Well since you deliver stuff, can you deliver us to Mount Aris?"
"Sorry, we do what the Storm King orders... or we suffer his wrath."
Twilight sighs at this as the chubby bird spoke, "Eh, it's nothing personal. Pudding?"
"There's pudding?" Rarity perks up, only to see it was just the same slop. "Oh..."
Rainbow couldn't help but question something, "Were you always delivery birds? Cause I feel like there was something before the Storm King."
The captain sighs, "Yeah... we used to be much more adventurous."
The group watch as she pulls away a banner of the Storm King, revealing another banner of a skull and crossbones.
"Hey! I've seen that guy at the desert!" Pinkie recalls.
Riku knew what the symbol meant, "So you guys are pirates."
"We prefer the term 'Swashbuckling Treasure Hunters'." The eye patch bird clarifies.
"So, pirates." Rainbow reiterates, with Squawker agreeing... somewhat, before she continued:
"You birds have a choice to make. Either you can let some cloven-hoof 'Storm King' tell you how to live your lives, or..."
She flies over to tear the banner down to show the skull again, "You can be awesome again!"
Twilight knew where this was going, "Rainbow, I don't think this is a good time for a-"
(Rainbow)
I know the world can get you down...
"Song."
Things don't work out quite the way that you thought
Feeling like your best days are done
Your fears and doubts are all you've got
But there's a light... shining deep inside
Beneath those fears and doubts, so just squash them
And let it shiiine for all the world to see
That it is time, yeah time to be awesome!
(Everyone)
Ah, ah, ah-ah awesome!
It's time to be so awesome!
Ah, ah, ah-ah awesome!
It's time to be so awesome!
(Celaeno)
You've no idea how hard it's been
E: (It's time to be awesome!)
This dull routine we've been forced to doo...
(Rainbow)
Don't let them rob you of who you are
Be awesome, it's all up to you!
(Captain Celaeno)
I feel the light... stirring up inside
It's like a tale still yet to be tooold!
E: (It's time to be awesome!)
(Rainbow and Captain Celaeno)
And now it's tiiime to break the shackles free
And start living like the brave and the bold!
(Everyone)
It's time to be awesome!
Let loose, be true, so awesome!
It's time to be awesome!
Go big, be you, so awesome!
The swashbuckling treasure hunters broke out their gear, putting them on with renewed motivation before bursting out onto the deck. While it's not the best time for a song, Riku couldn't help but feel the energy and joins in on the swinging.
(First Mate Mullet)
We used to soar through the clouds and the skies!
(Lix Spittle)
Elaborate schemes we would love to devise!
(Boyle)
We rescued our treasure and stored it away
(Captain Celaeno)
Saving those gemstones for a rainy daaay!
(Everyone)
We see that light... filling up our skies!
(Rainbow)
So take the Storm King's orders and toss them!
(Everyone)
Cause it's the tiiime to let our colors fly!
(Captain Celaeno)
Hey scallywags, It's time to be awesome!
Spike and Riku shared the drums as they each did a solo between each pause.
(Everyone)
HEY!... HEY!... HEY!... HEY!
"Come on! Let's show them how it's done!" Captain Celaeno calls out.
Her crew pull open their sails, unfurling a beautiful rainbow set that resemble wings. Fitting for sky swashbucklers.
"Whoa!" Riku was honestly impressed.
"Awesome!" Rainbow agrees, "I knew you had it in you! Now for the finishing touch!"
"Wait, what?"
Before he knew it, Rainbow took off to the skies to perform a familiar move. One that Pinkie knew all too well:
"Rainboom, rainboom, rainboom!"
"Oh no..." Twilight gulps, knowing what this might lead to.
Rainbow dove down at high speeds, making a mach cone around herself before-
BOOM!
She breaks the sound barrier, creating a massive ripple of rainbow energy. She flew around the ship, leaving a rainbow trail behind her as Starlight simply said:
"Yeah, they're gonna find us."
Grubber was casually finishing his slice of cake when he hears a boom in the distance. Looking over, he sees an amazing sight:
"Whoa, look at that rainbow!"
Tempest and Xehanort look over to see the large rainbow ripple, which the latter comments on. "Nice."
"Yes, nice of them to warn us. Funny though, it doesn't appear that they're going to Black Skull Island..."
She glares towards Capper nearby, who just nervously chuckles, before she seized control of the ship. Pressing the lever, she made it go full speed towards the rainbow.
While the group knew that they were being chased, they didn't know how long they had until then. So in the meantime, Captain Celaeno decides to dust off her sword skills and had a friendly duel with Riku. The latter was feeling a bit nostalgic, as he and Sora used to play Pirates with wooden swords.
After a round of sparring, the captain was feeling good until Squawker squawks out in panic. He point out towards what he saw, where an airship with a familiar symbol appears from the darkened clouds.
"They're here already!?" Twilight yelps.
"Secure the rigging, lock down the cargo!" Captain Celaeno orders, "Everyone, prepare to be boarded!"
Riku and the others headed to the cargo hold, where the hatch was closed behind them. It wasn't until now that Rainbow realized something:
"You think they saw my Sonic Rainboom?"
EVERYONE gave her the blankest stare, which she took as their answer before they felt a sudden force knock them over. It was a large metal grapple hook that went through the ship's side, soon extending out to stay in place. All they saw outside the hole was the airship approaching them.
Once they were docked, Tempest and Xehanort hops on board with her personal guards in tow. The swashbucklers were wary, more so on the hooded figure they never met before. Tempest made her presence known as clear as day, wasting no time with her only question:
"Where's the pony princess?"
"Princess?" Captain Celaeno repeats before looking at the clipboard nearby, "Princess, princess... nope. All we're hauling is Storm King merchandise."
Xehanort had to process those words, even snatching the clipboard to see for himself. It was true, this 'villain' has merchandise of himself.
"Well, there's a truth." He simply said, tossing the clipboard down in disgust.
Tempest was quiet for a moment before speaking again, "You do realize that if you were to shelter fugitives, the Storm King would be quite... explosive."
Back in the cargo hold, the group were trying to figure out what to do. Riku was tempted to go fight the enemy, only for Starlight to get his attention:
"You guys go to Mount Aris. I'll hold them off." She suggests.
"No way! You'll need backup." Sunset offers, which Starlight gladly accepts.
"What? You don't have to, let me-" Riku tried to convince them otherwise, to no avail as Sunset makes a solid point:
"Riku... if those Hippogriffs actually did disappear, you'll be the only one who can help us fight the Storm King."
He was briefly taken aback by her sternness, but eventually relents to their choice. "...Don't hold back, got it?"
The two simply nod in agreement before he turns to the others:
"Any ideas?"
They look around for anything that can help them, with Twilight spotting a large banner and an equally large basket nearby. With a trapdoor under them, those three parts came together in her head:
"I got one."
Back on the poop deck, the swashbucklers were on edge as Tempest was done wasting time:
"Now, I'm gonna count to three. If you don't tell me where they are, your ship WILL be going down."
No one said anything as Xehanort observes, leading to the countdown:
"One..."
Still nothing from the crew, but had a sign of sweating...
"Two..."
Xehanort notices the captain tighten her grip on her sword...
"Three!"
Upon reaching the end, the group heard something open from below before getting ambushed. In one move, her guards were thrown overboard with a levitation spell before the two got hit by a powerful wind. The swashbucklers were surprised by this:
"Why did you-" Captain Celaeno tried to ask, only to be stopped short.
"Consider it as us returning the favor." Starlight simply said.
"How sweet."
The group look to see Xehanort and Tempest, who appeared to be unfazed, as he points out the obvious:
"So tell us, how do you plan to win this?"
"Who said anything about winning?" Sunset smugly shot back.
Tempest then realizes something, "...Where is the princess?"
That was suddenly answered by a scream from the cargo hold, soon fading as Starlight smirks:
"You just missed her."
The hornless unicorn hardens her glare, lightning emitting from her broken horn before she eventually started laughing:
"Well now... I'll make sure you'll be regretting that soon enough."
And done! All right, I think I'm getting back into the swing. A bit to unpack here:
First things first, why did this take longer than usual? Well after the previous chapter, I decided to take a break from this story to work on different projects. Nothing too big, just smaller stuff to keep myself from burnout. Now to the chapter itself:
The first scene was originally going be longer, including Sora breaking out with Rage Form and having a philosophy talk with Xehanort, but I felt that it made things more complicated. So I changed it to revealing Xehanort has his own plans, which isn't that surprising cause ya know... it's Xehanort.
The scenes in Klugetown was fun, the obvious highlight was the fight with the guards. It's one thing to show skill with a weapon, but it's rare for a Kingdom Hearts character to just use their hands. By the way, I just caught an interesting reference they did with Capper and Fluttershy:
If you watched Emperor's New Groove, there's a scene where Pacha lists what potions Izma had:
Pacha: It's gotta be one of these. Lions, Tigers, Bears-
Izma: Oh my...
How fitting that a movie with a 'Disney-like' artstyle references a Disney movie.
We then go to the pirates, where I kept a lot of it the same as it has my favorite song from the movie. Plus, I knew I needed at least one reference to the previous pirate worlds. Overall, this was also fun to write.
Ending this chapter is a tease of an idea I had for awhile, Sunset and Starlight team-up! How will they fare against Tempest and Xehanort? Will the swashbucklers be effective allies? And will it be enough to help the heroes in the long run?
With all of that said, thanks for reading and I'll see you all next chapter!
