Hello fellow readers! Welcome back to Harmonic Hearts! So, what do we have:
Nisha: Dude, G4 MLP has lots of ideas that can work in Kingdom Hearts, hence why I want to do the redux. Also THANK YOU, I was just thinking Vanitas is KH's Red Hood when you think about it. Honestly, I'd prefer if he went down a similar path instead of... whatever KH3 was doing.
I just hope there's more secret bosses from Final Fantasy or even Disney, since Kingdom Hearts IS a crossover series at its core. Anyways I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, it's reassuring to hear. Now here's more!
johannvanguard: Good news for you, here's more.
Thanks for the feedback! Now, let's wrap this visit up!
Visit 4-4: New Bonds
Sci-Twi wakes up to find herself back in the crystal cavern, soon sitting up to see the others waking up. Vanitas was already awake, casually watching over them, as she then sees another face:
It was Midnight, though she looks a bit different. She now lacks her wings, flame rings and horn.
She was the last one to wake up, opening her eyes to show disbelief as she looks around. She then looks at herself, now knowing her body was her own:
"I'm free..." Her voice lacks the sinister echo from before, "I'm finally free!"
"How does it feel?" Vanitas asks.
Midnight gets up to her feet, feeling rather giddy as she does a little dance.
"There's your answer." Riku jokes.
Once everyone was up and about, Sunset was the first to ask the obvious:
"Can you still use magic?"
Midnight smirks as she holds her hand out, conjuring a small ethereal light. "Definitely."
"Cool, a new battle buddy." Sora comments, which Kairi smiles at.
As they spoke to Midnight, Levin goes over to Sci-Twi to check something:
"Hey, how's your heart feeling?"
"Hmm, I don't feel any different." She answers, "I think the geodes help mitigate that."
"Good... that's good to hear." His relief sounded heavy, which catches her attention:
"I-I didn't mean to worry you so much."
"It's not your fault, I just didn't want to lose you."
She was touched by his words before Sunset spoke up:
"Oh! We better get back to camp!"
"Right, they must be worried about us." Sora agrees.
Levin then lets out a chuckle, "We have a lot to explain..."
Once the group return to the camp, the Shadowolves and Rainbooms were understandably confused upon seeing Vanitas, and especially Midnight. The counselors were mainly concerned about any possible danger, which the group assured them said danger was gone.
It took some time, as there were a lot of questions, but they eventually told them the general story. Once they did, they gave the remaining geodes to their respective bearers, which made all seven become real necklaces.
"Oh, these are gorgeous!" Rarity compliments before thinking aloud, "Which give me a few ideas for new accessories."
"Honestly after all this, I'd like to just relax for awhile." Sci-Twi admits.
"Don't blame ya, we have the rest of the week to do that." Applejack agrees.
"Before we do, let's get some rest. The sun has already set." Kairi points out.
The next day, the campers were now free to do their activities, as the new dock was completed. Sci-Twi sits at one of the benches to relax, watching the calm lake when she hears someone sit down next to her:
"Hey, Twi." Levin greets her, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"No, not at all." She assures him.
"Good, good. I wanted to talk to you about something."
"About what?"
"Well... I want to know if we share the same view."
"On what?"
He hesitates for a moment before asking, "When I faced off against Midnight, she mentioned you... having feelings for me. Is that true or am I overthinking?"
She wasn't sure how to respond at first, quickly adjusting her glasses to keep her composure. After a moment, she answers:
"She was... not wrong."
He was rather curious, "W-Wait, really?"
"Um, I'm not sure when it happened. But after everything you done for me, I grew to appreciate you as a friend. Then those feelings grew, now making me think of you as... more than a friend."
Levin couldn't help but blush a bit at her answer, "T-Then we do share that view. I like you more than a friend too."
Sci-Twi blushes, shifting a bit as her eyes refuse to make contact. He then scoots closer to put his arm around her, which she takes as assurance before eventually placing her head on his shoulder. The two stayed like this for some time, just watching the calm waters as the other campers did their activities around them.
After almost an hour, she wonders aloud on their new status. "What do we do now?"
"Hmm... we did plan a canoe ride. Wanna go do that?"
"Oh yeah!" She jumps right up to her feet before pulling him up to his feet, "Come on!"
The two went off to go on their ride as Stylite and Sunset was walking by. The two smile at their blossoming love as the former reminisces:
"I remember when I was like that."
"How did it feel?" The latter wonders.
"It's amazing... until you realize your partner is more shallow than a puddle."
"Oh... That sucks."
"It does, yeah. Still, there's someone out there for those who seek companionship. Just gotta know where to look."
Sunset simply nods at his viewpoint before seeing Pinkie waving them over, "Come on, I think Pinkie wants to show us something."
"I hope it doesn't involve explosions." He casually jokes as they head on to their friend.
Midnight finds herself in a bit of a strange place. Sunset told her that it took time for the students to warm up to her, so she kinda figured the same for herself, due to the Friendship Games. Fortunately, they're not actively avoiding her or shunning her out.
They let her watch their activities as she isn't familiar with camping, but that was the extent of it. After some time, she walks down to the end of the dock, taking in the sight of the setting sunlight over the lake. As she took in the sight, she heard footsteps approach her:
"Do you always sneak around people?" She questions.
"Habit." It was Vanitas, who casually walks over before leaning on a pole.
She asks the first question that came to mind, "Why did you help the others?"
"I have my reasons."
"Which are..."
He was quiet for a moment before answering, "Well at first, I just wanted to see this power capable of ripping portals through worlds. Then when I heard your side of the story, I realized that we shared something in common."
"Freedom, right?"
"That and not liking our counterparts."
Midnight gives a small nod at that, "I suppose so."
"And from what the heroes keep saying, that's enough for a bond to form." Vanitas adds.
She smirks upon realizing why he was here, "If you wanna be friends, just say so."
"...Do you want to be?" He obviously isn't used to saying such things, which made her giggle at the attempt:
"I already know you'll be a fun one."
Their camping trip had one more day left as Levin gets an idea. He was thinking of putting together a special evening, mainly as a first date in his and Sci-Twi's new relationship. However, the idea got bigger until he settles on having a camp party. No reason to leave the others out, especially Pinkie Pie.
He mentions the idea to the counselors, who seem intrigued. However, Gloriosa had one question:
"How are we gonna get the funds to support the event?"
"Leave that to me." He assures them, "It's something I have to explain to my father, but I'm sure he'll be alright with it."
"Who is your father, if you don't mind me asking?" Celestia wonders.
"You might know him from some recent movies, one of them being based on a Daring Do book. He plays her partner during some scenes."
Luna knows who he was talking about, "Wait, isn't that... what's his name? Marvel Rumble?"
"That's him, yeah."
"Oh yeah, I like his work." Timber mentions.
"He never puts in a halfhearted effort." Levin adds before getting back on topic, "Anyways, how about it?"
The counselors were on board with the idea, leading to the setup of the party. The Rainbooms, Shadowolves, and the Destiny Trio were glad to help them out. Rarity and Fluttershy help on making the campers proper attire, at least to suit the atmosphere. Sunset and Sci-Twi set up a checklist as Rainbow handled any invitations outside of camp. Pinkie handles the catering, of course.
AJ lead the way as the Shadowolves, Sora and Riku assist on any physical labor. Mainly to make sure the cavern was ready for the party. Kairi wasn't entirely sure what to do, since everyone else was enough to handle the tasks, until deciding on helping Pinkie out. By the time the sun was setting, the cavern was ready to party.
The group was now in their formal wear, the boys wearing suits as the girls wore dresses. Even the Destiny Trio decided to change for the occasion. Sora and Riku both wore a black suit, the former wearing red accents with the latter having blue accents, as Kairi wore a simple pink dress with white accents.
Riku notices Sora staring as she walks over to them, who asks them the classic question:
"How do I look?"
"Great. Right, Sora?" His words brought his friend back to reality:
"Y-Yeah! You look pretty!" Kairi show a small blush at Sora's compliment.
As the three converse, Sci-Twi was finishing putting up the lights as Levin walks over. He was taken aback by how well the dress suits her, which he comments on:
"You look beautiful tonight."
She turns around after he said that, "T-Thank you, I like your suit."
"Thanks. I honestly don't like wearing these." He admits while adjusting his tie, "Doesn't suit me."
"Your mother would beg to differ."
The two turn to the voice that spoke up, Levin recognizing exactly who it was as he approaches them:
"Dad!? You're here already?"
The others look over upon hearing that, seeing a man in a fine tuxedo. He had neat black hair that reaches past his ears, his bangs going around his ruby red eyes that compliment his light tangelo skin. He had a beard that was a nice five-o-clock shadow, likely trimmed recently.
"Of course, kid. When you mentioned the party, I had to come see ya." He puts his arm around his son for a friendly hug, "How ya holding up?"
"Doing all right, glad you could make it."
"Y-You're Levin's dad?" Sci-Twi asks him.
"Pleasure to meet you, miss. And you must be... Twilight, correct?"
"Uh, yes." She was kinda confused on how he knew, which Levin clarifies:
"We call each other from time to time."
"Your dad's Marvel Rumble!?" The three heard Rainbow blurt out.
Marvel chuckles at the obvious fangirl squeal, "Didn't think you'd be a fan."
"I-I recently watched the newest Daring Do movie! You were AWESOME!"
The others were enjoying the interaction when a sudden camera flash gets their attention:
"Come on everyone, big smiles!"
They did just that for a second photo before Visor realizes who it was, "Mom!?"
"You didn't think Marvel would come alone?" Another woman retorts, which Shade recognizes:
"Aunt Candid! How did you-"
"He mentioned the party to us after Levin called him. Well, more like he told Ataraxy and I just happened to be there."
The Destiny Trio was honestly curious as this was the first time they've seen the boys' parents. They were mentioned, but never seen until now.
Ataraxy has crimson red hair that reaches her neck in length, tied in a ponytail by a black scrunchie bracelet. Her persimmon orange eyes look on with joy, which compliment her pale light amaranth skin. She wore a vermilion red dress with black accents, the full length reaching her knees.
Candid has lime green hair that reaches her ears, rose pink eyes showing delight and pale light amber skin. She wore a green dress that matches her friend's length, complete with a black jacket.
"And you three must be the keyblade wielders." Ataraxy gestures to the Destiny Trio, which Sora confirms:
"Yes ma'am! I'm Sora, this is Riku and Kairi."
Marvel walks over after hearing that, "Hold on, the keyblade trio? Uh, mind if we see those keys?"
The trio didn't mind as they summon their keyblades, holding them out for the parents to see. Needless to say, they were amazed:
"Whoa!" Candid blurts out.
"That is amazing magic." Marvel comments before noticing Ataraxy taking a picture:
"That's a keeper."
As the parents were getting to know the trio, Sunset realizes something:
"Oh! We better get on stage!"
The Rainbooms also realize where they should be before running off, which the others soon follow to watch the show.
Once they were on stage, the crowd were already waiting for the show to start. The Shadowolves made sure they were in the front, but the Destiny Trio was fine being in the back. Their parents watch on alongside them as Marvel smiles:
"Sweet, I've been waiting to see a live show of theirs."
"Oh that's right, you're a fan of them." Ataraxy recalls.
"Wait, you're a fan of the Rainbooms?" Riku wants to know if he heard right.
"Yeah man, better than most radio nowadays." Marvel confirms, "Oh, they're about to start."
The Rainbooms had finished setting up before they start to play their first song:
(Sci-Twi)
I used to think that stories are just that
Set in stone, concrete as a fact
It didn't dawn on meee
That III could change historyyy
(Sunset)
Now I know I'm writing my own song
Fight my way to the ending that I want
I'll turn a tragedyyy
(Both)
Into an epic fantasyyy
(The Rainbooms)
Hey, hey, hey!
You can be a hero (hero) too...
Oh-oh-oh
Take my hand, I'm here for youuu
Cooome awaaay with meee
Be the legend you are meant to beee
You'll alllways beee
Ever free!
The crowd was enjoying it, dancing along as the wolves were digging the tune. The trio were enjoying it with the parents and counselors cheering along. Everyone is just having a good time:
Oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah
Be the legend you are meant to be
Oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah
Be the legend you are meant to be!
(Fluttershy)
There was a time that fear would hold me down
Cause I let it chain me to the ground
(Rainbow)
Look at me now, I'm soaring hiiigh!
It's never boring in the skyyy!
(Applejack)
When I know I got friends on my side
Whatever trials I'll take them all in stride
(Rarity)
Together we will shine so briiight
Radiant brilliance in the niiight!
(Together)
Hey, hey, hey!
You can be a hero (hero) too...
Oh-oh-oh!
Take my hand, I'm here for youuu!
Now the crowd was going wild, cheering and dancing abound as they even sang along! Though, Sora was trying his best not to laugh at Bulk Biceps' sick dance moves. Vanitas and Midnight were just bewildered at such a sight:
Cooome awaaay with meee!
Be the legend you are meant to beee!
You'll alllways beee, ever free!
Oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah
Be the legend you are meant to be
Oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah, ah-oh, oo-wah
Be the legend you are meant to be!
The song finishes as the crowd let out a roaring applause. What a start for their little show.
Some time passes as the party approaches a slow dance portion. The Rainbooms was taking a small break during this, so the wolves took over to play a song or two. Well, excluding Levin and Stylite, who were conversing near the food table:
"What if she says no?" The former blurts out.
"Dude, I know you were imagining this moment with this party." The latter counters, "Now shake off that hesitation and go for it."
Sty gestures towards where Sci-Twi was, who was conversing with Sunset. After taking a breath to relax, Levin approaches the two:
"Nice show you two put on."
"Thanks." Sunset responds, "Fluttershy wrote the songs for tonight."
"I can tell, she's a great lyricist."
The three soon heard music playing, which got some campers go onto the dance floor. Levin feels a lump in his throat before swallowing, soon turning to Sci-Twi:
"Twilight?"
"Yes?" She looks at him with curiosity.
"...W-Wanna dance?"
He was a bit taken aback when she holds her hand out with a smile, "I'd love to."
He smiles back, holding her hand as the two head to the dance floor. Sunset watch on as Sty walks over:
"They look nice together, don't they?" The former asks him.
"Of course." The latter agrees, "I'm not sure why he's jittery about it."
"Probably just nervous."
"True." He then holds his hand towards her, "Up for a dance too?"
She smirks as she accepts, "Certainly."
As they went to the dance floor, Riku notices Sora and Kairi weren't there. He sees the former taking with Marvel, while the latter converses with Ataraxy and Candid. Getting an idea, he goes to Sora first while overhearing the conversation:
"That's some insane feats you've done." Marvel compliments, "Seriously, cutting skyscrapers?"
"Yeah, that does sound crazy." Sora adds, rubbing the back of his head before Riku slides in:
"Hey, mind if I talk with Sora for a sec?"
"Sure kid." Marvel didn't mind at all, letting the two walk away.
Once they reaches a certain distance, Sora wonders the obvious:
"Whatcha need, Riku?"
"More like what you need. See the slow dancers?" His friends gestures to the dance floor.
Though Sora took it the wrong way, "Uh, is there something you're not telling me?"
Riku facepalms before pointing to what he means, "Ask Kairi to dance."
"Huh!? I-I'm not a good dancer!"
"Come on, I know you're not letting that stop you. Now go!"
Sora tries to refuse the notion, but Riku wasn't having it. The latter pushes his friend to the ladies when they notice them:
"What brings you two over here?" Candid smirks as she has an inkling of an idea.
"Sora wants to ask Kairi something." Riku answers, which Kairi smiles upon hearing it:
"Ask me what?"
"H-Huh, well! I-I'm not a very good dancer, but-"
"Yes." Her answer stops him before she holds her hand out, "I'd love to dance."
"...Great." With that said, Sora holds her hand as the two go to the dance floor.
Riku smiles at the two as Ataraxy asks him, "So, your friends are together?"
"Just recently. Sora's pretty outgoing, but romance isn't one he knows much on."
"Well, at least he has a friend like you looking out for him."
"The romance is strong tonight..." Candid comments before hearing Marvel, who happened to have walked over:
"No kidding, and it's not just them. I'm used to Sty's habits, but it's clear Levin got eyes on someone himself."
As they watch the dance go on, the slow music was setting the tone just right. Levin wasn't sure why, but he felt so hesitant. Sci-Twi notices his rigid posture and tries to assure him:
"It's OK. You're dancing just fine."
"T-Thank you, but it's not that."
"Then, what is it?"
"...You ever feel like one mistake will ruin what you have?"
She wasn't expecting a blunt question, "Y-Yeah, a lot. It's honestly hard not to think about it."
Levin felt a bit of relief upon hearing that, "Good, I'm not the only one."
"I doubt that's all you're thinking about." She points out, which he eventually relents:
"Sorry, I'm not used to having a significant other. Then again, I never had one."
"We're in the same boat." She agrees, "I honestly didn't think I'm suited for such affection."
"As my cousin Sty would say, love can happen to anyone. With that in mind, I'm glad I met you."
She shows a smile upon hearing that, soon placing her head on his shoulder:
"Me too."
The two continue their dance, not knowing they were being watched by another pair nearby. Sty smiles at his cousin as Sunset comments:
"He reminds me of Applejack."
That got his attention as he raises an eyebrow, "In what way?"
"He's honest to a fault, probably doesn't even lie."
"Eh, more like he chooses not to."
"Really? Why's that?"
Sty pauses before vaguely answering, "Let's just say one lie backfired on him... hard."
Sunset grimaces at the idea, "Ouch."
"Yeah. A lot of us aren't proud of our mistakes, but it can help us become better."
She shows a small smile at such words, "Ain't that the truth. It takes effort though."
"Tell me about it..." Sty exasperates to himself, giving Sunset an idea:
"Tell you what. I'll tell you my past, if you tell me yours. Deal?"
"Hmm, I see no downsides. Deal."
The two continue on as another pair was dancing a bit further away. Sora was rather quiet for awhile, which Kairi points out:
"Is there something on your mind?"
"U-Um, it's just that... I know that we're together now, but it still feels I'm dreaming."
"I can get that. Honestly, this moment feels like a dream."
"I wish I knew if this was real or not."
"...I have an idea."
He was about to ask what, but stops upon feeling her hands on his cheeks. The two make eye contact in that moment before she closes the distance, locking her lips with his. His eyes show his surprise, soon closing them before she returns the kiss. Once it ends, she was the first to speak:
"How about now?"
He shows a smile, now knowing the answer. "Yes, this is real."
The two then embrace, cementing their connection as they slowly dance through the evening.
The next day came, where we meet our heroes back at CHS. Among them, Vanitas was complaining about one aspect:
"Do I have to go to school?"
"Come on, I don't want to go alone." Midnight answers before showing him puppy-dog eyes, "Please?"
He looks at her, trying to resist before eventually relenting. "...I'm not gonna like it."
"You'd be surprised." Sunset assures him before turning to the Destiny Trio, "What about you three? Think you can stay a little longer?"
"Sorry, I'm trying not to stay away from home for too long." Sora answers, "It'll make my mom worry sick."
"He's not wrong..." Kairi mutters before adding aloud, "Still, we'll be back to visit before you know it."
"Thanks for all your help." Sci-Twi expresses her gratitude.
"Next time, how about a small party? My treat." Levin offers.
"I'm on board with that!" Pinkie agrees, for obvious reasons.
After a series of farewells, the Destiny Trio took their leave. Unbeknownst to them all though, the next time they do... might be the last.
And done! Sorry for the short ending, but ya'll know I don't like dragging things on. For this chapter, here's what happened:
For those who read Mysteries of Magic, you'll likely recognize the parents from there. It took some thinking, but I decided to give them a small cameo. Glad I did, I missed writing them.
Other than that, I made sure there was at least one scene between Vanitas and Midnight. Not only to show what she'll be doing now, but show off a hint of their dynamic. I think they'll be a fun duo.
Now the main event, the dance. The reason had to be different since the original plot point was replaced, but I think I made it work. The song included is a pretty good one, upbeat with a nice message. Plus, that Bulk Bicep dance is oh so funny.
Sora and Kairi was THE one couple that I feel should have a kiss. I'm hesitant on Levin and Sci-Twi having one too, but that might change later on. Stylite and Sunset is more so showing off their dynamic.
Now, we reach our final visit. But as per usual, I might have an interlude beforehand. Don't worry, it'll be rather short as I'm just having an explanation for Sora and Riku changing designs. And as to where in the timeline it'll take place.
With all that said, thanks for reading and I'll see you next chapter!