Chapter 132: Heart of the Land Part 2: A New Understanding
Twilight was walking through the village and looked around, seeing how everyone was working in the fields collecting corn and other kinds of crops, fishing and playing with the children, having peaceful and happy lives, which made her smile, but then she saw some of her warriors making walls to protect their village, taking precautions for the coming battle. She reached the river near the village, which some of the men were still fishing in, but she sat down, looking into the water as if expecting to see something.
"Yoda, I'm here." Twilight said.
"Here, you are, but alone, you are not." Yoda replied, a group of small lights appearing in front of her. "Come further down the river. Continue to talk there, we will."
Twilight looked around and saw many Indians moving around, understanding why Yoda would want to talk with her privately, so she followed the group of lights to the location Yoda had planned, following them into the nearby forest and stopping just a little ways outside of the village, the lights flying over to the river, which she walked over to.
"Are we alone now?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, alone, alone we are. Herh, herh, herh!" Yoda replied. "You little pony, I sense fear in. Tell me, what bothers you."
"Well, it's the conflict between the natives and the settlers." Twilight replied. "They seem to not like each other and someone got hurt because of it."
"Much hatred between them, there is." Yoda replied. "Their minds fear clouds, to anger leading, hatred, and to suffering."
"That's what Maya said." Twilight said. "Fear leading to anger, then to hatred, and then to suffering. Said Spyro told her all about it. Did... did you teach Spyro?"
"Good friend and an excellent student, Spyro was." Yoda replied. "But too old to complete the training, was he."
"But, he still acts like a Jedi." Twilight pointed out.
"Yes, though too old to complete the training, he was, still a Jedi, he is." Yoda responded. "Good friend, he was. Tell me, why searching for him are you, hmm?"
"He... he's my friend." Twilight replied. "He saved my future sister-in-law from being killed."
"Ah, to show gratitude to him you wish, hmm?" Yoda asked. "Is that why, searching for his heart, you are, hmm? Herh herh herh."
"Well, sort of." Twilight replied, using her magic to take her ring off. "He's... kind and sweet. The perfect gentlecolt."
"Ah, revealed, the reason is." Yoda said. "You love him, don't you, hmm? Yes, hmmm."
"I do." Twilight replied. "When I first met him, all I saw was somepony who was just annoying, wasn't all that funny, and very nosy. But... when I was with him during the Summer Sun Celebration, I saw how kind he was. How caring and... sweet he was. Always caring, friendly, and helpful he was. And when he protected me and helped us defeat Nightmare Moon and save Princess Luna, my heart... I felt something I never felt before."
"Strong, your love is." Yoda responded. "Comforting, it is comforting, but also very dangerous. Hmmmmmm."
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.
"Strong, your love makes you, but to the temptations of the dark side, vulnerable it makes you." Yoda replied. "To the dark side to save he,r another jedi loved someone and fell. Be careful that your love leads not you down the path of the dark side. Herh herh herh."
"I'll try not to let that happen." Twilight replied. "Yoda, can I ask you something?"
"Ask me something, you did. Herh, herh, herh." Yoda replied. "What wish you to ask me, hmm?"
"Why did you save me from that thing when I had that dream?" Twilight asked. "Why protect me?"
"Special young one, you are." Yoda replied. "Very special indeed."
"Special?" Twilight asked. "How?"
"Hidden inside you, great power is." Yoda replied. "Your destiny, fast approaching it is. Ready, you must be when it comes. Hmmmmmm."
"My destiny?" Twilight asked. "What is my destiny Yoda!? What is going to happen!?"
"My friend patients, patients." Yoda relied. "Understand your destiny in time, you will."
"But, what about the conflict here?" Twilight asked. "How are we going to prevent it?"
"Inevitable, the conflict is." Yoda replied. "Seek out the chiefs daughter, for the key, is she. Yeesssssss."
"The chiefs daughter?" Twilight asked. "How can she help us?" She waited for an answer, but watched as the lights suddenly flew further into the forest, surprising the unicorn as she ran after them. "Yoda? Yoda wait!"
She ran into the forest, going further and further into the massive wood, looking sight of the lights and stopping, feeling defeated as she lost track of the lights and turned around to leave, but found that she was lost in the middle of the forest, feeling a shiver run down her spine as she felt cold all of a sudden, tracing her steps back to get back to the village, but then felt like something was following her, turning to see a dark mist appear from the woods. She turned and lowered herself, feeling her heart racing as she backed away, calling her Keyblade as she backed away, but a second later, seven glowing eyes appeared, starring at her and making her blood freeze, shaking in fear as she recognized it.
"There you are." The shadow said.
Without waiting, she turned and ran away as fast as she could, the shadow following her close behind as it cackled, enjoying the chase as he went after twilight, the pony pointing her Keyblade behind her and releasing several fire spells, hoping they would hit, but they just passed through him, making her run even faster until she reached the edge of the village, running out into the light, which the shadow hissed, backing away and letting her go, watching as she ran as far as she could from the forest before disappearing, Twilight turning her head and breathing heavily as she checked if it was still following her.
"W-what's going on?" Twilight asked herself. "I need to tell Maya."
She then rushed to the village, hoping to tell her friend what had happened and what Yoda told her. Back with Fluttershy, she was sitting with Sonic watching Pocahontas examine John Smith's helmet, looking to the blue hedgehog and smiling.
"So, you're Sonic the Hedgehog?" Fluttershy asked.
"The one and only!" Sonic replied, rubbing his nose. "You heard of me?"
"Oh yes, I have." Fluttershy replied. "Knuckles and Tails told me all about you."
"Wait, you know Knuckles and Tails!?" Sonic asked in surprise. "Are they ok!?"
"They're fine." Fluttershy replied. "They're on our ship, waiting for us."
"Well let's get going then!" Sonic said. "I can't wait to see my friends again!"
"Well, we can't yet." Fluttershy replied, confusing him. "Maya is the only one who knows the spell to get us back to our ship. And if she does agree to send you to the ship, we have to find the Heart Piece first."
"Heart Piece?" Sonic asked. "What's a Heart piece?"
"A piece of my friend's heart." Fluttershy replied. "It was shattered and scattered across all of the different worlds. My friends and I are working to find them all and bring them together to get him back."
"Wait, I remember Psyrox saying something about that." Sonic said.
"You know Psyrox!?" Fluttershy asked.
"I do." Sonic replied. "He helped us keep Eggman from using those things. And I got to say, whatever those things are, they got some power to them."
"Well, Spyro was very powerful." Fluttershy said.
"Who's Spyro?" Pocahontas asked, she and John looking to them.
"My friend." Fluttershy replied. "He sacrificed himself to save the life of a princess."
"Sounds like my kind of guy." John said. "We heard a bit of your conversation. If you're looking for these Heart Pieces, how will you find them?"
"Well, they find items or people to hide in and the way to know who or what has one is by the symbol." Fluttershy replied, drawing the symbol in the ground. "And when we find it, we need to solve a riddle to get it."
"Well what's the riddle?" Pocahontas asked
"Hey!" John said. They looked down and saw a raccoon raiding John knapsack, eating all the biscuits he could get his hands on. "This bottomless pit a friend of yours?"
"Meeko." Pocahontas said, taking him into her arms.
"Well, hello Meeko." John said, extending his hand, but the Raccoon looked around, trying to see if he had anymore food, but saw he had none, looking disappointed. "It's just a handshake."
"Where I came from, we call it a hoof shake." Fluttershy said. "Though I don't do those very much."
"Here's let me show you." John said, taking her hand and showing her how a handshake worked.
Pocahontas looked amused by the gesture, which the raccoon copied it by grabbing a hummingbird and shaking her by its beak, making it dizzy.
"This is how we say hello." Pocahontas said, waving her hand high slowly. "Wingapo."
"Wingapo." John replied, copying her movement.
"And this is goodbye, Ana." Pocahotnas said.
"I like hello better." John said, putting his hand on hers, which the hummingbird ghost inbetween them, flying up to John and making him flinch away. "Yeah, I remember you."
"Flit just doesn't like strangers." Pocahontas said.
"Well I'm not a stranger anymore." John said, reaching over to pet him, but the bird pecked his hand, making him pull it away. "Stubborn little fellow isn't he?"
"Very stubborn." Pocahontas said.
"Aw, he's just wanting to protect you." Fluttershy said, the humming bird flying over to her as she raised her foreleg, the bird landing on it and chirping happily at her.
"He seems to like you." Sonic said.
"Hey." John said.
They looked back at John and saw Meeko running away with a compass, running to the nearby rock.
"Meeko." Pocahontas said.
"Ah, it's alright, he can't hurt it." John said. However, Meeko made him eat his own words as he hit the compass on the rick, making sparks fly. "Hey! What are you doing!?"
Meeko then ran up the tree, climbing up the massive timber as everyone looked up, seeing him sitting on the branch.
"Meeko bring that back here!" Pocahontas said.
"No, no, it's all right." John said, getting up. "He can keep it. Call it a gift."
They looked back to the Raccoon and he started hitting the compass on the branch, making him grimace at the sound.
"What was that?" Pocahontas asked.
"A compass." John replied.
"Compass?" Pocahontas asked.
"Yeah, it tells you how to find your way incase you get lost." John replied. "But it's alright, I can get another one in London."
"London?" Pocahontas asked. "Is that your village?"
"Yes, a very big village." John replied.
"What's it like?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well, it's got streets with carriages running down them." John replied. "Bridges over the rivers, and buildings as tall as trees."
"I'd like to see those things." Pocahontas said.
"And you will." John replied, getting up. "Because we're going to build them here. We can show your people how to properly use this land."
He then started to climb up the tree, everyone watching him as he climbed.
"How?" Pocahontas asked.
"Well, we'll build roads and descent houses." John replied.
"Our houses are fine." Pocahontas said.
"Yeah, I think they know how to use the land better than you believe they do." Sonic said.
"You think that, but that means you don't know any better." John said. That however infuriated Pocahontas, getting up and leaving, which even Fluttershy got up and left with Pocahontas, Flit keeping John back, but he got away from the bird and got into the river, stopping them. "Wait, there's so much we can teach . We've improved the lives of savages all over the world."
"Savages!?" Pocahontas exclaimed, making John wince.
"Not the proper choice of words there." John said. "I don't mean you particularly."
"Just my people." Pocahontas said.
"No, I didn't mean it like that." John said.
"Let go!" Pocahontas said.
"No, I'm not letting you leave." John replied. However, without warning, Pocahontas jumped up into the tree branches, Fluttershy flying up as Sonic jumped, hopping from branch to branch, leaving John alone on the ground. "Look, don't do this. Savage is just a word." He then started climbing up the branch, wanting to catch up with them. "You know, a term. For people who are uncivilized."
"Like me?" Pocahontas asked, looking to Fluttershy and Sonic. "Or them?"
"Well, when I say uncivilized, what I mean is-" John said, trying to grab the next branch, but it snapped.
It made him fall onto the ground, sitting up as his helmet hit his head, dropping him again as the Fluttershy jumped down to check on him, followed by Pocahontas and Sonic, which the Indian princess lifted his helmet to look at him.
"What you mean is, not like you." Pocahontas said.
A second later, music started to play, which SOnic looked around to see where it was coming from, looking back to Pocahontas and John as she starred at him.
[Pocahontas]
You think I'm an ignorant savage,
And you've been so many places,
I guess it must be so!
But still, I cannot see,
If the savage one is me.
How can there be so much that you don't know?
You don't know.
She then started walking away from the group, which John looked to Sonic and Fluttershy, but the former just shrugged his shoulders, the yellow Pegasus mare walking after the princess, so they walked after the both of them, reaching a cliff and overlooking the land.
You think you own whatever land you land on,
The Earth is just a dead thing you can claim!
But I know every rock and tree and creature,
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name.
You think the only people who are people,
Are the people who look and think like you.
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger,
You'll learn things you never knew, you never knew!
Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon?
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned?
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
They ran down the cliff side and jumped down a waterfall, Sonic cheering as he was enjoying the run as Fluttershy flew over them, landing and running with them through the forest as a couple of deer joined them in the run.
Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest,
Come taste the sun sweet berries of the Earth!
Come roll in all the riches all around you,
And for once, never wonder what they're worth!
The rainstorm and the river are my brothers,
The heron and the otter are my friends!
And we are all connected to each other,
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends!
A second later, they had some eagles on their arms and foreleg, releasing them and watching as they flew up to the tree, landing on the very top of the massive tree.
How high does the sycamore grow?
If you cut it down, then you'll never know!
And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon,
For whether we are white or copper skinned,
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountain!
We need to paint with all the colors of the wind,
You can own the Earth and still,
All you'll own is Earth until,
You can paint with all the colors of the wind.
John and Pocahontas held hands, Sonic and Fluttershy staying close by and watched them, the pony smiling at the scene before her while Sonic just reached his hands behind his head, smirking at the scene until they heard the drums, everyone wondering where they were coming from, but Pocahontas knew what they meant.
"What is it?" John asked.
"The drums." Pocahontas said. "They mean danger. I shouldn't be here."
"I want to see you again." John said.
"I can't." Pocahontas replied.
"Please don't go." John said.
"I'm sorry." Pocahontas said, john leaning in to kiss her, but she put her hand on his lips, stopping him. "I have to go."
She then broke free from John's grip and he watched as she got into her Kayak with Sonic and left, leaving John alone with Fluttershy, who wanted to go with him as he walked away, but ainbow Dash appeared a moment later, landing right in front of her.
"Fluttershy, there you are." Rainbow Dash said. "We were worried sick about you! Where'd you run off to!?"
"Well, I'll explain on the way." Fluttershy replied. "We better head back to the others."
They took to the air again and went back to the shore, but one there, they found that their friends were no longer there, confusing both mares until they started looking around, finding the village Pocahontas lived in and found Maya and Twilight there, landing and staying in the village. For the next few days, they stayed in the village, helping out as much as they could, but with the conflict between the settlers and the Natives, it made things difficult for them to find the Heart Piece, even though Fluttershy told them as they arrived at the village that John Smith might be the one who has it. Back at the camp, in his tent, Ratcliffe was looking over the maps trying to find any other location where there would be gold, but most of the area's inland were guarded by the Indians, infuriating him.
"I'm doomed!" Ratcliffe said. "I should be wallowing in riches, but I haven't found so much as a speck."
"That's because the gold you want is found further inland Governor." Pete said, getting his attention.
"I know that, but where!?" Ratcliffe asked. "In the hills? The Swamps? I searched everywhere and those savages... wait... savages. That's it! The savages attacked us because they have the gold!"
"I thought it was because you invaded their land, dug it up, and cut down some of their trees?" Pete asked.
"No, it's because they have the gold and don't want us to have it!" Ratcliffe replied, making Pete shake his head. "Well, I guess I'll have to take it by force then, won't I!?"
He then walked out of the tent t go get some men to find John, leaving Pete behind rubbing his head, wondering if the deal he made was a good idea.
"Geez, now I know how Maleficent feels having to deal with idiots." Pete said, realizing what he said. "And I went and called myself an idiot."
He then went outside to see if he could help him gather men while in the tent with him, Psyrox appearing from the shadows, glaring at them before disappearing into the darkness again, leaving the area before being spotted. Back at the village, Mata and the ponies, were helping around the village, with the Keyblade warrior helping to collect some corn along with Fluttershy and Twilight while Rainbow Dash found the closest cloud she could and decided to take a nap on it, laying back and relaxing as she laid there. During the few days, Maya and Fluttershy were trying to think of ways they could find John Smith and talk with him about trying to find a way to get the Natives and the Settlers to sit down and talk it over before someone else got hurt again while Twilight was quiet for most of the time, picking corn while not paying attention to the conversation, still thinking about that shadow that chased her, still hearing it's voice as she imagined those sickly green eyes as it chased her.
"Twilight?" Maya asked, finally getting her attention. "You know you're supposed to put the corn in the basket, right?"
"Huh?" Twilight asked, looking at the ground and finding a small pile of corn there. "Oh, sorry."
"What's bothering you?" Pocahontas asked, kneeling down to her. "You've seem distracted."
"Oh, it's nothing." Twilight replied, picking the corn up and putting it in the basket. "Just... worried is all."
"You mean about that shadow?" Fluttershy asked.
"The one that chased you a few days ago?" Another native woman asked, walking up to them.
"Wingapo Nakoma." Pocahontas said.
"I heard your conversation with Maya." Nakoma said. "About the shadow in the forest. Was it a spirit?"
"If it was, it was a pretty nasty one." Twilight said. "It wanted me for some reason, but I don't know why."
"Well, there are some evil spirits out there." Pocahontas said. "But the spirits say what chased you wasn't;t a spirit, but something worse."
"Pocahontas." Powhatan said, approaching them. "You should be in the village."
"We'll be alright father." Pocahontas replied.
"We're just gathering food for when the warriors arrive." Nakoma replied.
"Don't go too far." Powhatan said. "Now is not the time to be running off."
"Yes father." Pocahontas replied.
Powhatan smiled at Pocahontas, happy to see his daughter wearing the necklace as he approached.
"When I see you wear that necklace Pocahontas, you look just like your mother." Powhatan said.
"I miss her." Pocahontas said, looking at the necklace.
"She is still with us." Powhatan replied. "Whenever the wind blows through the trees, I feel her presence. Our people look to her for wisdom and strength. And someday, they will look to you as well."
"I would be honored father." Pocahontas replied.
"Well, you shouldn't be out here alone." Powhatan said. "I'll send Cocoum."
He turned around and walked away, leaving the women and the ponies behind, which Hakoma looked at her friend with annoyance.
"Alrightm, what is it?" She asked
"What's what?" Pocahontas asked.
"You're hiding something." Nakoma pointed out. "You're all hiding something."
"We're not hiding anything." Pocahontas replied.
"Pocahontas, you can tell me." Nakoma said. "I won't tell anybody." She then saw John and her eyes widened in surprise and horror. "Pocahontas, look!" They all turned and saw John was there, confusing them as to why he was in the glade, Flit rushing at him, but he held up a biscuit and flew into it, tossing it away as he approached. "It's one of them! I'm going to-"
Before she could utter another word, Pocahontas rushed over and covered her mouth, preventing her from talking.
"What are you doing here!?" Pocahontas asked, confusing Nakoma.
"I had to see you again." John replied.
"But why the heck here?" Rainbow Dash asked, whispering as to not be heard. "They'll skin you if they find you here!"
"Pocahontas!" Cocoum exclaimed, making everyone look in his direction.
"Shoot, we gotta get him out of here!" Twilight said.
"Fluttershy, you and Rainbow Dash get him out of here before he's spotted." Maya said. "Twilight, you're staying with me."
"Please don't say anything." Pocahontas asked, taking John's hand. "Quick, this way."
She led John out of through the corn field and out of sight, both Pegasi mares flying above them as they fled, Cocoum coming towards Nakoma and Maya while Twilight picked some corn, pretending to be busy when he approached.
"Nakoma, Maya, have you seen Pocahontas?" Cocoum asked.
"We... haven't seen her." Nakoma said, which seemed to get to Cocoum.
"Pocahontas can't keep running off, it's dangerous. Out there" Cocoum said, walking away. "Tell her that."
"Hmph. Sure she does." Nakoma replied.
"She's following her heart is all." Twilight said, putting the corn in the basket. "The heart will never lead you astray."
"Well I for one think she's getting herself in over her head." Nakoma said. "She's running around with a pale skin, who are dangerous and nearly killed one of our warriors."
"Because they were scared." Maya replied. "They allowed their fear to cloud their judgement and attack right away. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."
"Yeah, I heard you say that before." Nakoma said. "Still, I just wish she wouldn't rush into danger like that. She's gonna end up getting hurt."
Nakoma then walked away, leaving Maya and Twilight alone, which Maya followed Nakoma to try and calm her down, but as Twilight picked up the corn she had, she saw a light appeared near the river, walking over and setting the corn down and looking into the water.
"Yoda?" Twilight whispered. "Yoda, you there."
"Here, I am here." Yoda replied. "And grave news for you, I have. Yeesssssss."
"What?" Twilight asked. "What news do you have?"
"Tonight, the war shall begin." Yoda replied. "Take over, anger and hate will, and suffer, many will."
"But, you said I need to find the chiefs daughter to prevent it from happening." Twilight said.
"To find her I told you, not that, prevent the war from happening, would she." Yoda replied. "But end it before more lives are lost, can she."
"How?" Twilight asked.
"Only when one listens to reason can conflict end." Yoda replied. "Follow her feeling to prevent many lives from being lost, she must."
"How can following your feelings help?" Twilight asked.
"Did you follow your feelings not, hmm?" Yoda asked. "To bring the one you love fought long and hard, hmm?"
"Yes, I did." Twilight replied.
"Strong my friend, love is." Yoda continued. "You who you are it makes. Sometimes, good, is it, other times it is so good not. In the end, the outcome depends on the choices you make. Hmmmmmm. Follow your heart, you must. Like the Force, you, let it teach, let it guide. Your path, many challenges lie in, but only when you don't falter of stray from your feelings will you succeed. Yeesssssss."
"That... doesn't sound very Jedi like." Twilight said.
"A Jedi, you are not, not yet, so nothing for me to worry about, there is. Herh, herh, herh!" Yoda replied.
The lights then disappeared, leaving Twilight confused and with many questions, wondering why he told her to follow her feelings and why he told her she wasn't a Jedi yet if she couldn't use the Force. At the Glade, Pocahontas was taking John to see Grandmother Willow, going through her leaves, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash following her and looking around, admiring the tree.
"This place is incredible." John said.
"You said it." Rainbow Dash said. "Can't believe I'm saying this, but this place is better than most of the places back home."
"And to think we came all this way to dig it up for gold." John said.
"Gold?" Pocahontas asked. "What's gold?"
"You know, it's, uh, it's yellow." John replied. "It comes out of the ground and it's very valuable."
"Oh, here we got lots of it." Pocahontas said, showing John an ear of corn.
"Uh, no, it's more like this." John said, pulling out a gold coin.
"Hmm, there nothing like that around here." Pocahontas said.
"You said it." Rainbow Dash said. "That stuff is usually near or in mountains or something."
"No gold?" John asked.
"Not that I've seen." Pocahontas replied.
"Heh, all this way for nothing." John said, leaning back. "Well, those boys are in for a big surprise."
"Will they leave?" Pocahontas asked.
"Some might." John replied. "Others may stay. Ratcliffe for example. He's too greedy to listen to anyone. All he does is listen to that big cat."
"Big cat?" Fluttershy asked, looking to Rainbow Dash and seeing the same surprised look on her face.
"Pete!" Rainbow Dash replied.
"Who?" John asked.
"That big cat you're talking about is Pete." Rainbow Dash replied. "He's our enemy who summons the Heartless, monsters born from darkness in peoples hearts."
"So were the monsters Cocoum talking about Heartless?" Pocahontas asked.
"No, they're the Unversed." Fluttershy replied. "They feed off negative energy from bad feelings. Like anger and hate."
"Well, there's plenty of it here." John replied.
"Will you leave?" Pocahontas asked John, looking at him
"Well, it's not like I have a home to go back to." John replied. "I don't really belong anywhere."
"You could belong here." Pocahontas suggested.
As she said it, the spirits started to sing, making everyone look around as the wind picked up, John looking around before his eyes saw the tree, watching as a face suddenly appeared before disappearing, freaking him out.
"What was that!?" John asked.
"What was what?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I didn't see anything."
"Did you see something?" Pocahontas asked
"No, it's just I... I didn't see anything, did I?" John asked, trying to make sense of what happened.
"Look again." Pocahontas replied.
Everyone looked back to the tree, wondering what it was that he was referring to when they all saw a face appear on the tree, making Fluttershy gasp while Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped open, not believing what she was seeing.
[Grandmother Willow]
Let it break upon you,
Like a wave upon the sand!
"The tree..." Fluttershy said in utter shock.
"Hello John Smith." Grandmother Willow said.
"What... the... buck?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy said.
"Wha-what am I supposed to say!?" Rainbow Dash asked. "The tree is talking! A freaking tree is talking to us!"
"Don't be frightened everybody." Grandmother Willow said. "My bark is worse than my bite."
Everyone looked at the tree, trying to process what they were seeing with Rainbow Dash having a melt down as her brain was melting, trying to think of how a tree was talking to her.
"Say something." Pocahontas said.
"What do I say to a tree?" John asked.
"Anything you want." Pocahontas replied.
John was hesitant, trying to think of what to say to a tree as he got up, straightening himself out, even though he was nervous.
"Well..." John said.
"Come closer John Smith." Grandmother Willow said, using her leaves to push him so she can see him. "He has a good soul. And he's handsome too."
"Oh I like her." John said.
"I knew you would."
"SMITH!" Ben shouted, spooking everyone. "Smith, where are ya, mate?"
"We can't let them see us." John said.
"Quick, over here." Grandmother Willow said.
Everyone hid behind Grandmother Willow as Ben and Lon walked through her vines, looking around to find John Smith, immediately getting the chills being there.
"This place gives me the creeps." Lon said. "Savages could be hiding anywhere."
"Well if ya see one, don't ask questions." Ben replied. "Just shoot it." Grandmother Willow smiled to herself, lifting up her root and making them both trip, Ben looking at Lon with annoyance. "Watch your feet ya big oaf!"
"It wasn't me." Lon replied. "It was the tree!"
"Oh sure." Ben replied, not believing his friend. "The tree felt like lifting its roots and-" He then turned back and watched as the roots lowered down, making them both silent and fearful about what they had just witnessed. "Let's get out of here."
Grandmother Willow smiled mischievously, raising some of her vines before hitting them in the rear, making them bth jump.
"OW!" They shouted in unison.
"Run!" Ben shouted, both he and Lon running.
"What about Smith!?" Lon asked.
"He's a big lad, he can take care of himself!" Ben replied.
The two men ran out of the glade, returning to their came with Rainbow Dash laughing at them as they ran, falling on the ground and rolling as she laughed.
"Oh man, that was the funniest thing I've seen all day!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Glad you're on our side." John said, looking up to Grandmother Willow.
"These old vines still have some snap left in them!" Grandmother Willow replied.
"I better get back before they send the whole camp after me." John said.
"When will I see you again?" Pocahontas asked.
"Tonight." John replied, putting his hand on her face. "I'll meet you here tonight."
The two of them smiled at one another, their hearts beating for joy when the earth itself started to shake, making the animals run away, John holding onto Pocahontas as the earth shook, stopping a moment later, everyone spooked by what happened, but no one was injured.
"What was that?" Pocahontas asked.
"Ah don't worry, it was just a small earthquake." Rainbow Dash replied.
"Earthquake?" Pocahontas asked.
"It's when the earth rumbles and shakes around, causing a bit of damage." John replied. "But as she said, it was a small one, so no harm."
"But... we never had an Earthquake before." Pocahontas replied.
"Wait, never?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"No, never." Pocahontas replied.
The revelation left everyone more worried than confused, looking to the earth and wondering what caused it to shake at all, looking to one another to see if they had an answer.
"I better get back to the camp then, make sure nothing was damaged." John said. "See you later tonight."
John started walking away from them, leaving Pocahontas alone with the ponies, which Rainbow Dash nudged Fluttershy and whispered in her ear, nodding her head and flying after John.
"Well, I haven't had this much excitement in over two hundred years!" Grandmother Willow said. "Especially with that little quake we had. Wonder what caused it?"
"What am I doing?" Pocahontas asked, messing with her hair. "I shouldn't be seeing him again, but I want to see him again."
"Who wouldn't?" Grandmother Willow asked. "I'd like to see him again."
"Still, something in my heart is telling me it's the right thing to do." Pocahontas replied, Meeko styling her hair.
"Maybe it's your dream." Grandmother Willow suggested.
"Her dream?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"The dream." Pocahontas said. "You think he's the one the spinning arrow is pointing to?"
Grandmother Willow didn't indicate she might be right, but just gave a smile, giving her hope that her dream might be happening, everyone leaving to return to the village, but as they left, a dark figure appeared from behind Grandmother Willow, standing next to her as they watched her leave and Rainbow Dash leave.
"You think she'll follow her dream?" Grandmother Willow asked.
"Her dream's are visions from the heart." The figure replied, walking into the light to reveal it was Spyro. "She must follow her heart to live her dream. For only she can end what shall begin."
On Mobius, the Overlord and Eggman were in the main control room, having reactivated the robots and sent them back into the factory to get the shut down command out of their systems, Viper and Celestial Dawn remaining in the room and starring at Eggman with anger and murder in them.
"Please professor, have a seat." The Overlord said. A second later, some of the wiring and metal shot up and made a makeshift seat, shocking Eggman as he sat down. "I do apologize for having sent you into the cells earlier, but I needed to keep you from making things worse."
"Worse?" Eggman asked, almost laughing. "How, pray tell, can I make things worse?"
"It's better that I show you." The Overlord replied. He activated the terminal and from it, a projection of Mobius appeared, revealing that more locations had disappeared, erased from the planet and massive cracks were appearing on them. "Now we're here in your city..." he pointed out their location and on it was the source of the cracks. "And because of your meddling and destruction of the world barriers, this world is thrown out of balance."
"And how is that my fault?" Eggman asked.
"Because you built the machine that caused this." Dawn replied, the Overlord raising his hand.
"Celestial Dawn is right." The Overlord said. "Your machine was built to acquire and capture the Heart Pieces of the Prince of Light and Darkness, whose power has the potential to destroy and create worlds from nothing."
"Really?" Eggman asked, a smile appearing on his face.
"Don't go getting ideas blood sack." Viper said. "I move faster than the eye could see."
"Viper." The Overlord said, making her bow apologetically. "As I was saying, due to your meddling, this world lost the key being that was crucial to this world. Sonic the Hedgehog."
"Wait, the blue hedgehog was a key being?" Eggman asked.
"He is." The Overlord replied. "When your machine overloaded, it created a tear between worlds, creating a wormhole that absorbed him and his friends. Now, normally this world would just erase itself and return a moment later,fixing what has been lost. Think of it like a game with a glitch that you get stuck in. What do you do to fix that?"
"Restart the game?" Eggman asked.
"Exactly." The Overlord replied, deactivating the table. "This world is restarting itself, erasing everything on it so it can be remade with Sonic back on it. However, there is one slight problem." He then turned it back on, but this time the cracks were glowing, revealing a dark purple light that the doctor recognized. "Look familiar?
"Dark Gaia." Eggman said, getting up with shock on his face.
"Yes, Dark Gaia." The Overlord replied. "Due to your idiocracy, your meddling in other worlds, and sending a key factor into another world, Dark Gaia is waking up, sensing the destruction and accelerating the Awakening. Much like how you did that, but instead of the Chaos Emeralds, Dark Gaia is feeding on the negative energy coming from this world's destruction."
"And unless we find Sonic and bring him back, this world will be destroyed." Viper said.
"And where does this concern me?" Eggman asked. "I built this tower to resist any kind of apocalyptic event. It's impenetrable!"
"Yes, it is, isn't it?" The Overlord asked. "But you aren't." He then walked over and grabbed Eggman by the neck, dragging him to the nearby balcony and smashing the glass, walking to the railing and dangling the doctor over the edge as the cracks grew wider underneath him. "You have two choices Eggman. Either help us find Sonic and prevent this world's destruction, or I let you go and you'll just be a light snack for Dark Gaia and we'll not have anymore issues with you. Now, what's it going to be?"
Eggman was clawing at his throat, finding it hard to breath as he struggled to get free, looking down to see the dark cracks continuing to form, but then saw something fly over the crack, something large and blue, grinning to himself as he laughed.
"How about a third option?" Eggman asked. "I take back my tower and send you down to meet Gaia, let you be its snack."
"Disappointing." The Overlord said. "I calculated a 78% chance you'd help us. Guess I was wrong."
The Overlord released Eggman, letting the doctor fall as he turned to his companions, walking back inside and towards them.
"What's the plan now?" Dawn asked.
"We must put Dark Gaia back to sleep." The Overlord replied. "Dawn, take one of our fliers and go to Angel Island. Bring me the Master Emerald and I can use it to bring the Chaos Emeralds to me."
"At once my lord." Dawn replied.
She turned and started walking out of the room, leaving the Overlord with Viper as they got back onto the hole table, but then heard something outside, turning to see Eggman laughing again, but the reason why he was laughed because obviously clear when, a second later, he was raised up and was starring at Metal Overlord, a massive robot originally known as Metal Sonic, but due to him upgrading his form, he became a titan of metal and absolute power, catching them both off guard.
"Aw, Karabast." The Overlord said.
Metal Overlord raised it's clawed hand and a moment later, punched the tower, going straight into the room he was in and smashing everything in it, Metal Overlord pulling his fist back to see the destroyed room, laughing to himself.
"How does it feel to know you've been outwitted by Dr. Eggman!?" Eggman exclaimed. "I had a backup plan incase the assault failed and now you are nothing more than a pile of scrap!"
However a second later, the top of the tower exploded outward, a dark light shining as dark smoke with red lightning going everywhere, the smoke expanding everywhere and from it, the Overlord appeared in the smoke, but massive chunks of metal came from all over the globe from previously destroyed warships and old technology to some of his own Conquerers until he revealed himself to be a massive mechanical dragon, similar to that of Supreme King Dragon Zarc, but instead of black and green, it was purple and black, glaring down at Eggman and Metal Overlord, both surprised and shocked.
"If I was wearing pants, they'd be stained with oil right now." Metal Overlord said.
"Your meddling ends here, 'Doctor.'" The Overlord said. "Now fall."
The Overlord opened its mouth and unleashed a beam of pure power, Metal Overlord dodging and flying away from the massive dragon, which it followed behind them to finish them both off before they could escape. Back in Pocahontas's world, she and Rainbow Dash got back to the village and saw a whole army of Natives arriving on Kayak, the Pegasus's mouth dropping when she saw how many there were.
"Pocahontas, are you crazy?" Nakoma asked. "What were you doing with him? And where's Fluttershy?"
"There you are." Cocoum said, making them look at her.
"Cocoum." Pocahontas said.
"Look at them." Cocoum said. "Now we have enough warriors to destroy those white demons!"
They looked back to Powhatan, seeing he was walking with another chief before they stopped and turned to address their people.
"Now that we are joined by our brothers, we will defeat this enemy."
Everyone cheered by the news, but Pocahontas was scarred, running from her friends to catch up with her father before he went into the hut.
"Father, I need to speak with you." Pocahontas said.
"Not ow my daughter." Powhatan said. "The council is gathering."
"We don't have to fight them." Pocahontas said. "There has to be a better way."
"My daughter, sometimes our paths are chosen for us." Powhatan replied.
"But maybe we should try talking to them." Pocahontas suggested.
"They don't;t want to talk." Powhatan said. "They made that clear."
"But what if one of them were to talk, would you listen?" Pocahontas asked.
"Pocahontas..." Powhatan said.
"Would you?" She asked.
"Of course I would." Powhatan said. "I listened to Maya and she healed our warriors, showing not all of them are the same. But it's not that simple now. Nothing ever is."
Powhatan then entered the hut to speak with the other chiefs, making her fear for the worse was about to happen. Back at the settler's camp, John and Fluttershy were approaching the fort they made, approaching when John snapped on a twig, making Thomas turn and point his musket at them, which Fluttershy got spooked and hid behind John, shaking in fear.
"Easy Thomas, it's only me." John said.
"Oh John, I could have killed you." Thomas said.
"Not aiming like that." John replied, approaching him. "Keep both eyes open when you shoot. You'll see twice as well."
"Smith, there you are!" Ben shouted.
"We've been looking all over for ya." Lon added.
"SMITH!" Ratcliffe shouted, walking to him.
"Fluttershy, stay behind me." John said.
"Where have you been?" Ratcliffe asked, looking down at Fluttershy. "And what is this... thing?"
"This?" John asked. "A pony sir. Found her in the forest when I was out scouting the terrain."
"Excellent, then you know of the whereabouts of the Indians." Ratcliffe said. "We'll need that information for the battle."
"Battle?" John asked. "What battle?"
"We will eliminate these savages once and for all." Ratcliffe replied. "And we'll have some help too."
He then turned to look to the tent and there standing in the entry of the tent was Pete, who waved before returning into the tent, not noticing Fluttershy, thankfully.
"No, you can't do that." John replied. "Especially not with him."
"Oh, can't I?" Ratcliffe asked, now growing suspicious of John.
"Look, we don't have to fight them." John answered.
"John, what's gotten into you?" Thomas asked.
"I met one." John replied.
"You what?" Ben asked.
"A savage!?" Thomas asked.
"They're not savages!" John answered. "They can help us. They know the land and they can help us navigate the rivers." He then reached into his bag and pulled out the ear of corn, showing it to them. "And look, it's food."
"Don't know." John replied. "But it's better than hard tack and gruel."
"I like gruel." Wiggins said.
"They don't want to feed us you ninnies!" Ratcliffe said, taking the corn and throwing it onto the ground. "They want to kill us, all of us! They've got our gold! And they'll do anything to keep it from us!"
"But there is no gold!" John exclaimed, surprising the men.
"No gold?" Ben asked.
"And I suppose your little Indian friend told you this?" Ratcliffe asked.
"Yes." John replied.
"Lies, all of it!" Ratcliffe shouted. "Murderous thieves. There is no place in civilized society for their kind!"
"But this is their land!" John shouted.
"This is my land!" Ratcliffe replied, dark whisks of smoke appeared around him, making the men back away. "I make the laws. And I say, anyone who so much as looks at an Indian without killing them on sight will be tried for treason, and hanged!"
With that, Ratcliffe walked away from John, which the men looked at him, wondering what to do now, which he seemed shaken by what he saw, but Fluttershy knew exactly what it was, having seen it before as they watched the tent, Ratcliffe walking in and disappearing. Later that night, Pocahontas and Rainbow Dash were escaping from the village, hoping to make it to the glade to convince John to talk to the chief to end this war before it could start.
"Pocahontas." Nakoma said.
"Nakoma!" Pocahontas replied, surprised to see her.
"Don't go out there again." Nakoma said. "I lied for you once, don't ask me to do so again. Besides, Fluttershy didn't come back yet and everyone's noticed."
"I have to do this." Pocahontas replied.
"He's one of them!" Nakoma exclaimed.
"You don't know him." Pocahontas replied.
"You go out there, you're turning your back on your own people!" Nakoma exclaimed.
"Hey, back of sister!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, getting in front of her. "She's trying to prevent a war before it starts! She's trying to help her people!"
"Pocahontas please, you're my best friend." Nakoma said. "I don't want to see you get hurt."
"Don't worry, I won't." Pocahontas replied. "I know what I'm doing."
Before Nakoma could say or do anything else, Pocahontas and Rainbow Dash fled through the cornfield to make their way to Grandmother Willow, Nakoma watching as they left, feeling that what they were doing was a bad idea and immediately went back into the village. Near a fire pit, Cocoum, Maya, and Twilight were sitting together to keep themselves warm as they kept a watchful eyes out for anyone wanting to enter the village.
"Why doesn't Pocahontas understand, it's dangerous to go wondering outside the village with these invaders around?" Cocoum asked. "Why doesn't she insist on running off all the time?"
"She's a free spirit." Maya replied. "Trying to keep her from leaving and exploring is like trying to keep the wind from blowing. Never works out."
"Still, I would be happier if she would stay in the village where it's safer." Cocoum said.
Maya then looked over to Twilight, seeing how she was using her magic to poke her stick into the ground, drawing something as she starred at the ground, hearing something whisper to her as she drew it when Maya shook her, getting her attention.
"You ok there Twilight?" Maya asked. "You've been acting strange for a while now."
"Oh, sorry." Twilight said. "Just... thinking, that's all."
"What were you thinking about?" Maya asked, looking down to the drawing and seeing the creature with seven eyes. "Was it about your dream? About Dark Gaia?"
"Sort of." Twilight replied. "You know someone called Yoda?"
"The Grand Master?" Maya asked. "Spyro told me about him. Said he was the oldest and wisest Jedi in the entire order. Why do you ask?"
"Well..." Twilight began to say, wanting to tell her about her conversations with Yoda.
"Cocoum." Nakoma said, walking up to them.
"What is it?" Cocoum asked.
"It's Pocahontas." Nakoma replied.
"What's wrong?" Cocou asked, the three of them getting up. "Is she alright?"
"I think she's in trouble." Nakoma replied.
The Maya looked down at Twilight, who seemed to be pale like she knew this was going to happen, looking to Cocoum and seeing the panic in his eyes as he heard Pocahontas might be in danger. In the settlers camp, John was snuffing out the light in his lantern, making it dark and sneaking out right as Fluttershy poked her head out, making sure the coast was clear before they started to sneak around the camp, avoiding the sentries and some of the men who were sitting around a fire, most of which talking ill of Ratcliffe. However, they didn't leave unnoticed as Thomas noticed them sneaking to the entrance into their camp, slinking into the entrance way and fleeing into the forest, Thomas watching as he walked out when he was pushed from behind, turning back to see Ratcliffe there.
"Follow him." Ratcliffe ordered.
"Yes Governor." Thomas replied.
"I want to know where he's sneaking off to." Ratcliffe said.
"Yes sir." Thomas replied.
"And if you happen to see any Indians..." Ratcliffe said, tossing him a musket. "Shoot them." Thomas looked hesitant, looking at the riffle before turning to leave. "Oh, and Thomas. You've been a slipshod sailor and a poor excuse of a poor excuse of a soldier. Don't disappoint me again."
Ratcliffe then walked back into the camp, making Thomas feel worse than he originally did as he walked after John, following Ratcliffe orders and following after him so as to not disappoint him again. Meanwhile, Ratcliffe returned to his tent and sitting at the table was Pete, who was smiling at Ratcliffe as he entered and next to him was Vanitas, his helmet off and revealing he was an exact copy of Sora, but his hair was black and his eyes were yellow instead of blue.
"Sending the weakling to hunt down the traitor?" Vanitas asked, drinking some water. "Not exactly what I'd call the best option given the circumstances. Kid can't even hit a squirrel with the way he shoots."
"I'm well aware of his ability to shoot." Ratcliffe replied. "Which is what I'm hoping for. I want him to miss and kill Smith incase he does fight an Indian. And if he hits the Indian, then it'll spark the war I so desperately need to claim the gold for myself."
"Gee, your plan might actually work!" Pete said. "Though with May and her little pony friends here, it's going to make getting around difficult."
"Don't worry about them my feline friend." Vantitas said. "By this time tomorrow it will be too late and the Heart Piece will be ours. As long as the governor plays his part."
"As long as your little demons can destroy the Indians, I'll do whatever it takes to get my gold!" Ratcliffe replied. "And you'll get your Heart Piece as well. But enough about business. I suggest a toast." He then got out some wine and three goblets, pouring a glass for himself and Pete while Vanitas raised his hand, indicating he didn't want any as he raised his canteen of water. "To the new world and to the extermination of those filthy savages."
The three of them hit their goblets and canteen together, celebrating their successful plan, but in the shadows, Psyrox was watching and listening to their conversation, waving his hand as multiple Dusks and Dragoons appeared, turning to them.
"John's in trouble." Psyrox said. "And Ratcliffe is now in league with Pete and Vanitas. Get the others and get ready. If what I fear comes to pass, we must be ready for what is to come."
They nodded their heads and disappeared into the void, getting the other Nobodies that refused to serve the Organization ready for a fight while Psyrox returned his attention to Ratcliffe and his company, watching them celebrate while preparing for the battle that is to come.