Chapter Text
♡《》6 years earlier《》♡
Twilight was running around town with her brother and caretaker, playing and spending time together as they did whatever they could. It was one of the off days that Cadence and Shining got off from training. It was a nice day where they all got to spend time together even though her parents and little brother didn't get to come. Nothing could make this day any better in Twilights mind. "When I get older do you think I'll be a welder to?"
She looked towards both Cadence and Shining receiving knowing chuckles from them both. "You ask this almost every time. What makes you think our answer might have changed?" Cadence said with a calm smile. "Yeah, Twi you're as bright as they come." But Twilight didn't seem to be taking the bait. Not this time.
Sighing Shining scratched the back of his head. "Well for one you’re too young now. You haven't even had the chance to make some friends." He spoke as if she didn't know already. A lot of the town’s kids thought she was weird and never really played with her. "Not that it's your fault it's just.... Cadence help me out here." He gives her a pleading look.
"What your brother is trying say, is that you’re still learning things each day. Yes you’re advanced in magic and combat for your age but, that's not what being a keyblade welder is all about." She says summoning her keyblade. "Trust me it took me a little while to realize how to tap into my full potential. You need more than just yourself and skills. I needed something that drove me. Those who I could bond with to make my heart stronger and theirs as well." Twilight looking in amazement at the keyblade in hand. With heart-shaped top ending with a crystal heart at the chain. "Training helps sure but, it's not what makes a keyblade welder a master after all." As the keyblade disappears Twilight's eyes shift down slightly sadden by it disappearance.
"What we're trying to say Twi, is that it all matters on you and your heart. Especially with who is and will be connected to your heart." Shining says pointing at her chest. Despite taking in the world's she still seemed down even if she knows it's going to take her a lot longer to become one.
"How bout we go for some ice? That place you like so much has to still be open at this time, right?" Candance says as she picks her up on her back. "After all we don't get to see that smile of yours as often anymore." This making Twilight smile slightly.
As the 3 of them walked towards the shop Shining told her to wait outside for a moment while they went and order. The conversation still fresh in Twilights mind she couldn't help but wonder. 'Is friendship and all that stuff so important for it?' She's seen Shining and Cadence both grow from their bond even if it's developing to something more. They grew stronger together even with some friends they've made along the way. But that didn't change the fact she felt like no one would ever want to be friends with her.
A loud shuffle caught her attention coming from the distance. Twilight, being slightly curious and concerned looked in the direction that the noises came from. Seeing some kids that she hasn't seen on this side of town looking like they were getting teased. "Hey four eyes did you ever get that material I asked for?" One of the kids that spoke was a scruffy looking person who slowly started cornering the two.
"P-Please.... I.... we-" before the kid with redish hair and glasses could finish his sentence he was forcibly picked up by the shirt. "I didn't ask for excuses." Twilight watching in frustration at the scene that played out in front of her started to fidget. She had to do something but what?
"Put him down we don't have your stupid materials!" The girl with purple and cyan pigtails shouted, “Trying to drag her friend back from the bully’s grip. "Oh, so you want me to beat you as well twirls?" The bully shoved her to the ground. "N-no leave her out of this." Turning his attention back to the boy with a smirk that could only promise pain. "Oh, so the doormat has a backbone huh? How bout I make sure you learn your place." As the bully began to wind up his fist to punch he was stopped.
A pebble thrown at his head with Twilight standing behind him. "That's not very nice of you to do that then. Let them go." The bully turned towards her with a frustrated expression. "Oh, and what are you going to do to stop me?" He storms in her direction tossing the other boy to the side. But before he could get close, he stopped dead in his tracks. "What did I say about hurting my brother." Turning around to the new voice Twilight saw a girl not much older than her with wavey red and yellow hair holding a wooden sword.
"I- I" the bully rendered speechless. As the girl slowly began to approach. "What afraid I'll beat you up again. You know not to mess with them." The girl coming to a stop right in front of the guy. "Or did you not learn from last time." The girl said with a dead stare.
"I- i- gotta go." The kid ran away not looking back once. Sighing, the girl turned towards what Twilight, and her brother. "He didn't hurt you right Sunburst?" The girl asked looking over her brother for injuries. "N-no I... me and Starlight if it wasn't for that girl..." the girl finally acknowledging Twilights presence turned and smiled. "Thank you for saving my brother and his friend." She says walking over to greet her "My name is Sunset Shimmer this is Sunburst and that girl over there is Starlight."
"Oh uh my name is Twilight Sparkle, and it was no big deal I just couldn't sit and watch." She says with a nervous smile. "Well then it's nice to see were not the only ones who think the other kids here suck." Sunset says with smirk.
"Twilight we brought the ice cream." Cadence and Shining walk overlooking the other 3. "What happened while we're gone?" Twilight turned and grabbed her ice cream choosing not to answer for fear she'd get in trouble. Causing Starlight to speak first "Aren't you the two in training up at the castle?" Seeming amazed at seeing a welder in person. "Yes, we are who might you be?" The girl was amazed and squealed before answering. "My name is Starlight. Is it true you can summon the keyblade anywhere?" Instantly jumping to another question after question. Which Cadence and Shinning answering each to the best they could. "That's so cool."
"So it's true you can train under the masters?" Turning towards Sunset they nodded "uh rr sorry forgive me for my manners my name is Sunset and like Starlight me and my brother Sunburst always were interested in becoming welders." Twilight’s eyes sparkle at this "You do? I do too. I want to be like my brother." Twilight says Causing Shining to ruffle her hair. "He's your brother?"
"Yeah, but he says that I have a lot to learn before I can become a welder." She says looking down and playing with her ice cream. "Sorry Twi you'll get there eventually your, young anyways you shouldn't be worrying about this now." He starts to try and pat her but, instead gets his hands swatted away and a pout. "Well if you want to know a little advice about how to get where we are why don't you all train together? After all you 4 all want to be keyblade welders don't ya?" Cadence says with a smile.
"S-she's right why don't we sis. We got more swords at home too. Let's add one more to our group." Sunburst saying to his sister with an expression of determination. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea. Okay from this day on will train together alright Twilight?" Reaching her hand out to shake on it. "Deal." Twilight grabs her hand and shakes sealing the future to train and all build up to becoming keyblade welders. That day being one of the best days for Twilight ever.
♡《》Present day《》♡
Cold...It felt cold... Twilight felt as if she was falling or was it drowning. She tried to open her eyes, but they wouldn't. She tried to speak but she couldn't. It all felt so suffocating, like something was dragging her deeper and deeper. Once she could open her eyes, she looked around. ‘What was this place?’ A place so dark yet, there was light. "The door will be open soon...." 'Huh?' Twilight felt as though someone was trying to reach her and right before her eyes a door appeared. "Soon you'll know..." getting her footing Twilight slowly walked to the door. It felt as though it was calling to her. Like something was there waiting beyond the door. Once she reached the door, she pulled it open with blinding light that shined through. "Will you be ready?" Taking a step forward she was in a different place. No. A place she knew, looking around it was the little hideout that she and the others trained at when they were little. It was as she remembered the little heart-shaped fountain that aged through time in the center, with trees all around. It was a place they went to talk, train and more. I place for just them. As if caught in a trance Twilight didn't notice the shadow behind taking form. "Or will the darkness take hold of you too..." Snapping out her trance she turns towards the creature eye widening at the sight of it. Turning to run towards the door only to find that it was no longer there. "It's time to choose..." With the creature approaching she raised her arm to block an attack. When the weapon she trained so hard for to appear. 'That's right she was a keyblade welder.' With that reevaluation she pushed up prepared to fight. The creature. No, the heartless raised its arm to swing Twilight blocking the attack with enough time to strike back. "Twi..." The heartless summoning more around them with the once so beloved hide out slowly being overrun by darkness even with fighting back it nearly felt hopeless... "Twili..." As she fell slowly being consumed by the darkness as well... She felt cold again like there was no escape. "Twi..."
"TWILIGHT!" Jumping up in panic she turned towards the person calling... no... yelling her name. To see green hair and green eyes looking up at her. 'Spike... it's just Spike' Sighing in relief she shook her head. "Morning Spike" she says with a smile. "Morning. You had me worried it's not like you to sleep in all the time. Especially on such an important day." 'Important day?' as if her brain just clicked on, she remembered "M-My mark of mastery! Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" she exclaimed jumping out of bed rushing to collect everything needed. "I tried but... it was like you were stuck in a nightmare..." pausing Twilight looked over towards Spike. "A... Nightmare?" 'Was it even a nightmare it felt so real.' She thought to herself. Shaking her head, she pushed that thought away. "I was probably due to stress for today but, we really do have to hurry." rushing to the door ready to leave. "But..." pausing for a second "Are you sure you wanna go in your pajamas?" looking down to realize she was in fact still in her pajamas. Sighing she turned back pushing him out "Your right what was a thinking I need shower to anyway." closing the door behind him. "Just remember don't stress to much Shinning, Candence and I will all be there to cheer you on." Smiling, she turned and headed towards the bathroom with the thought not leaving her mind. 'Was it really just a dream?'