After a night cuddling up to all my fiances and Luna helping keep the Nightmares away I woke up for our day of adventuring. “God...feels like I barely slept…” I mutter, the war still heavy in my mind. “Well...today's the day…”

I looked around, seeing I was...alone? Getting up and dressed I walked outside the bedroom, not even seeing the houses hallway furniture anywhere...it was bare. “Uh...the fuck?” I frown, continuing to walk around. “Hello?” I call out, hoping someone was around here. “Anyone here?”

I walked passed a window, and did a double take… people, countless. Many in Keyblade armor, all wielding Keyblades, fighting. There were corpses scattered about, Keyblades fighting by ground and air via gliders or gummi ships… I saw Joy hacking many by the hundreds, Dinky spellcasting mega flares all about, blowing up dozens, and Jenny a mix of Keyblade slashing and shotgun shooting people.

“No...no no no!” I shout, trying to open the big enough window for me to get outside and help protect my family, but it was sadly locked.

I then saw Celestia, wielding a Divine Rose Keyblade... fighting Drezke. She wasn't lasting, she fell, and Drezke slashed across her back, her wings flying off in a spew of blood.

Not far away, Luna was fighting the Core I fought, he dodging her attacks with ease then grabbing her wrist, snapping her arm then grabbing her by her neck.

“NO!” I roar, bringing out Skysplitter and slamming it into the wall. My strike bounced off, leaving the wall perfectly intact. “Wh-wh-what!?!” I stutter in panic. “No….no…” I mutter while bashing against the strangely strong wall, trying to get to my family.

Outside, I saw Drezke looking at me, a twisted smile as he lifted Celestia by her head, she screamed, then, in a splatter of gore and blood, he crushed her skull. Behind that, Core snapped Luna’s neck, casting a fire spell to burn her body. I saw Jenny get tackled by that Velvet filly, the small foal ripping out Jenny's shotgun from her grip and firing it, a large hole in Jenny's back spewing blood. Joy was now crucified with his own Spears, that small filly Littlepip striking the final spear into the pups head. Dinky was being dragged into darkness, scratching at the ground to try and save herself.

“Stop it!” I shout, tears streaming down my face as I tried to break this damned wall down. “Stop!” I shout, begging for this Nightmare to end. “Damn it…” I sob, hearing all of their screams of pain and being unable to do anything about it caused me to fall to my knees. “I’m...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry…” I sob, grabbing my head as I sobbed hard.

It was then I saw...reality seem to shift. The hallway going really wide, and out of a DTD, walked a man in something like Terra’s clothing, an Organization XIII cloak worn almost like a cape, and a Vanitas mask on. “You called?” He asked, the mask muffed his voice.

I looked at the person, sniffling as I tried to wipe away all my tears. “Who...who are you?” I ask.

“An old friend.” He said, walking over to the window. “Huh...so this is your nightmare. How trivial.” He said, waving a hand, the scene outside vanishing in a puff of smoke.

“Trivial…?” I mutter, my state of mind not entirely being okay at seeing my family brutally murdered. “Trivial!?! I just saw my family get brutally killed and I couldn't do a damn thing about it! How is that trivial?” I growl, my anger and sadness filling my every word.

“Why fret over a dream? Even when I had my heart, I never fret over nightmares.”

“Nightmares show you your worst fears...and that...seeing everyone I care about die...and being unable to do anything to stop it? I think it's something to fret over. And seriously I still have no idea who you are!” I frown.

He looked at me, a finger tapping the side of his helmet, it faded back just to show his eyes and it stopped there...red eyes...the visor covered them over quickly. “You can call me, Kexez.”

“I'm...just gonna stick with Zeke okay?” I say, rubbing my eyes again to get rid of the tears. “But...what have you been doing since you came back?”

“Trying to set things right.” He said, looking outside the window. “Our being set here has had a terrible cost to its natural timeline. I’m working to set it right. Not even this new Keyblade war will stop me, in fact, it's just what I’ll need to finish this project.”

I growl. “So this war, this mindless, blood soaked massacre means nothing to you!?! What about your family? Friends? Everyone you cared about?” I ask. “You may have been told what the Keyblade war was like, but I saw that mindless free for all…” I choke up, remembering that damned thing. “I...I don't want that to happen...I don't want to lose everyone…”

“Ben, I did see the war. I even participated.” Zeke said, I looked at him, confused.

“Uh...wat?” I ask, beyond confused here.

“I went to the Foretellers to deliver a message, then saw their special computer. Such an advance thing. Can simulate just about anything. But, hardware only goes so far. So, I programmed all it's functions into a digital Keyblade, then, had the pc bring it into the real world, and made it a real Keyblade. Within it is a simulation of creation, from the very beginning. Inside time passes slowly in the real world, and in the real world, time passes quickly within the simulation. So far, everything is going well.”

“So while you and Drezke are playing mad scientists I'm busy doing fuck all.” I frown. “Lucky me knowing I have a friend who can do basically everything.” I say sarcastically. “So, while you've been doing that, why haven't you actually tried to talk to us? Shown that you are indeed back in action instead of somehow getting Core back and making him kick Joy away from your hideout?”

“Simple. I don't care.”

“I know your a Nobody but come on man.” I frown. “Not caring is one thing, actually doing something smart like talk about what your plans are to the people you can trust is another.” I explain.

“My plans are going well. My followers grow daily, and by the time this new war starts, it will be ready.”

“Does everyone want this damned war to go off or am I just going fucking crazy!?!” I shout, flinging my arms in the air in frustration. “Zeke, you know this war will feed Psychopaths what they want, why go along with shit like this?”

“Because, there is a pattern to things Ben. A pattern of three. People I found from Earth call 2012 world war three. There were three Keyblade wielding heroes who stopped this very second war from starting, and three more were to rise up to stop it yet again. Our being here, caused that to be no more.”

“I really wouldn't say us being here is a problem when it was Core being a douche to be perfectly honest.” I point out. “And what? Your plan is to make all of us...what not exist anymore? Kill everyone from earth and reset everything? Rip away our new lives and all the people in them?”

“No. It was three heros who prevented a second Keyblade war, once. Three more are needed, but it will be to late for them to prevent this war, but they can end it, and keep the third and final war from occurring. It's all ancient legends Ben, each war impacting in worst ways than the last, my plan isn't to reset creation, just to keep it going. That third and final war… it will extinguish both dark, light. And all in. Be. Tween.” He said, tapping my head with his finger when he said that.

“But all of us are here to make sure that doesn't happen!” I tell him bluntly. “We don't need a miracle trio to stop certain shit if we can stop it ourselves!” I growl. “If the Foretellers and John were here they would agree wholeheartedly that we should stop this war before it happens, not wait for three random fucks to drop in and stop it...even if that is a good backup plan though…” I sigh out.

“In the legends, there is a sign that appears, that sign is both a warning, and the trigger that the war is beginning.” Zeke said, walking to the center of the room. “The sign of the first war, when a master betrays his students. The Master of Masters, and the old Foretellers. Can you guess the sign of the second war?”

“I barely understand half this shit how am I supposed to know?” I deadpan. “I'm just the guy getting a lot of information thrown at me that I wouldn't otherwise know because I've been too busy.”

Zeke chuckled. “The sign of the second war, when a heartless being escapes Purgatory.” Zeke said, I flinched a bit at that. “I was the second sign. Like I said Ben, it's too late to stop this second war, but I know we can end it quickly. And prevent the final war.”

I clenched my fists, hating that this war was gonna happen either way. “How fast can it end? You may be a Nobody...but I doubt even you want your family to be apart of this damned thing…”

“If the progress goes as it, this second war should, hopefully, only last just a week.”

“A week...longer than the first… and, the sign of the last war?” I ask.

“...When Kingdom Hearts dies.” He said.

“Well,..that’s a thing.” I sigh out, rubbing my temples bitterly, “So...a full week of mindless bloodshed…” I say, Zeke seeing my left eye turning black with a red pupil, my head stinging a little at that as I covered the left side of my face. “Damn it...I just...hope I'll be strong enough to keep all my family out of this...becoming King of Nothingness better help.” I mutter bitterly. “But...on an unrelated note...I suppose you've been keeping tabs on Daybreak and all that's been happening?”

“Does it matter?” He said, a DTD opening in front of him as he started to walk in. “And Ben…”

“Am I gonna immediately wake up when you say ‘wake up’?” I ask bluntly. “Cause that's one cliche...I haven't had happen to me before…”

“No,” He said, suddenly in front of me, a hand gun shoved down my throat. “Stop being a wuss. You gave me a headache. You may be the heir of Nothing, and I a Nobody, but you are no king to me.”

BANG

“Gah!” I shout, waking up and panting heavily. ”Well Zeke is an asshole for some reason…” I think to myself bitterly, rubbing my eyes gently and feeling like I was crying a whole bunch...but considering my nightmare it's not surprising.

“Hmm?” I looked to my side, Luna sturing. “Ben? You up?” She asked, very sleepily.

“Sorry...I just...had a bad nightmare…” I whisper, putting a hand over my left eye. “Luna...never mind, I'll tell you all when we're ready to leave…” I mutter, trying to carefully get out of bed without waking up anymore of my fiances.

I saw Luna shrug and lay back down. I walked on outside and towards the living room. I passed the window from my dream, and outside in the front yard, I saw… Time Belle? Opening the window, I summoned my glider and flew down to her. “Hey Time.” I call out to the unicorn. “What are you doing here?”

“Luxu...found out about a second Keyblade war that was going to happen…” She trailed off.

“I really wish it wouldn't happen...and I really wish I could stop it.” I sigh out. “Where is he? I hope he's...not doing something bad.”

She nodded up, and looking back at my castle house, I saw Luxu standing atop the Zeppelin. Looking at the moon.

“I should...probably go up there and talk to him…” I say worriedly. “I'll...be right back.” I say while flying up to Luxu, hating the fact a Keyblade war is gonna happen.

I landed atop The Zeppelin next to Luxu, the floor squishy and hard to balance on. “Hey Ben.” Luxu said, not moving at all.

“Hey Luxu…” I say simply. “I...I'm sorry…” I sigh out sadly, wishing I could do something here but knowing I can't. “I...saw the War…” I shook my head. “No...I saw a bloody free for all…” I shook my head, the horror of what I saw not even being able to be called a ‘war’.

“You saw just a small part of it. I’m the one who watched it all, every second, day and night... because of a promise...a promise to the man who started it...all out of paranoia…”

“Yen Sid told me about that…” I sigh out. “But...what are we going to do? I want to stop this before it happens...before…” I trail off, trying not to break down at the thought of my nightmare.

“You. I take it you are gonna build an army, like everyone else is?”

“Lucas, Faust, and Discord are already out searching for survivors to see if they'll fall under my banner for this...and then Joy is looking for my ‘Council’ as it were…” I shook my head. “Everything's going too fast...I don't want there to be a war...if I get an army then fine whatever…” I sigh out. “I'm a nobody, how the fuck am I supposed to lead an army to this bloodbath?”

“Ben. Summon your claymore.” Luxu asked.

I summoned Lunatic. “Why did you want this out?” I ask curiously, kind of confused here.

He held out a hand, Lunatic vibrated, and a second one appeared in Luxu’s hand, it changing, it's length becoming a tall tower of dirt, Keyblades stabbed all in it, Lunatics tip now an image of Kingdom Hearts, with the eye from Gazing eye in it's center. “The Claymore, the general of the king. Ben, I sat back...and watched my best friends... slaughter each other. This time… I won't just sit back, watch and cry.”

I took a deep breath. “Glad to hear that.” I nod. “Good to know your my General...somehow.” I say, not entirely sure how this all works. “Seriously I understand barely anything here with my upcoming job…” I sigh out.

“I know for a fact my Dad will be in this war… if you see him, tell me. I. Will. Kill. Him.”

“No promises.” I say while looking at the moon. “The bastard made all those damned weapons and caused the world's to split….he caused so many people to die.” I growl, my eyes turning to slits as Lunatic shifted to its berserk form. “I'll...make sure you get to kill the fucker...just don't expect him to be in peak fighting condition.” I say, calming myself down as Lunatic turned back to normal. “I can't kill…” I mutter, putting a hand over the left side of my face. “I can't kill…” I mutter, scared of what I could become if I get blood on my hands to such a degree.

“This war will be very different from the first. No telling what will happen this time around.”

“All I have heard is that the Embodiments of Darkness will be killed.” I say simply. “But...how I don't know...but as long as they don't get killed by that Void Keyblade we’ll be okay…hopefully.”

“Til the war then.” Luxu said, jumping down from the Zeppelin to the ground, unharmed in his landing, and he and Time walked off back to town.

“God help us all.” I mutter, looking out over the peaceful land from the zeppelin. “How the fuck did it get...this out of control?” I ask myself bitterly before heading off to bed.

Joy sensed someone was chosen for a weapon, and when he focused he felt that Luxu was chosen as the Claymore wielder. “Okay…” Joy mutters while summoning Fair Game. “I know you know your true wielder…” He mutters, trying to think of who could be it's true master. “Lets see…” He mutters while tossing the cards up and focusing, trying to see if he could sense it's true wielder somewhere.

The cards floated, spinning before stopping and flying around, Joy following the cards as the lead him into town. Finally, they stopped outside Ponyville's pet shop. “Huh...wonder why it's the pet shop.” He mutters while checking to see if the shop was open for starters.

It was, and when Joy entered the cashier was someone Joy or Ben had yet to meet yet… Trixie. “Hello and welcome to the Ponyville pet shop.” She said unenthusiastically. “Groomings don't start til tomorrow and vaccinations are next week.”

“Trixie?" Joy asks, tilting his head in confusion. “What are you doing here?”

“Short story, it was this or the dungeon for the whole alicorn amulet incident. So, who are you?”

“Names Joy, little brother of the White Knight.” Joy says simply, not making a big deal out of it as he let a card float near him. “So besides working here, how's life been?” He asks, wondering if the card will fly towards her if it chose her.

The card zipped towards her. “What's with the magic card?” She asked, grabbing it, and it changed. Now, the image adorned was her Cutie mark, and the card itself changed shape from a simple rectangle, to look like her iconic magicians hat. “Wow...looks nice.”

“How would you like to come with me and learn about your new future?” Joy asks simply, the meaning coming to mind instantly. “Because you are now the Kings Gypsy. Your new job is to foretell the future for our future king, telling him the odds of events and battles.” Joy says, the words seeming to resonate with Trixie as the unicorn mare held her magical card.

She then looked at the card, pondering the option before her. “Do I get to quite the job I have here?”

“And you get to live in a much better place.” Joy says. “Just remember to keep your ego in check okay?” He says, not wanting her to get too hot headed here.

“I got therapy for that.” She said, taking off her name tag. “Welp, gypsy huh...knew that would come back to haunt me.” Trixie said as she left the store.

Shrugging, Joy summoned Sharp Shooters, and without him doing anything else, the Lexicon and Skysplitter also appeared. “Uhh…”Joy said, the weapons all circling, and opened a portal that Joy was dragged into. When Joy fell out on the other side, he was looking at a city completely destroyed, apocalyptic was an understatement. “Okay...why the hell am I here?” Joy asks himself while looking at the three weapons that dragged him here.

They almost lazily floated along, Joy following until he ran into a man with white hair, wearing a black hoodless cloak with some blue patterns on one side and holding a sheathed katana. Skysplitter rushed towards the man and into his free hand, it changed, becoming as thin as a sword, keeping its general shape while the main blade was demonic in appearance and the grip was more angelic in design. “What the?” The man said.

“Uh...hi.” Joy starts. “Names Joy, what's your name?” Joy asks, knowing he was the new Gate Guardian.

“Vergil.” He said, walking up to Joy. “What...is this?” he asked, holding up Skysplitter.

“That is a Tomahawk, but it shifted to suit your style. You have been chosen as the Gate Guard, the second line of defense for the King of Nothingness.” Joy explains.

“King of...I have read about him, an ancient being that…” Vergil looked at the tomahawk. “Heh...I guess Dante was right... we weren't meant to rule over humanity… wow… I feel like a douchebag right now.”

“Hindsight is twenty twenty after all.” Joy shrugs. “Now mind helping me find the two who are chosen by these weapons?” Joy asks, pointing to the Lexicon and Sharpshooters.

“I...have a feeling, but, mind if I… be a bit behind you when we do? I sorta…yeah… long story short, hurt a long time friend and fought my own brother to the point he nearly...killed me…”

“It's alright.” Joy nodded. “When they figure stuff out here they'll forgive you.” He says. ”I like old Vergils design better…” Joy thinks to himself honestly. “So, know where they are?” Joy asks curiously.

“Not to far from where I was just coming from. Come.” He said, leading the way as Joy and the weapons followed. When they came to a small clearing Joy saw a short, white haired Dante and a woman with a star tattoo on her forehead. Dante looked at Vergil. “Okay...first off-” Vergil was stopped when Dante pulled out Ebony and Ivory and fired endlessly at him, Vergil getting hit by every shot but not harmed by them. When Dante stopped, Vergil was a tad dazed. “Okay...not gonna deny I deserved that…”

“You deserve worse, why the fuck you just come back for and who in the hell is this kid and...why are there crossbows and a book floating next to him?” Dante said as he looked over at me. “I mean seriously… what the actual hell.”

“All will be explained.” Joy says while Sharpshooters and the Lexicon rush towards the two, Dante feeling a sense of deja vu as yet another weapon rushed towards him to bond with him. “You two have been chosen to be the Archer and the Mage of the King of Nothingness.” Joy states, the weapons changing to fit the two.

Dante received the Sharpshooters, one changing to a fiery, demonic appearance while the other changed to an angelic theme. Kat, the new Lexicon owner, didn't change much, just the colors from black and chrome to gold and white, through, the image on the cover was now a spray can.

“Congratulations. Dante, you are now the first line of defense to the King, and lady...uh sorry I forgot to ask your name.” Joy says sheepishly, not knowing who the woman's name was.

“Kat… Dante, the king of Nothing is a strong entity. Working with him we could end the threats of the remaining demons.”

Dante sighed, looking at Kat, then Joy. “Fine, but on one condition.”

“Does it involve having a nice home with your girlfriend?” Joy asks, moving a finger between Dante and Kat like they were a couple.

“We aren't da, ugh. Just make sure if someone is to rule this world, it's a human.”

“No promises.” Joy says. “But Kat, you are in charge of all the Spellcasters and Record Keeping for the King.” He says while summoning Hearts Guardian. “Now you'll probably want to know your new home.” He says while opening up a DTL to Equestria. “Go through the door and you'll see yourselves in front of a castle, you'll start there.”

“You two go on if you want, I got some things to check.” Dante said, jumping off a cliff edge, sliding down the dirt/rubble.

“He’ll be fine.” Vergil said. “Nothing can kill that idiot.”

“Unless he stops being a pussy and shows his true power he's gonna get killed easily.” Joy says bluntly. “He's hiding a fuck ton of power...he better learn to control it.” He shook his head. “You could tell he was hiding his true strength to couldn't you?” He asks Vergil simply.

“Yes. He has discovered it, but has yet to embrace it. I wish I could say the same.”

“You are strong in your own ways, and have more room to grow. You'll never be as physically strong as Dante by a giant margin, but your technique and abilities can at least keep up with it.” Joy explains. “Kat? What do you think of all this?” Joy asks the woman.

“It's...well, as long as I have a purpose,” She looked over at Vergil, her gaze filled with hate. “And a worthy leader, I’ll be okay.”

Joy looked at her. “You and Dante are going to need to drop your hatred here. You are going to have a new life, and all past mistakes will be null in Nothing.” Joy states. “But when your ready the door to your new home will be ready...and either me or your new King will try to explain a lot of things...if you thought this was crazy, you haven't seen anything.” Joy chuckles, the pup giving a cute knowing smile at how the three might react. “Tell them Joy sent you, they'll give you a room.”

They nodded, Vergil and Kat entering the DTL. Joy summoned the chakrams next, the spun in a fast blaze of fire before another portal opened up. “Right then.” He nodded while entering the new portal, wondering who he'll meet next.

Exiting, Joy found himself in a…. very small apartment. Literally one room, kitchen next to the living room/bedroom. “Hello?” Joy calls out, wondering why he appeared in this apartment.

“Master, where did you acquire that meat?” A voice from the outside of the front door spoke.

“It's just...something I picked up.” Another replied, the door opening as a bald, young man entered along with a blond cyborg. “Oh. company?” The bald man spoke.

“He might be a monster sier.” The cyborg replied.

“Well he hasn't attacked us yet. So...hey there.”

Joy blinked. “Hi...names Joy.” He says, trying to keep his composure as he sensed the bald guys asinine amount of power. “I'm not a monster just so you know...even if I look like this.” He says, trying to keep things simple for the simple looking guy.

“Wow, he talks!” The bald guy said, walking over and petting the pup. “Hey there. My name is Saitama, and my, uh… friend, there, is Genos.”

“Uh...hi.” Joy says, his tail wagging as he was pet but he quickly moved away. “I'm sorry for just barging into your home, these things were looking for their master and dropped me in here.” He says, showing the two chakrams floating calmly.

“Weird, they look like Ninja weapons.” Saitama said.

“They are called chakrams if I am not mistaken master.” Genos said, the chakrams floating over to the cyborg and changing, no longer red and chrome, but greased steel color with glowing yellow lines as actual fire blew from their tips. “They also appear to be magic.” Genos said nonchalantly.

“Okay…” Joy says while thinking for a moment. “You are the King’s Anarchist, his one man army, capable of taking down anything.” Joy says before frowning. “Hey Saitama, want to follow us to a new home filled with free food, housing, and strong things to fight that won't fall over in one punch?” Joy asks him simply, knowing Genos was strong but feeling like he should have Saitama as help.

“Uh… sure. Nothing else much going on here since Boros was killed.”

“I will follow my master wherever he goes.” Genos said.

“Alright then, let's get packing Genos.” Saitama said, gathering up his few things.

“If your wondering who the King I was talking about was it's the King of Nothingness.” Joy points out. “Just so you know.” He says while opening a DTL. “Just walk through the portal and you'll see a castle, go there and there will be someone to escort you to your new room. Tell them Joy sent you.”

As Joy was about to leave a kunai knife flew past him at blazing speed, Saitama catching it before it sliced the pups nose. “Oh darn, Sonic is back.” He said with a sigh.

“Shall I deal with him?” Genos asked, looking like he wanted to try out his new weapons.

“I got this.” Saitama said, opening a sliding door that revealed a small patio. “Hey Sonic, I’m moving do you wanna make this quick or what?” On an almost afterimage motion, a man in black and purple tights, black hair, carrying an assortment or Ninja weapons appeared.
“You can not move! I have yet to defeat you! I forbid it!” The Ninja, Sonic, said.

“Forbid? Dude, you are not my mom.”

“Rah!” Sonic huffed, Foudre appearing in front of him, changing color, once blue and yellow now was black and purple. “Uh... what's with the magic Kunai’s?”

“Okay, your now the King’s Assassin, self explanatory.” Joy sighs out. “King of Nothingness is now your boss, blah blah your an idiot for thinking you can hurt Saitama.” Joy says bluntly. “So go on through, your new rooms will be there for ya and some decent explanations for ya will also be given.” He says, the DTL still open for the three.

“Hey!” Joy looked at the portal, Nelear walking out. “Joy! That portal is blocking the spa’s front entrance!”

“How? I opened the portal to my house.” Joy says, honestly confused as he knew the portal went to the front of their house.

While Joy and Nelear fixed the issue, Sonic never took his eyes off of Nelear. When the issue was corrected, Sonic walked over to the portal. “I’ll play along for now…” He said, a slight blush on his face as he ran into the portal.

“Well...hope he doesn't screw up with Nelare.” He mutters, having noticed him staring at Nelare. “Okay...so next up.” He mutters while summoning Arpeggio the Sitar. The sitar glowed a bit before creating a pool of water, to which the sitar splashed into.

“Gonna be swimming...great.” He muttered while diving into the pool of water, wondering where the muscle weapon is taking him.

It wasn't long until the pup was now above the water, ocean as far as the eye could see. “Well shit.” Joy mutters while he summoned his dragon spears.

“AAAHHHOOOOYYYY!” A loud voice called as something grabbed Joy by his scruff and he was lifted out of the water, across the water, and onto a ship. He saw one thing...a straw hat. “Hey there, who are you?” The one with the straw hat said, Joy recognizing him as Luffy.

“Names Joy, who are you my fine straw hat friend?” Joy asks, his dragon spears still floating gently around him in a non-threatening manner.

“Names Luffy. Saw ya floating in the water there. So what's a dog man doing all the way out here in these waters?”

“I’m looking for people for a special thing.” The pup says. “Know anyone that likes to play music?” He asks, Arpeggio floating above him.

“That would be me.” Joy looked up, seeing a skeleton with an afro walk up. “The name's Brook.”

“How do you have an afro when your a skeleton?” Joy asks curiously, not entirely sure how that works.

“Details. So, why are you looking for musicians this far- good heavens!” Brook said, eyeing the sitar. He ran over to it, and when he grabbed it, it changed, becoming smaller, made from wood, and had two sides, one for playing normal, the other, a more violin style. “Oh my, such beauty. Such magic, it's just beautiful!”

“Looks like Arpeggio chose you my skeletal friend.” Joy smiles. “But you have been chosen to be apart of the council for the King of Nothingness.” The pup said. “You are the Bard, playing music, torturing your enemies, and gathering information from many ways.” Joy says, before hearing someone gasp.

“The...King of Nothingness?” A mature female asked, making Joy turn over and see Robin looking shocked, but Joy looked away as his face turned red. “I thought that was just a myth?”

“Well...it's not a myth ma’am.” He says simply, trying not to look like an idiot here. “He’s as real as you or me.”

“Interesting…” Robin mutters, thinking about all this. “I suppose the Poneglyphs were right…” She mutters, remembering seeing some bits about the King of Nothingness from the ancient writings.

Joy was about to bring up a DTL back home but stopped himself, concerned about what's gonna happen if he takes a crew member away. ”Shit...I'm screwing with time a lot...this isn't good…” He thinks to himself worriedly, a worried look crossing his face as he thought of what bad he's done trying to find these people. “So, why are you sailing across this beautiful ocean?” Joy asks curiously.

“We’re sailing to find One Piece.” Luffy says with a smile. “And I'm gonna be the King of the Pirates.” Luffy declares with pride.

“Who's the kid?” Someone asked, making Joy turn and spot Zoro and the rest of the crew walk up.

“Aw~, he's so cute.” The orange haired girl, Nami, smiled happily.

“Where'd you find him Luffy?” A thin man with a long nose, Usopp, asks Luffy.

“I found him in the ocean floating around.” Luffy says simply.

“Were you drowning?” The black suited blond, Sanji, asked simply, lighting a new cigarette.

“No, and those can kill you ya know?” Joy points out.

“Eh, helps keep me calm.” Sanjii shrugs.

“Well your not a Devil Fruit user.” The blue nosed reindeer, Chopper, said honestly. “But I haven't heard of any animal human hybrid before.”

“Things are a lot bigger when you look to the stars.” Joy says vaguely.

“Better to keep your eyes on the sea right now then look up at the stars.” A big man wearing a hawaii shirt and a speedo, Franky, pointed out. “But what's your name kid? Not everyday someone just gets pulled up out of the ocean.”

“Names Joy.” He says while standing up and using Lindworm to dry himself off. “And who are all of you if I may ask? And...what are your dreams if I may ask?” Joy asks curiously.

“Strange thing to ask…” Zoro mutters. “But the names Roronoa Zoro, and I'm going to become the best swordsman in the world.”

“My name's Nami, and I'm going to create a map of the whole world.” The orange haired girl says.

“My name's Usopp, and I'm gonna become a brave warrior of the sea.” Usopp says with confidence, even though Joy could tell his confidence was lacking sometimes.

“The names Sanji, and I'm going to find the All Blue.” Sanji say simply, taking his cigarette out of his mouth and blowing smoke into the air.

“I'm Chopper, and I'm going to be the best doctor and cure all diseases.” Chopper says.

“My name is Robin, and I'm going to learn the true history of the world.” She says, grinning a little at seeing Joy look a little shy and blush.

“The names Franky, and one day I'll build my dream boat that'll be able to sail anywhere, from the sea to the sky.” Franky declares proudly.

“I'm Brooke, and one day I'm going to meet my wonderful friend Laboon again.” The skeleton stated.

“All good dreams to have, and I can tell all of you are going to fulfill those dreams one day.” Joy nodded with a smile. “But my dream...is to one day live in peace with my family and friends.” He says with a smile. “Now...I sent other council members of the Council of Nothing to my home in a different world, I won't split you all apart.”

“Wait wait wait, did you just say ‘other world’?” Franky asks bluntly. “How is that even remotely possible?”

“Magic.” Joy states simply. “But...would you all fight for your friends? Even if it means fighting under someone else's banner?” The pup asks.

“If it means helping protect friends, then I would work together.” Luffy says. “We won't serve under anyone, but together.”

“For a price of course.” Nami brings up, being a pirate and greedy coming to a front.

Joy wants to say something, but Robin cuts in. “Let me ask...what is this ‘Keyblade War’?” She asks curiously. “I read the name on a Poneglyph about three months ago...what is it?”

“It…” He tried to find the proper words for this. “Imagine there are five sides wanting to fight each other...but then it devolved into a bloodthirsty free for all where all of reality started to rip apart and increase the body count.” Joy says, the entire crew looking horrified at such an image. “Me and my brother, the future king Brook, myself, and others will serve soon, saw only a fraction of the event…”

“How...how long did it last?” Robin asks, her normally tan skin seeming to go pale.

“Somewhere around...three days.” Joy says. “Three days of none stop fighting nothing of which has been seen or felt before...and sooner or later rather than never…it's going to happen again.” He shook his head, trying not to cry at seeing such horrors.

Luffy put a hand on Joy’s head. “If Brook is gonna be apart of this, then we're gonna be apart of this.” Luffy states. “We never abandon our family.”

“If what you said is true then that means we'll be apart of it either way.“ Zoro points out, not knowing much of what I explained but knowing the fight was so huge no matter how far one was the fight could still be felt. “Might as well fight with the guy who Brooks going to follow.”

“I...never thought I'd have to be a war medic…” Chopper says worriedly.

“Are...you guys sure we should...join in this?” Usopp asks, scared shitless here.

“You all can't fight on an empty stomach.” Sanji states. “If you need a master chef I'm your guy.”

“You'll need a good engineer for a war.” Franky points out. “And I'll be that engineer.”

“If everyone else is agreeing then I'll tag along.” Robin nodded. “You'll also need an experienced spy to give proper information.”

“I hope I can live up to the expectations here.” Brook says while tuning his new instrument. “But as long as I can protect my friends then that will be that.” Brook nodded.

“Good.” Joy nodded. “Now while I did this to the others...I don't think I can just take you away to a different world and drop everything right now.” Joy says.

“Not gonna happen.” Luffy states.

“So, mind if I join the crew?” Joy asks simply. “I can help make you all stronger and give you all a special weapon.” Joy says, knowing the ones who don’t have special weapons having Keyblades could help.

“What kind of weapons?” Franky asks curiously, looking at the design of the dragon lance.

“Keyblades.” The pup says.

“Well...if the war was real then they must be real.” Robin points out, while others bring up how they either heard about them through either rumors, elders or masters telling them about it, or ancient history.

“Sure most of you don't look like sword fighters, but Keyblades can actually shapeshift, either into bows, staffs, or giant cannons.” Joy brings up, knowing most weren't really sword fighters.

“Interesting…” Franky mutters, his inner engineer wondering how something could shape shift like that if it's normally like a sword.

“So, who wants to start training?” Joy asks, the small crew of pirates feeling like their long, long journeys was gonna get a lot longer.

The castle was quite, silent, partly. Ben went off on his wife gathering adventure little over an hour ago, while at his home, we're Joy’s girls, Cadence, his his clone, and all 300 plus children.

“Wonder how long till Den arrives?” Cadence spoke aloud, skimming through whatever parenting and child care books she could find.

“She’ll arrive, don't worry.” My clone says simply, gently cradling baby Braig in his arms. “But...I'm sorry…” He says sadly, hating the fact that I couldn't save Shining and all the others.

“It just happened so suddenly. One minute we were walking down the castle hallway...next, I heard a thud and...turned around…” She stopped, rubbing her arms after putting the book down. “I never saw death before, read about it, saw it portrayed in movies… I just...froze. it was little over an hour before a guard found me and...Shining.”

“I understand…” My clone says. “I've seen it before...it's never pretty…” He sighs out. “A world like this should never know such horrors.”

“... what's it like?” Cadence asked me. “Holding a baby, I mean. I took care of Twilight when she was a filly, but she was five and...heh, so very independent already. Had to trick her into playing like a kid.”

My clone looked down and saw the pink haired Braig looking up at him with innocent and happy eyes. “This is the first time I’ve held a baby before…” He says. “But...it feels nice holding your own child like this...makes the world feel more..innocent and warm...even when it's not.”

“I can guess. In the eyes of a child, everything is so pure and full of wonder and potential. It's a shame when I hear about some horrors children go through.”

“Lets hope our children can live happy lives here…” My clone says, feeling his shirt being tugged and turning around, seeing one of his daughters he saved from Rapture holding his shirt with a hand and hugging a stuffed tiger in her arm. “Oh, hello Amelia.” My clone says gently. “Why are you here?”

“Auntie Cadence look sad.” She says innocently. “Can I help?” She asks, her eyes having gone from being tainted from the crap on Rapture to being grey colored and full of the same childish innocence here.

“What do you think Cadence? Think Amelia could help you feel better?” My clone asks honestly, knowing the poor Alicorn could use a helping hand and not sure how to help fully.

“I uh...heh… I guess we can play a game, what would you like to play Amelia?” Cadence asked.

The little girl's eyes shined happily as the seven year old ran over to a table and pulled out a board game, a game Cadence was shocked to see again after so many years. “Mommy Twilight showed me this game and it's so fun.” She said happily.

“Oh, Twili loved this when she was a filly. I didn't even know they still made Froggy Chess.”

When Amelia opened the box Cadence saw the board and pieces, but they weren't brand new, she could tell the pieces and board were the exact same as the one she played when Twilight was a little filly. “Mommy Twilight said this was her favorite game to play when she was my age.” Amelia smiled, Cadence noticing there was a pinkish purple stripe in the little girls hair, reminding Cadence of Twilight as a filly and how adorable she was as she started setting the board with childish glee.

It was adorable, and as Cadence picked up the pieces, aged but well taken care of, and the board, worn, aged, but still preserved. Sentimentalism crept over her as she aligned the pieces. “I can’t believe she kept it.” Cadence said as she placed the final piece.

“Well...when you grow up sometimes you keep old things to remember the times you were most happy.” My clone says with a smile.

“I guess. So, when’s Den supposed to be here?” She asked, starting the game. The game board was blue, with lily pads as the move spaces and the different stages of a frog's life as the pieces. The king and queen were obviously adult frogs, with a crown for the king, and a tiara for the queen.

“Not sure.” My clone says, seeing Amelia make the first move. “I hope she gets here soon, it would be nice to talk to her about...everything.”

“Here!” Cadence and I jumped, Den appearing behind the couch, holding a LARGE duffle bag. “And I am going to be here for a while, Cript’s script...hehe, rhymes, makes it hard for me to get back so I’m here for a while.” She said, dropping the bag on the floor, an audible thud as it hit the stone ground...followed by cracks in the ground under it.

“What is in that bag?” My clone asked worriedly. “Cause...a normal bag full of stuff shouldn't cause cracks in the ground…”

“Since is anything with me or your father normal?” She asked, unzipping it. “I just grabbed stuff from home, special phone to call family, like, a million bottles of formula, and-” She said, pulling out the Mother Cript made for Ben, awake, and active and...Cript? “Your baby's mama and my clone of your dad.”

“Did you have to put us in the bag?” Cript asked.

“I’m with him.” The Mother said.

“No reason. Just for comedy.” Den answered.

My clone looked at them and sighed out. “Right then.” He nodded, still cradling baby Braig. “But I see the Mother is awake.”

“Yeah, turned out all they needed was small pieces of each wives soul and that stabilized her.” Cript said, dusting himself off. “Also, her name is Celua. You can guess why.” Cript said, showing the mother had...Celestia’s chest and Luna’s butt, to which my clone blushed.

“Uh...yeah...I can fully tell.” My clone says carefully, not sure of what to say about the sexy lady.

“So, you’re the father of all the children I carry.” She said, inspecting me. “I have to say, those memories don’t do you all that much justice.” Celua then pulled be in, tightly and planted a kiss on my lips before just hugging me between her...breasts. “This is going to be fun.”

“Uh…” My clone’s face turned beat red and steam billowed out of his head. “Okay...this will...be nice.”

Cadence rolled her eyes. “So, Den...what will I be learning?” She asked, standing up.

“Well, we should start off with the simple things, preparing. Ben, bring Braig and any other infant born already and I’ll help Cadence set up the strollers.” Den said as she reached into the bag, pulling out some strollers. In their boxes.

My clone nodded and headed off to find baby Nancy. “Maybe she's with Jenny’s sister…” My clone mutters, walking through the halls to find them.

It didn’t take long for my clone to find Nancy, Kristy was building a nursery, just for her. It was decorated nice...though, there was a rotary made from bullets above the crib. “Oh, hey Ben.” She said, still wearing her maid outfit with Jet putting up wallpaper.

“Hey Kristy...uh why are you making that?” My clone asks nervously. “But I'm here to get Nancy, Dens here to help teach Cadence how to take care of a kid.”

“Oh...mind if I tag along?” She asked, turning around and that’s when...right, she’s pregnant too. “And the roatery is actually from when Jenny was a baby. Sure we can steal them back then but, a Ventral walking into a baby store or...well, any store sets off all the alarms.”

“Right then.” My clone nods and picking up the white wolf puppy. “How you doing Nancy?” My clone asks the baby girl with a smile.

Nancy, for her part, just frowns. Krista laughing at my clone. “She may be a baby, but she is still a Ventral.” She said, walking over to my clone and waving a skull shaped rattle over the baby, to that Nancy brightened up, grabbing the disturbing toy and shook it.

“Good thing I have you here cause...I don't know.” My clone sighs out. “But anyways, let's get going, Den is probably waiting for us.” I say while leading Kristy to where Den and Cadence are. “So, how have you been doing?” My clone asks her.

“I just found out my child is a boy.” She said as we walked down the hall, Jet following her.

“That's great to hear.” My clone smiles. “How much longer till you give birth?” My clone asks curiously.

“I’m at four months now, doctors all say I’ll likely be giving birth in the winter. Spring if I’m really late.”

“Alright.” My clone nods. “What do you think about Jenny and Joy being together? I'm not entirely sure if I asked that before.”

“It’s cute, most Ventrals find our partners rather young, or lose our virginity young, one or the other.”

“Mind if I ask...is there anything happy about the Ventrals?” My clone asks. “I know about your family's history, and how true it is...but is there anything...ya know normal about your family?”

“Normal...huh…” She thought, pondering the question. “I guess...just how we give birth really, other than that we live and grow up far from the norm.”

“Your dreams? I heard Nancy wanted to have a simple job if she could have…” My clone points out. “And you wanting to basically be a maid seemed good for you.”

“My dream was to just be a mother, mom’s was to own a bakery, Jenny’s would be to own a gun store… I remember Zeke told me his dream once.”

“What was his dream?” My clone asks.

“To be a marine. He might not have participated in our crime sprees, but he loved to fight, losing himself in the adrenaline. He didn’t want to fight for no reason though, he wanted to fight for a just cause. I saw him go hand to hand with his dad once… it was amazing, puts all boxing and wrestling to shame. Hang on.” She said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a photo. In it was Zeke, atop a large black bear, his father, and mother as well as his two other brothers on each side of it. “That’s from their hideout in the woods two years back, that bear attacked, Zeke jumped on its back and snapped its neck. If I didn't have this photo I wouldn’t believe it.”

“I probably would...but in this line of work snapping a black bears neck isn't that special anymore.“ My clone sighs out. “I...do wonder what the other Ventrals are doing? I...kind of had this thought, after I was told all of you wished to have normal lives, that I could help give you the chance...besides your insane grandfather and cousin…” My clone frowns. “But right now...I'm just a rambling idiot with way too much stuff to do in life.”

“From what I heard Zeke killed grandpa and threw his brother into the void.”

“Good to know both of them are dead. Heard they were the worst of the bunch.” My clone says honestly.

“Yeah, when grandpa found out he had a grandson with full red eyes, he set off a bomb in Wisconsin to celebrate. Zeke was the first full red eye’d Ventral in four generations. Normally, there’s at least one per generation, but for the past four there’s just been them like uncle Josh, having only one red eye rather than two.”

“Ah.” My clone nodded. “Talk about starting things off with a bang.”

“You should see what we do for the fourth of july.” Krista laughed.

We arrived back in the living room, Den and Cadence setting up second and final stroller. Braig was in the stroller, half asleep with a toy bunny. “Hey. What took so long?” Den asked.

“Brought Kristy here to learn how to be a mother as well, and we talked.” My clone says honestly. “And here is Nancy.” He says while showing the pup that was clearly Rarity’s daughter.

Den took her, cradling her softly as she placed her in the newly built stroller. “Alright then, Ben, Cadence, you two push. We got to practice stocking up, but, first question first. What’s your early feeding route? Breastfeeding or bottle feeding?”

My clone pushed Braigs stroller. “The early feeding route should be breastfeeding correct?”

“Yeah, but in the end it is the mothers choice, if you don’t want to use formula at all an breast milker is the best option for sure nutrition.” Den said as we started out walk outside. There were some glances and some photos taken of us. My clone imagined the newspapers as he walked by. Finally, they arrived at Ponyville’s major foal stuffs store, Fillies and Colts Tots Emporium.

“The people better not think we're a couple…” My clone mutters, scared about what Cadence would think about everyone thinking I'm dating the recent widow. “Okay...so how much stuff do we need to buy here?”

“Either way you’ll be needing diapers...lots. Bottles, also a lot, and toys.”

“So I need to basically buy the place out huh?” My clone asks, not wanting to buy everything and leave nothing for others. “God...it's gonna be a nightmare to handle all the kids in the future…”

“If you keep your birth rates low you can just make due with a triplets amount.” Den said, opening the door for us all to walk in. We walked up to the mare at the register.

“Hello and welcome to Fillies and Colts Tots Emporium, how may I assist you this fine day?” The mare says.

My clone thought about how to word this as delicately as possible. “Who are your suppliers?” My clone asks curiously, hoping to at least know that before saying something stupid.

“All of our suppliers are located in Canterlot Secondary.”

“How fast do you get your supplies?” My clone asks.

“We restock every Thursday, and our stock comes in every Wednesday.”

“I keep wanting to just say ‘I want to buy everything in your store’...but I know that's impossible…” My clone sighs out.

“Well, if you would like I can take a list of items you’d require, order them and when they arrive you just pay the amount for the shipment, plus some interest.” The mare said.

“Thank you…” My clone sighs out thankfully. “Hmm...how much to buy…” My clone mutters, knowing this place has a lot of stuff for my future needs. “I'm sorry, it's just...twenty loving fiances so…” My clone says sheepishly, not bringing up the fact I'm gonna get more wives soon.

“I know, my supervisor was expecting you to come around here at some point. So, if you need I can get you a pen and paper to write down that list then I can fill it out on the order forms.”

“Please.” My clone said thankfully. When she gave him the pen and pad paper my clone proceeded to write down everything we needed for all the children. “And that's about it.” My clone says while handing her the paper and pen. “How much will this all cost?”

The mare looked at all the things and tapped a pencil on the counter, probably doing all the math in her head. “Ten thousand six hundred and ten gold bits.” She says.

“Cool.” My clone says before lifting up the big bag of coins. “Here's all the gold bits ya need.”

“Thank you.” She said, dragging the bag of bits. “I’ll get that order form filled out for you. Anything you’ll need at the moment?” She asked, dragging the big bag across the counter.

“Need some help?” My clone asks her. “That's...over six hundred pounds if a gold bit weighs an ounce each.”

“It’s alright, so, is there anything else you need?”

“Um…” My clone thinks for a moment. “Not really no.” He shook his head. “Thank you a lot ma’am.”

“You’re welcome.” She said as we began to leave. Once outside we walked around for a bit, it was nice.

“Next step, socialization.” Den said. “It’s important for babies to play with others. Know any in town?”

“To be honest I have barely looked around town.” My clone says worriedly. “Hell, when I first started training with Dorlu was when I actually found out there was a police station here.”

“Hm, well, how about the park then, good place to look and let the little ones play.”

“True.” My clone nodded. “Man...it's been awhile since I've last been to a park…”

With that decided, we all headed to the park. It was a nice, quiet day. Not many people were out, the sun was up, barely any clouds. Cadence was playing with Braig on the swings while I was trying to make Nancy laugh. ”Sheesh, how hard is it to make this kid laugh?” I think to myself, trying to do silly faces cause that normally gets children to laugh. With Nancy, nothing. Not even a giggle, just this frown of unimpressed.

“Hmm…” Krista thought, flicking my ear. I yelped, ears being sensitive, and Nancy gigled. “Thought so.” She said.

“Oh come on!” My clone flung his hands into the air. “Infancy, loves to see people hurt. I have some serious concerns here.”

“It’s just how we are. Mom used to say when I was a baby I laughed every time dad shot back at the cops, and yes, the cops shot at us with infants in the back.”

“All of you worry me...a lot.” My clone shakes his head. “Being reborn as Rarity’s daughter doesn't change anything somehow...ugh this sucks...while other infants would be happy about silly things this infant laughs at pain and suffering.”

“She may be yours and Rarity’s daughter now, but she was a Ventral first, and my mom...that’s a sentence I never expected to say.” Kristy said.

“There's a lot of sentences a lot of people never thought they could say.” My clone shrugs. “Especially now a days.”

“True. So, I’ve been wanting to ask you something.”

“And what is that?” My clone asks curiously.

“Well, I’ve been working as a maid for you for a bit now and I was wondering...when am I getting paid?”

“And what are you going to do with any money I give you?” My clone asks. “When at home you kind of have enough you can just lay back and let life go by.”

“I don’t live in your castle. I live in an apartment in town. Kinda been living off of whatever I took when I left Core back when he was a deal.”

“What are you talking about? I gave you a room to live in when you started working for me right?” My clone asks, honestly confused as I remembered telling her she had her own room. “Weird...but my memory isn't all that sorted with all the crap I have to deal with…” My clone sighs out, rubbing his temples bitterly.

“You did give me a room, but I wanted a place in town. So, whatever I had I packed and found a nice place in town, just a mile or so from work, rather cheap too.”

“How much is one platinum bit?” My clone asks. “Everyone normally uses gold so I don't entirely know… “ I say, wondering how much to pay her.

“If I remember, one Platinum bit is worth a thousand gold bits, one gold bit is worth a hundred silver bits, one silver bit is worth fifty copper bits, and one copper bit is worth twenty bronze bits, one bronze bits are worth ten iron bits.”

“There are a lot of bits.” My clone said while giving her two platinum bits. “This good?”

“...Overkill, but hey, not complaining.” Krista said as she took the two bits and pocketed them. “Banks is gonna have a field day.”

“Eh.” My clone shrugs. “If they know you work for me they'll buy it.” My clone says. “But...how can I raise Nancy right?” My clone asks Kristy. “She has a new life, but of course she's still a Ventral...I just...want to do right after I screwed up…” My clone says sadly.

“Well, her violent tendencies likely will always be there, but, perhaps when she’d older you can redirect it, rather than putting it to bad uses, have her put it to good uses.”

“Maybe…” My clone says, my nightmare resurfacing sadly and making me shake my head. “But it'll be a long time before she's old enough…” He says honestly, putting a hand over his left eye. “I just hope she has enough time to grow…” He muttered worriedly.

“Well, only one way to find out, right?”

“Yeah…” My clone says, hoping everyone will be safe when the war starts.