007 [Video] / [Backdated to before boss battle]

[hiptobe_eraqus]

[Eraqus's communicator switches on suddenly in the middle of the night, although this is due to Kura, his Hebby Repp. Apparently, there is some to-do going on in the room next to the bedroom...]

[Most of the large pile of Spirits are snoozing, all except for the newest, Shikara. The Flowbermeow is bouncing quickly around Chuza, trying to get the Meow Wow to wake up. Come on, what if master is having nightmares again? They should go check on him! Except Chuza, being the laziest Spirit on Mars herself, is fast asleep. She tries bouncing on Chuza, but no go.]

[Obviously, this requires extra hands. Shikara then proceeds to use that boundless energy to stir awake all the other Spirits she can find...Gengo, Jyunai, Soemon, the new adopted additions Ma-ti and Linka, and of course Kura is already up. Only Yaza is nowhere to be found. Shikara bounces around, sharing that excitement. Come on, guys! If we all jump, that will wake up Chuza! Then master will have two Meow Wows being all responsible!]

[At first, just Ma-ti joins in, rolling into Chuza. That does nothing, so Linka tries bouncing on her head. Still nothing. Eventually, Soemon and Gengo begin bouncing too, all while Jyunai just scolds them in the corner. However, with both a Kooma Panda and a Thunderaffe all stomping along with the others, it's enough weight and motion to shake the entire house. Chuza doesn't wake up...but Eraqus does, and he comes storming in a moment later.]

What in the worlds is going on here?!

[Every Spirit stops in place and looks up at him. Oops, caught red-pawed. He notices the light coming from the switched-on communicator, and just buries his face in one palm, looking exasperated.]

Comments

[hiptobe_eraqus]

Yes. The Mark of Mastery is as much a test of character as it is of skill.

[He definitely would want to pass knowledge on to as many new Keybearers as possible, but rushing things could have bad results. Shoddy education can lead to a Keybearer turning to darkness instead...and shoddy education is something he's already afraid he did.]

For the Keyblade itself. It is extremely versatile. [And he figures that she's already seen him or Aqua using the gliders.]

[letteropener]

[Celestia nods, slowly.]

I know I've barely begun to understand them or what they can do. And I don't think I'll ever have the chance. Still, even in the waking world I may someday come to deal with them, so I do want to know what I can.

[hiptobe_eraqus]

I understand, although it is my hope that you never do have to deal with them in the waking world. It would mean your world is staying safe. [Although right now, that doesn't seem to be the case.]

[letteropener]

[Celestia can mix a wry smile and an ominous tone of voice without detracting from either.] Equestria's princesses and some of its subjects now dwell here in dreams, and Ponyville sleeps as well. I think we're past that hope, now.

[hiptobe_eraqus]

Yes, unfortunately. [This troubles him more than anything, too.]

But once we get back to the waking world...I am hoping it will stay peaceful.

[letteropener]

Peace is not something that happens. It is something that is attained, and something we constantly strive to maintain.