Chapter 28
The Painting of Love: Usagi and Mamoru Get Closer
In the dark throne room, Queen Beryl watched as Zoisite bowed to her, just as Sephiroth arrived beside him, while Maleficent and Pete stood beside her.
"Of the seven Rainbow Crystals, two are now in the hands of those Keyblade Wielders, the Sailor Guardians, and Tuxedo Mask, while we only possess one of them. And as for our allies, the seven Great Monsters, three of them have already been defeated. Do you have anything to say for yourself, Zoisite?" explained Beryl.
"Yes, Queen Beryl, please just allow me a little more time," replied Zoisite.
He pulled the crystal out of his jacket, and used its power to show her an image of a woman upon it.
"This young lady is our next target. I promise to obtain the rainbow crystal she has by any means necessary," he said bravely.
"But should you fail, you know what will happen to you," warned Beryl, as she motioned for Sephiroth to make another example out of him.
"Do not forget that you will be turned into a Heartless, just like Jadeite," added Maleficent.
"Yes, I understand," Zoisite said, as he was now truly afraid of the dark fairy.
In Juban park, Usagi, Sora, and all of their friends stood before a lake as the leaves fell around them in the autumn breeze.
"Yep, it's autumn alright. Seems like there are folks in love everywhere," Usagi sighed disappointedly.
"Yeah, well, the real question is whether Tuxedo Mask is either a good guy, or a bad guy," said Sora.
"There's one thing that we do know. And that means that he is after the Precious Silver Crystal. So that means we should consider him an agent of darkness," piped in Luna.
"Maybe, or maybe not, Luna. But we have no idea who he truly is beneath that mask. But the real problem is these seven Great Monsters that contain the Rainbow Crystals, after Zoisite extracts them. The real question is, why they continue to show up, along with the Heartless," said Terra.
"Sorry I'm late you guys!" called Naru, who had just arrived.
"Naru!" Usagi cried out happily, after hearing what Terra said.
"Hey there," Sora said, raising his hand as a way of greeting her.
"What's this big thing you want to show us today?" asked Riku.
"You're just gonna have to wait and see," replied Naru.
As she led Usagi and most of her friends out of the park, the Moon Stick flew out of her bag, landing Sora's hand.
"Phew, nice catch, Sora," Luna said proudly.
"Thanks Luna. It'd be really serious if we lost the Moon Stick, which means we;d never find the other Rainbow Crystals," replied Sora.
Luna nodded in agreement, then together she and Sora followed Naru, Usagi, and their friends. They had reached an art exhibit, where Usagi, Naru, and the remaining Guardians of Kingdom Hearts saw the paintings a woman called Yumemi Yumeno had made.
"Wow, they're great," Usagi said, admiring them.
"Aren't they? That's why Yumemi Yumeno's paintings have become all the rage now," replied Naru.
"Hmm… that does seem kinda interesting, Naru," said Mickey.
This place is packed mostly with couples," piped in Usagi, as Naru nodded at the king of the worlds.
"You know why?" asked Umino.
"No, why?" replied Riku.
"Because her artwork is known as the paintings of love," Umino said to them.
"I see, that's why," Roxas said as he glanced at Umino.
"I agree. They say if you have one of Yumemi's paintings, your own wishes of love will be granted," Naru said blissfully.
"Aw, just like with me and Daisy," sighed Donald.
"Then I'm buying a poster of her's," declared Usagi.
They suddenly noticed another picture of a woman dressed in a princess' gown.
"Wow, look at that! It's one of Yumemi's self portraits," said Naru.
"Oh, she's beautiful," added Usagi.
Goofy nodded in agreement.
"She sure is, young lady," said Clarabelle Cow, who was visiting this world of her own accord.
"She does look like a person who could create fantasy art," replied Usagi.
"Actually, what she looks like is a real mystery. Because she's never ever been seen in public," explained Umino, as they didn't notice Yumemi walking past them.
"Well then, maybe in reality she's super ugly," joked Usagi.
"Did you really just say that?" asked Naru, as Usagi giggled innocently, while Axel laughed sarcastically.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Laugh it up, why don't you?" he sighed grumpily.
'This isn't good, I can't paint without the right inspiration," Yumemi said as she tried to avoid the crowds.
"But I heard Yumemi hasn't produced any paintings in a while," Naru said to her friends.
"Yeah, rumor is she's in a creative slump and gone into hiding," replied Umino.
"I'm right here," she said to them.
"That sucks," said Usagi, as she and her friends walked off.
'Yeah, no kidding," replied Naru.
Poor Yumemi laughed dryly to herself, as Usagi did the same. Then Suddenly she noticed something that seemed rather interesting.
"What is it, Usagi?" Naru asked.
"Wow, this picture. It's like I've seen it somewhere before," replied Usagi, as she stared at the painting.
Outside of the exhibit, Mamoru saw the same picture of two people that resembled himself and Usagi, just as Sora arrived with the moonstick hidden in his pocket. Both saw the painting that reminded Mamoru of memories that still remained foggy, except for the silhouette of the person who looked like Usagi.
"It's like the dream I always had," he said.
When Yumemi left the building, Mamoru slowly backed away, but accidentally bumped into her, causing her to fall to the ground.
"Sorry," Mamoru said apologetically, as Sora passed the Moon Stick to Luna, so that she could give it to Usagi.
"Are you okay, miss?" Mamoru asked Yumemi.
Yumemi nodded, after she put her glasses on, and looked upon Mamoru.
"Wait, you're him! It's you!" she said, pointing at Mamoru, who now had a puzzled look on his face.
Inside the exhibit, Naru turned and looked out to see Mamoru with Yumemi and Sora.
"Hey, isn't that guy a friend of Motoki?" she asked.
"Yeah, it's him alright. But this time he's not with Rei," replied Riku.
"And it looks like Sora's with him," added Usagi.
The others nodded and decided to follow Usagi, after she told Naru that she'd see her another time, but also told Umino to see Naru safely back to her mother, and to get a poster for her, which he acknowledged.
"Can you believe her?" muttered Naru, while Umino seemed rather surprised that he was with Usagi's best friend.
"Please help me," Yumemi said, as she tugged on Mamoru's sleeve.
"Why do you need his help?" asked Sora.
"If you need something you'd better speak up, lady," added Mamoru, making Sora turn towards him with a raised eyebrow.
"Mamoru," He said.
"Um, I want you to be my model," Yumemi said hesitantly.
"What makes you say that?" asked Goofy, just as Usagi was about to tease him for cheating on Rei.
"Hold on, Usagi. Mamoru accidentally bumped into Yumemi. He'd never cheat on anyone, especially since Rei's trying to learn a bit more about him on their dates," said Sora.
But suddenly, Yumemi saw Usagi and was surprised that she looked very much like the girl in the painting.
"What luck!" she cried.
"What is it?" Usagi asked nervously.
"You're perfect! Now I can start my next painting!" replied Yumemi.
She bowed her head to her.
"Oh, please say you'll model for me. Please!" she begged, making Usagi surprised.
"Model for you!?" she gasped.
But she and Mamoru followed Yumemi to her home, with Sora and his friends close behind him.
"Well, come in. right this way," she said.
"Wow!" said Sora and Usagi looked at the flowers outside.
"What pretty flowers," she said.
"Thank you. Well, ah, make yourselves comfortable. I'll go make some coffee," replied Yumemi, as she left.
"Look, I know I let you talk my way into coming here, but I really can't spend my whole day doing this thing," grumbled Mamoru.
"Oh yeah, like you have better things to do, you loser," teased Usagi.
"Be nice, Usagi," warned Sora.
"This looks like Yumemi Yumeno's artwork," she said, looking at the pictures.
"Then that must mean-" replied Riku, until they heard the sound of clattering china.
"Wait, are you Yumemi Yumeno?" asked Sora and Usagi.
Yumemi sighed, admitting defeat.
"I'm not what you expected, right? People think someone really beautiful should paint paintings like these. That's why I made my self-portraits look pretty. But, please keep this all a secret, okay?" she said.
"So then no one knows what you look like? Not even your own friends know who you really are? That's a big secret," replied Usagi.
"I don't have any friends, but I'm used to it now. Besides, as long as I keep working on my paintings, that's good enough for me," admitted Yumemi, as she returned with the coffee for her guests.
"WHAT!?" gasped Sora and his friends.
"All right then, let's get you two ready," she said, ignoring their shocked expressions.
She motioned for Usagi to sit next to Mamoru who was sipping his coffee.
"What!? You want me to be in a painting with this jerk!?" she cried.
"You should be so lucky. I can't be a part of this, I'm outta here," scoffed Mamoru, making her grumpy.
"Please don't go, I can explain. I have a hard time imagining it all, without having models to help me. And lately there's been no one who matches what I see. I promise it'll be just for today. Please," begged Yumemi.
"All right," sighed Mamoru.
"Oh my gosh," groaned Usagi, as she believed that Rei would be furious at her.
But suddenly she secretly thought that he was handsome, but stopped herself, as she already knew that she liked Tuxedo Mask more than Mamoru.
"Maybe Mamoru does look a bit like Tuxedo Mask," murmured Sora.
'Wait, what?" asked Usagi.
"Don't worry, he's just imagining stuff. But still you can't let your fears and anxieties cloud your judgement Usagi," said Riku.
"In the meantime, some of us are gonna find the rest of Usagi's friends," added Axel, As Yumemi began to sketch Mamoru and Usagi.
On the streets of Juban, Luna clutched the Moon Stick in her mouth, as she was still searching for Usagi.
"Oh boy, it's hopeless. Where could Usagi have run off to?" she asked herself.
She carefully picked up the Moon Stick again, and continued her search. At the same time, Sora, Mamoru, Usagi, and most of their friends watched Yumemi sketching the two of them in front of her, when Usagi slowly stepped next to her.
"Is that me?" she asked curiously.
"I think it does, Usagi," answered Sora.
"Can't we get this over with? You know, the only real reason I'm still sitting here, is because this coffee's so good," said Mamoru.
"Oh, lighten up you big palooka," quacked Donald.
"I'm so impressed. How are you able to draw incredible pictures?" Usagi asked Yumemi.
"Whenever I start my drawing, I always make a wish in my heart. I wish for the people who see my artwork to let it make them happy, and for all of them to be able to find their true love," answered Yumemi.
"Wow, that explains why they're called paintings of love. It all makes sense now. You're such a kind person, it's sad you don't have any friends," said Usagi.
"That can't be helped. My fans think that Yumemi is this incredible beauty, but if people found out I'm her, it would shatter their dreams and make them sad," replied Yumemi.
"It's not true," protested Usagi.
"I say, those who can't make themselves happy, can never make others happy either," added Mamoru.
"Mamoru's right Yumemi. And believe me, I understand what loneliness feels like. People who are lonely, will never be able to find true happiness without friends. I know what it feels like, the moment I met Twilight Sparkle's other self, who I refer to as Twily. When we first saw that picture you created, and what you really looked like, I realized that you are beautiful in your own way. And no matter how much you try to deny it, you'll only end up hurting yourself because of your own doubts. Friendship isn't a curse, it's a blessing, as well as another form of magic, that I carry in my heart. So, listen carefully, Yumemi Yumeno. Making friends is much easier than you realize, even if you think it's impossible to have friends. But, whenever you isolate yourself, it actually hurts me, so much that I can't ignore them forever, and neither can Usagi. If she never had friends at her side, all she'd feel is empty and sad. So trust me when I say that no one should be alone. Not now, not ever," said Sora.
Usagi was surprised to hear Sora agreeing with Mamoru, but she understood what he meant, as he spoke with his heart, rather than his voice.
"Wow, that was very well said Sora. Even though you agreed with Mamoru on what he said, you kinda sounded like Ami right there," she said.
"It's okay, Usagi. Sora knows he can't let someone bear the pain of loneliness forever," piped in Goofy.
"Speaking of which, do you think this picture is beautiful?" Namine asked Mamoru.
Mamoru gasped in surprise, when he saw the picture.
"What's up Mamoru, do you see something in this picture?" asked Roxas.
"This shows a woman giving her lover a present as a gift, as a token of her love. It's strange, but whenever I end up drawing this picture, I always end up feeling sad for some odd reason," said Yumemi.
"I feel it too. This drawing stirs up my emotions and makes my heart ache," replied Usagi.
"Same here, Yumemi," added Sora.
"A token of her love," Riku and Mamoru said together.
At the construction site, Zoisite and Pete stood watching and waiting for their prey to appear.
"Yumemi Yumeno, I'll turn you back into a monster very soon," chuckled Zoisite.
"Boy that was so much fun, and your homemade cookies were so tasty," Usagi said, as she, Sora, and their friends walked with Yumemi that night.
"I'm sorry for keeping you so late, Maybe you'd have liked to have Mamoru escort you home instead," apologized Yumemi.
"I don't think that'd be a good idea, Yumemi. All he and Usagi'd do is hurl insults at each other, and that'd be worse than the many conflicts she has with Rei," chuckled Sora.
"Aw, come on, Sora! Why'd you have to bring up Rei?" complained Usagi.
"You know, you two are always trying to go at each other's throats like a pack of rabid wolves," joked Riku.
They continued walking until they heard two girls talking about Yumemi's art, making Yumemi hide behind Usagi.
"Hey Yumemi, don't let it bother you, okay? You're kind, you're able to draw beautiful pictures, and on top of that, you bake such amazing cookies. And in my book that makes you a wonderful person," Usagi assured her, making Sora nod in agreement.
Yumemi looked at her in surprise.
"Cheer up okay? Good night. Nice meeting you," she said, and raced off, with Sora and the rest of his friends trailing behind her.
Yumemi looked at the painting, and remembered what Sora and Usagi had said, making her feel at ease.
"Yeah, we gave her some great advice! I hope what we told her makes Yumemi feel better about herself!" she said proudly.
"Finally, Usagi!" Luna's voice said from the bushes.
The dark colored cat jumped down, carrying the Moon Stick to her.
""You dropped it in the park. Listen Usagi, if you don't really want it, I can easily find someone else to take it," she said.
"Easy Luna, she was a bit preoccupied thinking about Tuxedo Mask again," replied Sora.
"Yeah, you don't need to be that harsh with me Luna!" agreed Usagi.
"Well, it looks like you're over that, now," said Luna.
"Yeah, well, she is, for now," replied Riku, until he and Luna chuckled at each other.
"I suppose that's a good thing, she doesn't tend to worry about things for too long. Deep down inside, she's just a simple girl," the cat said to them.
"Oh, so you think I'm a simple fool! Gee, thanks Luna!" snapped Usagi, and she stormed off.
"Uh oh, I was only trying to be honest with her. Maybe too honest," sighed Luna.
"Honesty's the best policy, Luna, but sometimes the truth hurts. I'm gonna go after Usagi, and talk to her," replied Sora.
"Stupid Luna! The reason girls like me worry about things, is because we're' not simple!" she huffed.
But her Moon Stick started beeping again, just as Sora approached her, followed by a loud clattering of china.
"I think that sound came from Yumemi's house," gasped Usagi.
"Then that means Zoisite is up to no good again!" replied Sora.
They raced to Yumemi's house as fast as they could. In Yumemi's house, Zoisite stood before the frightened Yumemi, holding the dark crystal in his hand, with Pete at his side.
"You got something that Zoisite wants, girly," snickered Pete.
"Time to give me the Rainbow Crystal, and turn back into a monster," added Zoisite.
"He's gorgeous, but scary," Yumemi said.
She asked who they were.
"Oh, now ain't that sweet, Zoisite? She wants to know who we are," laughed Pete.
Zoisite nodded at him, but soon enveloped her with darkness using the Dark Crystal's power to extract the Rainbow Crystal within her, which landed in his hand.
"Good, now wake up Binah!" he said.
The instant Yumemi had transformed into Binah, Sora and Usagi were aghast at what happened.
"I knew it," hissed Sora.
"I can't believe you were right about Zoisite," replied Usagi.
But suddenly Sora's anger slowly began to overflow, causing the darkness to grow stronger within him.
"They're gonna pay for this," he said darkly.
He glanced at Usagi.
"Usagi, contact the others! We've got a new monster to deal with!" he said.
USagi nodded, and pulled out her communicator.
"Everyone, another monster has appeared! I need you here right away!" she said to Ami, Rei, Makoto, and Luna.
They all nodded, as Sora sent out a signal flare with his Keyblade, to alert his friends of the threat that had arrived, just as Usagi turned into Sailor Moon. The instant she did, Zoisite, Pete, and Binah quickly fled to the construction site, with Sora in hot pursuit of them.
"That went well," Zoisite chuckled.
"Oh, it sure did, Zoisite. But it looks like that Sailor brat and her Keyblade Wielding friend may have been anticipating it," said Pete.
"You got that right, Pete!" Sailor Moon's voice said.
Zoisite and Pete looked up, to see Sailor Moon and Sora land in front of them.
"We won't let you take Yumemi away! Trying to destroy her dreams is unforgivable!" she said bravely.
"Yeah, yeah, we know you're Sailor Moon, the Pretty Guardian who wants to fight for love and for justice, and you wanna punish us in the name of the Moon, as you're so fond of saying," scoffed Pete.
"Okay, that was so not cool, taking my introduction speech and using it for his own benefit!" Sailor Moon said to Sora.
"You said it, Sailor Moon," replied Sora.
"Well, I have to say I'm impressed Pete, stating what she would say to us," smirked Zoisite.
"Well, sometimes her speech can be really down grading, so how about this?" replied Pete.
He stepped forward.
"Heartless Squad! Round up!" he cried.
Instantly, several Heartless appeared around them, as Zoisite gave Binah the go ahead to eliminate them. Binah then used two of the feathers from her wings, to draw some large rocks to crush them, as Zoisite watched with pride. Sailor Moon dodged as best as she could, but tripped and fell, just as Tuxedo Mask arrived to carry her to safety, while Sora cut through the rocks with his Keyblade, whilst he kept the Heartless occupied.
"Thanks Tuxedo Mask," Sailor Moon said, as she was taken away from the rocks.
Enraged, Zoisite tried to flee, but Tuxedo Mask pursued him and fought him on the steel beams, as Sailor Moon cheered him on. But then Binah quickly stood before her, and was prepared to strike her down.
"Yumemi, please stop this! I beg you! Try to remember your kind heart, Yumemi!" cried Sailor Moon.
"Forget it, Sailor Pest! Yumemi is gone! Which means that you're already a goner! Now Binah, go and turn Sailor Moon into Sailor Heartless!" laughed Pete.
Sailor Moon watched in horror as Yumemi summoned a swarm of snakes that were about to attack her, when she saw Sailor Mars' Fire Soul attack reduce them to dust and ash.
"You're here!" Sora and Sailor Moon said happily, when they saw their friends.
"You guys, great job so far! We're here to help!" cheered Luna.
"Get 'em Binah!" shouted Pete.
Binah nodded and tried to attack Sora and Sailor Moon's friends, but they quickly dodged out of the way, as Sailor Mercury unleashed a powerful Bubble Spray.
"Hey go easy on her, she's actually a really nice person inside! Be right back!" Sailor Moon said as she raced off, with Sora at her side.
On a steel beam, Tuxedo Mask and Zoisite fought furiously against one another.
"Now hand over the Rainbow Crystal, Zoisite!" he said to the warlord.
"Never!" snapped the warlord.
Zoisite struck back furiously, and attempted to strike him down, when Sailor Moon used her Moon Tiara Action to stop Zoisite from eliminating him, just as Sora struck down several Heartless that stood in his way. Zoisite however, decided to retreat into the corridor of darkness, just as the two friends ran to his side.
"Are you okay?" they asked.
"Tonight, it's you who saved me," Tuxedo Mask said.
Sora nodded, until the music box landed and began playing the tune that made the both of them try to reach for it.
"I suppose that this pendant is yours, isn't it?" she said.
Tuxedo Mask was surprised, until he dropped the word Princess.
"Hold on, how do you know the Princess?" asked Sora.
"We've actually been looking for her for quite a while now," added Sailor Moon.
"I don't know where she is. But since you're looking for her, you should hold on to this," Tuxedo Mask said, as he returned the locket to her.
"You mean it? Thank you so much," Sailor Moon replied.
"Also, since you managed to get that Rainbow Crystal, I think it's fair you hold on to it for now," said Sora.
"Thanks, I'll take your word for it. You see, all of the Rainbow Crystals are very important to me. And if I see an opening to steal a Rainbow Crystal that you already possess, I will!" replied the caped crusader.
"What!?" gasped Sora and Sailor Moon.
"I knew it. Then you really are a spy for the Dark Kingdom after!" Sora said furiously.
"When it comes to the Rainbow Crystals, you may be right. Farewell," replied Tuxedo Mask, and he leaped away leaving a distraught Sailor Moon behind.
"Sailor Moon, we have to help Yumemi," he said.
Sailor Moon nodded, until they returned to see the rest of their friends fighting Binah, the Heartless, and Pete.
"Wait Jupiter, that's enough! Please, stop it!" cried Usagi, when she and Sora returned to their side.
"You're right Sailor Moon, she does look pretty weak," said Sailor Mars.
"All right, Sailor Moon, let's do it!" Sora said.
She nodded as he summoned his Keyblade.
Yumemi Yumeno, it's time for you to face the light!" he said, raising his keyblade over his head.
"Moon Healing Escalation!" cried Sailor Moon.
Pete watched in shock, as Binah transformed back into Yumemi. Then he glared furiously at his foes.
"This ain't over!" he shouted, and raced off.
"Get back here, you coward!" shouted Rei.
"No! Let him go!" Sora said.
Sailor Mars stopped until she saw the firm glare in his eyes, then she slowly relented.
"He's right, Rei. We shouldn't try to pursue him," said Kairi.
Yumemi, slowly opened her eyes, to see the strange group of people, disappearing into the moonlit sky.
The next day, Sora, Usagi, and Mamoru arrived at the exhibit.
"Oh, you guys," she said.
Hi Yumemi," replied Usagi.
"Hey there," added Sora.
"I'm surprised you invited us. I thought you didn't want people knowing what you looked like," said Mamoru.
"I've decided to stop hiding from everyone," replied Yumemi.
She soon revealed her latest picture, for the exhibit.
"It's beautiful," Usagi said.
"Yeah," agreed Sora.
"Well, I'd say it looks pretty good, considering who the model was," mused Mamoru.
"Ah, come on Mamoru. You've been hanging out in darkness too long. You gotta try and think positive," replied Sora.
Usagi nodded in agreement, but she noticed something on the wall. It was a picture of Yumemi Yumeno, over the old self portrait.
"All of my self-portraits will look like this from now on. Thanks to you, I found the courage to be honest with myself, after hearing what you, Sora, and Mamoru said to me, and what I look like. So now I feel good sharing the real me with everyone," she said.
"I'm so glad, Yumemi," replied Usagi as she hugged her.
"Me too, Yumemi," added Sora, as he looked at the picture she had made.