Chapter 6
Dispute Over Love Minako and Makoto's Conflict.
As the summer sun shone down upon Juban, Minako sat down on the bench, wincing at the blinding light and the blistering heat, while Sora stood at her side.
"All this sun and heat is really annoying me," she groaned.
"I know what you mean, Minako. But take a look at the people around us. They want to enjoy the summer holidays for a while, just as much as we do," replied Sora.
"I hope everyone shows up soon," yawned Minako.
The two of them suddenly heard Makoto's voice, as she ran up to them.
"So, so sorry," said the taller brunette.
"Hey, Hakuna Matata, Mako," grinned Sora.
"You're late Mako," huffed Minako, making Sora turn and face her.
"Oh, you're upset," observed Makoto.
She sat down next to her.
"I was only a little late, so chill out," continued the brunette.
"It's too hot to chill out!" barked Minako.
"I think you're jealous of all those cozy couples," teased Makoto.
Mako, what are you doing? Thought Sora.
"No I'm not," argued Minako.
"I'm just teasing you Minako. Come on, lighten up already," assured Makoto.
She stretched on the bench.
"By the way, Ami said she can't make it. She's too busy with summer courses," continued Makoto.
"Well that's good, Mako. It's nice to know Ami's doing her best to get to high school," replied Sora.
"And Rei's busy doing shrine work," added Minako.
"Aw, bummer, I thought it'd be fun if we all met up and went shopping together," said Makoto.
"Right, well what about Usagi?" asked Sora.
"Have you ever known Usagi to show up on time?" Minako asked back.
The three of them suddenly laughed out loud.
"Yeah, that'll never happen," guffawed Makoto, until they all turned away looking disappointed.
."Usagi is later than late," scoffed Makoto.
"She's just totally hopeless," agreed Minako.
They suddenly looked to see Chibiusa walking past, with Luna P following close behind her, and two boys that were also following behind them.
"Hi Chibiusa," said the first boy.
"Yeah, hi, where are you going bunhead?" asked the second older boy.
This made Sora walk up to them, but Riku got there first.
"Listen you two, Chibiusa's not interested in guys who are obnoxious and call her bunhead. So I'd suggest you two back off, or I might have to speak to your mothers about this behavior," warned the Silverette.
"Okay, okay, we'll leave her alone," said the first boy.
"Yeah, we're sorry for bothering Chibiusa," added the second boy.
"Good, now get going or I'll have to get serious," replied Riku, who was prepared to summon his Braveheart Keyblade.
"Wait a second, Riku!" called Makoto.
"Yeah, you don't want to hurt them, just because you're older than they are," added Minako.
"Yeah, please have mercy on us!" agreed the boys who ran off into the distance.
"Man, what a bunch of jerks," said Sora.
"I know what you mean, Sora. It's not nice to pick on the new kids in town," replied Makoto.
"Yeah Chibiusa, it's best to forget about them. Boys will be boys, and they always tease the girls for the boys they like," said Minako.
"Oh please, come on, there is no like involved, they were bullies. You try to put a romantic spin on everything," chuckled Makoto.
"Well, so what? I think you go too far the other way, and get too anxious about Guys," replied Minako, who was starting to get angry.
This made Sora and Riku concerned for them.
"Really, is that so? How do you figure?" demanded Makoto.
"From what I've observed, you judge any man who comes along. You think they're just like the guy who rejected you. You'll never find true love that way," protested Minako.
"At least I'm trying! Why aren't you!? I've never seen you looking for anybody! You just sit here sulking, looking at all the couples!" argued Makoto.
"Are you out of your mind, Mako!? Minako's done just fine of her own accord! The only who's really at fault about different guys, is you! So what if that guy turned his back on you and left a scar on your heart!?" shouted Sora, which surprised Minako.
"Hey, calm down! I've already got my guy planned out, and I plan on marrying him. I'm gonna be Mamo's bride," interjected Chibiusa, who stood between them.
"What did you just say!? Try saying that again!" demanded Usagi who arrived.
"I said I'm gonna be Mamo's bride," repeated Chibiusa.
Enraged, Usagi grabbed the young girl, surprising everyone.
"I'm the one who calls him Mamo! Not you!" barked Usagi.
"But he dumped you," protested Chibiusa, which angered Usagi even more.
Sora, Makoto, Riku, and Minako watched in dismay.
"Why do they always fight?" she asked.
"Take back what you said. I don't appreciate you judging me, Minako!" hissed Makoto.
"Why are you so attached to your old crush anyway? It's not healthy," Minako said grumpily.
"You're the one who's stuck and can't let go!" argued Makoto.
"No it's you!" Minako argued back.
"It's you, Minako!" shouted Makoto.
As the two of them argued, Chibiusa swung past Usagi and landed near them.
"You three are gonna become old maids if you don't hurry up and don't get over the guys who dumped you," snickered the little girl.
What an awful brat, Minako and Makoto thought as they had their backs to each other.
On the Black Moon Clan's starship, Petz glared down at the city, disgusted by the sight of people trying hard to deal with the summer heat, which irritated her immensely.
"These people are sweltering in the heat, they can't even control their own weather. How much longer must we stay in this primitive world?" she scoffed.
"Please Petz, there's really no need for someone like you to get yourself overly stressed over these things. After all, why be so eager to return to the man you love so dearly, when you view all the others as nothing but filth who think of themselves? However, I'd suggest being cautious about how you deal with each other, since this heat will soon cloud your minds with anger and hatred, and make you turn against each other, thus allowing those Sailor Blights to take advantage of your situation," remarked Hyena.
"Hyena makes a valid point, you two," said Berthier.
"Yeah, I guess you're right, Berthier. Hyena's words speak louder than his actions, but at the same time, I've always wondered what it'd be like if I dated Xehanort in his youth," snickered Calaveras.
"Do you really want him to be the father of your kids?" demanded Petz, who's eyebrow started twitching.
"Sounds like you two are bored here," said Rubeus who had arrived, making the two spectre sisters turn to face him.
"Welcome back, Rubeus. And yes, Sephiroth and Ultimecia," greeted Hyena.
"The length of time spent in this world, depends on how well you handle your assignments," continued Rubeus, as he acknowledged Hyena with a nod.
"In the meantime, Rubeus was able to tell me of another Crystal Point that you can take control of immediately, and that pathetic child you call the Rabbit will fall to my sword," added Sephiroth, who was eager to join forces with them.
With a wave of his hand, Rubeus caused a projection of a shop to appear, which had a witch on the front sign that read "Fancy Omanzai House" over the door.
"What is this place?" asked Petz.
"Oh, are those gemstones?" Berthier asked with a light giggle.
"They look cheap. I wouldn't call them real gemstones," replied Calaveras.
"Don't be too quick to judge, Calaveras. These Gemstones could be the Silver Crystal you're all searching for. If you find it, then you can grind it into dust under your boots," said Sephiroth.
"Whether they are or not. Human girls believe if you can make a wish on these trinkets, your wish will come true," added Rubeus.
Calaveras scoffed at what she heard.
"What a stupid primitive superstion," she said.
"Calaveras, I'm assigning you to handle this one," replied Rubeus.
"Your objective is to replace the crystal power in that shop with the power of darkness. Do that, and you'll be rewarded. Fail, and Sephiroth will have no choice but to make examples with Rubeus' permission," added Ultimecia.
"But, you guys, I'm generally overqualified for this. My field of expertise of high grand gemstones," countered Calaveras.
"Calaveras!" Petz barked in annoyance.
"So please, consider reassigning this particular job," she continued, before disappearing into the corridor of darkness.
"Come back here!" called Petz.
She appeared in another part of the ship, so that she could think to herself in private.
"This assignment is really beneath me. But now that I think about it, it's not a good idea to anger Master Rubeus," she said, just as Hyena arrived.
She materialized a goblet of wine, which swirled around, until it flew out of the glass into the air. It soon transformed itself into a woman with crimson skin, which she called Jamanen.
"How may I serve you, ma'am?" asked the Droid.
"Jamanen, tell Master Rubeus that I have had a change of heart, and I will accept the job that he just offered me," said Calaveras.
"You're a little late, sister," Berthier said, making Calaveras turn towards her.
"What now, Berthier?" demanded Hyena.
"Sorry, but Petz Volunteered to take on the job, and she's already left," giggled the dark water user.
"WHAT!? I'm not letting her take this one from me! Come with me Jamanen!" snapped Calaveras.
The two of them vanished in an instant.
"Perhaps it would be prudent, if I accompany Calaveras, Hyena," said Sephiroth.
"Well, see you later," grinned Berthier as she giggled.
Down on the streets of Juban, Usagi was trying to convince Minako and Makoto to stop being frustrated with each other, and to enjoy their shopping trip, but the two girls still refused to look or talk to each other for the rest of the day.
"No doubt about it, they're upset," muttered Luna.
"Guess I'll have to triple my patrol of the city for any droids and Heartless that are being sent out to cause trouble in the city," sighed Sora.
Usagi tripped, and was judgmentally shouting about who bumped into her, when she noticed a sign about the Omajina House, and read it aloud.
"Yeah, I've heard of this place, they sell gemstones that are supposed to grant wishes," said Makoto.
"Oh yeah?" asked Minako.
"Yeah," replied Sora.
"What do you say, let's go inside," Usagi said excitedly.
"Yeah, sure," replied Minako.
She turned to Makoto.
"What do you think?" she asked.
Makoto was about to reply, when the two girls turned away from each other, but Chibiusa had heard everything.
"Gemstones that grant wishes. Could it be…?" she whispered.
Unknown to her, Sephiroth stood from above, a cruel smile on his face.
"That's it, Minako and Makoto. Let your disdain for each other grant me the perfect chance to cut you both down," he said with a dark cold chuckle.
Inside the building, Jamanen had already managed to take out the staff workers, while Calaveras and Petz were working together to keep the customers happy by acting as shopkeepers. Two girls were now making a wish on the gemstones about what they truly wanted with their hearts. One wanted to have the guy she liked, accept her for who she was. The other wished for the same thing. Suddenly, they were infused with darkness, which greatly impressed Petz, as the two girls began to feel spiteful of the guys they originally loved.
"Foolish girls wishing upon our precious energy stones, makes the very opposite of what you're wishing for to happen. Now you're filled with hate." she said.
"Soon, this entire area will be filled with the power of darkness, and won't be able to function as a barrier for Crystal Tokyo," added Calaveras.
"Wow! hey you guys, take a look! Are these all lucky charms!?" Usagi said excitedly, drawing the two sisters' attention.
Usagi darted back and forth from stand to stand, admiring the gemstones, until she caught sight of a poster for a strange juice to drink.
"This is stupid. You can't tell me that the kids these days would fall for this thing," muttered Luna.
But her mood soon changed when she saw Usagi pulling out a coin.
"You're really into this stuff, aren't you Usagi?" said Makoto, until she saw her drinking the juice she had gotten.
Minako and Makoto tried to warn her to be careful not to drink too fast, just as her belly bulged a little bit after she chugged it down.
"That's tasty," said Usagi.
"Good chugging. So what's that juice gonna do for you?" asked Minako.
"Yeah, I don't think it'll help you get Mamoru back to your side, especially after what Sephiroth said to you," added Sora.
Luna nodded, while Usagi scoffed, just as Petz approached them.
"Welcome everyone," she said.
"If you're looking for love charms, we have quite a few of them in the back. We have a very nice selection, I think you'll find what you want. Please follow me," added Calaveras.
"Okay, sure," replied Sora.
Soon they arrived at the front desk, and Usagi was immediately impressed.
"So uh, how do they work?" asked Sora.
"When you make a wish upon them, that wish is going to come true," replied Petz, as she maintained her facade.
"What about a heart that's grown cold? Is there a gemstone you can wish on to heal it up again?" asked Usagi.
"Of course, this gemstone can help bring back your love. And I think you'll find that it's not too pricey," said Petz.
She handed Usagi a small box containing a gemstone, but as she was about to take it, Makoto and Minako placed both their hands on the box as well.
"Mako, Minako," Usagi said darly to them.
"What are you two doing?" Sora asked them, his eyes etched with disappointment.
"Oh, sorry, I am so not hung up on a past love and want to bring him back to me," said Minako.
"Right, no, me neither," added Makoto.
Little did they know that Petz and Calaveras had anticipated this internal strife between Sora and Usagi's friends, thus granting Sephiroth a chance to strike them down at their most vulnerable. At the same time Chibiusa peered through the window.
"I can't see. what are they doing in there?" wondered the little girl.
"Don't move, hands in the air!" said Mamoru, making her flinch.
Chibiusa turned around, and she saw Mamoru with Riku.
"What are you doing here, Chibiusa?" asked the silverette.
Above them, Sephiroth was watching and waiting for his chance to strike down his foes, as he stood patiently on the roof of the shop. Inside the shop, Usagi was now becoming very needy of the many gemstones despite her lack of allowance from her mother. Minako and Makoto glanced at each other, but Sora was growing suspicious.
"And what are you interested in, Miss?" Calaveras asked the other blonde.
"Mako, I think the guy who dumped you did so, because he has very poor taste in girls," said Minako.
This made Usagi, Sora, Petz, and Calaveras look at them in shock.
"What, you were dumped?" asked the Eldest Specter Sister.
"I'm not gonna listen to you bad mouth him," scoffed Makoto.
"It came out wrong. I just think that you deserve true love. After all, you're my good friend," countered Minako.
"Thanks Minako," replied Makoto.
She turned to face her, feeling more content with what she said.
"And besides, what happened between the two of you wasn't really your fault. It was his fear of what you once were that led to him severing his connection to you. But, I promise you, that one day, you'll find someone who not only respects you, but also acknowledges that behind every great man is a strong woman, who's willing to fight for what she cherishes with all her heart. And I know that Terra would feel the same way about you," explained Sora.
"That's right," growled Petz, making everyone face her.
But she quickly composed herself, just as Makoto looked respectfully into Sora's eyes.
"But nevertheless he was an incredible boyfriend. He set the bar high. Now, I have to find someone even better than him," said Makoto.
"Well then, I'll do the same. After all, I was able to find someone who reminds me of Usagi, and his name is Sora," replied Minako.
"Good, and you're gonna still keep hitting on Mamoru, right?" Makoto said to Usagi.
"That's right," replied Usagi.
"Well you'd better give up, 'cause Mamo's mine," siad Chibiusa who entered the shop with Riku at her side.
Mamoru slowly stepped out from behind the curtain, making both him and Usagi surprised. At first Usagi believed that the charm worked, but Mamoru was still concerned, when Chibiusa tugged on his arm.
"Come on Mamo, let's get a popsicle," she said.
"Sorry, I have things to do. Why don't you hang out with these guys today?" replied Mamoru.
He stormed away as Usagi called to him.
"It happened again, fate just keeps happening to bring us together," he sighed, just as Ami, Rei, and the rest of Sora and Usagi's friends were passing by.
As he left, the others were looking around for Usagi, Sora, Makoto, Chibiusa, Minako, and Riku.
"I'm pretty sure the others should be shopping in this area," said Ami.
"I left work early for this," replied Rei.
"Don't worry, Rei, I'm sure we'll find them, but it'd really be terrible if we didn't," added Roxas.
"This is all your fault! Mamo went away because of you! Why are you so stupid!?" snapped Chibiusa.
"Keep it down will you!? You're making me crazy!" Usagi snapped back.
"Yeah, Usagi was really upset when she saw him, is that really so wrong Chibiusa!? If anyone's at fault for acting spoiled, it's you!" added Sora.
"It's Usagi's fault for talking about the charm juice, dummies!" retorted Chibiusa.
Both girls were now arguing about who was at fault when Sora was unable to take it any longer as he keyblade appeared in his hand.
"STOP IT! BOTH OF YOU, STOP YOUR INFIGHTING NOW! IF ANYTHING! YOU'RE BOTH AT FAULT HERE!" he screamed loudly, causing the darkness to burst through the roof, surprising everyone, but made Riku grab at his chest.
"What's wrong, Riku?" Makoto asked, as she placed his arm over her shoulders.
"Darkness... It's the power of darkness," gasped Riku.
"Hold on Petz, did you see Sora's darkness erupt?" whispered Calaveras.
Petz nodded, in agreement.
"Yeah, it turns out he's the carrier of Vanitas, the darkness that once resided in Ventus' heart," she replied in an audible whisper.
"What are you talking about?" asked Minako.
"So you've finally figured it out, haven't you Riku? I'm actually impressed, but all your chatter about love and romance is just garbage!" snarled Petz.
"If you really believe love is garbage, then you might as well forget about asking us to make a wish on these gemstones! Because all you want to do is try to make us feel hateful towards other people, just so I can turn into Vanitas, and hurt those I care about! Well guess what! You're dead wrong! That's something my friends would not allow to happen! So drop your facade and face us in battle!" replied Sora.
Minako nodded in agreement, just as Calaveras called Jamanen to her side. The Droid's arrival quickly made Minako and Makoto jump back, as Usagi realized it as well. Then, Petz and Calaveras removed their disguises, revealing what they were wearing underneath them.
"Guys, keep them busy, I'll get Chibiusa to safety," said Riku.
"That won't be necessary, boy. Now her life shall end by my sword," Sephiroth remarked with a sadistic smirk.
He turned to the two Spectre Sisters.
"Make these girls suffer, while I take this child's life!" he said.
"With pleasure, Sephiroth," replied Calaveras.
"I'll slaughter all of you, and the love that you want so much dies with you, and that the people you cherish will turn into Heartless," added Petz.
Jamanen lunged at them, forcing them to jump clear, but Calaveras and Sephiroth leered menacingly at them.
"Say goodbye, foolish child," he said, raising his sword for the kill.
"Sephiroth, no!" cried Makoto.
"Don't you touch her!" added Minako as she held the fire extinguisher.
Using it to her advantage, she was able to stall them long enough for Riku to get Chibiusa and Usagi to safety. But Sephiroth erected a barrier to protect him from it's effects.
"You can run as far and as fast as you like, but you cannot hide from me forever. Once you have truly fallen into despair, can your deaths be all the more satisfying," he said.
Luna was able to direct Usagi to safety, allowing her to carry Chibiusa to safety.
"All right, Minako, Makoto, if you truly wish to be with the guy you love and who loves in return, I'd say the time has come for you to fight back against those who would try and turn you against each other, and let Sephiroth exploit your weakness," said Sora.
The two girls nodded and readied their transformation wands.
"Venus Star Power, Make Up!" cried Minako.
"Jupiter Star Power, Make Up!" called Makoto.
In a brilliant flash of lightning and orange light, they had transformed themselves into Sailors Jupiter and Venus, as Sora glared at the two spectre sisters in anger.
"We're going to make you pay for what you've done," he said darkly to them.
"Your days of toying with the hearts of people are over," added Sailor Jupiter.
"And since your hearts are too shrouded in darkness, we will defeat you, and ensure that no other individual is subverted by anger and hatred. Because you two are nothing but blights that must be destroyed," finished Riku.
"I agree, so on behalf of all worlds, we're punishing you!' cried Sailor Venus.
"So let's start with a proper introduction, by letting you introduce yourselves to us first," suggested Sora.
"You ungrateful blights!" snarled Calaveras as she brandished her whip.
"I'm called Petz, the oldest, and if I say so myself, the prettiest of the four spectre sisters," added Petz, as she gave Sora a menacing glare.
Calaveras laughed as she slammed her whip onto the ground.
"I'm much prettier than my sister Petz. Guys like you could actually take a liking to my appearance. I'm Calaveras," she said.
"Ha, sure you are. Especially since the two of you don't see eye to eye very often, which actually gives me a chance to take advantage of your situation!" replied Sora as he charged at them.
Petz fired dark lighting at Sora, who dodged out of the way, causing several gemstones to shatter, but made Calaveras angry.
"You disgusting Keyblader!" she shouted.
"How about blaming Petz instead!?" Sora asked mockingly.
As he struck at her, Riku charged at Petz, firing a Dark Firaga burst at her.
"Your fight is with me!" he said.
"Fine then, I'll blast you to oblivion!" roared Petz, as she summoned a dark lightning blade.
The two of them clashed, as Sailors Venus and Jupiter joined them. Calaveras tried to strike at Sailor Venus with her whip. She succeeded in wrapping it around her neck, and began to choke her.
"How pathetic," she scoffed.
"That's it!" shouted Sora, his anger slowly increasing thanks to the dark gemstones.
"Hang on Sora! This is what they want you to do! Make you feel nothing but anger and hatred just so they can turn you into Vanitas!" cried Sailor Jupiter, just as Jamanen was about to ensnare her.
"Always obsessing about love and believing in your man makes a woman grow weak," scoffed Petz, as Jamanen succeeded in trapping Sailor Jupiter.
"LIAR! YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT LOVE! BECAUSE YOU ONLY BELIEVE IN HATRED!" roared Sora.
"SILENCE!" screamed Petz, blasting him with dark lightning.
Sora blocked it with his Keyblade, as Petz increased the intensity of the attack. Suddenly, Sailor Mars arrived with a powerful Burning Mandala, granting Sora the chance to send the attack towards the roof, causing an explosion above them, which sent tiny fragments down to the ground, as Sailors Jupiter and Venus broke free. Sora was relieved to see his friends had come to the rescue.
"Just in time!" he said proudly to them.
"You said it, Sora!" agreed Sailor Venus.
She watched as Sora stepped up next to Sailor Jupiter.
"Now what do you say we give these two a little payback?" he asked.
"Our thoughts exactly," replied Sailor Jupiter.
The two Sailor Guardians then unleashed their new attacks.
"SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE!" shouted the Thunder Guardian.
"VENUS LOVE ME CHAIN!" cried the Love Guardian.
"And now, JUDGEMENT!" called Sora.
The spectre sisters tried to counter them, but they were surprised by the effectiveness of the attacks. Sephiroth smirked calmly at them.
"Impressive, but your efforts are in vain," he said.
The One-Winged Angel turned towards them.
"Petz, Calaveras, return to the ship! I will let Rubeus know what has transpired here, so that you can recount for your failure," Sephiroth continued menacingly.
"He's right, let's get out of here," agreed Petz.
"Take care of these blights, Jamanen," called Calaveras.
"Just know that you will never win this war, you blights!" added Petz, and they vanished into the darkness.
"Wait, you two!" shouted Sora, but it was too late.
"I'm taking over now, so let's end this!" cried Jamanen.
Meanwhile, Chibiusa was protesting against Usagi's wishes, when the door closed on them.
"Take good care of her, Riku, I'll go check on some things. I'll be right back," said Usagi.
"Be careful Usagi," replied the silverette.
Nodding at Luna's urging, Usagi soon turned into Sailor Moon and raced to the rescue.
"Now what, Riku?" asked Chibiusa.
"This is something only Sailor Moon can deal with," he replied.
Just as she arrived, she cut down all her friends who were ensnared in Jamanen's web.
"Hold it you!" she said furiously.
"All right! Go give this droid a taste of her own medicine, Sailor Moon!" cheered Sora.
Sailor Moon nodded, and readied her Princess Rod, just as Jamanen was about to attack her.
"Guess you do kind of remind me of Tuxedo Mask a little, Sora," she said.
Then she pointed it right at the droid.
"Moon Princess Halation!" cried Sailor Moon.
With a burst of light, Jamanen was defeated, and her trappings faded away into nothingness.
"Jackpot!" said Sora.
Chibiusa however, had arrived just in time to see the others with Riku.
"You did a good job Sailor Moon," he said.
Sometime later, at a pizza parlor, Sora wanted to buy everyone a meal, but decided not to have any olives on it.
"Stop doing that Usagi, it can't be good for you," said Makoto.
"I'm gonna drink the whole thing, so I can see Mamo again," gurgled Usagi.
"You're gonna drown yourself, Usagi," remarked Ami.
"Well, it's the only way to cure her stupidity," added Rei.
"Watch it Rei, or I might ask Master Yen Sid to give you a lecture about self-control AND cooperation. So not another insult," warned Sora, as he gave her a dark foreboding look.
"All right, already! But I'm only speaking the truth," scowled Rei, causing Usagi to spit the charm juice at her.
This was enough to make Donald Duck completely lose control of himself and almost attack Usagi, when his friends stopped him, and calmed him down.
"Donald, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to… I mean I wasn't trying to-" Usagi tried to say.
"Oh, just save it, you bunheaded palooka!" snapped Donald.
"Come on, Donald. I know Usagi didn't mean to do it. But that's no reason for you to attack her on my behalf," said Rei, who wiped the splattered juice off herself with a couple of napkins.
"And since the two of you are unwilling to cooperate, you leave me with no choice but to contact Master Yen Sid, because the truth always hurts," added Sora.
Minako flinched nervously at what she heard.
"No, Sora! Anything but that!" cried Rei and Usagi.
"Too bad, cause you've warned," replied Sora, and pressed the button.
"Aw nuts!" groaned the two girls.