Prologue
Nothing is Set in Stone
After coping with the deaths of Nehelenia and Galaxia, even though they served as a permanent reminder of his unyielding desire to ensure that no one else would suffer their fate, Sora Lucis Caelum, Son of Regis and Selena, was now more determined than ever, as he walked quietly through the streets of Canterlot, until he reached Canterlot High. In due part to saving Asuka and Homura from the wrath of Dogen, when they learned that he was the puppet master that sacrificed his humanity for the sake of power, as well as stopping Yumi and Fubuki from killing each other by jumping between them, he knew that with each close shave with death, his new powers continued to grow even stronger than before. But now, after everything that happened, Sora was now less like his mopy self, and back to his usual happy-go-lucky demeanor, as the two scars on his heart slowly began to heal. But the scar from the day that his father left him would still linger on for as long as he remembered. He soon entered the library of that school, and saw Twilight Sparkle sitting down at her desk, looking at a book that seemed different from what any of the other students had seen. On its cover read, the History of Magical Girls and Witches. Sora had never seen that kind of book before.
"Hey, Twily, that book you're reading," he said.
"Oh, Sora. I'm sorry. I was just learning about the history of a different kind of magical girl that's from another world that's far away. I have a feeling that it might have a great deal of darkness upon it, and is in a city called Mitakihara," Twilight explained.
"Mitakihara?" Sora wondered to himself.
According to the historical records Twilight showed me in that book, Magical Girls and Witches have always been at war since the dawn of time, when the first Magical Girls lost themselves to darkness, which soon ran rampant and gave birth to the first witches. These witches eventually were the first to fall, until new Magical Girls arose and fought against them, in what could be known as a never ending cycle of war. A war that was just like the Sailor Wars of old, where the Sailor Guardians fought against a powerful entity of darkness known as Chaos, the God of Discord, who created Metallia, The Death Busters, The Dead Moon Circus, Shadow Galactica, and even the Black Moon Clan when Wiseman, who we later found out was Death Phantom the entire time, came up with the idea of having all life returned to Kingdom Hearts, after awakening Omega, the Final Weapon that would bring an end to all the pain and suffering on all worlds. The ultimate light," explained Sunset, who arrived.
"No way," murmured Sora.
"But the worst part of it is, the Magical Girls didn't know that the witches were spawned from their own darkness, after losing themselves to despair. That's when they became the first witches that would spread darkness and destruction throughout that world. In a sense, if they found out, they would surely destroy themselves, and each other without letting their own morality get in the way," continued Twilight.
"Something tells me these Magical Girls are afraid to find out the truth. But, if they did, then they'd surely destroy themselves and each other, resulting in a total collapse of light and darkness on that world they live on," observed Sora.
He slowly stood up and walked out the door. He decided that the best way to learn more about Magical Girls was with a good friend of his from Miss Kobayashi's world, so he raced over to her apartment where the Dragon Maid Tohru was living with Miss Kobayashi and doing her best to stay on her good side. After arriving he knocked on the door with the book in hand and knocked on it.
"Oh, Sora. It's great to see you," Tohru said after answering the door.
The dragon girl turned back behind her.
"Miss Kobayashi, there's someone here!" she called to the back room.
"It must be that Keyblade Wielder," added Kanna Kamui, who was also living with Miss Kobayashi.
"It's definitely Sora!" cheered Lucoa, when she saw the young Keyblade Master enter.
"Hello Lucoa," greeted Sora.
"Take a load off. I'll be right down," called the dragon goddess.
"Hey, do you need some orange juice, Sora?" Tohru asked.
"Oh, thank you, Tohru," replied Sora.
I see you're friendly with most of the dragons here, since our previous meetings," observed Miss Kobayashi, as she watched him sitting down at the table, and placing a book upon it.
"Hey there, buddy," greeted Lucoa, when she arrived.
Sora stood up, and the two of them hugged each other. After that, they sat down before each other.
"So tell me, my friend. What help can I be to you?" she asked.
"You can tell me about what's in this book I borrowed from Twily," answered Sora.
He turned it around, and Lucoa opened it. Inside was the history of Magical Girls from another world far away in the Realm of Light, and the witches that they became, in which new magical girls would have to fight them and ensure that they rested in peace after forging a contract that was bound in their blood.
"Whoa. How about that? I've never heard of young women using powers to protect the innocent from creatures of darkness, even when I was an observer in the other dimension that Tohru, Elma, Kanna, Ilulu, and I were from," observed Lucoa.
"Can you tell me about these Magical Girls?" Sora asked, just as Tohru gave him orange juice.
"According to this book, these magical girls are fighting a war in which they battle witches that are the darkness inside their little babies called Soul Gems, thanks to a strange catlike creature called Kyubey, who's brothers and sisters continue to seek out many of these young ladies so that they can ask them to be Magical Girls, after they form a contract with him in blood, in exchange for what they want most of all," explained Lucoa.
"I'm kind of rattled by the fact that Magical Girls and Witches are basically two sides of the same coin," he said to himself.
"I have a feeling that Kyubey's species is called Incubator, which explains their catlike appearance when they approach the girl they wish to form a contract with. Hmm… Why is it that they don't target young boys like you and Shota? It's funny how you Keyblade Wielders have a strong respect for knowledge and wisdom, even though you go by gut instinct," she said.
"To be honest, if men didn't exist, then women would never be with someone who can bring their children into the world," replied Sora.
But he soon looked through the book again.
"Incubator. A name like that seems a bit off putting to me. Are they really catlike in appearance?" he wondered.
"Of course, and they herald from another world that's far away. Which is why they were sent to a different world where the Magical Girls are fighting a brutal war called the Puella Magi Wars. It's about seventy-hundred clicks from where we are, since you're so good at following the stars like an astrologist, Sora. They are only interested in girls whose emotional state makes them the perfect candidate for fighting in that war," remarked Lucoa.
"They seek out girls who have many different emotional states?" Sora asked warily.
"That depends," she replied.
"Depends on what, Lucoa?" Sora asked a bit more cautiously.
"On how respectful you can be. How gutsy a boy like you can be," smirked Lucoa, and she gave a bit of an odd chuckle that seemed a bit off putting.
Sora drank his orange juice and he left soon after, while thanking Miss Kobayashi and Tohru for their hospitality, but he gave Kanna a friendly pat on the head, which made her seem at ease with him.
"You really are like an older brother to Kanna, aren't you, Sora?" observed Tohru.
"You may be right, Tohru. But, I promise you, if the Heartless try to do something terrible to her, like take her heart so that they can use it to create a new Heartless from her, I'll do my best to keep her safe from harm, Tohru," he replied.
"Can we play together when you come and visit us again, Sora?" Kanna asked.
Sora gave her a friendly nod, then went off on his way. Soon after returning to Canterlot, He soon came face to face with Ami Mizuno who was in Canterlot High School's Library.
"Oh, Sora. I was just finishing up my research on the Heartless, and was about to deliver this information to Mr. Tuesti," she said.
"It's no big deal," replied Sora.
But Ami could see that Sora was now back to his usual cheerful self which made her happy to know that he was no longer feeling sorrow for the deaths of Nehelenia and Galaxia, who's spirits would continue to guide him, even in the afterlife.
"Hey, I'm really sorry for how I acted after Nehelenia died, Ami. When I said that the rumored thief would answer to me for taking something that was precious to Usagi, like her Eternal Moon Article, so that she wouldn't be able to stop Shadow Galactica from destroying everything she and I cherish most of all. I guess, even after what Sephiroth did, my morality was partially compromised, and I said some irrational things as General James Ironwood of Atlas did, after he went mad, but ultimately paid the price for his failures, after what Weiss' sister, Winter Schnee told me, after she learned that Atlas and Mantle were destroyed by the monster, Salem and her apprentice, Cinder Fall, who's now working with the One-Winged Angel, even without her Maiden Powers," he added quietly.
"I know, but you really scared me when you gave Sailor Aluminum Siren that brutal one-sided beatdown. And you even amazed some of us when you and Lead Crow fought in a fierce battle for Usagi's Star Seed. But the thought of hearing Chaos say that you died after he and Vanitas become one being after Omega was awakened within Galaxia, just made her sad, until Master Eraqus and Queen Serenity made sure to rekindle the fire of hope in our friend's heart. And yet, at the same time, you and Usagi acted very much like brother and sister, even though you're best friends. You laughed, you cried, mourned, hoped, dreamed, got mad at each other, and even found time to forgive each other. Also, when you offered a solemn prayer to Galaxia after she died, it was almost as if you were trained in the way of the samurai, and even had a tiny spark of Rei's belief in the fact that those who passed away would always return from the Netherworld of Kingdom Hearts, just like Pyrrha Nikos did," explained Ami.
Then she gently wrapped her arms around Sora, and held him close.
"You also taught us that no one is ever truly alone, because we are family. And family is what'll help us triumph over the darkness, and help make a difference in any world we're on," she added.
Sora nodded, then gently hugged Ami back. They slowly parted away from each other, just as Minako arrived.
"I've also realized that even though Usagi and I did indeed look very much alike, you also carry a tiny trace of Mamoru's maturity within you. Also, when I heard Xion crying at the college festival, it was mostly because of how she missed Hotaru a lot, even after what Chibiusa told us, and Mamoru decided to give her a comforting hug. But even though I said the milk idiom differently, you chose to agree with me, even though Ami would say otherwise. Your honesty is what made me come to realize that while you share that same immaturity, your enthusiasm makes you become something more than what you are," she said.
"Thanks, guys. But I couldn't have done it with all of you in my heart. After all, I was able to find closure with Galaxia and Nehelenia in Koshi and Atena's world, where the Goddess' Dormitory is located. They helped me learn to cope with that loss, as well as have it become a part of my heart," replied Sora.
"That's good, Sora. After all, persistence opens the path," smiled Rainbow Dash, as she passed by him.
Soon after, Sora decided to gather up his friends so that they would meet at Canterlot Mall the next day. By midday they did, and soon began explaining about how he met Lucoa, the observer, who despite being in trouble for poor behavior, had explained to him about the magical girls of another world where they were fighting off witches.
"So, what you're saying is that these magical girls of that other world have a darkness within some strange item that's very similar to their hearts, and if it becomes too strong, they'll become these witches after the soul gem's darkness bursts out," said Riku.
"That's what it means, Riku. That's why us Warriors of Light are about to embark on this crazy adventure in that world. Once we've gathered up all the essentials we need, we'll need to find a way to ensure that these magical girls either survive, or become consumed by that darkness," replied Sora.
"No way," murmured Usagi.
"Usako, it's best if we have Sora and most of his friends handle this. That way, they'll handle this mission," assured Mamoru.
"Mamo's right, Usagi. And believe me, I'm scared about them too, but Sora and his friends can help these magical girls out as best as they can, even though we're Sailor Guardians," added Chibiusa.
"You really sounded a lot like Sora, didn't you, Chibiusa," commented Kirito.
"Of course, Kirito, and why wouldn't I sound like him? After all he does share Usagi's belief in how we're both their strength, even though our enemies would call us their greatest weakness, which they'd exploit very easily," she remarked.
Asuna smiled and even gave a bit of a light giggle.
"Even still, little one, I'm also in agreement with Mamoru. Therefore, I feel like Sora should be with him, thus reuniting Team SKYYLAR," said the lightning flash.
"Team SKYYLAR, huh? Kind a fitting since we're very much like the shining stars in the sky when we see other worlds," grinned Axel.
"Maybe so, but I am a bit curious about these magical girls, Axel. We should also do some investigating in that world of our own accord," replied Roxas.
"Yep, and I'd be more than happy to meet them as well, especially since we'll be flying off to their world on the Ark, commanded by Kenton and Team KRYYSTAAL, with the Specter Sisters helping out," said Terra.
"Then it's decided. Kirito, Yang, Yui, Leafa, Asuna, Ruby, and I will travel to the world of the magical girls, and help them out as best we can. The rest of you will take this time to have a few days off, then join us in the final battle that's to come up," declared Sora.
"Until then, may our hearts be our guiding key," said Rei.
"May our hearts be our guiding key," everyone said, repeating what the shrine maiden turned Sailor Guardian said.
Soon after exchanging a few hugs with each other, even though Sora would be kissed by the girls he met on his adventures in the other worlds with either his main friends, Team SKYYLAR, and almost everyone else they'd met.
"Hey, Sora, just so you know, I've always wanted a really big family," Compa whispered into his ear.
Sora smiled, and exchanged a gentle kiss with the nurse who was apprenticed to Ami.
"Maybe if there's another girl in that world I happen to like, and even convey my feelings towards, I'm sure the others will feel honored to welcome her into our family," he replied.
They soon set off for the Ark, and were lucky enough to find it just parked outside of Canterlot in a safe location.
"Wow, what a piece of ancient tech," smirked Axel.
"She'll make point five past lightspeed, Axel. The Ark may have been an ancient vessel of Sailor Venus' but she's got it where it counts. I made a lot of pretty special modifications for myself, and my family here. But, seeing as you're in a rush, if you guys just hop aboard, we'll be on our way," remarked Kenton.
He soon motioned for the Specter Sisters to prime the engines, even as Yohko greeted Team SKYYLAR and welcomed them aboard the ship. As soon as everyone was safely aboard, the Ark soon blasted off into deep space, leaving Canterlot far behind.
"Good luck, Sora," murmured Twilight.
Asuka slowly walked up to her, and rested her hand upon Twilight's shoulder.
"He'll always do his best, Twilight, that's what we all believe in," she assured her.
"I just hope you're right, Asuka," replied Twilight.
"She is, Twilight. That's what we all believe in. Yes, Minako was skeptical about how two kunoichi from the world we came from became part of Sora's family, but we assured her that we were good people, and that Compa told her that she really wanted a big family, because we know that when we have children of our own, they'll not only inherit Sora's ability to wield the Keyblade, they'll also have some of our characteristics," explained Yumi.
"I'm with Yumi on this one. Family is far stronger than hatred and jealousy. That's what Sora taught all of us, and we've been more than happy to embrace that fact. And we even learned that with great power comes great responsibility," added Yuna Yuki, a former student of Sanshu Middle School's Hero Club, even though the Shinju-sama allowed her to retain her powers.
"Yep, words to live by, even after Sora became a mercenary for hire, even after everything that transpired on Usagi's world, in which Nehelenia died by Sephiroth's hands, thus preventing Vassago's birth, and the total collapse of that dark future he came from, which is the exact opposite of Usagi and Mamoru's future, where they'd bring Chibiusa into the world after becoming King and Queen of that beautiful city, Crystal Tokyo, where they ruled with kindness and compassion, rather than fear and tyranny like her aunt and uncle," agreed Yang.
"That's why we believe in them, Yang. No matter how far away they are, our hearts will still reach out to them, and let them know that the darkness will never win, as long as we have each other in our hearts," replied Sunset.
"Yeah, they'll be fine, Sunset. And, who knows? Maybe there will be new Warriors of Light joining forces with us, Keyblade Master or otherwise," said Weiss.
Then she turned towards Twilight.
"When Sora and I first met, I was hostile, arrogant, pompous, cold, and short tempered, just like Rei Hino, before she met Axel. It made it difficult for me to trust anyone, even Ruby. But then I said some hurtful things that made Blake almost hate me forever. I was insensitive about the Faunus in front of Blake, because I believed that they were nothing but pure evil, even though she tried to tell me that she was once a soldier of the White Fang, which was already under the direct control of Sienna Khan, until Adam Taurus, the mad bull took control of it, and proclaimed himself, it's Supreme Leader. In the end, Sora told me about what happened to Adam, and that in his final moments, he asked him to take better care of Blake, than he did. Then she told me that even though Sora began to suspect that Adam was a lost cause, he was able to free him from the shackles of his past, despite being a true monster who hated everything. Sora also told me that even though Adam died, he knew that he fought and died a warrior, after all the terrible things he did at the Beacon Massacre, and now, the four of us have chosen to stay with him, after he freed Salem from her supposed curse the gods placed upon her, until she died in his arms whilst telling him that she fell in love with someone, and had a son with him, which they named Azrael, and she faded away into nothingness. He thinks that Sora's the one that killed his mother, and that he intends to make him pay for killing her, when in reality she chose to accept death," she explained.
"But we'll be there for him, Weiss. All of us. That includes all of his other friends, and us, his family," assured Ruby.
As the Ark cruised through hyperspace, Berthier and Riku were now playing chess with each other, but this time, Riku had managed to outsmart her.
"I guess there are some games that I can't win," she sighed in defeat.
"I wouldn't put yourself down, Berthier," assured Koan.
"Koan's right, Sis. Believe me, I know what it felt like being the loser, after Petz went completely bananas, until Vanitas blasted her with Dark Judgment Bolt at point blank range. It really scared us, seeing you get hurt by that monster, just as she hurt us," agreed Calaveras.
"Yes, I wasn't in the right. These are sins that'll haunt me wherever I go, just as they haunt all of you," replied Petz.
"Well, that's the whole point of it, Specter Sisters. Besides, even though you did a lot of horrible things before, Sora still chose to forgive you, which did surprise Usagi and the others, when he saved Berthier from herself. It sounds scary, but at the same time, when she hugged him, Koan was actually happy that they spoke to each other on that island, and left her with much to think about for a good long while. I can't fault him for agreeing to talk to someone rather than fight them to the death," said Kenton as he sat down.
"Yeah, take me for example. I was always boy crazy, until I met Kenton, when he helped me defeat Reiko, who was possessed by a demon. The thought of my grandmother, Madoka dying hurt me a lot, but he said that seeing Hideki Kondo vanish hurt me even more, because he was actually an illusion. I also know that when he and I do have kids of our own, he'd be a great father, and we'd teach them the ways of the Devil Hunter, thus bringing the 109th generation into our world," smiled Yohko.
Even as they chatted, Sora was up in the cockpit with Trish piloting the ship.
"Hey, Trish, what do you think of Kenton?" he asked.
"I try my best not to, but he's a good person. Still, I may not be Dante and Vergil's mother, but I do kind of act more like an older sister," replied Trish.
"Guess it kind of mirrors how Luna's a bit of an older sister to Usagi, and how Artemis acts a bit like an older brother to Minako," said Sora.
"Attention, all hands! We are on approach to Mitakihara! Everyone, report to stations!" Rem's voice said over the intercraft.
"Better get Team SKYYLAR ready," he said quickly, and raced out.
Soon the Ark dropped out of Hyperspace, then slowly began its descent down into the city. However, in the Lucian Citadel, Kurai stood before Ardyn.
"Father, everything is going exactly as planned. My old friend, Kyubey, has convinced several young girls, regardless of their age, to become their own kind of magical girl when they signed his contract in blood, after granting them something that their hearts desired, only to succumb to the darkness that slowly enveloped them in a never ending pit of despair, unleashing the witch within. He has convinced Mami Tomoe to sign his contract, bound by blood undone, in exchange for a second chance to live, which will ultimately prove to be her downfall. However, I sensed that he convinced Kyoko Sakura to do the same, which in turn resulted in the deaths of her mother, father, and the people that came to see him, despite their impoverished lives, leaving her as a lone wolf, who's started to enjoy the thrill of the hunt," he said.
"While I must admit, Kyubey and his Incubator Brethren are truly a strange lot, these other girls will soon learn the meaning of dark despair, once we summon forth Walpurgisnacht to wipe out the city and the people living in it," replied Ardyn.
"Good. I will be heading to Mitakihara to see to it that the chosen one that defeats the final witch, will be destroyed by the darkness when she agrees to Kyubey's terms of being a magical girl, only to have her soul gem ground into dust, so that she dies in a friend's arms," grinned Kurai, and he stormed off into the dark corridor.
But as he did, he soon gained a dark cold expression.
"Understand this, Sora. When I find you, I will make you suffer for killing my mother, even though she was Chaos' vessel, and later on, Omega's. All forms of pestilence will be erased, and your dark side will be set free, after you die," he declared ominously.