Chapter 10

Two Hearts

Thanks to the information from Reeve and Kagura, everyone was now at the hot springs town, despite what was going to happen next. Yumi was growing more concerned for Asuka, but she still had hope that Sora would not allow her to destroy herself, even after she heard his speech about burdens.

"The door to the other world. Where will it open, Kagura?" Yumi asked the young girl.

"I'm afraid that's one question she can't answer. However, the RGRO will also be assisting you in this mission. I've even gathered the Warriors of Light, Avalanche, and several others to help. We must ensure that we are better prepared, even before that doorway is opened," Reeve said in Kagura's stead when he arrived.

"Gotta give Reeve some credit here. Still, keep on yo' toes. Avalanche ain't gon' let some damn yoma run amok. After what Sora told me, when that Asuka chick used that Fumakourin thingamajig to seal it away, I get the feeling that there may be some yoma who don't wanna get sealed away. That's why I always come prepared," added Barret.

"That's right. I may not mind the cold that much. But I can tell you that Asuka's feeling off in her beliefs," said Vincent Valentine.

"KYA! VAMPIRE!" cried Minori.

"Whoa, Minori, chill out, girl," soothed Shiki.

"Look, let's just find an inn that we can rest at for now," sighed Cloud.

Naraku nodded, and led them to the inn they would be staying at. However, they saw Fubuki when they entered.

"Fubuki!" Zack said as he drew his Buster Sword.

"Stand down, Zack!" called Aerith.

Zack reluctantly agreed to do so.

"Wait, so are all of you staying at this inn too?" she asked them.

"Damn straight we are!" remarked Barret.

"I'm with Barret on this one, you monster!" agreed Shiki.

"Y'all calm down! Hold on to yer britches!" barked Cid.

"I wish to ask you something. Can you tell us where the door to the other world will open?" Yumi asked.

"I can't. I don't know anymore about it than you do," sneered Fubuki.

"Och, aye! I can't believe we're in the same situation with her," groaned Cait Sith.

"So the waiting game continues, despite the fact that she's still adamant on destroying this world, including herself, once her morals are well and truly crushed under her feet," sighed Red XIII.

"Enough!" barked Cloud.

"Please, I want you to listen to Cloud for now. But regardless, I still want to try talking to her," agreed Yumi.

"And there's more, guys. I get the feeling that Fubuki may end up becoming just like another enemy that I came to hate called Zamasu, who wished to remake everything, so that the utopia he'd create would be free of what he called 'mortal pestilence'. That's why her hatred is far stronger than anything she's ever felt in her life," added Sora when he arrived at their side as well.

"Believe what you will about me, Boy. But understand that the time for talk shall never come again," Fubuki said bitterly.

"What Fubuki has said is the truth, fools. When the gateway has opened, the world will be flooded with yoma, all bound to serve Fubuki's will, and they will give praise unto Mother's justice. This world is destined to die, and its heart shall be returned to Kingdom Hearts," agreed Sephiroth, who appeared before them.

"So you despise all things. And you wish to destroy us while the yoma roam freely," snipped Yuffie.

"We're not gonna lose to you," Sora said firmly to Fubuki.

"Then you'd best be prepared to die for your foolishness, everyone," remarked Fubuki.

The owner of the inn arrived, and Cloud stepped up to her, just as they left quietly, although the One-Winged Angel vanished in a whoosh of darkness.

"Listen, we just came here to get some rooms, but some friends of ours will be staying at other inns far away," he said to her, and passed her a large sack of munny that he had on his person.

In their room, the girls of Gessen sat at a table, while also sharing tea.

"Seeing as Fubuki refuses to listen to our words anymore, I'm worried that she may start to become a lost cause, but I can sense something different inside of her heart, even though she's a child of two worlds," Sora said to them.

"It's going to sound crazy, but just have a feeling that we're going to regret it if we're going to be fighting Fubuki like this," added Yumi.

"If that's what you believe, Yumi, just know that we've got your back," came Riku's voice.

"Yeah. But first, having a bit of R&R may help us get our minds straight, so that we don't get overwhelmed by stress and frustration," added Axel.

The others had to agree with them, and the matter was settled.

"You guys can have some fun for a while, but I'm not in the mood right now. I'm gonna patrol the town for a bit," sighed Sora, and he walked away.

"But, Sora…" Yozakura tried to say.

"We should leave him alone for a while, Yozakura. He just needs a bit of time to himself," interjected Roxas.

The others had to agree with him, until they all introduced themselves to each other, as well as had a couple of shocked reactions when they learned that Cody was Xehanort's child.

"I should probably go after Sora, you guys. I know Roxas said that we should leave him alone, but I gotta make sure he's doing okay," Madoka said to them.

The others nodded, and allowed her to go after Sora. Meanwhile, Miyabi and Homura were playing ping-pong with each other, which most of the others took notice of, until Terra caught the ball with his hand.

"A very impressive display, Miyabi. Though I'm afraid that advantage you've gained has only served to make Homura quite annoyed. But through each defeat, she learns to improve herself, so that she can be stronger," he said to her.

Even still, despite the strange new rules of what they called strip-ping pong, the game continued regardless, while most of the boys decided to keep out of it. Outside on the streets, Sora stood alone, looking at the sky above.

"Guys, I wish to speak with you about Asuka," he said quietly.

The spirits of all those who lived in his heart appeared, and stood before him.

"What seems to be the problem, Sora?" asked Homura from Madoka's world.

"You may not believe this, but I get the feeling that Asuka's about to submit to some kind of dark cruel fate that will lead to her destruction, after she abuses the Fumakourin a few more times. I noticed something on her chest, like a dark mark, slowly expanding. It scares me to death. I'm also worried about Yumi, because the minute she and Fubuki fight each other, it'll be just like how Dante and Vergil fought against each other, but it might end up becoming a fight to the death," Sora explained briefly to her.

"We understand your concern, Sora. You know what's in your heart, and it's to ensure that the people you cherish do not die for what they've done. You showed me just how much you cared about Sailor Venus, even when I said that I would go after her and make her my queen," said Demande.

"I know that, but it also made me really angry at you, until Sailor Moon stopped me from killing you, as she was afraid that I'd end up becoming just like you did before you died in my arms, the same way that Saphir died. But this is different. Seeing Asuka die in my arms the same way you guys did, would actually serve to break me even further, and I'd end up trying to push everyone out of my life, so that I can sort things out on my own terms," he replied.

"You're also forgetting that you warned the dead that my spirit would be joining them, after you gave a loud yell that echoed all across the realm of light," interjected Saphir.

"But you can still make a difference for both of my granddaughters, Sora. As you said, my spirit lives on in both their hearts, as well as your own heart, even though we've never truly met, but this is actually the first time I've come to meet someone who truly loves Yumi, just as you've come to love Asuka," Kurokage said when he appeared before him in spectral form.

"Master Kurokage," Sora said in surprise.

"You know what's in your heart, just like they do. You've no need to make the same mistakes I made and become a lone wolf as I did. That was the biggest mistake I made in my life, after I declared that all evil ninjas had to be purged forever. However, Fubuki's begun twisting that old ambition of mine, and has made it much worse than before, thanks to Sephiroth and his children influencing her to do those horrible deeds they've placed in her head," he continued.

"Hmm… You may be right. I really hate seeing people die for no good reason. Also, Master Kurokage, I promise, I'll make sure that your granddaughter will always be happy, and I know for a fact that the rest of my family will do the same, with my full support. Still, having learned that you once believed that darkness has to be expunged from all worlds, it made me think that even though it's evil, it can be used for good intentions, rather than bad, thanks to what Riku and Terra have shown me," he replied.

"Then seeing as you've embraced which path is right, and which is wrong, there's no need to doubt yourself any longer than you need to, Sora," assured Sailor Galaxia.

"Thanks. I guess that's all I needed to hear. I'll make sure nobody dies for a foolish cause, then we'll all go home," Sora said to them, and he watched them return to his heart, in case he needed to speak to them again.

"Sora, are you okay?" a voice said from behind him, now that he was alone again.

Madoka turned around and looked to see that it was Madoka who asked him that question.

"Madoka? What the heck are you doing here?" he asked in surprise.

"I was worried about you, so I let everyone know that I had to make sure you were alright," replied Madoka.

"Yeah, I just needed to sort some things out, thanks to some friends of mine who live on in my heart, including Yumi's grandfather, Master Kurokage. He said that I was right about how his spirit lives on in her heart, just as he lives in mine, after our bond was forged by the chain of light. However, I made a promise to him that we'd all make sure Yumi and Asuka will be happy no matter what," he explained briefly.

"Oh, right. But, everyone else has been wondering why you've actually been worried about Asuka, even though you kept quiet about it," she said to him.

Sora nodded, but then decided to head back to the others. He soon found the hanzo girls in their room, and sat down beside Asuka, until she felt something sharp and painful in her chest, causing her to collapse against her.

"Asuka, that technique, Fumakourin. It's like a double-edged sword like the power of waking is. Maybe you can tell me why you still intend to use it in private," he murmured towards her.

Asuka nodded, then they left quietly after informing everyone of what was going on with her, despite being secretive, and soon, Asuka told him everything.

"WHAT!? You mean you really want to just sacrifice yourself, for the sake of everyone you cherish?" he asked in shock.

"Sora, please, the walls have ears," hissed Asuka.

"Asuka, don't be a fool. There's no way in heck I'm letting you kill yourself that easily, after you use the Fumakourin a couple more times. Do you seriously want to get taken to Quadratum?" Sora questioned her.

Meanwhile the others were all busy talking about the many different hot springs. The Gessen girls wanted to try the open sauna, while Yumi wanted to take the other bath. Thanks to Yozakura's support, she agreed to the idea, so that the others would leave her alone for a little while.

"Yumi, I'll stand guard and make sure that nobody even thinks of bugging you. Still, be careful not to let your guard down. Don't worry, I'll wait outside and stand guard," Roxas said to her.

Yumi nodded, and they walked off until they saw Fubuki about to enter as well. As they were about to enter the baths, they found Kagura and Naraku had just finished. Suddenly, Yumi noticed something. It was the same pin that Hanzo had given her grandfather, back in their youth. The sword and the shield. Back then, he had given it to her as a gift, so that she'd forever keep it close to her heart. Behind them, Kagura heard everything, despite her childlike appearance. Even Roxas, who was standing outside of the changing room, while he leaned against the wall. Both foster siblings saw that there was only room for both of them, and so they sat down together. The warm water felt like a relief for the both of them, even while Yumi felt at ease knowing that Roxas stood outside like a brave and loyal watchdog. However, she decided to break the silence.

"So, is this a nice bath?" she asked.

"Indeed," replied Fubuki.

"It's really warm, huh?" Yumi said quietly.

"Indeed," repeated her foster sibling.

"And look, the sky is so pretty today, don't you think?" the snow kunoichi said.

"Indeed," Fubuki repeated once more, then she felt strange.

Memories of their happy life flashed through their mindsmi, as they looked at each other. They had just inadvertently filled their hearts with a sense of nostalgia.

"We've done this before, back when we were just children," she said to her.

"That's right. You forget what happens when you're little, but now I can remember it clearly," admitted Yumi.

There was a brief silence between them.

"My father was a shinobi, and my mother a yoma. My family wasn't exactly normal. You may have learned this from Rasetsu, but there are yoma out there who have feelings the same way that a regular human would," she explained to her.

Yumi hung her head, even as she listened to Fubuki.

"And with those feelings, comes love. Is that so strange? Isn't love a common emotion?" asked her foster sibling.

"Yes," replied Yumi.

"I was born into this world because my parents loved each other. And yet, our story wasn't meant to live happily ever after. My mother was strong and was said to be the ultimate yoma. Eventually the shinobi gave up any hope of trying to defeat her, until one day, they used Fumakourin on her. If they use that technique to seal you away, then you will never again be able to return to the human world," Fubuki said.

"Wait, so you're saying that your mother got sealed away, and now you can't see her anymore?" Yumi asked in shock.

"Yes, they took my mother from me, and that's when Grandfather Kurokage decided to take me in. It wasn't for very long, but when we lived together, you and I were close like sisters. Not that it matters. As long as you continue to walk the path of the shinobi, there's no hope for the two of us becoming friends," she told her in a condescending tone.

This left Yumi feeling thunderstruck, and sorrowful.

"The shinobi slaughter the yoma indiscriminately. And they are the ones who tore my mother away from me," glowered the dark haired kunoichi, then she stormed away.

"Does it have to be this way? Do we really have no choice but to fight?" the snow kunoichi asked in desperation.

"Prepare yourself for it. It's either the yoma or the shinobi who will die. That is the only ending this story will have. We're evil, so we must be defeated. Those are the words that you told me," remarked Fubuki, and with that, she left in a huff.

However, unknown to them, Sora, after his talk with Asuka, had heard everything, and Roxas did as well. Luckily, his brother informed the others of what was going on. That night, Sora soon joined Yumi outside.

"I heard everything that Fubuki said about her real mother and father, Yumi, and to tell you the truth, I actually do feel kind of sorry for her, but that doesn't mean she has to be killed off for no good reason at all," he said to her.

Yumi nodded somberly, until Asuka told them that dinner was ready.

"Asuka, you're not gonna believe me when I tell you this but you must. I heard both Yumi and Fubuki's conversation, along with Roxas, who was standing guard, and out of sight, mostly due to what I said about girls being treated with proper respect. She had two very loving parents, but after her mother was sealed away by the shinobi, she became resentful towards them, and started wishing that they would all die for their actions. Also, I can't help but feel sorry for her, even though she refuses to accept pity and sympathy, like Usagi's aunt, Nehelenia did, until she died by Sephiroth's hands. Now we finally understand why you've chosen to seal away the yoma with that technique Karuga taught you, the Fumakourin," Sora explained to her.

"After I met Fubuki, I decided it was wrong to kill them. But, that's also against our orders," she admitted to them.

"I know what you mean. You may get into some serious trouble with your elders, and they'll have you suffer a severe reprimandation for your actions, as well as get expelled for what you're doing," replied Kirito.

"But you don't need to do this on your own, Asuka, even though you don't want anyone to bear the brunt of your suffering," said Riku, who joined them.

"Would it be okay if I told Homura and Miyabi?" Yumi asked them.

"Sure, I doubt that there's any point in hiding it now," replied Asuka.

"Thank you, Asuka," said the snow kunoichi.

"Hmph… our time is approaching, Fubuki. The world will die, and the yoma will reign eternal. But what you don't know is that I will be the one who will further fuel your hatred of all life on all worlds, thus making you become a true killer," Sephiroth said from far away.

He soon stormed off towards a river as the snow continued to fall.

"Do you think they'll come?" Rasetsu asked her master.

"Yes, I'm sure that they will. Now that they're aware of my true identity, they will have no choice but to fight," replied Fubuki.

"Good. Then it appears that we have company at long last," grinned Nuno.

"You're right," she smirked, as she saw Kagura and Naraku approaching them.

Of course, the yoma slayer did have a feeling the battle would be long and difficult. Naraku, however, assured her that she would not go down without a fight, despite having a partial chance of success. They soon looked at the three of them.

"Ah, hello, Kagura and Naraku. I must admit, I'm actually pleased that you've come here. Regardless, the end of all life on this world has been assured, as it was written in the Book of the Stone. And yet, you now see that Fubuki is indeed a child of two worlds," he said to them.

"What Nuno says is the truth," added the dark haired hybrid.

Then she unleashed her Yoma Trigger.

"And this is the proof, Kagura," she said to her.

Kagura transformed into her true form, as Nuno stood back.

"Looks like I'll have to kill you then!" she said firmly.

At the same time the battle was beginning, Homura and the others soon heard the news.

"So why are you telling us this?" demanded Miyabi.

"Look, I know you don't like hearing any reasons, Miyabi, but it doesn't matter anymore. The yoma may be creatures from another world, but still, hearing that they are capable of feeling true emotions doesn't make them truly heartless. But this war has gone on for far too long," said Terra.

"Given what you guys have told us, I'd choose to sympathize with Fubuki, but her story isn't that different from ours," replied Homura.

"And we all know that Yumi's companions have lost their mothers and fathers in the past. Therefore sealing yoma away instead of ruthlessly destroying them is a better way, whether you may like it or not," explained Sora.

"Oh, just stop with this bullcrap! Destroying yoma is my destiny and that's the end of it, Sora. That is my oath of vengeance," scoffed the white haired kunoichi.

"Vengeance will solve nothing, Miyabi," interjected Kairi.

"Not another word from you! We've said enough," she interrupted, and stormed away.

"Poor girl. Her mother was killed by a yoma after all," Homura said quietly.

"Even still, revenge can't bring back your loved ones. It only results in nothing but sorrow and shame," replied Ventus.

"It's true. We all know why Sora refused to kill Xehanort, after he struck me down. I warned him not to lose himself to vengeance, or else it would lead to history repeating itself, like that terrible curse of attrition the Lost Masters unleashed in the past," said the redhead.

"Gawrsh, Asuka. Don't you think that not eliminating these yoma kinda violates what your superiors are telling you?" Goofy asked.

"Yeah, Homura and her friends may be renegade for life, but what about everyone else?" Donald asked as well.

"I think we should probably hold off on that question, guys. We'd be ready for the big fight soon, so no slacking off," said Axel.

"Regardless of the consequences, I'll still do it. I've made my choice," Asuka replied.

"Understood, Asuka. However, I must warn you to be cautious, otherwise we may be forced to take the direct approach if your plan fails," said Reeve.

Asuka nodded and walked off, but Sora followed after her. To their surprise, there were all of her friends standing near her, who told her that they had heard what she believed, regardless of what was coming, which meant that they would also bear the brunt of the harsh punishment and reprimandations that would come with it.

"See, you're not alone, Asuka. Not at all," Sora said to her.

Everyone had to agree, and they all shared a warm group hug with each other, but part of her felt sad that she would no longer fight with her friends. That night, everyone was sound asleep, but Homura couldn't sleep. She was now thinking about who was responsible for sealing Fubuki's mother back to the yoma realm. Meanwhile, Yumi knocked on the door to Kagura's room and asked if they could talk. But when she entered her room, she found that she was gone. Beyond, Kagura and Fubuki clashed furiously with each other. Both opponents were now locked in their brutal war of attrition, while Naraku and Rasetsu watched from a distance.

"Poor foolish Fubuki. In time, the truth about why I lied to you about having you bear my child to continue Grandmother's legacy will come to the surface, and then you will soon realize that everything is truly evil and must be expunged," he grinned proudly.

But he still watched the fight, despite their subordinates watching from the sidelines, although Rasetsu still believed in their similar ambition.

"What's wrong? You seem out of breath," Fubuki said.

"Save your worrying for yourself. I'm probably just fine," remarked Kagura.

As she was contemplating her next move, Yumi was growing more worried as she was now searching for her ally. An explosion sounded in the distance, which meant that there was indeed a battle taking place.

"Oh, good show, you two. Very good show. However, as we are aware of the rules of engagement, we have no right to intervene," smirked Nuno.

He turned to Fubuki.

"Do it!" he called to her.

Both she and Kagura were suddenly in agreement, and the two of them unleashed their strongest attacks against each other. Suddenly, Yumi arrived, giving Fubuki the edge she needed. Kagura was defeated, having come to accept that she was not meant to fight the hybrid. That honor belonged to Yumi alone. Yumi and Naraku rushed to her side, even as Fubuki glared down at them, and Rasetsu and Nuno joined them. Suddenly, Sephiroth appeared on the other side.

"The war of attrition is now coming to an end. Mother's destiny shall come to pass," he said to them.

"However, just know that I'm sparing Kagura's life. I want you to see us destroy everything I hate. That is the will of Jenova's justice," Fubuki added, then they vanished into the darkness.

Kagura slowly recovered just enough. She then apologized for her mishap, but informed Yumi that this was indeed her battle.

"But what if I can't do it?" she asked.

"You have to, Yumi. You must help your foster sister affirm her true belief in the other form of justice, rather than the justice of Jenova. That's what I choose to believe about you. Also, no matter how many times you get knocked down, you gotta keep getting back up, no matter how hard it's gonna be. Don't ever lose your belief in the fire of hope. That accessory she may be carrying, which Roxas told me about, after you told us everything, she's trying to finish things the old Kurokage started long ago, until he changed his ways and became a much more humble person before his heart returned to Kingdom Hearts to rest in peace. The answer will always lie inside each person's heart, even your own," Sora said as he joined her.

But from far away, Fubuki and Rasetsu had at last found the gateway, and it opened wide for them. The final battle was now just around the corner.