Tengu City Picnic Stories: Sora in Senran Kagura Shinovi Masters

by kbarks

Today in Tengu Park, Sora, Asuka, and Yumi now tell our heroes the story of how he and his friends fought against Fubuki, who was being influenced by Sephiroth, the One-Winged Angel, and was motivated by a desire to destroy everything that she hated with all her heart. It's a story that's not for the feint of heart, but you'd best be ready to read at your own risk. Rated T-15.

13. Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Hometown

Yumi now lay on the ground, battered and beaten, even in her Ice Queen state. She looked at the hairpin at her side, then carefully picked it up. Standing up she faced Fubuki, still in her Yoma Trigger, and the two siblings decided to continue the battle. Now they were truly fighting without holding back. Elsewhere, at the construction site, everyone was in awe as Rasetsu slowly stalked towards Asuka.

"Leave her alone, Rasetsu! This fighting has gone on long enough!" Sora said bravely, as he stood between her and his girlfriend.

"Yeah, what Sora said!" agreed Hibari.

Rasetsu looked around her, and saw that everyone was well and truly united.

"It doesn't matter how many of you there might be. I will see to it that all of you will perish for Fubuki's sake! Even if it costs me my own life," she declared.

"Yeah, yeah. I get what you mean, foo. But let me ask you somethin' that Asuka would. Wha'choo gon' get after you sacrifice everything for that girl's sake?" Barret asked the yoma.

"If you must know, it's because her mother once saved my life," explained the yoma.

"What? Fubuki's mother risked her life to save you?" questioned Xion.

"You find that bizarre, don't you? That I would be willing to face death in order to repay an old debt," Rasetsu said to them.

"Even so, I'd choose to respect Fubuki's mother, even though she's no longer by her daughter's side. And yet, I hold respect for almost anyone I meet. These kunoichi, the Sailor Guardians, the magical girls of Mitakihara, and all of my friends and family. They're what truly make me strong. And even if I do start to give myself over the vengeance, I know that they'd help me try and stay true to myself, no matter what I'd do. That's my reason for being here. But even still, destroying everything that I cherish… is something neither of us would want at all!" Sora explained to her.

"So, what do you intend to do?" she asked him.

"If you wanna know our reason, Rasetsu, then I'll give the most straightforward answer I've got. Seal you behind closed doors forever more. And if I give in to vengeance, so be it. I'll endure the exile. Anything to protect them. Death is something that all of us are afraid of accepting, and today will actually be a good day to live!" he answered her.

Reading his Keyblade, Sora turned to the others.

"Let's give this all we've got, everyone!" he said to them.

Then everyone assumed their new set of garments, as they were now well and truly one all powerful force of light. Meanwhile, the remaining members of Team Gessen rushed off to find Yumi and Fubuki, by tracing their connection to them with their hearts, despite Minori's concern, until they assumed their garments they wore at the tournament. At the same time, the others were now fighting Rasetsu with everything they had.

"I've got you, Ikaruga!" Cody said, jumping towards her and catching her in his arms.

"Imu, Murasaki, give it all you got!" called Roxas.

Everyone was fighting with all they had, but Rasetsu was truly powerful, no matter what they had. At Homura's urging, Asuka soon unleashed the Fumakourin, but then she began to grow faint. However, Rasetsu had come prepared to fight back against the technique thanks to Fubuki's warning.

"More power. I just need a little more power. That's all I want," she said.

The yoma quietly apologized to Fubuki, then broke free of the technique, transforming into a much more grotesque version of herself.

"What!? How can this be?" Roxas asked in shock.

"Everyone, fall back!" called Sora, even as he saw Rasetsu swiping at them.

But Miyabi still stubbornly lunged at the yoma, only to get tailwhipped away from her. Everyone was now growing steadily worried, despite wanting to continue the fight.

"Sora, no! Don't lose yourself to despair! Remember what I said to you about why there's more to light than meets the eye," called Master Eraqus' spirit.

Elsewhere, Yumi and Fubuki fought, despite the memories they shared. At the same time, Rasetsu continued to rampage like a wild animal.

"Don't give up now, you guys. We've all come so far together, so let's really give it our all against Rasetsu. This time, the only way we can seal her away, is if everyone unites their hearts with mine, then I'll ensure that she's sealed back to where she came from," Sora told them.

He turned to Homura.

"Homura, you've seen how Asuka used that technique on her own, so you should also know it too. And that means, maybe Miyabi can use it as well, once she comes to accept that revenge is not the way," he said to her.

"That's actually a good idea, Sora. So, let's go and test your theory," replied Homura.

"Now hold on a minute," protested Asuka.

"Oh, enough of the arguing. I actually like that idea, so I'm more than happy to give it a test drive," she said, shutting her down in an instant.

"In that case, we'll buy you guys a bit more time. That way, you can both work together once Rastesu's subdued," called Sailor Mars.

"We've all seen death and destruction before, because we all know that sacrifices are not okay. But sometimes, even a great sacrifice, like letting someone else finish what you started, can mean the difference between victory and defeat," added Sailor Mercury.

"Then let's stand… AS ONE! For we will not be broken, as long as we walk the path we believe in!" finished Sailor Moon.

They fought the yoma with all they had, even with both rivals helping out. The two allies then used the Fumakourin, but this time it was much stronger. As they did so, Yumi and Fubuki lunged at each other again, but his time, the elder foster sibling sent her flying up into the air, and she disappeared beneath the icy water below. While that was happening, Senkou and Gekkou arrived.

"You too again? What do you want?" she asked.

"To save somebody," replied Gekkou.

"Oh, you poor pathetic fools. Yumi has fallen in battle. She has failed to change Fubuki's mind," sneered Nuno.

"Well, believe it or not, Yumi isn't the person who needs saving," remarked Senkou.

"The one we came to help is in front of us. It's you, Lady Fubuki," added her sister.

"Heh heh heh heh heh heh heh… There's no saving Fubuki. She has embraced Mother's justice, and together we will make our claim to Kingdom Hearts," chuckled Sephiroth.

"Oh yeah, well you're wrong," she remarked, and they walked past him.

"Very well, traitors. If you believe you can unfreeze her heart from this block of blackened ice, let's see if you can," he said, and stepped back from them.

"Nuno, I suggest you do the same," he called to his son.

"As you wish, Father," replied Nuno.

"Go on then. Don't just stand there, or perhaps I should make the first move," Fubuki said darkly.

But she suddenly felt their hands touching her own.

"This is a technique that we both learned from Yumi," Senkou said.

"It's the justice that Master Kurokage taught her. She called it warmth," added Gekkou.

Fubuki was enraged at what she heard.

"UNHAND ME! I HAD WARMTH! BUT WHO WAS IT THAT RIPPED EVERYTHING AWAY FROM ME!? IT WAS THE SHINOBI!" she screamed.

"But if you want, you can have that warmth again," the first twin said.

"That's right, because we still care about you!" cried the other twin.

"I have the blood of a yoma! Human warmth can't reach me! And it'll never be able to! Let go! If you don't, you'll die!" she roared.

"No, we won't abandon you!" protested Senkou.

"Not now or ever! We'll always be here!" cried Gekkou.

Then the Gessen team arrived to stop them.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded towards them.

"I believe I have an answer. They've come to avenge Yumi, whom you mercilessly killed in cold blood," smirked Nuno.

"Go on then. Disgrace Kurokage's spirit with vengeance," Sephiroth said to them.

But the four of them refused.

"Oh, have you chosen to not seek vengeance?" he asked them.

"No," remarked Yozakura.

"Then if you will not fight, then you shall die as hopeless worms in the dirt," glowered Nuno as he drew Essence Shard.

"Actually, you're wrong," she said to them.

The others agreed with her, as they knew that this battle was Yumi's. Fubuki tried to protest this, but she sensed something off in the ice. A burst of bright blue light erupted, and Sora knew that Yumi was indeed alive. Aghast, Fubuki saw that she had cheated death, but then Rasetsu struggled with all of her strength, and finally, the technique broke again. Everyone was shocked, but Sora finally had enough, and he slowly marched forward.

"I'll stall Rasetsu," Sora said, who saw that she'd broken free.

"What!?" Asuka, Miyabi, and Homura asked in shock.

"The Fumakourin may be powerful, but the one who uses it alone will die, and that's something I could never allow at all. Fubuki still has traces of humanity within her heart, and I won't let her just throw it all away like that, so that the other part of her that is Yoma takes over her being. Also, Miyabi, it's true your mother's gone, but she wouldn't want you to become so wrapped up in vengeance, that you'd forget who you are and become your own worst enemy. That's why, I'm not just a sword that cuts through the darknes. I'm also a shield for the people I cherish, and I'm also Justice incarnate. Your mother's voice has always been telling you not to wrap yourself up in thoughts of seeking revenge for her demise, because what happened that day wasn't your fault. She wanted you to live, but she's always in your heart, no matter what, just like how all of my friends are in my heart. And even if they're not with us in body, they are always with us in spirit, so that nobody is ever truly alone," he explained.

Rasetsu roared furiously at Sora, who didn't flinch, until she saw him attain his Ultra Divine Lucian Harmony Form. Then without warning, he attacked the creature, knowing full well that it was just like any demon, much to everyone's surprise.

"Okay Rasetsu, let's finish this, right now," Sora said to the yoma, and he lunged at her.

(So, this is what it's come to, guys. Play Footfalls, the theme of Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker for this battle between Sora and Rasetsu)

"Heart of ember, autumntide

Cooling swiftly, bleeding light

Smold'ring softly, biding time

Marching forward, left behind

Fire as shadows clash

Forgotten footfalls engraved in ash

Fire will be repaid

'Fore our echoes begin to fade

Fade away...

Fade away...

Heart of ember, autumntide

Burning brightly, hot and white

Kindred severed neverwhere

Sorrow's silence, we needn't bear"

Suddenly, Rasetsu felt her tail be lobbed off her, by Sora's Keyblade, causing her to howl in pain, which echoed everywhere, drawing all of his other friends to his side.

"Asuka, are you okay?" Riku asked, as he cast Curaga on her.

"Yeah, I'll be fine, Riku. Now, let's end this battle by helping Sora out together!" replied Asuka, and everyone charged at Rasetsu.

"Stories sown along the way

Tales of loss and fire and faith"

Dys an sohm in [Our slumber disturbed]

Rohs an kyn ala na [All my brothers wake]

Mah morn [Death comes]

Dys an sohm in [Our slumber disturbed]

Sahl djahs afah an [Vengeance will be ours]

Storm of blood, born from blood, of our fallen brothers

Thunder stilled, oaths fulfilled, now we yearn for freedom

Born in blood (still we forge ahead), stained in red (unto tomorrow)

Bound by love (so we forge ahead), purpose fed (unto tomorrow, bring us tomorrow)

Courage thrives (ever forge ahead), hand in hand (unto tomorrow, welcome tomorrow)

Souls aligned (that we forge ahead), forge ahead (yeah, we forge ahead, yeah, we forge ahead)

Forward"

"Sora, I get it now. You really do remind us of someone we cherish, like our friends, our rivals, and our families. They're what make us truly strong, and I see now that my mother was right to warn me about seeking revenge for no reason at all," admitted Miyabi, welcoming his light into her heart, as well as accepting friendship as a part of her.

"Our song of hope, she dances on the wind higher, oh higher

E'er our vows endure, and remain forever strong

Standing tall in the dark do we carry on

On wings of hope, you rise up through the night higher, oh higher

Carrying our song, cradled fast within your arms

That its chorus might ring for all

One brings shadow, one brings light

Two-toned echoes tumbling through time

Tumbling down to the never"

"This will be the end, Rasetsu! When all is said and done, this world will know the true meaning of peace, that all Warriors of Light fight for, until we draw our final breath, until the heavens howl, until our descendants continue our fight! FOR WE ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE JUSTICE OF KINGDOM HEARTS!" Sora cried out, and at his signal, all three kunoichi used the Fumakourin upon Fubuki's companion.

"Every step we take

Echoes in our wake

Winding 'round our fate

To forge ahead

Should we lose our way

Tire of all this pain

We won't be afraid

To forge ahead

Fearless hearts ablaze

(When the world comes crumbling down)

No more time to waste

(Know I'll be there)

No, it's not too late

(Though our fleeting moment has gone)

To forge ahead

(You're not-you're not alone YEAH)

As we ride again

(As you turn your eyes to the stars)

To another end

(Oh, I'll be there)

Where it all begins

(With my chorus guiding you)

Forge ahead

(Forge ahead)"

However, once Rasetsu saw that she was going to be sealed away by the Fumokourin at long last, she looked upon Sora.

"I have no regrets. Because in the end, I fought for Fubuki. And that's all that matters," she said to him.

"See you on the other side, Rasetsu. It's been a bash," he replied, and in the next instant, he pointed his Keyblade at her.

A beam of light burst from the tip, and then she was gone, back to her domain, when the click of a lock was heard.

But then Sora and Miyabi looked at each other, but then they suddenly embraced fully.

"Sora…I…I…" she tried to say to him but couldn't bring herself to say it.

"Miyabi, devils never cry. These tears, tears are a gift only humans have," Sora assured her.

"But it was almost too late for me when I almost succeeded in giving into vengeance," protested Miyabi.

"No, Miyabi. It's never too late…." he argued quietly, but then they heard a loud howl from far away.

"And we humans never give up. Are you with me, guys?" Sora asked his friends.

"We are, Sora!" replied the Warriors of Light.

They knew that they had to come to Yumi's side, so that they would let her know she was not truly alone. Luckily, Asuka was being carried by him in his Divine Harmony form after he transformed out of his Nephilim Soul Drive form.

"Let's rock!" he cried, and the strange group rushed to Yumi's side, thanks to their strong connection to her heart.

At that same moment, Fubuki sensed that Rasetsu had vanished, and her dark aura burst out, stronger than before, as she and Yumi charged right at each other once more. Their clash was fierce, but the Snow Angel of Gessen still refused to yield or accept death, so long as she believed in Sora's belief of ensuring that her foster sister would never give up on her humanity, so that the great war would end between humanity and the yoma, so long as there was someone who was the true sword and shield of light, rather than darkness, as long as she believed in the Justice of Kingdom Hearts. With one final strike, Fubuki was sent flying, and landed on the ground, battered and beaten, just as Sora came to the sight of their battle, along with all of his companions.

"This fight is over, Fubuki. As of now, I am not just a shield to protect the people, I'm the Sword of Light that carves a path through the darkness, and the symbol of true justice. I'm also the Keyblade Master, the Warrior of Light, and many more titles, and I can feel a very strong trace of humanity in your heart. It's time to let go of your past, so that you can forge a different path, just like Kurokage did, after his heart became filled with regret from his previous actions," Sora said to her.

Beyond the battlefield, Kagura, Naraku, and the Mikagura sisters all stood near the portal, as the Yoma slayer decided it was time to close shut the gates of that dark world, so that no new threats would dare try and pour out, resulting in Sora entering his Nephilim Soul Drive form, so that he would ensure that no new beasts would break through. The battle was finally over, which meant that the clash was well and truly ended. Everyone was now standing at that very battlefield where they saw the beaten Fubuki, and began chatting with each other. Haruka soon got a call from their teacher, Rin, who was still using her Suzune alias to let them know what was going on. The greater news was that Kiriya, Hanzo, Sayuri, and many more had managed to have the yoma banished to their realm, as Asuka and Homura sat beside each other, despite being fierce rivals. Soon, Miyabi joined them, and they bumped fists with each other, much to her relief.

"Um, hey Sora, I'm really sorry for making you worry, as well as attacking you without a good reason," she said to him.

"Asuka, it's okay. I've cast that memory aside right now. And yet, no matter how much you didn't want to admit that you don't want to do things with us, our love has never wavered, because I'll always love you, no matter what," Sora replied, and the two of them shared a passionate kiss with each other.

"Aw," cooed Katsuragi.

"Oh boy, here comes some more competition for me, but at least I'm proud to include Asuka in our family," admitted Sailor Venus.

Looking out towards the frozen lake, they all saw Fubuki laying dazed and surprised, unaware that a voice in her head was telling her to forsake everything for the sake of vengeance, instead of justice, right as Yumi approached her, with the emblem of the Sword and Shield in her hand. She gently placed it into her hand. Fubuki wasn't sure what that meant, but the voice grew louder and louder as she gazed at it, telling her to unleash her true dark power, and accept that the human part of her that was her father was dead, and that all that remained, was her yoma self.

"You dropped this earlier," Yumi said to her foster-sister.

But as she walked back to her friends, who were anxious to return to Gessen, they heard Fubuki laughing maniacally, as she felt the darkness take over her being, as the crimson markings from her yoma form suddenly returned, but began to burn her flesh, even though she'd ignore the pain. Yumi whirled round to face her foster sister again, who was slowly rising up onto her feet. Little did they suspect that Aiden Fall had implanted some of his darkness in her heart, just as Master Xehanort did to twelve other people to serve in his Organization XIII, after gathered them from other timelines to place pieces of his heart into them, including Terra after he placed his heart into him, as part of his true backup plan to remake the X-blade, which caused her to become even more feral, causing her Yoma Trigger to activate in a burst of pure darkness.

"I have no need for swords and shields, Yumi. And I have no desire to fight for any kind of justice that you and your foolish friends seek. My path is laid out before me in darkness and death. I now know that all humans are a disease that must be cleansed from this accursed world. The human part of me that is my father, died the same day he died after banishing my mother with that accursed technique. I am now all yoma, and no longer the same Fubuki you knew before. Grandfather's beliefs mean nothing to me now! Your justice ends here! AND YOUR MEANINGLESS EXISTENCE WITH IT! AS OF THIS MOMENT, NOTHING MATTERS, EXCEPT FOR VENGEANCE! THE END OF ALL THINGS HAS ARRIVED!" Fubuki said, as she got back up, and cast aside the emblem.

"What!?" gasped Yumi, shocked by this sudden change before her.

"But that's crazy! You can't give up on the sword, shield and justice, Fubuki! There's no way any of us will let you slaughter innocent people for your own selfish deeds!" added Sora.

"Do not attempt to defy me!" she barked back at them, sending Sora flying back with a powerful burst of darkness being sent towards him with a wave of her fan.

"I have chosen my destiny, and I will stick with it!" declared the hybrid.

But even after Fubuki rose up to her feet, her aura suddenly shot up granting her even more power than ever before, causing Yumi to prepare for battle so that she would try to stop her again. The shockwave of her powerup caused both Senko and Gekkou to be sent flying back away from her, and they landed in a crumpled heap on the soft white snow.

"I make my own rules. This world will die, and all the people, shinobi or otherwise, will all be exterminated by my hands," declared the hybrid.

"Fubuki, that's enough! All this fighting is pointless now. But hearing you say that you wish to continue this senseless bloodshed is only going to lead to history repeating itself, making you just like our grandfather was after he went mad and tried to have all evil extinguished, because he believed that light will always triumph over darkness, rather than darkness triumphing over light, as Asuka once told me before we attempted to kill each other due to our differing beliefs in justice. However, Grandfather stopped this senseless battle and said that I'm his light, just like how you were his light, but now you plan on throwing it all away for your own selfish desires, just so that you can condemn this world to death for no good reason," Yumi protested.

"So, you would choose to fight for the people after all. But I have no time for games, destiny is at hand. Who will rule, the shinobi chosen to bring forth vengeance, or your pathetic band of shinobi who believe something as hopeless as justice? I was born the daughter of a human and yoma, but after they died, the Fubuki you saw died as well, and I was reborn to bring darkness and death to all living things in the Realm of Light, and all other dimensions and universes," Fubuki explained.

"No, you're wrong. Justice and vengeance may indeed be like two sides of a coin, which is true for all types of people, places and things in every known universe, but Asuka, thanks to her connection to Sora, once said to me that you don't prove anything by showing off a lot of special techniques, because a shinobi's true strength comes from the heart, and all the people that they're connected to," she argued.

"Ha! A shinobi's true strength comes from the heart and the people they're connected to? I have no need for such foolish ideals to prove my worth!" scowled her foster sister.

She sent forth another burst of darkness, which Yumi promptly evaded by stepping to the side, and the black flames surged right towards Sora, who quickly jumped clear, as it struck the ground behind him, sending trees and snow flying everywhere, until he was buried beneath them.

"Instead of all this pointless banter, I believe the two of us should finally see which one of us is truly right after our conflict is settled. Now come, Yumi! Let us find out who's belief shall triumph first! FOR WE WILL NOW FIGHT TO THE DEATH!" cried Fubuki, as her darkness had now fully taken over her being.

Both she and Fubuki charged furiously at each other again, but this time, their clash caused a massive explosion that sent everyone flying back around them, which caused Asuka and her remaining friends to rush to the aid of their allies.

(Oh crap, this is really starting to turn into a brutal sibling rivalry, so play Brother, My Brother by Blessid Union of Souls for this fierce clash)

Elsewhere, Sora, had managed to crawl his way out from beneath the snow and debris, then drank down a potion to heal any injuries he sustained. Then he heard a sound from far away. It sounded like clashing blades. He turned and saw in the distance, explosions erupted in the clearing beyond. Sora saw to his horror that it was both Yumi and Fubuki.

"Oh no," he murmured.

"Brother, my brother,

Tell me what are we fighting for?

We've got to end this war,

We should love one another.

Oh can't we just pretend

This war never began?

We can try, brother, my brother.

We face each other from different sides

The anger burns, can't remember why

It's kinda crazy to cause such pain

Our foolish pride makes us hate this way

We watch our world fall apart

Tell me what good is winning

When we lose our heart?

Brother My Brother

Tell me what are we fighting for

Isn't life worth so much more?

We should love one another

Oh can't we just pretend

This war never began?

Tell me why, brother my brother

We can try, brother my brother

Let's take a moment and look deep inside

And say we're willing to give love a try!

We're not as different as we seem to be

There's so much more to me than what you see

Don't have to be this way!

Think about the consequences

Turn around and walk away!

Brother My Brother

Tell me what are we fighting for

Isn't life worth so much more?

We should love one another

Oh can't we just pretend

This war never began?

Tell me why, brother my brother

(Tell me why!)

Brother My Brother

Tell me what are we fighting for

Isn't life worth so much more?

We should love one another

Oh can't we just pretend

This war never began?

Tell me why, brother my brother"

(And the song ends, with both Yumi and Fubuki still locked in their brutal clash of beliefs, which suddenly makes everyone grow worried for the both of them, just like Sora is)

Both foster siblings soon charged at each other, their fans clashing like swords, which was a thousand times more intense than anyone could realize. Fubuki growled in fury, even as Yumi tried everything to make sure she didn't allow her own foster-sibling to become a lost cause, but their battle still continued unabated. Above, black clouds rolled closer and closer, then came thunder and lightning. It was almost as if the heavens were crying out in fury at the sight of this brutal conflict below, which would indeed force the hands of the gods. But when Sora saw what was going on, he was worried, and so decided that he'd have to find a way to stop the battle from spiraling out of control. He had to find his way back to his friends, by tracing his connection to them with his heart, giving him the perfect chance to run back to them. The other kunoichi and Warriors of LIght saw what was going on, and they were horrified by what they were seeing.

"No way. Shinobi aren't meant to fight without a reason. Nor by clashing ideologies. This senseless violence is just terrible. Good or evil, we are who we choose to be, but this is not what any of us would want to do, even after meeting those who became friends, allies, or rivals. It's too much to bear. The only thing that can come from this kind of fighting is nothing but pain and anguish. It's wrong to fight without believing in something, just as Sora would want to tell us," admitted Ikaruga.

"You're right. This truly is the wrong way to settle your differences with someone you've known for a while, even if you were destined to be enemies. Take Tod and Copper, for example. They chose to defy that destiny, and that proved that friendship will always be stronger than hatred, even though they were different creatures, a fox and a hound, but their bond slowly started to crumble, until Tod saved his friend and Amos Slade from being killed by that big black bear. But Fubuki has forgotten that it's truly wrong to force any warrior to fight a battle in a manner that's not befitting of them. We choose how to fight, not some other force that uses darkness to try and make us become our own worst enemies. How we decide to win is a part of who we are, and such senseless violence would only serve to tear us apart, as well as beget even more violence. This kind of bloodshed is something that some of our friends would never allow at all. We all live in different universes, but we all share the same beliefs, no matter who or what we are. How we choose who wins and who loses doesn't really matter at all," added Riku.

"This is the kind of trouble that none of us could ever be prepared for. But seeing Yumi and Fubuki fight like this is something that I wouldn't dream of doing, even in front of all of you. It would be like seeing the old you clashing with yourself in this moment, but sometimes love is far stronger than hatred, as Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus once told me, because being ruled by something as vile as hate, just so that it controls you, is something none of us would really want, even as we watch this unreasonable battle of wills. That's why it's more like a nightmare, given life of its own," admitted Hibari, and she collapsed against Roxas and cried.

"Hibari…" murmured Roxas, and he gently wrapped his arms around her, but Minori collapsed against him, sharing in her belief, and she too wrapped her arms around them and cried as well.

"Hibari's right, you guys. Even though I care about Homura, Mirai, Yomi, and Hikage, there's no way I'd think of turning against them so that I can test out my experiments upon them, regardless of what they've chosen to be. Sometimes violence may be the wrong way, even if it meant I had to make someone my own puppets to do my bidding, but in reality the darkness will always make us become our own worst version of a puppet show gone horribly wrong. Sometimes when we face each other in battle, it's to prove who's right and who's wrong, and some arguments can become valid if we make it seem believable. So believe me when I say that fighting against each other with no reason is something that Sora wouldn't even dream of allowing at all. We made the mistake of accepting Dogen's desire to destroy all living things, regardless of what would become of us after we were ensnared in his terrible curse of how one of us accepting defeat would mean death to all of us. After all, we really do have a lot in common with each other. The same world, the same air, the same sky. Now I know that if we were to truly look at what was the same, instead of looking at something that's different, then we'd all agree to fight for a brighter tomorrow, rather than a darker tomorrow, as most of our predecessors would truly want most of all," explained Haruka.

But even as she spoke, Yumi and Fubuki's battle still continued to grow even more intense than before, and soon bursts of light and darkness scattered everywhere as their clash of beliefs still raged. However, the Kunoichi of Snow, still believed in her justice of the moon, while the Kunoichi of Two Worlds still believed in her desire for vengeance and destruction, as they continued their battle. Back in the forest, Sora continued to hurry, until a swarm of Heartless tried to stop him, but he quickly cut through most of them without a second thought.

"I'm really starting to get sick of you," he said even as he cut them down.

He looked towards the battle, and saw Yumi be sent flying back by Fubuki's power, then watched as she crashed against the ground, badly beaten.

"My vengeance is stronger than justice, Yumi! You will not stop my ambition to end all worlds, as well as Kingdom Hearts!" howled the hybrid, who was slightly close to her limit.

"My grandfather would never allow that, and neither would Sora, because of the strong feelings I have for him, Fubuki. That's why he's like a younger version of the very man who took us both in and raised us like his own granddaughters," protested the snow kunoichi, who slowly got back up, and shook her head at her.

"STUPID IDIOT!" screamed Fubuki, sending her flying back, but Yumi quickly recovered.

"Yumi!" called Sora, then furrowed his brow with a grim determination.

He ran towards the clashing foster-siblings, not even caring about anything else, but the fact that seeing either one or both of them die would hurt him in a rather terrible way, just as Asuka feared once when she and Homura cast aside their differences against a common enemy, back when Dogen tried to have them continue to fight to the death. Suddenly, Sora slipped on a rock, and landed hard on the ground, which hurt one of his legs, causing him to cry out in pain, but he still kept going as he got back up and looked at the clashing foster siblings.

"Your only goal is to kill me, Sister!" snapped Fubuki.

"I will do no such thing," Yumi argued.

"You stubborn fool. Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! Kill me! KILL ME! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! DO IT NOW!" howled the dark haired kunoichi of two worlds, who proceeded to slap her in rage and frustration.

But Sora saw what was going on when he got closer to them, and the sight of it made him truly afraid of losing this other snow angel, who seemed to remind him of Weiss, but it also made him remember how his friend Ash refused to let his dear friend, Pikachu,submit to violence for no reason.

"YUMI!" he howled.

"WRETCH!" she screamed, knocking her to the ground, but still Yumi got back up.

"Fine, if you wish to continue this fight, so be it," Yumi replied, and got into her battle stance.

"Please, you need to stop this!" he called, but he dropped to his hands and knees, prompting most of his friends to rush to his side.

"Sora!" cried Shiki.

"Are you okay?" Minori asked worriedly.

"I need to stop it, before this gets out of control!" Sora said as he grew even more worried about Yumi.

"What can we do? All that Fubuki cares about is trying to have the people slaughtered for no reason, out of vengeance. Only when she and Yumi stop, their battle will continue," replied Hibari.

And she was right, for they saw that both Yumi and Fubuki were now engaging each other in yet another fierce clash as the half-blood's darkness continued increasing, giving her even more strength that she craved.

"I'd rather spend my time with our friends and families, than watch these foster siblings try to kill each other, because living creatures refuse to surrender territory to another of their kind without a fight," Haruka said somberly.

"Yeah, you said it, Science Buns," agreed Katsuragi.

"Oh, if only there was truly a way we could really stop them, but I'm not sure if there's one at all. That's when they'll keep fighting until one of them is killed, or will willingly admit defeat after they truly reach their limit, hence the saying, 'There can be only one,'" added Mirai.

"Sometimes rivals who have different ideals can never truly settle their differences unless one destroys the other, much like how Sora told us of how he and Prince Demande once fought over what Sailor Moon would choose to be, until he made the mistake of targeting Sailor Venus, due to their strong resemblance of each other. In other words, this is a battle that only one of them can win, because one of them must die, or they will both agree to kill each other," explained Yagyu.

"This is a battle of attrition, everyone. Neither Yumi nor Fubuki are able to see eye to eye any longer," Kagura said when she arrived with the other Kunoichi, including an exhausted Asuka.

"I don't believe they'll ever stop. It seems that Fubuki is actually adamant about really fighting Yumi to the death," Ikaruga added.

"And that's one fight that nobody will ever win," added Murasaki.

"But sometimes the past can be overcome, if you choose to let go of it, which is exactly what Sora told me before we sealed Rasetsu back into her realm thanks to the Fumakourin, Asuka, Homura and I used after he stalled her long enough to give us the edge we needed to do what had to be done," sighed Miyabi.

"Even still, sometimes Ryona can be an annoyance, but no matter how much I hate her, she's still my sister. Even if I want to kill her so badly, despite Ryoki telling me to always cherish our family, rather than hate it," admitted Ryobi.

Ryona was surprised, but she had to agree with her sister, despite the fact that she knew Ryoki was still alive in her heart.

"Then someone must take a stand. Someone should declare no more and not fight without a reason, just as Asuka would, but everyone deserves to have a chance to live. Yumi, Fubuki, and all of my friends, and yes, even some of my friendly-rivals like Haruka Tenoh, Homura of Team Crimson, and now Miyabi of the New Hebijo Elite Five. That's why, even though Mewtwo was replicated from Mew's genetic material, Ash did say that it did have a heart, just like all the other Pokemon he met during his travels across his own homeworld, including his Pikachu, and the Pikachu that it was replicated from," Sora said in agreement, as his concern for Yumi and Fubuki grew even stronger.

They could all see that after sealing Rasetsu away, that Asuka was truly exhausted, even with Miyabi and Homura's help, but then the marks had slowly begun to fade away as she slowly staggered towards Sora, then collapsed in his arms. However she knew that he was indeed right about how all things, humans, animals, yoma, and all other types of creatures did have hearts, just like their cloned counterparts. Unfortunately, as she did so, Yumi and Fubuki charged at each other again, and their clash soon caused a powerful shockwave, much stronger than before, which sent both their friends and rivals flying about in all directions as they watched the brutal conflict.

"Sora!" cried Asuka.

"Asuka!" Sora called back, as they were sent far away from each other by the blast.

They were now all battered and beaten all over, and most of the kunoichi's transformed clothes were in tatters, as the sun slowly continued to rise, briefly illuminating the dust cloud that had formed from their continuing battle. The black clouds suddenly began to get even more heavy in the sky above, blocking out the rising sun, then came thunder and lightning, as Yumi and Fubuki charged up their aura once more, just as the dust cloud cleared away, showing them still locked in their battle, but reduced to bikinis. They charged at each other again, clashed fans very briefly, then jumped further back from each other on opposite sides of their own personal battle arena. Fubuki's eyes were now filled with murderous intent as her Yoma powers skyrocketed, just as Broly's power did, after he saw his father's deceased form, after Frieza slew him, thus awakening the true power of the Legendary Super Saiyan within him.

"Fubuki, please! Grandfather wouldn't want this! Destroying this world is not true justice! It's pure MADNESS!" cried Yumi.

"Your words will never sway me from my ultimate destiny! If I can't destroy the shinobi for their foolishness, then I'll just destroy this accursed world, the other worlds, and the people living on them with my own two hands, along with Kingdom Hearts itself! ALL HUMANS ARE NOTHING BUT PURE EVIL AND MUST BE EXPUNGED FROM ALL WORLDS! SO SAYS MY BELOVED NUNO, AND MY FUTURE GRANDMOTHER IN LAW, JENOVA, WHO WILL PURGE THE REALM OF LIGHT OF ALL EVIL!" declared Fubuki, who was too blind with rage to see the truth.

"Then I'm truly sorry that it has to be this way, Sister. You leave me no choice but to end this battle, by forcing me to kill you," Yumi said sadly, as her eyes were filled with somber pity for her foster-sibling, as she too felt her power rising as well.

Sora slowly looked up, his whole being covered in scars and bruises, his clothes dirty from the shockwave that sent snow, dirt, and grit everywhere, and saw all of his other friends battered, beaten, and weary from the shockwave. His eyes were filled with shock. He saw that this conflict between siblings would only cause nothing but pain and suffering for the people of that world, despite fighting off Nuno and the remaining Heartless under his command, which did leave him severely winded. Then he turned and saw Asuka utilizing whatever will power she had left in her heart to stand up, and looked at Fubuki and Yumi who were now preparing to charge at each other with two different colored auras surging around their bodies. He remembered how he saw both Mew and Mewtwo in the New Island Stadium wanting to end their battle, as well as Ash's desire to not want the fighting to become a living hell. Unable to deal with it any longer as he saw their aura now at their highest point, he, like his friend Ash Ketchem, stood up, and broke into a run, even as Hibari awoke with a start, despite being reduced to a bikini.

"Sora, wait!" she called.

"Will you guys stop it?!" cried the brunette Keyblade Wielder.

"Forbidden Secret Ninja Art: YOMA EMPRESS!" shouted Fubuki, summoning a sword of pure darkness.

"Ultimate Secret Ninja Art: ICE QUEEN!" cried Yumi, summoning her ice katana.

The two foster-sisters charged furiously at each other with their blades directed towards their hearts, with the intention of killing each other.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" screamed Sora, as he reached the very center of their battle with his arms outstretched to either side.

But as he did, Yumi, shocked by what she saw, tried to stop, but it was too late. Her blade pierced through Sora's chest, and Fubuki's did the same, but from behind, as she too gained a similar look in her eyes, while Sora realized that he was now in the same position that Adam Taurus was, after Blake and Yang had managed to put an end to his madness, by plunging the shattered blade of Gambol Shroud through his blackened heart, ending his malice, just before they came to Atlas to have it repaired. The pain he felt was far too unbearable for him, as he saw that the blades pierced his heart, and a loud scream echoed loudly across the entirety of the Realm of Light, drawing all of his other friends and family to his side when they heard it. Then, a massive explosion of light and darkness erupted from within him, sending them both flying back, and they landed in a crumpled heap, as a cloud of smoke appeared from the explosion.

"SORA!" cried Hibari.

"Oh no!" gasped Yagyu.

"What's happening!?" Asuka asked as the smoke enveloped everyone.

"BUB!" called Homura, despite being his friendly-rival.

"SORA!" all of his remaining friends shouted together.

When it cleared away, there was Sora, now engulfed in a violet light, as he toppled over and fell face down onto the ground, with everyone else watching in shock and terror in their eyes. They saw now that Sora had done the unthinkable deed, by stopping the killing blow.

"Such foolishness. Why would this boy even think of actually stopping our battle?" Fubuki wondered, appalled by what happened after the dust had settled, and reverted back to her normal state.

Yumi slowly stood up, with a bit of help from Yozakura, Shiki, Minori, and Murakumo who's mask had been sent flying off her face due to the shockwave that sent everyone flying back, but was safely returned to her by Cody so that she could put it back on, to hide away what she felt was truly ugliness. However, she decided to hold off for now by holding it at her side as she too was aghast at what she was seeing as well.

"Sora!" Asuka called as she ran to his side.

She stopped and gently turned him over, only to see two sword wounds in his chest, after the blades used by Yumi and Fubuki vanished into nothingness. She saw that they had pierced right through his heart, and blood began to weep from the wounds on his chest and back.

"Are you okay?" she asked him.

"Asuka…I guess…this really is…the end of me," Sora said, his breathing being very labored.

"What are you talking about?" questioned Asuka.

"I didn't want…Yumi and Fubuki…to kill each other. I chose…to stop them…of my own…volition. But…in doing so…their blades…pierced my heart…and now I die…a disgrace to all…Warriors…of…Light," he gasped, as he used whatever strength he had left to gently stroke the granddaughter of Hanzo's cheek with his hand.

"Please, save your strength. You don't need to push yourself," Asuka tried to assure him, as she felt his hand brush her cheek, causing her to hold it in her own.

"Asuka…it's too late…for me. Also…I'm really sorry…for not being able to…help you seal Rasetsu…behind the closed doors…of the Yoma Realm. But…don't forget…that I'll always…love you…Asuka…" Sora said, drawing his final breath.

Then his eyes clouded, his breathing stopped, the strength, and life went out of him, as his hand fell to the ground, and never moved again.

"Sora," gasped Asuka.

She gently stroked his cheek as she held him in her arms, then held him close to her side.

"You can't die," she said, as her eyes began to sting with tears.

"Sora," gasped Yagyu, and the memories of Nozomi's passing played in her mind once again as her eyes filled with tears.

The others slowly awoke from unconsciousness and rushed to Yumi's side, as Fubuki slowly stood up, and looked solemnly at Asuka and Sora. They too saw that Sora was indeed dead. Slain by two kunoichi who had differentiating opinions about how they would fight for justice.

"Please wake up," begged Asuka.

She tried to think of a ninja art that could restore Sora's now motionless form to life, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't even think of the words that came to mind. Again and again she tried with every fiber of her being.

(Play Tears of Life from Pokemon The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back for this touching scene at the 1:36 mark, and let the waterworks commence)

"What have we done, Fubuki?" Yumi asked as her eyes also stung with tears as Asuka's did, as she looked upon the motionless Sora in her arms.

She began to see that Sora was truly a reincarnation of her late grandfather, Kurokage, due to his uncanny appearance, and began to think that his spirit would look at her with disappointment in his eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Sora," she said quietly.

Poor Yagyu, however, saw that it was just like how she saw her sister Nozomi pass away in the hospital after that horrible car crash, even after Sora told her that no one was alone before their final clash with Team Crimson and Dogen at Hebijo, sometime ago.

"Asuka, please stop. Leave him. He's gone. Don't let his sacrifice be in vain, or try to undermine it," she murmured sadly.

"No, Yagyu. Sora's not dead. There's still a spark of life left in him. The love and respect that everyone has for him, and their connection to his heart, is what's keeping his soul tethered to the world of the living," Nozomi's voice said in her sister's mind.

Then finally, Asuka stopped thinking of the ninja art to call people back from death, and began to cry her heart out for Sora, after accepting that there was no such ninja art to call someone back from the dead, as her eyes filled with tears.

"Oh, Sora," she sobbed, gently taking him in her arms.

Her tears rolled down her cheeks and landed on Sora's motionless face, causing something within Fubuki's heart to change, which caused the darkness to fade away.

"Please forgive me," cried Asuka, as she held him close to her.

Everyone else stood in shock, as they too felt the same tears rolling down their cheeks, and they began to weep for Sora as well, as Asuka howled into the sky above. Team Hanzo, Team Crimson, Team Gessen, Team Hebijo, The Mikagura Sisters, Naraku, Kagura, Senko, and Gekkou, who heard her scream of anguish echoing like his screams whenever someone he barely knew had died in front of him, like Prince Saphir of Nemesis' Black Moon Clan from Sailor Moon's world of the future. Everyone wept for Sora, knowing full well that he had indeed been killed. Even Yumi wept for him as well, along with all of Sora's other friends, the Warriors of Light, and his entire family of the many girls he met on his travels, including Team SKYYLAARC.

"If Sora's dead, then our future is doomed," sobbed Momo, who had come to see what was going on in that world.

"Sora… I didn't want you to die by mine and Fubuki's hands. I didn't mean to stain my hands in your blood!" cried Yumi.

The other girls in Sora's family also shared in her sorrow, and they too wept tears of sadness for Sora. Then suddenly, their tears began to emit a powerful light that slowly floated towards Sora's motionless form, still being held by Asuka who was weeping for him. It was almost as if something was making them see that there was something special about Sora that made them feel differently about him. From far away, Kiriya, Hanzo, Daidoji, and Rin watched in awe. They saw the shimmering lights from all the girls' tears floating slowly to Sora's deceased form.

"Sora, I don't want to believe that you died because you chose to stop our sibling rivalry. I don't want to think that at all! I'm not letting you go!" sobbed the ice kunoichi.

Deep inside his mind, which was now a dark blank space, Sora lay on his back as his eyes slowly opened, looking around him, until the environment turned into what looked like the Final World at night.

"This place again," he said.

He slowly sat up and looked at himself from head to foot.

"At least… I'm all here," continued Sora.

Finally, he slowly stood up, and looked ahead of him, but also did check around for any signs of his friends.

"Heeeey! Is anyone out there?" he called ahead of him.

There was no answer.

"Hellooo!" Sora called again, and placed his hand towards his ear.

"Hey," called a voice.

Sora was surprised. It sounded familiar.

"Hey," the voice said again.

"Homura Akemi?" he asked.

"Is it you, Sora?" Homura asked.

"It is me!" Sora called towards the distant voice of Madoka's best friend.

He broke into a run, and soon, Homura's visage became clearer as he approached her.

"I see you," she said.

They both stopped at opposite points and looked into each other's eyes.

"Homura, it's good to see you again," Sora said, feeling relieved.

"And you as well, Sora. I sensed that you died at the hands of both Yumi and Fubuki, when you jumped between them, and now your heart has ended up here in the Final World, where all hearts go before they decide to travel to Kingdom Hearts to rest in peace, like my heart did, along with Pyrrha, Penny, Nehelenia, and Galaxia's hearts," she said.

"I remember that, but why am I here in the Final World again?" questioned Sora.

"Your actions may have saved both foster siblings from killing each other, but now Yumi's disturbed by the fact that your blood now stains her hands, making her feel like she's disgraced my good name, and is about to be branded a traitor to all good ninjas, and executed for her crimes, just like I almost was," came the elderly voice of Kurokage.

"Master Kurokage, Yumi and Fubuki's grandfather," he said in surprise.

"Yes, that's him, Sora. But I also sense my granddaughter, Weiss, is also weeping for you, just as she did before after you saved her life from being struck down by Cinder's burning lance," added another voice.

It was Nicholas Schnee, father of Willow, Grandfather of Weiss, Winter, and Whitley.

"Nicholas," Sora murmured.

"And yet, that was perhaps the most reckless, but brave thing you've ever done, even though your body still lingers in the realm of the living, while your heart is in the Final World," came Sailor Galaxia's voice.

"Galaxia, is it really true that I died?" questioned the spiky brunette.

"No, Sora. You're not dead yet. But you did take a heavy hit when you saved Weiss from being killed, just as Nicholas said. Jumping between both Yumi and Fubuki led to them accidentally plunging their elemental blades through your chest, and you fell in front of them," came the voice of Nehelenia, former Queen of the Dead Moon Kingdom.

"You're right. I did the same thing that Ash did, back when he stopped Mew and Mewtwo from continuing their pointless squabble of who was better," Sora said to himself.

Then he turned to those who were with him at that very place.

"But, if that's actually what happened at this moment, does this mean that I've already returned to Kingdom Hearts?" Sora said to himself.

"Actually, Sora. You are tethered to this part of the Final World, because we still believe that there's much more for you to seek out, just as Ansem the Seeker of Darkness said before he returned to his destiny. That's why we are making sure that you don't die, due to how we are living in your heart," replied Saphir.

"What my brother says is the truth, Sora," agreed Demande.

"Yes, your time to die hasn't come just yet," added Eraqus.

"Master Eraqus. Prince Demande. Prince Saphir," Sora said when he saw them approach him.

"You are not ready to accept death just yet. That time may come someday, but now isn't the most appropriate time, until you learn more about who you really are," explained Penny.

"That's right. You still have much more to do in the living world, because I too am a guiding light to you, thanks to your bond of friendship with Jaune, Sora," added Pyrrha, who joined him.

"I guess, but how am I able to come back to my friends who are around me?" he asked.

"Just as Weiss Schnee used the power of her voice to call to your heart, by focusing on the connection she formed with you, it falls on Yumi's shoulders to make amends with you, after she and Fubuki saw your brave yet daring attempt to stop their Conflict of Beliefs," answered Eraqus.

Sora turned, and through the spectral screen he saw Yumi drop to her knees, crying in shame.

"Yumi…" he murmured.

Sora? I… I finally get it now, thought Yumi, as if she sensed his life force within him.

Fubuki couldn't believe her eyes, as she looked around her, then she too felt tears rolling down her cheeks, which then emitted a similar light like the tears of the other kunoichi and Warriors of Light. The Light of Life was now flowing into Sora through the tears of all the Warriors of Light around her. Asuka's tears also caused the light within them to flow into Sora's form as well as she still continued to hold him, until his body began to glow with a shimmering white aura, which surprised her.

"Sora?" she asked quietly.

"It will be alright, Asuka. My son's life will be saved by another, who also knows the true meaning of love in her heart. Love is more than a feeling. It is like a promise that can never be broken," came the voice of King Regis, who's spirit appeared before her.

And he was right, as Yumi slowly walked up to Sora, and asked Asuka to gently pass him to her so that she could hold him as well.

"Yes, this man is right, Asuka. Sora isn't gone. I can feel his presence in the wind. I can't explain why, but I believe that the tears everyone shed for him is their way of helping find his way back to us. They're known as the tears of life," she explained.

Finally, she looked quietly at him, as a small smile formed on her face.

"Sora. Even though Asuka told me everything she knew about you, I've come to realize that you really are a reincarnation of my grandfather, Kurokage, and her grandfather, Hanzo. I want you to know that even though he may have been complicated in his belief about how darkness should be dealt with, I now know that you really are Justice Incarnate, as well as the true sword and shield of all worlds," she whispered quietly to him.

Then she looked at his motionless face as a tear fell from her cheek and landed on his face, just as Asuka's tears did.

"The one thing that I really wanted to say to you, but was too afraid of admitting, is that I love you, Sora. I didn't actually fall in love with you, just because I wasn't sure how to be a good girlfriend to you, and how you warned Asuka about how I would end our friendship if she continued to withhold her secrets of what she was trying to do to stop Fubuki's madness, or because of what you'd taught me when you fought against her in the Shinovi Masters Arena. I fell in love with you, because you and I are from two different worlds, and you knew nothing about Gessen, my past, or what I'd been through back when I was a little girl. My parents passed away, and I was all alone, even as a child, until Grandfather Kurokage took me in and raised me, and even brought Fubuki to me so that we could learn about the true meaning of justice together, when he saved me from the shadow of loneliness. My grandfather also said that one day, I would be able to find someone, who could truly be the Sword of Light, the Shield of Hope, and the true Symbol of Justice itself. And now I see that the person whom Asuka introduced to me is you. So please, Sora. I want you to listen to what I have to say to you, so that you can come back to us," Yumi said finally.

Then she gently pressed her lips against Sora's. When she did, the clouds slowly parted away, and the sun shone down on all three of them: Sora, Yumi, and Asuka, together, even as she gently laid him down on the snow, and stood back away from him. Then suddenly, Asuka heard Yumi begin to sing something that would call to Sora's soul.

(The song that Yumi's singing is 1000 words from Final Fantasy 10-2, performed by Jade from the band Sweetbox, so play that for this heartfelt moment she's having with Sora, who's heart is still tethered to the Final World, which is slowly turning to day)

"I know that you're hiding things

Using gentle words to shelter me

Your words were like a dream

But dreams could never fool me

Not that easily

I acted so distant then

Didn't say goodbye before you left

But I was listening

You'll fight your battles far from me

Far too easily

'Save your tears 'cause I'll come back'

I could hear that you whispered

As you walked through that door

But still I swore to hide the pain

When I turn back the pages

Shouting might've been the answer

What if I'd cried my eyes out

And begged you not to depart?

But now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart

Though a thousand words

Have never been spoken,

They'll fly to you

Crossing over the time

And distance holding you

Suspended on silver wings

And a thousand words

One thousand confessions

Will cradle you

Making all of the pain you feel seem far away

They'll hold you forever"

Suddenly, deep in that very Limbo between life and death, Sora heard something that seemed familiar to him, making him remember how Weiss had brought him back with the power of her voice. It was Yumi's voice calling to his heart.

"I hear her. I have to go to them," he said.

The spirits of those who were connected to him from the afterlife of Kingdom Hearts nodded in agreement with him, as a door appeared before him.

"Remember, Sora, your heart will be your guiding key, always," Eraqus said, as he watched Sora boldly march to the Door of Life.

"The dream isn't over yet

Though I often say I can't forget,

I still relive that day

You've been there with me all the way

I still hear you say

'Wait for me, I'll write you letters'

I could see how you stammered

With your eyes to the floor

But still I swore to hide the doubt

When I turn back the pages

Anger might've been the answer

What if I'd hung my head

And said that I couldn't wait?

But now I'm strong enough to know it's not too late

'Cause a thousand words

Call out through the ages

They'll fly to you

Even though I can't see

I know they're reaching you

Suspended on silver wings

Oh, a thousand words

One thousand embraces

Will cradle you

Making all of your weary days seem far away

They'll hold you forever"

"Asuka, Yumi, everyone, I'm on my way," Sora told himself, as he broke into a run towards the door.

Then he opened the door, and a bright light appeared, blinding him at first, but it began slowly drawing him into it, so that his heart could finally return to his body.

"Oh, a thousand words (A thousand words)

Have never been spoken (Oh yeah)

They'll fly to you

They'll carry you home (Carry you home)

And back into my arms

Suspended on silver wings (On silver wings)

And a thousand words (Oh)

Call out through the ages (Call through the ages)

They'll cradle you (Oh yeah)

Turning all of the lonely years to only days (Only days)

They'll hold you forever

Oh, a thousand words…"

Finally, Sora's heart started beating again, and he slowly opened his eyes, taking in the sun's light, which shone down on his face, as he now saw that his wounds had been healed, along with his heart. Slowly he stood up, and looked at everyone around him.

"Sora," Asuka whispered.

Sora blinked in confusion, then saw both Asuka and Yumi's smiling faces, and saw that he was with the two very beautiful young girls who had come to love him. A smile formed on his face, when he saw that he was indeed in the Snow Angel of Gessen's arms, while King Regis' spirit faded away, back into the afterlife.

"And I love you, Yumi," he said.

"Welcome back, Sora!" Asuka cried as she and Yumi hugged him together.

All of their friends saw that Sora was alive once again.

"But, are you really okay, even after Yumi and Fubuki…?" she asked, but stopped.

"Yeah, I've never been better. I could actually feel all of your light reaching out to my heart. And I could hear Yumi's voice the whole time. And it's thanks to her that I'm back, because we all know that it'll take more than a few stab wounds to take me down, not while my heart's connected to all of you, my friends and family, the Warriors of Light," Sora answered Asuka.

Then he slowly stood up, and gently pulled Yumi into a loving embrace.

"Yumi, thank you," he whispered into her ear.

"Sora…" Yumi sighed contentedly, and she hugged him back.

"It's a miracle," murmured Ikaruga, who wiped her eyes.

"Yeah. It sure is," agreed Katsuragi, who gently placed her arm around her friend in a comforting manner.

"Welcome back, Bub," Homura said to him.

"Yeah, you really had us scared to death right there, after you jumped between Yumi and Fubuki," agreed Miyabi.

Everyone else had to agree with their words, as Fubuki saw for the first time that Sora was indeed the true embodiment of the sword and the shield, as well as the true symbol of justice. She watched from a safe distance, as all of her former enemies gathered around Sora who slowly stood up, and turned to face her as a small tear rolled down her cheek, then splashed against the snow.

"This boy sacrificed himself to stop me and Yumi from killing each other. I wanted everything to die off, but when these people decided to join forces against an even greater darkness by setting aside their differences, I saw an even greater power that they carried deep inside of their hearts," she told herself.

Then she looked at the revived Sora and walked up to him.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are," Fubuki said to him.

To Sora's surprise, instead of killing him again, he felt Fubuki's arms gently wrap around him and hold him close to her. This was no bear hug of death, it was a more gentle friendly hug, which made everyone surprised, but also happy to know that she had finally let go of her deluded ambition to destroy all life. Sora hugged Fubuki back, and the warmth of his hands made her feel like she was in the warm embrace of her parents once more, before she met the late headmaster of Gessen. After they parted away from each other from their hug, Fubuki slowly turned and walked off into the distance, with renewed perspective.

"Hey, Fubuki, where are you going?" he asked.

"To where my heart can learn what yours knows so well. What transpired here I will always remember. And I know for a fact that I'll also be inside your heart, my friend," replied Fubuki, as she slowly receded into the distance, with Gekko and Senkou trailing behind her.

Sora nodded in agreement, until they were out of sight. Moments after she left, and the celebration was winding down, Sora turned and looked at Miyabi, the leader of Hebijo's new Elite Five.

"Hey, Miyabi, before we part ways with each other, after our scuffle with Rasetsu, the Yoma, the Heartless, and Fubuki, I have one thing I want to ask you," he said to her.

"Okay, so what do you want to do?" Miyabi asked him.

Without any form of hesitation, Sora summoned forth his Keyblade, and held it at his side.

"I want to face you in a one on one battle of truths!" he declared to her.

Miyabi was surprised, even though she was relieved that Sora had survived his extremely close shave with death, but she agreed to fight him and drew her sword.

"Very well then. Win or lose, this battle will decide the true victor!" she said, pointing her blade at him.

"Deja vu. Right, guys?" chuckled Homura.

Sora nodded, and both he and his new rival soon got into a battle stance, as everyone stood and watched their battle.

(Here we go, everybody, because much like with Sora's fight with Homura in the last season, this is one battle where nobody is going to die, now that Miyabi has learned to not let herself be overcome by vengeance. It's time to play Hold on to Your Dreams by Axel Rudi Pell, from Circle of the Oath)

Then, after a brief few seconds of preparing themselves for battle, the two combatants charged at each other, and the fight was on as they swung their weapons against each other.

"I heard you calling

I heard you calling out my name

I heard you screaming, yeah

All day to play your game

Your reputation

So bad to ruin your life

No resignation, words or anything

But it's all about time

Surprise in the morning, remember the night before

Many things we are learning, a therapy behind closed doors

Playing with fire, it's not so easy as it seems

Burning desire, but better Hold on to your Dreams

Our love is a liar, but there are always ways and means

Dancing on a wire, but better Hold on to your Dreams

Hold on to your Dreams

Oh yeah

You keep on moving

Living in a world of sin

You think you're grooving, yeah

But there's no chance to win

You got me yearning

Got me yearning for your love

But realizing what a fool I've been

Teared my heart apart

Surprise in the morning, remember the night before

Many things we are learning, a therapy behind closed doors

Playing with fire, it's not so easy as it seems

Burning desire, but better Hold on to your Dreams

Our love is a liar, but there are always ways and means

Dancing on a wire, but better Hold on to your Dreams

(An awesome Guitar Solo from Axel Rudi Pell himself, as Miyabi and Sora exchange a few words with each other as they continue their clash of blades)

My heart's still burning

So is my soul

Sometimes I'm dying

Where it all would go

Yeah

Playing with fire, it's not so easy as it seems

Burning desire, but better Hold on to your Dreams

Our love is a liar, but there are always ways and means

Dancing on a wire, but better Hold on to your Dreams

Hold on to your Dreams

Hold on to your Dreams, yeah

Hold on to your Dreams

To your Dreams

Hold on to your Dreams

Ho-ho-ho-hold on"

(And so our song ends, with Sora standing tired but triumphant, and Miyabi laying on the ground, truly tired out after the fierce clash, but she's gently helped up to her feet by him, who accepts his offer of a friendly-rivalry)

"I will admit, you're something else, Sora. But, now I finally understand that even all ninja, regardless of what they choose to be, will always fight against an even more dangerous darkness that's pulling our strings, so that they can destroy us," she said, as Sora passed her an elixir that helped her get back to full strength.

"Yeah. Light and darkness are two sides of the same coin, just like justice and vengeance. Even still, I can tell you this, Miyabi. No matter where you go, and whatever side you're on, there will always be a shining spark of light that'll never die, as long as we stand against a far more malevolent darkness that wants to destroy everything we hold dear. That's exactly what your late mother was trying to tell you before she let herself return to Kingdom Hearts." agreed Sora.

However, Homura was anxious for her rematch with Sora, and boldly stepped up after she attained her Crimson form.

"Speaking of which, how about we crank this up to the next level, Sora? You against me and Miyabi, two on one. What do you say to that!?" she asked, despite her excitement.

"You bet, Homura! And to the victor, the mantle of Champion, and Strongest Warrior!" replied Sora.

(Oh boy, here we go again, so play Cha-La Head-Cha-La, the 2005 version by Hironobu Kageyama for this epic battle between the three rivals, Sora, Homura, and Miyabi)

Then both he and Miyabi assumed their ultimate forms, Divine Harmony and Abyssal, and the three of them charged at each other in a fierce clash of truths to see who was truly the strongest of them all, while everyone else watched from a safe distance. Even Fubuki could tell that the clash beyond was intense as she was at an extremely safe distance away, along with both Senkou and Gekkou.

"Sparking!

Hikaru kumo tsukinuke fly away (Fly away)

Karada-juu ni hirogaru panorama

Kao wo kerareta chikyuu ga okotte (Okotte)

Kazan wo bakuhatsu saseru

Toketa koori no naka ni

Kyouryuu ga itara tamanori shikomitai ne

Cha-la head cha-la

Nani ga okite mo kibun wa heno-heno kappa

Cha-la head cha-la

Mune ga pachi-pachi suru hodo

Sawagu genki-dama

Sparking!

Sora wo kyuukouka jet coaster (Jet coaster)

Ochite yuku yo Panikku no sono e

Keshiki sakasa ni naru to yukai sa (Yukai sa)

Yama sae o-shiri ni mieru

Nayamu jikan wa nai yo

Doko ka ni hisomu "bikkuri" ni aitai kara

Cha-la head cha-la

Atama-karappo no hou ga yume tsumekomeru

Cha-la head cha-la

Egao urutora Z de

Kyou mo ai-yai-yai-yai-yai-yai

Sparking!

(Instrumental Break)

Cha-la head cha-la

Atama-karappo no hou ga yume tsumekomeru

Cha-la head cha-la

Egao urutora Z de

Kyou mo ai-yai-yai-yai-yai

Cha-la head cha-la

Nani ga okite mo kibun wa heno-heno kappa

Cha-la head cha-la

Mune ga pachi-pachi suru hodo

Sawagu genki-dama

Sparking!"

Within the moment, Sora stood triumphant over his rivals, who lay battered and broken.

"It is a good day to die, but that time is not now, nor will it come the next day. One day the yoma will return, but this time we'll ensure that they are locked away in their domain… together. Also, if a yoma says that they refuse to be sealed away, then will take it out, but show it a bit of respect," he explained, as they slowly got back up.

"You know, it's strange. You really are indeed just like Asuka, Sora," admitted Miyabi.

"Yeah, they have very similar personalities after all," agreed Homura, and everyone exchanged a friendly laugh with each other.

They soon took each other's hands, and the friendship they forged between was now complete. Moments later, inside a large house, both the Hanzo and Gessen Girls were now setting up the Christmas Tree, setting the table, and even learned from Ikaruga that she had spoken with Asuka about how she and Yumi would be with them shortly, just as Yozakura arrived, dressed in a Santa outfit, much the surprise of the other Warriors of Light.

"Excuse me. Why do I have to wear this? The entire outfit seems really impractical," she groaned..

"But, you can't have Christmas without a reindeer," said Yagyu.

"That doesn't explain the squid outfit," replied Shiki, but Cody slowly walked up to Yozakura, and rested his hand on her shoulder.

"Listen, it's okay, Yozakura. Even though it may sound strange coming from a guy who's not of this world, it's because you're fine as you are," he told her.

Yozakura was a bit surprised, but she gave Cody a kind smile, until he faced Ikaruga.

"As for what happened before in the past, I can tell you this, Ikaruga. Sora's heroic action in stopping Yumi and Fubuki from killing each other actually made me realize that destiny is never truly set in stone. Everyone's free to make their own way in the world, regardless of their own upbringing. When my father, Xehanort, went mad with power, I was afraid that I'd end up becoming like him, but after proving that I'm better than he was, I feel like I can fight to ensure that true balance can be attained, if we ensure that no new darkness tries to disrupt the balance that we've worked so hard to maintain. Especially, considering the fact that I'm descended from Ephemer, who's my ancestor, until his spirit told me that my father went mad after losing a lot of people, leading to him becoming a monster, which Sora chose not to kill for revenge, because he heard Kairi's voice telling him not to stoop to his level," explained Cody.

"You're right, Cody. But, when I learned that you were indeed Xehanort's offspring, a lot of us were worried that you were a spy working for someone who wanted to eradicate all the people in this city, and beyond. But after hearing that you refused to be like your own father, it made me think of Yomi, who despite our differences, had a strong hatred for those who abused their power for the wrong reasons. And now, after seeing you with my own eyes, I can truly say that I love you, Cody Xehanort. You've become something more than just an ally of justice. You're also the bravest man I've ever met, and I'd be honored to be your new girlfriend," Ikaruga said.

Then Cody and Ikaruga slowly walked towards each other, and shared their first passionate kiss with each other, with everyone watching with proud smiles on their faces.

"Way to go, Ikaruga," grinned Katsuragi, but at the same time, she could see that he was very much like her and Sora, who both knew what it was like to have a parent leave them behind, as they parted away from each other.

"I'd better go and check on the others, but I promise to be back soon. Until then, may your hearts be your guiding key," Cody said to them.

"May your heart be your guiding key too, Cody," chimed Hibari, with Yagyu nodding in agreement.

At last, he arrived at Hebijo, no longer under Dogen's control, but under the leadership of Rin, who used the other name Suzune. He saw Miyabi swinging her sword in front of her, like a master of Kendo and Bushido, with the other watching from the sidelines. Murasaki and Imu were impressed, but Ryobi was annoyed as she complained about sitting around doing nothing, even though Ryona would sometimes assure her of new techniques that sounded risque, even when Cody stopped her, by gently tapping her shoulder.

"Even so, she'll keep fighting for what she believes in, no matter what force of darkness is thrown at us. After all, both she, Homura, and Yumi said that Asuka will never be alone, as long as she has us, her friends and rivals to help her out against those that want to destroy the worlds, and I know that Sora will share in that belief too." he said to them.

Miyabi knew that he was right, and vowed to make herself become truly more powerful than any of her friends and rivals. He then left and went to the temple where the Mikaruga Sisters, Renka, Kafuru, and Hanabi had built a snowman, only to see it be blown up by the fireworks of the middle-sister, drawing Naraku and Kagura outside, when they heard the racket, which the yoma slayer called a Christmas Celebration. Cody nodded quietly, then walked down the stairs to the big city, where he found Team Crimson, who were still upset that their battle had left them without anything, and no shifts. Yomi suggested that she could make a bean sprout cake for christmas instead of having turkey, but Homura assured them that she had talked with the manager, who told them that if they worked hard enough, they would have plenty of cakes and turkeys to eat for free.

"I'm glad to hear it, ladies. Besides, each and every one of you, no matter which road you walk, has taught me something that I should never forget. We decide our own destiny, rather than follow a bleak destiny, where darkness wins and light dies. You've all become more than just friends. You're all family, regardless of your upbringings," he said to them.

"You know, it's a bit strange, Cody. Even though you're wearing Xehanort's clothes, you're different from him. Sora told me that nothing matters for people who are born rich or commoners, because he'll always help people who are in need of it, no matter who or what they choose to be. I realized that back then, when he gave me a comforting hug, after he and Ikaruga defeated me, but chose to let me live, along with all of my other friends," explained Yomi.

But then she slowly walked up to him, gently touched his cheeks with her hands, and gently placed her lips upon his. Homura, Mirai, Hikage, and Haruka were surprised. Yomi had kissed Cody.

"I love you, Cody Xehanort. Even more so than you could possibly imagine," she whispered in his ear.

"And I love you, Yomi of Team Crimson," replied Cody, as they shared another kiss.

In another part of the city, Asuka walked alongside Yumi and Sora, when the Snow Angel of Gessen asked her friend how she had been doing.

"Oh, I'm just fine now. And I'm even back to training with everyone. Plus the marks have completely disappeared," she said.

"I'm glad to hear that, Asuka. Still, make sure you know your limits. But, I'm really happy that you're doing okay. I want to enjoy the holidays with all of our friends. No, this family that we've forged through the chains of light that bind our hearts together," replied Sora.

Yumi nodded in agreement, and both she, Sora, and Asuka agreed to have plenty of fun together, when they saw Fubuki just ahead of them.

"I'm not going to kill anymore Yoma. As a shinobi, I'll risk my life to seal them away, no matter what anyone tells me. I've made up my mind," she declared firmly.

"That is my plan as well," agreed Yumi.

"Also, if any new and dangerous yoma refuses to be sealed away, only then will we be left with no other choice but to eliminate them, just like how my friend Dante hunts down the demons of his world," added Sora.

"You know if anything in this world has a counterpart, then the shinobi and yoma are a pair. Perhaps one day, you and I will face off again. Who knows what the future holds," replied Fubuki.

Then she gave Sora the emblem of the sword and shield, which she had recovered after witnessing his brief yet extreme brush with death.

"I want you to have it," she said.

"Really? Are you sure about that?" Sora asked Fubuki.

"Of course, Sora. You're both Justice Incarnate, and the true Sword and Shield," smiled the hybrid.

"I agree," added Yumi.

"Farewell. I'm off to try and find my place in this human world," Fubuki said, but as she left, she turned to face Sora.

"Also, Sora. I want you to know how sorry both Yumi and I are for killing you. However, your death also caused some kind of shift within Yumi that made me realize that she loves you, just as Asuka loves you. Even still, I'm glad that the Tears of Life called your soul back to the world of the living," she said to him.

Sora nodded proudly at her, happy to know that there would always be people who'd make sure that he'd live a good and happy life.

"Thanks, Fubuki. Also, even though you and Asuka never got a chance to face each other in the tournament, I hope that the two of you will have a fair battle of truths, rather than to the death. Because when I enter the Shinobi Masters Tournament, one of us will be waiting for that one on one match. And I promise you, I'll make sure that both Asuka and I look after Yumi, just as she'll look after us," he said, thanks to his Saiyan Soul Drive powers surging through his being.

Fubuki nodded in agreement, then she and Sora shook hands with each other, then turned and slowly walked away, as Gekko and Senko followed after her, but this time on more amiable terms.

"You two. Why are you still following me?" she asked.

"Aren't you ever lonely by yourself?" questioned Gekko.

"No, because I'm not alone. Somewhere in another palace, my mother and Rasetsu are with me," she replied.

"And you have me and Gekko with you as well," said Senkou.

"That's right," agreed her sister.

Fubuki turned to face them as she stopped, and admitted that it was indeed a truly good feeling. Behind them, Sora looked at the emblem in his hand, and placed it in his jacket pocket from the inside. Then finally, he raced up to Fubuki, Senkou, and Gekkou, and stopped near them, drawing their attention to him.

"Before you guys go, I just want to say that even though you did a lot of terrible things back then, like taking Asuka's friends captive, and being blind by an ancient hatred for darkness, like Kurokage was, no one is ever truly alone, and our destinies are not set in stone. But, you've chosen a new destiny, where the people can truly be happy, by creating true balance in whatever world they want to live in. That's something we choose to fight for, and we'll also make a new destiny for ourselves, because the light of the past is stronger than the darkness of the future, and is also powerful like the Magic of Friendship, which binds our hearts together, as a force of undying light," he explained to them.

Gekko nodded happily, and even changed into her transformed state, as well as gave him a warm yet friendly hug, which made Senko and Fubuki smile happily at this strange young warrior. They soon parted ways with each other on more friendly terms, as Yumi and Asuka discussed being their own kind of shinobi that was like the snow, and accepted that where there was light, there would always be darkness. And sometimes from that darkness, a new light would be born in any world, and that same light would become something of its own making. This was the story of a Warrior of Light, who fought alongside many kunoichi who lived in the shadows, but would protect the people from an even more terrible darkness, whilst fighting for the light. With the yoma threat dealt with, and Fubuki finally accepting redemption thanks to Sora's self-sacrificing nature, the world could now be at peace, until a new adventure that would call Sora to a new world that had been summoned forth by Kingdom Hearts.