Chapter 5

Diva

Following the school trip, Origami soon returned to base where her superiors would decide what would become of her, as she stood to attention.

"Master Sergeant Origami Tobiichi, your suspension is lifted as of today," said the commander.

"Ma'am!" replied Origami, snapping to attention.

"Very good. However, one more stunt like this, and there will be no further chances. Make doubly sure that doesn't happen again. In the meantime, new orders have come in, despite Captain Kusakabe's protests. While I'm aware that the AST has the capability for dealing with Spirits, our primary concern is the Ratatoskr group, allied with the RGRO, headed by the traitor Tuesti. However, D.E.M's been gracious enough to have some of their agents to help out the organization, in service to the Empire. Since the recent number of spatial quakes in the past couple of years in Tengu City, it stands to reason that our newest operative, Lieutenant Commander Jessica Bailey, has agreed to participate," explained Heidegger.

"Thank you for that tiny bit of input, Heiddeger. Yet the AST has been too busy playing house to capture even a single spirit. That's why we're here," Jessica Bailey said from behind them.

"Ah, Lieutenant Commander Jessica Bailey. It's a pleasure to see both you and your squad joining in the ranks of the Empire. Mather's mission may have been a partial failure, but at the very least she has confirmed that Tohka Yatogami is indeed the spirit called Princess. As for Shido, he has begun using the blade that he inherited from her, the angel Sandalphon. However, we have pressing matters. In order to take Tohka alive, we will need to stage a diversion, and that means attacking the heart. Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin himself, once said that the cunning warrior attacks neither mind nor body. The heart is the weakness of every man, woman, and child, in every world, every universe… Strike at the heart, and you will have everything you need," greeted Hyena.

Meanwhile, in Raizen High School's auditorium, Ai had a very important announcement about a multicultural Tenoh festival, with Shido leading the way. It was a bit of a shocker, but Tohka was a bit curious.

"What is the Tenoh Festival?" she asked.

"Much like a cultural festival, it's where everyone will be participating in what could be a Battle of the Bands," explained Kiba.

Of course, by evening, Shido had to apologize to Yoshino for a while, but the young girl assured him that Tohka's hunger made her feel faint. Suddenly, there came the spatial quake alarm. On command from Kotori, they soon arrived at what appeared to be an arena, and Shido heard the sound of singing in the distance. To his great surprise, it was another girl, but her outfit consisted of yellow and blue patterns, along with a flower that was called a lily. Kotori explained that she was spotted in the past six months, but her abilities were unknown to them. However, from a distance, Martini sat watching and waiting for her chance to strike, after her deal with this girl. When Shido was about to approach, despite the warnings, he accidentally kicked a can down the stairs, which made them react. Kotori was annoyed, even though Sora and the others kept a safe distance away, so as not to unveil themselves. The girl wanted to know who was out there, as Martini slowly stood up.

"Patience, my friend. I will help you have your chance at revenge against any man whose motives are cloaked in shadow, unlike my own father, Sephiroth," she said.

Shido was nervous, but with help from the crew of Fraxinus, he decided it was time to make his move.

"Ah, you climbed all the way up here just to see me? Lovely night, isn't it? It's nice to meet you," the mature looking girl said.

"Uh, hello there, miss…" Shido replied.

But Martini was quick to react, and jumped between both of them.

"Ah, Shido Itsuka. The boy who saves spirits from death at the hands of the AST and DEM. So you've come to bring harm onto Miss Miku Izayoi, after what happened back then, which in turn led to her showing true hatred for every man that she sees passing by. However, I promised her revenge. Yes, she is a very pretty girl, but her mind was already made up at that moment. You are a dangerous force to her eyes. She sees every man as masters of anarchy, as well as believers in what they truly desire most for any woman they meet, which in itself is treason to her. Refusing to step away from Miku will ultimately lead to your untimely demise, or immediate sedition. Step away from the young lady, or else I will cut you down with this very blade that my Mother, Malty, gave to me after I was born," Martini explained firmly.

Suddenly, several Heartless appeared around them, causing Shido to jump back, but was caught by another of Sephiroth's children, Boadicea, who had survived her clash with Sora and the Yamai Twins.

"What are the Heartless doing here!?" he gasped.

"You know as well as I, boy. They could sense Miku's anger and hatred for someone like you, and they came to her side. That's why Martini, Miku and I agreed to form this alliance with each other, so that you could be executed for showing your face to her," Boadicea said.

Giving a nod towards the idol, Miku unleashed a loud scream that sent Shido flying back, right into the hands of one of her allies.

"What the crap!?" gasped Kotori.

"Two of Sephiroth's children are here with Miku. It was a trap set by them," replied Reeve.

Boadicea cast Shido aside, right past Miku, who watched him land in a crumpled heap.

"Listen to me, I only came here to see Miku, not harm her. Even though there are others like her, I saved them from being destroyed by the darkness. But there are others who'd help make sure that they'd be happy after Axel gave them black coats to help cover them up after their astral dresses fade away after I kiss them. I'm not like any of those people who'd wrong her. People like me… only want them to be happy. They become… my family, which may lead to antics," Shido tried to say.

"Shido," Sora murmured as he watched from a safe distance.

"I want to help Miku, but not if you and Martini are here, Boadicea. Someone like me… can be better than this," he finished.

"Yes. You could," replied Martini, and she plunged her sword through Shido's chest.

"NO!" cried Sora, and he jumped out with his Keyblade in hand.

But although Shido collapsed to the ground after Martini removed her blade from his best friend's chest, she blocked the blow, even as Shido's wound healed up.

"Look at this. A Keyblade," she said to Miku, then blasted the spiky brunette back with her dark powers.

He was caught by Boadicea.

"There are more people like Shido in this arena!" she added, then dropped him down to the floor below.

Sora tried to fight back, but he fell down, only to be caught by Ventus who whooshed out of the arena, but managed to grab Shido and retreat up through the roof of where the spatial quake took place.

"COWARDS!" howled Miku, as she watched them escape.

"Leave them to me, Miku. I will deal with them personally. You remain with Boadicea and subdue some of the AST soldiers that may be after you," assured Martini, and she quickly pursued them.

"You soldiers, deal with the girl! I'll deal with the boys!" she commanded the soldiers, which Origami was with.

Far away, Sora and Shido crashed into a train after they slipped off Ven's glider, but were suddenly spotted by some AST troopers aboard.

"Ow, that's gonna leave a mark," groaned Shido, who thankfully survived yet another close shave with death.

"Stay strong, Shido," assured Sora.

"You two, don't move a muscle. How did you get here?" one of them asked.

"Easy now. What I'd say wouldn't make any sense to you at all," he replied, then quickly took them down.

"Why'd you do that?" Shido asked him in shock.

Grabbing his friend's hand, they ran out onto another train car, deflecting gunfire with his Keyblade. More soldiers appeared and tried to gun Sora down, but they were dealt with before they could even react.

"Great. Now we know that Miku hates guys, and she's got Sephiroth's two daughters with her," grumped Sora.

"I know that, until I almost got killed by Martini, who's got Boadicea at her side," replied Shido, as he activated a consolo to open the door.

"Well, there's just one way out, so let's keep moving," he said, as they jumped into the next car.

They soon came across two more soldiers, armed with energy sabers. Sora fought against the first, then the second, but they too were taken down.

"Spirit scum," one of them said as she dropped down to face him.

"I'm not a spirit. I'm a human being, just like Shido is," Sora remarked.

He struck her down, then several more that appeared before him and Shido, one by one.

"Look what you did, Sora," shuddered Shido.

He quickly alerted Kotori of what was going on.

"We know, Shido. Miku wasn't alone at this time," she said.

Sora used Time magic to slow down one of the motors, so that they would climb up onto the roof of the train. They saw more soldiers approaching them, and one who had her back turned. They too were defeated, and they soon began to climb around some military supplies, as they entered a tunnel.

"Sora, look there, more soldiers!" cried Shido.

"I see 'em," he replied, and he lunged at them.

He quickly dispatched one, then the other, followed up by the third, and finally kicked the last one off the train, where AST medical teams were able to catch her. They ran into the next car, and began squeezing their way past more equipment shelves.

"Get to the front, stop the train," Sora said.

"Or not. Take cover!' gasped Shido.

They did so, but they kept running as fast as their legs would take them.

"Faster!" he heaved, and they reached the inside of the next car.

Unfortunately, one of the soldiers was gunned down, and the coupling mechanism was damaged.

"Sora, the coupling!" Shido said.

"I know, Shido. Let's head down!" Sora replied.

The train suddenly began to fall apart, but they soon began to climb it again.

"Okay, this is worse!" he cried.

"The only way's up, Shido!" he said.

They clambered upwards, hoping to gain whatever advantage they needed to escape, while AST gunships continued to harass them, until they were badly damaged by the RGRO forces. It was a bit risky, but at last they saw a small gunship rush towards them, only to be blasted down.

"What's this?" Miku asked in surprise.

"We're here for you, guys!" called Usagi, dressed as Sailor Moon.

"Sailor Moon! Thank goodness," sighed Shido.

"You and Spiky move on that way! We'll find a way to bring you aboard!" said Sailor Uranus.

"You will not take away Miku's chance at revenge!" barked Martini.

Sora and Shido quickly clambered up the gratings, while Miku watched with disgust in her eyes. They soon entered another train car, and began to run.

"Stop them, Martini! I want to see their blood spilled by your hands with my own eyes!" she commanded.

Martini nodded, then ordered some of the soldiers to attack Sora and Shido, but they were quickly dispatched. He deflected more gunfire which rendered them defeated, but continued to flee from the angry spirit who was growing even more irate. They entered yet another train car.

"What now?" Shido asked worriedly.

"I think whoever's operating that train must've stopped it," Sora replied.

"That's right, infidels," growled Miku, who was slowly stalking up to them.

She signaled Boadicea to attack them.

"This isn't good," he said.

There was a loud bang, and the train they were on began to tilt and slant. Shido slid down it, but Sora grabbed a metal board and began to surf down it as if it were like a skateboard. Faster and faster, until they began to see the ship they were about to board, as Sailor Moon appeared again.

"Jump, guys!" she called.

They did so, but now Miku was growing even more angry.

"Leave them! They want to do horrible things to you, due to their dark motives!" Miku barked towards her.

"They're nothing like that at all!" Sailor Venus barked back.

She tried to pull them aboard, but suddenly Martini blasted the ship. Both Sora and Shido fell down, down, down, until they landed on part of a building, leaving a nasty bruise on their arms, but tried to use one of the AST soldiers to slow their descent.

"Hey, no dead weight allowed!" she quipped, as she was being dragged down.

But they managed to land safely on the ground, until they saw Martini land near them.

"Going somewhere?" she asked.

Sora quickly readied his Keyblade yet again, but this time he had to fight.

"Oh, I recognize you from before. You must be the Keyblade Wielder called Sora. It seems that you've been taught how to fight with a sword from Riku. Should I tell him that your training has made you stronger? Someone like him could've been the perfect apprentice of Xehanort, until you mercilessly killed that man who left Cody behind when he was but an infant, just before his mother succumbed to an illness after he was born," Martini said venomously.

The two adversaries clashed furiously with each other, their blades ringing out like giant hammers striking railroad ties.

"I see how you managed to defeat my father the many times you met him before, back in Olympus and Radiant Garden, before he agreed to join forces with Niflheim. And yet, I can tell that you really are strong when the people you cherish are by your side, Sora. However, it's because of Shido's connection to Kotori that he'll always be revived from death, unless I were to seal off his power, and then cut out his heart," she continued as they fought.

They attacked again, but this time they entered a deadly bladelock, with Sora trying his best to push his opponent's weapon back. Suddenly, several blasts surged towards them, and sent Sora flying back.

"Sora!" cried Shido.

"I'm okay, Shido," he assured him, then used a healing spell to get him back to full strength.

"Get aboard!" called Koan.

Sora and Shido ran, as Martini appeared out of the smoke, after pushing it out of the way with her Wind magic.

"Cover fire, now!" shouted Sailor Mars.

"Let's show 'em, Venus!" said Barret.

"They fired a deadly barrage of bullets and Crescent Beams at Martini, who both dodged and deflected them.

"Kenton, punch it!" called Sailor Venus.

"I'm on it!" replied the Dark Hunter.

Both he and Yohko rushed to the controls as the door slowly began to close shut. Once they were aboard, Kenton began punching in a series of commands onto the console, when he saw Martini telekinetically use her powers to send the Ark into a fast spin.

"Oh no, not this!" groaned Sailor Jupiter, and she quickly rushed off into a washroom.

Thankfully, Sailor Mercury was able to grab the controls just in time, and they quickly rocketed away from Miku and Martini. They were just in time, before the idol could use her powers to send them plummeting out of the sky.

"Okay, let's put that Keyblade down before someone gets killed, then we'll tell Kotori the bad news," said Kenton.

Sora nodded, then lowered his weapon, and it vanished from his hand.

"Thanks for saving us, guys, but now Miku's really pissed at us," he sighed.

"We know that, because of what you heard, and it's thanks to Kenton that we were able to save you from harm," replied Sailor Mercury, as she gently ushered a now exhausted Makoto to her seat.

"Gotta hand it to the folks at Ratatoskr after they told us about what was going on in this world. Anyway, we need to let Kotori know what's going on, and make doubly sure she gets a good explanation. You guys fought one of Niflheim's inquisitors, Sephiroth and Malty S. Melromarc's daughter, Martini. Turns out she's got more brains than brawn like her father, yet looks very much like her mother, who tried to make Naofumi the bad guy after framing him for so many crimes he didn't commit. Unfortunately, she was taken by the One-Winged Angel, and she agreed to marry him, along with several others, much like how he married Chelsea and Chrysilla's own mother, which brought them into this world. We're gettin' the hell as far away from there as possible before DEM calls for heavy reinforcements. The Ark's been modified with some illegal imperial tech that we pilfered from the heart of Niflheim, and we're using it to track their movements, but we're not out of this yet. AST soldiers are swarming us, and it looks like Origami is with them already," Kenton explained

And he was right, for most of the AST soldiers began to pursue the ark, making Miku annoyed.

"Alright, fine, go and play with that ship, but if there's any men aboard, feel free to kill them on my behalf," she said.

The soldiers pursued the Ark, with an imperial warship following after them.

"Agh! We've been hit!" cried Berthier.

"Yeah! Yeah! I see 'em!" barked the dark hunter.

"See what?" questioned Weiss.

"Two imperial battle carriers dead ahead. They're gonna be right on top of us," he replied.

"Wait, Kenton, I want to…" Petz tried to say.

"Koan, you and Petz man the guns! Berthier, check our shield integrity!" Kenton said hurriedly.

"Shields holding at around 64%!" Berthier replied.

"Great. Well, we can still out maneuver them. Hang on!" he spoke, and set the Ark into a steep dive, as well as made it spin wildly.

The soldiers maintained the pursuit, as the carriers began converging on each other.

"Take evasive action!" cried the captain on one of the ships.

But the three ships collided against each other, causing the metal to shriek in protest, as if there were a thousand banshees screaming at once. The Ark had managed to flee the larger ships just in time, but its pursuers were still on her.

"Prepare to return to Ratatoskr at full burn," said Kenton.

"But, Kenton…!" cried Rem.

"Those guys will be getting closer," added Yohko.

"Oh yeah, watch this," he smirked.

He tried to set the engines to full power, but something was wrong. The engines didn't send them rocketing ahead.

"Watch what?" asked Lisbeth.

They were struck by a blast.

"I think we're in trouble," said the dark hunter.

"If I can tell you what Petz was trying to say, I noticed earlier that the engine core's suffered damage, so it's impossible to go to full throttle," explained Silica.

"We're in trouble! Kiba, come with me!" he spoke to one of his other teammates.

"Shido, let's take the controls," Sora said.

The Ark still continued to flee from the soldiers, until Origami noticed something in the distance, as if her scanners were going haywire, as the Ark's guns fired back at the soldiers.

"Shido Itsuka?" she asked.

"Horizontal boosters! Alluvial dampers! Ow! That's not it, bring me the hydro spanner!" called Kenton as he crawled through the workings of his ship.

Kiba nodded then passed a tool kit to him.

"I don't know how we're gonna get out of this one," he said.

BANG!

"OW! Kiba!" shouted the dark hunter, and he clambered up.

There was another bang, but this was different.

"That wasn't gunfire. Something else hit us," he said.

"Kenton, get up here!" called Berthier.

"C'mon, Kiba!" the dark hunter said.

"Right behind you," replied Kiba.

They raced back to the cockpit.

"Spatial fragments," Akeno said as she looked into the scanner.

"Oh no," Kenton replied as he and Kiba took over from Sora and Shido.

"Kiba, set 2-7-1," he said to his ally.

"What are you doing? You're not actually going into the spatial fragment field," Akeno said worriedly.

"They'd be crazy to follow us, wouldn't they?" he remarked, as he bobbed and weaved past the fragments.

"Well, you don't have to do this to impress us," said Saya.

"Uh, Kenton, our possibilities of navigating spatial fragment fields are approximately 3,720 to 1," warned Calaveras.

"Never tell me the odds!" remarked the dark hunter.

They whooshed past one fragment that was large, just as the four remaining soldiers continued the pursuit. Suddenly…

"KYA!" cried one, and was sent crashing to the ground below.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! CRAP!" howled the second, as she spun out of control and smashed into a tree far away.

"Ah! Look out! AH!" Berthier said fearfully, but Kenton veered out of the way.

"You said when you wanted to be around when I made a mistake, well this could be it, ladies," he said to them.

"Some of us are taking it back. We're gonna get pulverized if we stay out here much longer," remarked Akko.

"Ain't gonna argue with that," Kenton said quietly.

"Pulverized?" Shido asked.

"I'm going in closer to the largest fragment," he added.

"CLOSER!?" everyone asked in shock.

"Of course, closer!" replied Kiba.

He made the ark spin past one fragment, while the remaining two AST soldiers pursued them.

"Everyone, we're gonna skim the surface!" he called into the comms.

The soldiers fired at them, but with careful maneuvering and out gunning them, they were soon led into what appeared to be a narrow trench.

"Not this!" they cried, and they collided against each other, as the Ark whooshed away from their exploding flight armor.

They were clear of the battle.

"Fools," scoffed Jessica.

"Oh, that was suicidal. There's nowhere to go," shuddered Shido, who was still feeling shaken up after his many close shaves with death.

"There. That's where we'll be parking," Kenton said.

"Where are we parking?" questioned Rem.

"Yeah. Inside that hanger," he replied, and punched in a series of commands to make them be recognized as friendly.

"Um, Miss Trish, where are we going?' she asked the demoness.

Kenton banked hard on the Ark's controls, and the ship soon flew deep into the main hangar of the RGRO base.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Trish said.

"Yeah, me too," Kenton replied.

Jessica was surprised when she heard the soldiers tell her that they had failed to stop the Ark. By the next day, everyone was now gathered for a weekend meeting, thanks to Ai telling Shido that he was in charge.

"This is just terrific, guys. First and foremost, Miku's got two new bodyguards who happen to be Sephiroth's daughters, Martini and Boadicea. And to top it all off, she's actually a feminazi, a young woman who despises guys like us, because we're the scum of the universe in her eyes. Still, be cautious," Kenton warned Shido and the others.

Tohka jumped back in shock.

"I don't want to be a feminazi!" she wailed as she hugged Sora, much to Origami's amusement.

But the news got worse, when Miku showed up, along with her classmates from another school. But they all saw Martini and Boadicea again, standing vigilant at both sides.

"Know this, enemies of womankind. Even though both of us are supportive of Miku's wishes to be rid of any man she sees, there will be a new order put into effect. Come face to face with her again, and you will suffer a greater deal of unforeseen consequences, just as he did," announced the first bodyguard, pointing to Shido.

This made him run for his life, with most of his friends following after him. Moments later on Fraxinus, everyone was now talking about the new spirit. Of course, there was another spirit called Phantom, who was mysterious.

"Let's not forget that Boadicea and Martini, some of Sephiroth's daughters, like Chelsea and Chrysilla, they're the ones guarding Miku, and have even warned every man to stay as far away from her, or else they'd have their blood spilled. That's why we've decided on a different plan, although Aerith said that it was her idea from the start. We need to dress Shido up like a girl," sighed Sora.

All Cloud could do now, was groan in disappointment.

"Why did you have to bring that up again, Sora?" he asked.

"Cloud!" snipped Aerith.

"Be nice," added Tifa.

"Okay, okay…" Cloud replied.

They soon came to the Honey Bee Inn that was run by Andrea Rodea, who had expanded his business to Tengu City and other worlds. The Honeygirls, after seeing Shido's dance moves when he performed some complex combos with Sandalphon, dragged him into the main hall, where everyone was waiting. Poor Shido.

"My, my! Is that Shido?" Madam M asked.

Shido recoiled in surprise.

"Darling! I had no idea," she said.

Chocobo Sam sat far away with another Honeygirl, while everyone else was seated in their seats.

"Need something?" one of them asked.

"Just some water, please," replied Yang.

"We'll have the same," added Ruby.

"Now you just sit tight until Andrea takes the stage!" hissed the blonde Honeygirl.

Shido was growing even more uncomfortable.

"Tohka's gonna kill me," he moaned.

The lights dimmed, and the stage was now lit up by a performance from the dancers on stage.

"Life can be harsh, it can be bitter,

But we can make it oh so sweet

Here at the Honeybee Inn,

Every moment is a treat"

The crowd cheered, although Cloud just gave himself a facepalm.

"Stand up, cast your fears aside

Stand up, bare your soul with pride

Stand up, cast your fears aside

Stand up, bare your soul with pride"

Then came the main attraction, Andrea Rodea, who stepped up to Shido.

"Welcome to the Honeybee Inn…Shido. You seek my approval, do you?" greeted the owner.

Shido was about to reply, when he felt Andrea's finger on his mouth.

"I understand. But those who crave my favor must first prove that they know how to move," explained Andrea.

"Let's get this party started

Shake and twist like you don't care

No need to hesitate

Strut your stuff, let'em stare

Doesn't matter if you're different,

Or if you break from the norm

When you're on the stage with us

You've got to dance up a storm"

"Woohoo!" cheered Minako.

Finally, Shido gave in, then joined Andrea under the spotlight.

"Think you can follow my lead?" he asked.

So Shido, despite his reluctance, agreed to dance with him, just as Tohka stepped in. What she saw was quite a shock to her. Shido was dancing with Andrea on the stage, but Cloud was now starting to get disgusted.

"Why'd you bring him here of all places?" he grumbled, and was about to leave when Aerith grabbed his arm.

"Oh no you don't, Cloud. This is to help Shido impress Miku so that she can agree to have her powers sealed," she said firmly.

"You're a star!" called Kaguya, who was applauding loudly.

Now Shido and Andrea continued to dance, but this time to a more space age beat. It was a good thing that Yoshino wasn't there, or else she'd panic and rush off screaming her lungs out.

"Keep it up, Shido! Work it!" Rei said from far off.

Now came a more upbeat tone, and this time, Shido was not willing to hold back. He knew now that this was an important mission, but now it was all or nothing. Finally, the dancing was done, and Shido could now relax after that.

"Nice moves! I love it!" called Tohka, who was bouncing on her seat like a little kid.

The rest of the audience applauded as well, and even Cloud as well, despite his reluctance. Shido turned to face Andrea.

"Honey…I'm in love. Yes. Yes, I will transform you into a vision of beauty. Now without further ado, let us begin!" he said.

The staff then set down a chair, and made Shido sit on it. One of the performers began applying makeup on him after getting some inspiration.

"Life can be harsh, it can be bitter,

But we can make it oh so sweet

Here at the Honeybee Inn,

Every moment is a treat"

"You were born for this," said the Honeyboy.

Tohka was growing anxious, but with a slight nod from Sora, she knew that he was letting her know that it was part of the mission, and that both Hotaru and Xion would give Miku a coat after she agreed to have her powers sealed. Then the Honeygirls revealed Shido dressed in a young woman's outfit for Raizen High School.

"Your heart will warm, your heart will melt

Into a dream of pure pleasure

Here at the Honeybee Inn,

Every moment you'll treasure"

Tohka was surprised, but she had to keep silent, even as Andrea was impressed, and beckoned Shido to come to his side. They danced once more, until the encore was complete.

"Perfection!" he declared.

He turned away from him.

"True beauty is an expression of the heart. A thing without shame, to which notions of gender don't apply. Don't ever be afraid, Shido," Andrea explained.

At last the encore was done, and the audience cheered as the performers took their bows. Later that day, Shido was now dressed in what appeared to be the female student uniform of Raizen High School, along with a bandage that would disguise his voice into a young woman's. Out stepped what appeared to be Shiori.

"I have some bad news, everyone. Shido Itsuka left the school because of a very important errand he had to run. That's why Miss Shiori Itsuka, a very distant cousin of his, will be helping out in his stead. As for the rest of his friends, they'll be helping too. Even Tohka and Origami as well," Sora explained to them.

"That's right. You can count on us. After all, us ladies gotta stick together," added Minako.

"How about it, Mamoru? Are you okay with Usagi and Chibiusa helping them out?" Terra asked.

"Of course, Terra. That way, us guys we'll be able to keep a sharp eye on them from a safe distance, and report to Kotori and Reeve. Oh, and Origami should keep the perversion to a minimum here," agreed Mamoru.

Ami turned and glared at her, hoping that she'd still learn her place.

"No funny business, Origami, or else we might have to break up another catfight between you and Tohka, just like how I'd have to try and break up a cat fight between Usagi, Rei, Chibiusa, Mako, and Minako," she warned her.

All five girls flinched in shock. They knew that even though Ami was known for keeping her feelings in check, she was now acting very much like Aqua was. After arriving at what looked like a large arena, Shido, under the guise of Shiori, had found Miku and proceeded to follow her. But above, stood Martini and Boadicea. Sephiroth appeared near them.

"Our time is approaching. Soon, Sora will be mine, and Vanitas will be set free from within. After that, Tohka will follow suit, and I will have my two perfect apprentices. Consider it as my way of killing two birds with a single stone. However, maintain a close watch over Miku, until she is ready to learn the truth of what really happened to her on that fateful day that drove her to both fear and hate every man in existence," he explained.

Inside the main hall, Shido, under Kotori's directions, approached Miku, who turned to face him.

"Well, hello… What's your name?" she asked.

"Identify yourself as Shiori Itsuka," Reeve said into the intercom.

"My name's Shiori Itsuka. I happen to be a distant cousin of Shido's after he moved away after he told me about how your bodyguards threatened to have him killed," Shido explained.

"Oh, I see. So that's your name then. Still, I happen to find that it actually sounds cute," replied Miku.

The crew of Fraxinus watched from above, and at a safe distance. Now was the time to help him make a choice, and to ensure that Miku's happiness was satisfactory. Shido asked for the undergarments, but Miku made a counterclaim. She was surprised to see that Shido wore the Raizen uniform. Finally, she introduced herself to him, and the two soon shook hands. Unknown to them, Sora, not wanting Miku to spot him, kept himself hidden behind a corner, so that he could watch and listen from the shadows, as he overheard the idol speak about her love of the stage and singing. However, he listened to how she didn't hear the excitement coming from the disguised Shido, as well as made a promise to not speak of what was going on. Of course, when they decided to head off, Shido tripped and fell over, making Miku worried. Carefully, she bandaged his hand, then walked off.

"Good. Even though she looks mature, despite her disdain for any guys she sees, Miku does have a sensitive side," he murmured, then raced away.

He was lucky enough to ensure that he didn't get seen by her, or else he'd end up being in a similar situation as Shido was after Martini and Boadicea attacked him, and nearly got him killed. Back at home, he was making dinner for everyone, but was still rattled by how he had to dress up as a girl, just as Cloud did.

"Good work, Shido. Based on what Sora has told us, it's clear that Miku doesn't like seeing any of her compatriots getting hurt. However, we've received a new update. Your sister was quick to inform me that the young lady prefers to have tea with any of the other young ladies. For now, it's imperative you be cautious around her. If she finds out you're a boy, the mission is compromised, and we'll be forced back to square one, or in Rem's words, back to zero," said Reeve.

"I get it, Reeve. That's what nearly got me killed by two of Sephiroth's children, Martini and Boadicea. Believe me, that would most certainly make Tohka hate them to know end," Shido remarked.

Suddenly the television turned on, and Miku was now singing on it. Yoshino could see that she sang very well. This got Tohka excited.

"I think she wants to try the same thing that Miku does, and sing to the people of Tengu City," smirked Axel.

"Yeah, but that's the bad news. Miku's got a no guys allowed rule, so if she spotted us, we'd pretty much be dog chow to her," remarked Roxas.

Soon after lunch, Shido arrived with Ruby at his side.

"Excuse us, but Miss Shiori Itsuka here told me that she met Miku in the heart of town. Don't worry, she's not a rabid fangirl, she was just curious about meeting her," Ruby explained.

"This young lady speaks the truth, my friends," agreed Miku, surprising the spirits.

"Be very careful, Ruby," murmured Yang.

But then Miku ran up to Ruby and wrapped her arms tightly around her.

"So cute!" she cooed as she hugged her.

"Please stop," the red cloaked girl replied, as if she was being crushed, much like with her sister when she hugged her during her first day of Beacon Academy, before it was reduced to ashes by Salem's followers.

They were soon invited to tea with her after introductions.

"Thank you, Miku. I know that most of your colleagues don't like trespassers, or rabid fans," she said.

"Please, don't worry about them, Ruby. Although I had no idea that you looked so sweet, Miss Rose, but I'm grateful to Shiori for returning my handkerchief to me, so I'm fine with more visitors," replied Miku.

"This is supposed to be for those girls, isn't it? Feels wrong to take their place," said Shido.

To his surprise, the tea tasted good when he drank it slowly, but made sure not to burn his tongue. They spent a long time talking to each other, even as the Shido did his best to keep track of the time.

"Everything's going smoothly," Kotori said.

"Hell yeah, Kotori. But we may need to be cautious before she accepts to have her powers sealed. Still, Gotta make sure us fellers steer clear of her,, otherwise she might be really pissed and trick some AST troopers to blow us out of the sky, along with the imperial fleet," added Cid, who sat at the controls of Shera.

Then Miku sat next to them, and suggested that they transfer to Rendouji, an all girl's school.

"Miku, we'd be happy to attend, but what about our friends?" questioned Ruby.

"Oh, you don't need to worry, Ruby. I'm very understanding about them. Take it into consideration," Miku replied.

"I have, but our answer still stands. Shiori and I politely decline your offer. Trust me on that. And don't even think of trying to force us to strip," she countered.

"If that's what you believe, Ruby, then I'm actually very disappointed in you and Shiori. On the other hand, I can see that brute force will amount to nothing, even if I made you see things my way. Are you both spirits, or are you members of the Empire who wish to hunt me down so that I'm exterminated by those dogs?" questioned the idol.

"If we were truly with the Empire, then we'd be no worse than a certain witch called Salem, the Empress of Grimm, who wanted to rule the Realm of Light with an iron fist, until she died, not by Sora's hands, but because she chose to let go of her past, and accept her return to Kingdom Hearts. As for her adopted child, Hyena Razor Droid, he's after Sora for revenge for her death, because he believes that killing him, and the entire Yuuki family will satisfy his bloodlust. I may be a human being, but Shiori's special, because she has the power to seal spirits with just one kiss. Five have already been sealed, but there may yet be more of them we don't know about. The Empire won't be able to sniff them out, just like how they won't with you, after you accept the offer. Also, when you finally meet with someone, whom you can truly share your pain with, they'll welcome you with open arms, and all the lonesome feelings that you felt will disappear. That's why helping someone like you… is an honor," explained the huntress.

"To be honest, I believe you, Ruby," remarked Miku.

Shido was surprised.

"However, I don't need my powers sealed quite yet. The way things are, I don't think I could be much happier. I have my powers and a life of luxury, what else could I need?" she said.

"Even if that was true, there was one spatial quake in the train station that was unleashed a few days ago. We all know that spirits like you are unwilling victims of this phenomenon. Will you control your power, or will you let it control you?" Ruby asked.

"I'm actually surprised, Ruby. Though I'm actually the master of my own destiny, or rather, the Mistress. Nothing can control me, not even my own powers. The spatial quake I caused was not by accident, my dears. What could I do? I'd never gotten a chance to sing at Tengu Arena before, so naturally, when I passed the station, I suddenly felt the urge to sing, and I decided to let it go," Miku remarked.

"And the reason that she did it was because she wasn't able to help herself. Making music has always been that one dream of Miku's, ever since she was born. However, I will tell you and Shiori this, Ruby. Had the people she cherished been killed, let's just say that it would break her heart. So even in death, they would still cheer for her, and that is the reason why sacrifices are beneficial for the greater good. When Boadicea and I found her, we asked to be her bodyguards, and she accepted without hesitation. Pride is her power, and nothing you can do can change her mind whatsoever. Therefore, no matter how much you despise her, understand this. We will help Miku achieve her destiny of having the male species wiped from existence," barked Martini.

"Come now, Martini. There's no need to be that threatening to Shiori. That's why I hope to ensure that Shiori shares in my vision of having the male population erased from existence, and she will be gloriously happy to see it all vanish into dust, never to resurface again. That's what you'd call a touch of destiny," soothed Miku.

"Forget it. I would never join you!" argued Shido.

"If you will not join her, then you can die like the misbegotten wretch that you are, Shiori Itsuka, cousin of the boy, Shido, who disturbed Miku's peace," glowered Boadicea.

"I have a better idea, my bodyguards. If Shiori's school somehow manages to win first place at the festival, then I'll agree to let her seal my powers right then and there," she explained.

Shido knew what that meant, and knew that was where Miku would perform, with all of her bandmates.

"Oh, we'll be there alright, Miku, and you can be sure as heck that we accept your challenge. And like you said, if we win, your powers will be sealed, as per the agreement, but should you win, then the both of us will agree to stay by your side forevermore, along with all of my other friends. Do we have an accord, Miku?" Ruby said.

"I believe we do, Ruby. I hope you're all prepared to be part of my family forever," replied Miku.

"Don't worry. We will be," said Shido.

Meanwhile, inside an AST outpost, Captain Kusakabe was outraged, just as Nuno stepped in.

"Come now, Captain. It is imperative that we ensure that this opportunity presents itself, as I'm sure that Commander Bailey has spoken," he said.

He turned to Heidegger.

"Are things going well?" asked Nuno.

"Ha ha ha ha! The troops are on top of it. Yes, there will be no delays," replied the security manager.

"Are you out of your mind!? We're after spirits here, not hunting down people! And not only that, the operation's in Tengu Square. The School Festival. You wanna fight spirits when you have a crowd for yourselves!?" Ryouko asked in shock.

"Captain Kusakabe," sighed Nuno.

"At least let us issue a warning to the people," she said.

"The stench of the captain's cowardice fills the room yet again," scowled Heidegger, who recoiled in disgust.

"Ryouko. Rufus Shinra's father once said that progress requires sacrifice. Learn to live with it. As for Origami, keep her in the dark. We don't want her to run rampant and start attacking all those spirits in a blind fury like before. That would lead to her immediate expulsion from the AST. All other concerns are unnecessary at the moment," he said to her.

He turned sharply towards her and pointed Essence Shard in her face.

"You would be wise to agree to it, or else face immediate termination for insubordination. After all, you and everyone else have not only been infused with Magic, you've also been injected with the blood of my grandmother, Jenova, with which all of your traits are enhanced by a solid 100%, just like Cloud Strife was, until he became comatose with extreme mako poisoning. As for Shido, consider him expendable. Jenova Project T must become a success, just like Jenova Project O," he added darkly, then turned and walked off.

Captain Kusakabe was rattled by this revelation, and pondered it for a very long time.