Special Chapter
A Sisterly Bond: Hotaru and Xion
Although Nehelenia was dead, and the threat of Galaxia made public to the Warriors of Light through Usagi and Sora, Xion was off on her own for a while. She soon came to the home of Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna, who were now conversing about the arrival of the Sailor Starlights, two Sailor Animamates, Aluminum Siren and Lead Crow, and the many different phages that had come to attack the people and take their shining lights, the star seeds. Although this threat seemed very dangerous, since the arrival of Chibi Chibi, things had become more complicated before. Using her gummi phone's map, Xion arrived at what appeared to be a forest clearing where she saw Sora and Fish's Eye clashing, until he ultimately triumphed over the blue member of the Amazon Trio, who had unfortunately died and had his soul absorbed by Vassago, along with both Tiger's Eye and Hawk's Eye. There standing before her, looking towards the training ground, was Haruka, still standing quietly with her arms over her chest.
"Oh, Xion. I had no idea you'd be coming here," she said quickly.
"Hello, Haruka. I'm looking for Xehanort," greeted the dark haired Keyblade Wielder.
"I see. So you're searching for that old fart's kid," replied Haruka.
"I've come to see my friend, Hotaru," Xion said, her tone serious but kind.
"They just started with some intensive training in how she can get better control of her Sailor Saturn self. But, I'll take you to a bench so that you can wait for them," explained the dirty blonde.
Xion nodded, and the two friends slowly walked off. On the way, they conversed with each other about how she had learned a harsh lesson from Sora, who had beaten her in battle, but became ashamed of herself for attacking the One True Queen of Crystal Tokyo.
"From what I can say, when Mamoru has returned from that college in the US, he'll be greatly displeased with how you attacked Usagi out of anger, and forced Sora's hand, after he finds time to reply to her due to his busy class schedule," she said, her voice stern like Rei's.
Haruka nodded slowly, even though she was aware of the strong bond between the royal lovers who had been reborn through Queen Serenity's final wish. At last they arrived at what appeared to be a larger clearing, that was different from the one that Xion walked into. Very shortly, this would become the training ground of Sailor Saturn, the Sailor Guardian of Revolution, who represented the world that was named in honor of the Roman God of Death and Renewal, Saturn.
"Is this where Hotaru is?" Xion asked.
"This is where you'll wait for now. I'll inform Michiru of your arrival, Xion. Please, remain here, and try to be patient. I can tell that you're weary after you traveled a great distance. Take a seat on this bench. Rest your feet, and everything will be okay. She won't be long until you see each other," assured Haruka, and she slowly walked away.
Nodding slowly, Xion sat down and decided to allow the tension in her feet after all that walking slowly subsided. Far away, in another part of the forest, Cody sat with his eyes closed, and Hotaru was doing the same thing. The wind whistled quietly through her hair, as she breathed slowly and silently, almost as if she were asleep in her own bed. Sometimes a frog would croak as it hopped by, causing Hotaru's powers to slowly awaken, so that she'd catch it, and draw it towards her. It was floating just above her head, despite its mucus covered body, until she slowly inched it towards her, causing Cody to open his eyes and shake his head at her.
"Hotaru," he said, stopping her.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to lose focus, Cody," Hotaru said quietly.
Cody couldn't help but chuckle as he smiled at her.
"It's okay, Hotaru. But, there are many different creatures that must be treated with respect, like the frog, the cat, the bird, all animals, and all the plants around you. Everything is made up of light and darkness, and is connected in what Sora's friend, King Simba calls, the Great Circle of Life," explained Cody.
Hotaru nodded quietly, even giving him a friendly smile.
"Anyway, let's go for a walk," he said.
Hotaru slowly stood up and followed Cody, who gently held her hand in his own, and they set off down the forest path, between the many trees around them.
"I want to tell you about someone you remind me of a great deal. Her name is Destiny Oliver. She was confused as you were, after several horrible things that happened to her in the past, but her heart was kind, and the light was strong in her. She once said to me, 'never be afraid of who you are.' That's when I let go of that fear. Yugi and his grandfather taught me about kindness. Now I've learned more about it from Fluttershy. Both she, Destiny and Lunar have become part of my family, along with several others, and we've become the Warriors of Light," he said.
"I'm so happy to hear that, Cody. And yet, hearing you talk about Destiny's past, made me sad, but also made me remember how confused I was," replied Hotaru.
"Did you have a loving family, Hotaru?" Cody asked.
This made Hotaru feel uneasy.
"May I see into your memories, as Sora once did?" he asked kindly.
Hotaru nodded slowly, and felt Cody's hand on her head.
"Let me see what has troubled you," Cody whispered.
Gazing into her memories, Cody saw both the Sailor Guardians and the Warriors of Light fighting outside of Mugen Academy, alongside the RGRO headed by Reeve Tuesti, who had agreed to help in the attack on the Death Busters' main fortress, where they would unleash dark silence upon the world. The sound of gunfire rang in his ears, even as the bullets, magic spells, and the whooshing and ringing of swords and keyblades were heard as well, as many soldiers and daimons fell in battle, until he saw Mistress 9, the being responsible for all the carnage that once lived within the poor girl, until he came to the image where Soichi Tomoe was killed by Vassago after he and Setsuna asked to take her with them. A few moments later, Hotaru awoke, after the traumatic memories that plagued her mind.
"Welcome back," Cody said to her.
They were now sitting near a lake, after the whole ordeal of searching through her memories.
"The realm of light is a dangerous place, Hotaru. I will teach you to better defend yourself," he continued.
"Yes, Master Cody," replied Hotaru, as they looked up at the sky above.
Back on the bench, Xion was now resting quietly, as she also inherited Sora's heavy sleepiness.
"Hello, Xion," a voice said from nearby.
Xion awoke with a start and summoned her Keyblade. But instead of any of her enemies, it was Michiru. She relaxed and slowly stood up.
"Michiru. I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to draw my Keyblade on you," she said.
"I'm a part of this family," assured Michiru.
"I thought you wouldn't be helping Cody train Hotaru," replied Xion.
"I'm not. But I'm grateful to Cody for training her," explained the aquamarine.
"May I ask why you're here?" asked the dark haired Keyblader.
"That's exactly what I'd ask you," she remarked.
"I've come to see Hotaru," Xion explained briefly.
"And that's exactly why Haruka brought you to me instead," said Michiru.
"Yeah, I just felt like you needed to rest a bit while I went to get her," added Haruka.
"Why are you here?" Xion asked briefly.
"In this forest, we agreed that Cody would train Hotaru to gain better control of her abilities as Sailor Saturn. It's why she's being trained by the Son of Xehanort," explained Setsuna, who appeared near them.
"I'd like to know how she's doing," replied Xion.
"Hotaru's doing okay," assured Haruka.
"May I see her?" she asked insistently.
Michiru took a slow deep breath, and sighed quietly.
"I know you do. Please come with me," replied Michiru.
Haruka nodded towards Xion, as she felt it was better to stay out of this private conversation, as Setsuna nodded in agreement with her decision.
"I can tell you truly care about Hotaru, Xion. Your bond is very similar to that of actual sisters.," she said, as they were now safely away from Haruka and Setsuna.
"She was lost and confused as I was, even before we met. I just want to make sure she's okay," replied Xion.
"No place is much safer in the Realm of Light than here in this world, and with Cody," warned Michiru.
"I'm not entirely sure why you're okay with Cody's decision to train Hotaru, when you wouldn't," said Sora's sister.
This made Michiru stop and look quietly at the dark-haired keybearer.
"Because it was her choice. We have no right to decide for others," she said firmly.
"That's why I chose to go and see her," replied Xion.
"Of course. If that's exactly what you desire, Xion," smiled Michiru.
They turned and looked to see both Hotaru and Cody sitting on a hill far away. But as Xion was about to approach them, she suddenly stopped when she heard something that made her uneasy.
"Are you doing this for Hotaru, or are you doing this for yourself?" she asked.
"It's just… I want her to have this," explained Xion.
Then she slowly pulled out a piece of cloth, which contained something important for her.
"Why? So that she can see you any time?" questioned the aquamarine.
"Actually, as Hotaru's best friend, I feel it's best if she has this gift. I believe in her," assured Xion.
"Best friend," murmured Michiru.
But she grew serious, and gave her a smile.
"Perhaps she'd be happy to have it," she said.
Xion nodded slowly, but somberly.
"Well, either way, it'll remind her that we'll always be together. I made it out of thalassa shells with Kairi's help," Xion said.
"If you are set on it, is it alright if I pass it to Cody?" Michiru asked.
"Even after coming here, I still wish to spend more time with her," replied the dark haired Keybearer.
"You and Hotaru missed each other so much. I can only hope that you make things alright for each other, despite the difficulties," assured the aquamarine.
Xion nodded sadly, as she blinked a tear, which in turn made Michiru gently rest her hand on her shoulder.
"Please take care of her," she said quietly, and passed the package to Michiru.
Michiru nodded, and watched as Xion quietly turned away and left the forest behind as she walked back to Juban. This made her sad. At the same time, Hotaru looked out at the distinctive outline of Xion fading away from her, as she too grew saddened by the fact that her friend was walking away, as Cody placed his arm gently around her.
"You'll see her again, Hotaru. But for now, it's time to continue your training," he said.
He slowly stepped away from her, then looked into her eyes.
"Okay, it's time to continue your training,' he said.
"Okay," replied Hotaru, after she changed into Sailor Saturn, in a flash of violet light.
"Good, now, let's see you jump," stated Cody.
Hotaru nodded, then jumped off the ground.
"Really? That's all you got?" he asked, despite having a light chuckle.
"I'm sorry," sighed the dark haired girl.
"Bend down, jump, and as you do, feel yourself be free of gravity," Cody said.
Hotaru did, first by bending her knees, and then jumping up.
"You're trying too hard, Hotaru. Don't try. Do," he said.
But suddenly, he had a bit of an odd idea, as he gently walked towards her, and rested his hand on her shoulder.
"Come with me. I want to show you something," Cody added.
Riding on his back, Hotaru looked at the forest all around her, as Cody ran as far and as fast as his legs would carry him. Despite the extra weight, he still maintained the high speed as he ran. First he jumped off one rock, the flipped off of another, then he began hopping across the stepping stones across the lake, and finally, he found a tree with a thick trunk, and began to climb up to the very top of it, as Hotaru held on tightly to him. They now stood on a branch that would support their weight. There they saw many more trees around them, and the city of Juban, far away.
"Look. The wide world exists in balance. Feel the other worlds all around you," Cody said.
He shut his eyes, and Hotaru did the same, as the wind blew into their hair.
In all the other worlds, you will find balance as well," he continued.
A short while later, they came back to the lake, and Hotaru was now on a thick log, while Cody stood watching nearby. With his teachings, he was able to give Hotaru some pointers on how to balance on one foot. Hotaru slipped a little, but she slowly steadied herself, and continued to find the right balance, as she now stood on her right foot. Cody was impressed. Soon, the time had come to show her some basic fighting moves with his Keyblade, and began to swing it about like a practitioner in Kendo, as Hotaru watched while maintaining her balance. Hotaru was amazed by what she was seeing. Later, Cody stepped forth, presenting a holographic training machine that would summon forth holographic enemies from both his and Sora's adventures.
"This is a training program. It will test your fighting prowess and reflexes with your Silence Glaive, Sailor Saturn," Cody explained briefly.
He set it down near Hotaru, who started fiddling with it, then tapped it with the side of the blade on her glaive.
"I can't seem to get it to work," she said to him.
"That's because it's not how it works, Hotaru," Cody replied.
Slowly he stepped forth, and pulled out a remote control device.
"This is how it works," he added.
He pushed a button, and soon, a holographic Shadow Heartless appeared. Hotaru was surprised, but also disturbed by the holo projection of the very creature that Sora had to fight, until it pounced at her, making her stumble backwards.
"Get back up. Always get back up," Cody said.
Hotaru slowly got to her feet, but as the Heartless attempted to strike again, she quickly cut it down, until its image fizzled out and faded away, after performing a backflip.
"Very good," he praised the Sailor Guardian of death and renewal.
Soon, Hotaru was now fighting off more holographic Heartless that tried to attack her, but they were all being taken down, as she knew that she had to be careful not to use her power too much, or it would exhaust her. Cody watched, just as Michiru joined him, and noticed that Hotaru's skill with the Silence Glaive was improving even more than he realized. With each jump, slash, and careful timing, Hotaru was improving herself, more than ever. The aquamarine was also impressed by what she was seeing, as a smile formed on her lips, just as Hotaru swung a mighty blow on the holo projector.
"DEATH REBORN REVOLUTION!" cried Hotaru.
The golden ribbons surged towards more of the holographic Heartless, causing their projected forms to fizzle out, until the projector shattered into several pieces.
"I did it, Cody!" she called.
"Good," replied Cody.
"You've taught her well," said Michiru.
"It's more like she's remembering than I'm actually teaching her anything," he remarked.
"Sometimes the student guides the master," observed the aquamarine.
Cody nodded slowly, but his eyes seemed distant.
"I can tell that Xion came by," he said.
"As I told you. The two share a strong bond, and she brought her a gift," remarked Michiru, presenting a cloth wrapping to him.
Cody took it, and saw that it was a friendship bracelet.
"Sometimes I wonder if her heart is in it," sighed Cody.
"So much like your father," smiled Michiru.
Although Cody didn't like being reminded of his father, Master Xehanort, he gave her a brief glance, before turning his attention to the young girl.
"What should I do about her?" he wondered.
"Trust your heart, Cody," assured Michiru, and she slowly walked away.
Cody seemed puzzled, but he knew that somewhere, deep in Hotaru's own heart, she so desperately wanted to be by Xion's side.
"Will I see you again?" he asked, turning his attention to the aqua marine.
"Perhaps. May your heart be your guiding key, Cody Xehanort," replied Michiru, then she left quietly, knowing that Xion's request to her was fulfilled.
A few moments later, Cody and Hotaru now sat inside the stone building, even though he saw that she was still in her Sailor Guardian attire, but without her Silence Glaive, which was resting on the wall. Then Hotaru noticed that Cody wasn't feeling like himself.
"Is something wrong, Cody?" she asked.
Cody pulled out the cloth, placed it on the ground, then opened it, revealing a pair of strings tied together.
"Our friend Xion wanted you to have this," he said quietly.
He placed the bracelet on the ground, which made Hotaru want to reach it.
"But before you take it, I will give you a choice," he continued.
Then he reached into a box, and pulled out a star-shaped item that was made up of thalassa shells, that Kairi used to make her lucky charm.
"This… is a wayfinder," Cody said, and he held it before her by the chain.
"It's so beautiful," Hotaru murmured in awe.
"It was given to me by my girlfriend, Fluttershy. And now, I'm offering it to you," replied Cody.
"But, what am I supposed to do?" Hotaru asked.
"You must choose only one. If you choose the bracelet, you'll return to your friend, Xion. However, in doing so, you'll one day find someone who acknowledges you, and loves you for you, despite walking the path of a Warrior of Light. But if you choose the Wayfinder, you will be the first person to learn kindness from myself and Fluttershy, and we will train you to be a master of the Magic of Friendship. It may take you a very long time to master the power of life, death, and renewal, and even if you don't see Xion again, because, Hotaru, a short time for you is a lifetime for someone else," explained Cody.
"I know, Cody. But, deep down, after Xion and I saw each other again, we both embraced each other, after Sailor Moon fought off the Mirror Paredri under the fallen Nehelenia's command," she replied.
"Then what will you choose?" Cody asked.
"I… I choose to be with Xion, through the friendship bracelet she made for me," answered Hotaru.
Cody smiled sadly, but he knew that keeping someone from their friends was wrong, so he decided to honor Hotaru's choice.
"I see. But, I can tell that you really are happy when you're with Xion, Hotaru. However, I'd like you to take this wayfinder with you, as a gift from me," he said, passing it to her, after Hotaru transformed back into herself.
"Thank you, Cody," replied Hotaru.
The two of them exchanged a friendly hug, then Hotaru slowly stood up, and walked off. There, just ahead of her, was Xion, standing silently to one side.
"Hello, Xion," she said to her friend.
"Is your mind made up?" Xion asked.
"Yeah. Cody may be sad, but he's actually happy that we can still be together, no matter what," the other dark haired girl said.
Then, several weeks later, following the battle with Chaos, Omega, and Galaxia, Xion and Hotaru sat on the clocktower in Canterlot, as they saw the sun slowly setting.
"You did the right thing, Cody. Like Sailor Moon, you knew that being with others was far better than being alone, because of her strong dislike of loneliness," said Setsuna.
"I know, Setsuna. However, Michiru told me that I might be very much like my own father," replied Cody.
"Yeah, but you're much more like your mother, whom Setsuna said was called Fiona," said Haruka.
"I guess… maybe I am more like my mother, even though I have my father's blood flowing through my veins," admitted the son of Xehanort.
"But the way you gave that wayfinder to Hotaru, really shows that you've understood the true meaning of kindness, not just through Fluttershy, but through Sailor Moon and her family as well," assured Michiru.
