Chapter 7

Hiking Terror

Ever since their clash with the Hebijo girls, Asuka was plagued by how Sora had come to Hibari's rescue, and then to her side, which in turn cemented the start of their rivalry, even as they fought against each other. She soon woke with a start, when she saw Sora lying dead at her feet, and cried out in terror, as the black cat looked at her shaken form. Sometime later, they were joined by their other friends, as they went to school, with Sora at the lead.

"Why is everyone bummed out?" Katsuragi asked.

Sora stopped and turned to face her.

"In my honest opinion, even though those girls from Hebijo managed to separate us, I've formed something of a powerful rival with Homura, when I came to Asuka's rescue, after driving Haruka away from Hibari in Yagyu's place, Katsuragi. Still, regardless of our situation, I say be better prepared for what happens next. You can trust that. I may have seen people who were on the side of darkness be killed by someone even worse than them, and I'm not gonna let any of you die by their hands, even after Asuka's former friend and I became rivals. That's why I'm keeping my promise to all of you, and ensuring that you don't die by their hands," he explained.

His eyes soon filled with unrelenting anger at what happened before, and he burst off into a run to Hanzo Academy, and even managed to cut down the Heartless that tried to slow him down.

"Wait, Sora!" called Asuka, and she ran after him.

The others decided to follow suit as well. Meanwhile, Kiriya was finishing his report when the black cat stood behind the door, asking if it was a letter of apology, but informed him that someone who was fully aware of the layout of the school had been working on the side of darkness. Kiriya tried to deny that there were no traitors, but the mysterious voice said otherwise. The words stung like an ice cold blade. However, under a waterfall, Homura and her team were performing intense mediation under a waterfall, just as Yomi began talking about her favorite food, bean-sprouts, but then revealed that Suzune was on the side of good, rather than evil. The news shook them to their core, even though Hikage kept her expression neutral at this surprise. Mirai had to agree. She knew that she and Homura were once on the side of light, until they began walking the road to darkness.

"That's enough!" Sephiroth said, when he pointed his sword at her.

"Cool it, Silver-mane!" Homura snapped.

"Well, thank you for stopping him, Homura," sighed Mirai.

"Leave Sora to Nuno, and you can handle the others in battle again, so that you can leave their cold corpses for me to absorb their dying souls into my power," he stated.

Homura suspected otherwise. How could someone like Suzune once be on the side of light? Haruka could sense the suspicion in her friend, then remembered her conversation with her teacher, about how she received orders from the headmaster, who began to believe that she couldn't trust him, due to her willingness to have new puppets to serve her will, and her deduction about inter connecting barriers that Suzune once performed as Kiriya's apprentice, leaving Suzune with much to think about, as she thought back to her time as Kiriya's pupil, but brushed them off, declaring that the old her was gone, and that the darkness was her ally. Kiriya said the same thing about Rin, due to his guilt in allowing her to go on an impossible mission. The woman informed him that she had discovered a piece of clothing that had the scent of a ninja who was on the side of darkness upon it, which in turn left Kiriya feeling even more confused than before. This cryptic news surprised him even more, thanks to his reviewing reports of it, even though he'd never seen it with his own two eyes, as he was asked to let his students stand on the front lines of a new war that was about to happen. A while later, Kiriya informed the others that they would climb the mountain, and the one who reached the top would be named the chosen keeper of the Yang Scroll. Ikaruga soon realized that it was part of a forbidden training regimen, much to Sora's shock.

"Great, we're screwed!" she said in shock.

"Why would you say that?" questioned Yagyu.

"I heard rumors of an ancient training technique, but they had to stop it because it required the work of the students. And it was called hiking!" she explained.

Sora didn't mind hiking that much, even with the Equestria Girls when they visited Camp Everfree back then.

"Maybe, but I can tell this will be challenging. Hence why you told me about it when we shared ice cream with each other. Like you said, the one who reaches it first, will be named the chosen keeper," he explained.

"Sora is correct in this regard. However, I will wish all of you the best of luck in this endeavor," agreed Kiriya.

"So we're competing against each other. Is that what you're trying to say?' Ikaruga asked.

"Sounds like a lot of fun to me," agreed Katsuragi.

"Katsu's right, you guys. Even if we're apart, we'll always have each other in our hearts. So no matter what happens, even if it's a two day race against each other, we can do this. No, we have to do this, as well as help each other out when we can," added Sora.

At their teacher's signal, they all raced off into the forest, and the hike was on, just as the same woman's voice spoke to Kiriya about their talent through the black cat, and how they had yet to reach their full potential, until it spoke of Sora's unwavering drive to fight on with the strength he gained from his friends. At the same time, Asuka knew that it would indeed be difficult, as she used her flying squirrel technique, and landed on a tree, just as Sora landed near her, and carefully lowered her to the ground. They wondered how the others were doing, who also had the same idea, despite their different landing strategies, and Yagyu acknowledged Sora's willingness to ensure that he'd protect them. Inside the rainforest, Asuka began to feel exhausted, only to be set upon by leeches, which Sora blasted back with his wind magic. Katsuragi soon came into contact with a polar bear, Ikaruga scaled up a mountain using her kunai as a brace to help her navigate, just as a snake came near her, and began wrapping itself around her. Yagyu, whilst on the search for Hibari, was soon jumped by piranha, even though Kiriya trusted them to do their best. Soon, Asuka jumped into the water so as to get rid of the leeches, but saw that she was picked up by what looked like an eel, which she quickly forced away with a thwack of her sheathed blade. Most of the girls endured their own tests as well. Some of them were difficult, and some that Katsuragi enjoyed the most. Suddenly, Hibari arrived just in time to see that Yagyu was unable to fight without the use of her weapon. She was told to stay back, but Hibari decided to fight for her safety, thanks to Sora's courageous act when he fought against Haruka, and managed to pull her friend to safety. It did make Yagyu relieved that although she couldn't fight, she was happy and thanked her. Soon they continued on with their training, but as night fell, they decided to take some time to rest and recuperate, by setting up camp. Soon Ikaruga was reunited with Katsuragi, and was surprised that she had managed to defeat a polar bear. A challenge that she fully enjoyed. They shared a meal, and even decided to rest in a hot spring with each other.

"I wonder if the rest of our friends are alright out there," she said.

"I'm sure they're out there doing fine," assured the blonde.

This made Ikaruga laugh quietly, as she thought back to the time of their first meeting at Hanzo Academy, before they met the other girls and Sora. Meanwhile, Yagyu and Hibari had set up camp as well, and they too, relaxed as well, in their makeshift hot spring. Yagyu thanked her for saving her life before. The young pinkett told her that she had more talent, and was far more skilled than she was, which did surprise her, but then said that Sora's bravery was what helped her learn about the strength of heart. Meanwhile, Asuka relaxed in the water, as Sora stood keeping watch for any signs of trouble.

"Hey, Asuka, I know you're deserving of the title of the Great Hanzo's granddaughter, even though some of our enemies say otherwise," he said.

"I know, and even though I'm still shaken by how Homura's on the side of darkness, I just couldn't bear the thought of seeing you die in front of me, just like how you don't want any of us to die. Also, when you said that you'd face her in battle again, I was surprised to learn that you acknowledged her fighting spirit, which in turn cemented your fierce rivalry," replied Asuka.

"By the way, Asuka. There's something you should know. I'm always with you too. And no matter where I go, or how far away I am, You and your friends will always be with me as well. That's a promise, from me to all of you. Also, don't let what Homura is bother you at all. I may not understand why she's on the side of darkness, but even still, I don't want anyone to say that they should die by choosing the way of the lost cause," explained Sora.

This made Asuka stand up and look at him with surprise on her face.

"I guess you might be right, Sora," she admitted, and slowly stepped out of the water, even though she was still in her bikini.

She gently sat down next to him.

"By the way, when you changed into your Valor Form while you were fighting Homura, I was surprised by how you used two Keyblades, along with your own. It's just like how I use my swords, which my grandfather gave to me. These blades served me for as long as I could remember, and I'm grateful to him for passing them to me. It's almost like I can feel his spirit within them," Asuka added.

Sora nodded quietly, and looked up at the stars as he laid down on the cool ground.

"Somehow, they're sort of like Jaune Arc's old sword and shield, Croceas Mor, which was destroyed by Cinder Fall, after he granted Penny Polendina a merciful death that hurt him, so that she could pass the power of the Winter Maiden to Weiss' sister, Winter Schnee, daughter of Jacques and Willow. Even though I fought against her, after she used Neo to try and get her revenge on Ruby Rose, Yang stopped her, and disappeared into another world on the causeway to Vacu, she refused to die. But after I managed to best her in battle for the final time, her maiden power was transferred to me, along with the other maiden powers, thus granting me the title of First Lord of Four Seasons. But I know she's out there somewhere, and wants to have me killed for taking away something she wants most, thanks to Sephiroth reviving her from the darkness, and bringing their son, Aiden into existence. Until she's truly gone, after how Team RWBYS and I managed to best Salem, and restore her heart to the light by telling her that we decide our own destiny, and not follow something that's set in stone. A prophecy that says, 'on all lands under one destined sky, darkness will prevail and light will expire,' is just nothing but bullcrap if you ask me, Asuka. That's why, as a Warrior of Light, I have to ensure that darkness doesn't win, so that light will vanish forever. You and your friends have given me something worth fighting for. I fight for my family, and now you too are part of my family, along with everyone else I cherish most," Sora said.

"Then, after one of us obtains the scroll, and we defeat the Hebijo girls, I'd like to meet your family as well, if Grandpa's okay with it," replied Asuka, as she laid down beside him, and snuggled up to him.

"Yeah, and I can introduce you to my mother," Sora agreed.

"I'd like to meet her as well, and your father too," smiled Asuka.

But when Sora heard that word, his face grew stern and cold.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"I don't like talking about my father, Asuka," he replied quietly.

"Why not?" questioned Asuka.

"He left me and Mom on the date of my birth. I may not know why he had a reason to leave us, but all I have is a scar on my heart," Sora explained.

This made Asuka shed a tear for him, which landed on the grass.

"I'm sorry about how he left you, Sora," she said somberly.

"Asuka, it's okay. I've learned to cope with it," he assured her.

This made her happy to hear that even though Sora was hurting, his cheerful demeanor never waivered.

"By the way. Hibari and Yagyu told me about how you saved her life from Haruka, in her dimensional barrier, but I want to know how you found her," Asuka said curiously.

"Even though we learned a bit about each other during some of our interactions, she and I became friends, connected by an unbreakable chain of light that connects our hearts to each other through the Magic of Friendship. It may be impossible to explain it with words, but when I sense that any of my friends are in trouble, it frightens me. But through that same fear, I gain a power that's unlike any other, which in turn gives me the drive to come to their aid. When I used my Keyblade to penetrate the barrier those Hebijo girls created, I found a way to come to Hibari's aid, and keep her safe from that girl, Haruka. I traced my connection to her heart with my own, and I was able to find her and save her. Even though I endured the severe pain, I made sure to keep myself at full strength, thanks to an elixir I drank, restoring me to full strength, but my battle with Haruka gave Hibari a new form of inspiration to work even harder than before. I promised Yagyu that no matter the odds, I'll always look after her, as well as the rest of you. That's what's in my heart. So who cares if we've barely known each other for a while? I'm always willing to help those in need. Whether I'm on an important mission or not, I'd definitely go far to help all of you out. Because I'll always keep my promise," Sora told her.

Asuka smiled at Sora, as she wrapped her arms around him, and held him close to her side. She saw for the first time that Sora's eyes were truly strong, but had a gentleness to them that made her feel comfortable around him. The next day, Katsuragi and Ikaruga were now scaling the mountain with everything they had, so that they'd reach the summit and claim the scroll, with everything that they had. As they did, Sora and Asuka were now inside a tunnel to find a short cut, which was dark and foreboding, but Sora wasn't willing to let his fears cloud his judgment, because he knew that while it was his enemy, it was also his ally. He knew that feeling was like a double edged sword as he gripped his Keyblade in his hand. Suddenly, they heard a voice, and Sora stood firmly between what looked like a giant cat and Asuka. It gave a loud yowl, causing Sora to cut through the rocks with his Keyblade, as if they were nothing to him. The cat surged towards them and attacked, but Asuka deflected the blow with her sword as it continued to ask questions about the bloodlines that would mean nothing to her, as it continued to attack her.

"ASUKA!" cried Sora, and rushed to her aid.

He cast a powerful shield spell, then followed it up with Ultima, causing the rocks to scatter in all directions, as tiny fragments, as Asuka thought back to how her grandfather was giving up the role of a lawyer after marrying her mother, and opened a sushi shop, and that he had made his choice by being with someone he loved. Inspired by Sora's courage, she stood firm with her blades, and she too made her own choice to fight on, and struck down the giant cat, followed by Sora using Zantetsuken. The voice told her that all warriors, no matter what they chose to be, had nothing to fear, but their greatest weakness. At the same time, Yagyu and Hibari fought their way through the jungle towards the mountain. At last, everyone had arrived at the top of the mountain, tired but triumphant. Luckily, Sora passed them elixirs to restore their strength and stamina, which they thanked him for.

"Even though we all arrived at the same time, what matters is that we're together again, everyone. But, as for what comes next, we won't have to wait for it at all," he stated.

"My thoughts exactly, and I congratulate all of you for reaching the summit of the mountain. However, your journey is not over yet. In fact, your quest is only just beginning," the woman whose voice had come from the cat said.

Sora noticed that this woman had dark hair, a tattered gakuran with acap and metal epaulets, a rope belt, and a pair of tengu-geta. Her chest however was wrapped in a sarashi and her wrists were covered in bandages for hand to hand combat. She was called Daidouji, and she was the final challenge in this training exercise they went through. He heard Katsuragi saying that they had to fight her to see who was worthy of the scroll she had in her hand. The others had to agree, but Sora was curious about Daidoji, which he blonde kunoichi explained was after graduating from Hanzo Academy, she chose to remain with her fellow alumni and train future generations of ninja at that school, thus becoming her own kind of legend.

"You don't stand a chance against me one on one," Daidoji spoke like a powerful warrior.

"Then if it's a battle you want, it's a battle you'll get," Sora replied bravely.

He then concentrated on one of his many soul drives, even as he glanced at the other girls.

"Everyone, we fight together!" he declared.

At last, Sora had finally picked the one that would help him in this battle.

"SAIYAN SOUL!" he shouted, and his body was now covered in the gi of the turtle school, with a dark blue undershirt, blue armbands, and blue boots.

"I'm ready for a challenge!" Sora stated, thanks to Son Goku's spirit within him, as he got into a battle stance.

"Holy crap," murmured Katsuragi.

"Yeah, his fighting spirit is just like your own, Katsu," agreed Asuka.

(Here we go everyone, and for Daidoji vs Sora and the Hanzo girls, play Stand Proud sung by Jin Hashimoto from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders, and imagine this battle being intense yet epic at the same time, so here we go!)

"Soshite tsudoishi STARDUST

Hyakunen me no mezame ni yobarete

Otokotachi wa mukau

Toki no suna wo koeru Journey

Kusari no yō tsuranaru karami au karuma

Hikari de tatsu sadame

Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!

Uchikomu no wa

All right now! All right now! All right now!

Hokori no Bullet

(JOJO! JOJO! JOJO!)

Break you down! Break you down! Break you down!

Kobushi hanatsu seinaru vijon Stand Proud!

"Tojirareteta 'toki' ni

Hi no hikari abiseru no wa dareda

Mirai nokosu kibō

Nagareru hoshi no kuruseidāsu

Kakeru no wa inochi mamoru beki ai to

Kādo wa kubarareta

Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!

Tachihadakaru

All right now! All right now! All right now!

Teki wo taoshi

(JOJO! JOJO! JOJO!)

Break you down! Break you down! Break you down!

Michi wo hiraku tamashi no vijon Stand Proud!"

(Instrumental with an epic Guitar Solo, as Sora and Daidoji compliment each other's fighting style, as they continue their battle in an epic fashion)

"Yami no naka warau senaka wo

Sagashi oimotomeru otoko no

Sono ashioto rekuiemu

Sabaku ni hibiku

Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!

Uchikomu no wa

All right now! All right now! All right now!

Hokori no Bullet

(JOJO! JOJO! JOJO!)

Break you down! Break you down! Break you down!

Kobushi hanatsu seinaru vijon Stand Proud!

Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!

Tachihadakaru

All right now! All right now! All right now!

Teki wo taoshi

(JOJO! JOJO! JOJO!)

Break you down! Break you down! Break you down!

Michi wo hiraku tamashi no vijon Stand Proud!"

(Song ends here as Sora stands tired but still able to keep fighting, while Daidoji is mostly unfazed)

"I'm actually impressed that someone like you has a power that's unlike any other, Sora. I can see the makings of a powerful warrior in you, Bearer of the Keyblade," Daidoji said to him.

"I agree, Daidoji. He is truly special," Kiriya added, as he appeared by smoke bomb, which in turn made Sora slow his breathing, as he reverted to normal.

"Thank you, Sensei. But, why is it that she could see my fighting spirit within me?" questioned Sora.

"Daidoji was the one who planned this trip and was the brains behind all of it. She wanted to do her part to see if her underclassman could live up to the Hanzo Academy name," he explained, as she approached Asuka.

"Even though Sora proved to be a challenge with his Saiyan Soul form, You fought bravely as well. And in my book, that's a great deal," Daidoji stated proudly, and handed the scroll to Asuka.

Everyone was surprised, but Sora was happy for his girlfriend.

"Congratulations, Asuka. Your grandfather would be very proud of you," praised Sora, as he cast a cure spell, healing her injuries.

Daidoji explained that while Sora was strong, she sensed untapped potential within Asuka's heart, similar to the power of waking that slept within Sora's heart, when he called upon it to return Ven's heart to it's rightful home back at the Land of Departure, and save Aqua from death at the hands of Vanitas, as well as warned Kiriya that if she used it for the wrong reasons, that would result in her demise.

"That's not going to happen at all," Sora said to Daidoji.

Then he turned to Asuka.

"Hey, can you open it and see what it says?" he asked.

Asuka nodded, then noticed that it read, power is both a sword and shield, which Daidoji said was written by her grandfather, Lord Hanzo, who taught her that lesson. She knew that Sora was right about the man she was descended from was truly proud of her.