Chapter 8
The Beach, the Island and a Vacation: The Guardians' Break
Usagi, Minako, and Makoto were now climbing the stairs to Hikawa Shrine, as the sun shone down upon them.
"So, did you two finish your summer break homework yet?" asked the tall brunette.
"Not yet," moaned Usagi.
"Hey, we should plan a summer get away and have some fun," suggested Minako.
"Yeah we should. A summer vacation somewhere else would be great. Somewhere we could cool off and relax, with no homework and no stairs," agreed Usagi.
Once they reached the top, they stood under a tree, which provided them some shade.
"I love how cool it is under this tree," sighed Minako.
"Do you think Rei's around?" asked Usagi.
But she saw Chibiusa sitting at the shrine and walked up to her. At that same moment, Sora arrived singing one of his favorite songs on his gummi phone's music app, while he danced towards the shrine.
"Hail (hail) What's the matter with your head, yeah, Hail (hail) What's the matter with your mind and your sign an-a, oh-oh-oh. Hail (hail) Nothin' the matter with your head Baby find it, come on and find it. Hail, with it baby 'Cause you're fine And you're mine, and you look so divine. Come and get your love. Come and get your love. Come and get your love. Come and get your love," he sang, whilst dancing towards them.
"Wait a second, why the heck is Sora singing and dancing in this heat?" asked Makoto.
But Sora shut off his music, pulled off his headphones, and walked towards them.
"Oh, sorry girls, I didn't see you there," he said.
"Hey, don't be sorry, Sora. But, none of us knew you could sing real good," replied Makoto.
This made Mianko squeal for joy.
"Oh my gosh, this is just perfect," she said excitedly.
But she soon composed herself and turned to Chibiusa.
"Anyway, did you all come to Hikawa Shrine to cool off as well?" asked Sora.
"Yeah, but if you're looking for Rei, she left town," replied Chibiusa, surprising everyone.
"Well then, where did she run off to?" asked Makoto.
"To answer your question, the kid here wanted to play with her, but Rei said she needed to do some serious spiritual training on a remote island," remarked Axel who had stepped out of the shrine and approached them.
"Wait, she's gone away to a remote island?" asked Usagi.
"So then, she's there all alone on a private beach enjoying a vacation?" Makoto asked as well.
"How could Rei do that to us?" demanded Minako.
"It's like the kid said, Rei's gone to do some spiritual training, not galavant off on her own to enjoy a vacation," explained Axel.
Before the others could respond, Riku slowly stepped out of the shrine having heard everything.
"Chibiusa, do you think you can take us to that Island Rei's gone to?" he asked.
Chibiusa nodded slowly.
"Well in that case, I say we all join her right away," said Usagi.
"Yeah, I guess. But still, as Rei's friends, it'd be wrong she trained nonstop without having a break," added Sora.
He turned to his friends.
"All in favor of meeting up with Rei, say aye or nay," he said.
"AYE!" everyone shouted.
On the remote Island, Rei stood before the ocean waves, which lapped against her feet, while she was dressed in her robes.
"Great, finally some time to myself. I'm gonna do some serious spiritual training," she said.
She pulled out an Ofuda, and was about to practice, when she heard her friends arrive breaking her concentration. Rei was surprised to see that everyone had found her, as a wave of water crashed over soaking her from head to foot.
"So, Rei, how were you able to find a place of your own choosing on this island, even though you didn't tell the rest of us, except for Axel and Riku?" asked Sora.
"Yeah, the water here's so clean and clear. Wow, I can even see the fish swimming in it," said Makoto.
"This is the perfect vacation spot, I've never breathed air that's fresh," added Usagi.
"I'll admit, it does feel a lot like Destiny Islands." replied Kairi.
"I suppose it does, Kairi," agreed Namine.
"And it's great for studying," said Ami.
"Look guys, I came here because I want to get some serious training done," remarked Rei, as she hung her robes to dry.
"It's okay, we understand that pretty well, Rei. But, uh, sometimes taking' a break from training, as well as unwinding' and having' fun is a part of life," said Goofy.
The others nodded in agreement.
"But the only reason we came here was not to relax, it was because Chibiusa missed you when you left Hikawa Shrine," said Riku.
"Aw, Chibusa is that true?" asked Rei.
"Yeah, I wanted to come play with you, but you just left us without a word," replied Chibiusa.
"Well, how about this? We'll help Chibiusa with her summer homework, and we can all have some fun on the beach," suggested Sora.
"Actually that's a very good idea, Sora," smiled Ami.
"Okay then, when You're done with your homework, I can play with you Chibiusa," said Rei.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"I understand Chibiusa missing me, but why did you all have to come with her?" demanded Rei.
"For three reasons. 1: Chibiusa was worried about you, when you left Hikawa Shrine without telling the rest of us. 2: To make sure that you didn't let all that training get to your head, or you'd end up becoming just like Aqua when she let her duty as a master get to her head. And 3: No matter how much you don't want to admit it, we will always be family, no matter what happens. As for the fourth unofficial reason, You know we'd never interrupt your spiritual training, unless you packed the necessary essentials to help you take a break and have a bit of fun on the beach," replied Sora.
"I've read somewhere that swimming is also an essential part of building one's spiritual strength," added Makoto.
"Makoto's right, Rei. after all, both Luna and Artemis saw that you brought your swimsuit in case you needed time to take a break," said Terra.
"Well of course I did, Terra!" barked Rei.
"Rei Hino, you're still making the same mistakes you made when you lash out at any of us! THINK FIRST! ACT SECOND!" Aqua said in a tone of voice that brooked no arguments.
"Yes, Aqua," Rei replied quietly.
"Well, maybe it's time for a break. Why don't we all go for a swim right now?" suggested Usagi.
"Let's go!" Sora, Minako and Makoto said.
Once everyone had changed into their swimsuits, they all raced to the water, but Rei warned them to be careful of sharks that were prowling about the outskirts of the island.
"We'll be careful!" everyone called to her, just as Sora stepped up next to her, wearing a pair of red swimming trunks.
"Trust me, Rei. When I visited Atlantica and met Ariel, her father King Triton, and the rest of her friends, I fought against a shark that once served a witch called Ursula. So if any sharks do show up, I'll take care of them," he said.
Rei nodded at him, a content smile on her face.
"Thank you Sora," she said.
Then she glanced at him.
"By the way, where are Skylight, Serlena, Scarlet, Ivory, Verona, and the other girl called Rei?" she asked.
"I'm sure they're fine, keeping the people safe from the Heartless. Or they could have gone back home to where they came from," replied Sora.
Out in the ocean, everyone was doing their own form of swimming when Riku and Usagi surfaced next to Chibiusa.
"Chibiusa don't you know how to swim?" she asked.
"Come on Usagi, you shouldn't pester her like that. Otherwise she and Rei will have to teach the meaning of proper respect," said Riku.
"He makes a valid point, Usagi," added Rei, who also surfaced.
Then suddenly, Riku jumped into the air, and with his keyblade in hand, sent a burst of water right at Usagi, making her swim for her life, making Chibiusa and Rei both surprised and amused. Back on the shore, Sora stood by himself, when Minako approached him.
"Hey, Sora, what do you think of my swimsuit?" she asked.
"It looks great on you, Minako. It's almost like you're ready to perform artistic swimming at the olympic games," replied Sora.
Minako smiled, then gently kissed Sora on the cheek, making him rub his head sheepishly. But as the girls left, Sora was still unsure of where Chibiusa came from, as he walked quietly along the shore.
"Where did you come from Chibiusa?" he asked himself.
"Are you still focused on where the rabbit came from, Sora?" a voice came from behind him.
Sora turned around and saw that Berthier was standing nearby.
"Are you in league with Koan, Petz, and Calaveras!?" he demanded.
"That's right. My name is Berthier, but I haven't come here to fight you or send a droid to do my dirty work. I only came here because I wanted to talk to you," replied Berthier, an innocent smile on her face.
"Then you must know a lot of things about Chibiusa, don't you?" Sora said, his eyes etched with suspicion about Berthier's presence.
"Of course I do. But are you willing to risk your life to protect the Rabbit from us?" she asked coyly.
"Even if I'm protecting her, my death as well as Chibiusa's would only break Usagi's heart," replied Sora.
"Well, even if you think you can keep the rabbit safe from us, and that your future children are 'her knights,' what makes you think that you can protect her from me and my sisters?" Berthier asked slyly.
"What do your sisters have to do with this? Why are you targeting Chibiusa when she did nothing to you? That doesn't mean I'll stay by her side and keep her safe from you!" Sora said bravely.
"You sound just like Sailor Moon," Berthier said observantly.
"At least I'm still trying. Because my friends will always help me stay true to the light. Unlike you, Berthier. You're nothing but a pawn of the darkness, just like Koan, Petz, and Calaveras," remarked Sora, as he prepared to summon his Keyblade.
Pawns huh? You know, just because I'm one of the bad guys, doesn't mean you should judge me as something my master would throw away so easily," scoffed Berthier, as she prepared to walk away.
"Well I have a question for you," Sora said, stopping her in her tracks.
Berthier turned to face him.
"Why'd you come to talk to me, even though you're after Chibiusa?" he asked.
"Oh, not long. I've seen how you were able to but both the Rabbit and Usagi in their place when you stopped them from infighting, thanks to the information Petz and Calaveras gave me about you," answered the dark water user.
"But why?" asked Sora.
"I wanted to see if you really were a knight of Sailor Moon, and it turns out I was right about you. A Keyblade Wielder who fights under the light of the moon, to destroy those whose hearts have been filled with darkness, and have turned into it's puppets," smirked Berthier.
"You make it sound like you've been watching my every move, even more so than your own sisters would. Then tell me this. Why are you so interested in me?" demanded Sora.
"Because even though your friends are your power, you don't view them as pawns that need to be sacrificed. So I wanted to see you for myself, and now I know that you're a pretty interesting guy, who's willing to fight for what he cherishes with all his heart. Even if you're afraid of letting Vanitas take control, no matter how much you care about your friends," explained Berthier.
"It's your thoughts that betray you, Berthier. I know that there's good in your heart, because I can sense it within you," said Sora.
"Oh really? Well I'm actually a bit surprised that you think I'm a good person underneath all this darkness," giggled Berthier.
"That doesn't change the fact that you still love your sisters. And if you still love your sisters, that means they also love you, right?" argued Sora.
Berthier was shocked to hear Sora say that.
"Listen carefully Berthier. I may not know much about you, but I can tell you that those who are fueled by darkness may one day turn their backs on you for their own benefit. But still, you can't do this. I feel the conflict within you, and if you don't turn away from the darkness, it will destroy you, just as it will destroy your sisters. I know that, because darkness turns people into monsters, who are fueled by anger and hate. But, there's more to a heart than just those two feelings. There's a lot more that you can experience, if you're willing to accept it. I know you have a heart. A heart to care about your sisters, because the four of you are a family. And I know that because I can see your heart, and it's saying that you can't let the darkness rule your actions, because there's still a spark of light in it. I know that, because you won't convert me to your side. That's why you can still be saved from yourself. You need to embrace the light, no matter how much you don't want to. That's why you think that light is evil from your point of view. Because you can't bring yourself to kill us all, and I don't believe you'll destroy me right now. So I promise you, that I'll do what I can to help you accept that light can't die that easily. I care about the Sailor Guardians, but I'll protect Chibiusa no matter what. But you should know that darkness wins by making us think we are alone, but we're never alone, because I don't believe in that crap. And if you can't, don't worry. Because Sailor Moon and I believe in the power of redemption. Which means you can learn from your mistakes and become a better person," explained Sora.
Berthier suddenly smiled at Sora, who nodded at her with a smirk.
"I'll admit, you're a pretty strange guy," she said.
"Yeah, well, I've heard that once from Yang's mother, Raven Branwen. So what do you say, Berthier?" grinned Sora.
"I may need some time to think about what you said. But at the same time, you really do have a bit of Sailor Moon's kindness in your heart, as well as her dislike of losing those you cherish most," admitted Berthier.
She turned to see Sora rubbing a finger under his nose with that grin on his face.
"Before I go, I'll give you a kiss for luck, rather than death," she said.
"I don't know, I'd rather not make any of the other girls angry at me for dating someone who's on the dark side. But, I am pretty popular with a lot of girls," replied Sora.
"Well, if that's how you feel, I can understand that," smiled Berthier.
Then she gently placed her lips on Sora's forehead. Then, when Berthier stepped back, she could see him blushing at her.
"Don't make a girl a promise if you can't keep it," warned Berthier.
"Don't worry, I'll still keep it," replied Sora.
She opened a corridor of darkness, but then turned to face Sora.
"Just one more thing. I won't tell my sisters, if you don't tell your friends. Consider that a two-way promise, because I'm a bit more curious about you," said Berthier.
Then she saw Sora give her a thumbs up in response to her words, as she walked into the dark corridor, which soon closed behind her.
"See ya," he said, even though Berthier was gone.
He turned around slowly, and went back to his friends, only to see Ami looking at him suspiciously.
"Ami, what the heck are you doing here?" he asked.
"I was wondering where you were, when Usagi asked me where you'd gone," Ami answered sternly.
"I was searching for food we could eat later on, but I got sidetracked by how this island reminds me of home. But, I'm really sorry for making you and everyone else worry about me, even though we're having fun. But I promise you, that I have no intention of turning my back on you, Minako, or anyone else, just because you're a Sailor Guardian, and I'm a Keyblade Master. But like Usagi, I still have no idea as to where Chibiusa came from, or why she's even with us in the first place," explained Sora.
"I know, but when I fell at the hands of Queen Beryl's soldiers, it actually made Usagi sad, like she believed I died for nothing," replied Ami.
"But you're still here, Ami. And without you at her side, Usagi would've never been able to come up with a strategy to beat the Dark Kingdom, and save Mamoru from Queen Beryl's dark grip. Because you told her that you, Rei, Makoto, and Minako would always be in her heart, no matter what. Don't you see for yourself? You're still able to balance things out as both Ami Mizuno and Sailor Mercury, the Pretty Guardian of water and knowledge, who's willing to cleanse the darkness in our hearts and help us stay true to the light," said Sora.
Ami smiled respectfully at Sora, then she led him back to their friends, and together they played different games, studied, and even watched the Guardians of Kingdom Hearts spar with each other to get stronger. They even built sand castles, which made Chibiusa impressed, as she agreed with Rei to create something together, while the others watched quietly.
"Boy, Chibiusa loves being with Rei," said Ami.
"And Rei's really fond of her as well," replied Minako.
"I think the reason they get along so well, is because both of them can be so mean," huffed Usagi.
"Usagi, you know that's not true. The only reason why they can get serious is to help you stay focused on the task at hand, not to discriminate against you," countered Roxas.
But then Chibiusa noticed something through the sand tunnel. It looked like a living creature that was floating in the water. When she stood up, it was gone. Rei glanced at her, and asked what seemed to be the matter.
"Oh, nothing," she said quickly.
"Okay everyone, lunch is ready," called Makoto.
On the grill, was fresh seafood that made Sora's mouth water. Everyone sat down and ate the fish, except for Chibiusa.
"What's the matter, Chibiusa?" asked Rei.
"Yeah, why aren't you eating?" Sora asked as well.
"I just don't like eating fish," replied Chibiusa.
"It's not good to be a picky eater," said Rei.
"Come on, Rei. If Chibiusa doesn't want to eat fish, then we have to respect her decision," countered Riku.
"Yeah, come on Big Brother." Chibiusa said, and walked away.
Once they were out on the ocean, Riku and Chibiusa decided to take whatever time they needed to learn more about each other, while Rei and Axel stood on the shore.
"Heh, kids these days. They think they know everything. You give them an inch, they'll just walk all over you," he said.
"Do you think I was too hard on her?" asked Rei.
"Ugh, all this sun it's so hot. How can all of them eat in this heat anyway?" groaned Luna who arrived.
"Uh, where are Riku and Chibiusa?" asked Artemis.
"In the water," replied Usagi.
"No they're not," countered Artemis.
Everyone looked out towards the ocean in shock and dismay.
"They were here a minute ago," said Ami.
"Oh no, the tide must have pulled them all the way out there!" cried Makoto.
And she was right. A swarm of hungry sharks had found them and began circling their prey. Chibiusa slowly stirred from her nap, until Riku readied his keyblade to fight them off.
"Wah! Riku, what's going on!?" she cried.
Chibiusa flailed and accidentally fell into the water.
"Chibiusa!" called Riku, and dove after her.
Suddenly, the creature Chibiusa saw saved her and helped her to the surface, followed by Riku who used Dark Firaga to make the sharks scatter. At the same time, everyone was now aboard a boat, searching for their missing friends.
"Where'd you learn to drive a boat, Mako?" Usagi asked curiously.
"Oh, I can do anything," replied Makoto.
Luna wasn't sure why, but Artemis couldn't see any sign of Chibiusa.
"Rei, can you sense either of their presence at all?" Ami called to the bridge.
"No, not yet," replied Rei.
"Just give her more time, guys. I know they're out there," said Sora.
"You don't think Sharks ate them, do you?" Minako asked worriedly.
"Not in a billion years, Minako. If anything, Riku would just send them scattering about with barely a scratch on him, and keep Chibiusa safe from harm," Roxas assured her, making Usagi breathe a sigh of relief.
"Well said, Roxas," smiled Usagi.
"This is my fault. This only happened because I scolded her," Rei said sadly.
"No it's not, Rei. Both Usagi and I would be ashamed of you for not being able to forgive yourself, and so would Yuuichirou and Lord Hino. But I promise you, that Makoto will make her something that would make her happy. We have to focus on finding Chibiusa and Riku, no matter what," Sora said to the shrine maiden.
"I actually agree with Sora, everyone. We need to expand the search area so we can find her," said Makoto.
"In that case, Aqua, Terra and I will search on our Keyblade Gliders," replied Ventus.
Then the wayfinder trio tapped their shoulders and their Keyblade Armor Materialized on them. Then they took off into the sky on their Keyblade Gliders to find Chibiusa and Riku.
"Good luck, you guys," Rei said softly to them.
Meanwhile, the creature that was carrying Chibiusa to safety with Riku flying behind them in his Equestrian form, were heading towards another island with the sharks chasing them. The creature she was riding upon was a Plesiosaurus, that had lived millions of years ago during the age of dinosaurs. Suddenly, one of the sharks managed to bite the Plesiosaurus on its front right fin, making Chibiusa worried, but Riku unleashed a Dark Firaga upon the shark.
"Chibiusa, use Luna P to turn into something to help you move faster," he called to the girl.
"I'm on it. Luna P Transform!" replied Chibusa.
The Luna P soon turned into a propeller blade, and Chibiusa placed it into the water.
"See you later, sharks!" they said, and raced off towards the island faster than ever before.
They had now managed to reach safety, where they entered an opening on the island, and stopped near another shore where they could safely get onto dry land.
"Thank you for saving me," Chibiusa said to the Plesiosaurus.
"Yeah, we owe you one," added Riku.
They both looked around their surroundings.
"So is this where you live?" they asked.
On the shore, the Plesiosaurus was licking its wound the shark had inflicted upon it.
"You're hurt," cried Chibiusa.
"But, that wound proves that it was protecting you Chibiusa. There's no need to be ashamed of yourself," Riku assured her.
"Yeah, I'll fix him up," replied Chibiusa.
Turning Luna P into a medical kit, Chibiusa soon set to work cleaning the dinosaur's wound, as Riku took the first watch for any more dangerous predators that would be coming after them.
"It should only sting for a little while, but it should help," she said to the Plesiosaurus.
"Anyway, what made you risk your life to save Chibiusa?" Riku asked.
When they looked behind them, they could see an eggshell that had cracked open, which meant it was a newborn hatchling.
"You probably think that I'm your mommy, is that it little guy?" giggled Chibiusa as the Plesiosaurus rubbed its face against hers.
"Well, even if she could, Chibiusa's not really your mother, but she and I can be your friends, right?" said Riku.
The plesiosaurus nodded, as Chibiusa finished placing the bandage on it's fin.
"You see, a friend is someone who cares about you, and treats you nice," explained Chibiusa.
"Now, where could that plesiosaur's mother be?" wondered Riku.
"I don't know, Big Brother, but there's no need for him to worry. We'll stay here with him," replied Chibiusa.
"I'm Riku, and this is Usagi Tsukino, but she mostly goes by the nickname, Chibiusa," Riku said to the plesiosaurus.
"And you are?" asked Chibiusa.
Then something snapped in her mind.
"Oh, right. You were born so you don't have a name do you?" she said.
"What kind of name did you have in mind, Chibiusa?" asked Riku.
"Well, with that long neck of his, we'll call him, Giraffe," replied Chibiusa.
"Okay… Giraffe it is then," said Riku.
"Hello Giraffe, let's be friends forever," smiled the young girl.
Back on the boat, Usagi was now growing more and more worried about Chibiusa and Riku.
"Do you think Roxas may be right about Riku protecting Chibiusa?" she asked.
"Yes, Those two will be alright. I can feel it," replied Xion, as she rested her hand on Usagi's shoulder.
"I'm with Xion on this one Usagi. They're both alive. I can sense their light as well," said Rei.
"We're gonna find them," added Ami.
"You said it Ami. I'm worried about them just as much as Usagi is, but we can't give ourselves over to fear of what's happened. Because it'll always be our greatest enemy. We can't let them down, no matter what," replied Sora, even as Luna and Artemis ducked down so as not to get anymore sea sick.
Then suddenly, a larger plesiosaurus appeared behind them, which made Sora all the more excited. At the same time, Riku and Chibiusa were safe and sound with Giraffe in the cave.
"A little while ago, Big Brother Riku was much more polite with a friend of mine. But now that we've all become friends Giraffe, I feel much better about everything that happened," said Chibiusa, when she heard the plesiousaur's stomach growl.
Riku couldn't help but chuckle.
"Guess it's time to eat you guys," he said.
Giraffe nodded, and soon went down below to send some fish to Chibiusa and Riku. To the young girl's shock, it was fish, but she soon agreed to try some for herself. On the outskirts of the island, Sora, Usagi and their friends were still searching, when Minako noticed something in the distance through her binoculars.
"What's that smoke?" she gasped.
"Could it be that Chibiusa built a fire and is trying to signal us?" asked Ami.
"No, that's volcanic smoke," said Makoto.
"Mako, keep us within a close enough proximity with the island. Chibiusa and Riku may be there," called Sora.
"Aye, aye, Captain Sora!" replied Makoto, making everyone laugh.
"Since when did you start acting like a captain?" asked Minako.
"Well, back on Destiny Islands, I always wanted to be a pirate when I was little. Sailing the sea, searching for treasure, and sailing beyond my beloved horizon," replied Sora.
"That's just like Sora, Minako," giggled Kairi, which made Usagi feel at ease that Sora wasn't letting his fears cloud his judgement.
Back on the island, Riku had just managed to cook the fish, and passed one to Chibiusa.
"Are you sure this will taste good?" she asked nervously.
"Yeah, just try it, and see how it tastes. Just place your faith in both me and Giraffe," replied Riku.
"Okay you guys, I guess I'll give it a try," said Chibiusa.
She took a small bite, and was suddenly surprised to see that it tasted good.
"Oh wow, fish is delicious," she said happily.
"Huh, what was that squealing sound?" asked Luna.
"Being sea sick has you hearing things, Luna," replied Artemis.
"No, I know they're out there somewhere. We need to stay sharp," said Sora.
But they suddenly saw what looked like another plesiosaurus that was much bigger swimming underneath the ship.
"You guys, did you see that?" the dark colored cat asked nervously.
"Yeah, I saw it all right. It must be heading towards the island," replied Sora.
Then the large plesiosaurus stuck it's head out of the water, which suddenly made Sora both surprised and impressed.
"Whoa, a real-live dinosaur," he said.
Meanwhile, Giraffe awoke to hear what sounded like thunder, but was much worse. He nudged against Chibiusa, who woke up and was about to walk off, when the larger plesiosaurus arrived, making Riku ready his keyblade.
"Are you trying to eat my friends? Cause if you are, I'm what predators fear!" he said fiercely.
"Wait a second, Big Brother! It might be Giraffe's mommy!" cried Chibiusa.
Giraffe was surprised, until the large plesiosaurus began to drag him away.
"Wait please, don't take our friend Giraffe away!" Chibiusa called out to the larger dinosaur.
"That's right. We became friends after escaping from some sharks. But at the same time, you shouldn't take someone away from their friends," added Riku.
But the mother Plesiosaurus continued to drag Giraffe away, until he swam back to them. Chibiusa was relieved, until there was another thundering boom, which caused the cavern to shake.
"What's that?" Riku and Chibiusa asked.
Taking hold of Giraffe, Chibiusa was worried it was an earthquake. Quickly, Giraffe's mother managed to get them inside the cave, just in time before a larger rock crashed on top of them. Then, Sora, Usagi and their friends heard the booming sound on the island.
"Everyone look! It's erupting!" called Ami.
Suddenly, Rei sensed Riku and Chibiusa's light.
"They're alive, I can sense the two of them on that island," she said.
"Then that means we have to help them," replied Artemis.
"All right then! Let's go and help her!" said Sora.
Everyone nodded, and Usagi, Ami, Rei, Makoto, and Minako assumed their Sailor Guardian Identities, in a brilliant flash of light.
"Alter our course, lassies!" called Sora.
Aye, aye!" replied the Sailor Guardians, and they headed towards the island.
Back on the island, Chibiusa had managed to crawl through a small opening, then looked back at Riku.
"Don't worry, Chibiusa. Help is on the way," Riku said calmly, as more rocks fell.
"No way, Big Brother, I'll find a way to save you, Giraffe, and his mommy. I'm the reason you guys got stuck here in the first place. I'm the one that got you here," protested Chibusa.
"Chibiusa, you don't believe that. I know you don't," Riku countered quietly.
"But, I can't let this happen to you! We're friends and I care about you! And Giraffe just found his mommy!" argued Chibiusa.
Suddenly the volcano erupted and a huge burst of lava began flowing towards them, as Chibiusa cried out in anguish.
"AHOY CHIBIUSA!" called a voice from behind.
She turned around to see Sora, his friends, and the Sailor Guardians had arrived.
"We're here for you, Chibiusa!" they all said.
"Sailor Mars, stop the lava flow!" called Sora.
"Roger!" replied Sailor Mars.
She soon channeled her power and unleashed her Burning Mandala Attack to try and slow down the lava.
"Thank goodness," Chibiusa said, feeling relieved.
"You guys handle the rest," Sailor Mars said to her friends.
"We're on it," replied Sailor Jupiter.
Then she used her Sparkling Wide Pressure attack to split the ground apart, so that the lava would fall into the crack, with Sailor Venus following it up with her Love-Me Chain to move a rock so that it would buy them more time.
"Lets go, Mercury!" called Aqua.
Sailor Mercury nodded, then together they unleashed a combination of Shine Aqua Illusion and Diamond Dust to stop the lava.
"Listen you guys, please save Giraffe and Big Brother Riku, they're in trouble," cried Chibiusa.
"Who's Giraffe?" asked Sailor Mars and Sora.
"Our Dinosaur friend. They're trapped underneath those rocks," replied Chibiusa pointing to the rockslide.
"Okay then, Sailor Moon, let's break 'em out!" Sora said with a smirk.
"Yeah, let's give it our all!" replied Sailor Moon.
The two friends jumped down, and looked through the small peep hole to see Giraffe with his mother and Riku.
"About time, you two," he said.
"Sorry," replied Sora and Sailor Moon.
Suddenly the lava began to flow towards them much faster.
"Let's move, the lava's coming towards us," said Terra, who landed with Ven at his side.
"He's right. Use your Moon Princess Halation to clear away some of this rock, while I use Dark Shield to protect this family," suggested Riku.
"I'm on it!" replied Sailor Moon.
Readying her Princess Rod, Sailor Moon prepared for her ultimate attack as Sora stood beside her.
"Moon Princess Halation!" she cried.
The rocks soon burst in all directions, as Riku used Dark Shield to protect himself, Giraffe and his mother.
"Get going, you two!" he said to them.
The two plesiosaurs soon headed towards the water, just in time.
"Oh, good, they're okay," sighed Chibiusa.
By morning, everyone was now back on the boat, and Chibiusa slowly awoke from the experience.
"Is Giraffe okay? Is his mommy okay?" Chibiusa asked worriedly.
"They're fine, Chibiusa. After all, we not only saved them, but you as well, even though Riku was by your side," answered Sora.
"Yeah, that's right," added Usagi.
And they were right. Chibiusa was relieved to see Giraffe and his mother were safe and sound, and waved towards them.
"Where are they going?" asked the little girl.
"I think they're leaving, to find themselves a more peaceful island to call home," replied Ami.
"Yeah," agreed Sora.
"Hey, don't you want to say goodbye?" asked Rei.
"Yeah," sobbed Chibiusa.
Giraffe turned back towards Chibiusa and Riku, then towards Sora.
"Take care of your mother, Giraffe. Adios," Sora said quietly, his hand raised and outstretched towards them.
"Bye-bye, We'll miss you," called Chibiusa.
Then Riku turned to Rei.
"By the way, Chibiusa would like to have some more seafood when we head back to Juban," he said.
"What, really?" gasped Rei.
"Yeah, thanks to my friend Giraffe," grinned Chibiusa.