Chapter 12
For Friendship: Ami Vs. Berthier
In Ami's apartment, Usagi and Ami were playing a game of chess, as their friends had also joined her.
"And Checkmate," said Ami, moving the white queen near the black king.
"Aw, you beat me again," moaned Usagi.
"Wow, great game," grinned Makoto, as she and Chibiusa applauded her.
Even Sora and his friends applauded Ami as well.
"And I even studied this guide to chess. Not only are you smart when it comes to school stuff, Ami, but you're an ace chess player as well," said Usagi.
"Chess is the perfect mental game for developing a calm demeanor, and promotes the ability to make precise decisions," replied Ami.
"And in the immortal words of Sun Tsu, 'to know your enemy, you must understand your enemy,'" added Sora.
"Sora makes a pretty valid point about Sun Tsu's teachings, Usagi. But what you both lack in tactics, you make up for it with enthusiasm," said Riku.
"You said it, Big Brother Riku," giggled Chibiusa.
"Well actually, Ami was the junior chess champion of japan. Isn't that right?" grinned Makoto.
"That was just luck," Ami said shyly.
"Well then, let's all learn to play chess from Ami, and that way we can be chess champions," smirked Usagi.
"Maybe some other time, Usagi. Mako and I usually don't have much luck with patience," replied Terra.
"Aw, come on Terra, you don't have to word it like that," Makoto chuckled nervously.
"Well, how about Chibiusa and I play a round of chess?" suggested Riku.
"Okay, but I won't go easy on you, Big Brother," replied Chibiusa.
"Well okay then, but be cautious with her," warned Usagi.
A short while later, Chibisua had won her round with Riku.
"Not bad, Chibiusa. I didn't expect you to gain victory that fast," he said casually.
"Well, you know what they say, when in battle show no mercy," replied Chibiusa, making everyone laugh.
"Chibiusa, you're really good," said Ami.
"Yeah, congrats kid," added Axel.
"Hey, sorry, gotta get going," said Makoto.
"Oh wow, look at the time. I have something to do, too," added Ami.
"Are you off to do some studying?" asked Usagi and Sora.
Ami shook her head slowly.
"I'm going to the chess tower," she said.
"The Chess tower?" Usagi and Sora asked themselves.
On the Black Moon Ship, Calaveras, Petz, and Berthier were disgusted by what they saw on the view screen. It disgusted them to see Koan being a true saleswoman, instead of their ally, when Hyena approached them.
"She has brought disgrace to the forces of darkness," huffed Petz.
"I don't understand, why in the world would Koan want to become an ordinary human being in the first place?" asked Berthier.
"I believe I have an answer to that, ladies. It's because of the Silver Crystal that Koan was reborn as a human being after Rubeus cast her aside for her final failure," replied Hyena.
"You know, Hyena's right about her being dead weight," agreed Calaveras.
"She's no longer our younger sister," sneered Petz.
"Our clan has no use for traitors like her," said Rubeus.
"I suppose you're right," agreed Berthier.
She was surprised to see the view screen shatter, making her turn and look worriedly into Rubeus' eyes.
"We'll figure out how to rid ourselves of that traitor, later on. Right now I want to show you the location of the new crystal point I found. The Chess Tower," he said, pulling up an image of a building that looked like a chess piece.
"Please, master Rubeus, I'll handle this one," suggested Berthier, who soon left.
"It seems to me that Berthier seems quite anxious to do this task," said Ultemicia, who appeared on the ship behind the two spectre sisters.
"There's nothing wrong with that. If she does well, we'll help her finish the job," replied Calaveras.
"Of course," agreed Petz.
"Make sure you succeed," Hyena and Rubeus said together.
"Yes sir," replied the two remaining sisters, but what they didn't know was that Rubeus was also planning to send them to their deaths as well.
At the Chess Tower, Sora, Usagi, and most of their friends saw the chess tower.
"Huh, this building is shaped like something I've seen before," mused Usagi.
"It kinda looks like a cake," said Makoto.
"It's not a cake, it's shaped like a rook," giggled Ami.
"Oh, right. Rooks look like a castle, and it moves forwards, backwards, and side to side," said Sora.
"You see, this building's owner is a huge chess fan. As a matter of fact, as part of the grand opening ceremony for this chess tower, the grand chess tournament is going to be held here," explained Ami.
"Yep, hard to believe that you signed up for this tournament, Ami," replied Terra.
"If you entered, you'd be sure to win it, right?" added Usagi.
"I did sign up, because I enjoyed playing chess, but it doesn't matter to me if I win or not," replied Ami.
"But winning is important," a voice said from behind them.
Everyone turned and saw it was Berthier. She was dressed in a red and black checkered dress, but Sora could sense the darkness in her heart.
"Competing when you don't care about winning is a waste of time. Winning this tournament is what it's all about," she continued.
"So what if it is? And who are you to judge who the real winner is!?" remarked Sora, as he held his Keyblade at the ready.
"Wait Sora, calm down," Makoto said, placing her hand upon his shoulder.
"It's not about whether you win or lose, what really matters is that you try to do your best," explained Usagi.
"That's exactly what losers always say," Berthier replied sassily.
"That's it!" shouted Sora, unable to contain his rage.
He rushed at Berthier, but she kicked him back towards the entrance, making Usagi and the others to his side.
"Go play your little chess games, because you'll never be a winner in the game of your life," continued Berthier.
"SHUT UP!" screamed Sora, scaring everyone else.
"Oh, did I strike a nerve in your friend? Well you'll have to play some chess to prove my point. See ya," remarked Berthier as she entered the chess tower.
"Come back here! Don't you dare trash talk my friends! Fight me like you mean it!" yelled Sora, swinging his keyblade furiously.
Usagi, Makoto, Aqua, Ami, and Terra were worried. They had seen Sora acting like that before, whenever he saw them being treated with disrespect.
"Sora, please calm down! This isn't like you!" cried the taller brunette, as she held him with her arms wrapped around him.
Sora relaxed, but he was still sore about what he heard Berthier say.
"How could she? How could she disrespect chess players who accept defeat?" he asked darkly.
"I know, but anger doesn't solve anything," replied Ami.
When he turned around, they could see a somber look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry," he said to them.
But Usagi wrapped her arms around him.
"You don't have to apologize, Sora. We all know how you're very respectful to your opponents, but you shouldn't get angry at them when they win. We respect you, just as you respect us, and I'm sure Minako would understand how making a difference can affect the outcome of a battle," she said to him.
Sora nodded as he hugged Usagi back, and the matter was thus settled. Then he and Ami walked inside, and stood back as he watched her sign up for the tournament.
"Oh, Ami, is that you?" an elderly man's voice said from nearby.
Ami and Sora turned to face him.
"It's been a while," the man said to her.
"Yes, it has. What a beautiful piece of work this building is," replied Ami.
"Why thank you. So I take it you'll be playing in the chess tournament this Sunday?" asked the man.
"Yes," smiled Ami.
"And who is this young man with you?" he asked.
"Oh, uh… My name's Sora," replied Sora.
"Well, welcome to the chess tower, Sora," replied the Chess Tower owner.
He then motioned for Sora and Ami to follow him, so that they could play a friendly game. Sora watched as Ami and the manager played a casual game of chess.
"You know, I used to play chess with your grandfather all the time," said the manager.
"Holy cats," murmured Sora.
"You know Ami, you seem a bit different," continued the owner.
Ami was confused.
"What he's trying to tell you is that you once played chess to be at ease with yourself," piped in Sora.
"Why yes indeed Sora, you are correct about that. But now Ami seems more…" replied the tower owner.
"That's because now, I have friends," said Ami.
"That's good, I'm glad to hear that. Good friends are more precious than any other treasure," replied the tower manager.
"Yeah," agreed Sora.
He watched as Ami managed to place her opponent's king into check.
"Um, Ami, just between the both of us, would you mind holding off on using that move?" asked the Chess Tower manager.
"You haven't changed a bit," giggled Ami, and even Sora had to laugh as well.
"I forgot what a lovely smile you have," said the owner, when Sora and Ami noticed Berthier slip by in her original outfit.
"Looks like Berthier is up to no good," whispered Sora, and he followed after her.
"Um, does your receptionist get off at work today?" Ami asked.
She does. You and I should be the only ones left here on this floor," replied the tower manager.
"Then would you mind terribly, if I took a look around the facility?" asked Ami.
"Be my guest," smiled the director.
Ami thanked him, then followed after Sora. Meanwhile Berthier had arrived, in another part of the Chess Tower, a wicked smile on her face.
This room is the exact center of the Crystal Point," she said.
She was now getting to work when Sora appeared behind her.
"And what are you up to?" Sora asked, stopping Berthier immediately.
Now she knew who it was.
"Well now, it seems we meet again, Sora Lucis Caelum," mused Berthier.
"How do you know who Sora is?" demanded Ami.
"You're brave, but I'm much more powerful than you realize. Besides I can't stand goodie goodie girls like you and your stupid friends," smirked Berthier.
"That's it! You're finished!" snapped Sora, as he summoned his Keyblade.
"All right, then your friend can die first!" cried Berthier.
She fired an orb of darkness at Ami, but Sora jumped in its path and deflected it.
"Thank you, Sora," she said happily.
"I'm actually surprised, Sora. But you're still going down," mused Berthier.
She fired more attacks at Sora, who deflected them with his Keyblade.
"Search your feelings Berthier. You can't do this. I feel the conflict within you. Let go of your hate," Sora said as he between Berthier and Ami.
"It's too late for me, Sora. But don't worry. Once you fall at my hands, your precious friends will join you in Kingdom Hearts," remarked Berthier.
Sora glared darkly at Berthier, his anger feeding the darkness in his heart, as well as strengthening Vanitas within him.
"Wait, Sora. Let me help you," Ami said, temporarily subduing Vanitas.
She pulled out her transformation wand.
Mercury Star Power, Make Up!" she called to the stars above.
In a brilliant flash of azure light, Ami had now become Sailor Mercury, surprising Berthier.
"Oh my, what a surprise," she said quickly.
"That's right, Berthier! Ami Mizuno may be Sailor Mercury, one of the Sailor Guardians, but she's also my friend! But between the both of us, I don't care if you wanna tell your superiors about this revelation!" replied Sora.
This enraged Berthier who tried to strike at them, but Sora and Sailor Mercury combined their powers together through the strength of their bond.
"DIAMOND DUST!" they cried.
A combined force of water and ice dispelled the attack, making Berthier.
"Well, how dare you interfere with my work!" she said furiously.
But before she could strike them, Sailor Jupiter charged into the battlefield with her Sparkling Wide Pressure attack, catching Berthier off guard.
"You know six against one isn't fair you know, it's actually cheating, and you didn't have to be so rough," she seethed.
"Why don't you stop whining and tell us what you're doing here?" asked Sailor Jupter.
"I've had enough for today, but I swear you'll pay for this," replied Berthier.
She then vanished into the dark corridor, just as Sora charged after her. But she was nowhere to be seen as Sora's anger exploded yet again.
"Berthier! Come back and fight us! You coward!" he shouted, swinging his Keyblade furiously.
Everyone was worried about Sora, even Sailor Mercury.
"I know you're angry, Sora! But you shouldn't antagonize her like this!" she said, wrapping her arms around him.
This made Sora calm down almost immediately.
"I hate this. Now that she knows who you are, she'll be planning to pay you back for what we did," he said with a dark cold venom in his voice.
"I know, but she's gone for now," replied Ami.
Then Sora turned and looked darkly at his friends, startling them.
"Listen you guys, I don't care if Berthier knows that Ami and Sailor Mercury are one and the same. But the next time we see her again, I'll make her suffer for finding out her identity. I'm not gonna let this chance slip away!" he said.
"Make Berthier suffer? Sora, you're scaring us," replied Makoto.
""Why do you want to kill Berthier? Do you want to forsake us for revenge?" Sailor Moon asked.
"It's because Berthier almost got Ami killed, and I would have taken responsibility in avenging her death! That's what I'd do, Sailor Moon and Sailor Jupiter! She's a monster, and she deserves to die a monster! I HATE HER!" Sora said, his anger increasing with intensity, as a tear rolled down his cheek.
Usagi was worried, but noticed the taller brunette step towards Sora.
"And if you did see Berthier again, what would you plan to do? Would killing her be your way of paying her back for learning about who Sailor Mercury really is?" asked Sailor Jupter.
Sora wasn't sure how to respond to that, until he felt Ami's hand on his shoulder.
"Sora, you once told us about Hakuna Matata, and we've embraced that philosophy with all our hearts. But whenever we hear you vowing revenge, it scares us. It scares us so much that we don't want you to walk down this dark road," Ami said to him.
"Ami's right, Sora. Being angry means you're still human, but it doesn't give you the right to seek revenge. That's not how a true hero would act in the face of impossible odds," agreed Usagi.
Sora looked at Ami, then at Usagi, and noticed the fear in their eyes that made him snap out of his rage induced trance.
"I'm sorry," he said somberly.
But Ami pulled him towards her, and hugged him.
"Don't be sorry. I'm just glad you were by my side, so that we could stop Berthier together. So if anything, I should be thanking you for your help. But Sora, never forget that you're still our friend. Because we'll always be in your heart, no matter what." she said.
Sora hugged her as well, making Sailors Moon and Jupiter give him a respectful smile. When they slowly backed away, Ami could see that Sora was now more relaxed than ever, as he turned to Sailor Jupiter.
"Hey, Mako, can you tell the rest of our friends to meet us at the chess tower? he asked.
"Sure thing, Sora. You can count on me," replied Sailor Jupiter, giving him a thumbs up.
"And don't you worry, because we've got Hakuna Matata on our side, Sora. You don't need to take responsibility for Sailor Mercury's sake," agreed Sailor Moon.
'Thank you," replied Sora, giving Sailor Moon a respectful smile.
Even Ami had to admit that Sora was a good guy she could respect.
"Thanks, you guys," she said with a respectful smile.
Back on the Black Moon ship, Berthier had returned and was now looking at her hand which had been scarred by Sailor Jupiter's attack.
"Aw, did you get hurt?" Petz asked.
"Aw, looks like you did," mused Calaveras.
'That's enough, ladies. Berthier did what she had to do, until her foes arrived and put a stop to her plans, for now," interjected Hyena.
"Thanks for the input, Hyena," Berthier said.
"You're right, we're sorry Hyena," added Petz.
"Yeah, we both are. Cause if Berthier failed after volunteering to go, then there's no way she'd have the guts to return," finished Petz.
"Yet if the two of you failed, I'm sure Rubeus wouldn't mind if I turned you both into Heartless," Hyena said malevolently.
"Well, somehow if even I failed, I wouldn't dream of asking my older sisters to help me," mused Berthier.
"What a relief that you didn't have to," smirked Petz.
"One disappointing embarrassment like Koan's failure is quite enough," added Calaveras.
Then the three of them laughed maniacally, but Berthier was still worried about disappointing Rubeus. After her injuries healed, she returned to the Chess Tower, dressed in her disguise as the sky darkened with black clouds. This time she would have her revenge in a game of chess, where the winner would take all. She soon entered the main lobby, approached the receptionist, and using her mental powers, managed to sign herself up for the tournament. Meanwhile, in another part of the tower, people were seated as they watched the players partaking in a game of chess. Behind them, Usagi, Sora, and all their friends were watching the many players taking part in the tournament, with Koan at their side.
"This is exciting," Usagi said.
The others nodded agreement, until they noticed one player's icon blink out next to Ami's.
"Hey, Ami won again," said Makoto.
"Yep, she sure did," replied Terra.
""Wouldn't it be great if Ami wins at all?" asked Koan.
Minako nodded, until Usagi had an idea.
"Okay everyone, ready for a chess cheer?" Usagi asked.
"I know I am, Usagi. But, it's best if we cheer for Ami with our hearts instead of our voices," replied Sora.
Rei nodded respectfully at Sora, and smiled at him.
"You're right, Sora. let's cheer her on with our hearts," she said to him.
Despite her reluctance, Usagi nodded in agreement.
"Give it all you got, Ami Mizuno," Sora said softly.
"I agree, Sora," said the Chess Tower manager.
"You do, sir?" asked Makoto.
"Yes indeed, but are all of you friends of Ami?" replied the manager.
"Yes," everyone said.
"I see, then you must be the good friends she was telling me about earlier," smiled the manager.
"Does that mean you also know Ami as well?" asked Riku.
"Yes indeed, I'm the rich eccentric old man who built this chess tower," he replied.
"Whoa, so you're the owner!" Usagi said excitedly.
"So do you think Ami has a chance of winning this tournament?" asked Minako.
"I'd say it depends on her opponents," replied the owner.
He then noticed the disguised Berthier's icon overtaking the other players on the screen as she beat her opponents in a chess match, but Sora became suspicious as his eyes became etched with anger, but frightened Berthier. At the same time, they could see that Ami was defeating more of her opponents which made her friends proud of her. When at last the last of Berthier and Ami's opponents had been defeated in the previous rounds, the two girls stood face to face at the same table that had now been set up.
"Let's have a fun match, shall we?" Ami said.
Berthier smiled as she took Ami's hand, which made her feel uncomfortably cold.
"To the finals," she giggled.
Then she dropped a set of chess pieces onto the board.
"For this match, I'd like to use these chess pieces," Berthier said.
Ami was amazed. But Berthier told her that they were her creation, while Koan became worried as she watched the screen.
"She is good," said the owner, as he watched the two players with anticipation in his eyes.
But Sora became worried about Ami, and her friends were as well, as they cheered with all their hearts. Then they watched Ami take one of Berthier's pieces which made them relieved. But when she won, Berthier's darkness slowly began to envelop her.
"Oh no, this match isn't over, we're not done," she said.
Ami was confused.
"The game has just begun, Sailor Mercury," Berthier said darkly.
Ami jumped out of her seat.
"I've had enough playing around," continued Berther.
Then she used her dark water to shut down the cameras, causing the screen to fizzle out and go blank.
"There must be some problem with the camera," said the owner.
"That sounds right. We'll go check it out," agreed Rei.
Then the strange group raced to where they could see Ami and Berthier at the chess board, but told Koan to stay behind. One by one, Usagi, Minako, Rei, and Makoto assumed their Sailor Guardian identities, as they rushed to Ami's rescue.
"I should have known it was you," Sailor Mercury said furiously.
"Stop right there!" Sora and Sailor Moon said, as they burst through the door.
"You're not ready to challenge Ami to chess or anything else for that matter! Cheating and Lying are the way to succeed in life! So on behalf of the moon, I'm punishing you!" Sailor Moon said to Berthier.
"Got it memorized?" smirked Axel.
"Foolish people," mused Berthier.
Soon she had entrapped everyone in a crystal sphere and held them high above Sailor Mercury, who demanded to know what this was all about.
"Death is the only cure for fools like them," smirked Berthier.
She held up her chess piece, and challenged Sailor Mercury to another game of chess, for the safety of her friends, as they all struggled to find a way out.
"So have you made up your mind yet?" Berhiter asked smugly.
"Ami! Don't worry about us, focus on the game! You have to win, I know you can!" Sora called out to Sailor Mercury.
Sailor Mercury nodded, and agreed to the challenge. But she saw that Berthier was already planning to make her move, by creating an advantage. Sailor Mercury tried her best, but with each move, Berthier took one of her pieces, and the ice around her began to overtake her, as her friends continued to support her with their hearts. But with each move she made, Sailor Mercury's body was now slowly being encased in ice. Sailor Mars wanted to break them out, but Sora placed his hand upon her shoulder.
"No Sailor Mars, Ami has to win this! She has to, or we'll die if she concedes the match!" he said.
"How can you be sure about that!?" protested Sailor Mars.
"You have to trust me. It's gonna be okay," replied Sora.
"Don't delude yourself, Sora Lucis Caelum. There's no point in your friend playing the martyr to strangers," scoffed Berthier.
"That's where you're wrong. They're not strangers, they're my friends!" Sailor Mercury said bravely.
"Your friends?" questioned Berthier.
"That's right, Berthier. Every one of us is very important to Sailor Mercury. And she won't forsake us, no matter what you say to her!" Sora said bravely.
"Pah! Quit trying to distract me, Sora Lucis Caelum!" spat Berthier, just as Petz and Calaveras arrived.
"Nicely done, Berthier," Calaveras said.
"Now we can help you wipe them out," added Petz.
"That won't be necessary, ladies. I'd say we let Berthier encase Sailor Mercury in ice, so that I can deliver her frozen form to Rubeus as compensation for her victory," Hyena said.
"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER, HYENA!" shouted Sora.
"You will be silent, Sora! These ladies have always been working together as a team, ever since they became the Spectre Sisters," retorted Hyena.
Berthier was about to make her final move, when a rose sent the piece out of her hand.
"Oh, so it's you," she said.
"Check!" Tuxedo Mask said.
The chess pieces shattered, and Ami was now free. At the same time, her friends were also released from their prison, and landed safely on the ground, while Terra caught Sailor Moon in his arms, and gently set her down on the ground.
"Thank you, Terra," she said, with a light giggle, which earned a nod from him.
"Someone who has no idea what it's like to be the pawn should have no right to move the queen," continued the caped crusader.
But when he left, Berthier begged for her sisters to help her, but they looked coyly away from her.
"It looks like your plan failed, Berthier," smirked Petz.
"Right, and you should make amends for your failure by allowing Hyena to kill you," added Calaveras.
"Do what's right!" they said, as they vanished into the dark corridor.
Berthier was saddened, even as Hyena decided not to do the task that was given to him.
"On second thought, Berthier, you should take your own life," he said, and vanished into the dark corridor as well.
"You see, even among sisters, there's no such thing as caring for someone. That's why it's absolute nonsense that you would risk your life to protect a friend, a stranger, or anyone. You're all looking at me, like you're all so sorry for you. Go on, laugh. Even I find it funny that I was counting on my sisters to help me. The jokes on me," she said to Sora and his friends, as she felt the tears stinging her eyes.
But then Sora walked right up to Berthier, took her hand, and held it in his own.
"No, Berthier! Don't say or think those things! Your life is not worth throwing away so easily in front of me or Sailor Moon!" protested Sora.
"How would you know that, Sora Lucis Caelum!?" Berthier asked through choked sobs.
"Nothing can ever be set in stone, Specterella. That's a fact you don't understand. You just want cruelty to beget cruelty. You're not superior to people who were cruel to you. You're just a whole bunch of new cruel people. A whole bunch of new cruel people being cruel to some other people, who'll end up being cruel to you. The only way anyone can live in peace is if they're prepared to forgive. Why don't you break the cycle?" he continued.
"Oh, and why should we?" questioned the dark water mage.
"What is it that you actually want?" he asked.
There was a very long pause. The people were watching in surprise. They'd never heard Sora talking to someone on the side of darkness without hesitation in his voice.
"War," answered Berthier.
"I see. That's what you want. And when this war is over, when you have a homeland free from humans, what do you think it's going to be like? Do you know? Have you thought about it? Have you given it any consideration? Because you're very close to getting what you want. What's it going to be like? Paint me a picture. Are you going to live in houses? Do you want people to go to work? Will there be holidays? Oh! Will there be music? Do you think people will be allowed to play violins? Who's going to make the violins? Well? Oh, you don't actually know, do you? Because, like every other tantruming child in history, Berthier, you don't actually know what you want. So, let me ask you a question about this brave new world of yours. When you've killed all the bad guys, and when it's all perfect and just and fair, when you have finally got it exactly the way you want it, what are you going to do with the people like you? The troublemakers. How are you going to protect your glorious revolution from the next one?" he explained.
"We'll win," she said.
"Oh, will you? Well, maybe, maybe you will win! But nobody wins for long. The wheel just keeps turning. So, come on. Break the cycle," begged Sora.
"Why are you still talking?" Berthier demanded.
"Because I want to get you to see, and I'm almost there," he replied.
"Do you actually know what I see, Sora Lucis Caelum? I see a chessboard. And on it, is a game that will decide who the true winner is. A fifty percent chance," she said.
"For us too," added Mercury.
They soon looked at each other, grimly determined, but the other Warriors of Light were getting worried. Finally, Koan, unable to watch any longer, quickly ran from the room and raced to find Berthier before she did something very terrible.
"And we're off! Let the match begin! Are you feeling lucky? Are you ready to play the game? Who's going to be the quickest? Who's going to be the luckiest?" Sora asked, sounding more like a game master.
"This is not a game!" snapped Sailor Mercury.
"You're right. It's not a game, Mercury, and it seems we mean that most sincerely," he remarked.
"Why would you do this?" Berthier asked in surprise.
"Yes, I'd very much like to know that also. You set this up, but why?" her rival asked.
(Now for this part, play Four Knocks from Doctor Who for this heartfelt speech Sora has for both Mercury and Berthier)
"Because life isn't a game, Mercury. It's a scale model of war. Every war ever fought, right there in front of you. Because it's always the same. When you fire that first shot, no matter how right you feel, you have no idea who's going to die! You don't know whose children are going to scream and burn! How many hearts will be broken! How many lives shattered! How much blood will spill until everybody does what they were always going to have to do from the very beginning. Sit down and talk!" Sora explained firmly, just as Koan arrived in the room.
She was surprised to see Sora talking to her sister, as well as how he took hold of her hand with his own, as she stood with the rest of his bewildered friends.
"Listen to me, Berthier. I just wanted you to think. Do you know what thinking is? It's just a fancy word for changing your mind," continued Sora.
"I will never change my mind," sobbed Berthier.
"Then you will die stupid. Alternatively, you could step away from that chessboard. You could walk out that door with the sister you love, and you can welcome the warm embrace of light," replied Sora.
"Never. I'm not stopping it, Sora. I started this, and I will not stop. Do you really believe they'd let me go after what I've done!?" cried Berthier.
"You're all the same, like screaming children, you know that? 'Oh, look at me, Sailor Moon, I'm unforgivable'. Well, here's something no one would expect to hear me say. I forgive you. After all you've done, I forgive you," countered Sora.
Berthier, Sailor Moon, Koan, and everyone else around them were surprised to hear that coming from Sora, even though he did a mock version of what Berthier sounded like.
"Sora," whispered Sailor Moon.
"You don't understand me. You will never understand my feelings, Sora Lucis Caelum," Berthier said, as she ripped her hand out of Sora's.
"I don't understand? Are you kidding? Me? Of course I understand. I mean, do you call this a war? This game of chess? This is not a war! I fought in a bigger war than you will ever know. I did worse things than even you could imagine before you were born. And when I close my eyes, I hear more screams than even everyone could ever be able to count! And do you know what to do with all that pain? Should I tell you where you put it?" Sora asked.
He then took Berthier's hand in his own hand again, and made it into a fist.
"You hold it tight until it burns your hand, and you tell yourself that no one else will ever have to live like this. No one else will ever have to feel this pain. Not on my watch, nor on Sailor Moon's, and not even anyone else's watch," finished Sora.
Then to everyone's relief, Berthier, rather than using her Dark Water attack at maximum power, hugged Sora tightly, and she cried softly into his shoulder.
"Don't worry Berthier. It's gonna be okay. We're here for you, and we always will be, no matter what," he said, as he hugged her back.
"You're right. I'm so sorry, Sora," replied Berthier as she wept.
"We know, Berthier," agreed Koan, who smiled sympathetically at her sister.
She then looked at Sora, who turned and faced her after he and Berthier slowly parted away from each other.
"Thank you, Sora. Thank you for talking to my sister," she said as she hugged him as well.
Sora nodded, and hugged Koan back. Even Sailor Venus could see that Sora really was a kind and caring soul, who didn't want to see anyone die.
It was my honor, Koan," he replied quietly.
(Play Song for Ten [Reprise] for this part after Sora's speech)
"I'm sure Sailor Moon, Luna, and Artemis would be very proud of you, Sora." she said, as she brushed away a tear that rolled down her cheek.
"Me too, Sailor Venus," replied Sora, after he and Koan parted away from each other.
Then he turned to Sailor Mercury, who was also crying tears of joy.
"We all are, Sora. Even Master Yen Sid himself would be very proud of you," she said.
"It's because Berthier started to think like me, when she and I first spoke to each other in secret. And that's for three reasons. 1: She wanted to talk to me of her own volition, because of how much I cared about my friends. 2: During our meeting, I told her that there was still good in her heart, and that I could sense it trying to break free. And 3: I told her about how the path of redemption is not impossible to walk upon, even if you do have darkness in your heart," replied Sora.
He turned to Berthier who held a smiling Koan in her arms.
"It feels like hell, doesn't it? No one should have to think like that, and no one will. Not on our watch," he said.
They could see the kindness in his eyes, as Berthier smiled at him.
"Gotcha," he said.
"Can I ask why you're so sure about that?" she asked.
"Because you have a disadvantage, Berthier. I see it in your eyes, and I can tell that there is good in you," replied Sora.
"He's right, Berthier. You care about your sisters, just as much as I care about Sora. Just as WE care about Sora," added Kairi.
"Yup, and hearing Sora's speech about wars and how they can be resolved through peaceful means, we also know that we fight for peace in the Realm of Light," added Goofy.
"And that's something Sailor Moon and her friends can accept with their hearts," finished Mickey.
"Yes. I'd almost forgotten what happens to people who are affected by the many terrors that war can bring," replied Sailor Mercury.
"Well, that may be true, Mercury, but there are times, when the only way a war can truly end, is if you find the right solution for peace," Sora said, then he gently led her way from the chess board, while Berthier watched in confusion.
"I have one question, Sora, if it's okay with you. What do you think would've happened if I used my Dark Water attack at maximum power?" Berthier asked.
"To be honest, even after hearing Petz, Calaveras, and Hyena say that you should kill yourself, that's something that I'd never allow at all, and I know that both Sailor Moon and Koan would do the same thing I would. As for the people watching through this camera, they'll always remember what's happened here, and it will serve as a permanent reminder of why peace is better than war. Many of the players that acknowledged their opponents for a fun and fair game of chess will also remember this," he explained calmly.
"Does that mean you'll protect me?" she questioned.
"Yes, and it'll be as a real family, which is something I now believe in," assured Koan.
"But I don't understand how someone like you would forgive me this easily, Sora," the dark water mage said to Sora.
"Because I've been where you are. There was another war. I wanted to cut Xehanort into a thousand pieces, so that I would have revenge for what he'd done to Kairi. No morals, no remorse, no justice. I was so sure I was right," he answered.
"What happened?" wondered Berthier.
"The same thing that happened to you. I heard Kairi's voice telling me not to lose myself to vengeance. And trust me. She doesn't leave. Sometimes the truth can lead to consequences, and sometimes the consequences can lead to the truth," Sora replied quietly.
"I didn't know," murmured Sailor Mars, who was truly appalled by what she heard.
"Nor did any of us. We didn't know that Sora almost compromised who he was for revenge," added Sailor Jupiter.
Riku then turned to Sailor Moon, and rested his hand upon her shoulder.
"Sailor Moon, let's give Berthier a chance to live her life the way she wants to," he said.
"You got it, Riku," Sailor Moon replied with a kind smile.
Then Sora stood beside her.
"Berthier of the Specter Sisters, it's time for you to face the light!" he called.
"Moon Crystal Power!" cried Sailor Moon.
Then in a brilliant flash of light, Berthier was reborn as a human being.
"Thank goodness," sighed Sailor Mercury.
"Yeah, thanks to Sora's speech," replied Koan.
"Even I'm proud of him," smiled Sailor Jupiter.
"All right, then let's go home," Sora said.
Then Berthier gently took his hand, and the strange group walked out of the Chess Tower. A short while later, Berthier and Koan were now enjoying a game of chess, with Ami, Usagi, Luna and Sora watching them.
"Uh could you not make that move?" Koan asked.
"Even though we're sisters, I won't go easy on you," replied Berthier, until another queen fell from under her arm.
"Oh boy, Koan's not gonna be happy about this," murmured Sora.
"Hey you were using an extra queen!" gasped Koan.
"I'm sorry, but I need all the help I can get," replied Berthier.
But despite their differences, the two sisters still cherished each other, thanks to the lesson Sora taught Berthier.