Chapter 16

A Girl's Dream: Usagi Becomes a Bride

In Juban Middle School, Usagi and Naru's Home Econimic's teacher, Higure Akyama, was now writing on the blackboard, but she wasn't herself at that time.

"I wonder what's wrong with Miss Akiyama, she's so distracted," Naru said, sitting on the table with Usagi and Sora who were sharing sea-salt ice cream.

"You got us, Naru. Even we can't figure out what's wrong with her," replied Sora.

"I'm with you there, Sora. That home economics class was so boring, I can't even wake up now that it's over," yawned Usagi.

"Miss Akiyama used to be really passionate about sewing, too. I just don't know what could have happened to her," said Naru.

"I believe I might have an answer to that," Riku said as he approached them.

"Yuh-huh, same here," agreed Umino.

"Oh, hey Riku," said the girls.

"Oh, and Umino, you might wanna stop popping up out of nowhere and freaking Usagi and Naru out. It's really starting to get on their nerves," warned Sora.

"I know, but I actually found out the cause of Miss Akiyama's strange behavior. I believe that it is strongly connected to her engagement," Umino said to them.

"Her engagement?" Sora and the girls asked in surprise.

"Yes, Miss Higure Akiyama is 34 years old and still unmarried, but she's strongly determined to change that. Her greatest desire is to marry her beloved in a beautiful ceremony while wearing a wedding dress that she sewed herself," explained Umino.

"Okay, then we'll gather our friends together and attend Miss Akiyama's wedding," said Sora.

"Well, it's not an ideal situation, but as long as they love each other," replied Umino.

"Give me the ideal or nothing at all, I believe in impossibly high standards! As long as they're handsome, go for it! Take a chance with them! I for one plan to get married at the age of 25," said Usagi, until her ice cream landed on her hair.

"Well… I wouldn't get my hopes up just yet," chuckled Sora.

"She wants a handsome guy!? I'm doomed!" wailed Umino.

Miss Akiyama left the tailor shop, but stopped and glanced inside, until she suddenly heard Miss Haruna approaching her.

"Oh, Miss Sakurada," Higure said quietly.

"What's wrong? You seem distracted. Oh, wait, I bet you were just thinking about your fiance, weren't you?" replied Miss Haruna.

"Don't be silly," Miss Akiyama said shyly.

"Wow, what beautiful silk! Oh, of course. Now I remember, you were planning on making a well made dress for your wedding ceremony, right?" Miss Haruna asked quickly.

"Aye, that she was, Miss Sakurada. Sadly though, she's not able to find any silk that pique's her interest," a voice said from behind them.

Both women turned around to see Scrooge McDuck standing near them on the sidewalk.

"Yes, I'm afraid Mr. McDuck speaks the truth. I've already picked out the design that I like though," Miss Akiyama said in agreement.

"Well, don't even think of giving up now lassie. I'm sure you'll be able to make the perfect dress that suits your fancy. And I'm sure that Miss Sakurada and I will both be there to offer our sincerest congratulations to both you and your future husband during the after ceremony celebration. And me nephews, Huey, Louie, and Dewey will be there to offer their congratulations, too," replied Scrooge.

"Okay, thanks, I'll do my best," Miss Akiyama said, happy that Donald's uncle was supporting her.

"Sure thing, I'm gonna do my best too," agreed Miss Haruna, as she skipped off merrily down the street.

None of them noticed Nephrite who had heard everything from within his car. He raced back to his manor and began browsing the stars that were around him, now knowing that Miss Akiyama would be his prey. Meanwhile, at the Juban Community Center, Usagi and Sora couldn't help but overhear some people congratulating a new couple on their marriage, which made the blonde gasp in surprise while Sora stood with a content smile on his face.

"What a beautiful bride, I'm so jealous. That really is the dream of every young girl in love. I hope it's me someday," she said.

"I know what you mean, Usagi. One day, I hope to get married with the girl I love, and have beautifully gifted children to carry on my legacy as Keyblade Master. That's the kind of dream we have in common," added Sora, as he had his hands behind his head.

Before their conversation could continue, they suddenly overheard some people carrying a large billboard and setting it down next to the front entrance.

"What's this? A hand-made wedding dress contest? And the grand prize is lavis all expense paid wedding reception!?" Usagi asked curiously.

Sora wasn't sure why, but he wondered what kind of outfit he'd wear to a wedding reception, when Rei showed up, having heard what Usagi had said.

"Wow, a lavish wedding reception! I can just picture it, and my groom would be…" Usagi said in a lovestruck manner.

She started thinking about herself in a wedding dress of her own with both Tuxedo Mask and Motoki at her own wedding, and began to feel giddy about it. But she suddenly realized that her sewing skills were rather poor, making her feel disappointed. But suddenly they heard Rei talking to a man who was standing near the entrance.

"Please try to remain calm. The prize winner can choose where to have the wedding ceremony anytime they want," the man said to her.

"All right! I'd better hurry and make my move!" Rei said with a goofy giggle, as she walked away.

"Hi Rei," Usagi and Sora said to her.

"AH! YOU GUYS!" gasped Rei.

"So, uh, what are you up to?" Sora asked her.

"Why are you both here?" she asked, but suddenly stopped herself.

"Hey, hold on a second, your mom is a housewife, isn't she?" Rei asked Usagi.

"Yeah, but what does that have to do with it?" Usagi asked back.

"Uh, Sora?" Rei asked with a light giggle.

"Don't tell me, you want us to go with you, right?" replied Sora.

Rei nodded, and together they grabbed Usagi and raced off into the distance, while Miss Akiyama looked at the billboard.

"They're having a handmade dress contest?" she gasped.

At Usagi's house, Keiko was soon introduced to Rei, who also greeted her as well.

"Oh boy," Luna muttered quietly.

"I never expected Usagi and Sora to be friends with a girl as lovely as you are," said Keiko.

"Thanks, I may go to a different school than she does, but the two of us are still really good friends. Also, even though Sora doesn't go to school, he still visits that school, and even does odd jobs with his other friends both there, and everywhere else," explained Rei.

"So what? Come on, she just followed me home," grumbled Usagi.

But she saw her mother about to pass a piece of cake to Rei, making her angry.

"HEY! That's supposed to be my cake!" she shouted.

"Usagi Tsukino! Know your place!" Sora shouted furiously, making her flinch and bow her head to him.

"Sorry, Sora," she said somberly.

"Don't mind them. Here, have some. Go ahead, eat up," Keiko said to Rei.

"Wow, looks delicious," Rei said happily as she munched down the strawberry cake.

"You guys, what do you think Rei's up to?" Luna asked softly.

"Beats me," replied Sora.

"Wow, there's nothing better than homemade cake. You're quite the talented chef, Mrs. Tsukino," Rei said blissfully.

Keiko felt flattered, making Sora chuckle.

"Faker, anyone can tell it's from the cake shop by the-" Usagi tried to say.

"Usagi, don't make your mother ground you. You know that it would make Luna disappointed," Sora said in a dark voice.

"That's cruel, Sora!" cried Usagi.

"I'm so jealous of Usagi. A wonderful mother like you, must be great at all kinds of things like sewing, for instance," said Rei, drawing their attention to her.

Sora, however, nodded in agreement.

"Can i tell you something? I've always dreamed of learning how to sew from a talented woman like you. We could start with something like a wedding dress maybe," continued the raven-haired shrine maiden.

"You want to learn sewing from me?" asked Usagi's mother.

Both Keiko and Usagi couldn't help but laugh, while Sora grumpily glared at them.

"Yeah, laugh it up!" he said furiously.

"Thanks for having me! You know, your mother's a total loss, when it comes to having me!" Rei said angrily at Usagi.

"Hold up! You only came over to see if you can use my mom to help you win that wedding dress contest, didn't you!?" barked Usagi.

But Rei stuck her tongue out Usagi and stormed off in a huff.

"Oh, why you little cheater!" yelled Usagi.

"I thought I told you to know your place!" shouted Sora, brandishing his Keyblade and pointing at her.

"I agree with Sora. You should be spending your time training to fight the next monster! Not entering some silly contest Rei! You too, Usa-" snapped Luna.

But she saw that Usagi had disappeared while crying her eyes out after she saw Sora pointing his Keyblade at her.

"Oh, what were you thinking Sora?" the dark-colored cat.

"If you want to know why, Luna, it's because the darkness is affecting their ability to socialize with each other. If you can't get them to know their place, then I might have to inform Master Yen Sid about their inability to set aside their differences. And the one thing he'd probably do, is give them this glare," Sora said, as he presented a hologram of Yen Sid glaring at King Mickey after he caused a massive flood in the past.

"Oh, right. I understand Sora. But still, you can't keep playing drill sergeant on them, otherwise it could put me out of a job," Luna said, as she sighed deeply.

"What, a wedding dress contest?" asked Ami.

"Yeah, so anyway, Rei told me she was going to enter it too. Doesn't that make you so angry?" asked Usagi, who had come to visit her house.

"I don't know, Usagi. It seems like you're letting all that anger rush to your head just like with Rei. that could be the reason why you two are always lashing out and treating each other like enemies, which your true adversaries want to exploit," replied Aqua.

Aqua's right, I don't plan on getting married anytime soon," Ami said in agreement.

"Besides Usagi, you've got to pull it together," added Riku.

"What? Listen, that isn't the point here. Wearing a beautiful dress is every girl's dream. Anyway, you're really good at home economics, right? Can you just teach me how to sew?" begged Usagi.

"Well, sure if you really want me to," replied Ami.

"Yay! There is no way I'm going to lose to Rei!" Usagi declared determinedly.

"Fine, then the other girls can pitch in," said Axel, who got up and walked out of Ami's room.

Then Ami set down a stack of books on how to sew.

"First, you're going to have to learn the basics. And only once you have them down, will we actually sew," Ami said to her.

"Aw, come on Ami," whined Usagi.

At the clothing store, there was the sound of commotion between many girls inside, as they fought over various fabrics that they wanted the most. But none of them noticed Nephrite approaching the store as he parked his car and went inside the shop. Miss Akiyama was surprised to see Miss Haruna fighting over some fabric as well, until she saw one that landed nearby her, and picked it up.

"Beautiful," said Nephrite, approached her.

Miss Akiyama whirled around to see him.

"How beautiful, flawless," he said, while Sora observed him from a safe distance.

"Excuse me?" asked Miss Akiyama.

Nephrite gently took it from her hands and examined it.

"What beautiful fabric. This would be the perfect material to use in making a wedding dress. I can imagine you walking by the water, under a sky filled with stars. Each of them twinkling into light, as a sign of their blessing, " he said observantly, while placing a portion of his dark power into it.

But Sora saw this and was growing even more suspicious of him.

"Here, best wishes," Nephrite said as he returned it to Miss Akiyama.

But she didn't know that Nephrite infused it with his dark power to unleash a new creature of darkness, as she saw him walking away.

"So that's how he does it," murmured Sora as he also walked out the door, but went in the opposite direction.

"An all expense paid wedding reception!? Wow, I had no idea!" gasped Naru.

"Yeah, and that is exactly why I've got to enter this contest, you see?" replied Usagi.

"Now I get it, I thought it was weird that you want to go to Miss Akiyama's house," said Naru.

Poor Usagi cringed at what she heard.

"And what makes you think that you can suddenly learn how to sew when you've never been able to stay awake through one of her classes?" she asked.

"I have to learn, I don't know what else to do," whined Usagi.

"But you know, making a wedding dress isn't easy, even for people who know how to sew well. And you'll probably just give up before you're halfway through it," said Naru.

"I'll be fine, alright? Remember, a woman's faith can split mountains," Usagi said pridefully, just as Luna appeared on the wall above them.

"Who says that?" asked Naru.

"Well, maybe I said it wrong,"replied Usagi, with a light giggle.

"What is she up to now?" Luna asked Sora who had also arrived.

"I don't know, Luna. But I'd advise caution," replied Sora.

Luna nodded in agreement with Sora's statement, but then she noticed something just as Usagi and Naru did. They saw a man holding a bouquet of roses as he climbed up a staircase.

"He's kind of goofy looking, huh?" Usagi said to her friends.

"Hah, yeah but we shouldn't say stuff like that. Especially since Sora's friend happens to be called Goofy," replied Naru.

"Don't worry Naru. Even if Goofy may be a bit foolish at times, he's often been the voice of reason for me and Donald during our previous adventures," Sora said to her.

Naru nodded as she smiled at the brunette Keyblade Wielder, but then she and Usagi noticed that he was traveling to Miss Akiyama's house, which Sora had pointed to the man.

"That's Miss Akiyama's place!" Naru said with a hint of realization in her eyes.

"You mean?" asked Usagi.

"That's Miss Akiyama's fiance!?" all three of them asked at the same time.

"Uh, Higure? Is something wrong sweetheart? Why aren't you answering my phone calls? Are you not feeling well or something?" the man asked hesitantly as he knocked on the door.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and there was Higure Akiyama wearing a different style of clothing that made her look unrecognizable. Her fiance tried to present her the bouquet but she slapped it out of his hands.

"Now listen! Don't you come near me until the Juban Community Center's Dress contest is over! If you do, I'm calling off the engagement! Got it!?" she said furiously, scaring her fiance.

She clutched at her chest, began ranting about her dress like a mentally unstable individual, and shut the door on him.

"No way! That was Miss Akiyama!?" asked Naru, as she, Usagi, and Sora saw the man walking away in sorrow.

"I'm afraid so, Naru. But I can sense a terrible darkness inside her heart," replied Sora, who glared up at the door.

"She mentioned the contest. She's entering! She's gonna be top competition!" gasped Usagi.

"That guy must've done something to her back at the clothes shop," Sora said quietly to himself.

"That's your concern?" Naru asked Usagi who was about to burst into tears.

Luna knew that Sora was right. Miss Akiyama was now working on her wedding dress, but she too sensed the darkness and decided to talk to Ami about it.

"What? Miss Akiyama from home economics class?" asked Ami.

Sora nodded grimly, his brow furrowed with anger.

"Sora did say he sensed a powerful darkness in her heart, and she was acting really strange," Luna said.

"You know, she hasn't been to school in awhile either," Ami said.

Before Sora could answer, she suddenly heard Rei's panicked cry as she was chased by her grandfather in what looked like a wedding kimono. Sora slowly stepped aside, but Rei collided with Ami and Luna, and crashed onto the ground.

"Sorry!" Rei said apologetically to them.

But Sora walked up to Ami and held his hand out to her.

"You okay?" he asked her.

Ami nodded, then gently took Sora's hand and was pulled back up onto her feet. Then, Rei gently dusted off her clothes, and made sure that they were neat and tidy.

"Here I thought you were running off to elope with someone," Lord Hino said as he took back the kimono.

"I'm not even gonna dignify myself with a response to that," Sora said as he turned slowly away from Rei's grandfather.

"And what's that supposed to mean, young man!?" he snapped furiously at Sora.

"Hey! Don't you dare lash out at Sora!" shouted Rei.

"That's right, old timer! If Rei wanted to wear that to the competition, she'd have done it of her own volition, without any interference from us!" added Sora.

"Well in any case, I will not allow a single kimono to be used in any sacrilegious contest!" Lord Hino said furiously at them.

"What's her grandpa angry about anyway?" Luna asked in an audible whisper, that only Ami could hear her.

"He's angry at his granddaughter for trying to enter a contest for the best wedding dress," Riku said as he approached from behind them.

Grandpa Hino was about to ask Ami to hold her wedding ceremony at Hikawa Shrine, when Roxas brandished his Keyblade.

"NO! None of that! Shame on you, Lord Hino!" he snapped furiously.

"Yeah, what he said!" agreed Rei, raising her broom over her head.

"And don't make Rei go on an exorcism spree, when she shouts, 'Out of this shrine!'" added Axel, who had his Liberating Flame Keyblade held at the ready.

Meanwhile, Usagi was about to find some fabric, when Sora placed his hand on her shoulder, stopping her in her tracks.

"Hold up Usagi. I don't think your mother would approve," he said.

"I agree Sora. I hope she's not thinking of turning my favorite curtains into something else, like a wedding dress," she said furiously, pointing her spatula right in her face.

"I'm sorry, but my allowance won't cover it," Usagi tried to say.

"Yeah, well, if there's one thing a parent would probably say to their kids, it's: 'No allowance until your grades have improved.' So, basically that," said Sora.

"But Sora," whined Usagi.

"Now hold on, Sora. I'd never say that to my daughter, that would actually make me a terrible parent, which I fully acknowledge, but I believe that you two can probably ask Kairi to make a dress in time for the contest," Keiko said to him.

"But, I really want that lavish wedding reception! I just can't give up!" she wailed loudly.

In her apartment, Miss Akiyama was laughing maniacally at what she believed to be the perfect dress, but she collapsed to the ground after becoming dizzy as Nephrite's crest began to glow. Meanwhile, a long line of people had all gathered at the community center, as the owner welcomed them inside for the contest that many girls would participate in.

"Let it go, Usagi, you did the very best you could," said Ami.

"Plus, I bet you did one thing better than everyone else. Poking your fingers with the sewing needle," added Rei.

Sora glared furiously at her, his eyes flicking from blue to gold, a clear sign that Vanitas was still lingering within his heart.

"Save it, Rei. We've got a bigger problem than letting your social differences with Ami and Usagi get in the way of your main objective, which is finding the Princess, before the Dark Kingdom does, so that they can turn her and everyone else into Heartless," he said darkly to her.

"Easy, Sora. You're scaring Ami with that glare," Luna said as gently as she could.

Sora's anger subsided, and his eyes returned to their normal cover.

"I'm sorry," he said somberly.

But Usagi hugged him.

"Don't feel bad, Sora. If anyone can understand how you're feeling, it's me," she said sweetly to him.

Sora hugged her back, making everyone around him nod in agreement with Usagi's words.

"Thanks Usagi," he said, as they parted away from each other.

Then, Ven stepped forward.

"In order to find what's up, we need you to go on a little reconnaissance, and find what's up," he said.

"I'd recommend using your trusty transformation pen for this undercover operation," added Aqua.

"Good idea, guys," replied Usagi.

"What's Sora's deal?" whispered Rei.

"No idea," replied Ami.

Luna could see that the residual darkness in Sora's heart was strong, but thought better of asking Rei to perform an exorcism ritual upon him as Usagi pulled out her transformation pen.

"Moon Power, transform me into a beautiful superbride!" Usagi called to the heavens.

In a flash of light, Usagi was now dressed in a very well designed wedding dress.

"I did it!" she said triumphantly.

"Yeah, you really do look like a perfect bride," replied Sora.

"Aw, thank you, Sora," she said in a somewhat flirtatious manner.

"But for now, remember that you're going undercover," Riku said to her.

"Yeah, just like James Bond," added Axel.

"Wait, James Bond?" asked Rei.

"Yeah, a secret agent from Her Majesty's Secret Service, MI6, created by Ian Fleming," replied Ami.

"Right, be like Bond, James Bond," mused Usagi.

Once everyone was inside the community center, Usagi saw herself with several other women dressed in wedding dresses, as the MC announced the contest. Meanwhile, Rei, Ami, Luna, Sora, and the Guardians of Kingdom Hearts were already on the search for Miss Akiyama.

"So, have you found your teacher yet?" Rei asked.

"No, I haven't seen her anywhere," replied Ami.

"Then we'd better triple our search," Sora said to them.

Before the MC could continue, the lights dimmed, and the curtains parted to reveal Miss Akiyama dressed in an extremely gaudy outfit that didn't feel like a wedding dress at all, but looked like something that was meant for royalty. Usagi was surprised, but as the MC tried to stop Miss Akiyama, she told him to know his place, making him fall head over heels for her, and ask if she would marry him.

"Silence! Do you really think someone as lowly as you, is worthy of me!? The greatest man in the world should be bowing down before me, and shall do so once word of my unsurpassed beauty spreads far and wide! And not only the men, but the women as well will kneel before me!" she said with a crazed grin.

But as she laughed, everyone started to collapse, even Usagi, until Sora jumped up and landed beside her, while Luna popped out from under her wedding dress.

"Usagi, don't look into her eyes!" warned the cat.

"Yeah, she's being controlled by the darkness! So stay focused!" added Sora.

Usagi was about to shout at Luna, when she heard the word darkness from Sora.

"Argh! Whoever did this is gonna pay for that!" she said furiously.

"Her energy has peaked! Come forth, my monster: Widow!" Nephrite said from his manor.

Then the darkness burst out of Miss Akiyama's heart, and Widow emerged. Miss Akiyama collapsed to the ground, now free of the darkness.

"Miss Akiyama!" cried Usagi.

"You'll pay for this!" shouted Sora, as he brandished his keyblade and charged at Widow.

"Don't leave me out just yet Sora!" Usagi called to him with a burning flare of determination.

Widow cackled, and kicked Sora backwards.

"All right, that does it! Nobody, and I mean, NOBODY hurts my friends and gets away with it!" Usagi said angrily.

"Oh really, then tell me who you are!" replied Widow.

"Stop right there!" Ami and Rei called from above.

Usagi glanced around and saw her friends standing on the happy couple boatsign.

"A wedding dress is a symbol of every girl's dream!" Ami said.

"And we'll never forgive anyone who defiles that white wedding dress!" added Rei.

"Hey! Quit showing off without me!" snapped Usagi.

Then she pointed to Widow.

"You! You're gonna pay for ruining my chance to win that lavish all expense paid wedding reception! Prepare to feel a girl's wrath!" she said furiously to the spider-demon.

Usagi raised her hand into the air.

"Moon Prism Power Make Up!" she cried out.

In a flash of light she had now become Sailor Moon. Rei and Ami pulled out their transformation wands as well, and became Sailors Mercury and Mars.

"Guardians of Kingdom Hearts! Rally together with Sailors Moon, Mercury, and Mars!" Sora said to his friends.

"Your punishment begins here!" the three Sailor Guardians said in agreement.

"We'll see about that, you fools!" snarled Widow.

She sent strong strands of webbing right at Usagi, just as Rei and Ami jumped clear.

"That's it!" yelled Sora.

"Wait Sora!" called Ami.

She unleashed her Bubble Spray attack on Widow, stopping her in her tracks. Then Sailor Mars sent a powerful Fire Soul right at the demonic arachnid, while Sora and the others had managed to hold back the Heartless from attacking them at their most vulnerable.

"Are you all right?" Sailor Mercury asked.

"Listen, I know you don't like spiders. But this one's starting to remind me of Venom," Sora said comfortingly to Usagi.

Sailor Moon nodded, knowing full well that she hated spiders, including those that would remind Sora of the enemies his friend Spider-Man faced in his world. She removed her Tiara and transformed it into the Golden Discus.

"Moon Tiara Action!" she cried out.

"And now, Strike Raid!" added Sora.

Both the discus and the keyblade surged towards Widow and anihilated her in an instant. Then Miss Akiyama slowly awoke and glanced around, just as the other people that were affected by her also began to recover. A little later, the wedding ceremony took place at a church, and Miss Akiyama slowly walked out with her new husband.

"I can't believe he waited for her even after all those horrible things she said," said Usagi.

"They say that looks aren't everything, but…" replied Rei.

"Yeah, well, I still prefer handsome guys," Usagi said with a coy smile.

"Well, anyway… things should be okay for Miss Akiyama and her husband now," Sora said as he placed his hands behind his head.

"I agree Sora," replied Luna.

"Do you guys know the tradition that says that whoever catches the bouquet is supposed to be the one who gets married next?" asked Ami.

"Really?" asked Miss Haruna who appeared from nowhere.

They all watched as Miss Akiyama threw the bouquet at them, leading to Miss Haruna, Usagi, and Rei fighting over it, until it landed in Ami's hands, making them surprised, but made Sora laugh.

"You snooze, you lose, guys," he said cockily.