Chapter 26
Restore Naru's Smile: Usagi's Friendship
Inside a world of fog, Mamoru Chiba now dressed as the caped crusader, Tuxedo Mask, stood before a mysterious palace, as the sound of music played as the person told him to locate the Silver Crystal.
"I don't understand! What is the Silver Crystal? And who are you!?" asked Mamoru.
But the mysterious figure who looked like Usagi continued to tell him to locate the Silver Crystal, so that everything would make sense to him. Mamoru awoke with a start as the wind blew into his apartment.
"That dream again," he said.
He wondered who the princess was. But his head was still being racked with questions that continued to bombard him day in and day out. Finally Mamoru decided to find the Silver Crystal, so that he could fully understand who he truly was.
"As of now, we have obtained one of the rainbow Crystals," said Queen Beryl.
"Well done, Zoisite," Maleficent said, praising the warlord.
"Now, what's the next course of action?" asked Sephiroth.
"Well, the dark crystal has just detected another of the Rainbow Crystals," replied Zoisite.
He tossed it outwards, and revealed the next bearer of another rainbow Crystal it contained.
"The next Rainbow Crystal is inside this man," Zoisite said inquisitively.
"Good, now retrieve it," commanded Beryl.
At Juban Middle School, Miss Haruna was busily writing on the chalkboard, while everyone else was focused on their work. Sora and Usagi, on the other hand, saw that Naru hadn't come to school today, and were very worried about her. The memory of Nephrite's passing still lingered in their minds, made them believe that there was a deep wound in Naru's heart. When class ended, Usagi and Sora decided to visit Naru so that they could try to cheer her up, when Umino joined them.
"So you're going to go visit Naru's house?" asked the nerd.
"Yep," Sora and Usagi said.
"I mean she hasn't shown up at school in well over a week now," continued Usagi.
"And the worst part is, when that guy she fell in love with passed away, it left a deep wound in her heart," added Sora.
"Wait, why would her heart have a wound?" asked Umino.
"That guy who used to call himself Masato Sanjouin was really Nephrite. He was with a group of bad people, but he decided to defect and try to embrace the light in his heart, but they found him and had him eliminated right in front of Naru. That's why her heart is wounded," explained Sora.
"So for now, just make sure to cheer Naru up when we get to her place, alright?" added Usagi.
"Whatever you say, you guys. I am ready and willing. You can totally count on me," replied Umino.
Once they arrived at OSA-P, Usagi, Umino, and Sora were welcomed by Naru's mother who allowed them to enter.
"I know it's rude to just show up, we wondering, you know, how you're doing," Usagi said, as Umino began drinking his soda.
"Yeah, all this time, I just assumed you were gone because of a really bad cold, or something. Or did somebody just break your heart?" added Umino.
"Not helping, Umino!" barked Sora, as Usagi punched him hard in the face.
"Don't go there," warned Usagi.
"Hey why did you have to go do that?" moaned Umino.
"If we don't cheer Naru up, that wound in her heart will just get even worse," hissed Sora.
"Yeah, think of another subject to talk about," whispered Usagi.
"Did you want to go get some chocolate parfaits or something?" Umino asked.
"Dude, don't make me and Usagi deliver you to the Heartless," warned Sora.
"I cannot believe you," scowled Usagi.
"You guys, let's get out of here," Naru said somberly.
Sora and Usagi were confused, but when they saw Naru turn to face them, they felt relieved.
"Why don't we go and get something good to eat?" she asked.
"You mean it?" replied Sora and Usagi.
The three of them nodded at her suggestion. In Hikawa Shrine, Luna had gathered both Sora and Usagi's friends for an important meeting, along with Makoto who was the newest addition to the team.
"A power that's capable of destroying this world?" gasped Ami.
"Yes, if the Silver Crystal falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the end of all good things as we know it," replied Luna.
"Wow, now that's a scary thought," said Rei.
"No kidding, Luna," added Axel.
"So, where exactly is this Silver Crystal?" asked Makoto.
"Well, we're not really sure where it is. But, we do know there are fragments of it, called Rainbow Crystals," explained Luna.
"Rainbow Crystals?" asked Ami.
"Then that means we gotta find them. That will help us find the Silver Crystal," said Roxas.
"Do you have any leads on what these Rainbow Crystals are, Luna?" asked Riku.
"Yes, the Rainbow Crystals are pieces of the Silver Crystal. This all happened a long, long time ago. A group known as the Seven Great Monsters used to serve the Dark Kingdom. Someone was able to seal those monsters in the fragments of the Legendary Silver Crystal. Once they were inside the Rainbow Crystals, the evil monsters became good, and descended down here to this world. Here, they were reborn as humans with the crystals deep inside of them, and lived their lives in peace. But Zoisite is trying to extract those crystals from those seven people. If he obtains all seven of the Rainbow Crystals, not only will he have awoken those fearsome monsters, but he will have the Silver Crystal in his grasp. Thus our enemy will have the power to destroy our world," explained Luna.
"Hmph, well as long as you got me around, there's no way that this villain's plan is gonna succeed," smirked Makoto, making Rei shocked at what she heard.
"Luna, how do we identify people who have Rainbow Crystals inside of them?" asked Ami.
"The Moon Stick I gave Usagi reacts to their presence," replied Luna.
Everyone gasped in surprise, and began to think what she would do with that item.
"If that's the case, I'm totally against leaving it with Usagi," scoffed Rei.
"What makes you say that?" asked Terra.
"It's useless in her hands, she'll probably try to use it as a hammer, or something," remarked Rei.
"Come on, Rei. You know that this Moon Stick would never be treated in that way. But if Usagi did something like that, we'd have to give her a good hard talk about being disrespectful with that item," said Aqua.
"Well, I suppose having a talk with Usagi about treating the Moon Stick with respect sounds good, but I have a strong sense of faith that Usagi can handle it," piped in Luna.
"But Rei still thinks Usagi is dead weight, and no more than an obnoxious whiner. However, when you said that Usagi has undertaken the mantle of leadership, she wasn't fully prepared for it. All she needs is courage and strength of heart," said Terra.
"Courage and strength of heart?" asked Makoto.
"Yes, it's my belief that if she's given responsibility, she will rise to the challenge," replied Luna.
"I don't think that'll ever happen," Rei said snarkily.
"What's with you, Rei? Why can't you have faith in Usagi, even if you call her dead weight?" asked Donald.
"Donald's right, Usagi is your leader, so you need to accept her," added Mickey.
"Say what you will, I'm still opposed," replied Rei.
"If you won't listen to Luna! Then you will have to listen to me," a strong voice said.
"Master Yen Sid!" cried Luna.
"Some of you may believe that she deserves a chance, but if you cannot accept Usagi as the bearer of the mantle of leadership, then she will name you her greatest enemies, instead of your friends. I would suggest that you all have patience before committing to that fact. If you do not believe in Usagi Tsukino, then you've made the mistake in severing your bond with her," Master Yen Sid said to them.
"All right! All right! All right!" Rei said, waving her hands in front of her, only for Master Yen Sid to look sternly at her.
"To be fair, I haven't known her long enough to decide," said Makoto.
"A wise choice, Makoto Kino. Learning more about Usagi, Sora, and their friends, will strengthen your bond with them," replied Master Yen Sid.
Using the communicator that Luna gifted her, Makoto contacted Usagi and Sora.
"Hey there," they said.
Hey, you guys. We're in the middle of an important meeting here. Do you think you could come by for a bit?" Makoto asked them.
"Sorry, but we're heading to Chinatown, with Naru and Umino, two of Usagi's friends from school. But, while we're gonna have some food together, I'm gonna keep a sharp eye open for trouble in her stead," Sora said to them, which made Luna, Rei, and Ami mildly disappointed.
"A wise decision , Sora. However, I will say, may your hearts be your guiding key, to the both of you," replied Master Yen Sid, before Makoto shut it down.
"Ugh, why would you even say that?" asked Rei.
"Because you do not have the patience or effort to accept Usagi for what she is. The longer you continue to doubt her abilities, the more likely you will have granted your adversaries an opportunity to hurt those you hold dear to your heart, Rei Hino," Master Yen Sid said, in a tone of voice that brooked no arguments.
Sometime later, Usagi, Naru, Sora, and Umino, had arrived at a cemetery to see if they could find Nephrite.
"Uh, what's the matter? How come you three are just standing here like this?" asked Umino.
"We know that Chinatown's several blocks away, Umino. But right now, we need to see if Naru can find someone who believes that Nephrite is resting in peace," said Sora.
"Yes, there are so many graves in this cemetery. But, there's no grave for Nephrite," replied Naru, as she wept.
Usagi wanted to comfort her, but Sora gently took her hand in his.
"Listen, Naru Osaka. I promised Nephrite that I'd keep you safe. But, more importantly, he wouldn't want you to seek revenge on those that eliminated him. That's why Nephrite would never allow you to claim vengeance on the people that erased him from this world. But, we should ask someone in this cemetery if they believe that Nephrite's resting peacefully in the afterlife," said Sora.
"Sora," Usagi said in surprise.
Naru nodded. Then she and Sora decided to find someone who could help them, as they left Usagi and Umino behind, as she was still furious at him for changing the subject.
"Pastor, I don't know what to do!" cried Naru.
"We'd like to ask you one question, sir. Someone near and dear to Naru was struck down in cold blood, by a dangerous villain, and it's hurting her. It's hurting her so much, that she could sense the pain lingering within his heart, and Naru couldn't do anything to prevent his demise," added Sora.
"Your feelings for him are admirable. I am certain that his heart's at peace," said the pastor.
"But, but now that he's gone forever, I'm left with a hole in my heart," sobbed Naru, as she knelt before him.
"I don't think that's true. Even now, you're surrounded by love. All you need to do is turn around, and love will be there for you," replied the pastor.
"Turn around?" asked Sora and Naru.
But when they did, there stood Zoisite, glaring down at them.
"Who are you?" She asked him.
"What do we have here?" sneered Zoisite.
Naru was aghast. Then suddenly she remembered that Zoisite struck him down.
"You again! You're the guy who attacked us!" she cried out in anger.
"Zoisite! You're going to pay for striking down Nephrite in front of Naru!" shouted Sora, brandishing his Keyblade in anger.
"What a coincidence, running into you here," Zoisite said with a confident smirk.
Outside of the cemetery, Umino and Usagi were searching for Naru and Sora, who had gone to find Nephrite's tombstone. But then, Usagi heard a strange beeping sound in her purse, making her confused.
"Oh no! The stick's picking up a signal!" cried Luna.
"Then that must mean, Sora and Naru are in trouble," added Riku.
"You guys, what are you doing here?" asked Usagi.
"That's simple. Take out your Moon Stick and it'll guide you to the nearest Rainbow Crystal," said Riku.
"Right, I'm on it," said Usagi, and pulled it out.
'That means the stick has located one of the seven Rainbow Crystals," piped in Luna.
"Seven Rainbow Crystals?" asked Usagi.
"Luna will give you the details later. However, there's a strong chance the darkness might be at the source of that crystal," said Riku.
Usagi was surprised, until Luna told her to contact Makoto on her communicator.
"The signal is coming from the cemetery? Got it, I'll be right there," said Makoto as she ran towards Usagi's location.
At the same time, Usagi, Luna, and Riku hurried to where the nearest Rainbow Crystal would be.
"The signal's getting stronger," she said to them.
"Hurry!" Luna and Riku said to them.
"And just who are you?" the pastor asked Zoisite.
"He's Zoisite! A member of the Dark Kingdom's four kings of Heaven!" Sora said to the pastor.
"Wouldn't you rather know more about yourself, than a stranger?" Zoisite asked.
"I'm just a simple pastor," replied the pastor.
"Is that what you think? Why don't we let this Dark Crystal reveal what you really are?" Zoisite said wickedly.
"That crystal belonged to Nephrite! Stop!" cried Naru, as she lunged at him.
"Naru!" called Sora.
"Sora!" Riku called out to his friend when they arrived.
"Oh no, It's Naru and Sora!" gasped Usagi.
"You should wait until Mako gets here," said Luna.
"You're crazy! Not a chance!" snapped Riku, brandishing his Keyblade, and charging at Zoisite.
"Riku!" cried Luna.
"Riku has the right idea! Naru's in danger!" Usagi said in desperation.
Quickly she transformed into Sailor Moon, and joined the battle, as Zoisite shoved Naru aside.
"This violence must stop!" the pastor said firmly.
"How compassionate. You really should worry about yourself," scoffed Zoisite.
"Hold it right there!" a voice called from nearby.
"Who dares!?" snapped Zoisite.
There standing near them was Sailor Moon.
"Trying to commit evil on sacred ground? You won't get away with this!" she said furiously, as the pastor looked surprised.
"Just in time!" Sora said proudly.
"In the name of the moon, I'm punishing you!" Sailor Moon said.
"Well, look who's here," smirked Zoisite.
Sailor Moon jumped down, and charged at Zoisite, with Riku at her side.
"It's too late, I'll be taking the Rainbow Crystal!" he said.
He cast the crystal towards the pastor, and extracted the crystal within him, making everyone gasp in shock.
"That's it!" Luna said from her hiding place.
"It's mine. Come forth Rainbow Crystal!" cried Zoisite.
"Leave him alone!" shouted Naru.
But the crystal shot into the air, shocking them all.
"The Crystal's getting away!" Sora and Sailor Moon gasped.
"Pastor!" called Naru.
As Zoisite searched desperately for the Crystal, the pastor had transformed into the second of the Seven Great Monsters.
"Pastor, you're safe," sighed Naru.
"Wrong. I am no pastor. I have been reborn. My name is Boxy," the newly transformed creature of darkness said to them.
"You gotta be kidding me," said Sora.
"You said it," agreed Sailor Moon.
"I hear the roaring of the crowd as the fans cheer me on. I'm the champion!" cried Boxy.
"Boxy, be a good sport and knock out these pests!" called Zoisite.
"Hold on we don't know anything about Boxing!" cried Usagi.
"Great, we'll see who is the real champion!" declared Boxy.
"Fine then! Sailor Moon, keep him busy until Sailor Jupiter shows up! I'll deal with Zoisite!" Sora said.
"Are you crazy, I told him I don't Box!" complained Usagi.
"Then we'll take him together!" said Riku as he prepared for battle.
"Come on!" called Boxy.
"Now way!" cried Sailor Moon.
Riku and Boxy charged furiously at each other, and engaged in a fierce clash of Keyblade and fisticufts, while they dodged the attacks hoping that Makoto would reach them in time.
"Stop it! Boxy, I'm begging you! Please turn back into the kind pastor!" cried Naru.
"I've heard enough of your yapping!" shouted Boxy, as he sent another boxing glove projectile at her.
"Naru!" cried Riku and Sailor Moon.
Just as it was about to strike her down, Umino appeared, and managed to save Naru from getting hurt. Then Boxy, sent another boxing glove right at Sailor Moon, to eliminate her, but someone scooped her up in their arms, and carried her to safety.
"Thank you, Tuxedo Mask," she said.
"Boxers are gentlemen! They never hit beautiful young ladies! They embrace them with tenderness!" he said, as he landed, shocking Zoisite to his core.
"Boxy! Knock out those pathetic nuisances this instant!" shouted Zoisite.
All right, here we go, Lovely Punch!" he said, unleashing his attack upon them.
But Tuxedo Mask managed to jump clear and set Sailor Moon down, so that he could help Sora deal with Zoisite and Boxy, as he deflected the punches with his cane. Sailor Moon noticed something on the ground in front of her, and decided to hold on to it, just as Makoto arrived on the scene.
"Mako, transform!" called Luna.
"Got it!" replied Makoto.
Then in a brilliant flash of lightning, she had become Sailor Jupiter, forcing Boxy to rush past Tuxedo Mask and charge right at her, but Sailor Jupiter was prepared for him as she unleashed her Supreme Thunder attack upon him. Zoisite was shocked, as Boxy's glove was destroyed.
"Do it Sailor Moon!" called Sailor Jupiter.
Sailor Moon nodded, and unleashed her Moon Healing Escalation, upon him, reverting him to normal, as a beam of light shot down upon him.
"Do you believe in God? I believe in him. Go forth and love your fellow man," he said.
Zoisite was furious, but he turned to see Tuxedo Mask, holding the Rainbow Crystal in his hand, and retreated, forcing the warlord to retreat into the dark corridor, with a promise that he would recover it from him.
"You guys, go get that Rainbow Crystal back!" called Luna.
But Sailor Moon ignored her, as she was still in awe at being saved by Tuxedo Mask.
"Don't worry, we'll find another Rainbow Crystal," Sora assured the cat.
On the pier, Tuxedo Mask held the Crystal in his hand as he reverted back into Mamoru Chiba.
"At last, I finally understand who I really am. I have been Tuxedo Mask all along," he said.
At the same time, Naru managed to bandage up Umino's arm, which made Sora and Usagi surprised.
"Naru, but that's…" she said.
"Yeah, but it's fine. Umino did get hurt trying to save me back there," replied Naru.
Umino rubbed his head sheepishly.
"You guys, I'm sorry that I made you all worry. I'll be back at school tomorrow," said Naru.
"Sounds good," replied Usagi.
"Oh, and Sora, thank you, for keeping your promise to Nephrite. But, you're right about one thing. Revenge can't bring him back or make him happy. I understand that when you fought that Zoisite guy," she said to him.
"It's no big deal," replied Sora, as Usagi opened up the locket.
They soon heard a strange sound coming from within it, and realized it was the sound of music, while Luna and Makoto stood off in the distance.
"I'm sorry Mako. I wanted to show you more about Usagi's good side, but it looks like it was nothing but a waste of your time," sighed Luna.
"Well, I'll admit that she does seem to care a lot about her friends," said Makoto.
"That's true!" replied Luna.
"But she's also like Sora. Relying on friends isn't a weakness, it's a strength they carry within their hearts, no matter how near or far away we are," said Riku who approached them.
Makoto and Luna nodded, as they also heard the music in the strange locket that was playing, as Sora and Usagi looked out to the horizon beyond.
"That music, it's nice. Where's it from," said Naru.
"Um, you know…" replied Usagi, as she listened to it.
