Chapter 32

Umino's Resolve: I'll Protect Naru

Darkness cloaked Juban, as the moon shone brightly in the sky above. Inside the Crown arcade Luna and Sora stood before the Sailor V video game, as a dog howled at the moon, making them glance outside, before focusing on the task at hand.

"Codename 0091, this is Luna. Passphrase: The rabbit on the moon is pounding Rice Cakes. Please respond, ASAP," Luna said to the screen.

"The Moon's rice cakes are sticky," replied the voice.

"And they puff up, when you toast them as well," Luna said.

"So then, how are the Sailor Guardians doing?" it asked.

"One of them still has issues with responsibility, but the others are really doing very well indeed," answered Luna.

"The day when all five Guardians come together is near," Luna's contact said.

"What, you mean that?" she asked.

"Yes, therefore, now is the time for you to explain everything to them," the contact said.

"You're sure about that?" Luna asked.

"We know that the Dark Kingdom has been growing more, and more restless. We have to prepare the Sailor Guardians. They need to know what they're fighting for," replied her contact.

"I understand," Luna said, as the screen went blank.

Now was the time to reveal the truth, as she turned to Sora.

"Let's convene at Hikawa Shrine. That way, we'll hear what you have to say, Luna," Sora said.

At the Hikawa Shrine, Usagi, Rei, Makoto, and Ami all sat quietly on the steps, just as Riku and the rest of Sora's friends arrived, waiting for Luna.

"Why would Luna want to meet with us so late at night?" asked Usagi.

Her answer came sooner than expected, when Luna jumped off the roof, and landed before them on her tiny paws, just as Sora climbed the steps with a serious expression on his face. They stood before their assembled allies.

"It's good that you're all here," she said.

"Has another monster appeared?" Usagi asked worriedly.

"No, not yet. But, the only reason we're here is not to scare you, but to explain what's more important," replied Sora.

He turned to Luna who had a serious glare in her eyes.

"Okay, Luna, tell them what you know," he said.

Luna nodded, and began to explain.

"Listen closely to what I'm about to tell you. I was sent here, all the way from the Moon, to help guide you," she said, startling everyone.

'So then why did you come to our world, Luna?" asked Rei.

"I came here to awaken each of you," replied the cat.

"I don't know, this story gets weirder," Makoto said to Ami.

"True, but if Luna says that she came here from the moon, I believe her," replied Ami.

"Thanks a lot for that Ami. The princess you've been searching for carries the royal bloodline of the Moon Kingdom," explained Luna.

"The Moon Kingdom?" mused Rei.

"Royal bloodline?" asked Ami.

"There's really a kingdom somewhere on the moon?" wondered Makoto.

"Only in legends and fairy tales, yes. However, this kingdom was real," said Aqua.

"You four girls are destined to meet that princess, and very soon you'll take on the important duty of protecting her, and time is of the essence," added Luna.

"What about us, Keyblade Wielders?" asked Riku.

'Unfortunately, I don't remember there ever being Keyblade Wielders visiting the Moon Kingdom, Riku," replied Luna.

"Right," muttered Sora.

"Hey, Luna, I just have one question. Is there really a rabbit on the moon that pounds rice cakes?" Usagi asked, making everyone sigh in disbelief.

"Oh, come on," griped Luna.

"If there was, we'd be trying those rice cakes for ourselves after they were toasted," said Sora.

In Kunzite's chambers, both he and Zoisite looked upon the four Rainbow Crystals they had acquired.

"Look at them," the silver-haired warlord said.

"They're truly lovely," remarked Zoisite.

"And yet, their true beauty will only be revealed when all seven Rainbow Crystals come together, don't you agree? " Kunzite said pridefully.

"I'll get those last three crystals, then we'll see their beauty shine, won't we, Kunzite?" replied Zoisite.

"We certainly will. Once we've collected all of the Rainbow Crystals, the legendary Silver Crystal will be in our grasp. Possessing the Silver Crystal will surely please our Queen. Imagine how delighted Queen Beryl will be," explained Kunzite.

Zoisite however, was wondering about what would happen if he wasn't involved, as lightning flashed outside. The next day, Naru and Umino were having lunch at their school when Sora and Usagi arrived.

"You two sure look cute together," mused Usagi.

"So, what have you guys been planning together?" asked Sora.

"Whoa, Umino and I are not together!" Naru said furiously.

But she composed herself, and spoke more calmly.

"He and I aren't dating, we're just friends," she said.

"Oh, we're friends," Umino said, feeling exasperated, as he walked away.

"Just friends, huh?" Usagi and Sora asked themselves.

You know, Umino's a really nice guy, he's always smart, and always helps me with my schoolwork. I like him, but there's just something missing, you know what I mean?" explained Naru.

Sora nodded, a look of understanding on his face.

"If you wanna win Naru over, be pushy, pushy, PUSHY!" Usagi said.

"Yeah, but how should I do that?" asked Umino.

"It's not something you can explain with words, Umino. Your connection with Naru is strong, but you need to be patient around her, especially if it meant dressing up as a superhero, like Captain America, Spider-Man, Thor Odinson, Doctor Strange, anyone," explained Sora.

"Unfortunately Sora does make a valid point. We're gonna have to transform you into a super cool guy," added Usagi.

"A super cool guy, huh? Like who?" wondered Umino.

"Well, somewhere along the lines of Tuxedo Mask: the caped crusader that Usagi has a strong attachment to," replied Sora.

"Hey, that's a really good description about him, Sora," smiled Usagi.

"Yep, he's brave, unwilling to let anyone get hurt, and also, he gives us good advice when the situation is starting to look bleak for Sailor Moon. And also, he's pretty cool in his own way, especially since Usagi and I wanna know who he truly is," Sora said to Umino.

"Aha, I see. So if I transform myself into Tuxedo Mask, then I can be Naru's boyfriend!" Umino said excitedly.

"Well, uh, that's not what we meant. I meant using him more like a roll model," replied Usagi.

Okay, I've decided. From now on I'm going to be just like Tuxedo Mask! Whoohoo! From now on, call me Tuxedo Umino Mask!" declared Umino.

"What have we done?" Sora asked in a deadpan tone.

At twilight, Sora, Usagi, and Naru were walking down the streets, when a shadow slowly began to close on them.

"Do you get the feeling somebody's watching us?" asked Naru.

They all turned to see who was following them, as Sora believed Zoisite was after them. But there was nothing behind them, except for a truck, until a poodle started barking at them, while it's owner held it back. Suddenly, Umino appeared, dressed in Tuxedo Mask's outfit, but he still had his glasses instead of a mask.

"Fifi, be a good girl and stop barking," the dog's owner said.

"Don't worry, I'm here! Tuxedo Umino Mask is on the scene! How dare you bare young fangs at Naru!" Umino said bravely.

"You gotta be kidding us! Why'd you have to go and dress up like Tuxedo Mask, Umino?" Sora asked him.

"Yeah, Umino, what are you doing?" Naru asked as well.

"I'm no longer Umino, I'm Tuxedo Umino Mask, defender of love and justice! Farewell!" replied Umino, as he raced off.

"Come on, dude," groaned Sora.

"What's with him?" Naru asked, watching him leave, while Usagi stood flabbergasted.

They decided to visit Crown Arcade to see Motoki.

"Hey, wanna stop in for a bit?" Naru asked.

Sure," replied Usagi.

But Umino showed up as they approached the entrance.

"You mustn't stop here, it's wrong! Before you know it, your whole allowance will be gone. And if you insist on going in, then you'll have to do it by going over my live body!" he said, trying to be heroic.

"All right then," replied Sora, Naru, and Usagi.

They stepped over Umino who cried out in pain, and entered the arcade, but Umino was still adamant that he was a superhero, rather than his nerdy self.

"What's Umino trying to do anyway?" wondered Naru.

"He's trying to believe he's a superhero, but he's letting it get to his head," replied Sora.

"Yeah, that sounds about right," said Usagi.

"Hey, how's it going?" greeted Motoki.

"Hi Motoki," Usagi greeted back.

"Hey there," added Sora.

"Oh yeah, I got two free tickets to a show. You wanna go?" he asked.

"Free tickets, for two!?" cried Usagi.

"Hmm… should be interesting. Why's that?" asked Sora.

She was so happy to go with Motoki, even though he loved Reika Nishimura, who was studying abroad in Africa, thanks to Sora's encouragement, but her luck ran out when Motoki approached them.

"Well, I'm way too old to go see the Redman show at the amusement park," Motoki answered Sora.

"The Redman Show!?" gasped the two girls.

"Oh, guess you girls are too old for that show, too, aren't you?" he said.

Usagi and Naru laughed sheepishly.

"We'll take them," Usagi said determinedly.

"Huh, you want to go there?" asked Naru.

"You should go together with Umino!" replied Usagi.

Naru was shocked.

"I'd be happy to," Umino said as he appeared.

"I just don't feel up to going," mused Naru.

"Come on, Naru. You can't break a promise to your friends. If you did, it would break Umino's heart, and he'd never know love, compassion, or respect," said Sora.

"Umino's doing his very best in his own way. Come on, at least give him a chance," agreed Usagi.

They could see that Umino was upset, until Naru finally gave in.

"Okay, okay, fine. I'll go with him. But you guys owe me one," she sighed.

"Right," replied Sora.

"Oh, yeah! All right then! Tuxedo Umino Mask is back in action," Umino said proudly.

Naru was still annoyed about it, but Usagi and Sora understood how she felt. In the Dark Kingdom's lair, Zoisite was now infusing the Dark Crystal with an even darker power in a cauldron.

"By the way, Zoisite, uh, what are you doing at that cauldron?" asked Pete.

"I've improved what the Dark Crystal is capable of. With it, I can turn Human beings into monsters," replied Zoisite.

The two of them went to a picture that contained Zoisite and Kunzite within it's frame.

"My dear, Kunzite, soon I will collect the remaining crystal from Sailor Moon and the others," he cackled malevolently.

He and Pete soon teleported down to the streets of Juban through a corridor of darkness, knowing that they had to find a way to draw Sailor Moon's attention, by turning someone into a vicious creature of darkness. Zoisite believed that Naru would be the perfect candidate, for a monstrous transformation, when he and Pete, heard the doorbell ring.

"Yes, who is it?" Naru's voice asked.

Zoisite thought it was Tuxedo Mask, and quickly took cover, while Pete glared up at him.

"He looks a little thin to be that caped crusader. I think he's some kind of imposter," whispered Pete.

Zoisite however, didn't know that Umino was dressed as Tuxedo Mask, but he decided to retreat for now, as Pete watched from the shadows, until he saw Umino drop to the ground in shock.

"What was that I just saw?" he shuddered.

He gulped slowly.

"Wowee, it's a good thing I was here to protect Naru," Umino said, until Naru arrived to see him.

"Hello, who's out there?" asked Naru.

"It's Tuxedo Umino Mask!" Umino said, regaining his confidence.

"Tuxedo Umino Mask, eh?" hissed Pete, then he followed Zoisite back to the Dark Kingdom.

"What's with you? Don't you know it's after Midnight?" fumed Naru.

"Well, we didn't decide what time to meet tomorrow, So I thought I'd just drop by to see-" replied Umino, but Naru went back to her room to get some sleep, and slammed the door.

"Aw, Naru! Hey, what time am I supposed to meet you, Naru? Ten, eleven, twelve-thrity? What time? Hey!" cried Umino, as he rapped on the door.

"Let's meet at twelve," replied Naru, turning off the light.

"Then twelve it is. That means we can have lunch together, and Tuxedo Umino Mask will bring you lots of your favorite deep fried shrimp, okay? Okay? Hello?" smiled Umino.

The next day, Usagi, Sora, Naru, and Umino were now visiting Dream Land, with Luna deciding to tag along.

"So, Usagi, now that you know more about your mission, what are you doing to find the princess? You weren't even listening to me, weren't you?" asked the dark colored cat.

"No, I heard you, really! But, I just couldn't sleep knowing where my best friend's love life is going, you know what I mean?" replied Usagi.

"Of course we do, Usagi. I know, you know we want to help others out, but finding the princess is a pretty difficult job," said Sora.

"I couldn't agree more, Sora," smiled Luna.

"Why'd you follow me to the Amusement Park anyway?" Usagi asked.

"You know Luna, she's concerned about what's gonna happen if we gave the bad guys the slip, and allowed them to use our situation to their advantage. Speaking of which, I see Naru and Umino going to the Redman Show," replied Sora.

"Yeah, I see them too," said Usagi.

Together the two friends raced after them, with Luna at their heels. Once they arrived, they could see Monster Warrior Redman battling what looked like a vicious demon.

"I'm glad you didn't come wearing that funny costume today, Umino," said Naru.

"Why would I? But just in case, I brought it. Don't worry Naru, if you need to be protected, it's in my pack," replied Umino.

Naru laughed nervously, as Redman fought against the monster, making everyone cheer as he defeated it. Unknown to them, Zoisite sat on the carousel, waiting for his chance to strike and turn Naru into a monster, when Sora saw him.

"Naru! Behind you!" he called.

Just as Naru was about to be struck by the beam Zoisite fired at her, she bent down to pick up her purse which fell to the ground, and the beam whooshed harmlessly over her, striking Redman and transforming him into a monster. None of the children believed that Zoisite was involved in this transformation, but thought it was part of the act, until he introduced himself as Akan.

"Oh no, it looks like my transformation beam hit the wrong person," moaned Zoisite.

Akon struck down the costumed monster, and sent several balls at them, and sending them running for their lives.

"What's going on!?" gasped Usagi.

"This must be the Dark Kingdom's doing!" replied Luna.

They could see that most of the people were now trapped and being held captive, while Naru stood in shock, as Sora and Usagi called to her.

"Time for some Marimo Algae from Akan," he said.

"Usagi, get Naru to safety! I'll handle him!" Sora said.

Usagi nodded, grabbed Naru and ran, just as Umino arrived in his Tuxedo Mask costume.

"Stop that!" he called, rushing to Sora's aid.

"Umino!" cried Naru, when she and Usagi heard his voice.

"I, Tuxedo Umino Mask will protect Naru!" Umino said bravely.

He sent several deep fried shrimp at Akan, which only made him annoyed, and swatted him aside, while Naru called out to him to stop.

"Umino!" called Naru.

"That's it!" snapped Sora, lunging at Akan, but he too was swatted aside.

"Sora!" cried Naru.

"Get up, Umino! We gotta keep Naru safe!" Sora said after drinking an elixir to return to full strength.

"You're right, We have to fight! We will keep her safe even if it costs us our lives!" agreed Umino, who also got back up.

Naru was surprised, but Usagi was inspired by his bravery.

"Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" she called to the sky above.

In an instant, she was engulfed in light, and transformed into Sailor Moon, while Umino and Sora fought Akan bravely. But, despite being beaten down, Umino refused to give up, despite Naru's pleas.

"Naru, get away, quickly!" he called to her.

"Leave him alone!" cried Naru, rushing to his side.

But Akan sent some algae to take Naru captive.

"Naru!" cried Sora.

"Help us!" called Naru.

"How dare you use a natural treasure like Marimo Algae as a weapon! I'll bet the Hokkaidou Sightseers Association didn't say you could use that algae now, did they!?" Sailor Moon called from above.

Akan tried to strike her, but Sailor Moon jumped onto the stage.

"Listen up, Monster! I am the pretty Guardian who fights for love and for justice! I am Sailor Moon! And now, on behalf of the moon, I'm punishing you!" she said bravely.

"Nice you could show up, on such short notice," snickered Zoisite who arrived.

"Zoisite!" Sora and Sailor Moon said furiously.

"I've been wanting to see you two, I have this very special favor to ask of you," replied Zoisite.

"Quit the games!" yelled Sora, lunging at Zoisite.

But the warlord kicked him aside, and sent him sprawling on the stage.

"Stupid boy," he scoffed.

"You said it, Zoisite. Now about that favor you have for Sailor Moon," agreed Pete.

"And what's that?" she demanded.

"I demand that you give me the rainbow crystal that you have," replied Zoisite, as he approached her.

"You're crazy! Not a chance!" shouted Riku, as he lunged at him as well.

But Zoisite blasted him back.

"Did you really think I'd let you strike me down that easily Riku?" he sneered.

He turned to see all of Sora's friends had arrived on the scene.

"He may have, but we will, Zoisite!" Mickey said bravely.

"Oh, I don't think so, boat boy. How's about you bozos go play with some Heartless?" replied Pete.

Soon several Heartless emerged and began to battle them.

"Now, if you refuse, you're going to let the people encased in these algae balls suffocate," smirked Zoisite.

Sailor Moon was aghast.

"It's too bad, but I don't think these people are going to breathe for too much longer," he said sadistically.

Sailor Moon and Sora were aghast.

"How could you?" she said furiously.

"You'll pay…" added Sora.

"Now, hand over that Rainbow Crystal, or watch these people be turned into Heartless!" snapped Zoisite.

"Oh, all right! It's yours," replied Sailor Moon.

Zoisite smirked with triumph.

"Good girl," he said, but was stopped by Tuxedo Mask.

"Tuxedo Mask!" Sora and Sailor Moon said.

"I can't allow you to have that Rainbow Crystal, Zoisite!" cried the true caped crusader.

Zoisite tried to strike him down, but Tuxedo Mask bravely deflected the projectiles with his cane. Sailor Moon recovered the crystal, but had to dodge several algae balls, forcing the crystal to fly out of her hand. Just as it did, Zoisite heard it clattering on the ground, but quickly dodged Tuxedo Mask's attacks, to recover it. Quickly Sailor Moon removed her tiara, and used her Moon Tiara Action attack on Akan, knocking him out. Then together with Sora, they readied both their weapons.

"Redman, it's time for you to face the light!" he said.

"Moon Healing Escalation!" cried Sailor Moon.

The combined light soon reverted him to normal and made the algae balls disappear.

"Wow, she managed to defeat the monster, despite having help!" Luna said proudly.

Sailor Moon was about to recover the crystal, when Zoisite emerged, picked it up, and swatted Luna aside.

"The Rainbow Crystal!" Sora and Sailor Moon cried out.

Tuxedo Mask glanced back, just in time to see Zoisite escaping with his prize.

"Thanks for helping me out with this Rainbow Crystal," he cackled.

"Give it back!" shouted Sora, lunging at him, while Tuxedo Mask threw a rose at him.

"Ta-ta," sneered Zoisite, who vanished into the corridor of darkness.

"Looks like my work here is done!" agreed Pete, who quickly followed him.

"Curse you Zoisite!" growled Tuxedo Mask, as Sailor Moon wailed about how she had been deceived.

"Get back here! You're gonna pay for this! You coward!" shouted Sora, swinging his Keyblade like a wildman.

"Thank you Tuxedo Mask," Sailor Moon said to him.

"Don't thank me. Once I finally recover that Crystal, I'll be keeping it," he replied walking away.

Sailor Moon and the rest of her friends were shocked at what he heard.

"Until we meet again, farewell," he said.

After things had settled down, the Monster Warrior Redman show was now back in action.

"Thank you so much, Umino. You were really cool today," Naru said.

Sora nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, your courage and unwavering conviction to protect Naru is what gave Sailor Moon the strength she needed to keep her safe as well, Tuxedo Umino Mask," he said in agreement.

"Ah, I'll just stick to being Umino," replied Umino.

"Fair enough, Umino," smiled Naru, as she leaned close to him.

That night, Sora joined Usagi and Luna in her bedroom.

"Ohh, you guys, having that Rainbow Crystal stolen was a real set back," the black cat said to them.

"We know, Luna. But right now, I'm more worried about why Tuxedo Mask is more focused on the crystals, instead of us," replied Sora.

Poor Usagi looked at the music box in her hand, a look of confusion in her eyes about why Tuxedo Mask was acting differently.