Chapter 40
The Legendary Lake Yokai: The Bond of Usagi's Family
On some days, Usagi would often run to school for fear of being late, but today seemed different than what she'd usually go through. Inside her bedroom Luna stretched and yawned, then looked up at Usagi's bed.
"Rise and shine, Usagi, it's a two day holiday. So you can focus on your studies to become a princess," she said.
There was no response, Luna thought that Usagi had already gotten up out of bed. She began to search the house for her, when she noticed a letter next to a bowl of cat food for her to eat, written by Usagi's hands with a tiny bit of help from Sora.
Good morning Luna!
The family's taking a trip to the hot springs. We'll be back by tomorrow night, so watch the house while we're gone, okay? I'll bring back some hot spring Manju for you.
Love,
USagi and Sora.
Poor Luna.
Inside the car, Usagi and Sora, were now on the road, with Shingo, Keiko, and Kenji.
"Gosh, you're such a weirdo, Usagi. Why'd you leave that note behind for that cat? It's not like she can read," he scoffed, as he played in his handheld game.
"Trust me, I have my reasons," replied Usagi.
Sora nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry about it, Shingo. Your sister just wants to make sure that Luna's happy and well fed. And that's the first thing that comes first for families, to make sure their pets are happy. And that note she and I wrote is to let her know that we're taking good care of her," he said.
"Yeah, I guess that's a fair point," replied Shingo.
"It's been so long since we've all been on a trip together," said Keiko.
"I'm not too thrilled about spending the night at a rustic hot springs hotel," replied Usagi.
When she heard the game buzz, Usagi realized that Shingo got a game over, and swiped the gaming device from him. Shingo tried to swipe it back, when the music box slipped out of Usagi's inside jacket pocket, and landed on her lap, rather than on the floor, just in time for Shingo to recover his handheld game.
"Now why are you both getting so upset, did some boy you like give that to you?" asked Kenji, with a light chuckle.
"Um, yeah, something like that," answered Usagi.
"And believe me, Mr. Tsukino, I know Usagi would never date anyone in secret behind your back, especially if it's with someone she cares about. But I promise you this, I may have no intention of dating your daughter, even after her mother welcomed me and my friends with open arms," proclaimed Sora.
"Well, that's a relief, anyway. I'm so happy that you and my daughter are friends," laughed Kenji.
Everyone sighed vehemently, until they saw a lake ahead of them.
"Wow, it's so pretty," Sora and Usagi said together.
They decided to stop and take a look at the lake.
"And it's so peaceful here," she said.
"That's because there's nothing here," replied Shingo.
"Be nice, Shingo," warned Sora.
"Actually, there are beautiful memories here. This lake is where your mom and I met years ago," explained Kenji.
"Dear, that's ancient history," Keiko said, looking embarrassed.
"I wanna hear how you and Keiko met, Mr. Tsukino," Sora said excitedly.
"Maybe some other time, Sora," replied Usagi's father.
But the music box began playing it's tune, making Usagi take it out and look solemnly at it, her eyes having a similarly distant look like Makoto's.
"Usagi, it's time to go," called her mother.
Usagi glanced back at her.
"Is something wrong, sweetheart?" asked Keiko.
"No, everything's fine," replied Usagi.
As she walked to the car, Sora turned back toward the lake, and looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with determination.
"Mamoru, we'll get you back. I swear it," he said, as the wind began to blow.
He didn't know that a strange creature resided in the lake they stopped at, as he turned slowly back to the car and walked after Usagi.
"Kunzite, is this the lake where you detected the abnormal energy reading?" Queen Beryl asked her most loyal soldier, as they were gathered in the throne room.
"Yes, my Queen, the energy is very similar to that of our monsters. There is a slight difference, but it is still very powerful," replied the warlord.
"I see,' She said.
Then she turned to the corrupted Mamoru.
"Endymion, I want you to go check it out, immediately," Queen Beryl said to him.
Endymion nodded, and walked off into the corridor of darkness she opened for him.
"Queen Beryl, he's been acting strangely the past few days. Do you begin to finally realize that his memory has been erased?" Kunzite asked his mistress.
"What makes you say that? He's the only person Queen Beryl has loved since her childhood. It is unlikely that this boy's memory has been tampered with," answered Maleficent.
"Yeah, but still, I'd recommend caution everybody. Beside, Kunzite and I are gonna keep a close eye on him, and let you know if there's any change in his behavior," added Pete.
"Understood, Pete," said Kunzite.
"See to it that Endymion is aware that darkness is his true power, and make sure that nothing happens to him. If you don't," warned Sephiroth.
Then, as if to prove his point, he struck down a few Heartless, Maleficent had summoned, and smiled sadistically at him.
"You make your point quite vividly, Sephiroth," Kunzite said quickly, making the One-Winged Angel chuckle.
At the hotel everyone was staying at, Usagi, her mother, and father, were relaxing in the hot springs that were close by.
"This is incredible, what a view!" she said gazing out towards the lake.
"Not too bad, for a rustic hot springs inn, wouldn't you say?" asked Kenji.
"Gentlemen, what's wrong? Come over and join us," called Keiko.
"You'll like it, believe me. It really feels great," added Usagi.
"No way! It's a co-ed bath!" replied Shingo.
"What are you so embarrassed about, son? There's no one here, but your family," said his father.
"Hurry and come in, before you catch a cold," added his mother.
Shingo was unsure, until Usagi pushed him into the water. They wrestled a bit, until Shingo removed her towel, forcing Usagi to submerge herself, as Sora respectfully turned away .
"Shingo, give that back," snapped Usagi.
"Stop fooling around you two!" their mother said firmly.
"Oh, let them play," assured their father.
"Listen Shingo, I don't think Usagi's happy about you taking her towel. So for now, I'd suggest returning it to her immediately," Sora spoke in a tone that seemed firm but gentle.
"Wait a second Sora, take a look at this view! It's so incredible! We can see the valley and the whole lake," Shingo said, pointing towards the lake.
Sora placed his hand over his eyes, and looked down at the lake in awe, just as Usagi took back her towel.
"Well played, Sora! Well played!" cheered Usagi.
"There's someone on the shore! Look, down there!" said Shingo.
Usagi and Sora looked, and they saw it too.
"That's Mamoru," he said.
Usagi was shocked. As her heart began to race, she knew that Sora was right. Mamoru was standing near the shore of the lake, until they saw him walking away. Without waiting a second, Usagi took off to find him.
"What's with her? She's acting weirder than usual," said Shingo, who glanced back in confusion.
"It's that guy Usagi met, back when she and I first met each other, and before we met you guys," explained Sora.
He followed her, his eyes etched with a grim look upon them. A short while later, Sora and Usagi raced down to the shore, only to find that Mamoru wasn't there. All they could see was a statue of two figures, until the music box started playing the tune again. The wind blew at them creating a gentle breeze, until the heard footsteps approaching them. Usagi and Sora turned around sharply to see Mamoru dressed in black.
"That melody. Why is it resonating inside my soul?" he asked.
"Please Mamoru, it's me, Usagi! Are you really here!? Do you know me, at all?" she cried.
"Mamoru? Usagi? I don't know them. Those names mean nothing to me," replied Mamoru.
"That's stupid! Listen Mamoru, Usagi's standing right in front of you! Don't even recognize the girl you used to refer to as 'Bunhead!?'" Sora said, trying to reach out to his heart, when Keiko called them.
Before they could reply, Mamoru disappeared, leaving the two of them feeling disappointed.
"He's gone," Sora said sadly, then he slumped heavily to the ground.
"Usagi, what's the matter? Why did you run off so suddenly?" asked her mother.
"Sorry about that, it was nothing," replied Usagi.
Then Keiko noticed the statue near the lake behind them.
"Oh, there's the Legend of the Lovers. Is that what you were looking at?" she asked.
Usagi and Sora turned and looked at the statue.
"It's an ancient tale about this lake. A long, long time ago, a young man fell in love with an angel who had descended from the heavens. Another woman who loved the young man, was angry that he didn't return her feelings. Consumed by hatred and jealousy, this woman turned into a monster, and began attacking the villagers. The angel and the young man used the power of their love to seal the monster away in the lake. But, having used up all the power of their strength, the two died, and ascended up into heaven. It's the story of their love for each other," explained Keiko.
Usagi and Sora looked out at the lake, wondering why the woman whose heart was consumed by darkness was sealed inside of it, until she sneezed.
"Come on, let's go back. You'll catch a cold," said her mother.
Usagi nodded and hugged her. Then she and Keiko walked away.
"Listen Usagi, promise me something. If you ever do fall in love, promise that you'll bring the boy over, and introduce him to your father and myself, so that we can get to know him. Just like how you introduced us to Sora and his friends," said Keiko.
"Yes, I promise. I'll do that, one day, but it might be a while" replied Usagi, despite her anguish.
Sora followed them as well, just as Mamoru stepped out of his hiding place.
"A monster sealed away in the lake. I wonder if that could be the source of the unusual vibrations," he said.
"How perceptive. You may have very well uncovered the source of this mysterious energy," whispered Kunzite who was observing from above the trees.
He watched as Mamoru used the power of darkness, to awaken the creature.
"Here me, bitter soul, sealed in this lake. Now, I command you to return to life! Arise, 'O ancient spirit!" he called to the lake.
Hearing Mamoru's voice, the creature rose, and the water bubbled wildly. Then a powerful burst of darkness surged into the sky, and the creature from the story Usagi and Sora heard from Keiko emerged, baring its fangs.
"Give him back!" she cried.
Mamoru was surprised. He knew that he'd never seen that kind of creature before. She tried to strike at him, but he dodged out of the way.
"Well now, Endymion, with your curiosity, you've raised a grudge from the past. What will you do?" said Kunzite.
When the demon approached him to strike again, it stopped and glanced down at him. Then she rose up into the sky, searching for the man that broke her heart, and filled it with darkness, until her gaze fell on Usagi, her family, and Sora standing in the forest. She began to think that Usagi was the angel, and charged right at her in a blind rage leaving a surprised Mamoru behind. Her screams echoed, as Usagi looked back at the lake, her eyes slowly filling with tears.
"Usagi, is something the matter?" asked her father.
"Oh, it's nothing. I was admiring how beautiful the moon is. It's perfect tonight." Usagi said quickly.
"It is beautiful, now that you mentioned it," replied Kenji.
"It's so pretty, it just makes me want to cry," said Usagi.
She brushed her eyes, just as Sora gently placed his hand upon her shoulder.
"Don't feel bad, Usagi. Remember what I said about how you're allowed to cry as much as you want?" he asked.
Usagi nodded, then the two of them gave each other a friendly hug, making Kenji, Keiko, and Shingo, smile at them. They slowly parted away, and looked at them.
"I'm gonna soak in the hot springs and look at the moon before dinner, if you'll excuse me," she said, and ran off with Sora at her side.
"She's a mystery, I'm so confused. I mean there are times when she seems like a totally different person," Kenji said to his wife and son.
"That's just who she is, Mr. Tsukino. And no matter how much she changes, she'll always be your daughter. But still, if you and Keiko hadn't met each other, then Usagi and Shingo wouldn't be born, that's a biological fact. But as her friend, I can understand how sad she feels, whenever she thinks about someone she cares about, like her friends, you, Keiko, or Shingo. That's why we have to be there for her, to help her share that pain she carries in her heart. Because bearing that pain all by yourself, can hurt you alot," explained.
As Usagi ran, she knew that she had to find a way to help Mamoru come back to his senses, and restore his memories, when she heard the sound of a woman's voice telling her to return the man she believed to have stolen from her.
"What was that?" she asked.
"Give him back!" roared the creature.
Usagi turned around, and saw the creature baring her fangs at her.
"No way! Who are you!?" cried Usagi.
"Usagi, what is that thing!?" gasped her mother.
"It's some kind of horrible creature!" Shingo answered for Usagi.
"Yeah, it's that woman, Keiko told me and Usagi about whose heart was consumed by darkness due to her rage, hatred, and jealousy!" said Sora, brandishing his Keyblade.
"Yeah, he's right! Watch out everyone!" called Usagi, fleeing back to her family.
The creature charged after her, and began furiously attacking them, while telling them to return the man she loved to him. It's horrible breath making the trees rot as it fired darkness from its mouth.
"That's it! Now I'm angry!" snapped Usagi.
She glared up at the demon.
"Hey you, what's your problem!? You're totally running our family trip! Go away! Leave us alone!" Usagi called furiously.
"Usagi, don't confront her!" said her mother.
"That's right, let your dad handle this!" said Kenji brandishing a stick as a sword.
The creature glared furiously at him.
"Hey, stay away from my family, you monster!" he said bravely, but she charged angrily at him.
"Watch out!" everyone cried, but the creature grabbed Kenji's throat and pinned him to the tree, knocking the stick out of his hands.
Just as Usagi was about to turn into Sailor Moon, a rose whooshed past the demon's face, and embedded itself onto the ground, making her turn and glare at him. There stood Tuxedo Mask.
"Who the heck is this guy?" asked Shingo.
"That's Tuxedo Mask! He must've distracted her!" replied Sora.
"Sora's right, Shingo, he's a good guy, I thinkā¦" added Usagi.
"Back off creature, I'm not gonna let you go and hurt innocent people!" Tuxedo Mask said.
She tried to strike him down, but the caped crusader jumped over her flailing tail, as Usagi, Shingo, and Keiko helped Kenji to safety, while Sora stayed behind to buy them time. Usagi wanted to help, but she didn't want to risk exposing her identity as Sailor Moon to her family, until she saw the creature striking him down with her tail.
"That's it!" snapped Sora.
He lunged at the creature, but several Heartless barred his way.
"I don't have time for you guys!" he said furiously to them, and struck them down one by one with his Keyblade.
The distraction allowed the creature to try and strike down Tuxedo Mask.
"Hold it right there!" called a voice, Sora knew so well.
He turned to see that Sailors Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter had arrived, along with all of his friends, and gave them a welcoming smile.
"Wow, the pretty guardians who fight for love and Justice!" cried Shingo, his eyes filled with excitement, which earned him a glare from Usagi.
"Get 'em guys!" called Sora.
Sailor Mercury nodded and unleashed her Bubble Spray attack, engulfing the area around them in a thick mist. Usagi motioned for her family to keep going to the inn that was down the path, as she took cover behind a tree, and transformed into Sailor Moon. Then she jumped out of her hiding place, just as the creature raged at the mist.
"Hey Monster, over here!" called Sailor Moon, clapping her hands, to get her attention.
The mist cleared, revealing her to the creature.
"You can't just run amok out here, you have to pay for threatening innocent tourists, and ruining the Tsukino Family's innocent vacation! In the name of the Moon, I'm punishing you!" she said bravely.
"Hey, Tuxedo Mask, good job on buying Usagi's family time to get to safety. That means you still have some light in your heart," called Riku.
"Worry about that later, we got a demon and some Heartless to take care of!" said Sora.
Everyone nodded, and began fighting the transformed woman of the lake, and the Heartless, with all their might.
"Jupiter and Venus, give 'em the time of their lives!" said Axel.
"You got it!" they replied.
Together the two girls unleashed Crescent Beam and Supreme Thunder against the creature, severely wounding it blasting her to dust.
"Don't get cocky you guys, she won't stop until someone cleanses her heart of darkness!" warned Sora.
"Yeah, we need Sailor Moon to use Moon Healing Escalation to free her from that hate and jealousy, before it destroys everything," added Kairi, as they watched it reform.
"Good idea, in that case," said Sailor Moon.
Removing her tiara, she transformed it into the golden discus for her Moon Tiara Action attack, and sent it right at the creature, destroying it.
"That will not work! That does not work!" quacked Donald, as it reformed.
"Sailor Mars, do you know what that creature is?" asked Xion.
"I do, it's evil aura is different from the other evil aura's I've sensed. She's an evil yokai, born from years of strong jealousy," replied Rei.
"You're right. That has to be the same creature from the story Usagi's mother told us," said Sora.
"It appears Sora speaks the truth everyone. The truth of the matter is, I'm the one to blame for awakening this ancient Yokai. You must stay out of this," admitted Tuxedo Mask.
"You kidding, don't you know that yokai are Sailor Mars' expertise? She's got tons of people rooting for her. So guess what, pal. Never axe Sailor Mars. Got it Memorized?" grinned Axel.
"I couldn't agree more, Axel," smirked Rei.
She soon produced an exorcism talisman, channeled her will power into it, and sent it right at the yokai stopping it in its tracks, then she and Axel unleashed their Mega Flare combo at it.
"It's time to break to end the curse of hatred and jealousy, Sailor Moon!" Sora said.
"Let's do it!" agreed Sailor Moon, and they readied their weapons.
"I may not know your name, but it's time for you to face the light!" called Sora, channelling the light in his heart.
"Moon Healing Escalation!" cried Sailor Moon.
The yokai soon reverted to the woman who was once a human being, and soon began to ascend, as everyone watched.
"She's going to heaven. At least, at last, from the eons of torture brought on by her jealousy," said Rei.
"She's beautiful!" added Usagi.
"Yeah," agreed Sora.
The woman nodded her thanks to them, as she continued onwards to the afterlife looking upon those who freed her from the darkness, and waved goodbye to them.
"May your heart find peace, within Kingdom Hearts," Sora said respectfully to the woman.
Then they all turned to face Tuxedo Mask.
"I was going to say that you interfered, needlessly. But I'll let it go, this time," he said.
"As if. But next time we meet, you're going down," replied Sora.
Tuxedo Mask darted off, leaving behind a distraught Sailor Moon.
"Well, Endymion, you are an odd fellow," mused Kunzite, who vanished.
In another part of the forest, Usagi's mother, father and brother were searching for her until she arrived with Sora, making everyone relieved that she was alright, as she rushed to her mother's arms and hugged her. She knew that her father fought bravely to keep them safe. At the same time, everyone was also at the hot springs feeling that they earned some R&R after their clash with the jealous yokai, when Usagi and Sora joined them, although the blonde odango-twintail was still upset about Mamoru.
"Usagi, chin up, everything will work out," Makoto assured her.
"That's right, we know it will," agreed Terra.
"Thanks, you guys. But, I'll be fine. When I think about it, I have these great friends that care about me." said Usagi.
"That's right, while we may be your greatest strength, don't forget that our enemies could call us your greatest weakness, to try and make you succumb to darkness," warned Sora.
"By the way, when Luna told us where you went, we decided to check out the hot spring inn for ourselves. That's why we followed you, just so we can have some fun together," said Aqua.
"Yeah, so let's have fun together," everyone said.
They all began pushing Usagi under the hot water in a playful manner, but deep down, they all knew that together they were also a family. But Sora knew that they had created a new ending to the Lake Yokai Legend, as he knew that the woman of that lake would be with the hearts of those who passed away, and became one with Kingdom Hearts.
