Chapter 24: Defend Noble Palace!
Jin and Aqua leave Enchanted Dominion and return to the Lanes Between and they continue their quest and while exploring around they find a world that has a town and in the middle of the world is a giant castle and so Jin and Aqua decide to go for that world next and enter it.
In what looks like a town Jin and Aqua arrive in town and look around for anything.
"Such a peaceful place. Wonder where we ended up now." Jin said.
"Terra and Draco could be here anywhere. Let's check around." Aqua said and Jin nods.
(World of Noble Palace)
(Field Theme: Noble Palace)
(Town Plaza)
Jin and Aqua explore around the town plaza and they later make their way for a different area.
(Castle Town)
Jin and Aqua arrive at a castle town where they find many people walking around and while they're exploring the castle town a scream is heard.
"What's that?" Jin asked looking around and Ignis finds someone running for an alley and is being chased by Ghoul Daraz.
"Over there!" Aqua said pointing at the alley.
"Come on!" Jin said running for the alley and Aqua follows.
(Alleyway)
In the alley a little boy who is three-years-old with cyan eyes, spiky light orange hair, wearing a white shirt with green overalls, red shoes, and is carrying a teddy bear is running from the Ghoul Daraz but then he stops at a dead end and turns to see the Ghoul Daraz closing in on the little boy who shakes with fear and begins crying but before the Ghoul Daraz start to attack something attacks and destroys the Ghoul Daraz and it's Jin appearing from the dark mist left from the Daraz.
"Damn Daraz! How dare they try to harm a kid!" Jin said and Aqua arrives.
"That was close." Aqua said as she sees the little boy. "This isn't safe for this boy." Aqua said.
"Yeah. We need to…" Jin was cut off as more Ghoul Daraz, Siren Daraz, and Scorpion Daraz appear making the little boy scared even more as he holds onto Jin and the handle of his Keyblade.
"P-Please help me…! The boy cried.
"Dammit! I can't fight like this! Aqua, keep 'em busy while I find a safe spot for him." Jin said.
"Okay. Be careful." Aqua said taking out Rainfell while Jin grabs the boy and carries him.
"Let's go, Ignis." Jin said as he dashes off with the boy and they arrive at a different part of the alley and Jin sits the boy down to a box. "Listen to me. Stay where you are and don't move! I'll come back for you after we handle things." Jin said.
"B-But I'm scared…!" The boy said crying again.
"I know you are, but now's not the time for crying. Darkness preys on a feared heart. You need to be brave and not cry." Jin said.
"O-Okay…" The boy said.
"Good. Now, stay here." Jin said as he rushes back to help Aqua. "Aqua, let's destroy them all!" Jin said.
"Right!" Aqua said.
(Battle Theme: Nightmare Palace)
(Information: Defeat the Daraz!)
The Ghoul Daraz disappear and try to attack with their scythes while the Siren Daraz unleash sound waves to attack but Jin vertical slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by unleashing ethereal katanas and slash at them but the Scorpion Daraz attack with their stingers but Aqua diagonal slashes with Rainfell followed by casting Thunder but the Siren Daraz try to confuse them by singing but Jin has Ignis unleash waves of flames burning them but the Ghoul Daraz unleash dark waves but Jin triple slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by Vanish Slash while Aqua casts Fire followed by using Water Raid but the Scorpion Daraz attack with their pincers but Ignis attacks with her talons but the Ghoul Daraz attack with their scythes but Aqua uses Barrier Surge followed by Water Edge while Jin unleashes two clones of himself and they deliver cross slashes with Phoenix Honor but the Siren Daraz unleash sound waves to try and confuse them while the Ghoul Daraz unleash dark waves while the Scorpions attack with stingers but Jin triple slashes with Phoenix Honor and then enters Phoenix Inferno mode and delivers surging slashes and then delivers rapid and unseen slashes with his Keyblad and unleashes a fiery explosion while Aqua vertical slashes with Rainfell and then enters Spell Weaver mode and delivers surging attacks and then levitates her Keyblade and delivers a spinning attack and they defeat the Daraz.
After fighting off the Daraz the two Keyblade Masters walk back to the little boy.
"You okay?" Jin asked.
"Yes. Thank you…" The boy said.
"What happened? Where were your parents?" Aqua asked.
"I don't…have a mommy and daddy!" The boy answered crying.
"Damn… He's an orphan then." Jin said.
"You poor boy." Aqua said sadly.
"What's your name then?" Jin asked.
"P-Pax…" The boy named Pax introduced.
"Pax, it's clearly not safe out here. Who knows what could have happened to you." Jin said and just then he starts having a vision of Pax growing into a thirteen-year-old boy but then turns into a dark being wearing an organic dark green and black suit with a crimson spiked crescent in the middle, black and green cloth around the waist, and a black and dark green mask but then turns into a fourteen-year-old boy wearing a black and dark green tunic, black short pants with dark green stars on the short pants, black and dark green fingerless gloves, and black and dark green shoes. "What was that? Am I able to see what he will become? He's going to look like them?" Jin asked.
"Jin?" Aqua asked and Jin kneels down.
"Pax, listen to me. I need you to stay alive, because I know you will have a fulfilling future. This is why I need to make sure of it." Jin said as he casts a spell on Pax and he starts glowing with a bright light. "There. With this spell, you should be safe from the darkness. Even if your heart becomes darkness, someone with a very powerful light will guide you back to the light path." Jin said.
"Thank you, mister." Pax said.
"Now, we're bringing you back. Where did you come from?" Jin asked.
"The orphanage not too far from here." Pax said.
"We'll take you. Let's go." Jin said carrying Pax and Aqua smiles. "What?" Jin asked.
"Oh, nothing." Aqua said.
"Come on." Jin said as they leave the alley.
Jin and Aqua leave the alleyway and return to the castle town and they start taking Pax back to the orphanage as they go through the castle town and they later find a big building from afar and so they decide to go there.
(Orphanage)
Jin and Aqua arrive at a yard with a sign that says 'Noble Orphanage' and they see the big building in front of them.
"Well, here you are. Go in and don't go out on your own again. Okay?" Jin said.
"'Kay." Pax said as he starts walking.
"Don't forget what I said. I know things will be tough for you, but don't ever cry and begin to learn to have courage. Your future counts on it." Jin said.
"I'll remember! Bye-bye!" Pax said as he goes into the orphanage.
"I'm surprised." Aqua said.
"About what?" Jin asked.
"The way you handled protecting that boy and wanting him to have a good future." Aqua said.
"To tell the truth, I had a vision of what he's going to be like when he grows up. His future is going to be promising, so that's why I want him to start being stronger." Jin said.
"Well, I'm glad you're putting hope in him." Aqua said.
"Let's go." Jin said as he starts to leave. "Pax, why do I have a feeling that meeting him isn't just a coincidence? Were we fated to meet today?" Jin asked in his mind.
Jin and Aqua return to the castle town and they keep going through the town until they go to the next area.
(Castle Entrance)
Jin and Aqua arrive at a gate leading to an entrance to a castle but as they look around they see Ghoul Daraz, Siren Daraz, and Goblin Daraz appear.
"Ugh! These bastards again!" Jin yelled taking out Phoenix Honor.
"There's no end to them." Aqua said taking out Rainfell.
(Information: Defeat the Daraz!)
The Ghoul Daraz disappear and attack with their scythes while the Siren Daraz unleash sound waves to try and confuse them while the Goblin Daraz deliver a spinning strike but Jin triple slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by unleashing two clones and they deliver cross slashes while Aqua vertical slashes with Rainfell followed by casting Thunder but the Goblin Daraz deliver a leaping attack but Ignis unleashes waves of flames while Jin unleashes ethereal shurikens and sends them to strike but the Siren Daraz make songs to confuse them but Aqua uses Water Surge and then uses Fire Raid but the Ghoul Daraz disappear and then reappear and strike with their scythes but Jin casts Fire and then uses Vanish Fire but the Goblin Daraz deliver a spinning kick attack but Ignis delivers a spinning beak attack while Aqua horizontal slashes with Rainfell followed by Magic Pulse while Jin diagonal slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by a blade stand spinning kick and they defeat all of the Daraz.
Just then more Daraz appear.
"You bastards just won't quit!" Jin yelled.
A Daraz is about to attack but then a dark beam destroys the Daraz and then destroys the remaining number of Daraz.
"What?" Aqua asked.
"Annoying abominations. How DARE they set foot in near my castle." A voice said and they see a man with black hair, blue eyes, wearing a blue, white, and gold royal robes, green gem in the center of the robes, a blue cape with a white heart at the back, white gloves, and white boots coming out of the castle.
"That power… It was darkness! Who are you?!" Jin demanded pointing his Keyeblade at the man.
"There is no need for rashness. I am Count Nago. I rule over Noble Palace." Nago introduced.
"You used darkness to destroy the Daraz, but not us." Aqua said.
"Of course. I would never use my dark powers to harm innocent people." Nago said.
"That's hard to swallow." Jin said.
"It seems we have much to discuss. Please, come to my castle. Perhaps I should explain what is happening." Nago said as he goes into the castle.
"I think we should follow him." Aqua said.
"Yes, then we'll see what he really is." Jin said as they go into the castle.
(Castle Halls)
Jin and Aqua arrive inside the castle and are in the halls and they make their way through the halls while going upstairs to the upper halls and while exploring the castle they find a woman with long light pink hair, blue eyes, and is wearing a white and yellow dress while carrying and two-year-old girl with short pink hair and wearing a yellow small dress who is sleeping.
"Oh, more visitors. Did Nago invite you?" The woman asked.
"You know him?" Aqua asked.
"Yes. I'm his wife, Countess Rachel." Rachel introduced.
"You're married to a man with darkness?" Jin asked.
"Jin, stop it." Aqua said in a scolding tone.
"Nago may have dark powers, but he's not evil." Rachel said.
"So he says…" Jin said and he sees the two-year-old girl and he starts having visions of the girl turning twelve but then the left side of her body has a left demonic hand with demonic claws, a giant demonic wing on the left side of her back, a demonic horn on the left side of her head, her left eye is crimson, and a tail. "This form…! Does this mean she's also a creature of darkness?! She must be this Nago's daughter!" Jin said in his mind but then the girl has a right fairy hand, a fairy wing on the right side of her back, and a small cyan diamond on her forehead. "What is this other half? Could it be her light side? No… Is she both light and dark?" Jin asked in his mind.
"Is something the matter?" Rachel asked.
"N-No. Nothing. You look almost similar to Lady Amora." Jin said.
"Oh, so you know my sister too?" Rachel asked.
"Lady Amora is your sister?" Aqua asked.
"That means Lord Fortitudo is related to that dark user!" Jin said.
"Jin!" Aqua berated and just then the two-year-old girl starts to wake up and begins crying.
"Oh, don't cry, Noel. It's okay. Nothing bad is happening." Rachel said trying to calm the girl named Noel.
"I'm really sorry." Aqua said.
"Oh, don't be. This happens sometimes. Now, I understand you need to see Nago. Let me take you to his throne room" Rachel said.
"Thank you." Aqua said.
Jin and Aqua follow Rachel through the castle halls and they later arrive at the big doors in the center of the halls and Rachel opens the big doors taking them to the next area.
(Throne Room)
Jin and Aqua arrive at the throne room and they find Nago sitting on his throne.
"Welcome to my throne room. Before we discuss a matter, I couldn't help but notice your Keyblades, just like the other four I have met. Tell me are you students of Fortitudo by any chance?" Nago asked.
"I am. The same goes for Draco and Astra." Jin said.
"I was under his training temporarily, but my true master is Eraqus." Aqua said.
"Oh, Eraqus. I haven't heard his name for some time. Is he doing well?" Nago asked.
"Yes." Aqua answered.
"How is it you know of Master Fortitudo?" Jin asked.
"He and I go way back. We have been best friends since childhood. We've had our differences, but we've always respected each other. As we grew up, we even formed a group called the Ten Heroes, which Amora and Rachel were a part of as well, and we've freed a world that was under a dark tyranny. That world is the world you're in right now, and same for the one Fortidudo is residing, but he had to divide this one world in order to make sure someone needs to watch over them. I have ruled this world since while Fortitudo began his rule in the other half." Nago explained.
"Master Fortitudo never told me any of this." Jin said.
"That's quite a story. I had no idea." Aqua said.
"That wasn't the only reason I asked. You see, as I have said, we have a problem. Those ghastly monsters you've fought against. The Daraz, as you called them, have been causing nothing but unrest for my people. While Draco, Terra, Astra, and Ventus have helped, they still appear more and more." Nago explained.
"You want us to help as well?" Aqua asked.
"Please. My kingdom will be in your debt if you help me with this." Nago said.
"Of course we'll help your kingdom." Aqua said.
"Fine." Jin said unhappy.
"Many thanks. I will join you when I can. There are certain locations as to where these Daraz are. Find them and give them no quarter." Nago said.
"We'll do it." Jin said as they leave the throne room.
Jin and Aqua leave the castle and return outside.
"We should explore every single place of this kingdom for the Daraz." Aqua said.
"This better not be a ruse from Nago! For all I know, he's probably using us to clean up his mess, and he'll later toss us out like yesterday's trash." Jin said.
"Jin, why are you being like this?! It's true that the most people associated with darkness were evil, but Nago didn't seem to be like them." Aqua said.
"Hmph! It's probably a facade. You've seen what Vergil and Arkham, Clockwerk, Bowser and Bowser Jr., Tremaine and her daughters, Grimhilde, and Maleficent were like. What makes you think Nago won't be any different? I also had a vision of their daughter being a creature of darkness and I shudder to think what she'll be like when she grows up." Jin said.
"Enough! In case you've forgotten, Terra and Draco also have darkness, but they're doing what they can to not be consumed by it. I'm sure Nago has already mastered his darkness to use it for good and to protect his loved ones and his kingdom." Aqua said.
"Whatever. Let's just get this over with." Jin said and Aqua sighs.
Jin and Aqua leave the castle entrance and return to the castle town but as they arrive they see many Siren Daraz.
"Scum! Out of my way!" Jin yelled unleashing Phoenix Honor.
"Jin, don't be reckless!" Aqua said summoning Rainfell.
(Information: Defeat the Daraz!)
The Siren Daraz unleash sound waves to try and stun the two but Jin horizontal slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by unleashing ethereal kunais and sends them to strike while Aqua casts Water and then casts Earth but the Siren Daraz try to confuse them with sound beams but Ignis attacks with her talons while Jin triple slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by Clone Cross while Aqua diagonal slashes with Rainfell followed by Water Edge but the Siren Daraz play a song to try and cause them to be confused by Aqua double horizontal slashes with Rainfell followed by Magic Pulse while Jin vertical slashes Phoenix Honor followed by summoning thee clones and they all cast Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, and Aero striking but the Siren Daraz unleash sound waves to stun them but Ignis unleashes waves of flames burning them while Jin uses Somersault Slash followed by using Multi Slash but the Siren Daraz fires sound beams to try and confuse them but Aqua uses Barrier Surge and then uses Blizzard Edge but the Siren Daraz uses music to try and stun the two but Ignis delivers a spinning beak attack while Aqua casts Earth followed by casting Gravity while Jin delivers a bladestand spin kick and then delivers a slamming slash and they defeat the Daraz.
"Worthless bastards." Jin said.
"There's still more out there. Let's go check for more areas." Aqua said.
Jin and Aqua leave the castle town and return to the town plaza and they explore for more Daraz until they find a gate that leads somewhere else and so they go for the gate taking them to the next area.
(Flower Field)
Jin and Aqua arrive at a flower field and they find Goblin Daraz around the field and so they unleash their Keyblades and get ready to fight with Jin using Fire Vanish while Aqua casts Blizzard and then casts Magma but the Goblin Daraz deliver a spinning kick attack but Ignis attacks with one of its wings but the Goblin Daraz deliver a leaping attack but Aqua double horizontal slashes with Rainfell followed by Earth Edge while Jin delivers a 360 slash with Phoenix Honor followed by unleashing ethereal katanas and delivers slashes with them but the Goblin Daraz attack with punches but Jin uses Multi Slash followed by Somersault Slash and then enters Phoenix Inferno mode and delivers surging slashes and then delivers multi slashes and then unleashes a fiery explosion while Aqua locks on and uses Bubble Buster and unleashes a volley of bubbles but the Goblin Daraz deliver a spin attack but Ignis attacks with her talons while Jin unleashes four clones and they deliver slashes with their Keyblades and then unleash multiple ethereal shurikens while Aqua triple slashes with Rainfell followed by Thunder Raid and they defeat the Goblin Daraz.
"Let's go. More should be around." Jin said.
"Yes. Let's hurry." Aqua said.
Jin and Aqua go through the flower field and they later find another gate and they go for it taking them to another area.
(Courtyard Garden)
Jin and Aqua arrive at a courtyard garden and they find many Scorpion Daraz and Jin casts Fire followed by using Thunder Somersault while Aqua vertical slashes with Rainfell follow by Magic Pulse but the Scorpion Daraz attack with their stingers but Ignis attacks with her talons while Jin diagonal slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by a bladestand spin kick and then delivers a slamming slash but the Scorpion Daraz attack with their pincers but Aqua casts Zero Gravity to lift the Daraz into the air and then casts Thunder to bring them down but the Scorpion Daraz attack with their stingers but Jin uses Vanish Slash followed by unleashing ethereal kunais and sends them to strike while Aqua horizontal slashes followed by a roundhouse slash and then enters Spell Weaver mode and delivers surging slashes and then levitates her Keyblade and delivers a powerful magical spinning attack but the Scorpion Daraz attack with their pincers followed by a spinning attack with their stingers but Ignis unleashes waves of flames while Aqua uses Fire Surge followed by Water Surge while Jin unleashes two clones and they deliver many slashes with their Keyblades and then deliver cross slashes and they defeat the Scorpion Daraz.
"Finally. More down." Jin said but then a Scorpion Daraz is behind Jin and tries to attack but then a dark beam attack strikes at the Scorpion Daraz destroying it.
"That was close." A voice said and they see Nago arriving.
"You took that Daraz out for me?" Jin asked.
"Yes. I told you I would join you as I could." Nago said.
"Thank you." Aqua said.
"Yeah, I guess." Jin said.
"There is no telling where more will show up. Let's return to my castle and we can figure out how to get rid of them for good." Nago said.
"Fine." Jin said.
"Let's go." Aqua said.
Jin and Aqua return to Nago to the castle and return to the throne room and Nago is sitting on his throne to think of something.
"We must determine where these Daraz keep coming from. We must find their source and get rid of that source." Nago said.
"Perhaps it has something to do with that demon we encountered before." Jin said.
"The one we fought back at that demonic tower in Dante's world. Perhaps they do share a connection." Aqua said.
Just then a guard enters the throne room.
"Milord, we have a situation!" The guard said.
"Does it involve the Daraz?" Nago asked.
"Even worse. Your daughter, Noel is missing from her room!" The guard informed.
"What?! This can't be! Who is responsible?" Nago asked.
"We do not know yet, Milord." The guard answered.
"Find the fool, who would dare kidnap my daughter!" Nago commanded.
"Yes, Milord." The guard said as he leaves the throne room.
"Do you think the Daraz are responsible for this?" Aqua asked.
"Maybe. If so, we can kill two birds with one stone and take out more of the Daraz and find Nago's daughter." Jin said.
"If you think those wretched monsters have stolen my daughter, then please find her and bring her back." Nago said.
"We will." Aqua said.
"Just keep your kingdom under control." Jin said.
Jin and Aqua leave the throne room and then leave the castle and return to the castle gates and leave the gates to return to the castle town to find the missing Noel and while exploring they return to the town plaza and they continue their search for more Daraz and the missing Noel but as they keep searching they see someone walking across them and it's the same veiled girl.
"Hey, you! Who are you?" Jin asked.
"Oh, me? Are we skipping the part to where you tell me your name first?" The veiled girl asked and Aqua sees the veiled girl holding Noel.
"Noel!" Aqua said.
"So, you kidnapped her! What do you think you're doing?!" Jin demanded taking out Phoenix Honor.
"Oh, her? Well, I have great plans for her. There is a very great darkness in her heart, and I think someone like her should be embracing her darkness, so I'll try to corrupt her." The veiled girl said.
"What?!" Aqua asked shocked.
"You bitch! Let her go!" Jin demanded.
"Oh, you wanna fight me? Okay, then! I've been looking for a playmate anyway!" The veiled girl said taking out her Keyblade Condemnation Venom.
"A Keyblade?" Aqua asked.
"Who the hell are you?!" Jin demanded.
"I'm Malicia and I'm gonna kill you now. You ready?" Malicia asked laughing manically.
(Battle Theme: Venom of Despair)
(Information: Defeat Malicia!)
Malicia delivers horizontal slashes with Condemnation Venom followed by a flipping slash but Jin counters and triple slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by Somersault Slash Malicia disappears and then reappears behind Jin and delivers a sideswipe slash with her Keyblade but Jin quickly blocks and delivers a kick to the stomach sending Malicia back while Ignis attacks with her talons but Malicia slashes with Condemnation Venom followed by a dance like spinning slash but Aqua vertical slashes with Rainfell followed by casting Thunder but Malicia delivers a cartwheel slash with Condemnation Venom followed by a ballet style slash swipe damaging them but Aqua casts Cure and then casts Water followed by casting Aero sending her upward but Malicia retaliates with triple slashing with Condemnation Venom followed by unleashing a purple slash streak but Jin horizontal slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by unleashing ethereal shurikens and sends them at Malicia to strike while Aqua uses Fire Surge.
Malicia jumps into the air and delivers a diving cartwheeling slash with Condemnation Venom but they dodge and Ignis unleashes waves of flames burning Malicia who retaliates with unleashing dark purple flames but Aqua casts Water to get rid of the flames and then vertical slashes with Rainfell followed by Magic Pulse but Malicia disappears and reappears behind Aqua and delivers a sideswipe slash with Condemnation Venom but Aqua cartwheels out of the way and Jin summons two clones of himself and they deliver slashes with their Keyblades and then cast Fire, Blizzard, and Thunder but Malicia double slashes with Condemnation Venom followed by an upper slash but Jin counters with diagonal slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by Vanish Slash while Ignis spin attacks with her beak but Malicia delivers dance like slashes with Condemnation Venom followed by unleashing purple lightning to spread at the two but Aqua locks on and uses coats herself in ice and goes around to strike Malicia and then dives down multiple times until she unleashes many ice pillars while Jin uses Strike Raid to strike but Malicia unleashes dark purple flames to strike.
Jin and Aqua dodge the dark purple flames and Jin triple slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by a bladestand kick while Aqua uses Blizzard Edge and then casts Earth but Malicia delivers ballet style slashes with Condemnation Venom followed by a cartwheel slash but Ignis attacks with one of her wings while Aqua casts Fire followed by casting Gravity but Malicia jumps into the air and delivers a diving slash with Condemnation Venom but Jin locks on and vanishes and goes around and strikes at Malicia while invisible and then unleashes ethereal shurikens around Malicia and then sends them to strike at her but Malicia retaliates with spreading purple lightning at the two but Aqua casts barriers for her and Jin and then slashes with Rainfell followed by Water Strike while Jin uses Multi Slash followed by Fire Vanish but Malicia dance slashes with Condemnation Venom followed by a ballet style slash but Ignis attacks with her talons but Malicia unleashes dark purple flames to try and burn the two but Jin uses Thunder Raid while Aqua casts Earth but Malicia spin slashes with Condemnation Venom followed by an upper slash.
Jin and Aqua recover from Malicia's attacks and Aqua vertical slashes with Rainfell followed by Thunder Strike while Jin delivers 360 slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by casting Blizzard but Malicia cartwheel slashes with Condemnation Venom but Jin counters with Somersault Slash followed by Thunder Vanish while Aqua triple slashes with Rainfell followed by casting Water but Malicia slashes with Condemnation Venom followed by unleashing a purple slash strike but Ignis unleashes waves of flames while Jin vertical slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by Clone Cross but Malicia disappears in darkness and then unleashes poisonous balls while invisible and then reappears and unleashes a row of poisonous balls but Aqua diagonal slashes with Rainfell and then delivers a graceful slash but Malicia disappears and reappears and delivers a sideswipe slash from behind but Jin quickly unleashes ethereal kunais and sends them at Malicia to strike damaging her but Malicia unleashes dark purple flames to strike and burn but Ignis delivers a spinning beak attack while Aqua triple slashes with Rainfell followed by casting Thunder while Jin horizontal slashes with Phoenix Honor followed by unleashing ethereal katanas and slashes at her with them and they finish off Malicia.
Malicia backs off and tries to attack with Condemnation Venom but Jin blocks the attack and they lock their Keyblades and they stare at each other down.
"Hahahaha! This is SOOOO much fun!" Malicia said.
"You bitch!" Jin yelled.
"You poor girl… You've let darkness into your heart and let it corrupt you. You don't know true happiness." Aqua said and just then Malicia's eyes turn into anger and hate and then kicks Jin in the stomach away from her.
"You're annoying! Both of you! When the time comes, I will kill you and come for Astra!" Malicia said in a gloomy and dark tone and then disappears in a dark portal.
"Damn her! She's after Astra!" Jin said.
"We can't let her get any close to Astra. We have to make sure to stop that girl before anything happens to Astra or Draco or Terra or Ven…" Aqua said.
"Right." Jin said and then he sees Noel and picks her up. "She's fine. Not a scratch on her." Jin said.
"That's good. Let's bring her back to Nago." Aqua said.
Jin and Aqua return to the castle and they find Nago and Rachel.
"You found her!" Rachel said running to them and takes Noel. "Oh, my sweet Noel is safe!" Rachel hugging Noel who is sleeping.
"Thank you so much for bringing my daughter back to me. Tell me, were the Daraz responsible?" Nago asked.
"No. It was a girl in a veil. I don't know what she wanted with your daughter, but we stopped her." Jin said.
"Thank you. I suppose now that there are no more of the Daraz invading my kingdom. You have my earnest thanks." Nago said.
"It's no problem, and…I'm sorry for my rude behavior. I thought that because you had darkness, you would be evil." Jin said.
"I can understand that. At least you know now that not all with dark powers are evil. I would never think of using my darkness to oppress my people." Nago said.
"Well, we know you are a good ruler." Aqua said.
"I know that one day your daughter will learn to control her power as well, and be a fair ruler as well. Now, it is time for us to depart." Jin said.
"Then I shall bid you farewell and best of luck on your missions." Nago said.
"Yes. Goodbye, Count." Jin said as they leave the castle gates.
Jin and Aqua leave through the castle town but then Jin sees someone watching them and it's Pax.
"I thought I told you to stay at the orphanage." Jin said.
"I know, but you're leaving?" Pax asked.
"Yes." Jin answered.
"Will I see you again?" Pax asked.
"I don't think so. I doubt we'll meet each other again. Just remember what I told you. Take care of yourself." Jin said as he leaves.
"I think he's going to have a promising future." Aqua said.
"Yeah. What do you suppose that girl what's with Astra?" Jin asked.
"I don't know. We can't let her have her way. She might be with the Daraz, the Unversed, and that demon." Aqua said.
"We need to find out more about her. Let's get going." Jin said as he unleashes his portal and he rides on Ignis who flies into the portal and Aqua enters her Keyblade Armor and gets on her Keyblade Gilder and they leave Noble Palace to continue their quest.
And there's the next chapter. Hope you enjoyed this one. I am once again sorry for not updating this in the last days. I was busy with other stuff, such as writing more stories, and I was focusing on them. Don't worry, I am NOT neglecting this story, it's just that my recent stories needed my attention, so I will continue working on this story, but I have other stuff to work on. Anyway, next time, we move onto Radiant Garden, where Draco, Terra, Astra, Ven, Jin, and Aqua arrive at the same time, go through with what they're doing. I'll see you in the next chapter! Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review! Take care and bye for now!