Continuing on with the gem hunting. Each of the characters are given their own adventure since it makes more sense with Crash always been on solo adventures in the games.

Before starting this chapter, I want to personally thank those who made reviews and adding to your list of follows and favs. It has been a while and we are returning back again.

Disclaimer: I don't own One Piece, Kingdom Hearts, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon or anything except OC's.

Chapter 27: Spiral Madness - Gem Hunters II

Coco's Lab - Sometime Later

After Luffy return from his gem hunting of the Island, Coco work on trying to find more islands. So far, the signal of gems grew stronger as she located those around the Wumpa Islands. But what she found odd is her scans found there is more than 3 islands. She kept this to herself, hoping there is some glitch in the program, but if that were the case, then she would have to investigate them somehow.

Currently Leon, Auron, and Cloud had their practice rounds, but it was only as far as they could since they are familiar with each other's moves and techniques. If anything, they will have to fight more people if they stand some change against what is to come. Luffy went off to play with Crash, Usopp, and Chopper. While this didn't look good for the Straw Hat Captain, many of his crew members just let it slide since this is before moving to the next place. Leon grew more concern of Luffy and his attitude as of late, it didn't help others within the Community are feeling the same thing.

Those that are still out on the islands are Spyro along with Sparx, Aerith, Yuffie and Sanji at the last second. Coco wasn't sure if he landed somewhere but had to make sure he's okay. Aku Aku had his private meeting with Merlin and Archimedes, seeing as he's a wizard wanted some word of advice. Something that has bothered Aku Aku to certain extent. Robin went off to read some books, mostly some fantasy stories she can spend on her free time as well as find some place she could explore while on this world. Overall, the Straw Hats are adjusting pretty quickly, but not to the Committee's liking. Yes, they would have them accept other worlds and stuff, but once they traveled to other worlds it was like what they did on their world as no different from exploring worlds.

Paine and Yuna have returned from exploring the island having no luck as of yet. Coco, Franky and Cid are adjusting the control system of the gems. This is importantly because if one false move then they would be destroyed alongside the gems. They weren't meant to be gathered together like this especially with the number of gems they require to perform the task.

"Hey guys, how is going the machine?" Tifa asked with Nami standing beside her.

"It's going SUUUPER! But the genius brother Cid and sister Co are doing their best on the machine." Franky reported.

"Aren't you supposed to work on the machine too?" Nami asked.

"Well, I would, but this level of technology is beyond what we're used to back on our world. If I could learn how to use this, we could explore the world SUUPER EASY!" Franky said.

"WHAT! IS THAT TRUE!" Luffy shouted having returned the lab along with Usopp, Chopper and Crash. His smiled was almost enough to scare some of the crew members knowing the dangers and ridiculousness Luffy would want to venture.

"Well, it's uncertain. Even if I did have the right parts, it would take some time since our world doesn't have technology like this or magical powers." Franky explained. This sadden Luffy as he pouted at the idea being thrown out the window.

"Its best you don't mess with this tech. Because of the world order meddling on affairs of worlds is strictly forbidden." Cid added his own two cents while Coco continued her work.

"That seems very hypocritical when you guys know about the worlds and obviously are breaking the world order like some pirates." Nami stated with her deadpan stare.

"...You know when you say it that way, it does make some sense what you mean." Tifa even agreed with Nami's statement. Feeling they are already breaking the worlds despite knowing they shouldn't.

"Hmm, well I can't judge you for that. But the keyblade master is supposed to maintain the world order. In fact, if I remember correctly, they say there is at least 10 of them as of late." Cid said returning back to help with Coco's machine.

"So, if there are people that are keeping the world order then where did they go?" Chopper asked curiously.

"That's... a good question." Tifa muttered, everyone then scattered since they wanted to do some fun stuff. Crash started to sleep once more since he's tired from all the running with his new friends. Luffy went off to do something fun, surprisingly Usopp came over to see what Franky, Cid and Coco are doing since he is curious about the technology they are using. Chopper went off to learn some medicine along with healing magic, Nami and Tifa went off to lay under the sun or check the Sunny Go. Since they came to the lab, they place the Sunny Go near the waterfalls where it was close to the lab so that nothing happens to it.

Man's Dignity

Academy of Evil - Sanji

"Ah! Where the heck am I?!" Sanji shouted, looking around to see he's in some Academy of some sort. What stood out is how he's located in some academy. What kind of Academy is unknown to him? But what can be certain is the academy seems big, very big like some town of sorts. While this shouldn't be possible, it does bring questions to his mind. Where is this place located, and why an Academy of all places? From what he is seeing for a brief glance there are children all around. But what bother him is how some of the kids are being bullied and they returned that bulling. This left a bad taste in his mouth as he couldn't help remembering his past.

This place feels like something I left long ago, but why does that encourage for children to beat each other up.

Are Sanji's thoughts as he couldn't help wondering how this place wasn't discovered, unless the parents are as rotten as these children then that explains a lot.

"Hey everyone, we have a substitute teacher." One of the kids shouted, this gain their attention, but as much as Sanji would like to know some answers, his quick scan of his surrounds lets him know these kids and anyone part of this place is no friend of his and should avoid. Without saying anything Sanji jump off the ground and tried to make his escape. But apparently some of the kids had jetpacks, so Sanji had to make a run for it. Once he made some turns and twist, the kids lost sight of him. Looking over he saw that the kids are gone, but that didn't mean he was safe.

I better figure out what is going on around here. I should say in the shadows in case these kids would try and kill me.

Sanji thought, he quickly rushed off as he used the shadows to his advantage.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Principal office - Madame Amberly

Here she stayed in her office watching with all the camera in the entire academy. She used her robotic Hall monitors along with some mutants to watch over the school helping to straighten any kid that would try to escape. She's a big woman, with cables on her back to help move her around. If you could mistake her as some relative to Cortex as her skin in this dark green and tight spaces made her look like cortex in some way.

Suddenly her phone rang as it was one of her helpers to report something happening, "What is it?" She demanded. When she was given a description, she gave her command to her helpers and mutants.

"Hmm, so we have an intruder, don't we?" She said humming to herself. Typing some commands, she found him located in the shadows. Trying to stay hidden from sight, while watching him from previous recording she devilishly grinned as an idea pop in her head.

"Normally I would have eliminated the intruder myself. But perhaps I can make use of this incident. After all the students are being taught to be evil, so maybe this would be a bonus test to see how far they have come. Rather he survives long enough is no concern, but it would provide something interesting to watch." Madame Amberly type on the keyboard as she gave some commands that are only given to selective few and then went towards the speaker to announce to the students.

Attention students of Evil Academy. It appears we have some unwanted guess in our Academy of Evil. Rather he is some hero spy trying to gain secrets on this academy or some stranger doesn't matter. What matters is you need to find this stranger and if possible, bring him alive. The reward is still the same if deceased by accident. But you are our future villains so killing someone should be a requirement. From what we are told he's a gentleman in blonde hair wearing some suit, also for facial he has curly eyebrows for facial recognition. Take heed we have no idea of his powers or abilities as we been given some idea of his jumping acrobats. But that is as far as we have on him, he maybe an experience fighter. So, use what is necessary and bring him to me in pieces or the whole body.

She then chuckled and turned into full blown laughter at her genius idea and what devious things will happen to Sanji.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Academy of Evil - Sanji's location

When he heard the announcement, he couldn't help feeling stupefied by someone calling this place Academy of Evil.

"Feels like something Luffy would say." Sanji muttered. Continuing on his quest, he went off to see if any gems are located in this academy or something. Granted he could have been located here by mistake. Sometime would past as he would encounter some of the robots and mutants, yet they seemed easy with one hit O.K. Sanji made his way through the academy and search for anything that would give him some clues. But then when he spotted what appears to be some empty classroom, he saw what appears to be some clear gem. Smirking to himself Sanji sneak in only for the door behind him to close and suddenly mutants, rats and dogs appeared through the vents. Frustrated with this delay he quickly dispatched all of them and went for the gem.

"Huh, I thought there be more of them?" Sanji muttered but didn't bother as he grab the gem and went off to seek more gems to this school.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

2 hours later

After much searching Sanji found himself more gems, mostly clear ones as he found at least 3 more in his search. Hours of staying in the shadows, avoiding the kids to not harm them especially girls since he wouldn't want to hit these kids if possible. It's not like he couldn't hit kids because sometime there are punks. But the fact there is so many of them here it wouldn't be best to fight them all by himself. So, he continued to search as he found the 5th clear gem. This time it's located in some room where the students sleep at night. The gem in question is located with somebody under beds covering their body but leaving their forehead.

"Hmm, that's too easy." Sanji whispered, feeling this was some trap or some sort. He slowly sneaks his way inside trying to be quiet as possible. Just as he made his way towards the bed, he's suddenly grab by the person in the bed as revealed to be a little girl with black hair and strangely letter N on her forehead. Wearings school uniform as she grabbed Sanji with her metal hands.

"WHAT THE-" Before he could respond, she held him long enough to punch him at the face. But not enough to knock him back off his feet. After shaking himself from the surprise attack, Sanji saw the attacker and the gem place in her hand.

"Were you looking for this?" She asked in her sweet voice. Trying to be innocent despite her appearance saying otherwise.

"Oh, excuse me, Miss-"

"Nina is my name, my last name is unimportant. But I hear you been looking for these gems? Any reason why?" Nina asked Sanji, while she may appear sweet at first, she only wanted information about his objective and why he came here.

"Oh, no worries about that Miss Nina, but if you don't mind could you at least lay that down and try to asleep so that others don't know about this." Sanji hope to talk out of what she might do, but from the way she is carrying herself it more like interrogation then greeting.

"Hmm, well I could. But I need you to promise me something." Nina Requested sweetly to Sanji.

"What's that?" Sanji asked.

"Come closer and I will tell you." Nina asked in returned. Sanji did as he's told since it wouldn't be right to not listen to request when asked. But just as he got close, she grabs him and sucker punch him towards the face. But what amazed her is that he didn't just stand from the attack, it almost looks like nothing happen to him.

"HUH!" Nina exclaimed, unsure how she is to process this information.

"Miss Nina." Sanji finally spoke with his hair covering his face as he didn't look her in the eye.

"I would kindly ask you don't try to fight this fight. Once I have the gems, I will leave this Academy and we can pretend this never happen." Sanji suggested hoping this would at least avoid the situation at hand.

"Are you... trying to be merciful? What kind of guy are you?" Nina ignored her nagging feeling of questioning how he survived the attack and focus on what is important at hand.

"I'm a prince looking for treasure for my princesses." Sanji said, although his mindset on the girls within the crew and committee came in mind. Nina growled as she felt mocked by his attitude and tried to punch him again. Yet this time he simply moved his head towards the right side to avoid the attack. He didn't need to move too much nor focus on her attacks as it was obvious that she wasn't skilled combatant. Granted so far in the two worlds they found most of the people are average strength, Nina had enough of this and started to go hand to hand combat with him. But Sanji moved around like he know what was going to happen.

What the heck is with this guy? I punched him with all I got twice and he's still up. What is with him and his look at me, almost like he's looking down at me.

Throughout the fight they ended up wrecking the room somewhat as flip some beds and destroyed some furniture. But most of this is only because Nina wouldn't give up on her relentless attacks on him.

"Why aren't you fighting back?" Nina demanded as she threw another punch his way.

"I won't just attack some child, especially a girl." Sanji stated as he moved away.

"Yeah right, I bet your just some coward wimp you say to another no matter the gender. I mean come on this whole gentleman thing is annoying and obviously you could fight back. But if you don't not only, will I fight you, but will report to everyone where you're located. I'll even personally interrogate you to know about your friends. Who knows may your lady friend will be first to taste my fist?" Nina threatens those he cares about.

"Listen I know this may seem like pity, but it's not. You just don't know what you're doing nor do these kids here as your too young to know right and wrong. This place is corrupting you and everyone that comes to this Academy. Please Miss Nina, don't do this for your friends and family." Sanji pleaded with Nina.

"Oh Please, how you think I got these bionic Hands?" Nina questioned but didn't answer as she knew it wouldn't make any difference if he knew about it. The comment didn't go unnoticed as Sanji already had horrible ideas what she meant. This only tighten his fist as he will no doubt find this person and kick his arse when given the chance. Seeing now that Nina wasn't going to stop, Sanji is forced to show some of his strength.

"Sorry for this." Sanji whispered. Planning to stop this fight, when Nina used her metal hand to grapple Sanji once more, he didn't dodge or tank the attack. Instead, he kicks her metal hand so hard her metal hand went through the roof as the cable broken off her hand before it could have drag her along.

"Wha-" Sanji then rushed over and place his kick towards her face even before she could guard herself. With Sanji foot about 3 inches away from her face, she couldn't help feeling her entire life flashed before her eyes. Yet Sanji showed her mercy even when given the chance. He places his foot down and moved towards the gem to pick it up and start searching for the color gem if it's located in this academy.

"There are many of those who are as strong as me in this world and worlds beyond your own. All of us have our own reasons and backstories for who we are. I chose to not hit women or children if they aren't brats or punks. Even if this chivalry isn't common, I will follow my beliefs to my end." Sanji had stop already with his back facing against Nina while she tried to process what happen, yet heard what he was saying, "You are young and have much to learn about the world. If you are to be know the world, don't learn from this disgrace of an academy. It will only have narrow view of the whole picture." With Sanji Advise to Nina, he left and went on to search for the gems. Nina on the other hand didn't know what to say but is shaken when her metal hand return from falling as it smash through the roof landing in front of her.

Nina looks up and couldn't help comment, "Cheap wood plank."

Another World - Tokyo/20th Ward

In one world where there are beings known as ghouls exist in Tokyo or in some case around the world. In this world the ghouls are hidden within the crowd as their body functions differently and more importantly... they feed on meat alone. This has world the humans are terrorize by the ghouls. For there is only the Commission of Counter Ghoul or CCG are task with exterminating the ghouls that reside in the Tokyo Wards divided up around Japan. Normally the world would have been going on with its story and life as no doubt change would happen.

That is if the skyscrapers weren't in flames with some of the buildings cut into pieces, screams of people trying to escape their immediate deaths as the building are falling into pieces. It wasn't just Japan that is falling into pieces from the shadows came pure blooded heartless. The invisibles along with stronger version of heartless as the world is slowly dying in flames.

Among the people of the world watching as this is happening are three individuals on their bikes watching the events play out as the people tried to escape. Ghouls are no exception as they are slowly being taken by the darkness that spread quickly. The three are names Kadaj, Yazoo and Loz. All three are serving their one true version of themselves, what this means is anyone's guess but to many this seems crazy. When they arrived in this world, they work for both sides. Not caring who won or lost in the conflict war in humans vs monsters as this is childish to what they are familiar with too many worlds.

Worse they summoned heartless to spice the playfield as this cause both sides to become darker versions of themselves then what is seen. Someone tried to fight this off along with others that are ironically ghouls trying to protect their kind and human friends for some reason. But regardless, the might of the heartless numbers and their presence brought their destruction. But worse came as HE showed up, and soon this world will be thrown into darkness alongside with another... gift as he calls it.

"Look at it. This city burning and screaming as the world is slowly being consumed by the darkness and the destruction we brought." Yadaj said cheerfully as he enjoyed the symphony of the screams with burning heat like some furnace cowy in the fire and watch a play being unfolded as the heartless dance and string hearts more to their ranks.

"Uh, not really into this stuff." Is all Loz said with his arms cross trying to be all tough inside and out.

"I do like the marks we left, truly a work of art is I do say." Yazoo sort of agreed, admiring some bullets holes he left behind on some skyscrapers.

"Since traveling the worlds, we have been able to become stronger than before. If only mother could see what we had created, but at least big brother is around to see our work." Yadaj says with glee. Suddenly they heard some ringing, Yadaj check at his left side and found its calling to him. When he examines the caller, he found it was someone they familiar.

"Who is it?" Yazoo asked.

"Its Dr. Nefarious." Yadaj bluntly said almost uncaring of the metal robot to kill it on the spot.

This cause Loz to groan in annoyance at the caller, "What does he want now?" Loz annoyingly said not liking the doctor as much as well.

"Not sure, but we should check it out. Big Brother said this call was given from Dr. Nefarious when he was bored. Perhaps we might have some entertainment if our Big Brother is annoyed enough. Loz laughs at this while Yazoo smirk at the idea. Yadaj laid the device down as some hologram in blue showed the doctor himself.

Greetings Sep- Hey wait a minute. You the heck are you three! Why didn't this call go directly to him, I swear if this is some prank-

"Relax Doctor, Big Brother simply passed on the phone numbers to us. He's most likely as more important things to worry about then some crusade you're going through." Yadaj mocked the Doctor, not attempting to hide their disdain for him and his comrades.

Really then I guess your "Big Brother" wouldn't mind if you didn't tell him Cloud is on the same world as us?

"Not this again, the last time you thought it was Cloud your definition of cloud is some weather report or some random names you came across." Yazoo pointed out the last time they tried to find him. Loz laughed even more as he couldn't contain himself from laughing too hard.

Yes, I will admit that was premature of me and others to take that too literal. But what if I told you I did find him, more specifically where he is.

Then in one flash, Dr. Nefarious showed an imagine of Cloud among his committee and strange people working alongside them. Most of them they are familiar with as for the strangers... they just look weird. But what made them silent is the real deal of Cloud Strife, standing alongside his friends on a beach with creatures no doubt from the world resident. Immediately they stared in silence and awe as they found the one person, they both love and hated the most.

"Brother Cloud." Yadaj muttered, he then demanded Dr. Nefarious, "Are you sure about this?

As sure as I am a doctor. This is a real deal, Cloud Strife traveling worlds with some pirate crew and committee friends. I called because I knew you lot had fought him and his friends in the past. So, if you could ANNIHILATE THEM if you could.

The trio glance at one another already having decided what they intend of doing. Then Yadaj face Dr. Nefarious this time without feeling disdain and more so taking pleasure of the task in hand.

"We will inform our Big Brother, and when we're done here will help eliminate both of our problems." Yadaj said smirking.

Good, then we'll be waiting here until your arrival.

Once they are disconnected Yadaj, Yazoo and Loz drove off to see their Big Brother and bring the news of Cloud and his location. While they rode in obvious to the surrounding of people begging for mercy with ghouls slowly taken into extinction. Bright light shown in the darken sky, many are mistaken this as salvation when in truth a meteor will engulf this world alongside the darkness consume both world and meteor to oblivion.

Night of the Ninja

Iceberg Lab - Yuffie

"WHAT THE HECK IS THIS PLACE!" Is Yuffie's first response when the breeze hit her skin. Shivering in the cold as her ninja outfit wasn't meant for this kind of weather. If anything, what she's feeling is numbness starting to kick in and hold onto her life. That numbness is slowly reaching her entire body as she couldn't help feeling really dumb about this moment for not preparing herself. According to her Ninja should be prepared even to the unexpected.

"Of all the places to land, I happen to land near the only place on earth that is filled to the brim of snow and ice. I'm supposed to be a Ninja traverse the woods and city skyscrapers. Not some frozen wasteland with nothing more than snow and fish." Yuffie grumbled trying to rub her arms to gather more heat into her body. But isn't being successful. She then looks down to see a small polar bear, no doubt a young one just based on its size and appearance. Yuffie look at the small polar bear and her body started to react on their own.

"I'm sorry about this." She said, grabbing the polar bear and rubbing his back against her body as she felt much warmth from the bear. Eventually she started to move around and found herself looking from a distance some weird laboratory. In the middle of this place. She kept the Polar bear with her as she felt some numbness gone from her body. But it wasn't fully gone as the cold weather surrounding them had her almost frozen to death if she stayed in one place too long.

"Okay Yuffie, you can do this. You're in a middle of some waste land, frozen wasteland. All you have to do is find those gems that are located around the island, simple right." Suddenly she is piled under some snow from nowhere, she jumps out screaming in frustration as you could have thought she swear some colorful words.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

10 and 1/2 Minutes Later

"GGGGGAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Alrighty screaming her head off scaring the poor polar bear by her reaction.

"WHAT KIND OF MAGICAL MASK HIDES GEMS IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE!" Yuffie yelled at the top of her lungs, only to feel colder than before, "Okay maybe yelling by yourself isn't the best thing." Yuffie look down to see Polar Bear rub himself behind her as he then lays his body down.

"Ah sorry little guy, just feeling tired and cold. Okay that sounded lame, but you get the idea." She then did some exercise to keep herself moving but is then pushed from behind as the polar bear tried to show itself between her legs.

"Um, excuse me? What are you doing?" Yuffie demanded, the polar bear then tried to demonstrate as it tried to place itself between her legs again as she stood.

"Are you trying to say I should ride you?" While there could have been other meanings, but she would have felt dumb if she asked them since they are in the middle of nowhere and humanity wouldn't exactly live in the middle of some northern or southern poles. The Polar bear shook its head saying yes to her question.

"You know I would have asked if you understood me or not but considering that some worlds don't follow certain reality rules it still makes sense." Yuffie then tried to sit comfortably even though the Polar bear is pretty small.

"Okay now WHA!" Without warning she is dragged around with incredible strength by the polar bear as it ran through the snow and ice easily. If anything, this was something random and very strange as Yuffie held on for dear life. The fortunate part of this trip they are heading towards the laboratory that is ahead of them quickly than before.

"How the... what the heck... You're really strong for a little guy." Yuffie said, trying to hold on as she felt herself bouncing up and down. Ahead of her are what appears to be a valley with ice, some with loopy lope, rocks, snow made ski jumps, and many other dangerous things ahead.

"HOLD ON A MOMENT COULDN'T YOU SLOW DOWN! WE'RE GOING TO THAT ICE VALLEY!" She yelled warning the polar bear. Yet it seems that's the pathway she is taking.

"Oh no." Is all she said, until screaming her head up as she and the Polar Bear fell down jumping over a small gap that is below them and landing on the ice to slide down. While Yuffie is yelling her head off the Polar Bear smiled in joy for the fun.

"This is not what I was trained for!" Yuffie exclaimed, when seeing the rocks ahead she used her feet to slow down dragging herself on the ice along with the polar bear and slide left and right away from the rocks. This happens for some time, but then is alerted by someone throwing at least 5 spears at them. Behind them are Mask intruders in groups she couldn't properly see if she didn't mind crashing into some rock if she didn't pay attention or worse. What is odd about the Mask intruders, they are in pairs. One standing on top of their comrade sliding on their belly. The weapons of course reappear like nothing happen.

Ahead of her she started to see more obstacles ahead as she couldn't help gulping her own spit she was holding on too. She tried avoiding some of the snow ramps but combine this with sections of the valley having pit drops that would lead to their deaths. She would use them to avoid this pit falls, but also avoid some of the spears thrown at them. She shouted in surprise when some of the spears came close to hitting their mark. As they slide down, a few more came in their past only to reveal that towards the bottom of the valley is what appears to be very deep abyss below as you couldn't see what is down below. This divided into three to four pathways they had to slide. The Polar Bear is even afraid as this became too dangerous for their liking.

Once they reached this point Yuffie and the Polar Bear had to avoid falling off and stay focus trying to stay alive. The Mask Intruders fell into the pit fall while only about eight of them remained sixteen if you include the Mask Intruders used as surf boards. Sliding around both Yuffie and the Polar Bear had to brace themselves as they went for one heck of a ride. If this was from amusement park this would have been fun if not hazardous. At one point all of them are thrown in the air sliding down the ramps. Yuffie had to double take as she thought there was some Mammoth, Sabretooth Tiger, a Sloth and a child with some squirrel chasing the nut. Once they landed, she and the Polar Bear are now sliding on some smooth ice that slide down straight ahead. She didn't see where it led, but she knew that this wasn't the end. Now able to look behind, the Mask Intruders intend to strike them down.

"Could you excuse me for a moment." She politely said, using her own self training as Ninja, place her hands on the Polar Bears back and lifted herself easily flip over to stand on ice for a moment with her body standing straight. When she faces the Mask intruders she flashed away and struck the Mask Intruders one by one. When she struck back, she appeared and used her shuriken to slash away the rider and the two behind the leader. She then threw three shuriken at all three and continued working through the ranks. Seeing the surfboard like Mask Intruders aren't destroyed, it only motivates her to work quickly through these heartless. Most of them ignored the Polar Bear, except for the last two that slid behind in sixth place far apart from the group. One spear is thrown almost hitting their mark as it scared the Polar Bear. When it tried again, Yuffied appeared and struck down the Mask intruder along with the other being used like Surfboard. Yuffie returned back as she stood still on the ice with good balance like some skater.

"Well, that wasn't so AAAAH!" She screamed as both are set up on some ice ramp, she should've seen it coming yet had her moment of triumph blinded her of the current danger. After flying for a moment, they landed on some snow that leap over a small river of ice water that flowing towards one direction. Once she stood up, she shook the snow off her body and started to feel cold once again.

"Let's not do that again okay?" Yuffie asked the Polar Bear, then she saw it was walking towards the river they leap over. When looking down she saw that the river is going one direction, it wasn't too high up. But if they stood too close, they could fall off easily.

"I guess it's that way." She figured; most rivers don't have direction unless they are leading towards something. And now seeing the Lab is close might as well follow the riverbanks.

Another World - Deep Woods

Somewhere where the light doesn't shine the most, lived a witch some would say. Yet she wouldn't stay forever as she tends to be bored and moves on. Most times when she's involved is when battles happen or when making trouble or mischief deeds by her hand. Not a manipulated one mind you as many would mistake her actions as such. But more so she's bored and lets things play out or take matters into her own hand. Currently she lived in her makeshift cottage, built on stone and hay for her rooftop with chimney and wood to keep her hay in place. Currently she is playing solitude by herself, of course even if the game is simple and it didn't involve winning or losing. She would cheat in her own games despite knowing the rules, she actually finds enjoyment to cheat as she's not restricted by rules of conflict or honorable methods.

Just as she played in silence, something ringed in her small cottage. Looking over its a device she sees as she places it.

"Hmm, now who did I get that from again?" She tried to remember, but the ringing didn't stop she with annoying grunt stood up and walk over, "Okay I'm coming, I'm coming. Who would be calling me at this time?" Once she picked up the device, she grumbled more as she forgot how to operate this device. Like another wizard she remembers, she too is familiar with the modern technology. But it was the futuristic technology that confused her.

"How is it that phones have become such annoying devices." Eventually she answered the call as Dr. Nefarious had projected above the device.

Madam Mim, so good to see you.

She chuckled at his greeting, "Ah Nefarious the Metal Meance, how nice of you to make a call to little old me. Especially since I busy at the moment." Of course, she lied not no reason, mostly she didn't want to be seen as someone bored out of her mind in front of an evil individual. She could tell when bad things happen, but when looking towards Nefarious he was someone that willingly did harm for his own desire and sake reasons. Like Merlin has the sense of goodness in others for great future, Madam Mim has the opposite to Merlin.

Then perhaps you wouldn't mind repaying a visit to someone who has bested you before in a magic duel?

When he brought this up Madam Mim maintain silence to hear what he has to say. And like that he showed her what appears to be Merlin with the committee and what appears to be pirates with them. Then Madam Mim drop the device and laughed like crazy as she felt excited to hear he's around.

"Well, what do you know that old Wizard is still around is he? I guess it's time I give us a reunion. I'll be there in a jiffy; I just need to do something before I had over." Madam Mim said as she prepared to leave by cleaning house using magic.

Good, then I will see you afterwards.

Madam Mim had already quickly clean house and then used her powers to prepare for blast off, "As you have said before in our duel. Here I come Merlin, ready or not!" Madam Mim proclaims, then like a speeding bullet blasted out of her cottage and shot through the darken sky somehow making it darker as if nighttime had arrived even when daytime is covered by stormy clouds.

Nature's Harmony

Cortex Trash Waters - Aerith

When Aerith arrived, she found herself in some strange place. Stepping through Aerith almost lost her balance, feeling where she landed wasn't too safe. However, her own being is shaken once she took her surroundings in deeply. The only expression she can feel is horror and pain for the waters. What she is witnessing is Cortex's machinery that have been destroyed and all his ideas left to ruin or failed experiments in the ocean near his two labs. The teleporter she came out is one of his inventions he left behind still operational more so because of the gem source of power.

"How could he such horrible thing?" Granted she knew some worlds are filled with people that thrown trash around which sadden her most. But for one man to creation this much disaster for his own sake of conquest. Trying to ignore the suffering ocean which is harder than she can ever express, Aerith found the pathways and slowly made her way through this pile of trash. After her shock and pain of this place, she held onto her resolve and march on trying to find the gems anywhere in this location.

When she made her way through the trash, despite trying to remain focus on the mission at hand. she couldn't help feeling very sick by sight and smell of this place wanting to escape this place as soon as possible if she could help it.

30 minutes later

Sometime after she arrived, Aerith couldn't help feeling lost in this place. She searches and search but has found nothing in sight, but just as she was feeling exhausted Aerith heard some noise, eventually she found it was some animal somehow trap in this place. Walking towards the sound, she eventually found it was a small tiger probably in the middle of its growing stage. She found the tiger's paw stuck under some rubble, how this happen and how this guy got caught in the middle of some garbage heap that's somehow floating in the middle of the ocean.

"Hang on, I'll get you out." Aerith assures the young tiger, at first it didn't trust Aerith because that's a normal reaction to people. But that didn't last long as Aerith on character and personality shine through. Able to give off a calm and peaceful aura towards the young tiger. Sensing this the young Tiger relax allowing Aerith to help. When she came over, she gently but wanted to remove what keep him down. It took some time, but she finally releases the tiger. Once she did used her heal magic to cure any injuries along with any negative effects using esuna to take away any negative effects on the body.

"It's okay now." She assured the tiger, receiving purrs from its body. Aerith hug back as she couldn't help smiling at its affection for what she did for it.

"Now how did you end up here?" She asked, the tiger then led her towards the device that seems to be left behind. It was more so convenient since this was located right next to them. Aerith used her magic to scan the wreckage of this used up portal, she then detected the energy source towards the small compartment.

"It must be the gem?" She theorized, "But how did it end up here? Aku Aku hid the gems in places no doubt is surrounded by nature or supernatural powers, unless... unless Cortex found them and how its set-" Aerith suddenly used her reflect spell to stop a flame attack that was directed at her. After seeing 17 fireballs failed to penetrate her shield. She looks over to see someone standing at the direction she was attack from, Dingodile grinned as he looked at her.

"Well, lookie here a small hurt kitty and one beauty of a woman." Dingodile teased towards the end as he couldn't help admiring her regardless of their species.

"Your fortunate he didn't hear that." Aerith warned implying she is taken, but more importantly she come to guess that he's the reason the young tiger is here in the first place.

"Ah shame, but that gem over there is mine. But seeing I can't get pass your shield thingy, it's a good thing I have backup." Dingodile smiled as no doubt Aerith figured out what he meant.

"Do you mean giving them over before you hurt yourself." She didn't raise her hand nor tried to be ugly with him. In fact, this short conversation she seemed calm and collective, controlling her emotions to maintain certain live of peace is her personality, but every now and then some people just want to see her mad instead of her sweet smiles.

"Oh, I wouldn't be hurting myself love, but you will have to find those gems on your own if you know what's good for you." Dingodile left as he retreated knowing he'll have to confront her another way. Once he left, she relax as the tiger lean on her leg purring.

"Don't worry, I'll bring you to some people that can help. But for now, I need to find those gems, if bad people find them then more will be harmed then saved, so can you stick with me until this is solved?" She asked the young tiger, nodding its head yes Aerith smiled and retrieve the gem.

"This place is dangerous, and worse we're in the middle of the ocean. We should finish this as quickly as possible." With that said, they both left towards where Dingodile is and see if they can discover more gems afloat.

Coco's Lab - Merlin and Archimedes

When everyone is busy with their free time. Some of them cook supper and had their meals, while Merlin and Archimedes went off having their own conversation about what they been told from Aku Aku.

"It does seem troubling, but it has to be a dream nothing to worry about right." Archimedes said.

"Normally Archimedes that would be the case. For all life need sleep and sometime develop dreams of their own. What they manifest is beyond our control, place in our subconscious mind where information of our day and activity is combined into one sleepless or endless dream. But Aku Aku is by account a magical mask, those in magic experience certain set of things, dreams given to them in sleep can be either good or evil." Merlin then drank some Wumpa Tea which is quite good and fruity.

"The dream he experiences seems to show the state of worlds. That someone out there is a master controlling the pieces on both sides, yet this master resigns in darkness no doubt showing his true intentions." Merlin explained what the dream could mean.

"You mean that dreadful being D'go?" Archimedes worry if they might have to encounter this guy sooner or later.

"Indeed, it would appear that his influence is far greater than what the Council knows. Which means we are not facing some average foe of darkness, no to have Aku Aku experience a dream like vision, this means serious danger is ahead. I even found it more coincidence is he mention this dream only happen recent, just as we have arrived on this island" Merlin explained.

"Wait, you don't mean..." Archimedes can only dread what that means because to him this was something they never expected.

"I came to the exact same conclusion. Yet that is still debatable for now since we are now having firsthand on the state of worlds. But I fear something is aloof, something much fouler is happening the council nor any magical entities can see. We may have to extend towards those who wish to protect the worlds like we do. I think Archimedes, for once the rule of meddling in affairs of other worlds must be put aside in favor to stop what will come to pass." Merlin stated, as of now they will have to wait and see.

For the Sanji bit, I did like that Cortex had a relative, when watching the entire gameplay Nina seems an interesting character. Added bonus she's related to Neo Cortex is also interesting. After the whole Wrath of Cortex game, I mostly didn't like the change they did.

To answer one question like time progress Luffy, Zoro, Spyro, Aerith, Yuffie and Sanji had explored all the islands surroundings from noon to late night. So, when moving on we will have more time progress labeled in the future. So, these sections are from different time periods not in order.

With the year ending, I like to say Merry Christmas Everyone and Happy New Years