Chapter LXXXV: The trials of the Coliseum Final part II

Smash! Hari crashed against Nozomi, as her keyblade 'The One Winged Angel' struck hard into the 'Starseeker.' Gasping against her power Nozomi gritted her teeth as she turned in the air with Hari as she pushed her away from herself again.

Landing on the ground of the platform Nozomi looked up cringing from the force of the impact as Hari floated in the air, her steel wings outspread as she gazed down at her with those same cold eyes.

Looking up at her archenemy with annoyed eyes the battle between them had continued for seemingly ages and what was really irritating was that she seemed absolutely unaffected by the length or even the impacts that she'd laid on her!

Aggravated Nozomi thought to herself, 'man I really hate this girl!'

Then as though reading her thoughts Hari asked her, "are you giving up?"

Hearing her Nozomi grew more annoyed she then replied straight back, "as if! This battle hasn't even begun yet!"

Listening as these words were spoken Hari closed her eyes for a moment as she replied, "I see…" readying herself Nozomi could feel what was coming next as Hari opened her eyes as she raised her own blade and said, "well then, let us continue!" With that Hari launched herself forwards once more as Nozomi too quickly took off into the air as the two of them clashed all over again.

Watching from above still encased in their silver glowing prison sphere Ori and Saria watched on as Nozomi continued to battle on against Hari.

Taking care of Vincent as best as she could, Saria held him over her lap as he continued with his uncomfortable unconscious slumber, holding him like this was the only thing she could do for the sphere stopped her and Ori from being able to use their magic or the powers that they each had.

Both her and Ori continued to watch on as Nozomi battled and from the start it had been a very difficult fight, as Hari possessed a speed and strength that Nozomi had just barely been able to match as they continued on.

Watching Saria had a gaze of terrible worry as she looked on and flinched nearly every time Nozomi was struck by Hari's horrible power, while Ori looked on with just as worried eyes as his fingers clenched against the silver sphere as he gritted his teeth revealing his agitation.

Hades watching beside them in the meantime had a satisfied expression of enjoyment as he once again got to see Hari's amazing powers in action. As he watched on as she continued to plough into Nozomi he turned and looked at Ori and Saria, silent for a moment he then grinned to himself as he then said loud enough for the two of them to hear, "it's so funny to think isn't it?"

Stopping their worried gaze for a moment Saria and Ori turned to look at their former boss with puzzled expressions as he then said to them smiling as he mocked them, "that puny little sootball is fighting just to save just a couple of insignificant nobodies and a red tramp… weird isn't it?"

Ori hearing him paused as he then looked at Hades hatefully as he shouted something out to him as Saria only put her arms to Vincent's shoulders holding him a little tighter as she looked at Hades with just a fierce as expression also imbued with a slight touch of sadness.

Seeing their reactions Hades only smirked a little more as he turned his attentions back to the ongoing battle, he then murmured once more, "Well let's see how the rest of this one plays out huh?"

Meanwhile on the outside of the vortex standing on its very edges held back by the invisible barrier, Mickey, Riku, Oralee, Cait sith, Hercules and everyone else were all forced to watch the difficult and nail biting battle.

None of them could shout out any words of encouragement or even warning to her as she carried on. However this still didn't deter Cait sith from trying to do so, "lass come on! Ya gotta move faster than that! Nah not there! Ya daft! Agh!"

Everyone else around him though was dead in silence as they watched on all of them practically holding their breath at the climatic battle. Riku watching on as he pressed his hands against the invisible barrier clenched his hands tightly against the solid surface as he remembered the words that Hari had said before the match began. " If I am victorious… I shall take your treasure power and all…" For in reality he knew what that very treasure was and if he could only tell Nozomi what it was she might take this match more seriously! But then if he did… the pain was too terrible to think about as he thought of the possible reaction that she would have.

So looking down as he watched her battle on he whispered, "Nozomi you've got to pull through this… if you don't… it'll be the end of you!"

Nozomi in the meantime unaware of these words continued on her battle with Hari as the two of them were up in the air again. Nozomi striking now into her with her keyblade looked at her mad as it grated into her weapon as Hari showed no reaction whatsoever.

Looking hard at her suddenly Hari struck her keyblade back as she then quickly turned and with one of her sharp steel wings she struck into Nozomi hard leaving her with painful scratches as she quickly began to fall into the air.

Seeing her fall Hari pulled her wings back inside of her as she then chased her through the air and when she was in the right range she glowed with that same scarlet red electrical light as she cried out "Diablos's guillotine!"

At once the blade like energy strike flew out of her blade as it came homing in straight onto Nozomi's falling form. Shaking herself out of her dazed state for a moment Nozomi opened her eyes saying, "ow that really-" But then seeing the red lightning blast coming straight towards her she reacted, "oh whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Instantly she used her wings as she quickly beat them and maneuvered herself out of the way as it struck and exploded into the platform below.

Seeing it's heavy impact this made her ultra glad she snapped awake when she did, "that was lucky…" but then she looked quickly up into the air as she saw Hari still coming towards her. She had to think of something and fast!

Holding her position in the air as Hari came closer and closer towards her Nozomi let her mind think and plan as the idea came to her in moments. If she succeeded she could win this all in one go!

Pulling her keyblade up she thought quickly to herself, 'I sure hope this works!' then immediately she aimed and cried out determined, " Swift star rays!" At once the enchanted comets of light streamed out as they headed straight towards Hari.

Seeing them coming with her cold gaze Hari was undeterred as she smashed into the small pitiable spells as each star came flying. Finishing the last one with a single swing she turned in the air.

As she did she looked down to the ground again and saw that her opponent had vanished! Seeing this she suddenly sensed something, turning her head slightly she then saw Nozomi behind her, her keyblade raised as it was pulled back by her right hand as she looked at her fiercely.

Hari seeing this expression then saw Nozomi began to move, intercepting her next move Hari quickly acted before the blade could even touch her as she pulled her entire body backwards as she arched her back. Nozomi finishing her swing acted quickly as Hari did exactly what she had predicted she'd do, so as she arched back exposing her stomach, Nozomi maneuvered her left leg quickly as she performed a swift and violent scissor kick as she cried out, "haaaa!"

Hari hearing her cry out then suddenly was struck as she was sent plummeting towards the platform her eyes closing at the blow. Watching from above as this was happening Pete stood on the other end of the vortex's mouth as he watched with Pain and Panic standing beneath his legs as they both watched with widened eyes.

As he watched the strike he flinched at the sight of it, for he knew Hari was powerful and as she had already told him and had shown. She could feel no pain, but still it wasn't easy for him to watch her go through this.

Nozomi seeing that she had sent Hari flying immediately flew down at her, Hari in the meantime her eyes closed open them before she hit the ground, landing in a hurry she looked up and saw Nozomi coming towards her.

Seeing that she had gotten Hari's attention Nozomi went straight into the second stage of her attack as she reached into her right pocket. Then looking at it for a moment she held it briefly to her chest whispering something before throwing it quickly down towards the ground.

Hari seeing the small missile coming her way was silent as she held her keyblade up defensively, but then as she watched she saw that the 'missile' was no more than a small green jewel. However instead of smashing or simply bouncing and rolling onto the floor it suddenly ricocheted into the air as it quickly glowed brightly green with power as it made its way back to Nozomi it shined incredibly brightly as she called out, "come on Maia!" At once the same beautiful green smiling face of her summon spirit emerged as it flowed all around her with leaves flying around left and right from her outstretched flowing arms.

Then taking her cue Nozomi raised her keyblade and as she did Maia acted immediately as she flowed around it and then entered it making it shine with power.

Hari watched this quietly her stance unchanged; however she clenched her keyblade just a little tighter, Nozomi then landing on the ground geared herself forwards as she unleashed a series of fast kicks making Hari be pushed back against the force.

Everyone watching from above saw that Nozomi seemed to be turning the tide as they all looked on with amazed eyes; she was letting Hari have it with everything she had! Watching her Mickey thought to himself that maybe she could win!

"Wow I'm certainly glad I ain't down there!" Pain spoke as he saw the thrashing below.

At this comment Panic replied shaking at the display of power, "ditto."

Pete watching from where he was didn't like what was going on at all as he saw Nozomi thrash harder and harder against Hari, as he had no idea how she could make a comeback from this! Hades though in the meantime was silent as he watched on with a blank expression… anything could happen now.

Spinning with another roundhouse kick Nozomi finally knocked Hari's arms backwards exposing herself once again, taking her chance she clenched both hands over her keyblade as she then swung it forwards with all of her might as she cried out, "Emerald Mana Drain!"

At once her keyblade struck Hari hard in her centre as then Maia rushed out from within her keyblade and spread herself throughout Hari's body as she erupted from inside her making a huge shower of pink blossoms fly around. Hari's eyes widened at the attack as though in shock from its powerful magic.

Seeing this from where he was and seeing her reaction as she fell to her knees Pete was immediately alarmed as he cried out distressed, "HARI!"

Riku noticing him call out like this looked across to him surprised and then quietly he looked down again as he thought to himself as he realized, 'so that must be it!"

Hades watching Hari's seeming defeat bit his lip in frustration, meanwhile still watching from within their globe prison Ori and Saria watched with amazement at Nozomi's sudden turn around, she was gonna do it! She was going to win! They were going to be free!

Nozomi in the midst of battle feeling herself that it was time for the final blow jumped back for a moment as Hari kneeled on the floor seemingly drained. Seeing her like this she unleashed her finishing move as she pulled her right leg back and then swung it forwards crying out as she began to glow, "Astral Aerial-"

But then she was stopped in mid sentence for as her leg smashed forwards it struck into Hari's left arm which had risen in seconds like a solid iron bar making the white glittering energy that had flowed around her vanish in moments!

Everyone seeing this were silenced in shock and amazement, what happened!

Looking at this just as startled herself Nozomi's face was in shock as her leg was still against her raised arm as then she watched Hari lift up her face as she looked at her with the most fierce cold expression that she had ever seen as she asked chillingly, "is that all you have to offer?" Blinking as she said these words Nozomi was silent as then Hari asked further, "Well is it?"

Gasping at these chilling words Nozomi was suddenly thrown back by Hari, however landing quickly on the ground once more Nozomi looked at her with widened eyes as she asked her, "how the! How did you! I thought you were?"

Looking at her though Hari lifted herself off of her knees as she looked at her still as coldly as she said, "finished?"

Nozomi was hushed in moments as she looked at her silently with perplexion.

Hari then told her the hard truth; "your attacks as of so far have done nothing to damage me."

At these words Nozomi couldn't quite comprehend what she had said, but then as it set in she asked with slight outrage, "what!"

Her cold gaze still unwavering Hari recited herself as she closed her eyes for a moment as she then said, "your attacks have done nothing whatsoever… in truth," with that she opened her eyes once more as she said with icy harshness, "they have been absolutely pathetic!"

Hearing these words of insult Nozomi couldn't believe her at all and so rushed at her quickly as she shouted loudly, "why you!"

However Hari quickly and calmly stepped out if the way as Nozomi tried to strike her and instead was pushed by her making her stand dangerously close to the edge of the platform with the ferocious vortex below.

Gasping quickly and turning back to look at Hari, Nozomi saw her look at her still as coldly, she had no idea what was to come next as she listened to her quietly, "but then again even if you were of higher performance, it would still be futile."

Not understanding a word she said Nozomi asked annoyed, "what do you mean!"

Looking at her aggravated state Hari then told her the truth; "I am incapable of feeling any pain, so if there is no damage to feel, there is no damage dealt."

At this answer Nozomi looked at Hari oddly with silence for a few moments, she could feel nothing? But then quickly she looked at her mad as she told her, "as if I'm gonna believe that!" With that she rushed forwards once more as she went to strike Hari, not believing a word of her bluff.

But all Hari did was stand as still as a statue as Nozomi struck her side hard and fast, but as her blade made contact it felt as though she was hitting a pillar of lead. Feeling the vibration of her hit Nozomi was in silence, but then at last she noticed Hari's unflinching reaction as though nothing had occurred at all.

Staring at her in disbelief Nozomi said in shock, "that's impossible!"

Looking down at her as she turned her head almost robotically Hari then asked her hauntingly, "It is as you see."

These words chilling her from the inside out Nozomi stepped back horrified as she almost stumbled, Hari couldn't feel anything? Nothing at all? But how could that be possible? It was inhuman! It was-

Interrupting her Hari spoke again paying no heed to the blow Nozomi had dealt her, " it is a disappointment though that you still have not been able to master the truth of what lies within you."

Stopping her from her own horrified thoughts Nozomi looked up at her and asked puzzled, "the truth?"

Hearing the questioning tone within her voice Hari stared at her for a moment and then looked up above at Riku, Mickey and the others quietly as she considered something, then she spoke again as she stared at Nozomi, "though… of course it probably hasn't been revealed to you so that you can preserve your heart and spirit… or perhaps merely they just wish to keep you on their side."

Forgetting her fear for a moment Nozomi repeated puzzled further, "on their side?" With that she turned and looked up at Riku and Mickey, as she wondered what that meant, hiding the truth from her?

Looking at her still Hari spoke once more, "but that is irrelevant, there is no more time for conversing… the time of you your end is here."

Hearing her say this Nozomi turned around and looked at her and watched as she drew out the 'One-Winged Angel' as suddenly she saw her glow with that same scarlet red light. Looking at her startled she watched as it became horrible and menacing as it filled the entire space as a circle emerged beneath Hari's feet.

Staring at the circle Nozomi was further shocked, as it was nearly exactly the same circle that emerged when she traveled to different worlds, but this circle was red in colour with the Roman numeral 'IV' in its centre. Looking at this she asked aloud, "this is-"

But then she was interrupted as a ringing sound filled the air as shards like small broken glass emerged from within the circle, they gathered all around and encircled Hari's body floating in the air until suddenly they all at once covered her entire being. As they did something began to form all over her, as the ringing increased the small shards glowed more and more until finally they ceased. Then in a single moment the shards and circle vanished and revealed Hari in a new form all together.

What Nozomi saw as well the others was her in a full suit of armor as it covered her from her neck to her feet, it was coloured with rich reds and golden lines as a brown leather cape hung about her shoulders. Looking at this armor Nozomi couldn't believe it! It was just like the one Aqua and Terra had worn in her dreams and also the Lachesis Reports! How could she be wearing it?

Everyone staring from above were all just as shocked, Phil then cried out," what the heck is that armor! Where'd she get that from!" However as Mickey looked at her in that suit he recognized it all too well, it was exactly the same as from back then.

Pete looking down at her couldn't believe it himself either! Hari had never once mentioned anything about this armor to him… what was she going to do in it?

Saria and Ori in the midst of their globe looked on just as amazed, even Hades himself was surprised but then he smiled quickly revealing his sharp teeth as he said, "well looks like things are getting interesting now!"

Nozomi staring at Hari was so overwhelmed that no words came out of her mouth at all, however looking at her with her ice-cold eyes Hari positioned herself as she said, " you're mine!" With that a visor appeared over her face as her head was concealed in a metallic helm in moments letting her long ponytail fall through a gap in the back.

Hearing these words Nozomi turned her head but then Hari vanished in moments in a flash, looking at this she breathed, "what the-"

But suddenly all at once she was struck knocking her off of her feet as she began to fall, but then suddenly she felt a metallic point upon her back as she fell in the air, "Fire Blazer!" Then suddenly she was struck by a single hot and burning fireball that sent her flying into the air.

Feeling the pain she cried out, "aagghhh!" Then Hari on the ground aimed her keyblade as she let more fireballs fly at Nozomi as each one struck her over and over again the pain unbearable.

Then seeing that Nozomi was helpless Hari flew into the air as her wings opened from her back as she took off into the air, then taking aim she drew her keyblade out to strike Nozomi down.

However not wanting to give up she opened her eyes and saw Hari over her, then quickly before she could strike she flew out of the way as she dived down. With intense speed Hari chased after her as she aimed her keyblade at her still as she dived.

Landing on the ground fast Nozomi turned and then jumped out of harms way as Hari impacted the ground, but then she quickly rose and began to shoot more fireballs in Nozomi's direction.

Seeing them coming she spoke aloud, "oh not again!" Quickly she took off dodging each fireball as it sped after her, getting a good distance in the air she smashed into each fiery missile left and right. Things were definitely not going her way!

Everyone watching on as the two of them continued to battle on could all see that she was struggling, Oralee spoke aloud with worry, "this isn't good! She can't deal with that level of power all on her own."

Hercules agreed as he spoke, "I know… but there's nothing we can do about it…" He clenched his right hand at this thought, if only there was some way to get her out of this.

Riku watching on was consumed with worry himself as he said aloud, "hang in there Nozomi!"

Striking still Nozomi finally finished off the last of the fireballs as they dissipated in moments, she breathed in and out hard clearly exhausted from all this running around and concentration she had to put in.

Suddenly below her she noticed something else as Hari stood practically underneath her, her keyblade was raised high into air her face looking down as she seemed as though ready to dance. All at once there was a great shine of red light around her as well as shines of gold.

Looking at this from above Cait sith asked aloud, "Now what's that lass doin?"

Then all at once something happened as Hari's wings flew out and became monstrously enormous, Nozomi looked at this alarmed as she asked, "what is-"

But then the light around her seemed to turn into a huge whirlwind as Hari then spoke in almost a whisper as her power climbed to its highest point, "Kali de dola Maelstrom!"

Then suddenly as these words were spoken Hari's wings came apart and out of her back as all the wires, metal and fan like material all melded together to form swords of all shapes and sizes as they danced in a huge whirlwind of red as they rose into the air covering the entire the platform.

Looking at the oncoming blades as they raced left and right Nozomi was horrified as she spoke out quietly, "oh no!" She quickly moved as the swords began to chase after her, however it was impossible for her to move around as the red whirlwind struck against her wings damaging them badly, it even seemed to move all of the orbs she could of stepped on out of her reach.

As she tried to run she had to shield her eyes against the harsh wind as it was nearly blinding her, "man this is-" But suddenly it was too late for her to speak as suddenly one of the swords struck her sending her flying backwards, it was horrible as she felt she'd been stung by a flood of needles! Gasping in pain from the blow she was suddenly struck by another sword, then another and another as she was struck all over on all sides by the whirlwind of blades.

Looking down at this horrible sight Saria had her hands over her mouth trembling terribly, Ori looked on just as horrified as everyone else was, while Hades grinned with pure glee, this was all too fun.

As another sword struck her Nozomi cried out again, "aaagghhh!" But then suddenly from nowhere a single blow struck her stomach as she was sent plummeting into the ground the pain agonizing.

Landing into the platform with a huge cloud of dust emerging Nozomi gasped painfully in and out and saw much to her displeasure it was Hari as she stood over her, the whirlwind had now ceased but the swords floated around her as each blade aimed directly at her.

More aggravated then frightened Nozomi spoke to her, though it was hard, "where… did you… where did you get that armor?"

The helm and visor still covering her face Hari pulled her head back and let them fall back revealing her face as she continued to stare down at her with those same cold green eyes. Looking at her quietly Hari spoke to her, "it is something that has always been a part of me, for after all it is part of the truth of who I am."

Once again hearing her mysterious as ever riddled voice Nozomi began to ask again, "what do you mean? You mean you knew Terra and-"

However she was stopped as Hari pulled her keyblade back and told her, "That name and the others are dead in the past… now it is time for you to be as well." With that she mercilessly struck Nozomi again as she was then sent flying over the edge of the vortex lifeless.

As she fell in the air Nozomi could feel gravity taking its toll as it pulled her more and more towards the abyss of the vortex, looking above herself as she felt clouded by its green mists she could see everyone's faces as they all stared down at her with horrified and worried expressions.

Looking at them she thought to herself as she saw Saria as she reached her hand out to her with tears streaming down her face, Ori with his eyes widened in horror and Vincent still in his pained unconscious state, 'guys I'm sorry… I've let you down again haven't I? Some friend I am…' Then looking again she could see Oralee and Cait sith looked at her just the same as Hercules and the others were, 'Oralee… I'm sorry I couldn't hang out with you like I promised, Cait sith? You're probably berating me right now huh?' She almost felt like laughing at this.

Then finally she looked to Mickey and Riku as she thought, 'your Majesty, I'm so sorry that I was such a pain and handful to you… Riku…" at this she thought as she looked on that he seemed to be calling out to her smacking the barrier with his fists and there were… tears…? Finally, 'that's right… I still have to…' she then disappeared beneath the vortex entirely as the last thoughts came, 'get you back… to Sora.'