Chapter CXI: Into the depths of Atlantis Part XI
Nozomi was following fast after the mysterious monkey girl as the giant ape proceeded higher and higher into the caves. She in the meantime was copying to the best effect its exact path as she quickly it fiercely and intently, that girl wasn't going to get away with this!
Turning a corner she lost sight of them! Where were they! Looking around she quickly saw a stream of light from above and seeing it she knew that was the only place they could have gone! So racing straight towards it as she jumped high with her wings emerging giving her an extra boost as she made it through a gap in the rocks. Making it through she turned quickly left and right saying, "right where did they go! Where did they go?" Then stopping for a moment pumped with adrenalin she tried to calm herself, "okay! Calm down! Calm down... I gotta focus!" Then carefully keeping herself in check she focused, peeking around the corner of the rock there was the ape now standing with its lot of passengers near the edge of a grassy green cliff.
Nozomi seeing them clenched her keyblade and thinking quickly and hard, her eyes widened as she had an idea! Reaching into her pocket she brought out a certain glowing gem that would give her the advantage she needed!
On the cliff edge being held this time in the right hand of the ape creature Milo didn't bother struggling as last time it didn't produce any advantages but he was praying to himself, "guys hurry up! Come on! Get me out of this!"
The girl herself though on her apes shoulder was pondering her situation calmly and relaxed as she spoke aloud to herself looking into the air, "hmmm... now how to get us all down there ... should I toss and catch him? Or should I just drop... mmm..."
As she continued to murmur to herself the two monkeys on her shoulders were quiet as they both listened to her, but then one of them noticed something as their ears pricked up, turning the blue eyed monkey saw Nozomi quickly approaching fast and furiously.
Surprised seeing her the monkey squeaked up loudly clearly anxious, turning as she heard her small companion, the girl quickly turned along with her ape as she heard those familiar footsteps, facing her oncoming attacker she smiled as she asked, "back for more of a pounding is she?"
Nozomi however was quickly approaching and sensing this the girl said, "well looks like she needs another cooling off huh?"
With that the giant ape acted in moments as it quickly drew out its left palm as the blue stone within it shone brightly with the nobody's symbol upon it and with an almighty burst a huge jet of high pressured water erupted as it headed straight in Nozomi's direction!
Seeing this happen Milo quickly shouted, "Nozomi!"
However remembering the incident from the last time she was ready as she drew out her left hand and shouted out loudly with fierce determination, "Blizzaga!" At once the powerful ice spell rocketed from palm as in moments as flew straight and furiously shining brightly as it collided with the jet of water in moments. As it did the water froze instantly and fast into a huge white bridge of ice freezing straight into the monsters palm!
Feeling what had happened the monster cried out in moments in terrible pain as the ice burn flowed throughout its body in moments, the girl upon her steeds shoulder feeling what had happened called out perplexed, "what has-"
"Let's face the music Baloo!" With that Nozomi threw the yellow green gem into the air in seconds and as she did there was suddenly music in the air as a grey bear emerged twirling around wearing a tutu of yellow leaves as fruit and leaves danced around the two of them as the song rang out,
"Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife!"
Hearing this song the girl wondered, "where's this-"
However she was quickly cut off as suddenly Baloo and Nozomi danced forwards together in a funny waltz as Baloo led her forwards lifting her into the air as they both rolled into the giant ape in moments, knocking it backwards with first one bash and another and then another sending the creature back again and again nearer and nearer towards the edge.
Feeling these impacts as they occurred Milo wondered what the heck had got into her! Why was she attacking like this when he could fall to his doom at any moment! Clearly the girl on the ape was thinking the same too as her cool had completely gone! "Just what do you think you're-"
However both girl and bear were not finished as suddenly the ape's hands were caught as the song continued,
"I mean the bare necessities
That's why a bear can rest at ease"
With that the ape was swung around and around in a huge circle, faster and faster making everyone dizzier and dizzier with Milo complaining loudly, "I'm getting air sick!" At once as soon as this was said the ape and everyone that was being held or were holding onto it were sent flying high into the air.
As their target was launched up Baloo did his final move with Nozomi as he too spun around and around with her as he finally sent her flying into the air finishing his song.
"With just the bare necessities of life!"
With that Baloo returned to his gem form in moments as the fruit and leaves left with him and quickly flying into the air it returned to Nozomi's pocket as she immediately spun herself straight as her wings appeared too and boosted her forwards with a thrust making a huge boom of sound!
The girl on the ape could no longer now hold onto her steed as she was sent flying off herself, her two smaller monkeys though had somehow come off her shoulders and were now falling in the air themselves. As she heard them screeching with fear in the air she became panic stricken herself as she called out to where she could hear their voices, "Uma! Fuma!"
However Milo in the meantime was still being held tightly by the creature and even with its master gone it wouldn't let go! He was getting really angry now as he was tired of being treated like some object as he shouted out, "let me go! I've had enough of this! Unhand me before I-"
"Aaaaaaaagggggghhhhhh!" Came a huge determined shout from Nozomi as she rocketed forwards powered up as she quickly and suddenly smashed through the nobody creature's centre in moments, cracking and splintering it in moment's the creature shouted out loudly as finally it quickly disintegrated into white embers of nothingness.
As it did so Nozomi turned fast ready to centre her attack on the main perpetrator! That girl! But as she was prepared to race forwards to give her a good pummelling she saw something that stopped her in moments, the girl had raced forwards in the air and had caught her two small monkeys as she held them closely to her chest with a clear dearness as they two held on just as tightly. Her eyes widened, this was?
But suddenly there was a call from below, "Nozomi!"
It was then she quickly remembered Milo and quickly looking between the two of them she had to save both, for clearly as she could see that girl couldn't fly and the one thing that could have helped her she had destroyed!
So quickly she came up with what to do! Aiming her keyblade at the girl she then cried out, "Swift Star Rays!" With that the comets of light escaped from her keyblade and streamed straight towards their target, striking her the girl cried out as she was sent flying back towards the edge and quickly she rolled over as her back finally collided into the wall. She then fell against it limply showing she was absolutely throttled.
Milo in the meantime was yelling in the air flailing his arms around madly in panic, "aaaaaggggghhhhh!" But quickly before a nasty fate could occur to him he suddenly felt something tighten onto his left hand and wrist.
Looking up he then saw Nozomi was holding onto him tightly as she spoke to him happily with a big smile, "glad now?"
Seeing her he was stunned for a moment but then as he was lifted into the air and saw that he was finally and truly safe he smiled as he replied, "oh yeah! Definitely! Definitely! Way more than definitely!"
Nozomi was happy herself as she guided them both higher into the air until finally they both landed back on the cliff's edge and as they did Milo collapsed onto the ground as he pressed his face into the grass, "oh earth! Sweet earth!" He cried as he was so pleased to finally and truly feel mother earth again.
Nozomi smiling as she saw Milo did this turned her attention to the culprit who was now slumped against the wall, however still in her arms the two small monkeys looked to her desperately as they squeaked worriedly about their master.
Seeing her like this Nozomi was quiet as she approached but as she did she saw that the girl had finally awoken and as she did she didn't see Nozomi but felt her two small tiny precious ones, smiling she was glad to hear their small voices, "Uma... Fuma... you're both all right."
With that she hugged them gently and tightly as they too were just as happy crying out with joyous little voices, seeing this Nozomi then understood and finally she made it over to them as she spoke, "hey?"
Hearing this voice the girl looked up and sensing her fast and furious little opponent her maternal side was quickly hidden away as the smugness returned as she replied letting Uma and Fuma climb back to her shoulders quickly as they both looked at Nozomi angered, "oh well look who it is?"
Nozomi was quiet as she saw the masked persona cover her again, she said nothing as she simply watched her silently.
The girl herself sensing she wasn't going to say anything asked again turning her head, "so what do you want?"
Looking at her as the girl was now talking in another direction, it was finally then that she noticed another key aspect about her but she knew what it was she wanted and it was there in her right hand.
"The journal," she simply replied with a serious tone.
Feeling the journal in her right hand the girl flexed her fingers upon it as she looked into the direction Nozomi was as she replied,"this? And what makes you think that I'll-"
However she told her quickly summoning her keyblade and pointing it in her direction showing she wasn't fooling around, "don't act big and bold with me, you can't go against me right now! You've used all your energy on that huge ape creature and you barely have anything left do you?"
Hearing her say this, the girl was stunned, how would this girl know that? There was no way that she could know! Even the people she had been living with didn't even know her limits!
Nozomi seeing her shocked face then told her, "I know what you are! I've met others like you, … you're a nobody aren't you?"
Silent as she heard this term the girl was quiet, but then she repeated curiosity churning within her, "no... body?"
But suddenly behind them all the driller emerged smashing through the wall of rock as it finally cracked it. This surprised Nozomi, her captive and Milo himself as the others all came rushing through, at once there were calls again, "Nozomi! Thatch! Milo!"
Surprise still on their faces they were all silent for a moment but then there were looks of relief from them both as Milo was the first to call out to them as he got up and off the ground, "hey guys!" As he waved out to them.
Seeing that he was all right Sweet and the others approached and surrounded him , gathering quickly around him he was asked various questions about his well being and if he was all right and so forth. To which he was happy to give them his various positive replies of assurance and explanations as to what had happened when they'd last cast eyes on him.
Riku and Mickey seeing that Milo was alive and with well were glad but unlike the group that was gathered around him their attentions were focused on their own travelling companion, travelling quickly over to her they both called to her, "Nozomi! Nozomi!"
Watching them as they came over to her she smiled to them both, "guys!"
Seeing her usual optimistic self Mickey then asked her a little worried still, "there you are! Are ya okay?"
Nodding at this question Nozomi responded, "yes I'm fine! I'm okay? But are you both all right?"
Relieved himself at this answer Mickey replied, "Oh we're fine! We're fine! Right Riku?"
Hearing him he replied as he looked to Nozomi, "yeah, but what happened to you?"
At this question Nozomi then told them both about what had happened as she spoke of the chase that had just occurred and her finally rescuing Milo from the girl she was still holding at blades length.
Nodding finally as she finished her story Mickey replied, "wow! Well I'm glad that you managed that all right on your own!"
Nozomi hearing him say this then became a little embarrassed as she replied, "yeah well... I just stopped and thought not much else to it."
Riku hearing this was glad at least this time she'd used her head and as he smiled but then he heard a certain sound which distracted him as he looked and saw something that made his eyes widen in moments.
Mickey though looking at the monkey girl who looked back at him with quiet animosity as she continued to hold onto the journal, he then spoke again, "but its even more amazing that there's a nobody here?"
Nodding Nozomi responded, "yeah, I was surprised myself when I discovered, I just wonder how she got here though? Do you think she was living here all by herself all this time?"
At this question Mickey was silent for a moment as he pondered with a hand to his chin and finally after a little he replied, "well I can't say myself... it's hard, Riku what do you-" however his white haired companion's face was turned not hearing him. Confused Mickey wondered why and turned to see what he was looking at. Suddenly he saw why he was so distracted as finally the group surrounding Milo did along with Nozomi and the linguist himself.
For there in this seemingly dead and desolate stony world was a huge lake of beautiful blue water that cascaded down in huge water falls that fell all around the edges of this single raised point. In the middle though for all to see amongst the beautiful mists of white and blue clouds was a single island with greenery growing all over it with a single brown mountain in its centre.
It was truly a sight beyond belief, Riku then spoke out truly amazed, "this is incredible!"
Cookie himself in the distance called out flabbergasted, " sweet mother of jefferson!"
Audrey amazed in the same way as Riku was spoke in awe loving this wondrous scene, "it's beautiful."
Sweet really pleased with the result as well told their map maker "Milo, I gotta hand it to you", with that he put a hand onto his shoulder as he told him, "you really came through!"
Smiling at the result himself Milo was only silent as he was simply over the moon with happiness at what he and the others had discovered, which was something so wonderful he could never even have dreamed of it. In the distance Nozomi was pleased as well at what they'd all found together but more than anything she was pleased that at last Milo was getting the praise that he truly deserved.
The monkey girl sensing an overwhelming atmosphere of positivity simply became annoyed as she was being ignored simply for a pretty picture view but then overhead she heard a familiar sound of rustling and realised she wouldn't have to put up with this much longer.
Nozomi looking at all this beautiful scenery was mesmerized as she gazed away but then suddenly she heard a sound of rustling, confused she turned her head and then at that moment the truly happy moment vanished! For from above came the savages! With their masks still covering their faces and their long spears and swords at the ready as they quickly darted around everyone surrounding them!
Seeing them Nozomi cried out in surprised, "who are these guys!" Suddenly the one with the biggest mask jumped in between her and the monkey girl as she lunged her spear forwards with a fast thrust making Nozomi jump back quickly. She looked on utterly baffled and shocked as everyone else in the group all became the same in moments.
Silent for a moment she then called out, "hey! Watch where you're pointing that thing!" At once the others surrounding this figure all too brought out their weapons holding them out protectively around their leader.
Watching quietly Mickey then spoke out a little nervous, "uh... I think ya better be careful what ya say here Nozomi."
In that moment it was then Sweet spoke up again as he said feeling really uncomfortable, "uh, well this is definitely awkward."
Rourke clearly wasn't expecting this either as he spoke up reaching hesitatingly reaching for the gun on his belt, "holy cats! Who are these guys?"
Looking at them all though Milo was quiet for a moment as he recognised these guys from before and became delighted as he finally realised who these guys were as he raised his hands to his head as a pleased smile came upon his face, "Th-they gotta be Atlanteans!"
Hearing this Nozomi turned and wondered, "Atlanteans?" Turning back again she saw that the leader of the group had got down on her knees as she seemed to be asking the monkey girl a series of concerned questions as she was also in the process of lifting her back onto her feet.
Helga in the meantime listening to Milo say this replied to him in complete disbelief, "what? That's impossible!"
Riku and Mickey though weren't as dismissive themselves but turning to his small royal friend he had to ask, "Mickey do you think that they are?"
Quickly he replied to him after a moment gazing at them all, "... well I would have to assume yes, for what other guys could be living down here?"
Riku then nodded for it was clearly simple logic. In the meantime Cookie in the distance looking at all these potential aggressors spoke, " I seen this back in the Dakotas, they can smell fear just by lookin' at you, so keep quiet." To which he put a finger to his lips signalling everyone to be silent.
Nozomi hearing this was completely dismissive of this idea as she rolled her eyes at this idea, but suddenly the female masked leader spoke up, finally getting the info she wanted, "nakerima dewatieshe dim do la Meixeng?"
Blinking Nozomi didn't get it as she seemed to be asking her something so responded confused, "huh?"
Again the leader spoke up repeating herself, " dewatieshe dim do la Meixeng?"
Still not understanding Nozomi though as well as Riku and Mickey were only able to get the last word she had said as she repeated, "Meixeng?"
To which finally the leader pointed her arm and hand out as she indicated to the monkey girl who was now standing using her staff as walking pole, after a moment it was then Nozomi got it as she pointed to her, "oh her! Her name is Meixeng?"
However clearly the leader didn't like this tone and became more accusing in her tone as she pointed at her angrily. This was clearly becoming an uncertain and potentially dangerous situation, feeling the tension Mole spoke up speaking up some sound advice to the one person who could ease the situation as he tugged at his shirt, "I think you better do tha talking!"
To which Milo hearing this though was perplexed for a moment then knew this to be true, he was the only one who could bridge the gap between them all and stop another potential battle and fight. The female leader spoke again to them all clearly agitated, "la bare sa na tak to! Incrom ma mere Meixeng ta tu la! Naba senya debenota!"
Nozomi had no idea what to do whatsoever, she was not a great negotiator in these types of situations and could only hold her hands up defensively as though trying to physically shield herself from the angry foreign words.
However Milo quickly spoke up as he replied being ever so careful as he approached this person trying to make contact safely and peacefully, "leb... a senic, do ran ren tobe, Meixeng de moi no svatana me."
Nozomi watching as he was communicating with this fierce female savage tried to speak up worried as she said, "Milo, what do you think you're-"
However Riku's hand quickly clamped over her mouth, for this siuation couldn't be interrupted, "this is Milo's expertise! Let him handle it!" He told her keeping his voice down.
Struggling a little bit at first annoyed as he said this she realised then what he meant and so quietly she watched as Riku finally let her go and everyone watched as the negotiations continued.
Sensing the situation herself that it was indeed serious the leader then took off her mask completely as she revealed herself and everyone as well became amazed at the sight of her as she spoke on, "proma do ren da tobe de para kate, dim svana nu?"
Milo was clearly struggling as he was trying to keep up with her and her way of speech as it was quite hard to pin down, but he was getting somewhere in the explanations, "weg a nay prie!" He then pointed to the others as he explained, "nam we ti na Nozomi da savini um win minwe prada."
With that the two of them continued on and on and as the others listened somehow the dialect seemed to change and then it kept changing until suddenly a language was spoken that they knew as Milo asked with a smile on his face, "par le vous Frances?"
To which the leader replied, "oui monseur!"
Really surprised now Mickey spoke, "wow! They can talk French!"
Mole was more than pleased as he spoke aloud, "my language!" At once he then approached the woman as he asked her to come down so he could whisper something in her ear, curious she listened. But then quickly she became infuriated as she punched him square in the face sending him to the floor for whatever was said was probably one word gross.
Amazed and pleased Sweet spoke up, "ooh! I like her!"
Everyone else as well were all surprised but Nozomi laughed herself at this little scene as she realised maybe this person was someone she could relate to. Audrey seemed to be in agreement as she said, "hmm, 'bout time someone hit him, I'm just sorry it wasn't me."
To Riku this was a relief for now there shouldn't be another battle at least as then everyone both savage and explorer mingled and started to walk around and speak to each other, everyone all curious about the other. Turning to Milo though she asked, "how do these guys know these languages? This is just amazing!"
Hearing her question he told her still amazed he'd been able to achieve something incredible again, "well their language must be based on a root dialect, just like the tower of Babel."
Nozomi wondered to herself, "Babel?"
But then behind herself she heard a certain moan and groan as she turned back and saw the girl Meixeng was now trying to drag herself forwards, the two small monkeys standing on her shoulders now all spoke out clearly worried about her.
Nozomi herself became just as concerned as she asked her, "are you okay?"
To which the girl answered as she approached, "oh growing concerned about me now are you?"
Not keen on this sarcastic tone Nozomi responded, "well... I mean you're having difficulty walking and well-"
However she was interrupted, "yeah, rather obvious there ain't it? For who shot that blast out in the first place?"
At this comment though Nozomi was becoming annoyed as she replied, "well yeah! But... you were the one who tried to kidnap Milo! What were you expecting me to do! You attacked us first! You couldn't expect nothing to happen could you?" Then looking to Meixeng's side she saw a particular something as she said, "and you still haven't given us back the journal!"
Feeling the book in her hand the girl however it was clear was not going to give it back, no matter how battered or bruised she might become. Annoyed Nozomi said, "come on just give it back all ready! You're not doing yourself any favours with this!"
However Meixeng simply held it more tightly to herself, she was obviously a very stubborn individual, annoyed Nozomi was ready to argue some more with her when the leader of the masked people came over and spoke to her, "ah Meixeng! Have you been up to your tricks again?"
Looking at her Nozomi was still amazed as she watched her approach, for if there was definitive living example of exotic this woman would certainly fit the bill, speaking she said, "you're-"
However the woman put a finger to Nozomi's lips as she told her, "let me speak with our mischievous one." With that she ended with wink leaving Nozomi speechless.
Meixeng hearing these words simply made her reply with an annoyed groan to this woman as she wouldn't look at her, the woman spoke to her again, "come on Meixeng... I understand how you feel but we'll settle this another way all right?" At last she looked at her as the woman gazed back at her with a gentle smile, she then asked again, "come now? We all know what needs to be done here right?" To which she held her hand out ready for the book to be given.
Seeing and feeling that she was being pressured from her it was finally then Meixeng bit back her pride as she handed 'The Shepard's Journal' to her and finished saying, "oh whatever! This book has caused me nothing but a headache!"
Glad to see that she had finally relinquished the woman whispered something into her ear with a smile on her face and at last she handed the journal back to Nozomi as she told her, "I believe this belongs to all of you."
Nozomi was amazed, this woman had such great powers of persuasion, she couldn't believe it! But happy she replied to her, "wow thank you!"
The woman then simply smiled at her and then walking through the crowd of strangers she walked forwards and announced to her new guests, "welcome to the city of Atlantis!"
Leaving everyone speechless at this welcome it was then she quickly grabbed Milo's hand as she said, "come you must all meet my father!" With that she started to pull him down the winding path that led to the island.
Not believing they'd made it Nozomi spoke out as she hugged the journal to herself, "wow! Atlantis! We're all finally going to get to see it!"
Mickey then nodded happy himself glad that they achieved a major goal while Riku simply smiled as he turned to look at the scenery once again.
However the girl Meixeng walking past them all her gold staff in her hand responded, "she 's still as carefree as ever! Urgh... I bet her her old papa's ain't gonna be pleased with this..." with that she started her own lonely trek down the path.
Nozomi hearing this asked, "papa?"
But then at once suddenly behind her she felt movement and at once a sound of a loud yawn and the rubbing of an eye as an old familiar voice spoke out, "ah! That was a great nap! So then... where are we at to?"
Turning at once Mickey, Riku and Nozomi saw to their amazement and relief their old friend finally awake, "Cait sith!"
This was definitely a point of great achievement and discovery... and it was more than assured that there was only more to come...