Kingdom hearts: Fragment

by kirramagic

(AU KH3) Nozomi living in Bamboo town, one day is sent flying from her world when the Heartless destroy it. Caused by a mysterious mechanical winged individual. She gains a Keyblade and somehow encounters Riku along with King Mickey. From this point on, her true fate will gradually unveil itself as the conflict that started the Keyblade Wars begins again...

116. Into the depths of Atlantis Part 12

Chapter CXII: Into the depths of Atlantis Part XII

Gazing quietly Uriax stood upon the edge of the grassy green cliff, his arms were folded as he watched the progress of the explorers making their slow and steady way to the ancient ruined city. Watching on he was deciding on what would be the best next course of action to take.

"Ah! Finally!" Pete breathed out as he put his big hands to his knees heaving and gasping clearly tired out.

Uriax though didn't reply as he kept his gaze upon the travelling troupe of vehicles as they continued to make their journey across.

Pete finally getting his breath together stood up from his knees as he wiped off a bead of sweat from his brow as he asked his "superior", "so what're we supposed ta be doin' now? Are we just gonna hot tail it after 'em or-"

However he was cut off as Uriax let out a small laugh, this made Pete go on guard and quiet for he could never tell from one moment to the next how exactly he was going to react. After this sudden little burst ended he listened as he was told after a little echo of chuckles that faded away, "no need for that."

Puzzled and surprised a little at why he said this Pete then asked him, "huh? But how are we supposed to nab 'im all and get those hearts! We have to otherwise Maleficent-"

Once again he was interrupted as Uriax told him, "I am well aware of what my dear teacher wants, but for now we won't have to lift a single finger." Pete still dumbfounded wanted to understand more but he was silenced again as he saw a cunning and evil grin come across his superior's face as he told him, "for that captain and lieutenant will take care of the job for us."

Sitting once again upon the top of the truck Nozomi gazed on and around herself as she and the others were now all travelling down the long wooden planked roped bridge as they were being guided to the lost city of Atlantis.

The ones gathering them were the exotic woman who had welcomed them and walking alongside the other soldiers who had been along with her.

Looking around it was clearly a magnificent sight as now after passing the huge lake of lava that had glowed beneath them they met in complete contrast an endless scenery of blue as they saw the island itself. Around them were many lit fires that glowed brightly in the misty atmosphere revealing many ruins of statues and other pillared buildings that had collapsed from thousands of years of age, water erosion and plant life.

Quiet as she continued to gaze on Nozomi suddenly saw a flock of strange pterodactyl like creatures as they flew away letting out their cries into the misty blue horizons of the rising mountain in front of them, amazed in awe really taking this in she breathed out, "wow... this place is incredible!"

Meanwhile behind her as she continued to gaze away at the scenery Mickey had being sitting with Cait sith as he had been explaining the whole story to him of what had been going on while he had been in his deep slumber. Starting with their trek across the ruined landscape explaining the odd jobs they'd done and the little mishaps they'd had here and there while venturing the underground world. Then the camp night and the stories they'd all exchanged until finally making it onto Milo's rescue from the hands of Meixeng and the meeting of their group and the Atlantians. Finishing his explanations he told him with a smile, "and that's about the whole gist of it there Cait Sith!"

Nodding now and again as he took in all the info he then spoke as he said, "wow! Ya lads have certainly been up to a lot ain't ya?"

Mickey nodded himself as he replied really happy with excitement, "yeah a whole lot! And now we're seein a whole new ancient civilization! Things have really progressed on this trip."

Cait sith happy himself now up to the scratch of things replied, "yeah I see ya have!" Then turning his face he looked up to Riku who was staring into the distance as he asked him, "oi! There snow drop just how have ya been-" However Cait Sith stopped in mid sentence as he looked to Riku and saw that at first what he'd thought he'd seen as him looking into the distance he saw instead that it was really him gazing at Nozomi who continued to stare here, there and everywhere like an excited happy child completely oblivious to his gaze.

Mickey looking to see what had made Cait sith go quiet he quickly saw what it was as he too became quiet seeing the gentle smile that appeared on his face as he continued to gaze at her.

Cait Sith seeing this then said, "yep, things have definitely progressed..."

Hearing something Nozomi turned her head as she said, "hmm? What are you guys talking about?"

Riku quickly turned his face a slight blush appearing as he did not want her to see him gazing at her, seeing this Nozomi became puzzled but then suddenly Cait sith ran forwards as he pounced and landed on her head telling her quickly making a distraction her, "not much ya haven't already learnt lass."

Mickey seeing what their small feline friend had done smiled as it was generous of him to cover for him. He looked quietly to Riku having mixed feelings about this build up for he had warned him... but obviously it was never going to be enough was it?

However Nozomi still oblivious replied, "oh really? Okay." With that she turned her attentions back to looking at the scenery but as she did she smiled as she felt Cait sith's familiar warmth on her head as she had surprisingly missed it when he had drifted into his long episode of snoozing, she then said to him, "you know its great that you're awake again Cait sith."

Hearing this Cait Sith asked her, "oh really lass? Did ya miss me?" Finishing with a mischievous note.

Smiling still Nozomi replied with a similar tone herself, "well of course! And after all Oralee would be really upset if you slept forever." With that she was silent as she remembered her royal friend again, she wondered for a moment if she was doing all right in the Radiant Gardens?

However Cait sith quickly spoke on, "well I couldn't help it lass! I had to do somethin' to stop that enormous crustacean from comin' after us didn't I? Besides makin' a shield that big takes a lot of ya! And I'd never leave her highness hangin' ever!"

Hearing him say this being it no surprise Nozomi laughed as she said, "I know! I know you wouldn't, you care about her too much to do that."

To which in reply Cait sith responded, "right you are lass! Right you are."

Nozomi then was quiet smiling contently for a few moments as she observed more of the scenery as they continued making their way further across the bridge, but then remembering about the yellow shining shield that emerged to protect them all and those various other times when she'd seen it... curious she then voiced her important question as she asked, "Cait sith?"

Seeing she had something on her mind as he rested on her head he replied, "yeah lass?"

Nozomi then considered her words as she asked her question, "that shield you make... how do you do that? What kind of power allows you to..." she trailed off for some reason not really sure how she should continue it.

Cait sith hearing her ask was quiet as his tail halted from its usual waving... watching from the distance Mickey and Riku who had been listening as well to the conversation were quiet themselves too, was he going to reveal it? Was he?

Finally Cait sith began to reply, "well lass..." quiet she waited with anticipation along with Mickey and Riku at what he was going to say and then it came, "I can't say."

Deflated at this along with Mickey and Riku she was expecting at least a little more detailed explanation of some kind to which Nozomi responded annoyed, "what? What do you mean you can't say?"

To which on her head still Cait sith shrugged his arms as he simply replied again, "I just can't say lass... besides its my business ya lot don't need to know anythin!"

Dismayed further at this Nozomi responded, "I don't need to know! What so you're going to keep secrets from me too!" Cait sith however didn't respond to this and at this reaction Nozomi's irritation and dismay turned to depression as she responded, "I thought you and I were really close now... don't you trust me at all?"

To which hearing this sad note her feline companion responded, "it's not that lass, I do trust ya... it's just I can't tell ya... well not right now anyway."

At these words Nozomi's ears pricked up as she said, "so you will talk about it?"

Cait sith nodded as he said, "yeah, at the right time and place which I'll pick, so ya don't need to bother to ask again."

Ignoring this rather rude tone Nozomi was glad at least she'd learn something new in the near future responded, "great! Okay then..." but something else popped into her mind as she felt into her trouser pockets, "oh yeah and I found this Cait sith could you..."

Seeing the little interaction as Nozomi brought out something from her pocket and gave it to Cait Sith, Riku turned to Mickey as he asked, " so your majesty, what do you think?"

Mickey nodded as he watched their two friends talk about a certain gem Nozomi had found as he responded, "yeah I think so there Riku, he's one too that much I can be sure of."

Riku nodded as he simply watched the two of them quietly as he felt a little sway of sadness inside him for though he knew what his feelings were, it hurt inside knowing the fate that awaited them both...

Meanwhile below them all Milo was busy flipping through his own journal turning the pages left and right as he was busy making his evaluations and observations as he was quickly talking to both Rourke and commander Helga as he scribbled away, "now what is really amazing is that if you deconstruct Latin add a little Somalian a dash of Salonian you'll be getting to the base of their grammatical con-structure, at least you'll be at the same ball point!" With that he continued on with his excited explanations and observations sounding to most people as intellectual rambling.

Looking at the two people in charge it was clear to see their frame of mind, Helga herself looked at Milo curiously and was almost amused by his behaviour while Rourke it was clear for all to see was annoyed and bored as he put a hand to his forehead as he continued to drive the truck forwards.

Voicing her amusement Helga said to the commander with a smile on her face, "someone's having a good time."

To which hearing her Rourke forgot his own annoyance for a moment as a smile came to his face as he replied back, "like a kid at Christmas."

However as he said this Helga felt her conscience react inside her as things had changed somewhat now as she asked Rourke, "commander, there were not supposed to be people down here, this changes everything!"

Rourke though himself it was clear did not share the sentiment as he remarked coldly, "this changes nothing, we're going to get what we came for! And with those heart-"

"Hey? What are you guys doing in there?" Shocking both Rourke and Helga appeared Nozomi as she had put her head over the edge of the truck peering through the windscreen, her hair dangling down as she looked at them upside down.

Seeing her surprising him out of his explanations Milo brightened up as he said, "oh hey Nozomi!"

Seeing their linguist and map maker she smiled brightly as she said doing a small wave, "hey Milo! You doing well there?"

Nodding excitedly he told her, "oh yeah! Man you gotta wait till I show you what I've learnt so far! I bet Mickey will-"

However he was interrupted as suddenly the truck stopped but with the sudden shudder as the truck's breaks were put on Nozomi called out, "whoa! Ah!" With that she toppled forwards as she landed on the bonnet of the car on her back, laying out she cried out, "oww!"

Looking at her from above though Riku sighed as he saw once again her clumsiness coming out, Cait sith himself simply had sat upon the roof as he declined to follow her into her odd greeting as he shook his head and said, "well that was real graceful lass."

Mickey himself simply smiled rather awkwardly as he spoke himself, "well that must have hurt."

Milo quickly getting out of the truck worried ran over to her as he asked, "are you okay Nozomi?"

To which she replied annoyed cringing in pain, "urgh! I'm not meant to be thrown around like this!"

Behind them though the white haired woman whom they had met and was now acting as their guide spoke up as she indicated behind her, "you have all arrived."

With that everyone saw before them that they had arrived before a series of steps and a couple of grand doors stood at the top with a couple of guards fiercely guarding it with stern looks, it was clear from the decorated pillars lining the walls and the various decorations that this surely was a place of royalty.

Quiet while looking at it, it was then Rourke broke the wall of silence as he hopped out of the truck and said with a smug smile on his face, "well let's go and give whoever's inside a warm welcome!" With that he walked forwards followed quickly by the lieutenant.

Milo seeing him move quickly went to follow as he called out to Rourke,"hey wait up!" As he was very keen himself to see what was inside that room.

With that the others all too began to make their way out of their own relevant trucks and as Nozomi watched on the bonnet of the truck finally turning herself over she wondered aloud to herself, "who could be in that room?"

But then suddenly landing on her head from above Cait sith spoke up, "well ya not gonna know lass until ya get moving! So go on! Haul yaself!"

Getting a little annoyed at this Nozomi spoke, "fine geez! You never change!" but then as she turned over suddenly before her where Milo had once been, Riku was now standing. Blinking confused she stared at him, he then reached his hand forwards and out, quiet still as she observed this she asked, "what're you-"

But then she was interrupted as Riku told her the obvious, "giving you a helping hand, if you want it?" He added with a small smirk.

Surprised to see this Nozomi quiet still for a further moment though she quickly became pleased as she said, "you kidding! I'd never refuse that!" With that she took Riku's hand as she got down from the truck bonnet and landed on the ground again, then quickly she ran forwards to follow Milo and everyone else up the stairs but turning back for a moment she waved back and cried out, "thanks Riku!" With that she continued on her way. Smiling himself at her usual optimistic nature Riku simply walked forward himself as Mickey quickly followed behind himself happy at their progression.

As everyone walked inside the room past the guards, it was now clear to see to all that it was a throne room, but it was very different in comparison to most throne rooms. For inside the floor was a huge expanse of water with stepping stones all around making the foundation for people to stand and walk upon, they littered everywhere making various loops and lines but it was made in a way for anyone to make their way across the room. There were also various plants growing along the stone pillars and waterlilies that glided across the water with various small tiny white butterfly like creatures floating around.

This gave the place a life to it like no other as that distinct mysterious exoticness echoed all around, in the centre of the room was a huge crumbled statue of some kind in the shape of a giant, it was dark blue in colour but from its eyes leaked two small waterfalls making the statue look like as though it was weeping sadly. Then underneath there was a huge canopy made with various embroided coloured quilts and underneath laying on a couch of red cushions and a red luxurious cloth where underneath with a few lamps making up some light was an old man.

Gazing at him Nozomi was amazed for to her he was the oldest man that she had ever seen, he too had long white hair and a long white beard that flowed down his chest, he was dressed in long blue robes with various yellow designs sewn into it and he like the other Atlantians had a blue crystal around his neck with tattoo's engraved upon his face and probably on some other parts of him that could not be seen. Next to him also stood a wooden staff which was tied with a few silver bells.

But then as she looked at this man she saw clearly what he was, he was the king! The man in charge of this whole place! She was amazed at this but then as she looked in awe there was something else she noticed about him as she looked at his eyes, they were-

Suddenly from behind there was a sound of climbing and a chiming of bells as she and the others turned and saw surprised Meixeng as she had climbed up from over the walls using the green shrubbery and plants to make her way down with her two small monkeys, Uma and Fuma following suit with their little bells jingling at their approach.

At the sound of her though the king was clearly not pleased as he called out, "Meixeng!"

Stopping in her tracks as she arrived at the bottom, her two tiny white companions made their way onto her shoulders as they jumped up, listening quietly everyone heard the king as he uttered in his ancient Atlantian tongue but as he did the woman who had welcomed them all protested against him, it was clear now that she was his daughter and therefore the princess of the kingdom.

However Meixeng not surprised shrugged her shoulders as she quickly ran up and then bringing out her gold staff jumped and then placing the staff under her she landed on top of it as it landed in the watery terrain which allowed her to sit upon it. Making herself comfortable she replied in clean English in a rude defiant tone, "I'm not on the ground now old man! Now get over yourself!"

Hearing this it was clear that this argument between both the king and this nobody girl had happened before but it was rather awkward hearing this kind of thing being said to royalty.

Everyone was quiet, however the daughter looking at her was obviously saddened but then looking at her father again it was clear though he was irritated at this rude behaviour but he was calm and regal enough to look over this little outburst.

Then quietly after this uncomfortable moment everyone listened as the daughter interacted with the father, as they did so it could be seen that one side was clearly not in favour of what it was she was suggesting.

As she watched on though Nozomi couldn't help but look to Meixeng again as she continued to sit upon her golden staff amongst the waters, she seemed calm and almost comfortable there as her two small monkeys nestled themselves comfortably and happily amongst her long and white blue tipped hair.

Quietly she inched over slowly and cautiously and as she did finally making it to a place she could make more audible contact she whispered, "hey?"

Hearing her Meixeng didn't look at her but replied to her question, "yeah?"

Nozomi then asked her looking at her and her gold staff, "isn't that uncomfortable sitting like that?"

At this question Meixeng simply replied coolly, "not really, with so many years of experience you get used to it."
Nodding at this Nozomi responded, "oh? Okay..."

But suddenly Rourke spoke up as he announced, "your majesty! On behalf of my crew, may I say it is an honour to be welcomed to your city." Ending with a graceful bow as he started to take a few step forwards.

Hearing him say this Nozomi thought that was a little bit fast for a welcome from their commander for with the tone that both the king and princess had spoken with, it was obviously not hospitable. Meixeng clearly knew what had been said as she let out a small quiet smirk of a laugh as she said, "tch! What an idiot!"

Nozomi hearing this wondered what she meant by that but then further ahead Milo knew exactly what had been said or roundabouts as he quickly tried to say something to Rourke for he clearly had got the wrong idea,"excuse me commander?"

However then the king spoke himself in clear perfect English, his ages of wisdom were clearly echoed from his voice, "you presume much to think you are welcome here."

Hearing this realising the king was not going to be won over by sweet pretty words Rourke continued to try and make a good impression, "sir, we have come a long way looking for-"

"I know what you seek," the king said as he interrupted him, for he could see straight through him as he continued, "and you will not find it here, your journey has been in vain."

At these words though Nozomi would have argued if she could that that was not true, for they had all found them, the Atlantians! What else could they possibly be looking for, for the king to! But then suddenly she remembered, the power source 'The Heart Of Atlantis' could it be that Rourke was?

Their commander continued, "we are peaceful explorers, men of science."

However once again though the king was not convinced by this as he laughed humoured and said, "and yet you bring weapons?"

At this the other king in the room Mickey hearing this realised that things were becoming very turmoil, but it was a valid point for which he could understand why it was asked, but then keeping his right gloved hand clenched he was ready to summon his keyblade if any fights did break out.

Rourke though once again explained things away, "our weapons allow us to remove obstacles we may encounter."

The king of Atlantis hearing this one particular word repeated it as he replied, "some obstacles, cannot be removed with a mere show of force." With that the king stood as he picked up his own staff showing his authority as he spoke to them all, "return to your world! You must leave Atlantis! At once."

Hearing this Nozomi didn't know what to think, for she wished that she could show the king they meant no harm but... why would want outsiders like them in his world anyway? Why should he trust them?

Meixeng though hearing the king uttered under her breath though Nozomi could clearly hear it, "well clearly he's being mister anti-social again isn't he?"

Looking at her again not liking her rude tone Nozomi turned once more as Rourke spoke more, "your majesty, be reasonable."

However Milo feeling the uncomfortable air around them tried to speak up again trying to stop Rourke as he tried to get his attention, "sir I-"

Annoying Rourke he replied to him, "not now son!"

Milo though wasn't going to be put off as he gently tried to persuade their commander before he pushed more of the wrong buttons, "trust me on this, we better do as he says."

Displeased at this Rourke was silent for a moment as he thought to himself but then something came up as he gently said, "may I respectfully request, that we stay one night sir? That would give us time to rest, re-supply be ready to travel by morning."

The king though obviously reluctant at this hesitated for a moment looking to his staff before replying, "very well, one night that is all."

Glad that he had got this at least Rourke replied to him, "thank you your majesty!" With that he quickly turned and took his leave as everyone else did too, however there was clear reluctance on some of their parts as Nozomi and the others and in particular Milo looked back at the princess as she sighed also saddened that things had not gone as well as she would have liked.

Before they left out through the door Meixeng turned in the direction they were leaving as she waved to them, "don't forget to write!" With that as the doors were shut by the guards and as she turned over and looked back in the princesses' and the king's direction she said, "well that could have gone as well as expected hey?"

Clearly though displeased at her back talking and rude comments here and there the king spoke to her, "you have no business in this Meixeng, how often have I told you not to interfere in affairs that you are outside to?"

However the girl replied shrugging her shoulder as one of her small pets started to play happily in her hands as she cuddled and stroked it as it yipped happily, "probably more than over a thousand? But who's counting, huh?"

The princess looking at Meixeng was obviously was not pleased with her either and sensing this the monkey handler looked in her direction as she said, "oh? You unhappy too now huh?"

To which she told her annoyed, "I was expecting you to help me in this!"

A small smile on her face Meixeng replied, "Oh really? Well I didn't wanna steal your thunder, your future majesty." With that she casually stood upon her staff as she made a graceful bow with her hand while both Uma and Fuma did the same coying their mistress.

Annoyed at her mischievousness the princess was quiet but then the king continued as he sat his weary bones down on his couch again, "hmm, your heart has softened Kida, a thousand years ago you would have slain someone on sight for behaviour such as this."

Angered at this Kida let her feelings be heard as she walked up the stairs to the throne as she continued, "a thousand years ago, the streets were lit and our people did not have to scavenge for food at the edge of a crumbling city!" Finishing she lit a lamp nearby her father allowing a little more light to shine down.

In the distance Meixeng had got back into her sitting position on her staff as she added in the background, "yeah and it tasted better too back then!"

Annoyed again Kida turned around and pointed at her accusingly and said angered, "I do not wish to hear any more mischievousness come from your mouth!"

At this Meixeng put her hands up as though she was being arrested and said, "ooh getting sassy with me now are you? You wanted me to help so now you're getting it."

This Kida sighed at rolling her eyes for when she said she wanted help, it was something a little more than just the odd sly comment left and right but then the king spoke on ignoring what had just been said, "the people are content."

To which Kida replied to in seconds, "they do not know any better! We were once a great people now we live in ruins..." With that she reached down to her side and got out a cloth to soak water in.

Meixeng hearing this realising the real seriousness of the situation she got off her staff as she landed on the stones and walked forwards towards the throne, standing just outside of it as she said, "you have to admit that that's true though? Right old man?"

Hearing her approach though the king was not amused as he said to her annoyed, "Meixeng..."

However ignoring the displeased tone she continued, "look I know you don't like me for being an outsider and all myself, but... this place has been wasting over for the last what years I've been here and I can say this... in comparison to other places I've seen in my travels, you need help and fast, lighting fast."

Glad to see she was getting some encouraging words at last from her Kida smiled as she turned to her father again and begun wiping his brow, "you see it's like I have said, the king's of our past would weep if they could see how far we have fallen."

The king though hearing these words against him was annoyed as he spoke up to his daughter, "Kida..."

However she continued, "if these outsiders can help unlock the secrets of our past..." to which then she looked to Meixeng.

At once hearing her the white haired nobody spoke though feeling it was rather corny she wanted to give her friend the support she needed ending the sentence with a serious tone to her voice, "you can save the future."

However not wanting to hear this from 'her' the king spoke on, "what they have to teach us, we have already learned."

Kida then told him the hard and cold truth, "our way of life is dying!"

The king though gave her his soft warm reassurance, "our way of life is preserved!" To which he held her hand with both of his gently and tightly feeling the beloved touch of his daughter. Then moving his left hand to her cheek he told her as she pressed her cheek into it glad to feel her father's touch, "Kida, when you take the throne you will understand..."

Meixeng was quiet as she observed this, however her small tiny ones reassured her as they rubbed their cheeks into her own showing her they cared just as much to which she held them both acknowledging this, grateful.

Detaching her father's hand finally from her cheek she gently left him to rest and regain his strength, walking towards her mischievous friend she put her hand onto her shoulder as she told her, "thank you... Meixeng."

To which feeling her touch she bowed her head a smile on her face as she replied, "no probs, Kida." With that the two of them walked towards the doors as the both of them began to discuss, what they could both do to help save Atlantis...