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...

122. Into the depths of Atlantis Part 18

Chapter CXVIII: Into the depths of Atlantis Part XVIII

Silent Kida stood still as a statue as the steel box around her was finally complete, as the door was sealed into place by Audrey as she turned the wrench securing the nut and bolt into place tightly.

Quiet as she finally finished her work the ace mechanic and technician looked up and saw her former fellow crew members look up at with utter contempt and anger. For how she could possibly do this to this lost and ancient people? However she only turned away a soured look on her face not wishing to face these judgmental gazes.

As she jumped off of the sealed box at once sensing the steel cocoon she was now within Kida closed her eyes as the crystals power froze over blocking the view from the round window. This stopped anyone from gazing at her anymore.

Hearing the sound of the crystal freeze over Meixeng who was bound again and held back by a strong and tall heartless spoke out with pure worry, "Kida!"

However as she spoke the name of the princess of Atlantis the steel box containing her was pulled up and put onto the back of a truck ready to be taken away forever.

As this happened Nozomi along with the others still couldn't believe that this was happening! However like Meixeng, they too were bound once again tightly with ropes as heartless stood around them threatening to devour not just them but the silent and fearful people of Atlantis as they wavered in and around the crowd hauntingly.

They were all hostages, the silence was heavy as they were all still with no one saying a thing until finally one person spoke up, "so... I guess this is how it ends huh?"It was Milo and still he was the only one left to walk he still posed no threat to the criminal operation as he walked about continuing to look on with an angered gaze, "fine you win! You're wiping out a whole civilisation but hey! You'll be rich."

Hearing this Nozomi was silent but then finally she joined in as she wanted them all to know how she and the others felt about how horrible this was what they were doing for something so shallow and superficial, "yeah, well it pretty sorts you out right Audrey?"

The ace mechanic stopped in her tracks as she heard Nozomi call out her name as she held the door to the truck open as she listened on, "I mean well, now you can open up that second garage with your dad right? I bet the work and the money will just be pouring in." With that silent and still as ever Audrey slammed her door shut not wanting to listen anymore.

Seeing what both the linguist and his fellow keyblader were doing Riku decided to also chip in and tread upon the conscience of the crew as he called out,"hey Vinny!" With that their bomb and demolition expert turned his head as he looked at the white haired keyblader as he listened to him, "I hope you'll be able to open a huge chain of flower shops! And I hope you'll be able to make as many crochets and bouquets as the eye can see."

Mickey was quiet for though the situation was bad as it was, he still wasn't going to be the one to say such mean words, however Cait sith on Riku's shoulder didn't share the sentiment as he said, "well it don't matter to any of you blokes... because ya're gettin' what ya want! And that's ya filthy money!"

It was clear from all these words from everyone that something was being hit within all the still human crew members who had hearts to feel with, but Rourke the so-called commander was getting fed up with this morale barrage and so he told them all getting out of his own truck, "now look all of you get off of yer high horses, you know what Darwin teaches1 It's natural selection, we're just helpin' it along." With that he finished making his way across as he poked Milo in the chest and looked at everyone with smug and arrogant eyes which only caused them to look at him even more angrily.

On the radio to Pete and Uriax, Helga was given the confirmation she needed as she asked again, "so you are? You're absolutely sure!" With that there was the static of someone's voice though since it was in the background no one else could hear the reply that was given but it was clear it was the answer the lieutenant wanted and with that she replied, "good!" With that she turned to Rourke putting away the radio as she called out, "commander they're ready! We can move out!"

Hearing these words though Mickey wondered to himself, "they're?"

However before he could put anymore thought into it Rourke spoke again as he replied, "great just give me a minute!" With that he then began to count his fingers as he said, "right! I know I'm forgetting something... I've got the cargo, the crystal, crew... oh yeah!" With that before anyone could blink he punched Milo square in the face sending him off his feet making him collide into the hard ground and as he did the picture of him and his grandfather fell out of his satchel.

Seeing this happen Mickey shocked shouted out, "Milo!" With that the mouse king ran to the linguist as everyone else became just as distressed.

However before anyone could do or say anything else Rourke moved as he went and suddenly struck Meixeng square in the face slapping her down to the ground.

Seeing this Nozomi cried out, "Meixeng!" Everyone was horrified for once again Rourke had attacked another person who was utterly defenceless.

On the ground though feeling the pain spreading through her face and feeling the aches throughout her body she looked in the direction she heard the arrogant voice come had from as he said, "now that was the real payback..."

However Meixeng didn't whimper or cry instead she only stared on angrily as she replied with gritted teeth, "just you wait... my pay back is gonna be tenfold compared to that!"

Smug still Rourke replied, "I'm sure it will..." with that he looked to all the keybladers as they looked up at him stunned with shock but then quickly the aggression returned in full force. Looking at them all quietly he felt he'd rattled them enough with these two little demonstrations but he still had some words left to say so picked up and began to clean Milo's glasses using his shirt,"now all of you can have your wishes come true, you all discovered Atlantis and now you can all become part of the exhibit." With that he threw the spectacles to his former linguist as he then walked away coldly.

Angered Nozomi gripped her hands tightly as she wriggled slightly wanting to smash him down right there and then! But she couldn't and as Rourke began to leave the heartless around them started to leave with him allowing more movement to be made.

Seeing this happen immediately Nozomi rushed to Meixeng as she kneeled next to her quietly, for though she couldn't help her up the least she could do was at least give some caring support.

Showing the same care as well Mickey stood near to Milo and watched him as the linguist wiped away a small drip of blood from his mouth while putting his glasses back on. Then as he did letting his sight regain its focus he saw sadly that Rourke had stepped on his grandfather's photograph destroying the glass and frame.

Quiet still Mickey watched as Milo took the undamaged photograph and looked at his gentle and kind grandfather with such sad eyes for the dream that he and him had shared was now being destroyed. Looking on Mickey whispered on sadly himself, "Milo..."

Seeing what had happened to all of these people Audrey was silent as she watched on with her accomplices but then the command came, "lets move people!" With that she held the door to the truck.

However she was reluctant to start the vehicle as she thought of the pain and the heartache that was being caused and inside she felt her own heart and conscience swelling within with all these terrible things being done, Helga though was becoming impatient as she called out, "that was an order not a suggestion!"

With that once more she slammed her truck door shut again but inside her these two parts of her rebelled and at last she had had enough and though she knew it would cost her dearly she had to do what her heart told her and so... she opened the door again. Then placing her hands in her pockets she strode on over past her dumbfounded cohorts moving to the bound keybladers, nobody, linguist and scared citizens.

Seeing her do this as she approached Nozomi and the others were absolutely amazed! Looking at her Nozomi asked, "Audrey?"

As she heard her name the female ace mechanic looked to the keyblader and as she did she did a single nod with a serious look on her face and as she did she went to Milo and Mickey. Quickly she cut away Mickey's tight bonds with a small pen knife that she took out of her pocket and with that done Mickey looked to her and smiled as he told her, "thanks."

A small smile appeared across Audrey's face for a moment but then the seriousness returned and with that both she and Mickey went to Milo as they both lifted him up and turned to the other crew members, all three of them now showing their fierce determination and resolution.

Vinny seeing this felt a chord being struck within him and as he did he too did as his heart told him and quickly walking across he made his way over to Riku and Cait sith as he too quickly cut away their ropes.

Feeling his paws being freed again Cait sith spoke, "well it's about time ya darn lads have got some sense plugged into ya! Took ya long enough!"

Hearing this Riku looked to Cait sith as he replied with a smile, "I couldn't agree with you more."

Vinny too couldn't help but smile a little but then quickly like Milo, Mickey and Audrey they too looked on with the same serious eyes at the rest of the crew, all of them holding the same hope that their cause would resonate with the few crew left in Rourke's clutches.

It had worked as Cookie got out of his own truck and looked to Mole and Mrs Packard for a moment he put his own hands in his pockets and feeling that drive within his heart he walked on over to the rest of the rebels followed quickly by Mole who felt the resolution of the group.

As Mrs Packard took a deep breath on her cigarette Cookie had made his way over to Nozomi and Meixeng, followed by Mole and with that both men released the tied up girls.

Nozomi feeling her hands free once again was relieved and turning around she looked to Cookie who told her, "there ya go Nozomi, sorry for the whole roughness."

Glad for this she replied a small smile appearing, "thats okay thanks Cookie."

Meixeng still on the ground felt her hands finally being freed too and as she did she brushed them off with annoyance, then behind her she heard shuffling and quickly the same hand that had released her took her hand, silently she was confused at who had helped her but then she heard the French accented voice, "allow me mademoiselle."

With that Meixeng was pulled back up and was on her feet again and she knew this person to be Mole and she smelled him... it wasn't exactly a pleasant sensation and so she replied, "well you smell atrocious but thanks for the hand up." Finishing with a smile.

At last Mrs Packard had finished smoking her cigarette and as she did she said in her usual bored monotone voice, "we're all gonna die." With that throwing away her little stick of nicotine she joined the resolve of the rebels as she walked on over and stood amongst them.

Looking into his wing view mirror seeing this parade Rourke asked in dismay, "you cannot be serious!"

Audrey however told him the truth of how they all now felt, "this is wrong and you know it!"

However Rourke asked her and all of them getting out of his truck again, "we're this close to our biggest pay day ever and you choose now of all times to grow a conscience!"

Vinny though told him in his usual cool tone, "we've done a lot of things we're not proud of,"with that he made a small list counting his fingers, "robbin' graves, plundering tombs, double parking."

At this one Riku thought to himself, 'was that one really that serious?'

But he was quiet as Vinny finished saying,"but nobody got hurt, well maybe somebody got hurt but nobody we knew!"

However listening to all this melodramatic morale preaching was not touching Rourke's cold heart as he told them all, "so if that's the way you want it fine! More for me!" With that he got in his truck but as he did he whispered to himself angered, "that Uriax guy and Pete were right... I should of just turned them too!" With that he started the vehicle up and as he did Helga too started hers.

But as he did it was then Nozomi decided to go on the offensive as she shouted out, "I won't let you get away Rourke!" With that she ran forwards quickly calling out the 'The Starseeker' ready to take him down.

Seeing her run forwards immediately Milo followed after her as he escaped from Audrey and Mickey's grasp as he called out trying to encourage everyone else, "come on we've got to stop them!"

Seeing him go Audrey called out,"Milo!"

Annoyed seeing Nozomi and Milo quickly approaching from his mirror Rourke snapped his fingers and as he the horde of heartless that were outside the trucks all immediately went in for the attack and with that he called out, "enjoy the parting gifts!"

Seeing the heartless approach Milo who had finally caught up to Nozomi called out, "they're coming!"

Seeing them though immediately frustrated Nozomi as she started to strike each one down that came near her and Milo as she cried out, "get out of our way!" For they had to do something! Kida had to be saved!

Seeing her do this being followed by Milo, her impulsiveness taking over once again annoyed Riku as he summoned, 'The Way TO Dawn' as he said, "that idiot! She's just causing even more problems!" For the heartless that she was running past were now all coming towards the vulnerable Atlantians and the exploration rebels.

However Meixeng hearing what Nozomi was doing wanted to join in and do the same but unfortunately without Fuma and Uma by her side she wouldn't be much use in running so quickly she decided what she could do, "well you better help her knock 'em all down!" With that she summoned her staff and as she did this it surprised everyone however knocking them all out of it she told the perplexed keybladers, "well go on hurry up!"

Hearing these words Mickey and Riku both got themselves back together and as they did they responded, "right!" With that they chased after Nozomi and Milo.

Cait sith pumped spoke up as he pointed forwards from Riku's shoulder, "all right lads! Charge!"

With that Riku and Mickey started to strike down each of the heartless as they made their way to catch up to her and Milo. The heartless though that had trickled past them made their way to the defenceless Atlantian people but immediately Meixeng struck each one down with her staff as she also now and again summoned a giant fist smashing them to dust as they came near. She was making sure that not a single person in that whole group of people was going to be scratched.

Vinny seeing what was happening realised that something really bad was going to happen at this rate and so he spoke, "oh no! No! No! No! No!"

Wondering what was getting the so-called cold bomb expert so worked up Meixeng said punching away another large body heartless, what's up with you! What're you-"

But quickly Vinny ran forwards almost like lightning surprising Meixeng in seconds distracted her but hearing another heartless coming she quickly smacked it down with her staff.

Now though the trucks had made their way over the bridge and as they did the water from the entire kingdom's lake stopped flowing as its source, the crystal had gone creating an eerie silence.

Hearing this stopped Nozomi and Milo for a moment as they turned and saw that not only the water had stopped flowing but the crystals around the people of Atlantis's necks that had once glowed with a gentle blue light had faded away revealing that the influence of the powerful life giving force was gone.

Nozomi seeing this spoke her concerns, "this is terrible!"

Feeling the horror himself Milo spoke on, "we've got to stop them!" With that once again they started to move.

Suddenly though from behind them there was a shout, "stop!"

Distracting them both and even stopping Mickey and Riku in their tracks as they had nearly caught up to them was Vinny as he was running up to them all in a real hurry waving his arms everywhere.

At that moment though as they were all distracted Rourke had finally arrived at the other side of the bridge and now he had the trigger to the last explosive surprise he had prepared by none other than Vinny himself. Smiling as he saw them all in the distance he whispered, "sayonara!"

However completely oblivious to this Nozomi asked, "what's got-"

BOOM!

Suddenly from behind them there was a huge bang and a flash of light that quickly sent everyone off of their feet making them land on the the ground in painful lying positions with all of them reflexively covering their heads from the damage that could have been inflicted on them from the raining charred debris of rock and wood.

Hearing the blast from behind her as she had dispatched the last of the heartless Meixeng's eyes widened as she turned around silently shocked at the event that had just passed.

Riku on the ground winced a little at the impact, Cait sith now beside him having lay down as well spoke up, "darn it! That was a real quake and half what-"

But quickly before he could say another word Riku had got up and in moments and made his way over to Nozomi as he spoke to her, "Nozomi are you all right? Hey!"

Hearing him shaking her head a little slightly at the headache she had just received she replied as she was helped up by his hand, "agh... fine thanks but-" she stopped as she looked behind Riku with wide eyes and saw that the bridge that connected to Atlantis was completely gone!

Milo getting up himself now shook his own head which was pained from the shocking shudder that had occurred and as he tried to recover himself he spoke, "that was awful! Who did-" but then he too saw the destruction of the bridge and as he did he was in total horror as he shouted, "oh no! No!" Running over then quickly he stood at the edge seeing the awful truth that now none of them could catch up with the band of thieves, silent as the appalling reality settled upon all three they stared quietly on.

Finally then catching up to them all Cait sith, Mickey and Vinny arrived and as they did the ever so cocky feline jumped up and landed on Nozomi's head as he told her, "well now look what yer impulsiveness has landed us in lass!"

Hearing this Nozomi immediately became annoyed breaking out of her shock as she told him, "this isn't my fault! I didn't make that huge explosion!"

At this Vinny then spoke as he revealed, "nope, I did... didn't want you guys trailin' after us when we would be makin' our getaway."

Hearing this info disheartened everyone in moments for how were they all supposed to get across now? Nozomi knew she couldn't do anything for she one person couldn't transport a whole army over that enormous expanse and there was no other way off of this secluded land.

Mickey quiet up until this moment then said feeling the despair that was covering everyone, "fella's... we-"

"Guys!" At once distracting them all again was Audrey who was running towards them all as she shouted out looking anxious, "Sweet's calling out for Milo and you all! That king guy is really bad!"

With that without a second thought quickly everyone made their back towards the throne room all of them worried for the king of Atlantis.

Sweet with his stethoscope out had placed the device over the ancient king's chest as he listened to his heart, Uma and Fuma were still next to the king as they both looked at the ancient ruler with worried eyes.

It was bad though and the medic knew it and so quietly he removed his device and as he did at that very moment Meixeng followed by the others all came running in and as she did she called out, "old man!"

Hearing their mistress in moments the small monkeys quickly raced on over to her as they both hopped up onto her shoulders as she kneeled by the king's side horribly anxious, following behind her the others were worried as Milo asked Sweet, "how's he doing?"

At once the professional gave his diagnostic as he told them all, "not good I'm afraid internal bleeding there's nothing more that I can do."

Listening to this Nozomi gasped horrified this wasn't good at all as she said, "oh no! No..." with that she then turned to Riku and Mickey as she asked them, "guys isn't there something we can do! Isn't there anything?"

Mickey and Riku were quiet both despondent unable to give an answer... Nozomi was becoming desperate! There must be something! Anything! But then suddenly a solution occurred to her, "wait maybe that! Maybe that can help!"

Hearing her say this both Riku and Mickey and even Cait sith were confused for what could she possibly? But quickly Riku caught onto what she had thought of as he quickly responded, "Nozomi that-"

However she wasn't listening as she called out her keyblade and with both hands she held it tightly as her focus came forth and as it did as though sensing her wish she felt her power grow and level up as she called out, "Curaga!"

With that the powerful healing spell was cast and as Milo and Sweet watched dazzled with surprise at the glittering and yellow green healing spell, feeling the warm light Meixeng wondered what it was?

However the beneficiary of the spell breathed gently for a moment seemingly at peace making Nozomi smile gladly but then as the healing spell faded away the painful breaths and coughing came again as the spell had failed.

Seeing this shocked Nozomi was sure that would have worked! Why hadn't it? She then began to speak, "how? Why didn't it work! I'm sure that would have-"

But then Mickey gave her the sad answer, "I'm sorry Nozomi... but he's been left too long, the spell won't be able to heal him physically anymore... his time is ending."

At this Nozomi couldn't believe this! She couldn't help at all and as this realisation came to her she shook her head tears beginning to come to her eyes as she said, "oh no! No!"

Mickey was quiet as he watched Nozomi placed her hands over her eyes hiding away her tears, feeling bad he knew wouldn't be able to console her properly but then Riku moved forwards as he quickly held her close to him as he told her holding her gently, "don't blame yourself... there's nothing that any of us can do..."

Even knowing this Nozomi couldn't help but try and argue a little though weakly, "yeah but I! We! Oh Kida... Kida... I'm sorry!..."with that the tears fell as she had failed completely.

Meixeng was quickly becoming disheartened herself again as she continued to kneel by the king's side, but then Milo seeing the spell that Nozomi had cast got him thinking as he quickly said, "no there might be something we can do!"

Turning to look at him as she was still being held by Riku, Nozomi was quiet as tears stained her face, however instead of her Cait sith asked the question, "what? What do you mean there-"

Interrupting him Milo told them all as he went to the king as he said, "it's these! These crystals!" With that he held the kings own crystal in his hands as he continued, " they have some sort of healing energy! I've seen it work before! Maybe it might be able to do what-"

However he was cut off as the ancient king spoke up as he said, "no!" With that he quickly put his ancient hand upon Milo's as it continued to hold his crystal.

Hearing him do this Meixeng spoke up as she said, "old man!"

The king though continued as he asked, "where is my daughter?"

At this everyone quickly became disheartened again, how could anyone tell this poor dying old man the truth of what had occurred... no one said anything at first but then Meixeng biting her bottom lip spoke tears emerging from her own eyes as she said, "she's gone old man... I failed her and you too... she's been-"

Finishing hearing these words the king spoke as he said, "she has been chosen like her mother before her."

Hearing these words Nozomi thought back to the crystal chamber as she remembered Kida speaking a single word as she repeated, "matem?"

However at this Milo asked utterly puzzled, "what?"

The king though didn't stop as he gave his explanations, "in times of danger the crystal will choose a host, one of royal blood to protect itself and its people, it will accept no other."

Hearing this Mickey was astounded as he then asked, "wait? Are you sayin' then that crystal, that light? Its alive?"

At this question the king replied to him looking in the direction he could hear his voice, "in a way, the crystal thrives on the collective emotions of all who came before us and in return it provides power, longevity, protection."

Hearing this explanation Mickey's eyes widened as he looked to Nozomi and Cait sith as he thought to himself, 'its like-'

The king though interrupted his thoughts as he continued, "as it grew, it developed a consciousness of its own," he then coughed painfully as finally he spoke on again, " in my arrogance I sought to use it as a weapon of war, but its power proved too great to control... it overwhelmed us and led to our destruction."

With these words Meixeng was quiet for a moment as she said,"so that's why you hid it away... and had me seal it, so it wouldn't hurt anyone anymore."

Milo nodded at this as he also added, "yeah, so history wouldn't repeat itself right?"

The king nodded as he replied, "correct and to stop Kida from suffering the same fate... as my beloved wife."

At this Riku was puzzled as he asked continuing to hold Nozomi, "your beloved wife? What do you mean by that?"

The king then explained to them all, "if she remains bonded to the crystal, she could be lost to it forever!"

Meixeng gasped as she imagined Kida fading away in flicker of light, like a candle being snuffed out, this too distressed everyone else as they became worried horribly.

The king spoke once more as his sadness echoed in his words. "the love of my daughter is all I have left, my burden would have become hers when the time was right..."

Listening to him Meixeng told him tears leaking from her eyes, "you're not the only one old man... you're not the only one who loved her..."

Hearing her the king turned to her as he said, "yes I know this... though you are crude and reckless beyond all measure, I knew you love her as much as I do."

There was silence between the two of them as everyone could sense that though they did not see eye to eye at times the thing that connected them both to one another was Kida, everyone was quiet as the king continued again as he stroked Meixeng's face, "and I knowing this... should have given you more respect you were given, you comforted my daughter in a way I never could... I will always be grateful to you for that..."

Meixeng nodded the tears pouring out more as she was struggling unsure not knowing what to say at all, "old man...thank you, I..." but she couldn't finish as it was too much for her.

Hearing this feeling the last of his life fading away the king quickly took both of his hands as he removed his crystal necklace as he told them all,"now I ask all of you! Please..." with that Milo placed his hand over the kings crystal and as he did the ruler of Atlantis gripped this touch tightly as he told all who were in that room, "return the crystal! Save Atlantis! Save my daughter!" With that one last gasp... the kings heart stopped beating.

Everyone was quiet in sorrow, Meixeng's two monkey's Uma and Fuma had their ears lowered both depressed as their mistress and Nozomi continued to cry in sadness while Mickey, Riku, Cait sith and Milo were silent with sadness themselves.

Sweet as well knowing that his role as a physician was over put away his stethoscope into his black bag as he continued to stare on at the gang of depressed hero's and heroines.

Milo in the meantime holding the king's crystal in his right hand knew then from that day forward as he held it to his chest that he would always be the one responsible and so for that he would take the burden of Atlantis upon his shoulders forever more...

Meixeng still feeling her tears coming from her eyes then mentally regathered herself and so taking her right hand she wiped away the tears from her face as she then said now burning with fierce determination, "don't you worry old man!... I'll get Kida back and I'll rip that insidious creep to pieces!"

Hearing her say such words everyone knew she was deadly serious however the sorrow still gripped them all tightly and so no one knew what to say or do at all for death always brought down even the most hardened of souls.

Meixeng though was brimming with resolve as she got up and started to walk forwards, seeing her get up Mickey asked her quickly, "Meixeng what're you-"

However fiercely she made her reply as she told the mouse king, "what do ya think! I'm gonna knock that kidnapper to Mars and back!"

Riku though still holding Nozomi to him as she cried asked her annoyed, "and how do you propose that you're gonna do that! We don't have any way to get off of this island!"

Angered further still Meixeng told him becoming more aggravated by the moment, "I don't know! Why not ask your great old linguist for his choice?1 I'm sure he'll just be oozing with suggestions!"

Hearing this tone of aggression immediately Milo replied speaking out his own frustrations to her, "my suggestion? Oh yeah I think we've all seen how effective my suggestions and decisions have been! Let's re-cap! I lead a band of plundering vandals," with that he brought out 'The Shepard's Journal' holding it tightly in his hand for all the world to see as he continued, "to the greatest archeological find in recorded history, thus enabling the kidnap and or murder of the royal family, not to mention personally delivering the most powerful force known to man in the hands of a mercenary nutcase who probably going to sell it to the kaiser! Have I left anything out?" With that he threw the book down showing his absolute frustration and grief which at that moment was beyond measure.

Cait sith at that moment having recovered from his sorrow partially then replied, "well lad ya did give us wrong directions at the start and been an annoyance now and again."

At once Nozomi called out, "Cait sith!" For that was not what they needed right now!

However Milo responded to the small Scottish accented cat truly annoyed as he said, "thank you! Thank you very much!" With that he sat himself down on a broken vase as he felt completely defeated.

Feeling the useless self pitying atmosphere that was there in that room Meixeng had had enough and so with that she spoke, "just I expected! Fine then!" With that she started to walk away again.

But as she did Nozomi called out to her "Meixeng what're you-"

Aggressively she answered, "I'm going out to get Kida back! I'm not staying here for a pitying party!" With that she left storming out through the throne room doorway.

Seeing her do this Cait sith spoke as he said, "crikey! That lass is real mad!"

Nozomi nodded as she responded, "yeah but... how can anyone blame her though? I mean... if something like that happened to someone so close to you, there's no way you wouldn't be angry." With this the room became silent again as the sorrow hung heavy over everyone.

It was finally then Nozomi noticed she was still in Riku's arms and so seeing this she said, "oh sorry Riku I-" however as she looked to him with wide eyes as she removed herself from him she saw reluctance come on over him... at once the strange again in heart she looked at him with uncertainty.

But as he stared at her for a moment he replied, "its all right... don't worry," before looking away, a strong sense of awkwardness came over the both of them.

Sweet seeing the depressed mood that was over everyone decided that they all needed a morale boost as he then said to them all with his usual optimistic gentleness, "you know guys, when you hit bottom the only way is up."

Riku hearing this asked feeling that this was the biggest clichéd line that he could have said right there and then asked him forgetting his sorrow briefly, oh yeah those sure are great words of wisdom, who told you that one?"

At once Sweet gave them his reply as he told them, "a fella by the name of Thadeus Thatch."

Nozomi hearing this name was puzzled but then she realised as she spoke, "Milo's grandfather?"

Hearing this name Milo himself was quiet still... the uncertainty still heavy over him but then the king walked up to him as he asked him, "Milo are ya sure there's no way that we can help at all?"

Looking to Mickey he was quiet but then he turned as he looked to the king of Atlantis's crystal as suddenly a thought came over him and he realised that maybe, "yes... yes! There is something we can do!"

Hearing this in moments Cait sith on Nozomi's head asked, "what lad! What's come to yer mind!"

Holding the crystal tightly in his hand Milo told them all simply, "just follow me!"

With that single sentence everyone went to do just that but before leaving the throne room Nozomi looked to Riku once more as he looked at her.

Nozomi quietly didn't say a word as held her chest uncertain once more but then she looked back to Milo as she followed after him quickly. Riku himself stared after her wondering why she did that? But then he shook his head for this was no time for contemplation as he quickly went to see what the linguist had thought of.

As everyone had made their way outside of the throne room Audrey and the others were quiet but then as they all saw the keybladers leaving they were all puzzled immensely as Audrey asked, "hey where are you guys all going?"

Riku the last to leave the throne room told them all, "we're all goin' after Rourke."

At this Audrey told them in disbelief, "that's just crazy!"

Nozomi though turned and looked at her as she told them all, "yeah it is crazy! But we're gonna do what's right, just like what you guys did before! This is no different."

Milo nodded too as he called out to them, "yeah now hurry up we got to get a move on!"

To which at once the keybladers followed the linguist in seconds, Audrey still dumbfounded at their resolve couldn't believe she was being dragged into this again as she sighed and told the rest of the crew, "c'mon we better all go and make sure they don't hurt themselves!"

With that said they all began to follow the lot of them down the steps of the palace, quickly then they watched along with the keybladers Milo climb up onto one of the enormous mechanical fish and as he did Audrey asked once more, "Milo what do you think you're doing?"

At once Cait sith told her, "hush up lass yer gonna be amazed!"

Nozomi smiled as he said this as she finally understood what they could do as Milo quickly demonstrated as he placed the crystal he had into the fishes ignition hole,"just follow my lead!" With that at once the light shone and glowed and with that the fish quickly floated up showing it was ready to move.

Mrs Packard on the ground seeing this spectacular feat spoke in her same old bored tone, "wow I'm impressed." As she once again puffed on her cigarette.

Mickey himself though couldn't help but think to himself, 'well ya sure don't sound it.'

However quickly as the other citizens of Atlantis saw this amazing feat they quickly approached with questions as one asked, "how is this done?"

Milo then quickly told them climbing off the fish he was on, "all you've gotta do is use the crystals, Kida showed me!" With that he approached a hammerhead shark one as he demonstrated to them all again,"half turn right! Quarter turn back! Keep your hand on the pad!"

Hearing this information at once the learners quickly put all of their crystals into their ignitions and as they did loads of fish immediately floated off of the ground, making a huge school of an army.

Amazed as she saw the fish flying around them left and right Nozomi was in awe but then Vinny came up beside her as he called out, "hey Milo do you have something sporty like a tuna?"

Looking at him Nozomi asked, "why do you want to ride on a tuna?"

Vinny then shrugged his shoulders as he told her, "its the first thing I could think of?"

To which Nozomi simply rolled her eyes but then that was a point, what was she Mickey, Riku and Cait sith gonna ride on? For there was no way she could drive on one of those things!

But before she could think anymore about it Milo called back, "yeah sure Vinny just look over there!" At once the bomb expert went in the direction where Milo had pointed to and as he walked away the linguist looked to Nozomi, Mickey and Riku as he asked them, "haven't you guys got anything to ride on?"

Nozomi shook her head in moments and but Mickey had made his own mind up as he replied, "we haven't yet Milo! But do you think I could ride with ya! I think you'll need be someone to guard ya?"

Hearing this put to him this wasn't out of question for Mickey was small and could easily fit on his ride and he was an excellent swordsman so the reply came in moments,"sure come on hop on board!"

With that the king nodded and in seconds he jumped up and landed behind Milo in, then looking to Riku and Nozomi he asked them, "guys have you got anything for yourselves?"

Nozomi was quiet for obviously she hadn't but then Riku spoke up as he said, "yeah I found something!"

To which Nozomi turned her head in moments as she asked him, "you have?"

Looking to her he nodded as he told her, "yeah follow me," which in moments she did as Riku led her and Cait sith to the vehicle he'd managed to pick out.

Arriving quickly Nozomi saw that it was a sting ray like mechanical one and looking at it she was amazed as Cait sith echoed her thoughts from her head, "good catch lad! This one looks like a real fast little number!"

Riku smiled as he replied, "well I figure we're gonna need all the speed we can muster! So!" With that he hopped on the creature and in moments it lit up and started to float into the air and as it did Riku reached his hand down to Nozomi as he told her,"lets go!"

Seeing him reach his hand out to her Nozomi was quiet again as she was uncertain but as she saw Riku smiling to her, he nodded to her reassuring her quietly that it was all right and in seconds her nervousness vanished as she smiled too and replied, "right okay!" With that she grabbed his hand and was hoisted up. Landing behind him she quickly put her hands around his middle making sure to hold on tight.

Surprising him he looked to her as she told him smiling, "I don't wanna fall off right?"

To which he was quiet before telling her, "yeah, okay let's move it then!"

With that said Riku lifted the sting ray into the air following the rest of the school and as he did he heard Milo call out to the troops, " all right this is it! We're gonna rescue the princess! We're gonna save Atlantis! Or we're gonna die trying! Let's do it!"

To this call there was a resounding roar from everyone showing they were ready for the battle ahead of them and with that the troops of Atlantis quickly all drove and flew forwards fast as the people of the ancient city cheered for them all wishing them good luck!

Hearing the actions from above, hiding in an overhead tree a smile was made as a familiar voice murmured, "its about time!"

Mickey and Milo on their hammerhead vehicle continued to fly forwards when suddenly they felt something land behind them, turning the both of them saw a familiar face as Mickey called out, "Meixeng!"

Having jumped down and landed rather unexpectedly on their ride she replied to them looking a little messed up, "yo!" She was holding her staff out showing she was ready for battle as well with Uma and Fuma holding on tightly to her shoulders.

Looking at her Milo couldn't believe it as he asked her, "but I thought you were going out on your own to-"

Interrupting him Meixeng told him, "what and waste good fightin' energy? No way! Besides, who am I to say no to a free ride?"

At this point Mickey and Milo became quiet completely dumbfounded but then a shout came from below as it approached them, "you just couldn't find your way off of the island could you?"

Looking down surprised Meixeng was quiet as it was Nozomi who had called up looking on with a bright smile as she continued to hold on tightly to Riku, hearing this little critique though the monkey mistress nobody wasn't going to lose her cool entirely as she replied coyly with her arms folded, "yeah and there's that too."

To which everyone laughed and it was then they were all together ready and willing for battle but as they flew forwards Cait sith remembered something as he said, "oh yeah lass!"

Hearing him Nozomi looked up at him as she said,"yeah? What?"

With that Cait sith dug into his furry pocket as he quickly brought out the pale grey/blue marble she'd found ages ago and quickly held it down to her and said, "I believe yer gonna need this one."

Looking at it and remembering Nozomi took it and looking at it as it glowed slightly she asked him, "so it is-"

He interrupted her as he told her, "aye lass! It is! And a mighty strong one too I reckon, I'm sure he'll pack a punch!"

Amazed at this Nozomi smiled as she looked at the marble but as she did Riku asked confused, "what're you guys talking about?"

To which Nozomi told him shaking her head, "its fine, nothing for you to worry about! You just keep your eyes ahead and drive." Then with that said Nozomi put the marble in her pocket as she held Riku tightly again.

Feeling her arms around him Riku once again blushed a little but then shaking his head he smiled as he told her, "fine you got it! Just hang on tight!"

Nozomi nodded and with she and all her friends drove forwards into the ominous and dark caverns of the caves they'd travelled in only a day or so ago, Nozomi then thought to herself, 'hang on Kida! We'll save you! And of all Atlantis too!'