Chapter CXXI: Into the depths of Atlantis final part III
Flying in the air Nozomi raced forwards as she passed from orb to orb as she was quietly and cunningly spinning her trap into place. Quickly arriving to another she spoke up, "right that's that one! Now-"
Suddenly she was cut off as suddenly there was a huge crash from above! Turning her head quickly she looked on with widened eyes as she saw Riku flying backwards lifeless, she couldn't tell but it looked like magic had been used, or maybe it was that monster but at the thought of it, it appeared!
Her eyes widened as it had pulled its claws back and was ready to strike Riku down as it had launched itself forwards into the air having followed after him.
Seeing this Nozomi became distressed as she called out, "Riku!"
But then, "oh no ya don't!" Cait sith suddenly appeared along with Goliath as he rode upon the mighty gargoyle's shoulder and as he came the powerful summon grabbed the back of the beast!
Feeling sharpened claws digging into it the creature turned and snarled angrily but before it could act Goliath spun it around and then with a fast kick and powerful punch it sent the monster flying back into the enormous heartless again.
Taking this moment Cait sith launched himself from Goliath's shoulder and quickly made it to Riku and as he did quickly yellow light covered the white haired keyblader's body, in moments he opened his eyes saying, "what was-"
However Cait sith quickly told him, "ye were nappin' lad and we ain't got no time to! Now come on! Ya gotta move!"
At these words it was then immediately Riku regained his concentration as he replied, "right! Okay!" With that he rushed forwards as he went to help assist Goliath again.
Relieved inside Nozomi breathed out,"oh thank goodness!" But then quickly she launched herself forwards as she said aloud, "I've got to hurry up! We got to end this now!" With that she went to finish what she had started.
Helga on the ground lying painfully on her back as her heart was within the last of its fleeting beats looked up at the enormous heartless that still held the sacred crystal of Atlantis. Seeing it as her visioned continued to darken she saw the struggling that was occurring, looking as close as she could she saw the creature who she knew as Uriax battling against Riku and another strange winged creature while that girl, Nozomi was flying around and around in the air making a circle?
Why was she? But that didn't matter now... only this one last act did, pulling out another gun from her pocket she pointed it upwards as she imagined Rourke's ugly grinning face.
A pained smile on her own face Helga spoke, "just a little... payback." With that the gun was fired, however this was no pistol. It was a flare gun and as its powerful flaming ammo raced forwards lighting the darkened atmosphere it in seconds struck the heartless's head penetrating what little armour it had left causing it to combust and explode all over as another deafening screech filled the air as the creature burned and charred. Seeing her last act done Helga let out a small pained laugh and as she did finally her heart stopped... her time was over.
Walking over solemnly Pete looked at the still woman with quiet contemplation before turning his gaze upwards to where he could see Uriax, looking at him he said aloud, "that little runt's just made one heck of a mess!"
For it was clear that this powerful young man was no longer thinking properly as the darkness that wrapped around his entire body giving him this beast shape had removed the breaks of logic and rationality letting only rage fuel and control him.
If he continued it was obvious that he was he was doomed to fail.
Then looking to his right fist... Pete imagined Hari's face in his mind as he knew in moments what would be the appropriate course of action to take as he gripped his fingers tightly.
Standing upon the golden ring both Milo, Meixeng and Mickey had Rourke on the ropes, for he had nothing to fight against them with! But then the evil commander noticed something glinting in the corner of his eye, maybe that could help?
As he noticed this particular object it was then that suddenly the explosion rang out deafening everyone in seconds, hearing this sound as it hurt her ears Meixeng couldn't see what was going on as she called out, "ow what is that! What's happening!"
The king shocked himself spoke up, "the heartless! It's ignited! Its main section has been blown up somehow!"
Taking advantage of this moment of distraction Rourke launched forwards and grabbed the item he'd noticed, an axe! Taking it he then yelled loudly as he charged forwards to the main source of his aggravation, Milo!
Meixeng though her ears hurt, Uma and Fuma whispered urgently into them and as she heard this info she dove in making a barrier between the psychotic commander and the vulnerable linguist using her golden staff as a barrier. As the enraged attacker struck this single weapon all three were sent flying falling off of the edge of the ring.
Watching them fall Mickey cried out, "Milo! Meixeng!"
In the air Riku had to cover his face from the blaze of the fire as it burned brightly, it was now even harder than ever to try and hold onto anything! The request that Nozomi had made, he'd been able to keep as he had the beast distracted dodging left and right while launching various spells at it, electrifying, burning, freezing and other kind of effect his spells could produce!
Assisted with Goliath who was still being sustained with Cait sith's magic the two together had dealt a lot of damage to the beast. But it hadn't lost its speed and the more it was damaged it only increased the rage dwelling within it.
On his shoulder Cait sith spoke out trying to protect his own eyes and sensitive nose as the burning stench was overpowering. Annoyed he spoke out, "all right! Who set off that fire cracker! This is-"
Suddenly he noticed something from the corner of his eye! Seeing it he called out, "lad evasive action!"
Hearing him Riku without a second thought jumped out of the way as the beast launched more diamonds at him, which were still trying to strike him down! Looking at these small decorative missiles as they rained down Riku spoke, "tch! Even now it still won't stop!"
Then suddenly, "lad!"
Hearing Cait sith once again he reacted as he brought out his keyblade and at once another claw from the beast came as it tried to again to slash into him, to send him into the rocky abyss below.
However as the beast grated into him and his keyblade Riku spoke out aggravated as he told the creature, "not this time!"
Angering it further the monstrosity turned in the air as it tried to hit him with its tail, however all this did was strike Riku back into the heartless and though this burned him ever so slightly he was not down for the count.
At once the beast dove towards him to try and strike him again however at that moment a shout rang out, "Goliath!" Cait sith had called loudly and at his call the strong and imposing gargoyle emerged as he struck into the beast distracting it as it now began to chase after him in the air.
Relieved at this Riku began to move again, as he did he spoke out, "we've got to end this now! This heartless isn't going to last much longer in the air!"
Hearing him Cait sith nodded as he replied, "aye lad I know! We just got to hope that Nozomi's done now!"
At hearing her name Riku then asked him, "where is she now anyway? She must be-"
He stopped for in his sights he saw her there below, what she was doing exactly? Though he couldn't see what it was just seeing that she was all right filled him with glad relief but suddenly!
Falling down below the two humans and nobody fell upon a smaller golden ring that decorated the heartless as the rain of fiery debris and embers continued to fall above, getting up uncomfortably both Meixeng and Milo hurt all over from the impact.
But then, "you know you guys are both bigger pains than I could have ever imagined!" Turning as they heard this angered tone Meixeng and Milo looked on with wide eyes as now Rourke stood over them both with the axe in his hand ready to cut them both down.
With that he proceeded to swing the horrible implement and as he did Fuma and Uma alerted their mistress! Meixeng spoke out, "oh move!" As she did she pushed herself and Milo out of the way as the axe came down.
As they both rushed Rourke continued on, "you know I consider myself to be an even tempered man! It takes a lot to really get under my skin!" With that he swung the axe again and as he did he broke one of the golden chains linking the ring to the heartless and as this happened this broke the balance tipping the ring down. As this occurred this unbalanced both Milo and Meixeng making the linguist trip over the edge, making him cry out, "hey! Whoa!"
Hearing him Meixeng turned now lying on the ground from the sudden unbalancing cried out worried,"Milo!" But she was stopped as suddenly a boot pressed down on her abdomen stopping her from moving as she gasped out painfully, "agh!"
Milo below now holding onto the claws of the heartless that held onto Kida heard the nobody cry out and as she did he called up, "Meixeng!"
Then in that moment Rourke standing over the now powerless nobody girl told her, "but congratulations! You've both won the solid gold kewpie doll!"
Hearing this word Meixeng couldn't help but say, "what!" For what the heck was a kewpie doll? But this became the least of her worries as Rourke moved the axe again ready to strike her down! Fuma and Uma then alerted her urgently horribly distressed and as they did Meixeng truly became terrified as she looked on with wide eyes.
Down below Milo seeing what was about to occur to the helpless nobody girl shouted out to Rourke, "stop it! Leave her alone Rourke!"
Hearing the main source of his aggravation again Rourke turned his gaze to the linguist and then looking at him for a moment silently he told him, "all right then... I'll just get rid of you first!" As a mechanic smile decorated his features.
Meixeng hearing this shouted out, "Milo you idiot! Just run! Just-"
However quickly Rourke silenced her again as he pressed down harder into her making her cry out painfully. Milo hearing this looked at the poor nobody girl with worry in his eyes as he held onto the claws.
Rourke seeing him over the edge looked at his under foot hostage for a moment as he turned back and asked him mockingly, "oh are you tired with worryMr Thatch?" With that he went over to the edge and tried to strike him down with the axe as he bent over it finally removing his foot from Meixeng who coughed painfully from the pressure.
However Milo dodged and it missed him and instead of hitting him it broke the glass on the window of Kida's box, seeing this he then saw that the glass was now shining with blue light having absorbed some of the radiance of the ancient crystal and now they were all razor sharp edges.
Seeing though that he couldn't hit the linguist who'd moved to a farther position he decided on the prior to finish off Meixeng as he looked over her and mocked the linguist further raising the axe again, "because I'm just getting warmed up!" With that the nobody looked up at him as she heard his voice, she was terrified entirely as the axe was beginning to come down.
However Milo quickly acted as he shouted out loudly, "Noo!" Quickly racing up he came from behind the evil commander and then surprising him Milo slashed with the radiating glass shard cutting into his skin and as he did this Rourke cried out in pain as he dropped the axe in moments.
Hearing a painful gasp Meixeng couldn't understand what was happening as she called out, "what is-"
Suddenly she was cut off as Milo grabbed her arm and told her, "c'mon we've got to move!"
Meixeng didn't understand but then before she could say another word there was another painful gasp that sound morphed and alienating freezing her in moments, but then once again Milo pulled her forwards and up as he said, "come on!"
For what the blind nobody couldn't see was that the shard that Milo had used to cut into Rourke's arm was rapidly changing his body as his blood became crystallised which quickly spread to his flesh making become blue all over with haunting yellow eyes.
Quickly climbing back up the heartless dragging Meixeng behind him they ascended the heartless's claws. Stopping for a moment the linguist tried o catch his breath while the monkey mistress confused spoke up as she said, "what did you do! What's going on!"
Ignoring her though for a moment Milo looked down and saw that Rourke was solid and still like a statue and seeing this he breathed a sigh of relief as he told her, "we're safe... thank god!"
Quiet Meixeng was still puzzled, how did he stop that madman so easily? But then before she could say another word suddenly from behind there was an alienating and chilling roar stopping her in her tracks.
Milo turning at the sound of this voice then cried out, "Aaaaggghhh!" For Rourke hadn't been made immobile and in moments he'd climbed up to their level! However Meixeng hearing this quickly acted as she turned and with a quick utter summoned her dusk's enormous arm and punched the crystallised monstrosity back with angered eyes.
As Rourke though fell in the air he grabbed onto one of the remaining chains and was coming back for a second onslaught but suddenly, "Milo! Meixeng!"
There was a call from above and then before the evil commander could comprehend anything further he heard another cry, "FIRAGA!"
At once the Powerful fire spell struck into Rourke and in moments, his hardened and crystallised body had no chance against this inferno as he was blasted into millions and billions of little pieces as he screamed in that chilling voice, "AAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!"
The smoke escaping from the end of his keyblade as he watched the death of the evil commander Mickey hung onto a stray chain having arrived just in time to save his two companions, looking at him relieved Milo cried out, "Mickey!"
Hearing the small mouse king it was now clear now to Meixeng, they'd won! They could now take back Kida and-
Up above Nozomi finally finished her trap! Everything was ready but suddenly! "Nozomi!"Hearing Riku shout she turned and looked up and suddenly saw that a huge metallic plate of the heartless was now falling straight towards her!
Her eyes widening she went to quickly move! Running as fast as she could but as she moved she hadn't anticipated the burning debris that also fell with it as metallic and burning chunks dropped everywhere almost like small meteors!
Running as she smashed one projectile after another she thought she was through the worst of it as she got out form under the burning and charring plate. Smiling she turned to wave up to Riku to give him the A-okay but suddenly as she did this one stray projectile struck her straight in the head concussing and making her fall backwards heading straight for the burning plate!
Seeing this Riku called out again alarmed, "NOZOMI!"
As he called out her name the beast busy grating into Goliath heard the fear and panic in his adversaries voice and as he did he turned immediately and saw the winged girl fall, heading straight towards a burning inferno! Seeing this its eyes widened in horror.
Above seeing her fall Riku immediately had jumped off of the heartless and was now descending in the air and as he did Cait sith on his shoulder told him, "lad come on! Hurry up! Hurry up!"
Hearing this gritting his teeth as he fell through the air he told him, "I know I'm trying! I just can't-"
Suddenly cutting him off something huge rushed past him shocking him in moments as it raced straight towards to Nozomi! Then watching with wide eyes he the huge burning metallic plate was also destroyed suddenly by a whirlwind of purple diamonds! Looking on with shock he saw that the horrible monster that they'd been battling so hard against was now cradling Nozomi in its claws!
Coughing a little slightly feeling an aching pain in her head Nozomi opened her eyes blearily confused as she asked, "what was I?" But then as she regained her focus she looked up and saw where she was and looked on with horror to see that the beast was over her!
Alarmed she backed up but then feeling its claws she had nowhere to go! Looking up into its eyes she felt completely helpless and on edge. But as she looked into its pale blue eyes the malice she had witnessed before had all but vanished and was replaced by a gentleness of some kind... looking at it she began to ask, "what-"
"Nozomi!"
Distracting her she looked behind the beast and saw Riku approach with Cait sith on his shoulder as he also called out, "lass!"
Seeing them she looked on with relief a smile on her face seeing that they were both okay but suddenly the beast hearing them quickly remembered its rage as it turned and snarled, knowing what it was intending to do Nozomi didn't hesitate as she cried out, "guys now!"
Hearing her glad that she was safe Riku paused for a moment as she called these two words out to him, but then remembering before she'd prepared something he immediately switched from concern and worry to fierce determination as he quickly called back, "right!" Then looking up he called, "Goliath!" At once the summon raced down from above to catch up to the keyblader.
Nozomi now ready looked at the beast as she told it, "now it's time to ring you in!" With that she reached her left hand up as she then suddenly pulled hard on the threads she felt from her fingertips as she cried out, "Shimmering Sewing!" With that all the orbs she'd taken the time to lace and connect together all shone as they all came straight towards her and the creature!
The beast distracted watched as these many orbs of light headed straight towards it! It was confused but then suddenly it felt Nozomi leave its clutches! As this happened it turned in the air and as it did the the orbs all covered its body creating a huge web and net stopping it in its tracks as it tried to furiously free itself tossing and twisting madly.
Seeing this done Nozomi told her friends quickly, "now guys!"
With that both Riku and Goliath struck into the beast hard and fast with a hard kick and then both went underneath and with a strike from Riku's keyblade and a punch from Goliath the beast was sent flying upwards into the air! Then being grabbed by Goliath's strong arm Riku ascended with him and as he did they both began to shine as though the moon were upon them! Racing they made it to above the creature and feeling the powerful Gargoyle's power resonating with his own they both aimed hard and fast as then Riku cried out, "Moon Night Claw!"
With that the attack rang out as silver and dark purple energy blasted through the creature sending it flying straight down! Nozomi glad her plan worked moved to give the final blow as she brought out her keyblade, "Swift st-"
But then she stopped as she saw the creature's pale blue eyes as she saw something that paralysed her on the inside, fear, a familiar fear?
Suddenly, "all right! That's it! Time out!" Suddenly from nowhere Pete emerged being carried by a couple of bat heartless, he quickly caught the netted beast with one of his huge fists and as he did he looked at it with serious eyes. The beast seeing what he was doing then began to thrash around angrily at the indignity of being saved by his pathetic bumbling subordinate!
Nozomi seeing the huge lug appear cried out mad, "Pete!"
However looking up then he said to the two keybladers and summon, "play times over for now ya brats! Time for me and beasty here to say tootles!"With that he called upon a portal of darkness beneath him and his cargo.
Seeing this happen Nozomi felt something was wrong here as she called out, "wait!"
But it was too late as Pete and his luggage quickly vanished as he called out, "don't ya lot worry! We'll be havin' recess together real soon!" With that he vanished as his large chuckles filled the air.
As they both vanished the female keyblader still felt something was terribly wrong but then, "Nozomi!" Turning quickly she saw Riku was falling through the air with Goliath beside him.
As they descended Nozomi quickly raced up to meet him as she called back, "Riku!" With that she reached him as he caught his hand with hers allowing him to float in the air.
Seeing each other they were quiet for a moment but then a couple of smiles covered their faces glad that the battle had finally ended!
Cait sith then spoke up, "well that was well done there guys!" Turning he also added,"and thanks to ya too Goliath lad!"
To which the keybladers both looked to the strong summon, the Riku nodded to him glad as Nozomi told him, "yeah thanks so much Goliath!"
Hearing this praise the gargoyle summon nodded silently a serious gaze on his face as he quickly glowed away and once more became the blue/grey summon gem as he quickly entered Nozomi's pocket again.
Silent with victory no one said anything but then suddenly, "oh no no no!"
Distracting them they turned and looked below and saw that the dying heartless was now practically only meter's from the ground and there on the surface beneath it was Milo and Meixeng along with Mickey who were trying to dislodge the box that continued to hold Kida out from some rocks that were stopping them from moving her away to safety.
Seeing this at once Nozomi's eyes widened as she called out, "guys!" With that quickly holding Riku in hand they raced to the surface!
Seeing the trouble that the linguist and nobody were going through Cait sith told Riku, "oi lad! Clear a path!"
Hearing him Riku quickly acted to that command as he responded, "right!" Then aiming his keyblade, "The Way To Dawn," he called out, "Firaga!" Destroying the rocks in a fiery blast that were blocking Milo, Mickey and Meixeng's attempts to move the box.
Feeling the rocks now gone Mickey called out, "all right together now fella's!" With that they all pushed the box with all their might and at last it rolled down the hill and out of reach of the smouldering oncoming obelisk!
Then! "Guys!" With that quickly arriving down Nozomi, Riku and Cait sith crashed into the lot of them also sending them flying off the edge as in mere seconds the heartless finally landed bellowing out its last cry as a huge shimmering heart emerged as it quickly vanished away...
On the land in the meantime everyone rolled over and over all crying out, "ow! Ouch! Whoa!" Until they all finally landed rather ungracefully all flat and exhausted on the ground while Milo collided into the box.
Crashing into it he cried, "ow! My head!" As he held the back of it as it throbbed painfully. But then looking at everyone he immediately got up as he raced up to them as he looked over them all and asked, "guys! Are you okay? Are you-?"
At once a hand came up which was Meixeng's as she told the worried linguist, "all good! But... don't say anythin' more for a moment will ya? Ow!" For she was just as achy as he was.
Glad to see she was all right as Uma and Fuma attended their mistress Milo turned to the keybladers as he asked, "hey guys are you okay?"
Mickey hearing him lifted himself up as he told him with an awkward smile, "yeah fine Milo just..." then cringing a little at the aches himself Mickey kept his optimism as he said, "just a little achy here and there!"
Truly relieved Milo was glad as he quickly went to go and help Mickey back up onto his feet but at that moment as he did Nozomi and Riku finally recovered consciousness, feeling bleary again the female keyblader asked, "did we make it?"
Getting up now sitting upright Riku told her, "yeah somehow... someone better get the name of that license plate."
Cait sith up and about now removing himself from Riku's shoulder spoke up, "well looks like victory is now ours lad! Game over!" He laughed as he aimed his paws to the huge smouldering heartless as though he were holding a little pistol in them.
But then at that moment as the levitating fish arrived on the ground to meet their victorious companions red lines started to develop underneath the heartless that quickly began to spread throughout the ground.
Suddenly a feeling of shuddering was underneath everyone's feet as this occurred making everyone go on edge, this snapped Nozomi back in moments as she was still lying down she asked nervously, "what's going on? What's happening?"
Mole the expert on all things rocky and dirty seeing the lines and hearing the shuddering quickly gave his panicked assessment, "the volcano! She awakes!"
At this everyone became wide eyed, as Nozomi was gawking as she cried out, "what!"
Riku then told her, "the volcano's gonna blow! We gotta get out of here now!" With that he quickly got up and helped Nozomi up as Cait sith arrived in a hurry and made it to her shoulder.
Running forwards past Vinny a stick of dynamite in his hand he told everyone, "hey I had nothing to do with it," to which then he noticed that the stick was now lit and quickly he put it out feeling awkward.
Mickey making it to one of the flying fish told everyone, "we got to make a run for it fella's! Otherwise we'll be crispy and fried!"
Cookie hearing him replied, "that I agree we got get ridin'!"
But Meixeng hearing this kept her main goal in mind as she called out, "I'm not leaving without Kida!"
Milo nodded as he quickly spoke grabbing some chains near him,"I know and I'm not planning to either! Besides if we do the whole city will die!"
Hearing this though Audrey quickly though getting off her own fish told the idealistic linguist, "and if we don't get out of here we'll die!" Quickly she began to assist him grudgingly and hurriedly wanting to get out of there fast.
Tying the chains on as best he could Milo spoke out again, "it's the only way to reverse this!"
Getting tired of all this stress Meixeng cried out, "just get on with it! Move it!"
Quickly she assisted Milo and Audrey as best she could finally tying the chain into place the expert engineer and linguist ran for the waiting fish.
Meixeng then climbed on the box as she heard the oncoming rumbles she looked on with fierce determination, turning seeing her do this as she climbed up onto one of the fish arriving next to Riku and Mickey, Nozomi cried out,"Meixeng what are you doing?"
At once the reply came, "I'm not gonna let her get charred! Just think of it as being a body guard!"
Hearing her no-one could believe she was fiercely this loyal but there was no time to argue as Milo called out, "come on! Move! Move!" With that the chain was tied in place and once all the fish started to ascend and make their escape!
But as the box started to move now holding both Kida and Meixeng the chain connecting it to the back of Milo, Audrey and Vinny's fish snapped! Leaving it behind in the distance!
Turning back as they all heard this snap everyone looked on terrified, however with no hesitation Milo jumped off and took the chain again as he raced along the erupting floor to fix it.
Seeing him rush to do this Audrey cried out,"Milo no!"
Nozomi quickly became worried too and in moments made to move and help but before she did Riku spoke, "what do you think you're doing!"
She then told him burning with determination, "helping them! We've got to save Atlantis right! This is the only way to! They need all the help they can get!"
Riku looking at her was quiet but it was clear he was reluctant to let her go, but Mickey knew her and so with confidence told her, "yeah yer right there! Go on Nozomi! I know ya can do it!"
Riku then looking to her still unsure heard her say as she read his mind, "don't worry! I'll be fine snowball!"
Cait sith on her shoulder then spoke up, "ya darn right she will! Especially with me callin' the shots! Now c'mon lass let's get movin!"
Nodding at this Nozomi quickly ran as her wings guided her down, floating along Milo she stuck her hand out asking,"hey need a lift?"
To which though surprised Milo smiled as he replied, "yeah gladly!" With that he quickly took the helping hand as she quickly raced them both towards the box.
As the steam and cracks of the volcano sounded Meixeng held onto the box fiercely refusing to let go nor leave, but as she did Fuma and Uma were frightened and feeling them shiver she whispered to them with soft coo's, trying to reassure them despite the horrible predicament they were in.
Suddenly, "Meixeng!"
Looking up as she heard this familiar voice she then heard a couple of thud's and though she couldn't see, she knew who had arrived and feeling their presence she was glad to see that her faith had been sound as she told them both, "it's about time you showed up!"
Hearing this Milo quickly replied, "sorry for the hold up!" Then quickly with Nozomi's help as she melted the chain into place with a small fire spell he then held it tightly as he cried out, "right now go!"
Then with that order and command issued the box was quickly lifted into the air as linguist, nobody and keyblader all held on for dear life as the lava came oozing and gushing after them!
All the fish raced forwards with great haste all of them desperate to escape and to save their ancient home, as the three box riders held on they all looked at the lava with fierce looks of determination despite their fear as they slid and rocked back and forth as they twisted left and right through the caves.
Taking the initiative though Nozomi aimed her keyblade as Meixeng took out her golden staff and together the both of them blasted away any trickles or splashes of lava with magic and high pressures of water that threatened them all and their precious cargo.
Finally making it out of the caves they saw the huge expanse of the ancient city before them and as they did Cait sith called out, "all right lad and lasses! We're almost at home base just a little more and-"
"Whoa!" Milo called out as rocky shards flew forwards from the lava, they were shooting out almost like little rockets!
Seeing them coming angered Nozomi as she aimed her keyblade and cried, "oh give us a break!" With that she then called out, "Blizzaga!" With that they all stopped shot out of the sky!
Cait sith seeing her do this told her, "nice shootin' lass!"
But at that moment it was finally then that they arrived at the city and as quickly and as gently as they could the box was delivered down onto the cities floor, climbing off of it everyone looked back as they could hear the volcano churning and raging as many rivers of its hellish substance was leaking through the rocks!
Seeing this Milo spoke out, "we've got to get Kida out of that thing now!" Then looking nearby he saw a guard with a spear, grabbing it away quickly he plunged it into the metal lining of the box trying to lodge it open like he would do with a crowbar.
Seeing him do this Nozomi spoke up, "hang on let me help!" With that she grabbed the spear too as she pulled with all her might to make the metallic container open.
Arriving quickly on the ground themselves Riku and Mickey ran up to see what they could also do to help! Then seeing what Nozomi was doing they heard Cait sith call out, "oi lads! We need more muscle here!"
With that hearing him Mickey spoke up, "right! Comin'"
Then Riku responded too as he said, "Okay! Let's do this!" With that both keyblader and mouse did their best to assist their friends.
As everyone pulled hard together trying their best to dislodge the metallic cage there was another huge rumble as Mole shouted out, "the fissure it is about to eject it's suluphurastic fury!"
However not getting it they all simply kept pulling as Sweet shouted out the translation, "guys Mole says the walls gonna blow!"
Irritated Riku shouted back, "we get it!"
But no matter how much they all pulled it wasn't working, Nozomi distressed shouted out loud, "oh why isn't this-!"
"Oh come on!" Interrupting her Meixeng walked over aggravated beyond all measure as she suddenly summoned her enormous dusk, seeing it with a fright everyone quickly back up as Meixeng finished saying now riding her trusty steed, "just let me do it!"
With that she handed the beast her golden staff and with it the creature thrust it into the box's top and as it did this it then smashed its other fist into it and all at once like splintering a nut with a nutcracker the box came apart as the ephemeral princess inside was finally freed.
Feeling her powerful radiance everyone quickly backed away as Meixeng did as well quickly dismissing her enormous dusk and as it vanished away Kida caused the many plates of her prison to rotate and levitate around her as the power of the crystal started to take effect.
Seeing this happen everyone was silent with awe as they watched the entire city began to shine as white blue lines lit up everywhere, as this happened Nozomi asked, "what is-"
Suddenly there was a huge rumble and as this occurred the lines all vanished as they had found what they were seeking, everyone became wide eyed at this and feeling something coming they all quickly jumped back as something erupted from the ground!
Seeing this they all looked on with wonder as the stones engraved with the many faces of Kida's ancestors all emerged and began to float and rotate around her, all of them were like the petals on a flower as they all rose up into the darkened skies.
Around and around the stones spun gaining faster and faster momentum and as they did they all began to shine together brightly! Then it seemed that they had all become like a small sun and suddenly in the blink of an eye a beam of light emerged from the shining spectacle as it raced and coursed into something in the water.
Looking no-one had any idea what it was but suddenly something! A giant! An enormous giant of ancient stone emerged from the waters as it creaked and heaved, its purpose realised again after so many centuries of rest.
Seeing this everyone was struck with dumbfounded shock, Cait sith though couldn't help but cry out, "c'awww! Blimey!"
Then at these words suddenly more beams of light emerged from the shining crystal and as they did more and more giants emerged after their long years of silence as they dislodged trees and uplifted the many rocks that had grown upon their solid frames.
Everyone then watched as these ancient soldiers of stone all moved silently with their purpose to be done, even as the lava sent rocks and other fiery debris upon them this didn't slow, stop nor alter them.
Watching everyone saw the giants all gather around the edges of Atlantis and as they did all finally in position it was then the lava fully broke through the walls of the mountain and as it did the giants clapped their enormous hands together. At once enormous shields of light emerged in each ones outstretched arms and as the shields grew bigger and bigger the lava approached as the glowing barriers all began to merge together.
As all of the shields resonated and became one with each other they all reached up high covering the entire ancient city in a protective dome as the lava came in its full force as a massive destructive burning wave!
Seeing it Nozomi looked on with widened eyes as she cried out, "it's coming!" Then it swallowed the entire city with the dome containing all its inhabitants in moments!
But as this occurred and they were all swallowed into this fiery inferno wave there was a shine of light as the lava all quickly became hardened and darkened immediately destroying the heat and the danger it once possessed as it became a black congealed cement.
Silence hung heavy in the air...
Suddenly though the black encrusted rock and ash started to splinter and crack as that wondrous blue light began to shine through creating hundreds and hundreds of light blue lines that splintered the shell more and more covering it all over as it all fell apart revealing the shining blue shield beneath and the astounded inhabitants inside.
As the rock and mortar all fell away the giants ceased their shield as the rock around them cracked letting waterfalls fall off their edges quickly extinguishing any remnants of lava that was underneath the ancient city.
Seeing what had happened everyone was speechless but Riku breathless from the spectacles whispered aloud in wonder, "what power!..."
Then as the steam that been created from the enormous event began to flow away a beam of light emerged from the sky, noticing it as she turned Nozomi spoke up as she pointed to it,"look there!"
At once everyone turned and as they did everyone watched in wonder as the princess of Atlantis descended from the sky, seemingly unconscious. Seeing her Milo rushed forwards as he cried out, "Kida!"
Hearing him call out her name Meixeng at once moved to where she could hear his footsteps then she stopped as she heard him come to a halt. Everyone watched as Milo had now caught the Atlantian princess in his arms, as the effects of the crystal finally left her body the light vanished she relaxed into Milo's arms.
Looking at her quietly they watched as she awakened and then looking to the brave linguist she smiled as she said, "Milo..." then turning her head she saw the others who looked at her with wide eyes but then seeing them she smiled at them too as she spoke, "everyone..."
Relieved to hear her ancient friend and precious princess the monkey nobody started to weep as finally she turned to her too and said, "Meixeng..."
Hearing her voice knowing that she was really back she struggled to remain calm but she couldn't hold back anymore and so quickly she ran over as she wrapped her arms around the princess and cried, "oh Kida! Kida!..."
Feeling her with her arms around her the Atlantian princess smiled as she stroked her white and blue tinted hair and said, "Meixeng..." but then looking to her companions who too were gazed at her with eyes of happy relief, she finally turned back to Milo who also had the same expression though his smile more gentle to her in some ways, she opened up her other hand and in it she saw something from so, so long ago.
It was the bracelet that her matem had carried away with her when she had been absorbed into the crystal...clenching it tightly she held her old friend with both hands as Milo and the others quickly came around her too and wrapped her in a warm embrace, all of them glad for her safe return.
It was now much later after everyone had calmed down and the peace had a chance to settle in, for now the city which had been so over flooded with blue water was now being drained revealing the ancient towers and buildings that had been lost to time.
However at that moment it wasn't the time now for exploration as thanks was being given, Kida taking one of the many crystals she had prepared put it around Vinny's neck as Milo stood beside her with Meixeng at her other as she said to the saviours, " Atlantis will honour your names forever! I only wish there was more we could do for you."
Nearby hearing this being said Riku stood with Mickey, Nozomi with Cait sith on her head once again as he uttered sceptically, "more you could do?" For as he turned his head he saw nearby a Narwhale ship that had been prepared for the explorers with a mass of gold and antiques and other various treasures. From his point of view they'd been more than well endowed.
Vinny though simply replied to the princess in usual grace as he said, " well you know thanks anyway but I think we're good."
Smiling at this Kida then turned to the last of the beneficiaries as she made her way over to the three keyblader's as she said,"now my friends..." with that she opened her palm revealing three remaining crystals in her hands as she spoke to them all placing each one around their necks, "you have done so much for our kingdom, you shall all be honoured for all time, for your services in helping us restore our home."
Having this royal and impressive thanks Nozomi couldn't help but feel a little bashful as she scratched the back of her head an awkward smile appearing as she told her, "aww, well it's not really that much Kida... um I mean it's only natural to help out your friends right?" She asked as she turned to Riku and Mickey.
Looking at her as she said this the king brightened as he replied with a slight nod, "yeah, that's right! We're glad we could help ya out here Kida, and it's great that things have turned out so well."
Riku then spoke as well, "yeah... and I'm sure from now on you'll be able to rebuild and restore what was lost won't you?"
Kida nodded at this simply with a smile on her face as Milo then also told them all smiling, "yeah of course, I mean with me and Kida we'll make this place even better than it was in the past."
Hearing this Nozomi laughed as she said, "oh they need someone specialised in gibberish that badly huh?"
Milo laughed as he replied, "you know it!" Ending with a bright smile.
Cait sith though was becoming annoyed as he spoke up banging Nozomi's head as he said, "hey yer forgettin' someone!"
Everyone then looked at the small black cat quietly baffled as he spoke out aggravated, "where's my crystal! Ya can't leave the one and only special feline out can ya?"
At this Kida was silent but then she laughed as she realised her mistake, "oh yes of course!" With that she reached into her sarong and brought out the last crystal though this one probably by most would have been mistaken for a bracelet since it was so small, placing it around Cait sith's neck she told him, "there you are, forgive my ignorance noble Cait sith."
To which glad to see he hadn't been left out the black cat became immensely proud as he said, "now that's more like it! Noble and mighty like I deserve."
Hearing this Nozomi sighed rolling her eyes as she said, "don't let it go to your head or anything."
Meixeng having been silent up until this point decided to voice herself as she asked, "hey?"
Getting Nozomi's attention the female keyblader looked at her confused as she asked,"hm?"
The monkey mistress nobody then asked, "I've got my answer to that question you asked me before."
Forgetting what she'd asked her Nozomi replied, "question?"
Smiling at her forgetful nature Meixeng then told her, "I've decided... I want to meet this Odyeux guy you were talking about before."
Hearing this and then remembering the question from before Nozomi was stunned with silence for this was something she hadn't expected, Kida as well was just as equally perplexed as she asked, "Odyeux? … Meixeng what are you-?"
"I'm gonna be leaving Kida..." she interrupted, this shocking the Atlantian princess to her core, however after a brief pause sensing the sadness that was filling the air she continued, "I'm sorry I didn't tell ya... there was no time and I was goin' to explain but-"
Kida then asked her sadly appalled, "you're going to leave Atlantis! You're going to..."
Feeling bad inside Meixeng sighed as she told her, "yeah... I mean well, I've been stuck here long enough... besides I'm an outsider here remember? I didn't really belong here in the first place... my leave's been well overdue."
Everyone was silent as these comments were so callously said but then Kida moved closer to her taking both her hands she told her, "but you've been here for so long! Didn't I ever make you feel welcome enough?"
Hearing this concerned and saddened tone Meixeng smiled sadly as she told her shaking her head slightly, "not at all... you were the one who made me feel welcomed the most, with you here I always I had a sense of home..."
Kida then asked her feeling tears beginning to emerge, "so why then? Why do you have to-"
"Because I got to grow and change... and its the same for Atlantis, as you and I agreed it needs to change to flourish and have a future, the same is true for me..."Meixeng told her as she then removed her hands from Kida and wrapped her arms around the princess's head as she began to cry into her chest.
Watching on everyone was sadly silent... Nozomi felt the worst as once again she divided beloved friends, just like Araxne in Woody's and Buzz's world.
Feeling the princess in her arms as she cried Meixeng was reminded once more of the small young child she had cared for so long ago as Fuma and Uma cooed over her too trying to comfort their mistresses and their life long playmate, stroking her hair she asked her, "aren't you always my brave little one?"
Kida shook her head as she didn't wanted to be patronised but at the same time she didn't want her age old friend to leave... Meixeng seeing this smiled but then turning her head where she had heard Cait sith and Nozomi she asked the small cat upon the girls head, "hey? Cait sith?"
Hearing the nobody girl his arrogance all but gone the small black cat replied, "yeah... what is it?"
Meixeng then asked him, "can you send me right now?"
To which Kida held on a little more tightly to her age old friend as Cait sith answered though a little reluctantly, "I can lass... virtually anytime ya me want to..."
Nodding at this she replied, "I see... would you also be able to do a little something for me?"
Hearing this Cait sith asked puzzled, "huh? Do somethin' for ya?"
Smiling now Meixeng replied, "yeah, could you make it so I can come back here once in a while?"
To which at that moment there was then an awkward silence in the air as Kida had stopped crying and looked at Meixeng with widened puzzled eyes... but then Nozomi asked, "what?"
Her smile broadening Meixeng replied,"I said, do you have a way that I can come back here once in a while?"
Hearing this Kida asked her, "you mean... you're not leaving permanently?"
Meixeng then laughed as she told her little princess, "I never said I was did I? You just assumed that! Besides, someone's got to come back and check up on you once in a while! You little trouble maker."
No one could believe it! Her mischievousness had no bounds! Kida seeing what her old friend had done couldn't then but help laugh in relief though she was annoyed at her being reduced to such a state as she said, "you never change do you?"
To which came her one word reply with a cheeky smile, "nope!"
Feeling better inside herself instantly Nozomi smiled and then turning to Cait sith still on her head she asked him, "what do yo say Cait sith? Can you make another badge?"
Hearing this question asked the black cat was silent for a moment but then feeling immediately re-energised he cried out, "can I? Can totally so!" With that he flipped in the air and in moments a glitter of yellow magic appeared as a badge was revealed with the shape of his smiling face on it. Catching it in both her hands Nozomi looked to Cait sith who had now landed on her shoulder and as he did she smiled to him.
Then walking on over to the princess and monkey nobody she handed the badge to Kida as she told her, "here's a little present from us."
Looking at it Kida released Meixeng and held the badge in both her hands and then looking at them both silently Cait sith told her, "just it keep it close to ya! And no matter where ya are ! Little miss mischievousness here will be able ta come runnin'!"
At these words Kida was quiet but then nodding to this she quickly attached the badge to her sarong, as she did she looked to Meixeng who nodded to her as she told her, "and you know I will, okay?"
Kida hearing this smiled once more as she then took Meixeng's hands again and told her, "yes I know... just please take care, my friend."
To which Meixeng nodded herself and so then detaching herself from her princess she turned to Cait sith and said, "well... time to send us all on our merry way? Would you do us the honours?"
At this request Cait sith nodded as he replied, "will do!" With that he jumped off of Nozomi's shoulder and with that the monkey mistress walked with him a short distance and as she did she took his small paw and with it she, Uma and Fuma began to glow and glitter with bright yellow energy.
Watching on quietly everyone looked upon the telaportation, Meixeng looking up in the direction she knew Kida was in told her, "don't you worry about us Kida!" With that she took her own necklace revealing the Atlantian crystal on it, with that Uma and Fuma's bells rung as inside them were two smaller crystals, she finished telling her, "we'll always be connected."
Kida acknowledging this smiled as she said, "yes! I know! Goodbye!"
Meixeng then nodded a gentle smile on her face as she faded away in a yellow glitter of light with Uma and Fuma as they chattered happily with excitement at the thought of a new place to play in.
Seeing her go Nozomi was quiet for a moment but then she spoke up as she said, " I bet Ody and the others will be glad to meet her."
Cait sith nodded as he jumped back onto her shoulder again replied, "I bet they will!"
Feeling emotional now realising that everyone was going to say their goodbyes Milo turned to his other crew members as he told them, "well I guess it's salutations now huh?"
Audrey smiled sadly as the crystal on her neck glowed, she told him, "we're gonna miss you Milo... and," with that Audrey turned to Nozomi, Riku and Mickey. Walking over she then told them, "thanks for savin' us and helpin' out! And Nozomi?"
Curious she asked, "yeah?"
The female ace mechanic then told her, "thanks for savin' my butt in the sky like that, sorry if I gave ya too much of a hard time!"
To which hearing this Nozomi shook her head and laughed as she told her, "nah don't worry about it! Besides I gave you just as much of a headache at times, so I'd say we're both equal huh?" With that Nozomi extended her hand out.
Seeing it Audrey smiled and then taking it with hers she shook it as she told her, "you got that right!"
Meanwhile behind them Vinny approached Milo as he told him proudly in his old monotone voice, "you know I'm gonna re-open the flower shop!" With that he grabbed Milo around his shoulders as he told him his epic plan," And I'm gonna think of you guys every single day! Monday to Friday! Nine to five, seven till two...Sunday" then he had to think to himself for a moment as he said, "I'm gonna take Sunday off probably, maybe I'll go in for a couple of hours y'know but... August! I'm gonna take August!"
At this Riku shook his head a smile on his face as he said, "he really does think too deeply about this kind of thing doesn't he?"
To which Mickey told him, "well it's just a sign he cares Riku!"
Suddenly, "speakin' about carein'" it was then the both of them and Nozomi along with Cait sith saw it was Cookie as he had a jug of some kind and as he did he told them all, "ya know... I ain't too good at these kinds of speeches... but I want ya all to have this... "
With that the jug was handed to Riku who looked at it oddly perplexed as there was some pale yellow gungy goo dripping from it, detesting the question that was going to come out of his mouth he asked, "uh... what is it?"
Cookie then told them, "it's the baking grease from the whole trip!"
At this everyone's stomaches churned... however Mickey still keeping his kingly manners replied, "uh well uh... thanks Cookie..." However he was unable to finish the sentence.
But Riku finished it for him,"we'll treasure it..." to which Cookie became so overcome he had to leave before he shed tears. Quickly though Riku put it on the floor behind a bush not wanting to look at it or hold it anymore... for there were some ways to care that weren't really hygienic.
Then talking about unhygienic suddenly Mole emerged as he held out his arms as he spoke in his french accent, "my comrades!"
However instantly Nozomi moved away put off by the horrible odour on Mole's body and the flies making their way around him but then tentatively she acted for everyone's benefit as she said with a smile, "yeah... thanks Mole," with that she patted his head as she told him, "you take care okay?"
With that Mole was confused but then he moved away glad for some praise, Sweet looking at him then told the heroic linguist, "you take care of yourself Milo! And you guys too!" With that he walked over and gave them each individually a handshake (and Cait sith) then turning he went to Milo as he gave him a hard tight hug as he told him,"come here!"
However everyone heard the clicking of bone and then Cait sith spoke up, "ooh that must a hurt!"
Clearly it did as Milo felt like his neck had become stiffened so quickly before the expert medic left he asked him pointing to his uncomfortable spot, "Sweet uh before you go could you um-"
Knowing in seconds what he wanted Sweet immediately fulfilled the request as he twisted Milo's head getting the bones back into the right place once again as he told him, "no problem!"
Relieved from the pain again Milo smiled as he looked up to the medic and said, "thanks!"
To which he replied, "oh you're getting' a bill!"
Everyone happy full of smiles all laughed at this but then Mrs Packard having her fill of euphoric happiness asked bored, "can we go home now?"
At once hearing this Sweet told everyone, "c'mon y'all lets get one more shot in front of the fish!" Everyone immediately complied as they all stood around to pose and get a good shot.
Standing in her selected spot Nozomi gazed at the camera happily but as she did she remembered the beast from before, picking up the crystal around her neck as it had a colour similar to those monstrous eyes, she wondered to herself, 'that thing before... it felt so familiar... just like,' then an image of Wairu appeared in her mind and as it did this startled her. Why would she think that? Then shaking her head this idea was ridiculous... there was no way they were connected!
Then looking to her side she noticed Kida and as she did she thought back to when she had been crystallised and as she did she remembered the words Milo had translated to her, 'Seeker of the wings... one day you shall be betrayed.' What did that mean too?
So far she hadn't had the chance to ask, but after the photo definitely that would be the first thing she'd do!
A native holding the button ready spoke out as he said, "everyone say yach!" At once everyone did, "Yach!" Smiles on their faces.
But suddenly as the photo was to be taken Kida felt something in the pocket of her sarong,"what's this?"She asked.
Hearing her Milo asked, "what Kida?"
At once the princess took out the pulsating thing as she saw that it was her ancient child bracelet as it glowed and pulsed brightly. Looking at it puzzled she asked, "what is-?"
Suddenly then a ringing filled the air as the small object quickly floated up, seeing it Nozomi asked, "it's this?"
In moments her keyblade 'The Starseeker' emerged and as it did the ringing from the bracelet increased as suddenly a beam of light emerged and shot into the sky revealing a bright and glowing keyhole.
Seeing it Nozomi immediately acted as she jumped back and then aiming she pointed her keyblade at it. Doing this a beam of light emerged from it and entered the keyhole, as the power entered it there was then the sound of clicking as something had been opened inside. Then with that the wondrous phenomenon vanished and faded away...
All at once as this occurred Nozomi's power activated as underneath her, a glowing summoning circle emerged as her wings appeared and extended out, an enormous mystical light glowed everywhere.
Seeing it was time to go instantly Riku and Mickey got into position and they did Milo and the others looked on shocked, but quickly the linguist called out, "what is this what's happening here!"
Nozomi hearing him smiled as she told him, "it's time for us to say goodbye too! Sorry it's so sudden guys!"
But even with this the others still couldn't believe it, quickly Audrey called out to them, "but where are you guys going!"
Riku hearing this replied with a smile, "no clue at all! It's random every time!"
Mickey nodded as well as he told them all, "yeah! It is," then looking to Milo the mouse king told him, "so sorry Milo! But when I get the chance I'll come back and discuss more things with you! I'll have loads of new research for us next time!"
Hearing this Milo was silent but knowing there wasn't much time he smiled as he told him, "all right! You guys just all take care! It was great to travel with you!"
Cait sith hearing this replied to him, "ditto on that lad! But for the life of Mike mate! Learn to drive a truck will ya!" To which the linguist nodded and laughed.
Looking on Audrey still couldn't believe it still but quickly on her groups behalf she called out, "you guys take care! Be safe out there!" To which they all nodded.
Finally then Kida quickly called out her goodbyes, "all of you be safe and travel well!... Heroes of Atlantis!"
Nozomi nodded as she responded, "no worries!" With that they all vanished as they ascended into the column of light which would deliver them all to their next adventure.
Watching as they vanished Milo stood next to the princess as he took her hand in his, the bracelet of the past held tightly in them both...