Chapter CXXIII: The ARCS and the Maids

Return To The Radiant Gardens Part II

Walking inside the door Nozomi, Riku and Mickey followed the inspector Bonkers inside who continued to ride upon his Chocobo Coco as he called out, "Hey captain Merlin sir!"

Inside busy talking to the gunblader Leon who was there already Merlin turned around surprised and then looking he first saw his small assistant as he called back to him and said, "oh yes! Hello again Bonkers what do you-" then he stopped as his gaze turned to the keybladers as he saw them he became stunned just as Leon did as well.

However Bonkers not noticing the surprise on his higher up's face continued on,"well you see I just so happened to catch these delinquents!"

Looking to him Riku asked him, "delinquents?" For all they did was just stand around?

Bonkers though continued on as he said, "they were attemptin' to use yer gizmo outside and I decided to intervene so-"

Suddenly then 'The Inspector' was interrupted as Merlin walked on over and spoke to them all, "well greetings lads! Its been a long time!"

Shocking Bonkers Merlin walked right past him as he went to talk to Mickey and the others making his as he made it over Mickey spoke up as he said with a smile, "hiya Merlin! It has been a long time!"

With that the grand wizard chatted with the group a little to learn what they had been up to and as Bonkers watched on confused it was then that Leon walked on over. Stopping he stood next to the inspector and his chocobo, looking at what was occurring he smiled as he said, "well this is a surprise out of the blue."

Turning to him Bonkers asked him, "Leon? Captain Merlin knows these guys?"

Hearing him Leon looked to the small cat and Chocobo as he then told them both, "yeah he does... oh I forgot we haven't filled you in yet have we?"

"On what?" Bonkers asked baffled.

Leon then told him, "well you remember how I told you there were some guys we were waiting to come and visit us?"

To which Bonkers nodded as Coco did too, Leon then told him, "well these are just some of them."

Bonkers at this knowledge then replied, "Oh! I see..."Suddenly he spoke, "what? Them guys?"

Leon simply nodded in reply.

Bonkers then said, "well with the things you guys were sayin' I was expectin' some guys bigger!" But then as he looked at them all talking he couldn't help but feel a little bad for making them to be bad guys so with that he told his friend and ride, "well Coco looks like we're gonna have to be makin' some apologies huh?" To which the small Chocobo kweh'd in agreement happily.

At that moment it was then that Merlin finished most of his quizzing as he remarked, "well it certainly seems you lads have gotten a lot stronger than when I last saw you all!"

Then he turned his head to Nozomi as he asked her, "and have you been keeping up with your magical studies lass?"

Nozomi nodded happily as she replied, "yep sure have all of my spells have levelled up to the maximum now!"

Proud to hear this Merlin nodded pleased, "great to hear! It's wonderful to have you all back here again."

Mickey nodded at this as he replied, "its great to be back!"

Riku was happy as well but he was especially pleased with the news that soon Sora would soon be coming to see him and Mickey. But then his curiosity returned as a question came to his lips, "Merlin?"

"Hm?" The master wizard asked.

Riku then proceeded with his question, "how did you manage to restore the town so quickly? And also why's the whole town decorated for? Is there a celebration that's gonna be happening soon?'

Hearing these questions asked Nozomi's own curiosity came back again as she too wondered about this.

At this question Merlin then had an answer read, "ah yes well you see that's-"

Suddenly from outside there was a large rumble as an engine roared as something fast arrived with wheels screeching. Then it stopped quickly as there was a sound of someone landing and with that the door was banged open as a cheery voice called out, "hey Merlin dude!"

Looking towards this voice everyone then saw a new individual, he was a young teen and looked to be around Nozomi's age, he had long brown that was tied back into a long pony tail of sorts that looked almost like a twisted lightning bolt. He had pale blue eyes and over his forehead he had goggles which had orange crosses in them that were tied back by a green strap. He was also wearing a black vest with buckles on that revealed his strong toned belly, a yellow leather bracelet was tied around his left hand and on his right there were various coloured ones and then finishing he had army camouflage patterned trousers and black trainers that were revealed underneath them.

When Nozomi looked at him for some reason though she'd never seen one herself, he reminded her of a surfer.

Merlin though seeing the young youth smiled as he spoke, "oh yes! Good day Musashi! How are you?"

At this question the young man replied, "cool! Totally cool! Is Leon in here?"

To which then the gunblade user called over to him, "over here Musashi!"

Hearing him at once he responded, "oh! Hiya Leon!" With that he walked on over towards him.

Riku looking at this individual was unsure of him as he'd never met someone so... laid back? But then as he went past him there was one other aspect that he'd now noticed about him, he had a samurai sword strapped to his back!This young man was clearly a warrior... he'd had to find out later how strong he was...

Mickey looking at the boy said,"well he's an interestin' fella."

As everyone watched this new person go over and talk to Leon they were all quiet and finally at last it was then that Bonkers decided to make his proper introduction as he walked on over to the group patting Coco for them to go forwards, arriving quickly he then spoke to the new group, "hey guys?"

Turning to Bonkers again everyone looked to him as he got their attention, Nozomi asked, "hm?"

Bonkers then spoke again as he said, "I gotta be makin' an apology to you all... I didn't know you all knew captain Merlin."

At this it was then that Nozomi responded as she told him relaxed, "oh don't worry about it there Bonkers, I mean you were doin' your job so... it's no biggie."

Glad to see that they hadn't taken offence Bonkers smiled himself as he said, "aww that's good! Well anyway, I heard that someone was supposed to be comin' from somewhere but I never knew it'd be guys like you? I thought you'd be comin' out of the books as well?"

At this sentence Riku became curious as he asked, "books? What do you mean by that?"

Puzzled Bonkers paused as he looked on blankly, "huh?"

It was then Merlin decided to make a little bit of an explanation, "ah well you see Riku lad,"with that he walked up and stood beside Bonkers and Coco and as he did he continued to speak,"I summoned Bonkers here and Coco from a couple of books."

Surprised by this Nozomi asked, "what you mean you summoned these two from books?"

Merlin nodded and then in a twirl and sparkle of magic a couple of books appeared and as they did he held them both in his hands displaying their covers and on both there were a couple of illustrations. One showing Bonkers as a crime fighting crazy cop in a Toon car and the other showed Coco as he seemed to be leaping happily with autumn leaves scattering all around him.

Amazed at this Mickey spoke up, "that's amazing Merlin! How did you learn how to do that?"

Pleased that they were amazed by his new power the master magician told the mouse king, "well your majesty it was actually thanks to a couple of things."

Hearing this Nozomi repeated, "a couple of things?"

To which in response Merlin nodded as he continued, "the first thing was my discovery of a secret hidden underground library here in the town, it was found during the time we were still excavating and restoring, we came across it purely by accident."

Everyone then imagined the scene as Merlin continued, "inside it there were hundreds of books, some novels, some textbooks but then I found a unique collection of picture books but sadly a lot of them were worn away and quite badly torn but then I had help from a certain source who helped me restore these books."

At these words Mickey asked, "a certain source?" Then it clicked in his mind at who had helped with the translation and restoration, "Odyeux?"

Merlin nodded and smiled at this as he said, "indeed, he was very resourceful! His power over books and writing is incredible."

Nozomi hearing this was pleased and glad to know that Ody had been able to help everyone and she was sure he must be joyful too, then she remembered the Lachesis report! She was gonna have to ask Cait sith to send over the new one to him when he got back.

Riku in the meantime was curious, "but Merlin why would you want summon people out of books?" then turning to the two summoned beings he quickly told him, "no offence to you guys."

Bonkers relaxed told him, "nah it's okay don't worry about it." Coco in response also chirped showing he wasn't annoyed either which made Riku relieved.

Merlin then explained, "well... it was accidental in some ways because like the 'Winnie the Pooh' book I have, I simply wanted to restore them but miraculously these two came forth! I was completely surprised," then turning to Bonkers and Coco he also added, "but I suspect these two simply were tired of being cooped up in their stories and wished to get out and see other worlds. "

Hearing this Bonkers nodded as he replied, "yep that's sums it up! Besides this place needs the help of the hand of the law! And we're the ones to be given it! Right Coco!" To which the small chocobo kweh'd joyfully.

Laughing then at this everyone was happy, Nozomi then asked smiling, "so have you been summoning other things and people too?"

Merlin then told her, "well yes I am planning to for the celebratory carnival that's coming up but-"

"Did someone say carnival?"It was then that Musashi interrupted as he walked on over as he had heard this particular word.

Seeing him approach Nozomi paused for a moment before she nodded and said, "yeah that's right."

At once Musashi replied happily, "awesome! Do you guys wanna join 'The ARCS?'"

Hearing this word puzzled the keybladers as Riku asked, "The ARCS?'"

Musashi nodded as he replied, "yep! The Awesome Radiant Carnival Squadron! 'The ARCS' it's a group that me and my commander buddy Snow have organised!"

Hearing this name thinking it sounded a little corny Nozomi couldn't help but ask with a skeptic smile, "commander Snow?"

Undeterred Musashi continued, "yeah! Together we're helpin' with the preparations with the carnival to celebrate with the completion and recovery of the Radiant Gardens! We've already got some members and we're lookin' to recruit! Do you wanna join us? It'll be a blast!"

With all this info Riku was quiet and though it seemed harmless fun enough he couldn't help but wonder about the credibility of this so-called commander as the title to him was quite childish and so he asked his question, "this Snow guy?... Is he really reliable as a commander?"

Musashi then hearing this question started to answer, "sure I mean he's-"

"AAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!"

Making everyone jumpthey all darted out of the way as someone suddenly burst through the door and started running around the room desperately trying to pull something off of his head. Looking on with widened eyes they saw a blonde haired tall man with whiskers on his face showing he wasn't one for shaving. He also wore a long creamy white coloured coat with a white vest underneath revealing a few necklaces around his neck. He also wore dark grey trousers with a few belts and he had a pair of black boots on.

Watching this scene with startled eyes everyone watched as this man was trying to use his gloved hands to get something off of his head that was clawing into him.

Shouting everyone heard his voice, "oww man get off! That really smarts!"

Looking at this perplexed Nozomi then heard a familiar Scottish angry tone as he spoke up mad, "oh no I ain't ya big lummox! How dare ya do that to me highness!"

Shocked Nozomi cried out, "Cait sith!"

However the small black and white cat was too busy in his onslaught as he continued on, "I'm gonna teach ya a thing or two for makin' me highness dress in garbs like that!"

Merlin seeing and hearing the ruckus going on demanded from him, "I say Snow! What do you believe you are doing?"

Snow then tried to respond as best as he could despite the pain he was being inflicted with, "I'm tryin' ta get whatever this thing whatever it is off! Ow! And I thought you and your magic could do somethin to- ow!"

Cait sith was in no hurry to stop and feeling sorry for this guy whoever he was Nozomi immediately went in to intervene as she shouted out, "Cait sith leave him alone!"

Seeing what was happening to a friend of his Bonkers immediately then also called out, "this looks like a case for the law! C'mon Coco!" With that the small chocobo consented to the command as he jumped in too to help his friend.

Watching this rather ridiculous scene as now girl, cat, man, Bobcat and chocobo all brawled together in a messy heap trying to get one to stop the other in a cloud of dust it was definitely getting out of hand!

Mickey seeing this spoke up, "Riku we gotta stop them! They're gonna make more of a mess!" For he didn't want to course grief to anyone.

Seeing it though he wanted to help Riku couldn't help but ask, "yeah but how your majesty?"

For in this clustering mess of people no one had an opening of any kind to stop unless they wanted to become a part of this chaotic brawl, it looked like it was impossible to stop! Even Musashi and Leon two of the greatest warriors from anywhere didn't know what to do about this situation!

Merlin standing appalled watched as more of his books fell and a few other objects were thrown left and right! Looking at this disaster zone as it was being made he called out, "will you mad lot all stop this! You're damaging treasured antiques of magic here! Do you-"

"Sorry I'm late I-"

Another familiar voice this time sounded that made everyone look and seeing this person Riku asked surprised,"you're-"

But it was clear now by the appalled look on her face that she was shocked but then she became mad and so gripping her hands tightly she took in a deep breath. With that an almighty shout filled the air,

"ALL OF YOU STOP THIS! THIS INSTANT!"

This sudden blast of noise sent the roof flying for a moment before it landed back down making a huge shudder everywhere and the group of chaotic bumbling fools all looked on with shocked faces as the onlookers were just as terrified at this huge shout.

Nozomi having grabbed the man's coat which she had mistaken for Cait sith's tail looked to the open doorway and there standing breathing hard trying to recover herself was none other then Oralee! Looking at her though Nozomi saw that she wasn't in the usual costume she usually wore. Instead she was garbed in a maid's uniform which was pink and creamy white with a lacy skirt underneath, she also wore an apron and a maid's headdress with little heart shapes all over them.

The victim lying on the floor was also stunned as Bonkers and Coco rolled off him looking on with just as surprised eyes at the power of this one girl.

Surprised at seeing her old friend like this Nozomi asked, "Oralee?"

Looking on still pulling onto the blonde man's hair Cait sith stopped as well as he immediately became saddened with fright and it looked like he was almost going to wilt, "yer highness I was only-"

Walking over clearly mad Oralee grabbed him by the cuff of his neck as she looked at him seriously, then suddenly she moved her other hand back! Everyone thought for a moment she was going to smack him! But then surprising them all again she simply shook her hand annoyed as she told him, "I told you not to go off and suddenly attack people like that! Look at the mess and ruckus you've made!"

With that the black and white cat did just that and seeing the trouble he'd caused he did feel bad but he still had to justify his actions, "but yer highness that big buffoon has dressed ya like this! I mean that's just insultin to yer-"

"Cait sith," stopping him in moments Oralee then sighed as she was still annoyed as she continued, "he hasn't insulted anything! I chose to wear this! I'm just doing my part in helping the people of this town as a member of 'The ARCS,' they've taken care of me and to show my gratitude I have to do something to help out!"

Hearing this as she was giving Cait sith a telling off Nozomi couldn't help then but smile at the little interaction between the two of them as it was quite cute.

Cait sith though knowing now he'd done a big no-no tried to speak again, "but yer highness I just-"

Cutting him off Oralee told him, "look... I understand you're looking out for me, but you've taken it to too much to an extreme! I can look after myself you know! And my position as royalty doesn't apply here, we're not in Alexandra anymore are we?"

With that the small cat became quiet, seeing him become docile again Oralee hugged him to her sighing once more but then looking up she felt eyes all over her and as she did she paused before becoming horribly flustered and embarrassed as she said, "oh my goodness everyone I'm so sorry, I..."

Nozomi looking at her shook her head as she said, "don't worry about it Oralee," with that she got up as she walked on over to her as she then said, "besides someone had to stop that mess right! Besides you did it the way a princess should! With a royal bellow!"

Embarrassed further at revealing her rather uncouth quality Oralee apologised once more, "I'm sorry you had to see that... it was so shameful."

Nozomi shook her head as she told her further, 'oh no! No it wasn't Oralee anyway," with that she then hugged her as she said, "it's great to see you again!"

Feeling the warmth of her friend Oralee felt her embarrassment flee and as it did she then smiled happy too, "thank you... I'm glad to see you too, Nozomi."

To which then detaching Nozomi nodded as she spoke on, "yeah! I love that outfit you're wearing by the way? Where'd you get it from?"

Smiling further now fully recovered Oralee told her, "you mean this?" To which she pulled her apron a little forwards as her indication.

Nozomi nodded in response as she continued, "yeah it's really pretty!"

Oralee then twirled happily as she spoke on, "thank you! Well this was given to me by Snow and his-"

"Is everything all right in here?"

Turning then both girls and everyone else saw yet another new person, another girl this time she looked to be maybe the same age as Oralee, she was a pink haired girl with a single long twirl of it in a side ponytail, her eyes were a lively shade of lilac which were very similar in colour to Nozomi's. Like Oralee she too was wearing the maid's outfit.

Looking at her everyone was quiet but then quickly the young girl seeing the blonde haired man on the floor ran over as she called out concerned, "Snow?"Getting down beside him she quickly asked him further, "are you all right? You suddenly ran out of the parlour and-"

However the man Snow replied to her, "ah it's no big deal Serah! Just agh-"he then gasped as he felt a few scratched from Cait sith on him here and there, though not wanting to worry the girl he told her, "just a little princess and cat dispute."

Confused as she heard this she shook her head a small smile on her face as she was glad he was all right but quickly then she helped him back onto his feet.

Running up to him Musashi also asked him with worry, "hey Snow dude! You okay?"

Hearing his pal Snow looked to him as he replied feeling a little foolish,"yeah I'm cool Musashi! Don't worry about it, ow!"

Looking at this guy Riku then asked aloud, "Snow... are you the commander Snow?"

Hearing this question being asked he looked in Riku's direction and as he did he nodded as he said, "yep that's me! Why were you approached by Musashi? Do you wanna join 'The ARCS'?"

At this question Riku became hesitant as he replied, "I think we're gonna have to think about that one..."

Nozomi herself was quiet as she thought she wouldn't mind joining, but right now was probably not the best time to join any groups so she spoke too, "yeah um... we gotta sort some stuff out first before we do anything else!"

Seeing that they weren't successful in recruiting Snow laughed awkwardly still cringing a little pain as he told them, "aww okay then, Ow! But when you guys have the time just come and find me or Musashi and we'll take you up! We're always looking for new people!" With that he was being led to the door to go out of Merlin's house, being assisted by Serah and Musashi.

However before he left he called out,"see you later new guys!"

At that moment too just as they were leaving out through the door Serah turned to her fellow maid as she asked her, "are you coming with us Oralee?"

At this question the princess of Alexandra paused for a moment as she said, "I'll be with you all in a moment!" With that as they headed out the door as she looked to Nozomi again as she told her, "I'm sorry I have to cut this short, we'll spend more time together later all right?"

Nozomi hearing this nodded as she told her, "yeah that's fine don't worry! You take care Oralee! We'll see you soon!"

With that the princess nodded happily then turning Cait sith up and in her arms she looked to him and then staring at him with a stern look in her eyes the small cat looked to her sadly as he said, "yer highness...?"

However quickly surprising him she kissed him quickly on the cheek as she told him, "now you behave yourself! Don't give me another reason to tell you off all right?"

Cait sith was silent with total surprise, he was speechless but then suddenly, "Oralee!"

Hearing her fellow maid calling her she called back, "coming Serah! Just a moment!" With that she quickly handed Cait sith to Nozomi who held him quickly in her own arms and then quickly the maid bowed to everyone again as she said, "see you all again soon everyone! Please visit me at the 'Scrooge and crumble'! We'll give you a great service!" Then turning again she called back to her dear childhood friend, "bye Cait sith! Seeya later!" With that she ran outside and quickly she hopped on board a motorcycle, sitting with Serah, Snow and Musashi who then steered the vehicle into position and with a loud roar from the engine the lot of them drove down the road and out of sight.

Seeing them go Mickey asked puzzled, "The Scrooge and Crumble?"

Leon then finally recovering himself walked over as he told them all, "it's a new ice cream shop that's been opened up by Scrooge duck, Oralee started working there recently too, quite a few of the girls like it."

Hearing him say this Nozomi turned and asked him, "have you been in there Leon?"

At once the gunblade user told her, "I don't like sweets."

Feeling deflated at this Nozomi responded, "oh?"

Mickey then turning to Leon himself asked him, "so that Snow fella and Serah and that Musashi guy, they're obviously new here huh?"

Leon nodded as he replied, "yeah, they actually all arrived in a ship not too long after you guys had left! There have been a whole lot of new faces popping recently, I'm sure you'll meet them all in your own time."

Hearing this Riku replied, "yeah that sounds like a whole ball of fun."
Nozomi nodded as she also added, "yeah definitely! And we're gonna have to visit that ice cream place too!"

In her arms Cait sith sighed happily pleased his highness didn't hate him,"oh yer highness..."

Nozomi then shook her own head as it was amusing that even Cait sith could be gooey like this.

Nodding glad that they were all amused Merlin then spoke, "yes, very nice, very nice... but now I think it's time I inform you lads about other events that have occurred here."

At this Nozomi asked, "other events?"

Merlin nodded and with that he walked over to another door on the other side of the room as he told them all, "I must talk to you about this slumbering lad you've left us with."

Hearing this and remembering the boy who who had spoken Lachesis's name it was then that a seriousness entered the air... quickly everyone all walked over and followed Merlin into the room where more secrets would be revealed to them.

After climbing the long, long staircase the witch of darkness, Pete and the furious beast form of Uriax still in his netted sack arrived at the entry way where her loyal servant was staying.

Smiling Maleficent entered first as Pete then entered too and as he did he finally saw her again, Hari. There she was was sitting by the open window, her head down as she was leaning forwards her against her legs as her keyblade was there in her out stretched right hand.

But as he saw it, it was clearly different to the key she had used previously for instead of the burning winged, 'One Winged Angel' it was a new key, however this one had an even darker feeling that the one from before as the end of it was shaped like a scythe with a glowing red gem in it's centre.

It was a sharp one and dark one that clearly that no one should ever have to touch, as he saw this Maleficent then spoke smiling,"Hari... look who has returned?"

Hearing her master Hari lifted her head as she turned to look in their direction but as she did the look in her eyes chilled Pete, for a moment he saw a glowing red scarlet light that scared him entirely as he dropped Uriax by his side who growled angrily.

Seeing the look on Pete's face she looked to Hari again and walking over she asked her, "what do you think of the changes I've made to her?"

"Changes?" Pete asked, but then looking he saw what she meant, the clothes she was wearing were entirely different than what they were before, for now she was no longer dressed in just black leather, she was now in a more armour like outfit which was silver and red in colour. The armour decorated her chest and arms and legs, underneath it was black leather keeping it in check with brown buckles and like before she still wore black shorts. Around her middle was a long purple belt with three straps coming out of it making it almost skirt like with a blue symbol that he didn't recognise engraved upon it, it looked like a heart but it was divided in two with one half upright and the other upside down while in its centre was a diamond that seemed to keep it centred and in check.

Looking at her for a moment Pete said nothing but he knew he had to keep Maleficent pleased if he wanted to have Hari under his wing again and so he responded, "yeah! That's real nice Maleficent! Hari looks..." he paused for a moment but then the only word that came to his mind was this, "magnificent."

Pleased with this one adjective the witch of darkness smiled as she replied, "indeed..." then taking one of Hari's long hair strands in her hand she stroked it as she continued, "she has performed very magnificently... she has gathered many, many hearts for me..."

At these words Pete then had an image of her in his mind as he imagined countless victims falling before that long sharp and dangerous keyblade in her hand... the sight of her doing this chilled him inside horribly.

"And that's not all that's she's recently acquired," Maleficent continued.

Hearing this Pete asked, "what?"

Then releasing her hair Maleficent told her, "why don't you show him Hari?" Then stepping out of her way she gave her the room she needed to reveal her secret.

Quiet still Hari then closed her eyes for a moment as she breathed in deeply as all over her a bright green light shone and pulsed all over her. As she did this Pete stared at her worriedly for before she had always glowed with red light! Why was it green now? What was-

But then with a breathless gasp from her mouth there was a ringing sound as it echoed all around as three small spheres of light emerged from within her and as they did suddenly they surrounded her twirling around and around before finally settling down on the ground. Quickly then they all grew and took on solid tall flat forms which were then revealed to be three doors, white in colour with three different symbols decorated on their top stained glass panes.

One was the shape of a roaring noble lion, another was a symbol of a trident and finally the last one was that of a planet with two rings surrounding it... looking at these doors Pete became wide eyed, these were just like that door that had led him to his-

But then Maleficent looking at the doors with eager glee told Pete as she stood before them in front of Hari, "behold the portals of time!"

Hi everyone! Thanks to everyone who has stuck with the story so far! And big news there's a new contest on! Anyone who's interested in entering please PM me and I will give you the details!

Okay? Please review! I love to hear what you guys think!