Chapter CXLIII: Divided, The Conflict Upon The Pridelands Final Part II
"Urgh..." Riku spoke as his eyes slowly opened themselves. He felt a dull aching sensation all over his body, however it was lessening by the second... but what had-
"Riku!"
Hearing this voice, he gasped as he recognised it and immediately he got himself up! Looking he saw who had called to him, Nozomi. Looking at her Riku saw that she had a look of worried relief on her face, "Nozomi?" He asked but quickly he stopped himself as it seemed to him that she'd been crying! But why-
"You idiot!" She cried out frustrated, shocked at this immediately the white Lion cub felt a sensation of irritation quickly rise up within him, but before he could reply the tiger cub continued, "what were you thinking!? Charging into Hari's attack like that! Don't you remember what she's done before!"
At these words Riku stopped again as he remembered properly about what had happened leading up to this. Hari's sword Maelstrom attack... the pain he'd been exposed to was beyond words... the blazing red power had pierced him all over, it had felt like he would have been ripped apart.
Quickly after remembering, he looked down as he finally understood why Nozomi was reacting this way. Feeling guilty he couldn't help but smile a little sadly as he told her, "...looks like I didn't did I? " then looking to her he asked, "I just caused you more trouble didn't I?"
Looking at Riku as he said this Nozomi felt now bad too, but she continued on, "yeah you did... you idiot! If the Curaga spell hadn't worked, I don't know what..." then she asked him, "why did you have to do that!? Why put yourself in harm's way to-"
"Because I wanted to save you!" Riku told her strongly stopping her in her tracks, he looked at her with his own determination in eyes as he added, "you've saved me and the King so many times... how could you not expect me to do anything for you!"
Nozomi hearing this was silent, inside she couldn't help but feel touched somehow but she still had to insist, "but... but... I, I don't like seeing you get hurt like this! It hurts me inside!"
Hearing this Riku didn't quite understand what she meant by that as he asked her, "hurts you inside, what do you mean? Why would you-"
"Why?! What do you think you dumb snowball! It's because I-" suddenly she stopped... she what? What was she going to-
"RRRRROOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRR!"
Suddenly a huge sound blasted everywhere, distracting them both immediately the two cubs turned around and saw a shocking sight! A huge dark shaped lioness creature with red armour covering its body along with red spikes aligning its tail.
The two of them stared at the creature dumbfound until Nozomi cried out, "what the heck is that thing!?"
Looking at it Riku had quickly recovered from his sensation of shock, for gazing at the creature he could feel the power of darkness emanating from it!... his eyes narrowed down as he realised what had happened, that she'd done this!
Nozomi still staring at the monster was horribly puzzled when suddenly running past her Riku called out, "Nozomi come on! The others need us!"
Recovering then as she saw him run, the white tiger cub quickly replied, "r, right! Okay!" With that she took off as she followed after him. As she ran though she was puzzled inside... what was she about to say back there?
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"Oh! Look out! Look out! Look out!" Cait sith cried out madly in panic!
"Huh!?" Hearing him the Out Lander quickly reacted as he leaped out of the way of an incoming sharp clawed paw! Running hard and fast Kovu looked behind him as he saw the enormous evil grinning face of his mother as she had tried to attack him and Cait sith!
Looking at her Kovu had an expression of extreme agitation! For together with Cait sith, Mickey and Simba the four of them had distracted Zira, stopping her from going after her former comrades and that of the Pride Lands.
However attacking her had been impossible, for though she was an enormous creature she was also very agile! Any attack from he or Simba's claws and the one Keyblade that the king possessed had done nothing! Her whole body seemed to be invulnerable!
But looking past her face, Kovu looked to her chest as he saw Kiara still within her purple cage. Looking to her he could see that she was slamming the walls of the crystal as she seemed to be crying out something to them all. However even her voice was silenced... but her pain and fear was clear for all those to see.
Looking at her he whispered aloud to himself, "Kiara..." then looking away he was hurting horribly inside... how could they save her?
"Kovu!" "Cait Sith!"
Suddenly two familiar voices cried out, turning quickly Kovu saw running opposite to him were both Mickey and Simba as they too were avoiding, the other attacking paw of Zira's.
Looking at them both Kovu called out to them, "Mickey! Simba!"
Then suddenly as he called out to them all, the enormous monster stopped as now the band of heroes were now gathered in one spot! Seeing this Zira cried out, "I have you!" Then at once she lifted up her right paw and in moments her claws became razor sharp as they started firing forwards in a huge hail like cannonballs!
As all these sharp blades came running forwards towards them all Cait sith panicked again as he cried out, "LADS!"
Hearing this loud shout the Lion King turned and saw what was coming and immediately he shouted out, "everyone dodge now!"
Then quickly as the blades smashed and impaled themselves into the land everyone did their best as they all quickly leaped and jumped out of the way, left and right as this hellish rain continued to descend!
Holding on for dear life Cait sith couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so panicked! Then as he turned his head he saw one sharp clawed heading straight at him and Kovu!
Horrified he shouted out madly, "agggh! Incoming!"
Hearing this shout Kovu looked back and saw terrified there was no time for him to dodge! Mickey too hearing the shout as he spun in the air and landed shouted out, "fella's!"
"FIRAGA!"
Immediately the missile claw was blasted away and disintegrated in moments!
Stopping as he covered his face from the dust as it was sent left and right, Kovu moved his paw away and saw who'd come to the rescue them at the last moment!
There breathing hard standing just a slight distance from behind Zira's legs, Riku spoke finally as he dismissed his keyblade for a moment, "we're just in time!" Then quickly beside him Nozomi quickly appeared too though she was a little breathless.
Seeing them both in moments Mickey cried out happily, "Riku! Nozomi!" Just as pleased to see them even Kovu and Simba couldn't help but smile too!
However Cait sith recovering from a near heart attack couldn't help but shout out mad, "ya dafts! What took ya so long!"
Sensing who'd done the attack Zira turned as she spied the small white lion and tiger cubs, looking at them both she whispered, "so..." then turning in seconds facing them both she spoke bitterly, "more pests to deal with!?"
Looking at her angered face, Nozomi felt chilled inside but then she too saw Zira's chest and Kiara standing captive within the purple crystal! Alarmed she cried out, "Kiara!"
Ignoring this outburst Zira murmured almost in a sinister purr, "well I suppose I have no choice... " With that she raised up another fierce weapon of her's, her tail! As she held it quickly poised over both of these tiny nuisances, she cried out filled with bloodlust, "I will smite you right here!" With that she turned as she swung her tail as it was launched at them quicker than the eye could blink!
"Guys!" Kovu cried out alarmed as the dust was sent flying left and right!
Quickly though as it settled, Nozomi and Riku had vanished! Everyone was startled as they tried to look for them when suddenly, "Swift Star Rays!"
At once glittering comets of lights raced through the air as they struck into Zira's crystal! Kiara inside her cage was startled as she shielded her eyes, then quickly they vanished as they hit the glistened surface leaving her unscathed. However irritated as she felt a slight sting, Zira turned aggressively and saw the tiger cub descending in the air with wings outspread!
Nozomi in the meantime having launched her attack saw it had no effect and so cried out, "oh no it didn't work!"
In the air as he made his way back down to the earth himself Riku cried back to her, "well what do you expect!? It'll take more than that too-"
Hearing him stop in mid sentence as she went to follow him down Nozomi called out to him, "Riku?" Looking she could see his eyes were huge, alarmed by this she called out,"what's wrong!?"
From where he was Riku could see something shining along Zira's back but before he could dwell on it suddenly Zira cried out, "take this!"
Quickly Zira went to strike them both with a fast swipe of her claws! Once again the two of them evaded as they landed on the ground and started running away at full speed! Seeing that this attack hadn't worked, Zira resorted to her hellish razor sharp claw rain again!
Dodging left and right as they were now being made into target practise Nozomi cried out, "oh no! No! No! No! Whoa!" With that she leapt out of the way of one particularly sharp claw that nearly impaled her!
"Nozomi!" But Riku was in no position to assist her either as he was just barely avoiding his own impending missiles!
Looking on from the distance as Nozomi and Riku were struggling now instead of them, Kovu, Simba, Cait sith and Mickey simply on stared on. The King of the Pride Lands then spoke as he said, "this is terrible! We've got to do something!"
Anxious Kovu spoke as well, "I know! But how!? If we go into that we'll just be caught up in that chaos too!"
Irritated Cait sith cried out, "yeah real obvious there Kovu mate! Now stop stain' the obvious and get to some ideain'! We can't leave that Snow Drop and Banshee lass ta become kebabs!"
Mickey had been quiet this whole time as he watched the battle unfold between Nozomi, Riku and Zira. Carefully observing them he'd noticed something in the white lion cub's eyes... he knew from where he was standing he'd seen something! So looking at his comrades struggling and then at his friends who were with him... he had an idea!
Turning to everyone he called all their attention, "fella's! I got a plan! But I need ya all ta listen ta me!"
Stopping them in their tracks everyone looked to him and as they did Cait sith felt an urge of excitement well up within him and as he did he spoke aloud quietly, "and I bet it's gonna be a good one!"
Still running away Nozomi and Riku continued to dodge left and right, as they did Zira had now started to chase after them herself! This was terrible for them both! As they zipped left and right desperate not to be hi,t it was looking more and more hopeless for them!
Looking back Nozomi turned her gaze to Zira, then shifting her gaze down she saw Kiara again, staring at her she saw her look on with anxiety and horror. Looking at her friend she became just as sad and anxious for her! They couldn't do anything!
"Nozomi!"
Snapping her out of her thoughts the white tiger cub looked to Riku as he told her, "get it together! We can still do something if we just-"
"Now I have you both!" Zira shouted out sinisterly with glee!
Looking back to Zira the both of them saw she had turned again as she now had her tail aimed and it was heading straight towards them both in a huge looming arc!
Quickly they turned ready to jump out of the way! But quickly they came to a halt as they both saw clearly that there was no where for them to go! For now they were at the edge of the dam and below it there were ferocious crushing waters!
Turning again they saw the tail coming straight at them both! There was nothing else for them to both do except, "jump!" Nozomi cried and with that she and Riku did.
In moments they were in the air as the tail barely missed them both!
"Good call!" Riku called out to her!
Shaking her head Nozomi replied, "no it's not!"
For now over them both Zira had aimed her paw again as the claws were ready to rip them apart! This left them sitting ducks in the air!
Licking her lips Zira spoke fiercely with a smile, "you're mine!"
"THUNDAGA!"
Suddenly the powerful spell struck Zira from behind her head! As this occurred she turned and saw sailing through the air was that pesky kangaroo mouse again!
Seeing him with his keyblade held tightly in his tail Nozomi and Riku called out, "your majesty!"
Mickey then cried out mad, "come and get us ya big bad bully!" With that he threw another spell at her, "Blizzara!" With that the ice spell struck Zira in her right eye!
Irritated at this as it stung she cried out, "why you!" Then Mickey spun in the air as Zira tried to strike him in the air!
"Hey Zira!" Suddenly another voice cried out distracting her, looking beyond Mickey as he fell in the air there standing on the barren earth was Simba! He looked at the menacing lioness of darkness with fierce determination in his eyes and as he did he looked to her chest and to his daughter. Looking at her as she stared at him with worry and desperateness he thought to himself, 'Kiara hang on...' then he spoke, "you don't wanna bother with these small prey! I'm your target!..." Then backing off he finally added, "now come and get me!" With that he started running as Mickey landed and started running with him.
Seeing them go, Zira was quiet before she felt the rage in her heart race and as it did she murmured, "indeed you are..." with that she went straight after them both!
As they were both chased away Nozomi called out, "Mickey! Simba!" However they couldn't hear her as they ran into the distance, looking at them for a further moment Nozomi turned to Riku as she asked, "what're they doing!? Why would they-"
"Riku! Nozomi!" Suddenly distracting them both the two cubs saw Kovu quickly approaching them with Cait sith riding on his back.
Seeing his two comrades the small black and white crowned cat called out, "hey! Snow drop! Lass! How ya both hangin'!"
However getting straight to the point Riku replied, "fine but what's going on here!? Why're Simba and Mickey both-"
Kovu interrupted him as he told him, "they're distracting Zira!"
Hearing this info Nozomi asked, "what, but why? Why would they both-"
"Cause Mickey mate had a thought that Riku spotted somethin' on that Zira monstie there! And he reckons he might all have a chance ta win it... if he's got it right!"
Riku hearing this was surprised, Mickey had noticed? But then thinking back to the past... he smiled, it was only natural.
However Nozomi was surprised, Riku had seen something? So looking to him she asked, "Riku...? Did you see something?"
Looking to everyone who looked back at him with anticipation, he bowed his head as he told them all, "I think I saw..."
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Staring on at the battle from a very safe away distance, Hari was quiet and just a little distance away behind her were Pete and Jona who were silent too.
However seeing the damage and intensity that Zira was causing, Pete couldn't help but break the silence,"Wow! That Zira's really somethin'! She's got them punks on the ropes!"
Jona concurred, "yeah she certainly has! The darkness inside her is turned up to the max now! I knew she always had a power waiting to be exposed and exploited!"
Pete hearing this asked her, "ya did?"
Jona simply smirked, "yeah! That's why I stuck around with her all this long... after all those of the darkness were always the strongest in my home world."
Pete hearing this little piece of info was curious but before he could ask anymore details about it, "it is near."
Looking to her Jona and Pete were quiet, but his curiosity got the better of the over weight lion as he asked her, "what's near there Hari?"
Closing her eyes the red hued Cheetah turned to look at her accomplices as she told them both, "the conclusion..."
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Continuing to evade as they jumped left and right, both the mouse King and Lion king were desperate not to be struck by any of Zira's claw missiles or her vicious tail! As they ran forwards Simba called to him as he leapt, "Mickey!"
Hearing him he turned as he continued to hop away, answering, "yeah Simba!"
"Do you think-" looking ahead he saw he needed to quickly turn a corner and immediately both him and Mickey did just that as they rounded from a large rock! As they did this, Zira quickly followed after them! Then finally after a moment getting his concentration back Simba could continue on, "do you think they've thought of something yet!?"
Mickey was quiet as he continued to dodge as he thought to himself... looking to Simba he was about to finally answer, but then something caught his eye, turning he saw a sight that quickly brought a smile to his face, with that he gave his answer,"I'd say yes!"
Behind Zira now racing at full speed catching up fast was Riku, Nozomi with Cait sith on her back and finally Kovu! All of them had their target in their sights! Zira's tail!
Looking at it with full concentration as it continued to swing away, Nozomi knew she had to focus with her friends, she remembered the plan in her mind as they ran on.
Looking to everyone who looked back at him with anticipation, he bowed his head as he told them all, "I think I saw something along Zira's back."
"You did?" Nozomi asked curious.
Kovu then asked, "what did you see exactly?"
Riku then told them all, "I think I saw the focal points of her power... three spots all together."
Cait sith surprised asked, "ya had the time to count 'em lad?"
Annoyed Riku replied, "I said 'think'... but anyway, if we all attack those points at the same time... swiftly then maybe-"
"She'll be finished," Kovu spoke as he ended Riku's sentence for him.
Riku simply nodded, Cait sith then spoke as he said, "that sounds like a slam dunk plan ta me! So why don't we-"
"Kovu?" Nozomi asked curious as she interrupted her small black and white rider.
Hearing her the Out Lander Lion asked, "yes Nozomi?"
Feeling a little bad that she had to bring it up now, Nozomi asked her question, "are you all right with this idea... attacking your mother?... Can you do that?"
Kovu hearing this felt a sting in his heart at this question as he thought to the past... but seeing Kiara in his mind's eye he told her with fierce determination, "well I can't deny it's going to be difficult... but Kiara needs us! And I know this now... Zira's... too wrapped up in the darkness of rage, she can't ever emerge from it... we have to stop her."
Remembering that resolve she saw, Nozomi knew she had to be strong and swift for this! They had to save Kiara and the Pride Lands! With nothing holding them back!
"All right lads get ready do a mighty big leap!" For the tail was now still and straight in their sights! Then it threw itself left, then right and left again, and finally again it stopped! "All right lads now!"
With that everyone one by one leapt forwards in a fast row as they each started to hurriedly climb Zira's tai,l digging in their claws! As they all darted in between each of her red spikes she continued to move on ferociously not noticing them in the slightest!
Climbing higher and higher trying hard as it continued to swung chaotically, they each continued to weave in and out of the spikes until finally they were on her back! Arriving they all looked across her and there in three places along Zira's back were three glowing spots, all of them were emanating with a pulsating lilac coloured orb of light! Looking and seeing that he was right Riku was pleased and he couldn't help but smile!
Cait sith looking was impressed as he said, "wow! Three spots! Ya have got good eyes there Riku mate!"
Pleased Riku responded, "thanks for the compliment!"
However quickly Kovu spoke up, "okay c'mon guys! We gotta focus!"
Nozomi nodded as she said, "yeah! Okay! Right... let's all run forwards and each one of us who reaches the first spot they come to then-"
"Let him have it!" Cait sith announced!
With that Riku and Kovu spoke simultaneously, "right!" With that they all ran forwards with their targets all in their sights!
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Still dodging left and right! Now both Simba and Mickey were against the side of the dam... they were now the ones with nowhere to go!
Looking up to Zira, her horrible razor sharpened claws were raised once more as she was now ready to give both these two nuisances the death blow! "Now there is nowhere for you to run... nor hide... Simba!" Zira whispered sinisterly with a smile.
Kiara within her crystal prison looked on horrified as she continued to try and slam against the glistening surface.
Smiling her claws were finally released and as they were Simba and Mickey looked on horrified as the hellish hail came straight at them!
Her father and now Mickey were in impending danger and Kiara could do nothing! This was worst thing that could happen... she closed her eyes in despair! Why did she have to be so helpless again!? Why couldn't she-
"BLAST!" "BLAST!"
Suddenly these attacks came from nowhere destroying all the claws in moments! As they did Zira shocked cried out, "what was-"
STRIKE
Zira screamed out in agony as something precious had been smashed! She could feel her power emanating away! Why!? Why was this!?
"Ha! Take that ya monstrous madam!"
Hearing this shout Zira turned and saw standing upon her a small Tiger cub with a small black and white cat who was pointing at her mockingly! Outraged as she saw a part of her dark power flowing away she cried out, "You!"
Nozomi holding her keyblade in her tail looked at her fiercely revealing she was the who'd shot those blasts of magic! Cait sith feeling really proud then announced,"ya're gonna be down and under now! Once we get the last two of ya core's we'll-"
"Cait sith!" Nozomi shouted out mad.
It was too late, "you! You dare attack me from behind! You will all pay!" With that Zira gripped her claws fiercely down and as she did a red electrical charge of energy raced all along her body!
As this happened Nozomi looked on with extreme worry as she cried out, "oh no! What's-"
Then suddenly behind her-
"Lass!"
Hearing Cait sith's cry, Nozomi immediately acted as she did a barrel roll and as she did a strong sound of metal clanging echoed as something struck into Zira's skin. Ending her roll, Nozomi turned to see shocked a red raptor heartless!
Looking at it Cait sith cried out, "where'd that reptile there come from!? What-"
Then suddenly around the two of them they saw alarmed more monsters emerge from Zira's skin! She was summoning them to attack them both and the numbers were huge like an exploding hill of locusts!
Shaking her head Nozomi spoke, "this is not good!"
"Obviously lass! Now-"
Suddenly a group of the heartless all acted as they went into attack her and Cait sith! But acting quickly Nozomi jumped back as she cried out, "Blizzaga!" With that she froze all of that group into place!
Pleased to see this Cait sith cried out, "whoo! Nice firin' lass now-"
"Now we run!" Nozomi announced as she started running amongst each of Zira's spikes as the countless numbers of heartless came chasing after her and Cait sith!
As they ran the small cat was outraged, "hey what're ya runnin' for we could take 'em out-"
Nozomi then replied, "are you crazy with all those numbers!? That's just stupid! The only way we can stop this, is to get rid of those last two cores and destroy the source itself! You got it!?" Nozomi told him highly agitated!
Hearing her think straight Cait sith was surprised, but in a good way, she was growing up! So he replied, "okay lass! I got it!" Then looking behind as the heartless all came running he looked ahead as he pointed forwards and cried out, "now full steam ahead!"
Nodding as the adrenalin pumped her, Nozomi replied, "you got it!" With that she sped forwards as the heartless continued their pursuit!
Only a slight distance away, Riku struck at the core again! Again! Again and again! He was almost there! Just a little more and-
Around him suddenly he saw the red angry light had settled around him and at once countless raptor heartless appeared around him too! Looking at them all as they had their claws and sharp teeth exposed they were ready to attack he stopped... he had to destroy the core! But these heartless!?
However not being deterred he bit into his keyblade harder as they came running at him, now it was time for a spell! "Fir-"
"Blizzaga!" Another voice cried out as at once a group of these heartless were immediately frozen into place! Then suddenly before he could blink Nozomi arrived as she sliced through them!
Seeing them he couldn't believe it! But suddenly, "Riku! Above you!" She cried out worried.
Hearing her say this the white lion cub looked above and there he saw a group trying to attack him! However quickly he acted as he leaped into the air and sliced into them all in a rising circle making them disintegrate in moments!
As he landed Cait sith cried out loudly, "nice one Riku mate!"
Seeing them both for a moment he dismissed his keyblade as he asked them both, "you both just-"
"Saved ya bacon lad! Cait sith announced proudly.
Nozomi nodded as she replied, "yeah, well I'd call it being back up!" Then quickly approaching him she was next to the core and looking to him as she said, "now let's get rid of this thing! Together!"
At these words, Riku was quiet for a moment but then he smiled as he said before taking his keyblade,"all right!"
With that the both of them struck into the core at the same time and in moments it smashed and quickly faded away!
STRIKE
Once again Zira screamed again! Her power... it was-
"Unforgivable..."Gripping her claws into the earth even more she shouted out loudly, "unforgivable!"
Seeing her do this Mickey and Simba who'd quickly evaded and made it to a safer distance watched as all over Zira's body a huge red electrical storm was brewing all over her!
Looking at this as it occurred, Mickey could see the others continuing to run across Zira's body as they ran from swarms of heartless and now they were all dodging vicious scarlet bolts of lightning! Seeing them do this he couldn't help but whisper worried, "fella's!"
Simba staring away was also worried about the others and in particular Kiara... he hoped desperately to himself, 'everyone please-'
Then suddenly someone quickly started hopping away and as he did Simba cried out, "Mickey!?"
Meanwhile now upon the final core Kovu smashed into it with his claws and as he did he could see it was getting dimmer and dimmer! It was almost the end! 'Just hang on Kiara! Just a little more and I'll-" Suddenly a scarlet bolt struck him backwards! "AAAGGGHHH!" On the surface he landed painfully as the lightning pulsed all over him until it finally faded away, he gasped from the terrible painful sensation he was left with... he couldn't move now!
Running for it still, dodging the heartless and now vicious red lightning bolts this couldn't possibly be any worse than it already was! Then looking ahead the two cubs both saw Kovu on the ground unconscious as the lighting continued to pulses and fly all around.
Seeing him like this immediately Nozomi cried out worried, "Kovu!?"
Riku having seen this too spoke on agitated, "darn it!" Then looking behind him he saw the heartless all beginning to gather as they came running towards them all! Looking at them he quickly decided on something, "Nozomi you go and heal Kovu! I'll take care of the heartless!"
Alarmed as she heard this Nozomi turned as she asked, "what!? But you can't-"
But it was too late as Riku had already taken off to intercept the heartless! Seeing him go, Cait sith spoke up as he said, "there's gonna be no reasonin' with that Snowball lass! Now c'mon quick! Let's go and help Kovu!" Hearing this Nozomi knew this and though it worried her terribly she bowed her head as she relented and ran ahead to quickly go and assist Kovu!
Engaging the heartless in moments Riku smashed into each one as they all tried to bite, swipe and charge at him! However using his agility, none of them could touch him! He had to keep these monsters at bay long enough for Nozomi to assist Kovu!
Arriving quickly at his side Nozomi looked at him and quickly called out, "Kovu!? Kovu!? Can you hear me!?"
Stirring out of the recesses of his painful unconsciousness Kovu asked, "Nozomi?"
Glad to see that he wasn't down for the count, Nozomi made a small smile but then hearing a roar from behind she turned and saw Riku was beginning to struggle terribly against the heartless! The numbers were increasing too rapidly!
Seeing them too Cait sith quickly announced, "lass ya better get to ya healin' duties and scat!"
Hearing him Nozomi immediately agreed as she said, "yeah I know!" With that looking to Kovu she took the 'Starseeker' into the strong grip of her tail and as she did she quickly called out, "Curaga!"
With that the green healing spell descended over Kovu in moments relieving him of the pain he's been dealt with and also invigorating him with energy which immediately brought him back onto his feet!
Feeling alive and alert he looked to Nozomi as he told her, "wow! Thanks for that Nozomi!"
Shaking her head she told him, "it's fine! Now," with that she looked at the shining core and as she did she finished, "let's end this!"
Hearing her and looking at the core too Kovu agreed with her instantly, "right! Let's go!"
With that the two of them took off as they quickly went to attack the core! As both lion and tiger cub came at it they took out their claws and keyblade and with them they struck it!
There was another loud roar of pain from Zira as she was feeling each blow! She was near to her end! Mickey swiftly arriving in front of her could see it and readying himself he held his own keyblade... the end was near!
Riku striking one heartless and another could sense it too! Looking behind he saw Nozomi and Kovu both thrashing the core! He knew instantly he had to give the last blow with them! So turning to the heartless as he smashed another away, he told them all with fierce determination,"thanks for the fun play! But it's over!"
With that taking his keyblade he aimed it, "Dark Firaga!" With that he fired a blast of darkness that sent them all flying back! Then taking this break from the attack he quickly raced back towards Nozomi and Kovu!
Continuing to strike the core Nozomi could see that the core was in its last moments! "One!" She cried out loudly as she struck it with all her strength and power!
"Two!" Kovu shouted as he struck with his claws and with that the core paled tremendously!
"RROOOOAAAARRRRGGGHHHH!"
Looking behind a huge eruption of heartless emerged from Zira's skin and they were all storming over them both!
This was it! Aiming both Nozomi and Kovu readied themselves and then-
"Three!" With that as the two of them struck the core as Riku had made the final strike and at once there was a huge sound of exploding red violent light that sent beams flying left and right as the heartless who'd come to attack were all blasted to kingdom come!
Feeling her power quickly fading away as agony quick set in Zira screamed loudly to the heavens above, "No! No!Noooo!"
As the power of darkness was emanating away Mickey stared up with a smile as he said, "well done fella's!"
With that as he said those words suddenly from above Nozomi, Riku and Kovu jumped from Zira's head! As they did this though the enraged lioness seeing them doing this made her act as she went to strike them down with her claws, "I'll destroy you all for this!"
However quickly acting Riku acted as he blasted her lethal weapon aside as he called out to her, "I don't think so!"
Nozomi nodded as she finished, "now give Kiara back to us!" With that she aimed and as she took her keyblade out, she flew forwards as her wings propelled her! Looking straight at the purple crystal on her chest she thought to herself, 'here I come Kiara!' With that she shouted out loudly, "Blossoming Prism Of Light!"
With that she struck through Zira's core becoming a spiralling beam of light that in moments opened up as a huge blossoming flower! This made Zira's eyes open widely stilled in shock as she glowed all over with the white light! As this occurred in moments Kiara emerged from the purple crystal as it was finally smashed apart!
Seeing her immediately Kovu acted as he rushed forwards and called out to her, "Kiara!"
Amazed she was now free Kiara smiled as she saw him and immediately she called back to him, "Kovu!"
"Aero!" With that suddenly a floor of wind emerged beneath them and Riku, surprising them all everyone then heard, "looks like ya fella's needed an elevator down!"
As they descended they all looked below and saw who'd cast the spell and there on the ground they all saw Mickey smiling up to them! This made them all smile back and as they did suddenly they saw what was left of Zira as quickly her enraged yet panic stricken face vanished as it flowed away with a beating heart as it faded away into the now brightening blue sky.
Seeing this happen, Kiara was saddened inside as she rubbed her head into Kovu's chest as she closed her eyes, for it was terrible that she couldn't be saved and move forward like them. Looking at her the Outlander put his paw upon her shoulder... for he felt that same pain too.
In the air floating still as the evil lioness faded away Nozomi asked, "the darkness of hatred really is terrible isn't it?"
Cait sith nodded as he had his arms folded, "aye lass... it is, but a heart that is overflowing with cruelty, arrogance, jealousy and ignorance only help to make those dark embers grow more and spread."
To which in return Nozomi only solemnly nodded... then after these quiet moments she went to go fly down and meet with all her friends.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Seeing that the battle was now over Hari bowed her head and said closing her eyes, "just as I expected..."
Jona seeing what had happened to Zira said with a sigh, "what a shame... and a total waste of power, looks like she didn't know what she was doin' after all!"
Pete however looking on felt dread rising within himself as he said, "oh boy..."
Hearing the worry in his voice, Jona looked at him as she asked, "what's up with you fat boy?"
Not hearing the insult Pete just continued speaking his thoughts, "Maleficent's not gonna be pleased with this! This is another world we ain't-"
"Calm yourself Pete," Hari told him calmly.
Hearing this he was surprised as he asked, "huh?"
Hari then told him further, "it will be fine Pete, there is no need to concern yourself."
However the black overweight lion wasn't quite ready to believe this as he asked, "but... Maleficent wanted us to conquer more worlds and we've failed again ta-"
"I have already conquered many worlds for her... what is more important is the collecting of hearts... we have managed to gather a great many and a land dwelling simply with just beasts would not satisfy her."
Hearing this Pete asked, "it wouldn't?"
Hari simply shook her head as she replied, "no... animals do not possess as powerful as hearts as humanoid beings..."
Pete hearing this simply replied simply surprised, "oh?"
Looking at this and seeing he was calm at least Hari then after a moment said, "now... we must exit this world and report to my lady, our endeavours in this world are over." With that took off as she ran into the distance.
Seeing her go Pete was still quiet... was this really going to be all right? However as Jona walked past him she told him, "well looks like someone's coverin' real well for ya aren't they?"
At this Pete simply looked at her dumbfounded but before he could ask what she meant, Jona took off too smiling away and as she did Pete quickly hurried after them both. They were all going to meet with the mistress of darkness itself.
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It was now later in the day and the sun shone high over the land, which revealed that the rain had completely ceased as a wonderful warmth entered the hearts of all those who basked in it.
The lions of both Prides were all gathered in a circle upon the high rich coloured Pride Rock, as the gang of keybladers, Simba, Nala, Kovu and Kiara stood together the happiness emanated strongly from them all.
Nozomi pleased with the atmosphere that was there smiled as she said, "wow things are so great now haven't they?"
Happy to concur Cait sith replied, "aye they have lass... just like the old tale goes, 'after the rain there's always the sunshine that comes through.'"
Riku hearing made his reply, "though that sayings old and cheesy... it's true."
Mickey simply smiled on. But then, "everyone... Kovu... Kiara, I'm sorry for what I did to you all... I... it was unbecoming of a King."
Seeing that it was Simba who was talking to them all, someone spoke up,"you got that right mate!" Cait sith replied.
Before Nozomi could complain to him Simba let out a small laugh before he continued, "indeed... I shouldn't have let the darkness cloud me, or my Pride and I was wrong in saying to you Kiara that... you weren't ready to look after yourself in this world... I hope you can-"
"Dad," Kiara smiled as she interrupted him, "I understand you wanted to protect me, I get that now, but don't apologise anymore, everything is how it should be now, so don't worry all right?"
Hearing these words from his own daughter made Simba so glad that she was so forgiving, so he bowed his head to her as he then turned to the once Out Lander lion and said some more words, "Kovu... I'm sorry the most to you as well, you belong here and all of your Pride do too."
Kovu then simply smiled as he nodded and told him, "yeah... we do, and I'm glad."
This made Simba smile a little more and then finally he turned to the keybladers, "and you all... I'm sorry that I said you had no connection to Sora, I can see now when I look at you all, you all contain that same light that strives to protect and help their friends... and for you helping to save both our Prides... I don't know what I could ever do to repay you all."
Mickey hearing this spoke up as he told him, "aww shucks Simba, it was nothin'!"
Nozomi nodded as she told him, "yeah! Besides as we've said quite a few times I think now, no matter what happens! Even when we fight, friends will always be there to look out for each other!" Then turning to Riku she asked him smiling, "right?"
Riku then hearing this nodded his own head as he gave a one word reply, "yeah."
At this Cait sith clapped his gloved paws together as he cried out, "well that about wraps up all the apologies don't it!? Let's have us all here a happy time to-"
Then suddenly from above shone a single strong yellow sun beam that illuminated everyone! Seeing the light it almost blinded everyone, confused Kovu asked shielding his eyes, "hey what's going on?"
Simba trying to see was struggling as he replied, "I don't know it's-" Then suddenly he saw some of the orange warm clouds clearing, he whispered as he saw a certain familiar silhouette, "father...?"
Then suddenly as he said these words Nozomi asked, "what-" immediately her keyblade emerged and as it did something shone and glittered in the sunlight and looking at this particular thing... she reacted.
Aiming her keyblade as she took it in her tail a single beam of light emerged and at once something rung in the air as a single bright spark glittered and quickly floated down towards her! Looking at this particular object everyone saw it as it descended, it was a glowing red pulsating glittering stone, seeing it Nozomi asked, "what's that?"
Grabbing it from her back, Cait sith studied it as he remarked, "hmmm... well it ain't a summon gem! I say we take it to Merlin! He'll definitely know what it is!"
Hearing this name Kiara asked curious, "Merlin?"
Turning Nozomi looked at her and after a moment though she was hesitant... she knew it was time to be honest, "yeah... Kiara, it's time for us to go."
Kiara hearing these words asked, "what? You all have to go!?"
Timon and Pumba were both shocked too as they asked, "what!?"
Mickey knowing that it was sad to part lamented as he told the princess and her former babysitters, "yeah... now we do, Kiara, Timon, Pumba, sorry... "
Riku then added, "yeah, besides we came from outside these lands to begin with, it's never been our intention to stay."
Timon then complained, "aww but you guys are gonna miss the party we're gonna be holdin'!"
"Them's the breaks!" Cait sith replied casually putting his paws up.
"Don't you guys wanna stay for grubs?" Pumba asked.
Riku feeling a little uncomfortable at the idea replied, "sorry... we don't have the time." Which made the warthog all the more depressed.
Kiara hearing this realised what Riku had said was true, but it was too soon! " Can't you all stay just a little longer? I mean we... we haven't had the chance to have more fun together! And you... you're all some of the closest friends I've ever had! I don't wanna lose you all!"
Nozomi hearing this felt a warmth in her heart as she said this and so walking across she spoke her name, "Kiara..."
Cait sith then decided to speak up, "ya know, ya a real silly one there lass!"
Hearing Cait sith tell her off annoyed Kiara, however before she could say anything more, Nozomi spoke instead,"ignoring that comment Cait sith... Kiara, you're not ever gonna lose us, even if we're not together, we'll always be with you!"
Kiara hearing this asked, "always?"
Nodding Nozomi told her happily, "yeah! Besides it's like you said to us before! We're all one... right?"
Hearing her own words being repeated to her Kiara was quiet for many moments... but then feeling a warmth spreading in her own heart, she finally replied with a smile, "yeah..." then moving her paw forwards she pulled the small tiger cub to her, giving her a small hug as she told her, "thank you... thank you for helping us all... especially me and Kovu!"
At these words though, Nozomi was a little surprised she quickly smiled too,"it's okay..."with that she returned the gesture as she rubbed her head into the lioness princess.
Seeing what was going on between these two made both Mickey and the white lion cub smile, but then walking over Kovu had his own words to say, "hey... Riku?"
Hearing him he turned to look at him as he continued, "I wanna thank you too, thanks for believing in me and standing by me! If you hadn't trusted me before like that I-"
Riku then shook his head as he told him, "it's fine Kovu, don't worry, and believe me when I was say this! Trust in your friends! They'll never let you down!"
Kovu at these words was quiet before he nodded and replied, "yeah... I'll forever trust you to that!" With that he leaned his paw down and Riku knowing this gesture moved his own paw to it as they gently brushed each other. It was a promise!
After a few moments of this hug and paw shake, it ended and as they did Cait sith spoke up,"all right then! We gotta a schedule ta keep boys and girl! Now let's get a move on shall we?!"
Hearing him Nozomi asked him smiling, "you never wait do you?"
"Nope!" Came his reply.
To which Nozomi shook her head and so backing away from Kiara she did a little wave before saying, "all right! See ya Kiara! We'll see you all again!" With that she joined the others.
Upset Timon and Pumba didn't like goodbyes and quickly the two of them started weeping like mad as tears flooded everywhere as they cried out, "goodbye! Goodbye! I don't wanna do that! Waaaaggghhh!"
Cait sith hearing them do this got annoyed in seconds he cried out to them, "aww toughen up ya yutz's!"
This stopped Timon and Puma in moments and as they looked to Cait sith, the small black and white cat told them further, "ya remember this! I'm gonna be expectin' one mighty fun fiesta when we come a runnin' back! So just ya lot remember it's only gonna be till we meet again!"
Timon and Pumba blinked at this as Cait sith finished with a thumbs up, "ya got that written down?"
Hearing this the two mammals in moments brightened up and in seconds Timon replied, "you betcha! We'll prepare ya the best fiesta y'all ever see anywhere!" Then pointing he told Cait sith, "now you better not keep us waitin'!"
"No worries!" Cait sith replied proudly!
Pumba now happy too told him, "great! See ya again soon Cait sith!"
Nozomi hearing these words smiled as she told him, "well that was kind of you!"
"It's only natural of me lass!" Cait sith replied happily.
Nozomi only rolled her eyes smiling at this and with that everyone all started to run but as they climbed down the hill, Riku called back, "look after yourself Kovu!"
Mickey then added, "yeah! And thanks for the hospitality there Simba! I'll say hi to Sora for ya!"
Then Cait sith called out, "adios all ya amigos!"
"Yeah see you all again!" Nozomi cried out loudly happily.
With that they all started to run across the plains of the Pride Lands, to make it to the door of time. It was truly sad to go...
"RRROOOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"
Hearing this roar from behind, this surprised them all, but then they smiled as they all knew inside that this was all their friends way of wishing them all a fond farewell... for after all... it was only till they meet again!
So knowing this all in their hearts they raced upon the united planes of the Pride Lands... as their next adventure was awaiting them!