Chapter CXLVIII: The Steed Of Flames, The Sentinel And The Great Oar
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part VIII
" Oh C'mon!" Came the frustrated shout, for struggling madly against the terrible glue like dark bonds that held him Musashi was trying hard to break free! However Serah upon her own Merry Go Round horse, which was racing beside him. She had already stopped struggling though reluctantly, for she knew as she continued to watch Musashi with depressed eyes there was no way for her or him to break through these things on their own!
With one last hard pull Musashi mustered all his strength into his back as he tried hard! After a few long strenuous moments he had to relent. Relaxing himself as he breathed in and out hard, he would've kicked the creature if he could! Frustrated he spoke, "it's no use dude! This stuff is harder to crack than tar!"
Riding a little further ahead of them on his own dark steed, Volg the red and black coloured chocobo had been quiet for the most part of the journey as both of his captives struggled against their bonds. But then hearing Musashi was relenting the serious faced bird turned his head as he told him, "obviously! You should've quit minutes ago!"
Hearing these words Musashi was not pleased! As he told him, "well excusssse me!" However quickly he was also becoming curious so he turned as he went on to ask him, "where are you taking us to anyway bird dude?"
Volg was quiet as he heard this question being asked to him, the small black bird had his gaze linger over the young samurai before he turned around with a smile on his beak as he gave him the answer, "... to the immense dark jaws of Bebuzzu himself!"
At this information both Musashi and Serah felt a horrible chill run inside them, however the captive girl started to ask as her dread continued to fill her up, "you mean you're-"
"RRRROOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!"
Suddenly up ahead an enormous burning orange source of light emerged at the end of the corridor! Looking ahead with widened eyes, both Musashi and Serah saw a huge wide opened jagged sharp toothed mouth! Inside was a long white burning tongue that swung back and forth hungrily as it led up to the fiery ominous glowing inferno that was the very centre of that monstrosity!
It was opened up widely waiting to consume both of the 'Arcs!' They knew that this was so not good! They're rides were getting closer and closer to this terror when suddenly-
"Musashi! Serah!"
Turning around in moments the two of them saw someone coming straight towards them both from the back of the corridor with his keyblade in hand. It was none other than Riku who looked on with absolute determination as he pushed himself forwards hard!
Seeing him immediately a smile came across Serah's and Musashi's faces as they both called out to him, "Riku!" "Riku dude!"
Hearing the two of them Volg turned his head around and as he did, he saw the nuisance of a keyblader coming their way! As he did he muttered to himself, "the first contestant huh?" Then turning around fully in the air he jumped in the air flapping his small wings!
Turning around hearing the flapping, Serah looked to him puzzled as she asked, "what're you-"
Then suddenly Volg took something red and glowing from within the folds of his feathers! With it he quickly threw it with a hard lunge, aiming it into the distance straight at Riku!
Seeing the oncoming round red glowing missile Riku quickly evaded the oncoming missile as it clattered hard into the stony path, looking ahead the white haired keyblader shouted out to Volg, "you'll have to aim better than that!"
To which quickly landing upon the back of his steed again, Volg then told the clueless chaser, "it's not I who'll be aiming for you!"
Riku became puzzled as he heard this but suddenly from behind he heard a loud ringing sound and as he did he turned around and suddenly he saw something burning coming!
Seeing what was about to happen Serah called out to him distressed, "Riku!"
But quickly using his agility he managed to dodge the incoming attack as he somersaulted backwards as it hit the ground where he once stood creating a tall burning pillar! Stopping as he had one hand on the ground and another clenching his keyblade, Riku looked at what had attacked him with fierce determination!
Immediately he was shocked as he saw that it was a huge horse like beast made entirely of burning red flames! It's yellow golden eyes stared at Riku with fierce ferocity with it's head bowed, it dug it's right hoof into the ground creating sparks. this revealed it's intentions as it stared at him.
Continuing to look on with shock at the creature, Riku then heard Volg behind him shout out, "he is the one who'll be aiming for you!"
Then at these words the horse like creature lifted it's hooves madly into the air as it reared itself ready to attack and pursue! Seeing this Riku knew it was time to quickly move, which he did so as he started to run forwards away from the creature as it began to gallop and chase after him!
Running gritting his teeth Riku could feel the radiant heat from the beast as it blasted forwards! He knew that he couldn't physically touch this creature... which meant that magic was the only thing that would-
BLAST!
BLAST!
BLAST!
Suddenly there was no time for Riku to think as a series of burning comets came incinerating the floor with pillars of sizzling hot flames! They struck here! There and everywhere!
Barely able to dodge the blasts the white haired keyblader, leaped and jumped away from the target zones. He couldn't let himself to be slowed down or hit, otherwise Serah and Musashi would be doomed!
Running hard Riku turned to look at the monster again and he saw that it was quickly preparing it's meteorological barrage again! He couldn't stop to cast a spell though and looking ahead he saw both of the 'Arcs' continue to be carried forwards... he had to plan something! So as the next wave of attacks came and he dodged them he pushed himself hard to think of an idea!
Seeing Riku struggle against the lethal and agile stallion of flames, Serah felt terribly for him as she watched on helplessly! Musashi felt the same way, but he knew he had something of his that could help! If only he could get himself loose! Looking at his bindings, he bowed his head down as he gritted his teeth and said, "darn it!"
Volg though his arms folded still had a smile upon his beak, he was enjoying every minute of this little ferocious and dramatic scene!
BLAST!
"Tch!"
BLAST!
"AGGH!"
As he saw Riku jump and leap, he noticed that the keyblader wasn't entirely being successful as he was singed by some of the burning missiles. He even noticed that the white haired young man was trying to defend as the fiery blasts ricocheted off his keyblade and struck the ground making nothing more than charred tracks of cracks! This in turn was only causing damage to his arms as he could see the smoke emanating from him as he continued his pursuit of him and his captives.
Smiling at this he shouted out telling the young man, "you're a fool to think you can conquer the forces of darkness that Bebuzzu can summon! You're in over your head boy!"
Riku in the meantime was wincing from the burns he was suffering from as he continued to run forwards, it looked like he really was struggling but then looking up to Volg he told him with a smug smile coming across his face, "that's what you think!"
Baffled at this there was no time for Volg to question things as suddenly Riku taking his keyblade, 'The Way To Dawn,' into both his hands. It looked like he was making something like a prayer as he ran forwards. Then as he opened his eyes they revealed his determination as he suddenly turned and aiming he shouted out, "Double Cast Blizzaga!" In moments the ferocious ice spell escaped his keyblade in moments!
Watching on from a distance though, everyone looked on with amazed eyes as the spell quickly divided itself into two spheres of icy blue light and as they did they quickly entered into two of the charred tracks that'd been created!
The monstrous fiery stallion quickly stepping on these two now icy paths in moments slipped up on itself as it fell into a crumpled mess on the floor! It screeched out madly as it had injured itself!
Looking on stunned Volg was speechless with shock as it stopped the moving Merry Go Round horses in their tracks! This made Serah and Musashi look on happily and enthusiastically as they both brightened up with smiles!
Musashi then called out to him, "way ta go Riku dude!"
Serah quickly called out too, "yeah! Get him!"
Hearing this as he turned to face his enemy again, Riku silently smiled as he put the next phase of his plan into action! Gripping his keyblade tightly in his right hand he drew it back as he then threw it forwards crying out, "Strike Raid!"
In moments his keyblade struck the creature causing immense damage as it screeched again loudly! Then taking another chance Riku quickly took out his left hand as his keyblade spun back to his right one, he shouted out loudly, "Thundaga!"
At once the ferocious thunder spell descended on the creature damaging it with shocks and a fierce electrical sharpness that pierced it to its very core! Then feeling his power reaching truly higher levels it was time to unleash it! Rushing fast at the creature Riku zoomed in, from the left to the right, from above, from below! Striking the creature all over it seemed as though he was travelling at the speed of light! Then on the last strike he blasted right through the creature as he shouted out loudly, "Dark Splicer!" The creature feeling this attack gave an even louder screech of pain as it writhed in complete agony! Seeing the damage that he'd done and thinking it was over Riku then turned back to the matter at hand! To finally finish off the rescue!
At his oncoming approach and seeing the damage that he'd done, Volg couldn't believe what was happening! This young man was-
"RRRRROOOOOOOAAAAARRRR!"
At this call Volg turned around as he saw the demonic fiery mouth of Bebuzzu's teeth and mouth were shaking! It was hungry! The small bird knew that that demonic tome wanted to eat and it wanted to eat now!
So snapping himself out of his stunned state he looked at the stilled horses and clapped his wings as he called out, "Forwards and gallop now!"
Hearing the demand of their bird master the demonic possessed Merry Go Round horses obeyed as they started to once again begin their fast approach to oblivion as Volg led the way for them all!
Seeing they were being led into their unpleasant death march again and with alarm seeing they were charging at an even faster speed, Serah turned around as she called out to their chaser, "Riku!?"
Hearing her call the keyblader knew he had to hurry! So gritting his teeth he pushed himself forwards, mustering all the agility he had within himself! For looking on he could also see the horses had their speed increased! Frustrated at this he spoke out loudly, "darn it!"
Musashi in the meantime had decided to try and struggle against his horse he was on again as he tried to make the strong sticky bonds release him somehow, but still they proved to be too sturdy! Agitated he wanted to do something! Then suddenly he heard a sound! Turning around he looked on with alarm! "look behind ya Riku dude!"
At Musashi's words Riku turned around and he saw quickly with dread that the fiery horse stallion creature he thought he'd dispatched had gotten back on it's feet as it once again began it's chase of him! Running on as the burning blasts started to rain down once more, things were quickly becoming dire again!
Looking on as Riku had the fire stallion to deal with again, Musashi looked down at his bonds as he tried to think of something that could be done to turn the tide of things! Concentrating hard for a few moments, suddenly an idea came to him! That could work!
Serah watching the young samurai as he had his head down and seeing his eyes light up, she asked him curious,"Musashi?"
He acted! Swinging himself backwards with all the strength he could muster, suddenly the horse he was upon was turned by a mighty swing! As it was turned Musashi saw his chance as he shouted out, "Riku dude!"
Hearing him as he finished leaping and dodging from more flames again, Riku looked to see what Musashi had done, seeing his horse had been turned to the side he heard the young samurai shout out to him, "blast these binds!"
Startled at this shout Riku was silent for a moment but quickly he went into action as he drew out his keyblade and then aiming he shouted out, "Blizzaga!" With that icy blast raced forwards and as it did it quickly struck Musashi's bonds in seconds, freezing them over!
Seeing what was going on Volg was outraged as he shouted out, "oh no you don't!" With that he had the horse turn on itself again to catch up with him and Serah! As Musashi quickly joined them again he told the samurai, "you're not escaping this you brat!"
Then watching as Volg turned away from him again Musashi whispered to himself with a cunning smile, "we'll see about that feathers for brains!" With that he began struggling against his bonds with the ice still on them!
Riku figuring out the plan that Musashi had and as the blasts continue to rain down he decided on something too, "well I'm not staying anymore for this barbecue!" Taking his keyblade in both hands he lifted it up again as he continued to run saying, "haste!" Then as the speed enhancing spell was cast upon him Riku turned to the monster as he told, "it's time for me to fly!" With that he ran at an almost lightning speed away from the creature as he started to gain more and more speed upon Volg!
Looking back a smile once again appearing on her face Serah called out to him, "Riku!?"
At her call Volg turned around again and as he did he looked on with alarm at the approach of the white haired keyblader, but quickly it turned from that into angered frustration! Quickly looking above himself as Riku was almost about to reach them he called out, "Gandrake come out now!"
Still struggling against his bonds Musashi was startled at this name as he asked, "Gandrake!?"
Then suddenly from the shadows a figure descended brandishing his sharp red hilted samurai sword and in his white coat that fluttered behind him! As he headed to intercept he ran past Volg as he told his cohort, "I knew you couldn't do this without me!" Which in turn made the chocobo look at him enraged as he ran on past!
Riku seeing who was quickly coming acted as he drew out his keyblade and in moments the fiercely intent dark assailant struck into his blade with his own making sparks fly! The effects of his haste spell had now too in that moment faded away!
Looking at him angered Gandrake seemed to be as cool as ice as he uttered to him with an arrogant smirk on his face, "fancy seeing you again!"
Riku looked at him fiercely but beyond he saw that Volg still holding Musashi and Serah captive was getting away! Seeing this he told Gandrake angrily, "get out of my way!"
To which in reply the dark samurai told him still with an arrogant smirk, "not happening!"
Angered further at this response Riku pressed harder into his attack but then as he did, he heard a familiar roar from behind, looking he could see that the same fire stallion was charging forwards eager to fry him to a crisp! His eyes widening at the creatures oncoming approach the white haired keyblader looked to Gandrake who simply grinned away at him with absolute arrogance! Riku knew that this was not a good scenario!
…
"Urghhh..." a voice spoke within the darkness, a sound of rustling could then be heard as the figure turned over and opening his eyes he asked, "where did..." for above all he could see was a black darkness.
Confused as he ached all over the figure rolled over again and as he did he saw a curious sight before shapes were slashing and shining as they seemed to dance in the dark, clashing into each other over and over again. Puzzled by this the young man shook his head trying to get his focus back and as he did he could see things more clearly now.
Fighting in the distance he finally recognised who these shapes were, Riku still dressed in his waiter outfit with his keyblade, 'The Way To Dawn' clashing against the strong dark samurai blade of Gandrake. The accomplice to the sorceress Irma who was the possessor of the demon tome, Bebuzzu!
Then finally remembering what had happened before when he and the others had been sucked in, he called out, "Snowball!?"
Then from behind him he sensed something hot and burning which was coming fast amongst a sea of hoof trots! Turning around the young man's eyes widened as then-
Riku was striking away at the young man as he came at him hard and fast with his shining lethal blade! He was doing his best to try and gain some distance as they moved, however Gandrake danced around him almost as though he was playing a terrible game of cat and mouse.
Agitated as he continued to try and get past him, furiously Riku demanded out of him, "why?! What're you doing this for?!"
Hearing the question almost surprised Gandrake but he decided to indulge his prey as he asked him, "do what?" With that he clashed into Riku again.
As the sparks started to fly out again left and right the white haired keyblader didn't enjoy this mockery and so he demanded again, "what're you doing serving that witch Irma!?" With that slashing forwards with his keyblade missing Gandrake annoyingly again he asked him, "causing chaos like this!? What makes you-"
Parrying him again stopping him in his tracks, Gandrake smiled sinisterly as he told him the iced cold truth, "I simply want to be the strongest!"
Hearing this puzzled as his blade continued to bite into his Riku asked the dark samurai, "the strongest?"
Making him back away as he pushed Gandrake enlightened him further as he brought out his sword, as it shone in what light there was provided by the oncoming burning monstrosity, he revealed the truth, "within the depths of Bebuzzu's pages lies an almighty blade! Said to be the strongest of all that have ever been created!"
Grinning as he what about to launch forwards again as Riku took up his defensive position, Gandrake finished as he told him, "and Irma has promised me that sword! So none will ever be able to match me!"
Hearing this Riku was baffled but then holding his own blade more tightly he had a word of advice for this power hungry samurai, "a promise to the darkness will always be fruitless!"
To which in return Gandrake replied smirking away, "we'll see!" With that he charged forwards again once more clashing into Riku as the sparks flew again!
This was going terribly and Riku knew it! For looking ahead with horror and dread he saw that Volg had nearly made it to the fiery hell mouth and he knew he couldn't waste the last ounce of his magic! But what he could do now?! Gandrake was too fast and all he could do was defend, he hadn't been able to send him backwards at all! Aggravated he thought to himself,'if only my dark powers were fully back!' For he'd only just been able to perform the splicer technique again! Ever since Hari had-
"RIKU!"
This sudden shout distracted both the keyblader and Gandrake, startled they turned to see someone chaotically in a frenzy, running at full speed! He was just barely avoiding the horrible fiery blasts that the hellish stallion was trying to rain down upon him!
Baffled as he saw this odd scene happening before him, Riku then suddenly recognised him as he shouted out, "Snow!?"
Glad that at least he'd gotten his attention, Snow called out to him hurriedly, "what's going on!? Where're the others!? Where's Serah?!" He called out desperate to know about the well being of his squadron and fiancee!
Immediately though he was confused at his sudden appearance, the white haired keyblader told him the nutshell of the situation, "they've all been taken and they're gonna be fed alive to Bebuzzu! Serah's ahead right now with Musashi! They're both captives!"
At this rushed summary Snow couldn't believe it and then as it set in what was going to happen to his dear, precious fiancee and good friend, it made him snap into ultra serious mode! At once getting all his energy together he spoke up as he said, "I'm not gonna have that happen! Not on my hero's watch!" With that he drove himself further forwards for as the leader of the 'Arcs' he had to do something to save the day!
Seeing him run and then looking beyond Gandrake he saw with horror, Musashi and Serah were now only within feet away of the fiery hell mouth! He had to do something!
Gandrake seeing the look on the keyblader's face told him, "it's over for you! There's nothing you can do now to save them!"
Looking at the horrible samurai with agitated eyes, Riku was about to answer back but then looking to his keyblade and then to Gandrake's sword, he saw in the blades reflection Snow as he continued to run and dodge away from the fiery blasts of the devilish stallion and as he saw him. He looked back to his keyblade and as he did an idea bloomed in his mind!
Seeing his eyes widen Gandrake was silent as Riku looked back to him and with his own smile coming across his face he told his adversary, "that's what you think!" Then suddenly before he could make a reply the keyblader spun his blade away from the sinister samurai as he then quickly moved his right leg to kick him!
However dodging again making the attack miss him Gandrake began to say, "you'll have to-"
"Haste!" Riku shouted and in moments he had turned and aimed making the speed enhancing spell descend over Snow in moments!
Feeling the spell come over him Snow was confused as he asked, "what is-" then suddenly before he could utter another word he was sent running at lightning fast speed!
Really baffled as he went leaving the fire red stallion in the dust, the leader of the 'Arcs' ran past Riku and as he did he heard the keyblader tell him, "time for you to make your entrance, hero!"
At this comment Snow after his moment of bewilderment then nodded hard, acknowledging him as he continued to race forwards!
Seeing what had been done Gandrake couldn't believe it! However Riku getting his keyblade back into hands again, ready to attack told him, "let's see how the tide turns now!"
In the meantime aggravated Musashi was almost there! His bonds were almost broken, however now he and Serah were in front of the hell mouth now as that horrible tongue and those gnashing teeth continued to hungrily beckon them on and enter oblivion!
Serah was terrified as she looked on with widened horrified eyes, however Volg was simply smiling away as he stood to the side upon his own demon horse as he gestured with his wings, getting the two 'delicacies' ready for the long days journey into night!
Looking at the mouth he told it, "all right Bebuzzu! Open wide!" Hearing those words the mouth complied as it did just that, opening its wide jaws all the more making something like horrible volcanic fumes escape it!
This made Serah shiver as Musashi simply struggled more and more! Smirking though Volg then turned as he told his captives, "looks like this is goodbye for you brats!" Then clapping his wings he ordered the Merry Go Round horses, "now jump in you two on my mark!" With that the horses reared themselves backwards, ready as the countdown commenced!
"One!"
Musashi feeling the heat and seeing the gnashing teeth of the monster was now desperate as he was sure he could feel his fingers again! If only he could just-
"Two!"
Serah looking at the inferno that was to be her final resting place, she was trembling inside! This was horrible! If only Snow was here he could do something! Or her-
"Three!"
"Snow help us!"
CLASH!
Startling both captives Serah and Musashi looked down with shock, for there standing in front of the two demonic horses was none other than Snow! He was holding the two monsters back with his gloved hands stopping them in their tracks!
Looking up to them both the leader of the 'Arcs' said, "someone call for a hero!?"
Shocked at his sudden appearance neither of them said anything for a moment but then they both called out simultaneously, "Snow!" "Snow dude!" As smiles quickly came across both their faces!
Smiling at this positive response he replied to them, "in the flesh!"
Volg though was outraged as he shouted out mad, "how dare you!?"
The mouth too behind the tall blonde young man was also aggravated as it gnashed it's teeth and whipped him in the back with it's white fire laced tongue burning him as he continued to stop its long awaited meal!
Seeing what was happening to her dearest person as he winced from the burning pain Serah cried out, "Snow!?"
Though it stung him and burned into his back, he wasn't gonna let this get to him and so trying to reassure her, Snow smiled up as he told her, "it's okay Serah... this is nothing! You know heroes never die!"
Seeing the brightened smile on his face and the suffering he was going through while trying to make her feel better, made Serah feel horrible inside as all she wanted to do was heal him! But this stupid horse-!
Musashi had just about had enough himself and it was finally then with the help of the ice spell that had been sent his way earlier thanks to Riku, that he broke through the bonds with a smash! Quickly taking his own black hilted sword he sliced into the horrible tongue of that horrible mouth!
There was a sound of demonic squealing as the monster's tongue had been cut in two! This made the nasty thing vanish away and as it did the mouth chaotically snapped up, left and right as it writhed in pain!
Then turning to his commander he told him, "but ya know those heroes never do it on their own! Right Commander Snow?"
Hearing this and seeing what he'd done for him, Snow after a moment simply bowed his head as he made his reply, "yeah! You're right on Musashi!"
Volg couldn't believe it! This brat had gotten free and now it was two against-
"Now time for me to return the favour!" With that turning from Snow and Serah he turned his attentions to who had aided him, Musashi then held his blade as it was time for him to go and now save Riku! So running fast he headed back down the corridor and as he did, he put a hand into his left pocket... It was almost time to use it!
Still fighting against Gandrake Riku was trying hard! Again and again he went to strike his enemy down! But in the meantime behind him, he could hear the clatter of hooves from the approaching horrible fiery stallion that was coming closer and closer! It was becoming dire and then as he thrust and turned with his keyblade. Gandrake parried and somersaulted backwards, but before he could move to chase after him, Riku felt it!
Turning he saw the red burning stallion had come over and seemed to be even more deadly then before! It had gained in size and it was almost doubled as now white burning flames danced around it's edges. It gazed down at the shook up keyblader with it's enraged golden yellow savage eyes.
Making it to a safe distance Gandrake turned and then he saw the horse monster was ready to deal some severe damage as more pillars of flame were summoned! These ones were almost volcanic like and as they sprouted here there and everywhere there was nowhere for Riku to go! He dodged left and right, everywhere he possibly could go but then he couldn't move anymore! For the burning pillars had now all been brought together forming a high burning circle around him, thus preventing him from making another step!
Sweltering from the immense heat Riku kept his keyblade up as he tried to defend himself! But it didn't stop the heat from removing the oxygen that could barely get to him! He was literally gonna be toasted and suffocated! "I don't know how much more I can..." but then he couldn't even speak anymore!
Watching the keyblader, Gandrake smiled sinisterly again as he told him, "looks like it's game over for you!"
But suddenly running past him a voice spoke up as he cried out, "don't be so sure dude!"
Seeing the figure run past Gandrake then startled uttered, "you're-"
Now only able to put his hand over his mouth as he was on his knees, his keyblade was the only thing allowing him to stay even a little up right. The pillars were now on him and seeing they were mere millimetres from incinerating him, Riku whispered to himself, "Mickey, Cait sith..." then seeing her smiling face in his mind's eye he finished, "Nozomi!... I'm sorry!"
"GREAT OAR MAELSTROM!"
In moments suddenly a huge flat lined blade emerged and an immense sweeping storm of wind and power made the pillars of burning volcanic fire be blown out! This allowed Riku to breathe in deeply and gasp for air!
The keyblader recovering himself watched with amazement as the technique sent the monstrous stallion off it's hooves, making it crash into the wall and finally fall flat on the ground. It had even reduced it's immense burning size!
Wide eyed at this sudden turn of events suddenly beside him an old ally arrived as there standing with a huge green patterned oar upon his back held by his right hand, it was none other than Musashi! Quickly the huge mystical weapon he could see vanished away in a glitter of green light and as it did he turned and looking at him, he could see Riku was speechless. But the young samurai looking to his pal smiled down to him as he told him, "cat got yer tongue there snowball dude?"
At these words and seeing the cheekiness that was caked all over his face, Riku got himself back together as he did he made a slight shake with his head. Getting up he looked to him as he told him, "as if! I was just catching my breath!"
Becoming smug Musashi replied, "sure I bet!"
Then the both of them turned as the horse creature was once again getting back on it's hooves to try and take them both down! However quickly getting into position Riku held his keyblade ready and as he did, Musashi asked him drawing his own blade, "what do ya say? Shall we take care of business here?"
In moments as he said this the creature charged forwards and as it did Riku smirked as he replied, "yeah let's!"
With that both keyblader and samurai ran forwards with both their blades drawn and as they approached the creature getting closer and closer they both knew what to do! The beast shrieked in it's demonic tones as it created a huge breath of fire to take them both down! However using their agility, both samurai and keyblader evaded this blast and quickly making it to either side of the creature they extended their blades as quickly they both simultaneously cut into it from both those sides!
The creature froze as it's very centre was literally being sliced in half like a cake as it immediatley came to a halt! Both blade users came to the other side of the creature quickly! Then in seconds they held their weapons over their backs, their eyes closed as the creature behind them exploded into a ball of flames as it's high piercing last shrieks of fading life filled the air! It was finally finished!
Serah in the distance on her captive horse watched with amazement as it suddenly faded away into darkened embers and as it did she was quickly caught by her fiancee's strong warm arms! As she felt him all around her she cried out happily holding him now too, "Snow!"
Relieved the commander of the 'Arcs' held her close to him as he whispered her name truly glad that she would be all right now, "Serah..."
Volg though watching from the side was far from pleased as he suddenly saw that the huge fiery mouth of Bebuzzu in that same moment quickly faded away in the same wind of dark embers as it writhed and turned into nothingness!
Looking at what had happened he spoke up angered, "this isn't over!" With that he vanished into a portal of darkness along with own his steed!
In the distance seeing what had happened himself, Gandrake too wasn't amused! But then he heard a couple of footsteps, turning he looked to see both Riku and Musashi both approaching. As they did he wasn't going to let this little event influence him so looking to them he asked, "so... you guys wanna a re-match do you?"
Seeing his old rival again Musashi told him, "looks like you haven't changed hey Drake dude?"
At this question Gandrake answered, "what's there to change? The evidence is clear that I've always and will be stronger than you Musashi!"
This far from impressed the young 'Arc' samurai as he told him, "ya never know when to let go do you?"
Gandrake didn't answer this question as Riku looked at him fiercely as he told him, "what're your plans now?!"
To which in reply Gandrake only smirked as he took the edge of his coat and then as he did he made his reply, "you'll see!" With that in a fast spin a portal of darkness took him away!
Seeing him vanish like this it was only to be expected, but then finally being able to relax he let out a sigh. Riku turning to the young samurai next to him told him, "it was close back there! Thanks Musashi!" With that he held his hand out to him.
To which in response the samurai instantly took and made the handshake as he told him, "no probs Riku dude! That's what pals do for each other right?"
At this reply Riku nodded happy, then as his hand was released he was about to ask him about the technique Musashi had used before but suddenly there was a ringing and shining in the distance! Turning the two of them looked to see a light in the darkness of the corridor where Serah and Snow had been left. Seeing it they were both confused as Musashi asked, "what's that there?"
Riku after a moment made a reply, "I dunno... but I have guess!"
Then before the samurai could ask him what he meant Riku was running forwards! Seeing him go Musashi called out, "hey wait up!" As he went to catch up to him.
Serah and Snow in the meantime too looked at the shining light with confused eyes, "what is that?" The pink haired girl asked.
Still holding her now fully healed thanks to her white magic, Snow replied, "I don't know it's-"
"Hey!"
Turning they both then saw Riku and Musashi quickly approaching as they both did, Serah left Snow's arms for a moment as she ran over to them and asked, "Riku! Musashi! Are you guys all right?"
At the question Riku answered her, "yeah we're fine Serah!" Then looking at her he told her further feeling relieved, "I'm just glad you're okay! I was nearly unable to save you or Musashi!"
However patting his back his samurai friend told him, "well ya sure did dude! If it wasn't for you or Snow we would've been doomed back there!"
Hearing his name the commander of the 'Arcs' walked over and as he did he smirked as he said, "well hey! That's what we heroes do isn't it!? We're always there to save the day with help from each other!" With that he ruffled Riku's hair in thanks.
A little annoyed at the cheesiness and the messing of his hair Riku batted Snow's hand away as he told him with his own smirk, "yeah! But without the patronising!"
This in turn made the others laugh, then suddenly the ringing became louder as the light shone and as it did quickly in a flash of light a glittering shape emerged!
Looking at it Riku asked, "is that one of the sealing points?"
At this question his keyblade emerged and as it did he grasped it tightly, swinging it forwards like Nozomi and Sora would do. Taking aim quickly a single beam of light emerged and as it did, it quickly entered the keyhole! As it did there was a twist and click as the sound of something opening was heard!
Then quickly as this happened the keyhole vanished and as it did suddenly around the group of startled 'Arcs' and keybladers a circle of light emerged around them!
Startled at this Serah started to ask, "what is-"
But there was no time to ask anything more as the group of friends were engulfed in a beam of light as they were all quickly transported away into the depths of the darkened skies...