Chapter CLI: The Wizards Worry, Considerations And The Kaleidoscopic Play Space
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XI

Looking down at the darkened crystal that was now lying on his lap, still amongst the chaotic and messy debris where the colourless merry go round was. Merlin's eyes lit up with amazement as once more there was another shine of bright white light!

Seeing it happen as well, Sazh too was equally amazed as he cried out, "hey look it's a third shine! That means-"

"Yes!" Merlin spoke up as he turned his head up and quickly as he did the light dimmed down once more and as it did he finished,"the third sealing point has been unlocked!"

This was great news! "That's great!" Yuffie cried out pleased as she grabbed both of her nearby friend's hands happily, who was Aerith.

The white mage who'd been mainly quiet up to this point spoke up with a smile on her face too, "yeah! Soon everyone will be back here safely!"

"Kweh!" Came a happy call from Coco who too couldn't help but get excited.

Feeling the happiness in his best friend's voice, Bonkers couldn't help but smile too as he said, "yeah! Absolutely! I knew those guys would all be okay! Bebuzzu and that dastardly Irma are nothin' compared to 'em!"

"Ya got that right laddy! And when they get back here that Irma and her possy we'll get some uppance they sure won't forget!" Scrooge spoke up as he was becoming eager for everybody's grand return too.

Then Leon who would normally remain stoic and strong with his arms folded couldn't help but feel a little relieved as a small smile appeared on his face and said, "... indeed."

On his father's shoulders smiling down to him, the gun totting pilot returned the gesture as he told his son, "it looks like everything's goin' to be okay Dajh!"

Glad the small boy nodded as he replied, "yeah dad!"

Merlin seeing the happiness that was being echoed amongst everyone was glad, but he had to give the reality of the situation, "I'm sorry lads..." as he said this the whole ecstatic group turned their attentions to the master wizard and as they did he told them further, "but they're not all out of jeopardy yet."

Hearing this everyone was quiet, but then Bonkers spoke up as he asked his commander, "what do ya mean Merlin sir?"

The wizard then told them all, "you remember what I said before? There were four sealing points right?"

Aerith listening to this replied politely, "yes?"

Merlin then spoke on, "and three of them have been unlocked?"

Yuffie not understanding what he was trying to get to said, "yeah? So what? I mean it's really easy right? They just have to unlock the fourth and boom! They're back from out of that crystal right? Totally an easy piece of pie!"

At this comment Merlin replied to the energetic ninja girl, "not so this time lass."

This further baffled her but before she could ask more, it was then that Leon asked becoming anxious for those trapped in the crystal, "what do you mean Merlin?"

The master magician sighed as he told them all his evaluation, "the magic that was in the core of this crystal was what allowed the beings and the merry go round from their original book source to come into being in this reality." Quiet for a moment as he drew his breath everyone seemed to wait on pins and needles as Merlin continued, "but now the alternate dimension that our lads are trapped in are being maintained by that same power, which is being manipulated by Bebuzzu, who devoured it."

Sazh still waiting for the answer had to ask, "so what about that magic?"

Merlin hearing the question then finally answered both his and everyone's curiosity, "the final sealing point will be in that centre of that magic which means-"

"They'll have to take down Bebuzzu," Leon answered as he finished the magician's sentence for him.

Seeing that the experienced and strong warrior had snapped onto it as everyone looked at him with surprised eyes, the master wizard replied, "correct, the deepest darkest part of him! Which is practically an abyss... it would be dangerous for anyone to approach!"

Hearing this everyone then couldn't help but feel that wave of uneasiness swiftly return and as it did, Aerith spoke up as she said, "oh dear... that's definitely not good!"

Merlin nodded at this, but Bonkers spoke up as he said "but Merlin sir! They still have a chance though don't they?! I mean they'll-"

The master magician though wasn't one to sugar coat anything and so he replied to his small bobcat companion, "I don't know Bonkers... I mean I hope they will, but they'll-"

"What's going on here?!"

This comment made everyone jump and turn in surprise as they all saw someone new come around the corner looking on with serious eyes as they strode forwards followed by another smaller figure who looked on bewildered and maybe a little more nervously?

Everyone was quiet as the serious figure stopped and asked again, "where's Serah?!"

Looking at this person, everyone was quiet but then Merlin asked, "you're-"

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Standing in the centre of a large dark red coloured stoned floored space, the black endless sky continued to hang over them both. As Irma waited upon the back of her dark demonic steed, she lay totally relaxed and unperturbed by anything. While next to her still captive with her arms and legs still bound to her own darkly possessed merry go round horse, looking on with frustrated and anxious eyes. Was the princess of Alexandra, Oralee.

Behind them both high in the air and almost camouflaged in the black endless sky, was a massing dark shadow that was coursing with violent and strong purple light. As it swarmed and morphed, turning in the air it was becoming bigger and bigger by the minute!

Then suddenly something erupted form it!

"BRROOWWAARRGGH!"

This noise sent Oralee on edge in moments as she turned back and looked up at the morphing terrible shadow in the air, what was-!?

However seeing the princess's reaction, Irma simply smiled as she looked at the dark shadow for a moment and then asked the thing, "oh? Still digesting my dear Bebuzzu?"

Hearing this Oralee repeated perplexed, "digesting?"

"BRRRRUUURRRPPP!"

At this sound erupted out, Oralee immediately was repelled as she looked away and uttered, "disgusting!"

"Oh you think so do you?" Irma asked her and then looking into the air she saw the terrible shadow turning in the air again and as it did she looked back to the princess and as she did she mocked her saying, "because you know... you'll be the one soon to cause those noises!"

Hearing this Oralee was chilled inside as she looked at the terrible sorceress, but then seeing the terrible glee in her eyes she forgot her quick wave of fear and instead it was replaced by anger as she looked at this awful girl with annoyed disdain! For if she could get free she would-

Suddenly all at once a sound of swirling was in the air, looking back both she and the terrible sorceress saw a portal emerge and as it did, two figures came through. The first of them spoke on with bitter annoyance as he sat upon his dark steed, "you were useless Gandrake! You didn't fight hard enough! If you had then-"

Holding his right hand upon the red hilt of his samurai sword, the irritated young man retorted,"quit your accusations Volg! What's happened's has happened! There's nothing that can be changed now, besides-"

With that the two arguing villains stopped as they both saw that their mistress was present as she continued to lay upon her steed with her royal captive next to her. Her expression was one of dissatisfaction and her eyes stared on at them both indignantly, as she did she asked them both, "let me have a guess at your results... they're not good huh?"

Seeing that his mistress was standing before him, Volg immediately became apologetic as he told her getting down from his steed and bowing with his black wing over his chest,"my lady Irma! Forgive me! You should not have been exposed to such an unruly sight! I-"

"Oh quit it Volg!" Gandrake told the small dark bird, as he was not in the mood for such petty subservience.

Hearing him the small chocobo looked up at with anger in his eyes as he said aggravated, "Gandrake!"

The ultimate blade seeking samurai told the still bowing bird, "there' s no point pleading for forgiveness, the same answer was gonna come out anyway!" Then looking to Irma he told her, "it's just as you've deducted Irma, we've failed! They were more tenacious than either me or Volg thought and thus... they weren't sacrificed."

Hearing this though she'd already realised the outcome, she was at least spared the pathetic sight of grovelling so she replied, "I see... though that's unfortunate to hear, I'm glad to have some honesty."

Oralee though hearing this mention of sacrifice became worried, but then hearing that these two had failed at their attempt made her feel relieved as she whispered to herself, "thank goodness!"

Irma heard her however and looked at her with sharp angered eyes, but then turning back she turned face again as she said, "well let's just treat this as water under the bridge! I'm sure Greeble and Peekaboo will have-"

"Lady Irma! Lady Irma!" Interrupting the evil sorceress and distracting all the villains along with the captive princess, the voice had appeared before the dark portal had! Though as it finally did make its entrance, the small mint coloured green chocobo ran straight through from it as he continued riding upon his dark steed. Then as it came to a halt he jumped off of it and quickly he squawked on as he collapsed and he was almost begging as he threw his wings down, "it's terrible! That mouse and those two girls and pip squeak of a birdy knocked out that precious lightnin' steed ya gave me! They charred my tail feathers and I! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm-"

"Quit it!" Came Irma's angered voice, this in moment's caused the peppermint coloured chocobo to stop dead in his tracks with his hyped up apologies.

Looking down at the supposed 'clever' bird, Gandrake then uttered as he turned to Volg, "well looks like failure isn't only on our dish plate huh?"

The small dark chocobo getting up from his bow looked at the young samurai with angered eyes still, but looking back to Irma he wondered what her reaction was going to be to this?

Irma hearing that Greeble had failed was obviously angered by this result, however knowing the peppermint coloured green chocobo and thinking of those she'd sent, Volg and Gandrake along with Peekaboo against that rabble... maybe she had done just a little bit of underestimating? If she had then that would mean...

Seeing that their mistress was deep in thought as she had one of her black varnished nailed hands to her chin, Greeble turned to both Gandrake and Volg. As he got up from his begging position and quietly and cautiously he made it over to them both and as he did he asked, "master Volg, you failed too?"

Hearing the question being asked from his underling, the dark coloured chocobo annoyed had to reply with a sigh, "yes... even though I was supposed to have some kind of assistance!" To which in turn he directed his gaze to Gandrake which everyone could see had sharp daggers in it!

The young samurai though simply dismissed this malignant gaze as he waved it away like a pesky fly!

Greeble though seeing this reaction occur, couldn't believe that both Volg and Gandrake had failed! Because compared to himself and Peekaboo these two were the elite! Maybe they were in over their heads here? Maybe-

"So then?" The voice of their mistress sounded and as it did both chocobo's and samurai turned their full attention back to her.

Her hand now removed from her chin, Irma sat herself up and as she did she continued looking on now with serious cold eyes. Her amused and mocking demeanour had vanished as her words came forth, "I'd say it's obvious now... since all of you have failed, it is only inevitable that Peekaboo will follow suit and so... we're going to get ready!"

Oralee listening to Irma say this as captive as she was, she was curious at what it was that she had planned. But at the same time she couldn't help but feel more glad inside to know that at least Mickey and some of the others had survived! But then she wondered about Cait sith and Nozomi, were they both all right too or-

Suddenly one last dark portal emerged! As it did quickly another demonic steed came forth however this one rushing forwards came to a sudden stand still! As it did a small pink feathery ball bounced off of it and collided into the ground as it rolled forwards. When it stopped, it popped it's head up looking all dusty from the impact. It was Peekaboo, "owww! That hurt! That was-!" Then quickly the pink pudgy chocobo saw that his mistress was right in front of him upon her dark steed.

Seeing who's presence he was in, Peekaboo quickly started babbling almost in a panic like Greeble had done, a little earlier. "Lady Irma! Lady Irma! It was awful! That cat and winged brat along with those other chumps I had as snacks turned the tables! Ya gotta do somethin' quick otherwise- mph!"

Suddenly Peekaboo's beaked mouth was clammed shut as a black sticky substance had smacked him in the face, stopping his panicked babbles in seconds!

Everyone looking at where the sticky substance had come from, saw Irma's right hand had dark mists rising from her black varnished fingernails! It was clear she was not in a good mood! For staring at the pink chocobo she said aggravated, "that's enough pointless gibbering! I'm not listening to a strike three of failure!"

Oralee seeing what Irma had done was on edge again as much as the other villains, however hearing the mention of this 'cat and winged brat' she knew immediately whom that pink chocobo was talking about! Knowing then that everyone was safe, she couldn't help but whisper to herself now truly feeling relieved and full of hope, "everyone...Nozomi, Cait sith... you're all safe! Thank goodness!"

Hearing this whisper of hopeful optimism, Irma turned her head to the captive princess and as she did she looked at her with fierce angered eyes! This immediately made Oralee nervous again as she saw the dark sorceress gaze into her! Irma seeing the effect that she had brought upon her captive then revealed a sinister and devious smile as she told the scared princess, "Oh have I got a special treat planned for you!"

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Their eyes closed Nozomi, Cait sith followed by Juan and Alania all felt the pillar of light around them vanish and as it did cautiously everyone opened their eyes.

As he opened his own preparing for the worst, Juan asked as Poncho hovered over his right shoulder, "are we still in the land of the livin' muchacho's?"

Hearing him ask this question Alania told him in her usual sarcastic tone, "obviously! Otherwise we'd all have golden halo's over our heads!"

Juan listening to that particular word repeated, "halo..." then looking hungry as he thought about it the gunner admitted," mmm! I'd like to be havin' a doughnut right now!"

Cait sith hearing this as he continued to sit upon Nozomi's shoulder, replied as everyone looked at Juan with sceptical eyes, "yer just as random as ever aren't ya lad?"

Hearing this Juan was rather surprised as he asked, "I am gato amigo?"

There was only a one word reply needed, "yes you are!"

Juan simply seemed to be puzzled at this reply, while Nozomi shook her head smiling but then she decided to have a look around and truly see more of where they all were. Looking around she could see that everything around them was all dark and there was hardly anything that could be seen in such a lack of light everywhere.

But at least underneath her brown shoes she could feel the same paved stone floored she'd been running upon before, so that was one sign they were still in the same dimension as before. But still "where've we been taken to? Just where-"

Then suddenly in the slight distance there was another flash of light! Surprised at this everyone watched with amazement as they saw a pillar of light emerge, it was just like the one that had teleported all of them! Could it-?

As it diminished and then faded away there was a familiar voice that could be heard, "whoa! That was a trip and half! Hey fella's!?"

Hearing this a gentle laugh sounded as a reply came, "yes it was! If there was a flower that could symbolise travel, I wouldn't know what to pick!"

At this statement it was then a smaller chirper voice spoke up, "oh! I have an idea Hanahime! How about a Cosmos! Or a lily! Or maybe a tulip! Or-"

Interrupting him gently another voice spoke up, "um Ruby, that's nice but I don't think we need to go through the whole list! Because now we should-"

"Shirma!?" Alania cried out as she recognised that voice in moments!

At once hearing her voice Shirma in turn looked and saw her friend and adopted sister! Immediately she cried out to her, "Alania!"

Then there were no more words as quickly the two rushed to meet each other! Then as they ran, quickly two more voices called out recognising each other, "Mickey!" Nozomi!" With that the two groups of keybladers and 'Arcs' rushed towards one another and melded into one group!

Quickly taking her into her arms Alania looked over her as she put her hands into her pink hair as she asked her, "Shirma!? Are you all right!? You haven't been hurt have you!? You haven't-"

Interrupting her Shirma shook her head as she was so glad, she almost felt like crying! "No I'm fine! I'm fine! I'm just so glad you're okay Alania! I was so worried you were..." but then no more words were exchanged as both girls just hugged each other, both glad that they were alive well and unharmed!

Holding his gloved hands in her own Nozomi was shaking the king's arms and as she did she spoke out glad, "Mickey! You're okay! You made it!"

Laughing as he heard her say this the mouse king replied, "yeah I did! It looks like you fella's did too!"

Nozomi smiling nodded as she said," yeah! Though there was a tough ice horse thing to deal with! We all pulled through it!"

However Cait sith was the one that had to put a word in, "though this lass only did half of the work!"

At this comment a complaint immediately came from Nozomi's mouth, "hey Cait sith!" This instantly made Mickey laugh again as the two of them started a little quarrel match. It was good to see his friends were still the same as ever!

Juan and Hana meanwhile standing next to one another a little away from the three girls and one mouse were both silent but then the the gardener of the 'Arcs' spoke up as she continued to smile on gently with Ruby fluttering over her right shoulder, "looks like it's a happy reunion huh?"

Hearing her the gunner 'Arc' replied to her amused as Poncho still followed after him, "indeed yes, Hana señorita! It's a most joyful one indeed!" Which made him look upon his muchacho's with a gentle fondness in his eyes,

A grumpy look on her face as she looked at Cait sith who in turn was looking away from her after their little tiff, Nozomi turned back to Mickey as she said, "as you see he never changes your majesty... no matter what the situation!"

Mickey smiling away replied, " I see!"

Quiet and becoming brighter at seeing the king's smile, Nozomi returned the gesture. But suddenly it occurred to her! Looking to him she became urgent as she asked, "Mickey have you seen-"

Then before she could say another word there was instantly another shine of light! Immediately this made everyone turn and quickly they saw another pillar descend down and in a flash it vanished away!

Staring at this as it happened everyone who was already present looked on quietly and as they did voices quickly began to be heard!

"Whoa! That was some trip! Just wait till we get back! No one's gonna believe what's happened to us so far!" A happy voice spoke up energetically!

A laugh broke out as he replied "you got that right Snow dude! I mean just picture the look on Leon's face when I tell him I turned a fiery horsey into sashimi!"

Another voice giggled though this one was feminine in tone as she said, "yeah I can just imagine it too! Though I do hope everyone's all right."

It was then one particular voice spoke up as he said, "well we won't know until we have a look around so-"

"Riku!?"

Immediately the four lot of new voices became quiet and as they did the one who'd been interrupted called out recognising her voice too, "Nozomi!?"

There was then no need for more questions! Quickly the maid clad keyblader rushed forwards as she cried out again, "Riku!?"

On her shoulder Cait sith also cried out, "snow drop lad!"

Then quickly Mickey ran them as he cried out, "Riku!?"

Hearing his oldest comrade call out to him, at once Riku ran forwards to greet them all as he cried out, "everyone!?"

Hearing these voices it was then the older voice spoke out again, "did you hear that! It sounds like!"

But finally someone recognised his voice as Juan ran forwards and cried out, "commander Snow!?"

With that the other members of the 'Arcs' recognised them all too! As suddenly each of them started to run forwards and each called out the names they knew!

Alania cried out with Shirma following after her being led by the hand, "Musashi!?"

Then Hana cried out, "Serah?!"

At once responding to their calls Snow shouted out, "guys!" Then as he ran forwards Serah and Musashi tailed after him to meet them all!

Running forwards Nozomi finally could see him and as she did she recognised him in the same waiter outfit he'd been dressed in along with his shoulder length silver white hair, her eyes brightened up. Seeing her coming in that same silly pink maid outfit and her shoulder length black hair pinned with cherry blossom hair clip. The white haired keyblader too brightened up with a smile as finally the two made it to each other! Coming to a stand still looking at him Nozomi asked him, "Riku! You're here too!? You made it! You're okay!?"

The white haired keyblader hearing this told her, "yeah I did! Though I had a struggle to go through! Are you all right though?"

At this question the female keyblader was about to make a reply when Cait sith spoke up for her, "as well as a banshee can be lad! Honestly ya really gotta tug at the rein's ta keep this one in check!" With that the small cat moved himself and quickly sat up on Nozomi's head as he tugged on her hair to get the point across!

"Ow! Cait sith!" The girl cried out as she tried to bat him off of her.

"See what I mean!?" The small cat boasted as he avoided her grasp.

At this usual scene between the two of them Riku had to reply with an amused smile, "yeah I guess I do!"

Then at once finally Mickey made it over to them all and as he did he cried out, "Riku!"

Seeing him the white keyblader responded, "your majesty!"

Looking to his friend and seeing he was all okay, the king told him," it's good to see ya! I was real worried about ya and the others! I mean with the perils that were sent us all, I wasn't sure we'd all be able to meet again!"

Hearing this from the king Riku told him, "Mickey how long have you known me for? If I can survive the darkness, I can survive whatever that so-called Irma and Bebuzzu can throw at me!"

However one particular voice had to correct him, "though it looked like to me you needed a little help with that one fiery mess, huh Riku dude?"

With that Musashi's hand rested itself on Riku's shoulder and as it did the samurai's cheeky smile and face came into view and as it did, the white haired keyblader looked to him and then amused he replied, "minutely you did!"

"Hey!" With that Musashi removed himself from Riku's shoulder and as he did he playfully hit him in the back as he said, "c'mon I deserve more credit than that don't I?"

Then turning to look at him and thinking for a moment Riku told him after a so-called deep thought, "all right then... you did half! But I'm only saying that because I feel like being generous!"

With that Musashi was then satisfied as he replied, "that's more like it!"

"Making a debate here are ya?" Asked Snow as he made it to the reunited keybladers.

Hearing him Musashi laughed as he replied, "nah! Just getting' my dues sorted out!"

The 'Arcs' commander amused by this replied with a chuckle, "so I see!"

Then with those words said, it was that finally the group of 'Arcs' all came together as they all rushed forwards and caught up with their commander and last two members!

Making it to them the barrage of worried questions came first from Juan, "Snow amigo are you okay!?"

To this the commander replied, "oh fine Juan! You'll never guess what me and the other's faced it was-"

"Serah!? Are you all right my dear! You're not hurt are you?" Came Hana's worried question as she looked to the soon be songstress.

Nodding her head Serah replied with a smile on her face, "I'm fine Hana! I'm fine, a little tired but-"

"Musashi! What took you so long to get to us all! Do you know how rude it is to keep a lady waiting!?" Alania spoke as she reprimanded the young samurai,

Shirma though quickly went to step in and defend as she told her, "Alania please! Don't say things like that now!"

Hearing this comment from her, Musashi then in a cheeky mood replied to Alania, "lady? Well I don't see no lady around here so why should I-"

With that the discussions between all of the 'Arcs' commenced.

Looking at everyone conversing made Nozomi really happy, but looking then to Cait sith who'd moved himself back to her shoulder, his arms were folded as he looked on with serious silence everywhere. Curious for a moment she then quickly remembered and looking to everyone as they talked away, she realised she knew like he did that there was someone missing from their group...

Mickey smiling turned and as he looked to the female keyblader and he saw that she'd gone really quiet and sullen,then looking to her shoulder the same expression was on their trusty feline companion. Looking at them he decided to ask, "are you both okay, Nozomi? Cait sith?"

Hearing the worry in the king's voice Riku turned and saw the sad look that was on her face, hearing the king she smiled to him sadly as she said, "yeah... and no, I mean... it's great that everybody's here but-"

"Me highness isn't here," Cait sith said as he finished his sentence for her.

At this the king asked, "Oralee?" For it was then looking around that both he and Riku finally noticed too that the princess of Alexandra wasn't there with them.

Cait sith then told both Riku and Mickey, "she was taken by Irma and we were hopin' ta see me highness here too but...

Nozomi feeling insecure nodded to Cait sith looking down and said, "I want her to be all right... I just hope Irma hasn't already-"

Then suddenly Nozomi felt a hand stroking her hair, startled she looked up and saw surprised that it was Riku who was doing this! Looking at him with widened eyes she heard him say with a gentle smile, "don't worry, she'll be fine! We've rescued everyone else and we'll save her too!"

Silent as she heard this it was then Mickey who spoke up as he said with a smile, "yeah Nozomi! Cait sith! We'll save Oralee for sure! I know we all will!"

At this seeing the support that was there on his side, Cait sith replied back to both his mousey and snow white pals, "you better keep ya words lads! Otherwise I'll give ya both a hair and tail tuggin' ya both soon won't forget!"

Hearing this comment from Cait sith made Nozomi smile and as she felt Riku's hand on her head still, she felt her heart beat warmly again as she looked to both him and Mickey and said, "thanks guys..."

Then suddenly as those words escaped her lips there was a tremendous shaking in the ground, this immediately startled everyone and as it shook everyone was on edge! Snow barely keeping his balance as they all waved back and forth cried out, "hey whoa! What's happenin' here!?"

"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HEE!"

At this sound of maniacal laughter everyone looked everywhere to see where it was coming from! Looking Alania didn't like the tone as she cried out, "who's there!? What's the big-"

Then suddenly seemingly out of nowhere a purple spot light shone down in the middle of the stone paved floor! Staring at this as it happened, everyone then saw something sparkle and shine in the middle of that spotlight! As it did, in a swirl of glittering purple dust appeared a familiar seducing and yet sinister pretty face. It was none other than Irma!

Seeing her immediately it was Alania who cried out angrily, "you!"

Ever the playful sorceress Irma replied with a sinister smile on her face, "oh yes it is! You fools all miss did you?"

However Cait sith was not in the mood for these nasty games of hers and so he demanded, "don't ya be givin' me ya airy fairy talk ya pretentious poe! What've ya done with me royal highness!?"

Not expecting this 'poe' comeback Irma replied, "highness...?" Then putting a varnished nail to her lips she looked playfully curious as she asked, "what highness?"

Nozomi quickly was regaining her hate for this girl and so she spelled it out for her, "you know who he's talking about!? Where's our friend you stole!? Where's Oralee!?"

At the mention of this name Irma asked, "Oralee?" Then quiet for a moment another sinister chuckle escaped her lips as she replied, "I have no idea what you mean!? But I think maybe my colleagues do!" With that turning around she cried out, "oh gang!"

Then in moments suddenly before anyone knew it from the darkened skies emerged Volg, Gandrake, Greeble and Peekaboo all upon their demonic steeds!

As they drifted and floated around in the air in a wide circle, they each called down to the shocked heroes, "greetings fools!" Came the first call from Volg.

Tapping his feathers on his calculator he'd brought out, Greeble spoke down,"calculations say your numbers are zeros!"

Then came along Peekaboo now without the sticky black goop over his beak, he munched away on a lollipop as he chirped down, "snack time is now time!"

At the end as the final arrival, the evil samurai Gandrake appeared with a certain guest upon his lap before him! With her arms tied and with a sticky substance gagging her mouth, it was none other than Oralee who was being held prisoner as she struggled to get free! Seeing her do this Gandrake took her face into his hands as he told her, "c'mon, a sweet little girl shouldn't struggle so!" This made the princess look at him with terrible anxiousness in her eyes.

At once Cait sith shouted out mad, "hey! Get ya dirty mitts off me highness!"

Seeing this Nozomi rushed forwards as she saw her friend look on with widened and distressed eyes at her! Quickly she cried out, "Oralee!?"

Irma staring at her predicted reaction grinned as she said, "on cue!" With that reaching her right hand forwards she got ready to click her fingers!

Looking at what the evil sorceress was about to do, Riku knew immediately that this was bad! So running forwards he cried out, "Nozomi wait!"

Seeing him run too immediately Mickey acted as he ran forwards and cried out, "Riku!"

Then seeing what their friends were doing, Snow knew what to do in moments as he cried out, "'Arcs'! C'mon we gotta help them!" With that he ran forwards as the others did too!

"On it Snow dude!" With that Musashi had his samurai blade drawn out and ready for action!

"Andale! Andale! Arriba!" Came Juan's shout as he drew out both his pistols.

"Time for some payback!" Came a shout from Alania as she had her staff out ready for some summoning as a smile lit up her face.

However both Hana and Shirma stayed back for support, while Serah next to them both sensed there was something wrong as she cried out, "Snow! Everyone!?"

Then seeing her prey were falling straight for it Irma cried out, "it's show time!" With that she clicked her fingers and immediately there was a reaction as suddenly out of nowhere loads of bright glittering red and lilac lights began to shine out everywhere along with huge amounts of raining colourful confetti!

Bewildered by this sudden sight of colours and light as she ran Nozomi cried out, "what the-!?"

Then suddenly there were huge four poofs of smoke and from within them appeared four huge darkly coloured creatures! They all each a different colour, orange, red, purple and pink! But each of them all had wide white bellies and yellow beaks and as each of the creatures stared around with red enraged dancing eyes, everyone could see on their heads what looked like golden crowns and as the creatures waddled forwards. It was clear what they were!

Looking at them Nozomi asked perplexed, "penguins!?"

Winking at her as she got the answer Irma told her, " bingo! The same ones who served in that petty little cafe of yours!"

Hearing this info Nozomi was horrified at what had become of her friendly fellow servers! Mickey then demanded from the sorceress, "what did ya do to them!?"

Irma smiled and enlightened the mouse king, "I just gave them an upgrade! Just like I've done to this place! Which reminds me..."

However still not in the mood for her tom foolery, Nozomi rushed forwards and running on she was almost there! Getting ready to jump as Gandrake stared down at her sinisterly with her friend still horribly worried the female keyblader cried out, "Oralee!"

At once Irma got it, "oh yeah!" With that once again she clicked her fingers!

As this happened Nozomi was about to jump when suddenly, "huh!?"

"WHOA!"

Riku shocked saw Nozomi was being suddenly thrown back! Seeing this he cried out, "Nozomi! Hey!"

"AAAHHH!"

With that the white haired keyblader was sent flying too and all at once he and Nozomi collided into each other as they both fell on the floor. There were cries of pain immediately, "Owwww! Owww!"

Her head now aching Nozomi demanded, "that hurt what-"

"Hey!? What is this!? Yikes!? Ya!?"

Hearing these sudden cries of distress, immediately it distracted both Riku and Nozomi from their pain. They both saw the 'Arcs' being spun around and around on the ground! It was clear they were just as confused as the two aching keybladers!

"I can't get my balance on this! Hey whoa!" Snow cried out as he was desperate not to tumble down! However it was a real struggle!

"This is so not cool dudes! So not cool!" Musashi cried out as was trying to use his sword for balance!

Juan struggling too cried out as he waved his arms about left and right, "oh this is not good! This is not good muchacho's!"

Alania just managing to keep upright demanded outraged, "just what the heck's going on!? Wha-"

Mickey looking on quickly saw what was causing this unbalance for everyone and what had made Nozomi and Riku smack into each other! For standing on the outer rims of them, he looked about and saw the entire floor was now covered in a kaleidoscopic mosaic of spinning colourful circles! Each of them were all spinning at different speeds and that was now causing chaos on the ground!

Delighted at what she was seeing Irma cried out," ha ha ha! Oh heroes giving a show! Who would have thought it possible!?"

Seeing her friends struggle Nozomi turned her gaze back up to Irma and as she did the evil sorceress asked her, "you enjoying My wonderful 'Merry Go Round'!"

Gripping her keyblade Nozomi told her mad, "I'll be the sending you round the bend next! Give us back Oralee!"

Seeing that she was still determined Irma told her, "oh I'm afraid I can't you know... for you see-"

"BRROOWWAARRGGH!"

This sudden noise made everyone shake and as they all did Irma finished as she flew out of the way, "Bebuzzu needs something in his tummy!"

Then at that moment something crashed into the kaleidoscopic colourful ground sending puffs of purple sparkling dust fly out everywhere! Looking at it as it cleared away, Riku asked, "what is-"

But then quickly everyone saw what had descended!

It was a huge and monstrous creature! It had long twisted black cloven hooves and legs, it was dark grey in colour in skin and body, it's mane was a twisting mess of flames, ice and thunder with a blazing set of six eyes on it's face which were all golden and silver in colour. Around it's neck was a red glowing orb tied down with a chain that pulsed with it's evil power!

Everyone looking on couldn't believe the sight they were seeing! But then the creature opened up it's mouth and there they all recognised those same hungry jaws and in moments they all knew who this creature was! The demon tome, Bebuzzu!

The monstrous book creature clicking it's shoulder blades into place then growled loudly in it's hungry voice as it called, "MMMMMPPPHHH! LIGHTS DELICIOUS SWEET LIGHTS!FEED ME! I MUST EAT!" With that in moments hearing this everyone knew this wasn't good!

As the monster book made this shout, Irma proudly declared, "and eat you shall my Bebuzzu! Now let's begin the delightful festivities!" Then at the clap of her hands, the crowned penguin creatures began to waddle forwards as the spinning circles on the floor began to turn faster! In the air, Volg, Peekaboo, Greeble and the captive Oralee held by Gandrake took their cue as they all started to circle above on their demonic steeds!

Seeing the battle was now upon them all, Nozomi turned to Riku as she asked him, "you ready to do this!?"

At once Riku nodded to her as he said, "yeah! Come on!" With that he got himself back up onto his feet and then looking down to Nozomi he reached his hand down to her and quickly the female keyblader took the help as she stood up again!

In the distance Snow and his 'Arcs' we're beginning to get a footing again and seeing what was before them all declared, "c'mon 'Arcs!' Let's show Bebuzzu here and Irma that we're not gonna be bested by anyone!"

At once there was a shout from them all, "Charge!" They were all with their leader! They too were ready for this!

Mickey got himself ready too as he gripped his golden keyblade tightly! Meanwhile in the distance watching on, worried for all their friends. Hana, Shirma and Serah all prayed for the best! But then looking at her fellow songstress Serah whispered out loud, "Oralee... Snow! Please be careful!"

Cait sith meantime fully geared up looked to the monster tome and that irritating and horrible Irma and as he did, he shouted out, "alright lads! Let's get this rescue show on the road and let's get me highness back!"

"With pleasure!" Came Nozomi's immediate response and in seconds everyone rushed into battle! The time to take down Bebuzzu, Irma and her henchman was now!