Chapter CLIV: A Wing Of Hope, Celebration And A Wind Swept Departure
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XIV
Standing over the dark and silent crystal which was lying in his lap. Merlin was keeping his vigilance as he quietly gazed at it with serious concerned eyes.
Sazh looking on from a slight distance with Dajh who was still upon his shoulders along with the others, there was worry brewing inside of him. For earlier when Lightning had come barging through them all to learn the whereabouts of her sister Serah, there had been a huge change in events!
Because after telling the agitated female solider of what had occurred with the emergence of Bebuzzu along with the swallowing of the keybladers and the Arcs, including her sister. She had immediately demanded to be sent into that dark trap! Though of course Merlin had refused profusely to her along with everyone else, there was no holding her back! For Sazh knew when it came to the safety of Serah, Lightning would become more stubborn than a mule to do anything to protect and save her!
So after relenting to her strong will and threatening sword, Merlin reluctantly had transported her into the realms of the darkened crystal! Leaving everyone to watch on with anxious anticipation.
Turning to his father Dajh had to ask feeling worried, "dad? Do you think Lightning and the others are gonna be okay?"
Hearing his young son ask this question, the gun totting pilot told his son, "honestly Dajh I don't-"
FLASH!
Suddenly a white light lit up! As it flashed everywhere it made all who were there blink in surprise!
Startled at this Yuffie was the first to call out, "hey what the!? What's-"
FLASH!
Immediately there was another flash of light and as it occurred again. Merlin gazing down at the crystal could feel it rumbling in his lap and as he did, his eyes widened as he saw a glowing white light begin to grow in the centre of it!
He knew what this meant in seconds! Quickly getting up he turned to the others as he shouted out to them, "lads! Get back!"
Hearing him still stunned by the shine of light, Aerith looked to the master magician as she asked, "what?"
Merlin again shouted out, "I said get back! Fast! We-"
However quickly the crystal was shining brightly again and as it did, the elder wizard had to hold it back! So immediately he clamped onto it tightly with his hands as it was beginning to glitter and shine between his clenched fingers.
Seeing his captain struggle, Bonkers knew what needed to be done instantly! It was time for the law to step in! So looking to his pal he told him, "let's get to work here Coco!"
Hearing his friend immediately the small yellow bird cried out with a smile on his beak, "Kweh!"
Nodding at his friend, Bonkers then brought out a small golden instrument from his blue shirt pocket and blew into it!
"Thweeeeeet!' "Thweeeeeet!' "Thweeeeeet!'
Quickly getting everyone's attention as they all looked to the small chocobo riding bobcat they heard him cry out, "back up fella's! Back up! We gotta make room!"
Scrooge not getting it though asked the small cat getting confused and rather irritated by his whistling, "for what!? What's just goin' on lads!? What's-"
"We got at an incomin! I'd say we got some pals who're gonna be makin' a crash landing! Now c'mon! Back! Back!" With that continuing to ride on Coco he went up to them all swinging his black baton as he quickly made everyone dart backwards as they made a huge opened ring!
Seeing what was going on and at hearing the news, immediately Sazh's eyes widened as a pleased smile came to his face as he asked, "the guys are-"
FLASH!
It was time and Merlin knew it! Quickly letting go of the crystal it began to glow and shine brightly as he ran into the distance too to make some room himself! Then as soon as he'd let it go, it floated high in the air and as it did there was a huge sound of ringing that rung out everywhere as it began to shine brighter and brighter! As it did this it also started spinning, going faster and faster as the magic increased!
Looking at this as it was happening, everyone was staring on with wide and amazed eyes! Then suddenly-
"WWWHHHOOOAAA!"
Immediately Leon hearing this shout became high on alert as he turned to the others and asked them, "did you hear that!? That's-"
"AAAAGGGGGHHHH!"
Then suddenly as this other series of joining yells rang out, a couple of comets of white glittering light spurted out from the crystal! Something living!
The first arrival landing onto the stone paved ground with a slight tumble, got up a little dizzily as a disoriented voice spoke up, "whoa! What a trip!? What's-"
"Hey! Whoa!" Quickly the other comet struck the ground next to the disorientated voice, then getting up as this person shook their head he said, "that was somethin' else dude! What-" Stopping the owner of this voice turned and saw a pair of surprised familiar blue eyes were looking at him.
"Musashi?!" Came the startled question.
"Snow dude?!" Came the surprised replied.
Then quickly both 'Arcs' amazed at seeing each other turned around and saw where they were! Then turning again they watched as more comets of light started to erupt out of the shining crystal!
"Yeow! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" Another comet hit the ground! Then in seconds as the light faded from his body, Juan was revealed as he cried out, "ow! My head! That rides more crazy than those stars from that mushroom kingdom place!" As he said these words, Poncho then came floating over his master's shoulder, seeing him come over Juan had to ask him, "Poncho what-?"
Then suddenly a little further away another comet struck the ground! As it did instantly after the light had died away, a voice spoke, "okay! What just-"
Immediately another comet struck down and as the light died around this person, they looked up from the ground confused as they asked, "this is-"
"Shirma!?"
Turning at the call of her name, the pink haired mage was surprised as suddenly before she could reply Alania had run over and was hugging her tightly as she told her, "you're here you're all right! Thank goodness!"
Hearing her and feeling her warmth all around her, Shirma quickly recovering from her surprise smiled and then holding her arms she told her, "yes... Alania, it's all right you don't have to-"
Then suddenly another comet struck the ground almost right next to both of the surprised girls and quickly as the light died away another female was revealed as she asked, "that was-"
"Hanahime!?"
The long haired honey blonde girl was surprised as a small pair of wings wrapped themselves around her locks, as a little voice spoke up, "we're back! We've made it back! We've-!" The small little red robin though couldn't go on as the relief inside him was overwhelming.
Hearing his calls though surprised at first herself, Hana revealed her own smile as she became relieved too and stroking her small close friend she told him, "yes, we have Ruby... we have! And we-"
Suddenly she was interrupted because in the distance four more comets simultaneously erupted out of the shining spinning crystal! As each one struck the ground four more figures were revealed! Lying on the ground two of the figures were holding each other's hands, after a moment the two of them began to awaken properly.
Looking around them the first spoke, "are we?"
The other now properly sitting up, let go of the hand she had been holding as she told her, "yes! I think we-"
"Serah!"
Quickly interrupting her, the pink haired girl turned around and immediately in moments arriving at her side was Snow! Getting down onto his knees he quickly took her hand as he asked her, "are you all right? You're not hurt are you?"
Seeing the worry in his eyes as well as hearing it in his voice, she immediately smiled to him as she told him, "no Snow I'm fine! Don't worry!"
This immediately filled the commander of the 'Arcs' with relief, then suddenly arriving beside him was Musashi and lowering himself he reached a hand down as he asked, "hey Oralee? You doin' okay?"
Hearing the samurai's question the princess of Alexandra after taking his hand, responded to him, "yes thank you Musashi!" Then as she was pulled up back onto her feet she had to ask, "how is everyone else? Are Riku, Mickey and-"
Suddenly she stopped in mid sentence for landing on the ground, both Riku and Mickey had emerged! However unlike the others they were standing on their feet already! They were both looking up at the glowing and shining crystal as it continued to float in the air. The two of them had serious gazes upon their faces, for they could sense what was going to happen next!
The crystal shone even brighter as another loud ringing sounded in the air again! Something else was coming through! Looking to him Riku asked Mickey, "how about it... now?"
Then as he asked this question another ring sounded out and as it did, the king made his reply, "now!" With that the two of them ran forwards in the direction of the crystal!
As they went though Snow standing with Serah called out to them both, "guys!? What're you doing?! What-"
"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGG!
Suddenly as this large roar echoed out, everyone was put on high alert! Especially those who'd hadn't been taken into the domains of that once dark trap!
Having now lowered his son onto the ground gently, he heard him ask with a little fear in his voice, "dad what was that!?"
Quickly Sazh's hands were on his pistols as he told his son, becoming fuelled by fierce determination, "I don't know Dajh! But-" Suddenly something truly huge and shining was emerging from the crystal and as it did, he finished his sentence, "it's gonna be big son!"
"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGG!
Immediately the huge roar came again and as it did the horrific creature emerged! For there floating in the sky was the twisted horse like monster, Bebuzzu! He was gnashing away with his huge jaws while he was trying to claw his way through the air!
Seeing the beast had made his appearance, Riku immediately cried out to the king, "now your majesty!"
"Right!" Mickey shouted out! In moments both he and the king launched themselves forwards and into the air, their keyblades ready as they then started to smash into the terrible beast!
As this occurred Bebuzzu was becoming infuriated as he tried his best to strike the pesky keybladers! However he was too slow! For the more they smashed into him, the more his dark layers of power were being disintegrated!
Then as this was commencing suddenly three more comets of light emerged from the crystal! Immediately these lights crashed into the ground, as they did quickly they were revealed to be the three maniacal chocobo's Peekaboo, Greeble and Volg.
As they hit the ground the chubby pink chocobo spoke up as he held his head and said, "ow! Darn it there! That smarted! That scaly whatever before was awful!"
Greeble was really irritated as he cried out, "who cares about that!? Just what was-"
"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGG!
Suddenly stopping in mid sentence the mint green chocobo looked up along with his fellow associates and there they all saw Bebuzzu was being thrashed by the white haired and mouse keybladers!
Seeing this happen at once Greeble cried out, "master Bebuzzu!?"
Becoming agitated Volg then gritted his beak as he told his cohorts, "c'mon! We've got to intervene!" With that the dark red chocobo ran forwards.
Hearing this at once though it was clear that both his accomplices were reluctant at this idea as the two of them stared at each for a moment. However they couldn't argue against their superior, so taking his lead though with a gulp of nervousness from them both, the two of them started to chase after him!
But-
"You're not going anywhere!" For suddenly rushing forwards and stopping them in their tracks, it was none other than Musashi who had his katana drawn out!
Nervous as this blade was drawn out and aimed at them and in particular at his helpless associate Greeble who had his wings up in surrender. Peekaboo cried out for him, "hey whoa there! Watch where you're pointin' that thing!"
Volg looking up at the long brown haired ponytailed samurai was angered again! For without assistance there was nothing they could do!
But suddenly from the floating crystal another comet of light emerged! This one quickly raced forwards and struck into the ground straight in front of Musashi! Blinding the bewildered samurai he cried out, "hey! What the-"
Then suddenly his blade was sent flying back by another clashing blade! This quickly made him step backwards in shock, for there in front of him was none other than his rival Gandrake! Looking at him recovering from his surprise Musashi quickly became high on alert as he clasped his own sword tightly, he had to be ready!
Seeing him come Volg immediately told the dark samurai mad, "it's about time you came! You useless excuse for a warrior!"
Gandrake annoyed at this comment retorted to the dark red chocobo, "yeah it's good to see you too!" Then looking to his rival, his eyes were narrowed as he asked him, "so... you think you can take me down Musashi?"
Annoyed as he heard this comment, the long haired samurai was about to make a reply when suddenly another blade came forwards as a new voice said, "he won't be doing it alone!"
Surprised Musashi turned and saw who it was, he smiled immediately as he cried out, "Leon dude!"
Hearing him the tall Gunblader turned to his friend as he replied to him, "hey! Nice to see ya back Musashi!"
Gandrake seeing that Leon was getting involved, knew that he would struggle against this guy! Things were not going their way again!
Then suddenly another reaction occurred from the crystal! Another comet came racing out of it! This time it was aimed straight at Bebuzzu who was continuing to struggle against both Riku and Mickey who were cutting into him!
Their blades still drawn, both of them suddenly stopped as they felt a hateful intent! Looking they turned and saw Irma was quickly approaching upon her dark steed! In her hand she had a sphere of dark energy pulsating, it was dangerous and ready as she aimed it at them both!
The two of them were shocked as they saw the horrible intent in her eyes! Looking at them enraged she saw the terrible damage they'd inflicted upon her beloved Bebuzzu! Aiming she then shouted, "you insubordinate scum!"
Then as she was about to send that terrible sphere of energy their way, something spinning came racing out of nowhere! It immediately struck Irma's hand! "Agggh!" she cried out, for whatever it was that came it was sharp and piercing! In seconds the sphere she'd called out was cancelled out!
Immediately a shout came forth, "Ha got ya!"
Hearing this call Irma looked around herself and quickly she saw who'd made that attack on her, looking at her the dark sorceress hissed, "you!"
Laughing as she heard the anger in her voice, the reply came as she caught her spinning weapon of trade in her hand, "that's right me! The great ninja Yuffie!" With that preparing herself she had her sharp Shuriken drawn out ready for another launch as she said, "it's about time I had a taste of some action!"
Angered further Irma was ready to release her fury on this pest too when-
"Haaa!" At once both Riku and Mickey came at her as they smashed into her dark steed! As they did this immediately the terrible beast was turned into dust in seconds leaving nothing for the dark sorceress to ride on!
"You-!" Then suddenly she was stopped as she was sent plummeting towards the ground as another couple of blows were struck into her by the keybladers!
Seeing their mistress fall at once all of the chocobo's there were shocked with horror, both Greeble and Peekaboo cried out simultaneously, "Lady Irma!"
However quickly acting, Gandrake moved into position as he quickly caught the dark sorceress in his arms! Seeing him do this immediately Volg ran to her as he asked with worry, "my lady!"
In the air though seeing what they'd done, Mickey had to confess to his comrade, "gee, I feel kinda bad for hittin' a lady like that..."
Riku though told him, "it couldn't be helped, she had it coming your majesty."
To which though he still felt a little bad, all Mickey could do was give a solemn from behind them both-
"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGG!
Looking the two keybladers saw that it was Bebuzzu, though he was clearly terribly damaged he wasn't giving up easily!
Annoyed at this Riku spoke his thoughts, "tch! Doesn't know when to quit does he?"
Mickey's nodded at this as he tightened his grip on his keyblade ready to attack again, when suddenly-
FLASH!
Turning the two of them saw the crystal was beginning to shine even more again as the ringing increased more! At once seeing this, Mickey then brightened as he said, "hey looks like they're finally gonna make an appearance!
Hearing the king's words Riku forgot his annoyance for a moment as he replied, "yeah..." then looking to Bebuzzu he mused further as he added, "I'd say it's their turn to give this thing the coup de grace!"
Mickey nodded as he replied, "looks like it!" Then as the crystal brightened again, he told his fellow keyblader, "we better give them some room!"
Riku nodding himself at this comment quickly descended with the king from the air as they quickly ran back along the ground to see the final blow struck!
Bebuzzu seeing the two keybladers go was clearly puzzled, but then hearing the crystal the evil monster tome suddenly saw something huge emerge! As it glittered and shone there was a huge shout from the thing, "charge lasses!"
For there emerging from the crystal it was none other than Lightning and Nozomi with Cait sith on the female keyblader's shoulder! They were all riding upon Odin's back, however the moment they raced out of the crystal's domains he faded in a sparkle of light as he raced away into the sky. So quickly the two girls launched themselves forwards with both their magical abilities to give Bebuzzu the final smack down!
Seeing both the female warriors charging straight at him, the evil monster tome opened it's huge jaws to let out an elemental barrage at them! However both girls were too fast as they dodged this attack and making it to the terrible monster the two of them shouted out together, "hhhhaaaaa!" With that they unleashed their blows of power upon the beast!
Hearing this shout as she awoke with a start from her unconsciousness, Irma turned her head and saw what was occurring to her beloved tome! Seeing the increasing damage that was being inflicted she shouted out loudly, "c'mon Bebuzzu!" Then getting herself out of Gandrake's hold she shouted up, "don't let those brats beat you!"
However it was useless! Bebuzzu had practically lost all his strength! He was powerless! Then as Lightning struck a furiously charged thunder spell into his abdomen, she found a glowing blue emblem, she knew what it was in moments and quickly she turned around as she shouted, "Nozomi! Here now!"
At Lightning's call immediately Nozomi flew straight in her direction and as she did the female strong soldier flew out of the way! As she did Nozomi aimed her keyblade forwards as she felt her power ignite inside her! Cait sith then shouted out loudly, "let him have it lass!"
With that Nozomi struck into Bebuzzu, over and over again with her keyblade and then aiming precisely with all her power into this one blow she shouted out loud, "Blossoming Prism Of Light!"
Immediately Bebuzzu was encased in a shining diamond of white light! Quickly as this occurred he was struck all over by it's enormous pulsating power! It was making him become smaller and smaller with each pulse! Then suddenly at the peak of the attack a mighty beam of light came forth making the terrible book fly outwards, reduced back to his original form!
Seeing it was finally done, Nozomi breathed in and out hard from the adrenalin as she tried to recover from it! Looking at Bebuzzu she told him as he hovered pathetically in the air, charring with smoke, "there! Take that!"
Then after a moment all at once there was a huge roar of applause! Turning around startled Nozomi saw everyone down below cheering to her and Lightning with whistles and claps!
Juan whistling away shouted out to her, "wait ta go senorita! You showed that libro monstruo who's the real boss!"
"Yeah!" Yuffie cried out as she waved up to Nozomi.
Clapping herself Oralee giggled as she cried out, "yes! Well done my friends!"
Hearing all these calls and applause Nozomi was blank but then she became bashful as she said blushing, "he, he? Well this is different..."
Cait sith on her shoulder though rolled his eyes as he said, "it's tough bein' popular ain't it?"
As he said this though at once the ringing in the air ceased, this made everyone turn and quickly they all saw that the bright blue shining crystal had been returned back to its full glory!
Looking on at this Nozomi spoke her thoughts as she forgot her embarrassment, "wow that's great isn't it! Maybe things will finally be able to go back to normal now?"
Nodding at this comment Cait sith responded, "aye lass! That they should! Then-"
"Yum! Yum! Yum!"
Suddenly this shout distracted both keyblader and cat as they turned and saw that Bebuzzu had recovered! He was now licking his big bookish chops with his red bookmark tongue. As he did this Nozomi looked at him confused as she asked, "what's he-"
Then suddenly he raced forwards and quickly darting out of the way in a hurry Nozomi was baffled beyond compare as she cried out, "hey! What's the big-"
"Oh lass!?" Cait sith cried out in distress for the small black and white cat saw what the terrible tome's target was, it was the crystal again!
Immediately Nozomi knew what this meant as she cried out, "oh no!" With that she ran in the air to stop him!
Seeing what was going to happen everyone on the ground immediately became worried, especially Merlin as he cried out, "someone stop that guzzling piece of literature!"
Lightning hearing the master wizard's cry, saw quickly that Nozomi was definitely not going to make it! However she was already prepared!
At that moment Bebuzzu was upon the crystal! Nozomi rushing forwards cried out, "no stop!" Ignoring her plea tough the terrible tome had opened up it's terrible jaws once again!
Turning as this was about to happen Lightning shouted out loudly, "Hope we need you now!"
"Yum! Yum!" Came Bebuzzu's hungry voice again and at once he went to devour!
But suddenly from out of nowhere something struck straight into the terrible book! This baffled the terrible thing as it gasped, "gweh-?!"
"Aerora!" At once as this new voice cried out a powerful twisting spell came forth! It slammed straight into Bebuzzu making it spin and crash straight into the ground right by the feet of the sorceress Irma!
Seeing her beloved tome being thrashed once again Irma scooped it up into her arms as she cried out, "Bebuzzu!?" With that she held him tightly in her arms.
In the air watching what had occurred Nozomi couldn't believe it! Cait sith too was just as puzzled as he cried out, "just who there did-"
Then turning he was cut off as the female keyblader looked down and saw a young man with short white hair on the ground dressed in an orange and yellow short sleeved jacket with a green scarf tied around his neck with a black pattern of some kind. He was also wearing creamy light green trousers that reached to just below his knew with a dark brown side bag tied to his belt with long laces. Then to finish off his image he wore cream white boots with dark grey laces woven through them.
Looking at him Nozomi didn't know what to think, but then the boy seeing her look at him smiled up as he waved a hand up, in reply to him the female keyblader quickly returned the smile as she gave him a thumbs up as thanks.
Back down below in the meantime holding Bebuzzu in her arms, it was clear to Irma that her treasured book was out and down for the count, because the single eye he had had an X over it and he wasn't moving!
"Now I've got ya! Ya mischievous good for nothin'!" Hearing these angry words, Irma looked up and saw with anger in her eyes that it was that good for nothing quack of a businessman, Scrooge!
However not wanting to her lose her cool she bit back her rage for a moment as she cooly replied, "oh you think so huh? Think you can take me down by yourself?"
Hearing this pathetic attempt of being tough Scrooge replied, "are ya being daft yarself now lass? I ain't alone in this!" For as he said these words it was then that all of the 'Arcs', the restoration committee, the visitors Lightning, Hope and Sazh followed by Dajh. Then arriving on the ground Nozomi joined the group with her fellow keybladers as Merlin finally walked over too. The followers of Bebuzzu were all surrounded! There was nowhere for them to go!
Irma's eyes widened at the sight of all these warriors together! She felt a pang of nervousness enter her heart! Gandrake too was feeling the pressure as he whispered a single agitated word, "damn!" With that he then started to reach for his katana again when-
'Click'
Looking up Gandrake then saw the afro haired pilot Sazh had his gun ready and aiming straight at him! Pausing as he looked at him, he heard the father say to him, "I wouldn't try it buddy!"
Then walking over Juan had his own gun out as he aimed with Sazh too and added, "yeah ditto that!"
At once seeing Juan come over to join his father, Dajh smiled up to him as he said, "hey Juan!"
Hearing his voice the gunner of the 'Arcs' lost his serious face for a moment as he smiled and winked to him in a friendly way as he said, "hey Dajh amigo!"
However Irma was far from the mood of being friendly towards any of these pests! Alania seeing that she was in a corner mocked the evil dark sorceress, "ha! How do you like being the one pinned in? Not nice huh?"
There was no reply to this but an angry stare, but then walking through the crowd of 'Arcs,' visitors and keybladers, Merlin made his appearance before his former apprentice as he told her, "now Irma lass, you know there's no way for you to make a get away, so please do yourself and your group a favour and return that book back to my hands," then reaching his hand towards her he added, "I've warned you countless times that book is not to be played with or taken lightly!"
Seeing Merlin reaching his hand out to her like she was some helpless child made Irma further angered as she simply held it tighter to her chest! She wasn't going to let this one go!
Seeing their mistress behave this way both Greeble and Peekaboo were nervous as they shivered, the peppermint green chocobo spoke his thoughts aloud, "this isn't good!"
Volg knew this already himself! So reaching into the ruffles of his feathers... he knew this was the time if any to use this!
Irma in the meantime was still refusing to let go of her beloved Bebuzzu! Riku seeing what she was doing spoke his own thoughts aloud, "looks like this isn't going to end without fuss!"
Nozomi nodded at this statement as she said, "yeah tell me about it! She's like a stubborn little kid!"
Hearing her say this Cait sith couldn't help but remark, "lass, ya ain't one to talk about it!"
At this statement the female keyblader became annoyed in moments as she asked, "what's that supposed to mean!?"
However before Cait sith could make a reply Bonkers suddenly came forward as he rode on top of Coco, at once he pointed his baton at Irma as he demanded, "c'mon there Irma don't keep us and the captain waitin'! Cough up the book!"
In agreement Coco jumped up and fluttered in the air for a moment as he cried out, "Kweh!" As he did this a few of his yellow feathers flew about. One of these feathers ended up in a rather unique spot...
Irma though still wanted to refuse, however the pressure was getting to her... she couldn't fight back against this huge mob with Bebuzzu out. Gandrake could only take out so many of these pests and-
"Our lady's not losing today!" With that suddenly making her thoughts stop in their tracks Volg came forwards and startling everyone they heard the dark red coloured chocobo say, "we'll all see you brats again soon!" Then suddenly he brought out a purple sphere from the folds of his wing!
Seeing this Hana asked bewildered, "that is-"
POOF!
Suddenly Volg had brought the sphere down and instantly a huge fog of purple smoke spread out everywhere!
Blinding everyone as they all began coughing loudly, Yuffie cried out loudly, "hey! Ew what is this stuff!?"
Recognising it instantly Aerith told them all through her own spluttering coughs, " a smokescreen!?"
Immediately alerted Bonkers cried out, "oh no! Those fugitives are gonna get away! C'mon Coco charge!"
Coughing though the small yellow chocobo agreed as he cried out, "kweh!" With that both bobcat and steed rushed forwards to engage the enemy.
Surprised at the smokescreen that had been made for her suddenly Irma felt a pulling on her leg, looking down she saw it was Volg. Seeing him she heard him say, "my lady let us take our leave now!"
Hearing him say this the dark sorceress had no idea how to be respond... but then taking this order for once she bowed her head as she relied, "fine!" With that lifting up a single hand a magic spell crackled alive and suddenly in a sparkling burst she with Bebuzzu in her arms, Volg along with Gandrake, Greeble and Peekaboo vanished away!
Then as they disappeared the smokescreen faded with them! Looking around everyone saw startled what had happened! At once shocked Hana cried out, "they're gone!"
Annoyed at this Snow looking around then clicked his fingers as he said, "tch! Typical!"
"Not them all!"
Turning around everyone looked to see Bonkers was proud as he declared, "I got one of them right here!" With that he began to bang away with his black baton!
However, "uh, Bonkers?" Stopping the small bobcat in his tracks the little cop looked up to see he was banging into Leon's leg, as the gunblader looked down to him he asked, "do you think you can stop hitting me now? It's starting to hurt."
Hearing this immediately the small bobcat apologised as he told him, "oh sorry there Leon! Didn't see ya there!"
To which the committee member just shook his head and told the cop cat, "it's fine don't worry."
But then everyone recovering from this moment of comedy looked around and saw that really, their foes had got away! Seeing this Shirma spoke up as she said, "that's too bad..."
Musashi spoke up then too, "yeah! We were so close to getting' them this time!"
However though he was disappointed too Merlin spoke up as he told everyone, "these things happen.. but more importantly," with that he turned his head as finally the blue shining crystal was back in his hands. As it came to him he finished his sentence, "I'd say it's time to repair the damage those rascals left behind!"
With that he opened his palm up and in seconds the crystal reacted to his power as he cried out loud for all the world to hear,
"Pres-ti-dig-i-ton-i-um!"
At once on cue the scattered chair and tables strewn about on the floor were quickly placed back properly in their rightful places! Then the Merry Go Round that was once so grey and lifeless was immediately returned to it's full and beautiful colourful splendour as it's steeds miraculously popped up from the air and were all quickly returned back to their rightful places!
Seeing Merlin's power in action again was incredible for all those watching, Nozomi then breathed out her amazement, "wow..."
Suddenly at the clap of his hands, four familiar small shapes emerged from the crystal as they descended gently onto the ground. They looked around confused and startled but then looking down at themselves they saw they'd been returned back to their original forms! It was the penguins!
Then seeing his work was complete Merlin put a hand to his chest as he placed the crystal back into the folds of blue robes, "there! Everything back in place and spotless!"
At this comment everyone couldn't help but pleased to see the Merry Go Round and the wonderful cafe back in great shape again, but then, "guys!"
Immediately it was Nozomi who ran up to the four penguins and as she did she asked them, "guys? Are you all right now?"
Hearing the maid wearing keyblader ask for their well being the first penguin gently told her, "we're fine lass! We're fine! Fit as fiddles!"
At this remark though Nozomi had to ask further, "really?"
Another of the penguins nodded as he told her, "aye lass!"
Relieved as she heard this Nozomi put a hand to her chest as she replied, "thank goodness!"
Glad to see the care she had for them, the penguins were charmed. But looking to the last two keybladers and the group of 'Arcs' another of the penguins spoke up as he told them all, "we're sincerely sorry lads of what ya all went through! We couldn't do anything to fight against Bebuzzu's will! We know we caused ya lot a lot of hassle... and for that we're sorry."
Hearing the penguin say this, Snow decided to speak up for the group as he told them all, "don't worry about it guys! The main thing is that we're all glad about is that we're all back here, safe and in one piece! Right guys?"
At once from all the surrounding ''Arcs' they gave all their sounds of agreement and this made the four penguins more glad for this, but the last of them turned to look at both Oralee and Serah who were next to one another. Quickly seeing them both this one penguin waddled on over to them, looking up at them he said, "by the way ladies thank you!"
Hearing this the princess of Alexandra repeated, "thank you?"
The penguin nodded at this as he explained, "yes! Thanks to the two of you and your wonderful song, you stopped us from causing anymore damage and harm! So thank you... it was truly lovely."
Glad to hear this Oralee responded to the penguin with a gentle smile, "thank you, it was our pleasure!"
Serah agreed as she added, "yeah! Besides if we were going to have a test audience what better choice was there?"
Hearing this Snow didn't know whether his fiancee was joking or being serious but he made a reply, "well I can think of others..."
Nozomi hearing this smiled glad that things were resolved, but then there was one thing that occurred to her that she still needed to do, so walking over to her friend herself she said her name, "Oralee?"
Hearing her the princess of Alexandra replied, "yes?"
Nozomi then told her her thoughts, "I'm sorry!" With that she bowed her head and as she did this Oralee became worried but before she could ask Nozomi continued, "I'm sorry I let go of your hand back there at that time... I... I wasn't strong enough!"
At her apologies Oralee was quiet for a moment but then a smile came to her face as she told her friend, "it's all right Nozomi it wasn't your fault! Hero's aren't perfect!" Then as she saw her friend look up to her she told her, her own feelings, "besides if anyone should be sorry it's me! I keep getting caught in terrible traps and you along with the others always come and save me!" Then seeing her friend's face she saw the concern now appearing upon her, as it did she finished saying, "... in all honesty, I wish I could be the one to save you."
However hearing this Nozomi shook her head as she said, "oh no! Oralee you don't need to do anything for me! I'm just glad to know you're safe! Besides I don't mind saving you!"
It was then that Cait sith decided to make his own remark as he leaped from Nozomi's shoulder and made it to Oralee's as he said, "well you lasses can rest easy cause I'M the one who'll always be savin ya both!"
Hearing this comment from him Nozomi couldn't help but be sarcastic as she asked him, "oh you will, will you?"
Nodding hard the small cat replied, "you betcha!"
Oralee giggled at this comment but then a thought occurred to her, "Cait sith?"
Hearing his princess he asked,"yeah yer highenss?"
His princess then asked, "how did you get to Nozomi's shoulder before? Weren't you standing with I and Serah before?"
At this question the small cat replied causally, "oh that? I just did a bit of light swimin' yer highness! Besides!" With that he leaped onto Nozomi's head as he finished, "someone had to steer both this daft banshee and Lightnin' lass in the right direction!"
Hearing this Nozomi immediately cried out, "hey!?"
Once again laughter broke out and as it did it was then that the talked about woman walked over as she said, "well it's a relief that we did all make it back here unscathed!" Turning to Nozomi who was looking at her again with wide eyes told her, "you fought well there before, thanks for your help."
Nozomi hearing this immediately became bashful again hearing such a strong warrior like her give her credit, " oh it's nothing! Besides if anyone's gotta say thank you it's me to you! If you hadn't appeared before like you did Miss Lightning Serah, Oralee me and the others would have been goners!"
Hearing this thanks being given to her, the strong female solider told her with an amused smiled appearing on her face, "thanks for the compliment!"
Nozomi nodded at this, then Snow decided to add, "yep sis is strong! She was one of the strongest warriors back home! Cause she-"
Lightning annoyed at this told Snow, "will you quit calling me sis!"
Seeing what was going on between them all it was then the new face decided to make his entrance as he said, "trouble brewing here?"
At the approach of this person Nozomi asked, "you're?"
Seeing he'd got the attention of this girl, the boy replied as he said his name, "I'm Hope! Nice to meet you, um?" With that he held his hand out to her.
As he did this the female keyblader took it with her own hand as she said, "Nozomi! It's great to say hello to you! By the way thanks for knocking out Bebuzzu there!... We would have been in a real fix back there if you hadn't stepped in!"
Glad to hear the praise Hope replied to her as he released her hand, "no problem! I would have liked to have helped you earlier too but Light wouldn't let me go with her into that place you were in."
Nozomi hearing this thought to herself, 'Light?' But then the female warrior spoke as she said, "that's because you've still got a long way to go before you can face an enemy like that!" With that she poked Hope in the forehead proving her point.
Feeling her do this the young boy replied, "well that's why I'm training with you isn't it!? You've gotta let me prove myself at some point Light!"
At this immediately Nozomi asked, "training?"
Hope hearing her say this nodded to the word as he told her, "yeah that's right! Lightning's training me to be a capable warrior in battle!"
Then Lightning had to add being sarcastic, "though it's taking longer than I'd hoped!"
To which Hope complained, "hey!"
Nozomi though became excited as she said, "wow! Man I'd loved to be trained by you miss Lightning!"
At this the female solider hearing this asked her, "what?" Then she saw the excited sparkling gaze in Nozomi's eyes, this made her feel awkward.
Serah couldn't help but laugh as she said, "sure looks like your popular huh Lightning?"
To which hearing this the female warrior became bashful herself as she turned her head away with a slight blush coming on her face, "please..." then looking for a brief moment to Nozomi she told her, "I only take one apprentice at a time!"
This immediately made Nozomi look depressed as she said, "aww... okay..."
However seeing this reaction Lightning decided on something, "but if I ever vacancy I'll let you know!"
To which in moments Nozomi brightened up as she replied, "wow thanks miss Lightning!"
Cait sith though couldn't help but breathe out as he shook his head, "a simpleton, I'm tellin' ya!"
Hope laughed at this response as did everyone else there, Lightning though turned away and as she did she looked to see Alania who'd come over and as she looked to her, she heard the girl tell her, "you have no idea how jealous I am of you right now do you!"
Baffled at this Lightning replied, "excuse me?"
Alania then told her, sounding really frustrated, "you've got Odin! When I was training under Braska even he couldn't summon it!" Then gripping her hands at her sides she told her, "it's so unfair!"
Lightning had no idea how to respond to this at all, but then Shirma walked over as she said, "Alania... come on! You can still summon some amazing beasts! I mean no other person can summon Bahamut like you and..."
However it was no use in trying to console the girl as she'd bent down and was now making swirl shapes on the paved ground as she moaned further, "so unfair..."
This caused the awkwardness to return again and as did thankfully someone else came along to break the ice, "hey! Muchacho's!"
At once turning around Nozomi saw Juan walk over with Poncho hovering over his shoulder once again. With him was a man with the afro, looking to him she was confused but then suddenly, "you were so cool!"
Looking down she then saw a little boy with an afro too, looking at him Nozomi assumed that he must be, "you were really cool! Right dad?"
Then looking to the boy's father Nozomi heard the man say, "that's right Dajh she was!" With that he picked his son up and placed him on his shoulder again, doing this he then turned his attentions back to Nozomi as he told her, "let me introduce myself to ya! My name's Sazh and this is my boy Dajh!"
"Hi!" The little boy spoke as he looked at Nozomi from his father's shoulders.
Hearing the hello's the female keyblader after a moment smiled as she replied, "hi! It's nice to meet you both!" With that she bowed to them both.
Seeing the girl's polite bow he replied with a chuckle, "likewise! Juan told me it was thanks to you and your friends that everyone made it all out in one piece!"
At this comment Nozomi replied feeling her bashfulness coming again, "well we helped I'd say... I mean uh?"
Hearing this Juan though had to say, "only help senortia? Without you and your compañeros me and my muchacho's woulda been Bebuzzu chow! Ya gotta give yerselves more credit!"
Nozomi hearing this replied to Juan, "thanks..." as she began to blush all the more.
Juan smiled at this himself and finally Riku and Mickey came over as the white keyblader added, "yeah thanks Juan, you were a pretty good shot too!"
At this the gunner 'Arc' replied, "gracias amigo! But you should wait till ya see me and my camarada Sazh in action! We really make a boom ya pair!" This in turn made Sazh smile happily and chuckle as his son did too!
Seeing the happiness that was spreading amongst the whole group it was then that Scrooge walked over with Merlin, Musashi and Hana who was carrying a huge bouquet of flowers in her arms with Ruby flying over her shoulder. As he made it over he spoke as he said, "well I'm glad to see that ya lot are havin' a great discussion and I just wanna say to ya lads, thanks to ya all! Without ya lot that terrible ghastly Bebuzzu would've wrecked the whole town!"
Hearing this Snow replied, "that's a true fact!"
Scrooge nodding at this replied, "aye! So to thank the lot of ya can have free snacks and rides for tha whole day! Not a piece of munny needed!"
At this announcement there was an immediate response from Musashi as he replied, "whoa! Thanks there Scrooge dude!"
Nodding at this the duck businessman replied, "it's me pleasure!"
Looking at her fellow keybladers Nozomi asked them, "isn't this great guys!"
To which Mickey nodded quickly and said, "yeah it really is!" Then turning he asked, "right Riku?"
The white keyblader had to reply with a smile too, "yeah it is."
Merlin was glad to see that the lot of them were really happy and so he told them, "I'm glad to see you lads are gonna have a well deserved treat! After you're done here I'll lead you onto the next door!"
Hearing this and remembering the task they still had at hand Nozomi replied, "okay Mr Merlin sir!" But then she had to add, "but we'll have to change out of these costumes before that, " with that she had to add feeling embarrassed again, "fighting as a maid isn't exactly correct for battle."
"Ya think lass?" Cait sith asked, again everyone laughed at this comment.
Snow in the meantime glad for the happy mood decided to inquire, "hey do you guys fancy becoming 'Arcs' now at all?"
Hearing this question being asked to them, Mickey decided to answer for him and his pals, "that's a nice question for you to ask of us there Snow... but we're not really doing anything to help properly with the carnival are we? So-"
"Not helpin'!?" Interrupted by this outburst Mickey looked to Musashi who'd made it as did everyone else did the same. At once the young samurai told him, "you guys helped us to bash Bebuzzu to pieces, plus that stuff with the doors you guys are already helpin' out!"
Hearing this Mickey was surprised for he hadn't really thought of it like that! Neither did the others, Nozomi had to admit, "well since you put it like that..."
Snow then spoke for everyone again as he asked, "c'mon? Why don't ya be honorary 'Arcs?' Your jobs can be to help us in huge disasters!"
Hearing this question the keybladers looked between each other quietly, from the sounds of it... it wasn't a bad deal! So as smiles were exchanged between them all and a few nods. Riku took the initiative for everyone as he walked forwards and shook Snow's hand as he said, "I'd say you have a deal!"
With that there were huge cheers all around from all the 'Arcs' standing there and at once seeing that the festivities were going to begin, Hana threw the bouquet of daisy's she'd been carrying as she cried out loud with a smile, "let the celebrations commence!"
Throwing his own little daisy from his beak Ruby agreed loudly, "yeah!" With that everyone went to enjoy the thrills and joys of the Merry Go Round along with the treats dished by the happy fully restored Penguins...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX
After having a wonderful celebration with their fellow 'Arcs' playing upon the Merry Go Round and having a ton of fun snacks. Nozomi and the others had made their goodbyes to everyone and had now changed. They were heading to the next door of time that had to be dealt with next.
Back in her normal clothes Nozomi was pleased as she said, "that was loads of fun! The maid outfit was cute but in the end I still prefer my normal clothes!"
"You're telling me!" Riku replied as he had his hands in the pockets of his long baggy pants.
Seeing him go by Nozomi then told him, "but you were cool as a butler too Snowball!"
Hearing her say this the white haired keyblader turned around as he was about to say, "Nozomi! It's not a-" But seeing the happy look that was on her face, he decided not push it as he told her, "forget it c'mon!"
With that seeing Riku walk on ahead Nozomi simply followed after him as she asked aloud, "I wonder what he was gonna say?"
As she said this a sigh was heard from above, hearing him as he did this Nozomi asked, "you okay Cait sith?"
Hearing her question the small black and white cat told her, "I'm just always a little sad when I say goodbye to me highness lass, don't worry!"
As he said this Nozomi told him, "I won't! Besides it's never for too long! We'll see her again before you know it Cait sith!"
Glad to hear the optimism the small cat replied, "aye! That we will lass!" Then looking ahead recovering himself he pointed ahead as he said, "now c'mon! Straight ahead!"
Nodding at this Nozomi replied, "you got it!" With that she ran forwards to catch up to the others!
All of them were standing before a couple of big red double coloured doors, looking at them as did the others they heard Merlin as he asked, "you ready to go through this lads?"
At once everyone nodded and Mickey spoke up for them all, "yep we sure are Merlin! Lead the way for us!"
Glad for the king's approval Merlin then opened the two doors, at once as he did this the keybladers saw an amazing sight before them all! It was an enormous opened courtyard with huge pink and blue coloured fountains pouring from lifted platforms! Everywhere they looked as they walked in were loads of vines draping over the pale white walls, with loads of white beautiful white flowers everywhere!
Walking along down the white coloured stoned stairs as they made their way downwards Nozomi spoke her thoughts, "wow... this place is incredible!"
Glad to see she was entranced with the place Merlin replied, "it isn't it? This entire courtyard was once lost to the terrible destruction that Ansem made, but thanks to our endeavours and particualar with Hana's floral expertise we were able to return these Fountain Courtyards back to their former glory!"
Nodding impressed at the work Mickey told Merlin, "Well you guys all did a fantastic job!"
Further pleased Merlin replied, "thanks your majesty!" Then looking ahead he said, "ah there it is!" With that finally everyone arrived at the door of time!
Like the one before it was a white coloured door that was slap bang right in the middle of the courtyard, however the stained glass image upon it's top was coloured blue and in it's centre was an image of a golden trident. Looking at it, it was puzzling to imagine where this door would lead to?
Looking at it Merlin told them, "here you go lads! Remember to be careful when you go in and don't forget to keep the fabric of time and space in check!"
Hearing him say this Nozomi replied with a smile, "we will do Mr Merlin sir!" With that everyone went to open of time!
However unbeknownst to everyone as they opened up the doorway and revealed the glittering blue portal in it's centre, Irma was staring down at them all with Bebuzzu in her hands as she lay upon the top most watery platform!
She had left Gandrake to recover with Peekaboo and Greeble in their secret hideout while she had decided to spy upon her foes! Gripping Bebuzzu hard she whispered bitterly soaking wet, "just you wait you miserable brats! I'll have you all grounded to dust by the time I-"
"My lady!" Came the urgent whisper!
Turning Irma from her lying position, left Bebuzzu down on the wet floor for a moment as she looked and saw that it was none other than Volg! Coming quickly he whispered to her worried, "my lady it's not safe for you to be in the open like this on your own! If-"
Immediately angered Irma told the dark red chocobo, "stop telling me what to do! You should know your place! You-"
Then unbeknownst to the angry and sorceress and pleading worried chocobo, Bebuzzu's X eye had opened up and he had started to shake and move as something was beginning to make him tickle!
Down below in the meantime as the door opened up wide revealing the blue swirling portal in it's centre, Nozomi couldn't help but look at the symbol in the centre of the door as she asked, "why do you think this door has fork on it's top?"
Hearing her ask another silly question Riku sighed as Mickey simply laughed awkwardly again. Cait sith in the meantime rolled his eyes again as he said, "lass ya're a daft!"
Back on the watery platform though Volg was busy trying to calm his lady down as he told her, "my lady! My lady! Please don't be upset I'm just thinking of you're-" the dark red chocobo stopped in mid sentence as he saw Bebuzzu was floating in the air and was shaking madly and he was-!
Irma angered at Volg asked the bird, "and what?! What're you thinking of!?" Then looking she saw Volg was looking on with wide eyes at something. Not getting it Irma asked, "what're you staring at?"
At her question the small dark red coloured chocobo simply pointed to what it was, annoyed Irma turned around but then her irritation disappeared as she saw too that somehow Bebuzzu had become practically three times his normal size! It looked like he'd become a big bookish balloon! Shocked the sorceress of darkness had never seen Bebuzzu do this before! "What is-"
"AH! AH!"
Riku annoyed at his fellow keyblader for not realising what the symbol was started to tell her, "it's not a fork Nozomi! It's a-"
"AAAAAAAAACCCCHHHHHOOOOOO!"
Suddenly as this huge burst rang out of Bebuzzu mouth immediately a huge gust of hurricane wind erupted from the book and immediately everyone hearing this sound was shocked but it was too late for the keybladers to get out of the way as it smashed into them all making them be hurtled and wind swept through the opened door!
"AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!"
As they all disappeared into the depths of the door of time Merlin was left on the ground with his hands covering his tall hat, as he looked on with wide eyes of shock!
Both Irma and Volg were shocked too as the dark sorceress was holding onto her dark coloured associate as though he were a teddy as the usually sinister bird held just as tightly onto her!
Bebuzzu in the meantime sniffed out loudly as he cried out, "pah! Pah!" Then from out of the depths of his pages a single yellow feather fluttered out and as he did he cried out, "feathers! Feathers! They make me sneeze feathers! Pah!" Hearing this it was clear that for future reference... Irma was going to have to take an account of this!