Chapter CLXIII: Searching For Harmony, Onwards To Atlantica! Part IX
Waiting impatiently as he tapped his red booted foot inside of his bubble, Cait sith was getting annoyed as he said aloud, "just where the heck has that darn daft banshee got lost to!? We've been lookin' fer her left right and centre! And still there ain't darn well nothin'!"
Hearing him as he was floating beside him, Mickey smiled a little awkwardly as he told him, "aww c'mon Cait sith! I'm sure there'll be a sightin' of her soon! Plus don't forget there's still Melody we gotta find! So let's just-"
"Hey!" With that both mouse and cat were distracted, for then returning from their searching section, it was both the mermaid Ariel and their fellow keyblader Riku.
Seeing them a smile immediately came to Mickey's face as he waved his hand and said, "hey fella's!" With that he he swam up to meet them.
Watching him swim away, Cait sith manoeuvred his own bubble forwards and then as he did he asked quickly, "you both find anythin' of them lads?"
At this question as they all came to a halt joining together again, Ariel quickly became depressed as Riku just shook his head and said with obvious disappointment, "no... there's still not a trace at all."
Annoyed at this immediately Cait sith snapped his fingers and said, "tch! Darn it all!"
There was no immediate reply to this as everyone's depression quickly filled the atmosphere making them all terribly downcast. Then after a few moments and looking up to the shimmering waters that was the surface of the ocean, Mickey spoke, "there's so much time that's gone past fella's... this ain't lookin' good for either Melody or Nozomi."
Nobody replied to this, but they all knew this one fact to be true... for they'd found nothing at all! Where could both of the girls be... were they even alive still or-
"Oh don't be getting' down on me here mouse cheeks!" Cait sith proclaimed loudly as he jumped up and down in his bubble! Everyone at once turned their attention to the small encapsulated cat, then as he got all their attention he told them all pointing his gloved paw at them, "and don't ya both be givin' up hope! There ain't nothin' set in stone! We're gonna find those lasses and we're gonna find them soon!"
Everyone was quiet again as the small cats determined proclamation set in. Then as it did Riku couldn't but feel just a little bit bolstered as he said, "ever the voice of confidence, isn't he?"
Hearing him say this Ariel smiled as she replied yo him, "it looks like it."
Riku smiling again was about to say something else when-
"AAHGHH!" He suddenly collapsed clutching his chest as he fell onto the seabed!
Seeing this happen, immediately everyone was anxious as Ariel cried out, "Riku!?"
Cait sith too quickly was high on alert as he cried out too, "Riku lad?!"
Immediately swimming to him Mickey asked him, "what's wrong!? Are ya-"
Breathing hard and clearly struggling, the keyblader answered with some difficulty, "my... heart! My heart is-!"
His eyes widening Mickey repeated, "your heart?" Then immediately he realised, "this must be-"
"AGH!" Riku then gasped loudly again, for as he struggled trying to clutch his chest he knew all too well what this familiar aching and searing pain was... and he knew what had caused it! A Lachesis Report! But then despite this, there was one thing that was clear... Nozomi was alive!
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As the world darkened and faded away all around her, Nozomi's eyes widened in shock! She couldn't believe what was happening to her! "How could there be report here! Of all places why-?!"
Then before she could say anymore, she spun around and immediately she stood once again upright upon the same stained glass pillar and as it ascended into the dark depths, she saw once again that she bad been returned to her human form!
"PROGRAM ACTIVATED"
"INITIATING SEQUENCE 6-8... BEGIN STAGE"
Though she was surprised at this, she was now terribly anxious, for she knew that Melody along with Tip and Dash had been left in a really bad situation! But more than that she knew that because of this report, Riku was going to be aching in agony again!
Then before she could think anymore, her light blue and silver armour suddenly encased her body making her feel light, strong and gallant as her leather cape fell from her shoulders. Feeling herself in it again as she clenched her gloved hand, her keyblade quickly emerged and as it did she knew what she had to do!
"KEY SET AND READY ENTER COMBATANT"
As the automated voice said these words, Nozomi turned her gaze to look on ahead and at once the digital ring emerged as it glowed upon the pillar's glass surface. The familiar white mist appeared and on cue a knight emerged. This one this time was a pink coloured one, he was tall, foreboding and had a well built strong figure. So she knew that she was not going to be taunting this guy anytime soon for his colour choice!
Her eyes were focused and determined as the figure took up it's digitally emerged keyblade and aimed it straight at her! Then as it entered it's dueller's stance, she said aloud, "I've gotta end this quickly!" With that she aimed 'The Starseeker' straight at him!
"CHASER PROGRAM BEGIN"
With that instantly the two knights launched forwards and started to engage each other furiously! For Nozomi couldn't be foolish in this fight, for the lives of her friends were in danger!
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Meanwhile still locked within the confines of the shipwreck's cabin. Tip and Dash were both shivering madly! They'd been sealed inside their dreadful prison along with Melody who was currently still nursing Nozomi who was still unconscious.
Frightened by the horrible creature that had roared some time ago, there had been no sound from the beast and no-one knew if the monster was still there? So nervous as he gulped Dash had to ask, "Ti, Ti, Ti Tip?"
Hearing his sidekick nervously say his name, the small emperor penguin replied, "ye, yeah Dash?"
Seeing he'd got his leader's attention, the walrus asked him nervous, "do, do you think that thing's still out there?"
Quiet as he heard this question, Tip replied after a moment, "... I dunno? There's been no noise for a while so...?"
As they were discussing about the monster, Melody lifted her head and watched them quietly. She was hoping that perhaps the monster had gone, for if it had. That meant they'd be able to leave safely, then maybe she'd be able to help Nozomi more! For she still couldn't figure out what was wrong with her! Why had she'd been knocked out cold like this? Was it because of the amnesia? Or something else? What-
"Okay! I'll go have a check!" Tip declared, "cause there's no use in us just paddlin' around like this!"
Silent as he watched his pal go and check the window, Dash told him, "careful pal!"
Tip was trying to do just that! For approaching the big windows he hid underneath the wooden rim of them. For he still had to gear himself mentally to have a look! Speaking to himself quietly he said, "okay! Okay! Here we go! Time for a survey!" With that he swam up and looked through the big windows!
Looking around he saw nothing! All around the only thing he could see was the dark shadows of the chasm and the many sharp grey and pointed jagged rocks that were stemming along the seabed. Then turning upwards he saw the rocks that had been made to claw outwards and cage them in this hostile terrain! It'd all been done by the huge muscularly shadowy jerk! However with a sigh of relief the small penguin could see he wasn't there either!
Turning around he decided to give everyone the 'A-Okay,' "hey it's all clear! Not a monster or a dastard in sight!"
Hearing his proclamation, immediately a huge flood of relief went through everyone, which Melody voiced as she said, "oh thank goodness!"
Dash nodded then in agreement as he said, "yeah! He must have got bored and swam off!"
Nodding at this himself, Tip then added as he felt his confidence surge inside, "yeah! Well that overgrown sock puppet didn't have a chance against us! We're way to high a league for him to snack on!"
Hearing him boast like this, Melody would have to disagree as she smiled awkwardly, but she was just glad that the thing had gone! Then watching on she listened as Tip spoke on, "now I'd say it's about time we get out of here! This shack stinks and I know that girl there's gonna need some-"
Then suddenly the small penguin was stopped in his tracks as a huge shadow loomed over him! Immediately both Melody and Dash went white as sheets as they saw what was leering at them! The terrified walrus quickly shouted out, "OH TIP!"
Going pale white himself as he heard the shout and felt the shadow, Tip turned around nervously and there peering through the windows with it's six glowing purple eyes was the huge monster from before!
"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"
"AAAAGGGGHHHHH!"
Tip screamed loudly as he immediately rushed back and went into the quivering fins of his sidekick! The monster hadn't gone at all! They were still in huge trouble! Looking on Melody was terrified again! She once again held onto Nozomi tightly as she closed her eyes in fear!
Looking at it, no one knew what to say at all! But then the monster suddenly moved away from the window and disappeared out of sight! Seeing it go, Dash immediately asked anxious, "hey! Where's it goin' to?! What's it-"
Interrupting him Tip replied near to hysteria, "I don't know! But we gotta hide before-"
CRASH!
The whole ship suddenly shook! Everyone was shaken up as this happened! Shocked Dash cried out, "Wha! What was?!-"
CRASH!
Suddenly the whole ship shook again! Then the wood splintered from the doorway! Everyone looked at it horrified as it started to crack! Melody cried out as she realised what was going on! "It's trying to smash its way in here!"
As Tip and Dash heard this they were horrified! What could they do?! How could they-?!
CRASH!
The monster smashed against the ship again! Then as this occurred Tip and Dash swam over and held on tightly to both Melody and Nozomi! As the red tailed mermaid felt her friends do this, she looked to her still friend again and desperately she held onto her as she whispered her name, "Nozomi!"
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"Agh!" Nozomi cried out as she fell back! The knight had once again scored another hit as it had struck her right arm! Cringing from the pain she breathed out, "man that's smarts!" For this adversary she was facing was terribly strong!
Looking up at it irritated as she held her aching arm, it seemed to be completely relaxed! It was peering down at her silently as it held it's keyblade to its side. She had come at it so much and so often, but she hadn't even lain a scratch on it! Annoyed by this and feeling the pressure of time on her to save her friends, Nozomi cried out, "I'll get you!"
With that she ran forwards to attack again! The moment she did, the knight too ran forwards to engage her and immediately as she spun to strike the knight it turned too and immediately both of their keyblades struck each other! This made sparks go flying!
Gritting her teeth Nozomi tried again to strike! She drew her arms back and somersaulting she manoeuvred her legs as she cried out, "Spiral Kick!" However the knight was prepared too! He jumped back and brought out his right arm parrying her strike!
Shocked at this she couldn't believe it! However she was undeterred! She had to keep trying! So swinging back up she went to strike him again! The first time with another swift kick! Then with a slash of her keyblade! Finally she went to stab him!
However again he parried the blow and again he did it! Then again he moved swiftly out of the way of her stabbing manoeuvre! As he jumped back he moved his keyblade forwards himself and in an instant before she could blink, a single laser of fluorescent pink shot out!
Seeing it horrified, Nozomi quickly leaped up and using her wings, she immediately got out of the way of the knight's range of attack! It quickly left an incinerated trailing line where she would have been struck and blasted to kingdom come!
This was bad! Landing back onto the pillar's glass surface, Nozomi spoke, "I gotta be more careful than this! But how can I land blow on him! I just don't-" the female keyblader then became quiet, for she'd noticed something! Gazing at the knight silently she looked at his left arm, then looking at her own, she decided to move hers. Looking she saw that the knight move it the same way she did! Seeing it do this she whispered, "can it...?"
Surprised at this ludicrous thought in her head, she then swung her other arm, the knight did the same! This shocked her! Quickly she decided on something else! Thrusting her left hand forwards she cried out loudly, "FIRAGA!"
Immediately the powerful blast of fiery magic came forth! However in turn the pink knight quickly unleashed another laser and immediately the two powerful blasts cancelled each other in a huge flash of light!
Nozomi in the meantime had taken the time to run around! As she did this, she whispered to herself, "he can't possibly! It's like he's-"
However quickly she stopped in her tracks for now the knight was standing straight in front of her! He had his blade out and he was mirroring the exact same position Nozomi had as she stood on guard before him. Horrified she realised what it was he could do! 'He's reading my mind!'
Then instantly as this one thought came to her mind, the knight quickly reacted! For suddenly the helm on the knight was wearing moved! As it's visor was lifted Nozomi was greeted by a terrible sight! For it had no face! Instead there was a single glowing purple eye that gazed at her with throbbing pink veins!
She was chilled with horror as she saw it! Then suddenly before she could say a word the knight's eye suddenly pulsed and instantly-
FLASH!
A huge wave of white light flooded forth!
"AAAAGGGGHHHHH!"
Nozomi felt her body freeze and paralyse! She couldn't move at all! She was floating helplessly in the air as the white light held her aloft and stopped any of her limbs from making a single move! In her mind the female keyblader thought to herself, 'what's happened to me!? My body it's-'
However there was no time for her to think anything more! For the knight suddenly glowed all over with electrical charging pink light! Then suddenly in a wave of it's hand, six rays of lasers surrounded it's body! As they encircled all around his body it made it look like the knight had deadly pink petals like a flower!
Then as it felt it's six pulsing pink blossoms appeared around him, the knight directed them to aim at it's helpless captive! It then pointed forwards and immediately the lasers started firing on Nozomi's helpless form!
"AAAAGGGGHHHHH!"
As each of the blows struck her, it was like she was being stung and burned inside and out! It was unbearable! Then all at once as each blow sent her helpless form upwards more and more, the knight's keyblade glowed with radiant and powerful pink energy!
As the lasers barrage came to an end, the knight called the deadly lights to come back and surround it's body! Then leaping forwards and upwards it moved it's keyblade and struck it straight into Nozomi's middle! Her eyes widened in shock at the blow as the pain pierced her throughout! Then immediately the knight unleashed his built up energy and in moments Nozomi was sent plummeting down!
BLAST!
Quickly the battered keyblader was struck hard into the stained glass floor by one last huge blast of the pink fluorescent laser! As it's power pulsed all over her body, it all ebbed and flowed away. The last traces of its power seemed to turn into flower petals before fading into the darkness...
Nozomi gasped painfully from the damage she'd been dealt with! She could hardly move! Rolling herself over slowly she looked at the knight would aching hurt eyes, 'how can he have power like this? How can I possibly win?' Then thinking this as she stared at the knight, she saw it's single purple eye and as she did she closed her eyes! She had to think of something!
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Back within the confines of the cabin! The situation was getting more and more desperate! The monster had smashed into the doorway six times now! It was clear that the entry wasn't going to be able to hold out much longer!
Melody still holding onto Nozomi as she looked on with a pained expression, asked Tip and Dash urgently, "how much longer do you think the door will last?!"
Instantly Dash replied to her urgently with fear, "not long!"
CRASH!
At once the monster slammed straight into the door again! This time the strike caused the wooden ceiling above to collapse slightly as a long beam fell and crashed into the floor! Immediately this made splinters of wood fly out left and right!
Panicking Melody cried out, "AAGGHH!"
Looking up, Tip saw the door had bigger cracks than before and immediately he saw one of the purple eyes peeking in! He then realised what was gonna happen! "That thing's gonna break through on the next blow!"
Melody's eyes widened as she heard this! Immediately she said in shock, "oh no!"
Dash was terrified as then he saw the eyes retract from the door, he knew what was coming! Quickly he cried out, "it's gonna strike!"
Hearing this and fearing what was going to happen, Melody hugged her still friend tightly as did Tip and Dash did the same! Truly desperate with fear she cried her name out again, "Nozomi!"
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Sliding as she landed on the floor again... Nozomi was breathless! She was just barely holding on! She was only just in time able to cast a 'Curaga' spell and after that last blast with the pink lasers and the knight's revealed paralysing eye. She'd been doing her best to avoid direct eye contact! However this now stopped her from being able to inflict any direct damage on the knight!
As she saw it threw her squinted eyes, circling around her as she was doing her best to keep back. She thought to herself desperately, 'how am I supposed to attack?! This thing anticipates every move I make! I can't charge in or anything!'
Then suddenly she saw it was coming charging straight towards her again! It's keyblade radiating again with that same deadly fluorescent pink! Immediately she fell back and dodged avoiding once more another oncoming laser blast!
As she rolled over, she quickly got up again! Squinting as best she could. She saw him standing in another corner of the pillar! Aching from the blows he'd managed to pin on her, depressing thoughts were starting to set in, 'this is hopeless! How can I beat an enemy that can read everything I'm going to do! There's no way I can win!'
The knight as though sensing her thoughts lifted up it's keyblade, it looked like it was nearly read to unleash its last rages of power! This wasn't good! As Nozomi grasped her hands around the handle of her keyblade, another thought came to her mind, 'I've got to do something! I need to end this now!' Then looking at the knight as it was now raging with pink power, she became annoyed as another desperate thought came to her mind, 'I hate this guy! If I had another pair of eyes on me I know I would-'
Suddenly it dawned on her! Quickly fishing in her pocket, she felt a particular something! Bringing it out she revealed a glittering gem that gleamed with a shade of blue, red and yellow! Looking at the gem as it glimmered in the light, she knew this should give her a chance!
Looking to the knight she opened her eyes fully for the briefest of moments, then looking at the gem in her hands, she held it close to her chest before crying out, "Gullwings! Y, R, P! I need you now!"
With that she threw the gem into the air and quickly in seconds, it glowed with vibrant white energy and then in a sparkle and twinkle of magic the three treasure hunting fairies appeared! Gliding around their friend, they spoke to the now confused knight as it stood on silently, the leader of the 'Gullwings' Yuna spoke first, "there whenever you're in a jam!"
Then the energetic Rikku added with a punch to the air! "We'll come from anywhere!"
Finally the stoic and most serious of the group, Paine added, "so those who attack beware!"
At once finishing simultaneously together the three girls declared energetically, "Y,R,P are on the scene!" With that there was a small explosion of puff and sparkles as the three made a cool pose!
However the knight watching this little intro, wasn't impressed as it simply stared on at the scene quietly...
Seeing that they'd failed to impress, Rikku spoke up as she said, "wow! A tough customer huh?"
Paine though unbothered as she expected as much from their cooked up routine replied, "looks like..."
Yuna smiling though didn't pay this any mind, instead she said, "well it's not important, the main point is, is that we've finally been summoned for the first time!" So turning her attentions to who'd called for them she asked her, "so how can we help you No-"
The leader of the 'Gullwings' stopped in her tracks for their summoner had her eyes closed and looking at her armour, the fairy had never seen such a thing before! She was startled with amazement!
Quickly Rikku and Paine both became the same! Looking to her the blonde bubbly fairy asked her, "wow! Cool duds! Nozomi where'd ya-"
"Guys I'm sorry I've got no time to talk! I need your help and I need it right now!" Nozomi told them as she interrupted urgently!
At the urgency in her voice, Yuna could see this was no time ti chit chat so heeding it quickly, she told the armoured keyblader, "alright! Well that's what we're here to do! What do you need from us!"
Instantly Nozomi gave a one word reply, "eyes!"
Confused at this answer Paine replied to her, "excuse me?"
Rikku not getting it either turned around for a moment and then suddenly, "Nozomi! Jump it! Move now!"
Instantly hearing the blonde fairy's command, Nozomi did just that! Leaping into the air with the three of them flying after her, all of them dodged the nasty blast of laser fire that the pink knight had been preparing!
After leaving it's charring and burning path upon the floor of the stained glass pillar, Nozomi landed some distance away unharmed! With Yuna, Rikku and Paine hovering around her, the three fairies looked at the destruction with widened shocked eyes!
Glad she'd made it, Nozomi quickly explained, "this is why I need you all! This thing has the ability to read minds, but I think if I have my eyes closed that might give me a slight upper hand! I need you guys to tell me where he's moving and when! Do for that me and I'll find a way to attack him!"
Hearing this information, none of the fairies could believe what she was saying! However Rikku had to ask, "how do you think closing your eyes can make it stop reading your mind?"
At this question, Nozomi grudgingly made a quick demonstration as she opened her eyes and suddenly with no hesitation she went to strike the knight! However it once again parried another one of her blows, then another and another!
The three fairies following her saw that it met every single one of her moves! None of the 'Gullwings' could believe it! Then suddenly putting her plan into play, Nozomi closed her eyes and at once she thrust her right hand forwards and with that she cried out, "Thundaga!" With that the electrical spell rushed forwards searing it's own path! This time on contact it struck the knight!
At once quickly Nozomi jumped back and as she did, she turned in the direction she thought Rikku would be and as she did, she asked, "is that answer enough for you!"
Instantly all Rikku could do was say a little nervously, "ye, yeah! That's enough!"
Nodding at this Nozomi replied then, "good!" With that turning in the direction where she could hear the knight getting back up onto his feet, the female keyblader told the 'Gullwings,' "now come on! Let's leave this guy biting the dust!"
Responding to the determination within her voice, instantly Yuna replied, "right! C'mon guys! Let's show this tin-can we mean business!"
At once forgetting her nervousness for a moment, Rikku replied with a smile, "okie dokie!"
Paine hearing this herself replied, "okay... let's rumble!" For the stoic fairy was ready to get serious too!
Nozomi her eyes closed, smiled. It was good not being alone in one of these battles for once! But then knowing it was time to get serious, the female keyblader and her helpful fairies turned to face their adversary!
The knight was ready for them! Instantly it went in to charge! Seeing this quickly Yuna cried out, "Nozomi move! Go left!" With that the female keyblader dashed and ran straight to the left!
Seeing this the knight quickly went on the chase! As it did so, Rikku then cried out, "hey that creep's tailing you now!"
Hearing this instantly the keyblader went straight into action again! Aiming her keyblade she focused and cried out, "Swift Star Rays!" With that quickly the glowing stars raced out of her blade and went for the knight! However it quickly dodged and leaped up into the air! Then aiming it went to drive it's keyblade through her from above!
Quickly though, Paine saw what was coming! "Heads up!"
At her command, Nozomi dodged as she jumped backwards! Somersaulting back and back the female keyblader stopped! As she did, despite the darkness that she could see behind her closed eyelids she saw something! Something shine!
"Nozomi!" Yuna cried out! Hearing her quickly the closed eyed keyblader reacted as she went quickly to the right! Then as she heard that familiar crash again of the knight plunging his keyblade into the stained glass floor, suddenly there was that flash again! What was that?
Paine though quickly broke her out of her thoughts as she told her, "Nozomi! Looks like the enemy's charging!"
Hearing this puzzled, Nozomi asked, "charging?" Then opening her eyes cautiously she saw that charging eye again and those fluorescent pink waves of electricity! It's limit break was coming! Shutting her own eyes she cried out to her assistance, "guys! Shut your eyes now!"
Puzzled at this Rikku asked, "wha-" Then suddenly it unleashed it's waves of white light!
FLASH!
"AAAAGGGGHHHHH!"
Alarmed as she heard the 'Gullwings' cry, Nozomi instantly cried out worried, "guys!?"
For like her before the fairies were struck by the knight's paralysing gaze! They were now floating aloft around her helplessly and couldn't move! With her eyes closed, Nozomi only knew too well what was coming! But now with her three sets of eyes gone and knowing she'd be without a hope with her own. Nozomi too now was helpless!
In the darkness she could see behind her eyelids, she could hear the knight pulsing with it's six ready lasers! It was about to unleash its full fury on her and the 'Gullwings!' Standing from where she was, Nozomi could think of no way out of this! 'What can I do?!"
All at once she saw it, in the darkness! Something shine again! What was it? Immediately the light she could see within the darkness of her eyes shined even more brightly! As it did Nozomi could hear the knight again! It's first batch of lasers were coming! She had to move now! So she did!
With that as she did behind her, she heard the lasers strike and hit the ground! As they hit the floor there was a sound of an explosion!
BLAST!
Nozomi though made it onto the shining light! As it glowed brightly, the female keyblader felt something! Something grow inside of her? What was this sensation?
However there was no time for her to react! Again she heard them! More lasers raining down! Instantly again though like before, another light flashed within the darkness of her eyelids! Instantly in moments Nozomi ran to it! The lasers hit and no damage was dealt! The sensation increased again! What was going on?
Stirring out of their paralysed state as they floated around with her, none of the 'Gullwings' could believe what was happening! For though they couldn't voice Nozomi where she should go, somehow she was avoiding the blasts on her own! Also her body was now glowing with a white light!
Looking at her, Rikku asked still a little dazed and confused, "Nozomi you're-?"
However just recovering her ability to speak herself, Yuna quickly cried out herself, "look out!"
Hearing her, Nozomi instantly acted! Again the lasers came and again she dodged them! Landing upon another of the shining lights, the power grew again! She was close... she could feel it! Just one more!
Finally awakening from her nasty freeze spell, Paine spoke as she asked, "hey what did we-"
Then suddenly there was a huge flare in the air! The knight's power was raging as he summoned double the amounts of lasers! Twelve beams in total now were encircling him! The 'Gullwings' looking up all felt a huge wave of anxiousness wash over them! This was really bad! Rikku then spoke up for everyone, "guys! I don't think that flush of pink is gonna be raining confetti for us!"
Nozomi though she could hear the terrible ominous surging sounds of the lasers, she was remarkably feeling calm... for in her heart she knew what to do to finish this! Turning her head in the direction she could hear the knight, she couldn't help but say feeling a little cocky, "looks like this guy's getting impatient! I say he needs to cool down!" Shocked as the 'Gullwings' heard her say this in that tone, they couldn't say anything for Nozomi asked, "can I trust you guys to help me give it to him?"
At these words no-one knew at first what to say, however watching her. Yuna could feel a strange power emanating from Nozomi and hearing the confidence in her voice, somehow it gave her courage too! So nodding she replied to her, "of course! What do you wanna us to do?"
Surprised at hearing her fellow fairy say this, Rikku cried out, "Yunie!?"
However to stop her complaints, Paine put a hand to her shoulder as she told her brighter equivalent, "don't worry about it..." then as Rikku turned to look at her puzzled, she finished by telling her," I'd say these two are gonna have things all under control!"
To which quietly Rikku turned from her and looked to Nozomi and as she did, she heard the keyblader say, "okay this is it!"
Then suddenly above the knight had had enough of waiting! He was going in full charge! At once the 'Gullwings' hearing him coming were all alarmed! However quickly Nozomi relaid the plan in two words, "distract him!"
Perplexed Rikku turned as she asked loudly, "what?!"
"I'll get into position! I know what to do to finish him off! But I need you all to keep him a little busy for me!" Nozomi told them all! Then she could feel the lasers coming and at once everyone scattered and dived out of the way before any of the fiery hot charges could touch them! Getting some distance away, the female keyblader cried out,"do it now!" With that she went to evade again!
Hearing the immediate plan, Yuna quickly went to initiate it as she told her fellow 'Gullwings,' "all right girls you heard her! Let's get to it!"
Rikku seeing there was no other alternative out of this replied, "right!"
Then Paine wanting revenge replied, "time for payback!"
With that all three fairies rushed towards the knight! As it aimed with it's lasers, it went to strike all three with it's lasers! However quickly dodging a few rays, the 'Gullwings' went straight into the offensive! Clapping her hands together Yuna called out a blue water spell and cried, "here! Cool off!" With that she unleashed the spell which sent a flood of azure stars out with it!
Quickly striking the knight, it annoyed him bitterly! Swinging it's keyblade it went to strike the pesky fairy! However Yuna quickly dodged making it miss! Quickly though as it turned it then saw Nozomi down on the ground, quickly it went to dive down and get her!
Seeing what he was planning to do, Paine and Rikku instantly went into action! The energetic fairy cried out, "oh no you don't!" With that the two of them flew down and struck the knight with two hard kicks to the face! This sent it spiralling backwards!
Immediately seizing upon this moment, Rikku unleashed her own spell! "BBBZZZTTT!" She cried out as she aimed with her hands like a pistol! Quickly the thunder spell came rushing out and immediately it zapped the knight with yellow stars flooding forth too! Electrifying him all over! "Hah! Got ya!" Rikku cried out happily!
However it was too early to celebrate, as suddenly the knight sent another blast of it's lasers to get the pesky fairy! Freaked out by this Rikku cried out, "eek!" With that she immediately flew out of harm's way!
Seeing what this guy was trying to do to her fellow 'Gullwing' made Paine mad! "Not cool!" She said angrily! Flying under the lasers he sent, she then spun herself and immediately she fired her own spell! It was a flash of fire with another flood of red stars that hit the knight quickly burning him!
Proud of the attacks that hit, Yuna cried out, "that's it 'Gullwings!' We've got this guy on the ropes! Now-"
"Guys!" Immediately distracting them all, Nozomi cried out, "pull back!" Then looking in the direction where she could hear the knight, she told them further, "I'm ready for him!"
Surprised at this the girls could see her eyes were still closed! How could she possibly be ready for-
"Go now!" Nozomi cried out again urgently!
Then instantly obeying the commanding tone in her voice, the 'Gullwings' quickly then dispersed and flew away some distance to see what it was that Nozomi was going to do!
The knight itself seeing that the pesky fairies had left, it then concentrated it's gaze upon Nozomi who stood upon the stained glass floor looking up at him with her eyes closed. Seeing she was helpless it aimed its lasers straight at her! Then without another word it fired them all!
Seeing she was standing still and not moving, Rikku cried out worried, "Nozomi get out of there!"
Not moving though still despite this call, she felt the lasers coming and coming and-
BLAST!
"Nozomi!" "Oh no Nozomi!" "Not good!" The three fairies called out! For it seemed to be a direct hit! No-one could see anything through the black smoke which was thick! Nobody could see anything! Then as it cleared-
"No way!" Rikku cried out! For in the spot where the lasers had hit, there was nothing there! There was no-one! There was-
"Hey!" Immediately the girls all were distracted as was the knight! For there in another spot on the stained glass floor, Nozomi had miraculously appeared! Utterly unscathed! Nobody could believe it! However the female keyblader taunted the knight as she told it, "you missed me!"
With that instantly the knight fired another laser! However quickly as the 'Gullwings' watched as the laser came at her, Nozomi twirled as she spun and then-
BLAST!
The laser hit! But suddenly again she was in another spot! The attack missed! How did she-
Smiling as her eyes were still closed, Nozomi spoke to the knight again, "bad shot!"
It was clear the assailant had had enough! For then summoning it's last surrounding circling beams, the knight aimed them all straight at her! Then all at once they fired forwards!
Hearing them all coming Nozomi knew what to do!
BLAST!
The attack hit! The knight turned in another direction and there she was! Another laser came flying down!
BLAST!
However again it missed! Watching on from their safe distance, the 'Gullwings' could see it now! Every time that the attacks came, Nozomi spun and twirled and in an instant she vanished in a sparkle of white light! Then landing she was appearing in another spot! She was teleporting! That was incredible! Where was she-
BLAST!
Again another laser came! Emerging as she made it to another of the shining lights she could see in her eyes! She knew it was time! Looking up she told the knight mockingly, "one more strike and you're out!" Then blindly pointing her keyblade to the knight she told him, "come at me!" With that the knight unleashed his attack!
BLAST!
However on cue, Nozomi performed her technique! Spinning as though she were dancing, the light under her shone! Then in another instant again she was moved! Looking from within the dark, she could tell the last of its attacks had struck! Now it was time to finish this!
The knight seemed to have the same thought! For suddenly it raced forwards with it's keyblade aimed straight at her! Hearing him coming, Nozomi knew what to do! Smiling for a moment, she quickly then rolled out of harm's way!
Stabbing the stained glass floor with it's keyblade, the knight looked up and there it saw Nozomi finishing her roll. As she did, she finally opened her eyes and gazed at the knight with seriousness in her eyes!
The knight went to move to get her as it opened its eerie throbbing purple eye, it was going to unleash its paralysis attack! However Nozomi moved first as she swung her keyblade forwards and aimed it straight at him, she then cried out in moments, "Shining Step!"
In moments the attack commenced as suddenly from under the knight a shining white circling light emerged and in another second it was quickly blasting him up, up and up with charging and exploding pulses of light! This made him unable to attack or move from the paralysing effects of its own magic! Then taking her chance Nozomi cried out, "guys! We move together now!"
The 'Gullwings' immediately rushed to her aid as they all cried out together, "okay!"
With that flying to her, Nozomi then leapt up into the air as her wings emerged! Making it to the knight it was stunned in the air and couldn't move! Then as it turned itself in the air, it focused its one eye on her but-
"YAAAAHHHH!"
Nozomi struck her keyblade at it! Then again and again! While the 'Gullwings' prepared their finale! Sensing what they were going to do, Nozomi then somersaulted back and as she did she moved her legs as she cried out, "Spiral Kick!" With that she struck the knight further up!
Finally ready the 'Gullwings' unleashed their attack! Making a triangle formation they all aimed with their hands like pistols and immediately their magic flooded forth, in blasts of water, thunder and lightning!
Seeing the damage that they were causing, Yuna knew it was time for the last blast, "okay 'Gullwings'! Time for the finish!" With that the three fairies flew up and then spinning in their practised formation, their powers ignited and in seconds their three chosen elements all melded together and at once became a white shining star that pulsed and beat as they encased the knight and bathed it in 'Holy' light!
Then at once the three fairies smiled together as they then posed and cried out in succession, "Y, R, P! Gullwings Star Stage On!" With the star encasing the knight exploded and as it faded away into smaller stars they drifted into the darkness with a sparkle!
Then seeing they'd taken the knight down a peg, Nozomi decided to give it he final blow! Rushing up forwards with her wings leading the way, the keyblader felt her final attack come! Striking the knight over and over with her strong legs and then her keyblade she felt her power ignite! With that she cried out, "Blossoming Prism Of Light!"
Immediately the knight was encased by the same shining white diamond of light and in it's crystal domain it was struck over and over by the pulsating force from within it! Then at the peak of it's power the prism blossomed open and quickly a mighty beam of light shot forth and sent the knight sky high!
Landing on the floor gently with a deep sigh... Nozomi knew it was over... finally! Then suddenly, "whoa! Way ta go there!" Turning the keyblader saw that it was Rikku who came quickly over to greet her along with Yuna and Paine.
Hearing the congrats Nozomi smiled as she told them, "thanks!"
Paine then spoke her words of calm fascination as she told her," that was some power you showed there."
Nodding Yuna then had to ask, "yeah! It was incredible! Where-"
Then suddenly the leader of the 'Gullwings' was stopped from saying anything more, for the pink knight's armour fell to the floor and then it shivered violently all over as it lay there. Before finally it completely collapsed into separate pieces all over the place...there was no sign of life in it any longer...
Seeing this happen the three fairies were shocked, but then looking to Nozomi they saw that she had a sad look on her face, however before they could ask what was wrong. She instead said to them smiling sadly, "sorry guys, I know you've got questions... but I'll have to answer them another time, okay?"
Hearing her say this, it was true they did have questions. But they all knew better, so Yuna answered for her fellow 'Gullwings,' "okay Nozomi... we'll wait till we see you next," then pausing for a moment she added with concern for her, "just take care okay?"
Nodding to her, Nozomi responded, "I will thanks! Bye guys!"
Then with that though they were all worried, quickly all three fairies vanished as the gem stone they'd emerged from flew back into Nozomi's gloved hand again. As it did she held it close to her chest with a thankful smile on her chest as then a white light came and engulfed everything.
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CHASER PROGRAM COMPLETE
…
SIGNATURE RECOGNIZED NOW RELAYING, PROGRAM X-M 8
All was left in ruins... there was nothing left. All those who'd come to battle in this war had all fallen, only countless keyblades stood stabbed within the barren deserted earth. They were no longer just mere weapons, they were now grave markers indicating the countless numbers of those who'd come for the ultimate power.
But this had all been in vain, for as the warrior known as Terra stood along the now empty battlefield... he had already slain the monstrosity that had destroyed huge numbers of lives. It stood now as nothing more than a still corpse behind him.
But ahead of him, he saw them. His fellow companions as they walked towards him, he said nothing. But he could guess that they knew the truth now... the truth of what he'd done. For they all walked on silently and solemnly. Then at last the three of them met together as the monster corpse behind Terra turned into nothing but dust ... there was nothing but silence...
Aqua though after a time finally asked him, "are there none left?"
Terra shook his head simply as he replied, "no... there are none."
Ventus hearing this then asked him, "were any of them vessels?"
Once again Terra shook his head, "no... none of them were, the remaining fragments that there are-"
"With the rest of you!"
Shocked immediately all three knights turned and saw that coming from the other side of the battlefield was the one they'd been sent to chase after! Xehanort!
The old man grinned at them as he then told the shaken knights, "and I will gather the last three you all posses and I will finally have my collection complete!" With that he revealed five of the treasures he'd already came to have. They glittered and shone in the light in colours of dark blue, purple, red, pink and green.
Seeing what he possessed, the three knights were immediately on guard as suddenly another being emerged like a shadow beside him, he was masked with his face hidden and this one like his creator had a keyblade at his side!
Xehanort then smiled sinisterly as he finished, "and with the reassembled power of the ultimate key... all the worlds and Light will become mine!" With those haunting words, the battle commenced!
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"Nozomi!"
Hearing this cry at once as she awoke from the vision, the keyblader finally opened her eyes! Then suddenly moving Melody aside she aimed her keyblade forwards as she cried out, "Protect!"
With that the shield spell came and created a protective bubble around everyone as the monster finally smashed it's way through the cabin door! However as it's long white teeth bit down, it couldn't get past the protective shield!
Everyone breathless at what had just happened, all looked at Nozomi with widened shocked eyes! However the keyblader looked at the monster mad as she told it, "I never asked for nasty wake up call like you! Get out of our faces!" With that she moved her other hand out and with it she shouted out, "Thundaga!"
With that the furious lightning spell rushed forth and immediately it struck the monster right in the throat! It screeched loudly as it then immediately reared itself back out of the broken door!
Seeing what had happened Melody smiled as she said, "Nozomi you did it! You-"
"There's no time to talk! We've got to get out of here now!" The keyblader interrupted as she looked on with serious determination! Quickly she moved to the broken door and then she ushered everyone with her hand, "come on everyone now!"
Hearing this, Tip was glad for a way out of this mess as he cried out, "you don't have to tell me twice!" With that he swam straight through!
Then seeing his brave leader go, Dash cried out following after him, "hey Tip! Wait up!"
With that seeing him go, Nozomi turned to her fellow mermaid as she told her, "c'mon Melody now!"
Responding to the urgency in her voice, the young girl nodded and said, "all right!" With that she swam through the door too! Then seeing all her friends were out, Nozomi followed after them! However as she did, the cube she'd been holding turned into the pages of the 'Lachesis Reports.' Staring at them for a moment before putting them away, she knew she would have to give these to Cait sith later!
But as she swam on getting away from the shipwreck, she thought of Riku and as her heart ached from the image of him, she just prayed that wherever he was, he was going be okay! For she knew with the report being opened it meant that he'd be in more pain again! This thought hurt her terribly inside. Holding her chest she whispered desperately to herself, "Riku please be okay!"
"It's about time you woke up and got us all out of that mess!" Distracting the mermaid keyblader, she turned and saw that it was Tip, he was looking at her annoyed as he then added, "we were almost eaten alive back there!"
Hearing the 'gratefulness' in his voice Nozomi replied annoyed, "hmph! You're welcome you know!"
Dash though quickly swimming up close smiled as he said, "I'm just glad you're back Nozomi! We were in a really bad way back there!"
At this the keyblader smiled glad for a more positive response, "that was no problem! It's my job to take care of stuff like that! Plus I'm just glad to be back!"
Melody then catching up herself spoke finally, "it's good you are! We were really worried about you!"
Realising that she'd worried her friend, made Nozomi feel bad as she replied, "sorry about Melody, I didn't mean to worry you all!"
Quickly shaking her head the young girl told her, "it's okay now," however she had to ask, "but what made you go unconscious like that? What was-"
"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"
Immediately everyone became fearful again! For turning around they all then saw the monster swimming in straight towards them all in the darkness of the water, fully they saw it clearly for the first time!
It was a huge black and white long coloured sleek looking eel! Along its back was a single line of yellow ruffling fins that trailed downwards. It also had six swirling eyes on either side of its head, which were all peering down at them menacingly. On either side of it near its head, it had two longer thinner yellow fins that almost looked like wings!
"AAAAGGGGHHHHH!"
Both Dash and Tip cried out immediately and as they shivered, the leader of the adventurer/explorers cried out, "that! That thing's back again!"
The sight of it terrified everyone! Nozomi looking at it though startled for a minute, she quickly could see that it was ready to battle and she knew she couldn't let anyone else get hurt! So turning immediately she told the others, "guys! You go and hide now!" Then turning to the monster fiercely she decreed, "I'll deal with this thing!"
Hearing that she was going to fight again, Melody had to protest, "but Nozomi I-"
However stopping her from speaking anymore both Tip and Dash rushed forwards, "you heard the lady! Now let's split!" The terrified penguin announced! With that the two adventurer/explorers quickly pulled her away so they could hide somewhere quickly and safely!
Seeing them all go, Nozomi was sad again that she made her friend worry. But she knew she was the only one there who could take care of this thing! So then looking above she saw the shadowed Trident wielder staring down with his soulless yellow eyes. As she saw him she asked, "so this guy's your pet huh?"
The figure said nothing. Instead it manoeuvred its Trident towards her and as it crackled with lightning, the monster took aim at Nozomi as it then roared loudly again!
"RRRROOOOAAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!"
At it's cry she simply gripped the 'Starseeker' tightly again as she told the monster and its master feeling mad, "well I'll just have to cut the both of you down to size!" With that the heartless eel shivered its fins before rushing forwards as Nozomi swam fast and furiously to intercept it! The battle was on!