Chapter CLXVIII: Searching For Harmony, Onwards To Atlantica! Part XIV
Further and further, Riku swam deeper and deeper into the darkness! As he descended into the sea's dark realms, it was clear to him at this point that what he had chosen to chase after was the decoy. This was most definitely a trap! He only hoped that Mickey, Ariel along with Cait sith and Flounder had been more successful in their venture. However this confused him. Why had these creatures led him down this way for so long? Why had they not bothered yet to-
Suddenly then as these thoughts started to appear within his mind, the dark murky waters he'd been submerged in changed! Immediately it seemed as though he'd been swallowed into the mouth of a shadow! There was no sense of light anywhere around him anymore! Even when he looked up, he could no longer see the shimmering light upon the surface of the ocean!
His eyes widened in shock as he saw what had happened! "This is-"
Suddenly before he could finish his sentence, the two purple glowing Sting Rays he'd been followed turned face and were heading back straight towards him! Seeing them coming Riku was quickly on guard as he brought 'The Way To Dawn' in front of him! Looking at them with determined agitation he was ready for them, "come on!" He demanded.
Then as if responding to his angered tone they did come! However swimming swiftly they passed him. As they did Riku looked at the creatures puzzled when suddenly they started to transform! Folding in over and over themselves, quickly their once loose and foldable like wings became metallic as their bodies too became flat like and lean. Then something swiftly detached from their backs!
It was two halves of a silver shaped diamond, then as their transformation was complete. What was revealed in the place of the creatures he'd been chasing, were now two white metallic like beings. They almost resembled knights though they still had the long whip like tails of their Sting Ray forms, they were flattened like paper and the two of them held in their deadly sharpened hands two spears with pointed tips.
Looking at them Riku was shocked as he saw on their chests, the emblem of the heartless! Then suddenly again the two monsters moved as they thrusted their two spears forwards! Immediately the silver diamond that had come together, divided and suddenly they flew past him!
Seeing them do this he was confused! "What're they-!?"
Then suddenly the monsters moved too! However instead of charging in for a direct attack the monsters swam back a slight distance. As they did this the two halves of the diamond they'd sent forwards started to glow and pulsate with power! Feeling this resonance Riku turned around and taking this moment of distraction, the monsters lifted their spears and instantly lightning flashed and crackled!
Hearing this Riku quickly turned again and in moments he saw two beams of electricity charged forth from the spears of the monsters! Then quickly the two beams joined the two halves of the diamond and instantly the electricity charged and flowed!
Turning again quickly as he felt this pulsating wave, Riku then saw he was now in the centre of a web of thunder! Instantly realising what was going to happen next with horror he whispered, "no!" With that he went to get out of harm's way! Swimming furiously forwards he moved to go to the surface, but then-
"Agh!" He couldn't go any further! A solid wall stopped him! Looking at it he began to ask, "what is-"
FLASH!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
A huge blast of lightning came forth from the monsters and deadly diamond halves, then in seconds Riku had been struck! Rolling in the water he collided against the surface of the wall that surrounded him, sliding down it he stopped himself as he held onto his pained side, cringing from the stinging sensation he turned and looked at the monsters fiercely!
He saw them look at him with their soulless yellow eyes as their deadly diamond halves continued to pulse and beat with the ferocious waves of electricity they were being fed! Looking at them, the experienced keyblader then realised their method of attack, distract, surround and shock!
He'd couldn't underestimate these monsters, for one wrong move would be the end of him! He had to resolve this battle quickly! He needed to find and return back to the others, but most importantly he needed... clenching he felt her summon gem in his hand again. Looking at it he whispered to it, "Nozomi...!"
Then at once as he spoke her name, the monster's dove towards him to attack with their halved diamonds quickly following behind them! Quickly in return Riku moved his keyblade forwards and despite his pain he was ready to engage!
Meanwhile watching from outside the bubble of darkness that he had created, Uriax smiled as he said, "it won't be long now! Soon I'll be rid of you... then you'll no longer contaminate her mind... nor take her heart from me!" With that the swordfish tailed young man watched as the shark tailed Merman continued to struggle against the thunderous heartless within his dark creation, from which there would be no escape!
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Rising forth from the depths of her icy domain in a blast of green power thundering left and right making charring pieces of ice fly out, the terrible sea witch swung the Trident in her outstretched right hand as she cried out for all the world to hear, "ALL HAIL QUEEN MORGANA!"
Still caught within her terrible sticky clutches, Ariel couldn't make a sound as she struggled terribly against Morgana's coils! Cait sith too stuck in his bubble shouted out mad, "let me out of this mess! Get me out! I gotta save our lasses! Ya can't keep me here ya old crone! I demand me release! I-"
"I'm hailing! I'm hailing!" Came a huge shout from Undertow who was splishing and splashing in the water as he was trying to get his mistress's attention!
Cait sith was just as annoyed about this idiot too! If there was one thing he hated more than a power hungry villain! It was a hopeless and pathetic lackey! If he was free at that moment he'd been turning that little annoyance into a fillet!
But as this thought came to him quickly the little annoyance in the midst of his leaping backwards, managed to get his dorsal fin smacked straight through a piece of ice! This made the small black and white cat grin as he then mocked the piranha shark, "ya smashin! Ya Smashin!"
Undertow hearing this remark was angered! He was then about to give that cat a piece of his mind when-
"Hang on Sweetie! The calvary's comin'!"
With that everyone turned and quickly there coming leading the way in a hurried flight, with Mickey splashing forwards as he dove after him with Prince Eric's ship following closely behind. It was none other than Scuttle who'd brought the help that was needed!
At once seeing his beloved wife being held captive by Morgana, Eric who was steering the ship with his ready crew on board, cried out in worry, "Ariel!"
Seeing them come Cait sith then couldn't help but shout out his relief as he cried out, "oh! Hallelujah!" But then he had to shout out, "Mickey mate! Eric lad! Get us out of sticky wicky here!"
Hearing his voice and then seeing where he was, Mickey couldn't believe it! Quickly he had to know, "Cait sith! What's happened to ya here! Why are both you and Ariel-"
"It's a huge problem here Mickey mate! We've found Nozomi and that Melody lass! But they're-"
"Ah! Well would you look who it is? Prince Eric and a pesky rodent! Are you all here to join our party?! Cause we're all having a blast!" With that she aimed with the Trident and unleashed an all powerful thunderous green strike!
BLAST!
Instantly the blast struck and quickly sliced clean threw a huge towering glacier that hung overhead of Eric's ship! Instantly the ice all started to fall towards the ship! Everyone upon the ship were horrified! The king's eyes grew wide with horror in moments! He had to do something! Quickly!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
"AERORGA!"
Instantly the powerful wind spell flew straight from the king's keyblade and held the heavy ice in the air with a strong gale! Everyone onboard the ship could hardly believe their eyes! Then Eric quickly breaking from his moment of awe, turned and saw the king in the sea with his blade out as he concentrated hard to keep the spell going! Seeing him, the prince cried out to him, "Mickey! You saved us here! Thank-"
"I can't hold this for long Eric! You gotta get your crew off the ship quick!" The king cried out, for he was struggling! He couldn't hold this massive weight with just his strength alone!
Seeing him concentrate so hard, Eric saw that he was faltering! He had to hurry! "Okay! Got it!" So quickly he turned about himself and cried out, "everyone abandon ship!"
With that quickly instantly everyone reacted to his royal order and immediately everyone threw themselves off of the ship, all of them landing on a floating sheet of ice that surrounded their doomed vessel!
Then acting quickly Eric launched himself finally off too with a free rope that hung from the riggings above! Carrying with him he took his loyal dog Max, as he turned in the air he cried out to the king, "everyone's off the ship Mickey! You can release it now!"
"Okay! Thanks Eric!" With that Mickey quickly lowered his keyblade and in moments the powerful spell he'd been holding dispersed! Then quickly the heavy ice fell and instantly the once grand ship was destroyed in moments as it was crushed and smashed to pieces!
Seeing the destruction she'd caused, Morgana looked to the heavens above as she said aloud joyfully, "oh! Dear Ursula would have adored this!"
Not knowing who the heck she was talking about, Cait sith remarked annoyed, "while I'm absolutely detestin' this!" With that he smacked his bubble in total frustration!
Down below and breathing hard, Mickey's head was down as he was drained from using the exhausting spell. But as he heard the ship falling into the depths of the ocean, he felt terrible! Quickly beside him he heard the prince land upon the ice, looking up he saw him release Max from his arms, he had to apologise to him, "I'm sorry I couldn't save ya ship there Eric!"
Hearing him the prince quickly shook his head as he told him, "it's fine Mickey! What's more important is that everyone's made it off safely..." despite the situation he smiled to him and said, "thanks!"
Glad to hear this Mickey nodded with a small smile of his own, he was about to something when-
"MORGANA!"
Turning it was then that he and prince Eric saw that quickly arriving with his own troops of Mermen, that it was Triton upon his seashell chariot towed by his dolphins! He looked noble and majestic and ready for battle!
Morgana still upon her throne of ice, saw the sea king arrive and as she did she was amused as she laughed and said, "King Triton! Oh please is that the best you can do?!"
Coming to a halt quickly with troops ready, the king of the sea proclaimed to the sea witch, "release my daughter! Surrender my granddaughter and I will spare you!"
However Morgana felt no fear from this pathetic old man now as she remarked, "ooohhhh! What're ya gonna do! Throw the crab at me or have your mouse nibble me!" To which she laughed loudly once again in total mockery!
At once instantly both Sebastian and King Mickey were totally unimpressed and the king remarked himself, "looks like this lady's gonna need to be takin' down a peg or two!"
It was then finally at that moment Undertow had finally got himself released from his trapped state! Shaking his head getting rid of bits of ice here and there, he moved himself forward and as he did he grinned at the group of helpless heroes as he told them all laughing himself, "face it Triton! You and your dolts are all washed up!" Though quickly he changed his tone as he gasped, "uh oh!"
For at that moment, Sebastian had had enough! Jumping off of the king's chariot he chased after Undertow with his snapping pincers as he told him mad, "I'm gonna be teaching you some manners!"
Trying to keeping his backside from being snipped at, Undertow jumped in and out of the water as he cried out in total humiliation, "now look at me I'm bait!"
Seeing him go Cait sith was pleased! Quickly he cried out to the royal musician crab, "that's it Sebastian! Show that creep who's boss! Show him-"
BLAST!
Suddenly the little piranha had been struck by Morgana with a green thundering blast from the Trident! Quickly his body was electrified all over and then he plopped into the water!
Cait sith was shocked as he saw Morgana blow a puff of smoke off of the Trident, looking to her he demanded, "how could ya just fry that blighter! He was ya little partner wasn't he!? He was-"
"Oh he's not gonna be so little anymore!" Morgana replied jokingly!
Not getting what was so funny, Cait sith was about to ask what the heck she was talking about when suddenly there was a shuddering! Turning again quickly he saw that beneath Sebastian was a huge growing shadow! Then before anyone could blink, a huge shark emerged and instantly the red royal composer crab was caught in the jaws of an enormous bulky black striped tiger shark!
Seeing where he was positioned immediately Sebastian cried out in fright, "AAAAGGGGHHH!"
Quickly Cait sith cried out in terror too, "Sebastian mate!"
SNAP!
Instantly the giant shark gnashed his jaws together! But quickly Sebastian dove out of harm's way! Shivering in total fright he made it back to Triton's chariot who looked at the spectacle with shocked eyes himself! Then as the shark landed back into the water he created a huge wave that made those ahead of him slide back from the power he'd unleashed!
Circling himself back in the water, the giant shark was astonished but then feeling his old and familiar power being returned to him, he laughed aloud as he shouted out, "oohh! Yeah! HA HA! Look out!"
Pleased by this Morgana was delighted and then looking to the hapless heroes, she told them all, "well looks like I've got one big player on my side! But looking I'd say we need to even the playing field!" With that she lifted the Trident again and immediately swarming portals of darkness emerged!
Quickly from within them, hordes of heartless emerged! Screwdrivers, Sea Urchins, Rocket Squids and Skeleton Sharks! Everyone seeing all these monsters were horrified as they saw their soulless yellow eyes gazing at them all!
Seeing she'd instilled fear throughout the lot of them, Morgana grinned more again as she remarked, "now I'd say we're even!" Then a chilling smile came across her face she told them all, "and you're all gonna be made into minced fish chow!"
Hearing this though Mickey swam forwards as he pointed his keyblade at the sea witch and told her with determination, "not while I'm here! You're gonna be real sorry Morgana!"
Smiling at this pathetic and minuscule rodent, the sea witch replied coolly, "we'll see about that!" Then pointing the Trident forwards again she declared loudly, "now charge you heartless! Get them!"
With that Undertow swam forwards like a charging bull as he shouted too, "yeah! Attack squad go!" With that the heartless followed after him!
In turn taking charge Mickey knew he had to protect everyone! So with his keyblade ready he went to engage as Eric followed after him with his sword ready as his crew brought with them their own weapons and the solider's of Triton rushed forwards too! The battle then began as both sides engaged!
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"HAAAA!"
With that Riku struck the last of the two Sting Ray heartless as he smashed his keyblade straight through the monster's head! With that it's armoured body collapsed into a lifeless heap upon the floor of the dome he was trapped within.
Breathing hard, he waited as he held his keyblade tightly... there was nothing. Maybe this time it was-
However he assumed too soon, for the two halves of the silver diamond that had became lifeless as the heartless fell. Suddenly they vibrated violently as they flew up and instantly in a conductive wave of electricity the bodies of the heartless were revived and were now standing upright again with their spears at the ready!
Frustrated Riku breathed mad, "not again!" For this had been at least the fifth or sixth time that he'd brought the monster's down! Nothing was stopping them! How could they be revived like this? Who could be-
However there was no time to debate about why these creatures were being resurrected over and over again. For now once more they were charging forwards with their fierce electricity pulsating upon their spears as their charged diamond halves chased after them!
Angered Riku charged straight forward too as he said mad, "no matter how many times it takes! I'll destroy you over and over again! I won't be beaten by this!" With that said he quickly dodged another lightning strike as he went and readied his own spell to strike them both straight back!
Smiling as he went in to pointlessly attack again, Uriax continued to smile. As he did he quietly replied to Riku's angered words, "you can keep trying for as long as you want! But eventually you'll give up and die in despair!"
Watching on quietly he saw the keyblader smash into the heartless and damage them both, he lifted his right hand and uttered a silent spell. Immediately as he did this, the black bubble his prey was trapped within, along with the monsters who were chasing after Riku began to glow sinisterly with purple light. As it did immediately the damage that had been dealt to the monsters was removed and then as the beasts glowed with that same light. Their own powers grew too!
Shocked inside Riku stopped as the monsters charged in again at him, acting though quickly he went in to strike them again! However swiftly the monster's parried his blows and then they both together moved left and right making their own charged attacks!
Moving quickly Riku dodged the first blow, then the second and as he turned suddenly-
BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
He was struck by the two halves of the silver diamond by a terrible blast of thunder! The monsters taking advantage of this moment of paused pain moved and instantly their attacks both struck and Riku was hit with even more terrible electrical pulses!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Seeing the horrible agony he was caught in made Uriax smile all the more as he told the helpless keyblader quietly, "for no matter how much you strike them, no matter how much damage you cause! I will revive them over and over, then make them stronger and stronger to the point you'll have no choice but to give in... this battle is already over for you!"
At that moment as he finished his proclamation the heartless's pulsing attacks stopped and then moving together a huge spark moved the helpless keyblader upwards. Then in another movement they moved together and in another powerful blast they threw his pained body away like trash!
Rolling on the floor, Riku struggled! He could barely move due to the fierce electrical pulse he'd been blasted with. His whole body was feeling horrible pangs of paralysis, looking at the monster's with cringing eyes he looked at the monster's hatefully.
The beasts were hovering over him hauntingly with their yellow soulless eyes fixed on him... looking at them the keyblader bitterly whispered to himself, "damn it!" For he had to think of something! He couldn't be wasting time like this! Silent for a moment he quickly decided on a course of action, "time for a brainstorm!"
Struggling he managed to get himself back up somehow and as he did he brought his keyblade out again and instantly he cried out, "Blizzaga!" With that quickly a powerful ice spell escaped and created a huge missile of ice that raced straight forwards!
Instantly the heartless were ready as they went to intercept the blast! However acting quickly Riku acted again as he turned and cried out, "Thundaga!" With that the thunder spell struck the ice and made it explode! This created a huge cloud of icy dust that spread throughout the entire bubble making an icy smokescreen!
With that the monster's looked around themselves puzzled for they couldn't see any trace of their prey anywhere! Taking this moment of distraction Riku pulled himself into the depths of the foggy atmosphere he'd created, it was now time to think and recover!
Uriax seeing this cute little show simply grinned on as he said, "it doesn't matter if you try to hide in there! You've got nowhere to run! I can dismiss that pathetic curtain with one-
"Hey! Honey Bunny!"
Instantly Uriax was distracted by a tap on his shoulder, turning around quickly surprised he saw standing there with a calm grin on her face that it was none other than Jona in her mermaid form as her Lionfish tail swayed to and throw behind her.
Seeing her with wide eyes he quickly became quietly agitated as he uttered, "you!"
Grinning proudly Jona was glad to get his attention as she replied, "uh huh! It's the luscious me babe!"
However the dark apprentice was not pleased as he turned away from the spying Sphynx and said irritated, "heh! I suppose you were sent to keep an eye on me were you?... Maleficent still doesn't trust me?"
Jona hearing this question casually smiled and replied, "oh no sweetheart! There's no need for you to stress! I was simply given the option to chase your delicious tail and hence here I am!"
Puzzled as he heard this Uriax turned and looked at her as he asked, "you what?"
Seeing his confusion the luscious Sphynx replied with a twinkle in her eye, "I came here after you... cause I got quite the little spark for ya!"
Listening to this reasoning, Uriax was far from impressed as he stared at her but then turning away from her he uttered, "well how nice for you."
Smiling expecting this much of an answer from him, Jona then saw the dark cloudy bubble he was maintaing, looking at it curiously she asked, "and just what have you got going on here sweetheart?"
Hearing this question, it was one that Uriax for once was happy to answer, "a mouse in a trap!"
Her eyebrows peeking as she heard this, Jona looked into the depths of the bubble herself and inside she could see the two Sting Ray heartless trying to seek out their prey and now again, she caught a glimpse of Riku swimming amongst the smokescreen that was still thick inside the dome.
She was silent as she then heard Uriax say, "it won't be much longer now! Soon he'll be nothing but ashes and I'll claim what truly belongs to me!"
At this utterance Jona looked at Uriax again and quickly she saw a darkness in his eyes. It was almost chilling however the experienced Sphynx didn't let it phase her, but quickly it made one thought came, "oh yeah! That reminds me sweetheart!"
Uninterested Uriax asked, "what reminds you?"
A cool smile then came across Jona's face as she told him, "I gotta inform you about somethin' that's happenin' to Nozomi honey."
Hearing her name instantly Uriax's attention was diverted as he turned his gaze back to the grinning Sphynx, looking at her he asked, "Nozomi?" Then seeing the smirk on this creature's face he demanded from her, "where is she?! What's happened to her?! Tell me!"
Smiling again as she got his full attention Jona then told him,"very well darling..." with that she indulged him with her information.
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Upon the battlefield the fight against the heartless was ferocious as swords and claws slashed into one another making sparks fly as well as the release of rockets, needles and bullets! It was a ferocious sight for all to behold as the darkness clashed against the sea and the forces of man!
Swimming fast and furiously forwards Mickey had his keyblade ready!
SPLASH!
Jumping out of the water he immediately slashed with his blade as a Screwdriver came to meet him in the air! Moving quickly though the mouse king turned and in a fast movement he cut straight into the monster's head making it disperse into dust in moments!
Glad he'd done that though still captive in his bubble, Cait sith cried out loudly, "way ta go Mickey mate!" However as soon as he said this, quickly something caught the small black and white cat's eye! "oi look out there!"
Hearing the urgent cry of his friend, Mickey turned again and immediately he saw a skeleton shark heartless was heading straight his way with it's sharpened jaws opened wide! Shocked the king though quickly acted as he aimed and fired shouting loud, "Firaga!"
Immediately the spell made contact and the heartless was reduced to burning ashes in moments! Landing in the water again quickly the mouse king breathed out from the adrenalin rush as he said, "boy that was close!"
Then suddenly he felt a shadow from behind but before he could turn around-
SLASH!
Suddenly arriving in the nick of time, Eric had come and immediately with his sword he struck through another Screwdiver that had come up from behind the mouse king! Turning and seeing what the prince had done for him, Mickey smiled with relief as he told him, "wow! Thanks there prince Eric! Ya saved me!"
Hearing him the prince replied with a smile of his own, "just returning the favour! Don't worry Mickey!" Hearing this the mouse king smiled again with a nod.
However watching from above that the first platoon of heartless had failed, Morgana decided on something, "looks like we need to up the stakes here!" With that she made a wave with the Trident and instantly more portals of darkness emerged and from within them more heartless!
Looking at all the monster's as they began to multiply horribly all around them, everyone stared on in horror! The king knew inside that if these numbers of monster's kept coming there was only so many people he could protect alone, if the others were with him he'd have no trouble at all but-
"Oi that ain't fair there ya hag! You can quit callin' out those horrid beasties or I'll-"
"Or you'll what!?"" Interrupted Morgana as she stopped Cait sith's rant, holding the small bubbled cat up to her face she told him then sinisterly, "all's fair in love and war here! If these chumps wanna win back those who're precious to them, they'll have to put more effort in!"
Angry herself as she heard this, Ariel knew this was not fair in the slightest! Morgana had the power of darkness from the heartless on her side and the Trident! If she could do something she might be able to help get-
"Where's Melody!? What have you done with her!" Eric had become agitated after all this fighting and at the indication of his daughter he snapped as he pointed to the evil sea witch mad.
Morgana seeing this pathetic little show of strength told him mockingly, "oh you wanna join your daughter? Well I think that can be arranged!"
CRACK!
SPLASH!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Suddenly from under the ice Cloak and Dagger had come and using their whip like tails they grabbed the feet of the unsuspecting prince and had pulled him under the ice and into the terrible dark waters!
Shocked as she saw what was happening to her beloved, Ariel at last got her mouth free as she cried out loudly, "Eric!"
Horrified too Mickey cried out, "Prince Eric!"
Then instantly distressed too Cait sith cried, "Eric mate!"
Instantly acting Mickey went to dive in after him, however swimming quickly in front of him and blocking his way. Undertow came forth as he said with a huge grin, "not so fast there mousy!"
Mickey had no time to hesitate though as he demanded of the shark with a point of his keyblade, "move now fella!"
Amused by this pathetic threat the enormous shark laughed as he asked, "or you'll do what?!"
It was then quickly Mickey released his spell, "Thundaga!" With that the fierce thunder spell fired out of his keyblade in seconds!
Seeing it coming his way quickly Undertow ducked as he cried out, "Whoa!" However as he evaded the spell quickly found another target!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
The spell had struck bang on into Morgana! This caused her tentacles to go all static as they charged! Instantly as the sea witch's terrible bonds slacked from paralysis Ariel saw her chance as she quickly squeezed out of her binds and made her dive for escape!
SPLASH!
Seeing her go, Cait sith was thrilled as he cried out, "way ta go lass! Ya did it now yer-" However there was an unexpected side effect to the spell as the small cat felt the tentacle around his bubble squeeze tighter and tighter! As it did this he asked, "hey what is-"
BANG!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Suddenly he and his bubble were sent flying as he was fired away like a cork from a bottle! Seeing him go Mickey cried out, "Cait sith!" However the mouse king couldn't do anything for him as he vanished into the distant sky in a blink!
Ariel seeing him go felt terrible, but there was no time to waste as she told Mickey, "there's no time! We've gotta save Eric!"
Hearing her say this Mickey then remembered the trouble that was at hand as he replied, "ah! Yeah you're right c'mon Ariel let's go!" Nodding the mermaid princess dived in first and before he dove in after her, the mouse king said to himself quietly, "sorry there Cait sith!"
SPLASH!
Bristling as the horrible thunder pulsed over her for a few more moments, Morgana snapped out of her paralysed state and seeing that she'd lost her two captives angered her! Gritting her teeth she turned to Undertow as she ordered him mad, "you jellyfish idiot! Get after them now!"
Hearing her the large shark was just glad he hadn't got hit with the spell! So acting quickly he replied, "I'm on it!" With that he dived in after the mermaid and mouse keyblader to stop the rescue!
Sebastian though seeing Undertow go knew that Mickey and Ariel were gonna be in trouble! So fighting back against his cowardly nature he cried, "I gotta help them!"
Triton was then shocked as he saw his royal composer go and dive into the water too! He cried out after him, "Sebastian!"
Irritated Morgana then said angrily, "those pests are nothing but one headache after another!" With that she spoken she waited from the top of her throne to see what would next transpire!
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Shocked as he learnt what was going to happen, instantly Uriax became angered as he gritted his teeth and spat, "that traitorous witch!" With that he moved forward past Jona as he continued, "when I rescue Nozomi and get my hands on that woman I'll-"
Putting her clawed hand up, Jona asked, "pause and re-wind there a minute? What did you just say there honey?"
Hearing her interruption angered Uriax all the more as he turned and told her, "what do you mean re-wind? You heard me! When I get Nozomi free I'll-"
"Ah yeah that's it!" Jona replied smiling as she wagged her finger, "that's the one little line that I'd say needs correcting here!"
"Correcting?" Uriax was not in the mood for jokes as he demanded, "what the hell are you talking about!?"
Smiling a little more coolly now Jona then asked him, "I just need to ask you Uri honey?" With that she came closer to him as she asked further, "just what kinda role do you think you have here?"
Meanwhile unbeknownst to the two of them, Riku had been spying within the confines of his bubble amongst his smokescreen the monster's movements. As the two of them had gone on to search for him and had unsuccessfully used an array of lightning spells to catch him out... he knew now he had things figured out! He knew now how to win this battle swiftly and successfully!
Quickly looking to his side again, he held Nozomi's summon gem as he wished for luck and hoped his plan would work! Then immediately he began preparing his moves for the attack!
On the outside of the bubble as he heard Jona ask this question, Uriax was perplexed as he replied, "what role do I have?"
To which Jona simply nodded and as she did, Uriax then told her thinking her stupid, "it's simple! I'm here to fulfil my wish! To do that I'll do whatever it takes for me and Nozomi to-"
However summing him up Jona asked, "you think you're the hero here don't you?"
Uriax pausing as he heard this question stopped, for looking at Jona he saw in her eyes a seriousness that he hadn't recognised before. Looking at it he felt himself unable to answer, however the Sphynx answered for him, "so you do? You think you're the prince who's gonna save his princess from the wicked witch and have a happily ever after huh?"
Finding this summary patronising Uriax became bitter as he told her mad, "don't make me sound childish!"
To which in turn Jona shook her head as she told him, "I'm not sweetheart! But I gotta tell ya now, that isn't who you are! You're not the hero in this story!"
Angered further Uriax then demanded, "what do you mean!?"
Within the bubble Riku was almost ready as he got himself into position! Above him he could see the two heartless swimming as they continued to look on puzzled around themselves, in-between them too he could see their divided silver diamond and staring at it he knew that now it was time! Tightening his grip on his keyblade he initiated his plan!
Looking at him Jona couldn't help but pity this boy, but enlightening him she told him, "just what have you been using to gain your wish? What methods have you used?"
Hearing her Uriax then told her, "isn't obvious! I've improved my own magical potential tenfold and I've also gained use of the-"
It was then he stopped and as he did, it was clear finally that he had finally begun to realise it for himself. As he did Jona replied finishing his sentence, "the heartless?"
There was no answer from Uriax as he looked down as the horrifying realisation came to him, Jona seeing this then told him with a serious gaze upon her face, "you got it haven't you? You remember what that girl is now. She is a keyblader and her fate as she has chosen it, is to fight and destroy those creatures of darkness and all those connected to them, namely you."
Hearing her say this Uriax remembered as Nozomi had attacked him along with Riku back at that time when he had made a contract with Rourke! However he didn't want to believe it! "She would never do that to me! She promised to always be there for me! Plus I for her! I'm just-"
"You're the villain here Uriax!" Jona told him firmly and coldly.
Looking to her, Uriax stared at her like a rabbit in car lights as he heard the harsh reality of things. Jona seeing him like this then told him, "you think she'll just welcome you with open arms when you tell her what you've done? Do you think she'll just forgive you for taking other's hearts and turning them into monster's? Do you think she'll just casually accept it that you've caused horrible destruction in the name of desire?... Do you really believe that sweetheart?"
No words came from the dark apprentice's mouth, all he could do was stare at Jona with a gaze of horror... for he was?
"DARK AURA!"
Instantly the attack began as Riku felt his power of darkness increase throughout him! Swimming swiftly he aimed for his target! Slicing into the silver diamond halves that was in-between the two heartless he cut into them over and over again!
The two monster's seeing his target quickly aimed themselves! Then instantly their thunderous blasts flowed forth! However swimming swiftly in and away the merman keyblader rounded back and then slicing the two of them he knocked into them hard stunning them! Then aiming quickly again he focused his strength upon the silver diamond halves!
The power of the darkness fuelled him further and further forwards as he smashed into the object over and over again! At once he saw it begin to crack and crack some more! He was almost there! Just one more surge!
Quickly though the heartless regained themselves and quickly with their spears out they went in for a deadly blow from above! However it was then quickly Riku felt his power climax! Reaching his right hand forwards he shouted out loudly, "Dark Firaga!"
With that the flames of darkness smashed into the diamond halves and in moments quickly the silver spectacle smashed apart into glittering particles as it was blasted apart!
As this occurred the thunderous power the two heartless once had vanished from their weapons! As it did Riku knew he had the upper hand! Quickly turning he smashed their spears away as he told them both, "now it's time to finish you off!" With that he went to do just that!
Jona then told him further, "it's not your fate to save her! You can't! For now she won't accept you! Do you really want her to see what you are now? To see what you've become?"
Uriax couldn't answer that question, for the realisation hurt inside of him. He didn't want to admit it! He didn't want-
Jona though taking both of her clawed hands put them on the shoulders of Uriax, then casually she moved him to face the bubble where Riku continued to battle. Then there as he saw him fighting the monster's and making them collapse against his strength, the exotic Sphynx wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she told him, "your fate isn't to save her... the only one who can do that is right in front of you... the fate you have, is be together with me and forever observe from the shadows..."
"HHHAAA!"
Instantly with that Riku sliced straight through the heartless and in moments the two monster's stopped in time frozen! Then as the keyblader merman moved himself into a stationary position once again with his blade at his side, the two monster's then vanished into darkened embers and faded away into nothing...
Looking at him Uriax was still, the shock was still in his eyes as he saw the strength from this young man... Looking at him he remembered the few times when he'd been hiding when he'd seen this individual laugh with Nozomi so care free and happy and all he could do was...
Lowering his head the young apprentice batted Jona away from him, then he turned away from the bubble as he moved to make some distance between him and it...
Seeing him go into the darkened distance, the exotic Sphynx followed after him and as she watched she saw Uriax move his right hand above him and then click his fingers. Looking back behind her she looked and saw quickly that the bubble that held Riku burst and quickly flowed away, though since they were in murky waters the keyblader wouldn't be able to spot them making their retreat.
Turning to look ahead again, Jona then heard Uriax say, "c'mon!... We need to make suitable arrangements."
Smiling herself glad that she'd knocked him out of his assumed pedestal, Jona replied, "as you wish sweetheart! I'm glad to see you get the bigger picture now!"
Uriax though didn't answer her, for biting his lower lip... he hated this situation! But more than anything... he hated himself! However he wasn't gonna let her see this so quickly he sped away forwards into the darkness of the waters and Jona in turn followed suit!
Seeing that he was free from the battleground he'd been trapped in. Riku looked around himself puzzled. He couldn't understand what had happened here. But more importantly, "just where am I now?"
However from above suddenly he saw the light from the surface of the ocean! Seeing it, he knew what had to be done next! Holding Nozomi's summon gem again he prayed to himself, "I hope I can still do something!" With that he headed towards the glittering light of the ocean's surface!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX
As the ferocious battle between the heartless, man and the sea continued, far in the distance unaware of the fighting that was happening. Tip and Dash were under the shadow of a particularly tall hanging glacier with a pool of seawater beside them, a heavy air of depression lingered over the two of them.
For once again their cowardliness had got the better of them and they felt bad about not joining together with Nozomi and Melody to meet Morgana, all because of one shark. As their depression continued to dwell, Tip admitted aloud, "we're guppies man! Jellyfish!"
Agreeing with him sadly Dash nodded and then with a wave of his fin he moaned, "the great Tip and Dash! Cowards/Losers!"
Making the same movements with his small wing, Tip automatically dropped it at the same time as his buddy's, as he did he added only a tinier positive note, "well at least we're alive!"
To which Dash answered miserably again, "yeah, if you wanna call this living..."
At this comment there came no reply for a brief moment as the melancholy continued to drag on. But then Tip quickly had a thought! So getting up quick, he made a summary of their options, "okay! On the one hand, we can live a long healthy life! All be it as disgusting, pathetic, cowardly...er?"
Seeing he was struggling, Dash gave him a noun he could use, "worms?"
Hearing that Tip liked it, "that's good! Good! Cowardly worms..." however quick to change the tune, the small emperor penguin gave them their brighter option, "on the other hand, we could gather our courage if we had any, then storm the fortress and be heroes!"
At this act of so called gallantry they could do, Dash didn't mind it but he had to sum up what would happen straight afterwards, "yeah! Until she hacks us up into fish bait!"
Listening to the sad realisation quickly made Tip switch back to gloom mode as he replied, "right..." Their options were looking down... no matter what they did. So what could they-
SPLASH!
"HAH!"
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Scaring the living daylights out of Tip and Dash, there arriving out of the pool that was next to them came the figure of a merman! He had shoulder length silver hair and a shark fish tail. He looked on breathless while the two of them stared at him with total surprise as they hugged each other!
Shaking his head Riku was glad to feel the refreshing sensation of the wind on his skin again, looking around himself he asked, "where am I now! Just where have I-"
Then looking ahead he saw there in front of him Tip and Dash who were shivering in pure fright at the sight of him! Seeing that he'd caused a stir, at first the shark tailed merman didn't know what to say. But then he decided to just ask, "hey? Can you guys tell me where this place is?"
Tip recovering from his frightful moment was annoyed that this guy didn't even bother to apologise for the shock he'd just given them! So he replied trying to be cool, "why do you want to know?"
Quickly Riku told him feeling the urgency of his situation, "I'm in a hurry! I need to catch up with my-"
"OHHH! LOOK OUT BELOW LADS!"
Shocked again Tip and Dash along with Riku quickly saw sailing through the sky, straight towards them was a bubble and in it, "Cait sith!" The Merman cried out in surprise!
Then as soon as he cried out his name the small black and white cat crashed and landed into the ice right in front of Tip and Dash! Shaking his head as he was recovering from the shock of lift off, Cait sith cried out, "whoo! Boy! What a trip there! I was faster than a gummy bear there!"
Seeing him absolutely confused Tip and Dash to no instant! Who were these guys!? However Riku quickly asked his small bubbled friend, "Cait sith! Where did you fly in from!? What's-"
Cait sith seeing his pal too was really surprised! However he quickly knew this was no time for questions! "Riku lad! We're in deep trouble with a capital T! Mickey's caught up in fighting with the heartless who've arrived cause of that hag Morgana! He's with Triton and Ariel! Plus me and the lassie managed to find Nozomi and Melody and they're-"
Hearing her name instantly Riku asked urgently, "Nozomi!?"
To which quickly Cait sith nodded but before he could say another word, Dash asked quickly, "wait you guys know Nozomi!?"
His attention distracted, Riku looked to the Walrus and Emperor Penguin as he asked them, "you guys know her?"
Quickly taking charge in answering Tip told him, "know her!? Why we both helped her and Melody get the Trident from a thief and even did more crazy stuff that that! In fact we were with them till-"
"You know where they are now!?" Riku asked feeling excited yet anxious with urgency at the same time!
Nodding quickly Dash replied, "yeah! Sure we know where they are! They're being held at Morgana's! They're-"
"They don't have anytime left!" Cait sith cried out frustrated! For he hated being left out of the conversation like this!
Turning to him now really worried Riku asked, "what do you mean Cait sith!?"
Quickly the small black and white summed it up for him,"I'm saying lad! If we don't hurry those lasses ain't gonna live to see the next day! We need to get goin' and I mean now!"
Tip and Dash hearing this were horrified to learn this! They had no inkling it had got to this bad a point! Riku too now really worried replied quickly as this moment called for action, "okay! All right let's go quick Cait sith!"
Nodding glad he got the urgency of the situation across to him, the small cat replied, "all right then lad! C'mon!" With that he launched himself and was quickly caught by the merman's strong hands!
However before he could turn to go, Tip and Dash rushed forwards and as they did, the small Emperor penguin cried out, "hey wait for us!"
Turning in the water both keyblader and cat looked at the Walrus and Emperor penguin with confused eyes, Cait sith then asked, "what?"
Dash then told them both, "let us come with you!"
Riku though had to tell them, "guys it'll be dangerous where we're going! I can't promise you we'll-"
Tip though quickly taking charge told the urgent Merman, "ya need to know where they are! Me and Dash do and I doubt you or your feline buddy know these waters do ya?!"
At this comment there was nothing that either Riku or Cait sith could use to argue with it. However from experience, the small black and white cat knew this wasn't the time for arguments, so he replied liking the spunk from the penguin, "nope we don't there ya plucky mate! Go and lead the way for us then!"
Glad to see he'd got the upper hand and that he along with his partner did have some courage in them. Tip nodded and cried out, "okay! Onwards guys! We got friends to save!"
SPLASH!
Seeing his pal going on ahead of him as he dove into the water, Dash quickly followed after him as he cried out, "hey Tip wait up!"
SPLASH!
As the enormous Walrus dove in too, Riku had to shield his eyes from the water that sprayed everywhere! But then as he saw them go, he couldn't help but reveal a small smile at the two of them.
Cait sith seeing who'd Nozomi had met in her absence, said aloud, "that lass sure knows how to find odd pals here and there doesn't she?"
To which Riku nodded and replied, "yeah she does!" However knowing the matter that was at hand, he told Cait sith,"now let's go and get her!"
Nodding at this comment the small bubbled cat replied, "right you are lad!"
SPLASH!
With that Riku dived into the water too as he tailed after both Tip and Dash as they led the way for them. He was really worried now for his fellow keyblader and Melody and as he hurried on he prayed to himself, 'Nozomi hang on! We're coming for you!" With that the band of rescuers charged on through the icy waters to the place they were needed.