Chapter CLXXV: The Gathering, The Magical Zone Of Summoning And A Choice
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XVII

Making it outside of the cafe, Nozomi inside was still a little confused about Oralee and what it was she was going to say to her. However quickly these worries were forgotten as a single voice broke through her thoughts, "Ah! Looks like the lento senorita has finally caught up to us huh?"

Looking it was then Nozomi saw that it was Juan speaking up again, then standing with him she quickly saw once again Hana along with Ruby on her shoulder. Along with her she saw Snow and Serah together smiling along with-

"Yo there Nozomi! Long time no see!" For sitting upon his motorbike, it was none other than the cool surf talking samurai, Musashi.

Seeing him quickly the female keyblader responded as she brightened up again, "hiya there Musashi!" With that walking up to his bike she then asked him, "how are you doing?"

At this question the young samurai replied smiling, "ah! Same as ever! Same as ever! Y'know, deliverin' and fetchin' stuff for the carnival and ya know just chillin'!"
Nodding at this happily Nozomi replied happily, "I see! That sounds good!"

To which in response Musashi nodded smiling, but then walking over Riku decided to say a few words as he was a little annoyed at being left in the background along with his majesty, "yeah, yeah that's all good, but now what're we all supposed to do as we wait?"

Hearing him say this Nozomi turned to Riku a little confused. But as she did, once again that strange feeling started to act up inside of her again. Feeling an oncoming flush though she turned her face away from her fellow keyblader. For what was she doing!? She knew already what she was feeling inside was something to be scared of nor ashamed, but why was it making it so awkward for her right now!?

The white haired keyblader was a little confused at why Nozomi had turned away from him again as he looked at her. Wasn't she happy now? Then as he was about to ask her about this another calm and positive voice spoke up, "aww shucks Riku! We haven't been waitin' that long, ya just got a be little more patient with these kinda of things!"

Turning and seeing the smiling face of the mouse king, Riku was stopped dead in his tracks however before he could say anything. Musashi spoke up instead, "well hey there mousey dude!"

Hearing him Mickey then turned to the young samurai as he smiled and said, "heya again Musashi!"

Glad to get the king's attention, the young samurai then mused, "you know you dudes are the same as ever! There's never a dull moment when you guy's are involved in a conversation!"

Riku hearing this wasn't so pleased at being made a source of entertainment and so responded dryly, "oh I'm glad we're so pleasing!"

At this Musashi just laughed and replied as he said, "ya see! That's exactly what I'm talkin' about!"

Nozomi still trying to avoid eye contact with Riku tried desperately to think of something, anything to talk about! It was then it hit her, "uh! So um... Musashi how are the preparations for the carnival been coming along? You guys haven't had any more trouble from Irma or anybody have you?"

At this question Musashi was quiet with surprise that she'd asked that, but then just as Oralee exited the cafe along with Cait sith in her arms, he answered her question, "the prep stuff's been goin' great! Ya know we're practically finished now! All that's left really is just to remove the last of the doors of time, but as to Irma and her gang-"

"We haven't found any trace of them!" It was then that Snow walked over with an annoyed gaze on his face as Oralee now stood next to his beloved fiancee as she looked on with concern as she did.

Turning surprised as he said this, Mickey asked him, "really Snow? You haven't been able to track them down at all?"

To which in response Snow shook his head with a sigh as he told him, "nope! And we've kept a keen eye out for them! Cause there's no way we'd let that jezebel of a witch or her cronies make a huge mess like that happen again!"

Nodding as he said this, Nozomi then remembered her bitter memories of Irma and her lackeys and the horror they'd caused. Especially that little punching match she had with the evil sorceress, becoming annoyed herself the female keyblader said, "yeah! I definitely never want that to happen to anyone else again... her and that Bebuzzu book are dangerous!"

At this comment everybody agreed quietly and then removing himself from his princess's arms, it was then that Cait sith ran on over and jumped up and made it onto Nozomi's shoulder and said, "ya got that right lass! But one thing's for sure, when we locate her next and her darn posse they ain't gonna slip us or get the best of us again!"

As he heard this it was then that Juan spoke up as he slung his two pistols out and proclaimed loudly, "right on muchacho's we'll have them all grilled out and served out like clambulance burritos!"

Hearing this, no one had any idea what he was talking about as they all stared at him strangely. Hana then feeling awkward herself next to him, had to ask the gun totting 'ARC,' "Um... Juan I don't think anyone knows what those are?"

Puzzled as he heard his fellow 'ARC' say this, he asked confused, "what? Really none of you muchacho's have ever been to the land of Ooo?"

Ruby hearing this then replied annoyed, "even the name of that place is weird!"

The gunner hearing this became annoyed at the little bird's remark, but before he could give him a telling off. It was then a familiar voice spoke up, "oh! Looks like you lads have all gathered together! That's good!"

It was then everyone turned around to see Merlin had arrived and next to him smiling warmly, it was none other than Shirma. Seeing the others had arrived, the young pink haired white mage waved as she said, "hi again everyone!"

Seeing her immediately Nozomi's sour memories vanished as she smiled and said, "hi Shirma! It's great to see you again!"

Nodding happily glad to see she was as cheerful as ever, Shirma replied, "and it's great to see you too Nozomi!"

At her smile Riku couldn't help but reveal a small one himself as Mickey smiled too, for the young white mage's presence was always soothing somehow. But looking at her he noticed one thing, "where's your sister, Shirma?"

Hearing this the young mage's smile became a little awkward as she said, "well um, you see when the time came for us to gather here she got a little bit too obsessed with decorating the castle tower's and... I couldn't dissuade her to come down, plus she's gotta get Uncle Scrooge and..." however not wanting to sound too negative she simply summed up, "she's gonna be a bit late."

Musashi hearing this rolled his eyes as he admitted, "well that's not any big surprise, once she gets obsessed with something, she's more stubborn than a bull!"

No one said anything to this comment, however Merlin though wasn't too irritated by this fact and so said, "well we'll just have to meet the lass and Scrooge, at the main attraction spot! Now talkin' about that! Let's all make our way there!"

Hearing this quickly everyone agreed to the Master wizard's suggestion as each made their response to him, "sounds good to me!" Cait sith piped up as he clapped his gloved hands.

Tweeting aloud happily on his princess's shoulder, Ruby spoke out, "yay! This is gonna be so much fun!"

Nodding herself, the former princess couldn't help but agree as she smiled and said, "indeed! I'm really looking forward to the unveiling!"

Musashi hearing her say this, punched his fist into the air as he declared, "heck yeah! This is gonna be totally awesome!"

Hearing his second in command saying this, Snow walked over and gave him a high five as he declared,"you got that right pal!"

Serah seeing this occur between her fiancee and his friend giggled as she then looked to Oralee and smiled happily, the princess of Alexandra looked to her the same way as she was clearly excited too.

Mickey then spoke up too, "I'm really looking forward to this! I can't wait to see what's gonna be revealed for the carnival next!"

Riku seeing the happy look on Mickey's face agreed as he told him, "same here, this should be really interesting!"

Hearing this comment, Nozomi then couldn't help but nod herself however she held her self back from saying anything again, due to the awkwardness she still felt.

Shirma hearing all the words from her friends then decided, "it will be! C'mon! I'll guide the way for you all!" With that the white mage walked over and as she did, Serah along with Oralee got themselves on Musashi's motorcycle as Snow got himself on board too. With that the group of keyblader's, 'ARCS' and magician all got ready to go.

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Meanwhile hiding in a set of bushes that were nearby, Greeble the peppermint green small chocobo had been spying and had heard the conversation that had occurred between the group of unsuspecting 'ARCS' and keyblader's.

He was annoyed at them for having called his mistress a jezebel and whispering aloud he said mad, "I'm no crony! You guys are all illiterate fools!" For he and his fellow villains had been careful not to be spotted by these pesky 'ARCS,' Merlin or that other irritation, Bonkers and his steed Coco!
In the meantime they'd been biding their time and had been on the look out for the next opportunity to strike back, with a vengeance and as he watched his adversaries begin to make their way to the next magical event that was going to take place. He knew that at this time, he may have just found just the right opportunity for him, his cohorts and more importantly his mistress!
So after a few moments with some space created between him and them, he decided to keep taps on them, "just you wait! You'll all be begging for mercy at the end!" With that said he started using his expert skills of stealth, as he chased after the lot of them by moving quickly from bush to bush, wall to wall and trash can to trash can, being careful not be spotted by anyone!

However, as he moved there was one pair of eyes he had not been able to escape from...

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Making it back to the Fountain Courtyards where they had removed the door of time they had ventured into. Everyone was quiet as Merlin walked forwards and was looking through a series of books that he'd brought with him, Shirma was next to him as she assisted him looking through the texts.

As everyone watched the master magician quietly, he continued to study away through his pair of spectacles with the patient and caring white mage next to him. Nozomi became curious as she asked, "what do you think they're both looking for in those books?"

At this question Cait sith replied with his hands up, "no clue lass! It could be anything he's looking for right now!"

Nodding Nozomi looked back and started to ask, "Hey Ri-"" however looking at Riku as she was about to ask him what he thought, she once again felt uncomfortable doing that as that mysterious feeling reacted strongly in her again! Quickly as she saw him looking to her confused she turned to the king and asked, "Mickey! Um... what do you think Mr Merlin and Shirma are looking at?"

Mickey hearing her question was a little confused at her suddenly turning to him, but he decided to think nothing of it as he told her, "can't say what it'll be exactly Nozomi... but if it's anything like the Merry Go Round before, I'd say definitely they're looking through some picture books for what they need to bring out."

Nodding as she heard this and feeling Riku's eyes on her, Nozomi laughed as she replied, "ha ha! Yeah um? That makes sense! Uh? Ha ha!" For right now she was bitterly annoyed with herself, why was this stupid feeling making her behave like this!?

Riku himself seeing her do this, couldn't understand her. He felt for sure that question was directed at him first! So why...? However he knew he wouldn't be able to answer this question inside anyway so simply he turned his face to the side and uttered a frustrated sigh.

Seeing this little interaction from a distance as she stood next to Serah, Oralee was a little worried and her friend next to her said aloud, "looks things are awkward there huh?" Oralee nodded simply again and as she did she decided inside quietly she'd have to talk to Nozomi again about things when she had the chance.

It was then though that Merlin seemed to have found what he was looking for, "Ah ha! This is it! I'd say we've got it for sure now!"

Smiling as she agreed with him Shirma nodded as she said, "yes! This should be everything! I'd say it'll be good for us to proceed!"

With that nodding in agreement Merlin turned to everyone again as Shirma stood next to him. He then told them all beaming with a smile, "now lads I hope you're all ready for this! Though this may be a little difficult to do with just me and Shirma here, I know this'll be one the biggest summons ever done yet!"

Clapping his hands, Juan was more than ready as he told the ageing magician, "we're more than ready Merlin amigo! Just show us what ya both got!"

Snow hearing this grinned as he told his comrade, "well said Juan!" With that he gave his gun slinging pal a high five!

Pleased to see he was getting an ecstatic response from his audience, Merlin then smiled as he responded, "all right! Let me begin the conjuring then!" With that the master wizard put his right hand over the lot of books he'd gathered as Shirma drew out her staff. He and her were about to begin the uttering of spells when suddenly-

"Thweeeeeet! Thweeeeeet!" With that sound immediately everybody turned and as they all did, a familiar voice cried out, "hold it! Hold everything! Captain Merlin!" Then another cry came forth, "KWEH!"

With that quickly everyone turned and there arriving on his loyal stead was none than a couple of familiar faces. Seeing them instantly Cait sith cried out with a wave, "hey there! Bonkers! Coco!"

For there arriving on the scene was none other than Merlin's faithful companions, Bonkers the keeper of the peace in the Radiant Gardens and his cheerful best pal, Coco the Chocobo! Seeing that he and his friend had got everyone's attention he beamed out to everyone brightly, "hey fella's! Long time no see!"

To this everyone smiled happily, then as they all did Musashi cried out, "hi guy's you here for the unveiling?"

Nodding Bonkers replied, "yep! You got that right we both are!" Then turning to his pal who was smiling happily, he asked him, "right Coco?"

His best friend then replied with a happy, "Kweh!"

Everyone then looking on couldn't help but smile and laugh, however suddenly another couple of voices came as they announced, "hey! Hope we're not too late either for the big event!"

It was then arriving too in his green jacket, with his poofy afro and his son on his shoulders it was none other than-

"Hey Sazh! Dajh amigo's! Ya both made it!" Juan beamed as waved to the two of them happily.

Nodding Dajh then waved himself to his friend as he cried out, "hi Juan!"

Pleased to see his son was so happy, Sazh said aloud with a slight chuckle, "you bet we've made it! Dajh had been looking forward to this for ages! There was no way he I was gonna let him miss this huge event!"

Smiling herself glad to see them both, Hana then told them both, "well we're glad to have you both here with us!"

Arriving there next to her, the young boy then told the flower arranging girl, "thanks Hana!"

The young girl then smiled back simply in reply as Ruby smiled on her shoulder also very pleased.

Merlin himself at first was a little surprised though quickly he smiled too as he was glad to see his audience increase. But then getting back to the matter that was at hand he coughed as he uttered, "oh good! Good now, if we can continue we'll just-"

"No wait!" It was then another voice cried out and there arriving breathless from around the corner looking drained from having to do a lot of running, it was none other than Alania!

Surprised everyone was quiet as they looked at her, the young summoner was clearly struggling to recover herself as she said, "wait! I... I'm sorry...but I have an important part to play in this!" Then looking a little annoyed she uttered, "you guys can't start this without me!"

Though nobody wasn't pleased to see Alania, Musashi uttered aloud,"well if we were gonna start without you, it's was your own fault for being late in the first place!"

Hearing him say this, Shirma thought that this was a little harsh as she told her fellow 'ARC', "Musashi isn't that a bit too mean to say! She did say sorry! You don't have to-"

The usually positive samurai though wasn't in the mood for Alania, for at times like this he got a little fed up with her as he told her adoptive sister, "no! Your sis has gotta learn the world isn't always gonna bend to her way!"

Alania herself just about recovered now, having heard all these words became irritated in moments and quickly she walked over and then flicking the annoyed samurai hard in the face with her right gloved hand, told him mad, "bite me!"

Shocked as she did this, Musashi was blank for a minute. But quickly an angered look came to his face and it was clear he was not gonna back down without a fight as he said, "hey! What was that for-"

However quickly walking in between the two of them, came a strong cane and some calm words, "c'mon there! This ain't no time for a squabblin' to be starting between ya both!"

At once everyone then saw arriving on the scene, it was none other than the core founder of the attraction! "Scrooge!" Nozomi cried out.

For there he was creating a barrier between the angry summoner and samurai with his black cane, looking to the keyblader's for a moment he made a nod to them all, as a silent greeting. But then the richly dressed duck turned back to the situation he had at hand as he said, " now listen you two! This is a time of celebration! Not a time for bitterness, save that for later on!" Then turning to his adoptive daughter he told her, "though the lad's right about one thing there Alania! Ya gotta learn to work on yer punctuation and be a little more tactful in the future with yer temper!"

Looking to her uncle with surprised eyes, Alania was quiet but then turning back to Musashi again she became irritated once more as she said, "geez! First I'm late! Then I get told off by a stranger and now this! This is so not my day!" With that she folded her arms and a pout came to her face.

Seeing her do this once again like usual, Snow could only sigh as he said, "well I'm glad that I didn't have to intervene this time... those two can be so hot headed!"

Bonkers next to him agreed as he said, "yer tellin' me!" For he remebered various occassions when he and Coco had tried to stop them arguing. This hadn't always ended well...

Staring at this scene too, Nozomi and the others felt awkward as well, though Cait sith had to sigh as he said, "y'know those are the days I miss lass! Yaself and Snowdrop were the most entertainin' when ya were like that!"

Hearing this comment Nozomi didn't get it as she asked simply, "huh?"

Meanwhile Merlin himself was getting a little irritated himself at having being made to wait and start over a couple of times, so he asked, "Alania lass? Could you just hurry over now and help us complete this summoning, if you please?"

At this request it was finally Alania broke out of her little moody pout, walking over towards Merlin and Shirma she gave Musashi one last bitter look before making it over to them both.

Annoyed himself as she did this, Musashi then couldn't help but utter under his breath, "sore loser!"

Scrooge simply shook his head as he sighed, but then putting both his hands on his cane, he looked on quietly to see the wondrous summoning that was about to occur!

Concerned as she saw her sister approach, the young pink haired white mage asked, "you okay Alania?"

The blue haired summoner sighing then told her, "yeah! I'm fine, I'm fine... let's just get this show on the road shall we?" Then turning to Merlin, she decided it was only right to do one thing at that moment, "sorry..."

Knowing she meant it, Merlin told her simply as she'd already been told off enough by Scrooge, "it's fine lass, it's fine... now let's begin!"

With that Alania nodded and then instantly she called forth her own summoning staff and quickly in turn with her sister before her, the two girls began to enact the magic as Merlin held his hands over the books. With that sparkles of magic began to glitter around the three magic users, everyone gazed on with utter amazed fascination! Even Musashi had forgotten his sourness as he stared on!
Concentrating hard as he held his hand over his materials, it was then that Merlin activated the powerful magic as he cried aloud, "Ali-i-ca-fez bal-a-ca-zez!"

With those words the magic radiated brightly around the three summoners as they all glowed with powerful yellow energy and as the glitter pulsed and glowed all around them, both Shirma and Alania concentrated hard at making this spell work!

Then as the magic continued to glow and build around them, Merlin activated the next part as he cried out, "Malacamez meripides!" With that once again there was another huge reaction as misty glittering shapes started to emerge from the books!
These shapes drifted in and around everyone as formless wisps but as they did, everyone somehow felt something living from them all as they drifted in and out between everyone in an almost curious way, it seemed as if they were all investigating them!

Looking at them Nozomi felt a warm charge that spread throughout her arm as she touched one of the wisps! She couldn't help but smile brightly at the sensation as it twirled itself in and out between her fingertips, in the distance too Dajh did the same as her and he laughed loudly clapping clearly enjoying the magic as he continued to sit upon his dad's shoulders, he too smiled warmly at his son's reaction.

Everyone looking at these wispy mists were all dazzled, for what were they all? Then suddenly the mists all started to take on actual shapes and as they did, they were living shapes! Everyone couldn't believe it! These were-

Then suddenly it seemed that Merlin had come to the climax of his spell as he cried out loud, for all the world to hear, "Higitus Figitus migitus mum! Pres-ti-dig-i-ton-i-um!"

Instantly in moments there was a huge flash! Blinding everyone in moments as they all closed their eyes and as they did, the light radiated around them for many moments before finally fading away... as it did Cait sith had to ask aloud, "are we still livin'!? Are we still alive lads!?"

Nozomi still struggling, she wasn't sure if it would be alright to open her eyes or not! So hesitantly she said, "I think so but-"

"NEIGH! HE! HE!"

Confused Nozomi uttered, "neigh?"

Then opening her eyes hesitantly, she then saw with huge surprise a pair of curious eyes staring into her own!

Shocked she took a step back and cried out, "HA!" Then suddenly she saw there before her fluttering in the air before her, was a small little black baby pony with wings on it's back staring at her confused. He had a white mane and tail along with grey tips on his wings, he also had a white mouth as well. Then as it looked at her surprised expression it laughed aloud at her.

Cait sith then exlaimed loudly, "c'aww! Blimey! Who's this little runt?!"

Staring at the creature herself, Nozomi asked absolutely baffled, "that is!? What is-"

Riku was surprised too at this creature's sudden appearance, so much in fact he couldn't think of anything to say! But then the king got everyone's attention as he cried out, "this little fella's not the only one who's appeared! Look above us!"

With that hearing the king as he pointed, everyone then saw that all around them in the air there were more little winged ponies in the sky! Then suddenly from around their feet there were more neighs as they saw that around their feet were more little baby ponies with horns on their foreheads!

Looking at them, Riku was the first to admit, "well this is not what I was expecting!"

Then a shout came, "woo hoo! That ain't nothin' amigo! Look at this!"

Hearing Juan suddenly everyone turned and there the gun totting 'ARC' was there but he was riding on the back of all things no one was expecting. A purple dinosaur! It was a huge purple long necked type, everyone was in shock staring at the creature as it roared aloud softly!

However Juan riding the beast couldn't help but turn to his small pal, as he asked him, "look Poncho! It's a distant cousin of yours here!"

However the small axotol didn't reply as he simply stared on blankly at the enormous dinosaur!

Down below Snow couldn't help but grin as he stared up at his pal, but then Serah seeing the little babies of the mother dinosaur as they all came up to her and Oralee, it seemed they all wanted attention as they looked up to them.

Getting down on her knees, the pink haired girl couldn't help but exclaim, "awww! How cute!"

Oralee smiling too couldn't help but get down on her knees and start stroking the little ones as well.

Hana standing near by smiled affectionately at the scene and as she did. Suddenly all around her small dancing dazzling lights glittered around her. Astounded for a moment she then recognised them as her face lit up, she gently held one of her hands out for the lights to land within as she spoke the name of what they were, "fairies..."

Ruby seeing the warm smile on her face, he smiled and said to her, "this brings back memories huh? Hanahime?" The blonde haired girl then smiled brightly as she nodded and looked to Ruby warmly as the fairies continued to dance around her and him.

Sazh in the meantime had lowered his son back down onto the ground and as he did, he let the young boy play with a couple more of the dinosaurs that had appeared. These ones were little blue Triceratops and stroking them, the small boy couldn't help but say to his dad, "these guy's are so cool Dad!" Sazh smiled affectionately as he petted the head of a small yellow Stegosaurus, he was pleased to see his son having a wonderful time with all this magic that surrounded them.

Bonkers staring at all these wonderful creations that had come, he couldn't exclaim, "this is some cool sight huh Musashi?"

Hearing this question the young samurai was really surprised still to see all these magical summons! For he knew that something was coming but he never imagined anything like this! "This has knocked me for one Bonkers dude! I mean I never thought that-"

Then suddenly the young samurai was interrupted as some big red living mushrooms started moving around him in an odd dance of some kind! Looking at them all baffled as they circled him, he had to ask, "hey? What're these guys doing?"

Surprised to see this happen too, Bonkers asked, "huh? What're those fella's up to?" Coco too stared on curiously as they watched.

In another moment immediately before he knew it, Musashi was suddenly pushed back by these dancing creatures as he cried out, "hey! Agh!"

SPLASH!

Suddenly then everyone turned around and there they saw Musashi had been pushed into the waters of the fountains that lay around everyone them all. Baffled they all saw that the young samurai coughed and spluttered as he shook his long brown soaked hair.

Immediately worried as he saw this happen, Bonkers cried out, "Musashi!"

With that quickly Coco ran forwards and as he did, the cop bobcat batted the dancing mushrooms away as he cried out, "okay fella's break it up! Break it up!" With that he sent them dancing away in another direction.

Relieved as he did this, Bonkers then turned to his fallen friend as he asked him, "you okay there Musashi?"

The young samurai was surrounded by the shapes of scared little long tailed goldfish who all looked at him with widened eyes, then looking at them he was simply baffled. Then hearing the question Bonkers asked he replied looking slightly deflated and soaking wet, "I'm fine Bonkers, the only thing that's hurt in me is my pride." Then suddenly all around him appeared dancing flower like creatures that spun on the surface of the water as though celebrating the comedy act that had taken place...

Then immediately as they came both he and Bonkers along with Coco heard a voice as she said mockingly, "ha! Serves you right!"

It was then that everyone saw Alania walk over and as she did, she held her staff in one hand and over her shoulder as she was really satisfied at the outcome at what she'd created along with Merlin and Shirma.

Her adoptive sister though had to tell her, "Alania please don't be mean! There's no need for that!"

Bonkers was inclined to agree as he nodded his head at Shirma's words. While Musashi stared at the girl with irritated eyes! He was so gonna get her back for this!

The master wizard though only sighed at this, but then Scrooge had to speak up as he said to the master wizard, "I am absolutley astounded here Merlin!" Looking to the rich duck he had a small red coloured fairy on his shoulder which sat there quietly as he continued, "you, Alania and Shirma have all out done yerselves! Ya've outdone me expectations entirely!" With that the little winged creature quickly fluttered away into the air.

As it did Merlin did indeed feel proud as he said, "well you did say you wanted a petting zone with a difference and I thought these little one here would more than fit the bill!"

Hearing this Scrooge was so proud he couldn't help but admit, "aye! They do! In fact they fit more than that! If this all goes down well this'll be a spectacle to talk about for ages to come!"

Merlin then nodded at this as he couldn't agree more!

Nozomi walking over to the magician and duck with the others with the little black winged pony following after them. Had heard him mention what this place was, as she did she had to ask the master wizard, "so that's what's being held here Merlin? A petting zone?"

Hearing the question of the young girl, the wizard turned around and as he did he saw the confused look on her face and as he did. He told her, "oh yes! That's correct lass, that's one of the main functions of this zone, but to be more precise it's a summoning zone!"

Riku hearing this had to ask curiously, "a summoning zone?"

Merlin then answered his question, "correct Riku lad, anyone who can summon with magic can hold and maintain a magical beast within this zone, so that everyone can hang about with them and play together."

Mickey hearing this was amazed but then he became concerned as he asked, "any summon beast?"

Merlin nodded at this question as he replied, "that's correct your majesty."

Immediately the king was more worried now as he asked, "but wait! What happens if someone brings out a dangerous summon! Anyone who visits will be in danger! How can you-"
But quickly the master wizard told him, "oh there's no danger of that your majesty!" With that he revealed why there was no need to worry, with that Merlin whipped out a yellow crystal from within his robes and showing it to the king he told him, "as long as I have this! Any sinister summons that anyone tries to conjure within this zone will be dispelled in moments! Plus it'll keep all of them from escaping from beyond the Fountain Courtyards."

Hearing this Mickey felt reassured a little, however he still felt something ominous about this zone. Especially when he imagined Irma... he then had to voice his concerns, "yes but-"

Alania then walked over and declared, "yeah but nothing! I'm defending this zone along with Shirma and if Irma dares to show her face here!" The young blue haired summoner then demonstrated as she swung her staff like a baseball bat, "WHAM!"

Nozomi hearing her say this then couldn't help but laugh as she certainly felt safe with that gesture, "yeah! I'm sure that'll teach her!" But then looking to the king again, she saw that he was uncertain still... seeing him like this, the female keyblader decided to really properly reassure the king as she told him, "your majesty... I'm sure thing's will be okay this time, don't forget we're all here too and Snow plus all the 'ARCS,' if Irma does try anything, I'm sure we can handle her easily," then putting her hand on his shoulder she asked him with a smile, "okay?"

Hearing Nozomi giving him words of encouragement was a first for the king, surprised he stared at her with amazement but then he felt comforted greatly inside. She was right, as long as the others were all here. Everything should be all right! So looking to her a smile came to his own face as he told her, "yeah, you're right there Nozomi, thanks."

Happy that she'd been able to do this for her friend, she nodded happily then suddenly as she did this, the little black winged baby pony started stroking his head into her cheek really affectionately which surprised her, "hey! Ha! Ha! That tickles!"

Seeing her being stroked by the little creature, Alania smiled as she said, "wow! Looks like Peter really likes you!"

Surprised Nozomi turned to her friend as she asked, "Peter?"

It was then Shirma explained as she walked along carrying a small book, "it's the name of this little pegasus's name, Peter," she smiled.

Hearing her, Nozomi turned around and saw the book that Peter had been summoned from. Looking at it she read aloud the title of the book, "The Wondrous Adventures Of Peter The Pegasus?"

Then hearing her say the title of his book, Peter neighed happily again as he stroked his cheek into Nozomi's making her laugh again, "hey! Ha! Ha! Peter!"

Cait sith seeing this happen then couldn't help but say, "looks like ya've got a new fan lass!"

Riku hearing this couldn't help but smile in agreement as he saw this act of affection, however he didn't want to say anything then. For he knew probably Nozomi wouldn't react well to it, so sadly he looked away as he tried to distract himself by looking at the other various wonders of the summon zone.

Merlin seeing that thing's were going so well then decided, "well since thing's are all good here, I'll go and let the other's know that the zone is ready! I'm sure they'd like to treat themselves to the wonders of this kind of magic!"

Hearing this Alania agreed as she said, "yeah I bet they will! Don't take too long, okay Merlin?"

At this comment the ageing magician replied with a smile, "oh y'know I won't lass!" With that he went to walk on his way, but before going he told her and Shirma, "you both keep thing's safe till I return and you all have a good time with the summons here!"

Shirma hearing this then responded, "don't you worry Merlin! We'll protect this place and make sure things are safe!"

Nodding as he heard this, Merlin then was on his way taking the yellow crystal with him as he placed it within the depths of his robes as he exited through the Courtyards doors as the people within the zone enjoyed the mystical thrills and surprises it had to offer them.

Nozomi managing to pry Peter away from her for a moment smiled still. But then looking to Riku again she saw the sad look on his face and inside... she felt bad, for somehow she didn't know why. She felt like it was her fault... but what was the right thing to do at that time? Her heart ached with uncertainty as she felt a distance was growing between them...

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Greeble seeing the master wizard leave and hearing what the function's of this zone were, plus that yellow gem! It was too good not to ignore! Immediately he exclaimed from the top of his hiding place, "this is pure gold dust! I gotta let lady Irma know about this right away!"

Then suddenly he didn't noticed a shadow come over him as it asked, "lady Irma?"

Nodding Greeble then spoke, "that's right! My lady will be ecstatic when she learns of this new power to feed Bebuzzu and-"

It was finally the so called intelligent chocobo stopped in his tracks as he realised someone had heard him! Turning around terrified he then saw a young man in dark blues staring down at him with a white mask on his face, the individual then repeated curiously, "Bebuzzu?"

Greeble though had no intention of answering his query as he immediately went to run in a panic! However suddenly he was stopped in his tracks by a claw of clouded darkness that held him in place in the air! Terrified with more fear the peppermint green chocobo saw the young man look at him up and down as he made his examinations.

After a moment he spoke curious, "hmmm, a summoned creature? One of semi quality, no battle usage it looks like, a chocobo?" Then turning him in the air he continued his investigations as he noticed, "though it seems to be without a time limit?"
Hearing him say this, Greeble had no idea what this young man was going to do. But he was shocked to hear a knowledge of magic escaping this young man's lips. As it did, he had to wonder who he was and where'd come from!? But then he felt himself being turned back in the air to face him again and as he was he heard him say, "I'm curious now... by who's power and what means are enabling you to exist and move about in this realm so freely?"

Greeble shivered like mad! Who was this guy!? What did he want?! The young man seeing this small bird wasn't being exactly cooperative then decided on another tactic, "I would advise you to tell me..." then he brought out a nasty flow of thunder from his fingertips which was threatening to fry the small chocobo to a crisp as he enlightened him, "otherwise I'm gonna have you deep fried!"

Not liking this option, nor the one that would come if he let a stranger into Irma's domain... the small bird had to make the choice that would keep him living. At least for a while longer...