Chapter CLXXXIII: The Departure, The Failing Spell And The Reflective Diamond
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part XXV

Turning around with his eyes narrowed, Uriax saw standing within the shape of the burning portal that it was none other than his mistress, the dark fairy who ruled the heartless... Maleficent.

Still flying above and gazing down at what was happening, Peter the little pegasus didn't know what was going on as he stared on with curious eyes. However the small creature was fearful of the witch as he shivered in the air.

Seeing her young apprentice turn his attentions to her, Maleficent smiled broadly. As she did she then commented, "indeed I do find you here..." then gazing about the environment he was within. She couldn't help but add, "and it looks like you've been busy, haven't you?"

Looking at her, Uriax could see that Maleficent's gaze had rested upon Nozomi as she continued to slumber with the dark blue spell pulsating over her body. However he wasn't gonna let even his mistress have any sway over her. So he answered her, "indeed I have."

Then looking to her, he wanted to get straight to the point as he asked her, "now what is it that you want?"

Seeing him ask like this, Maleficent could see that he was still observant as ever and so made her reply with a grin still there across her features, "I simply came here to check up on you, my dear!" With that she also added, "and there were some of us who were deeply concerned."

Hearing this comment, Uriax had no idea what she was talking about. However then appearing beside Maleficent was one old familiar face who smiled broadly as she waved and said, "hi Uri honey!"

For there came the orange maned and emerald green eyed Sphynx, Jona. Seeing her though Uriax wasn't impressed nor thrilled as he simply stared on at her coldly.

Jona though seeing Uriax doing this saw that he was simply being the same as ever and so simply continued to smile on more as she decided to ask him, "aww scrumptious as ever aren't you? Now what have you been up to? Have you been-"

However quickly the exotic coloured Sphynx was quickly stopped in her tracks, for finally she too saw Nozomi's unconscious form. As she did her eyes widened in concern as she saw the spell, she then begin to ask, "did you-"

"So hey! Is that chump alive or what?!" Came Pete's shout who wanted to know what the heck was going on himself.

Uriax was just as displeased to hear Pete's voice and he continued to say nothing as Maleficent answered instead, "indeed he is my dear!" Then looking back at her dear apprentice she said further with a smile still gracing her lips, "and he's been up to much mischief."

The dark apprentice however was getting tired of this pointless conversation and so asked, "and I suppose you want to have a taste of this mischief yourself don't you?"

Maleficent seeing that Uriax was as sharp as ever, simply smiled in reply as she said, "all in good time my dear..." then looking to Nozomi once more she added, "however you seem to have your hands occupied with a fair blossom, that I'm sure needs your careful attendance..."

Hearing this Uriax simply continued to remain silent, though it was clear he wanted Maleficent gone along with the rest of that useless rabble.

Seeing this herself, Maleficent decided to not aggravate him further and so told him, "well then I'll leave you in good spirits," however before disappearing within her burning portal, she added to Uriax, "until later then my dear."

With that she vanished away and as she did, Uriax was still bitterly irritated as he whispered agitated, "tch! It took that old hag long enough to get lost!"

Peter still looking on as he fluttered from on above didn't know nor understand at all what happened. However turning away from Uriax, he turned to Nozomi again and as he did he flew to her side. Nudging into her head, he tried to awaken her gently.

However the female keyblader didn't stir at all as the dark blue mind manipulating spell continued to grow and swell within her...

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Standing together within the safe confines of their wooded hangout. With his hands before him, Wairu's body was glowing with powerful magic as he was conducting a spell. Nozomi watched on with fascinated amazement as he spoke enchanted words "Exponentia o magico carmine susurrabat et te...Et ego Wairu a te!"

Nozomi didn't understand the language Wairu was using, however the magic and light he was conducting in his hands was amazing! Every time was a pure spectacle! However she couldn't help but clench her hands together as she hoped there would be a better result this time...

"Venite, et in ignem, de igne in igni candens dolor meus, et devoret omnem terram usque ad pulverem cremasses!" With that at the call of his incantation, immediately a red ball of fire started forming in Uriax's hands!

It was hot and burning and Nozomi couldn't help but worry that he would be scorched by those flames! However looking on, she saw that the would be magician had full control over the spell. It wasn't hurting him at all!

She watched in wonder as Wairu started to manoeuvre the spell all around them both, the burning sphere was like a comet as it left a glittering and glowing tail behind it. It was so wondrous neither of them said a word.

However it was clear, that Wairu was pleased by the success of this spell as he smiled widely to Nozomi as he continued to move the fireball about.

It was then his female friend clapped her hands together as she cried out, "that's amazing! Well done, Wairu!"

The young man nodded to her comment happily, however quickly at that same moment. The spell suddenly started to go awry as it began to move chaotically around the space they were in!

Seeing this happen, Wairu became wide eyed as he asked, "what is-"

Then suddenly the fiery spell became more erratic as it sped about here there and everywhere! It was practically ricochetting like a crazy pin ball!

Shocked as she saw this happening, Nozomi cried out petrified, "what is this!? What's happening!?"

Quickly Wairu cried back, "I don't know!? It's-"

BLAST!

Suddenly all at once, the spell struck Wairu! It burned into him badly and as it did he screamed in pain as the magical flames danced now over his body, "AAAGGGHHH!"

Seeing this happen immediately Nozomi was horrified as she cried out, "WAIRU!" As he continued to burn, she acted quickly as she grabbed an old blanket of theirs that was on the floor nearby!

Then taking it, she quickly covered Wairu in it as she toppled down with him! Rolling with him on the ground she smacked into him desperately with the blanket, trying to get rid of all the flames that were covering him! As she did this, quickly and fortunately the fire started to die away...

As this happened, Nozomi was breathless as she tried to recover herself...then carefully she removed the blanket. As some smoke flowed away, she looked to him as she asked him with terrible anxiousness, "Wairu?"

Looking up at her with a shaken look, Wairu was quiet. However it seemed then that he recovered enough now to speak as he told her with an ashamed look on his face, "it looks like you acted just in time... the spell hasn't left any damage at all..."

Nozomi seeing Wairu looking like this could tell then that he was terribly pained. The young man lifting up his right hand he flexed it open and shut as he asked her, "I guess we can count that as an another failure, huh?"

Nozomi simply remained quiet as she stared at Wairu, for this magic spell had been one of many failed attempts to control the elements. Every time he even tried as something as simple like this, it backfired. Literally... with almost always painful results...

As she continued to hold him wrapped up within the now tattered blanket, Nozomi then looked at Wairu sadly as he then said, "I guess... I'll never be a real magician will I? Not with faulty magic like this..."

Nozomi then saw in Wairu's eyes tears and then he started to sob as the pain and stress finally got to him. Feeling him shudder as he did this, Nozomi then wrapped her arms around him tightly. She tried to tell him desperately as she was trying to soothe his grief even as tears of her own started to threaten to come forth, "Wairu it'll be okay! It will be! I promise it will... you can still make it as a magician! I know you can... please don't give up... please..."

However her dear friend was unable to say anything to her as he simply continued to cry away, the two of them stayed like that together as the pain and sadness continued to dwell around them within that secluded space...

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Maleficent turning away from the portal, lost her smile for a moment as she uttered to herself, "so I'm an old hag am I..." she then considered quietly as she added finally, "I'll have to discipline that boy thoroughly when he turns here!"

Jona though near to her wasn't listening to the words the witch of darkness, for it was troubling the image she saw in her mind. That of seeing Nozomi lying unconscious with that dark spell over her body... what was that? What was he doing to her?

"My lady?" It was then that Jona was distracted from her thoughts, as turning around she saw that Hari with Pete behind her had quietly approached and as she did she asked again, "how would you like us to proceed?"

Hearing the words of her servant as she came near, Maleficent lost her grimace for a moment as she was glad to see the sight of one who was unfathomably loyal to her. So turning fully to look at her and her other bumbling cohort, she told them both, "well since our dear Uriax is preoccupied at this time, I want to the two of you to venture into the final door of time!"

With that said she pointed one of her long black nails at them both as she further declared, "and bring me even more hearts! This batch you deliver I'm sure will be more than ample for the final stage of our plans!"

Surprised to hear this, Pete had had no word about this final part. So he decided to try and ask, "and uh? What's that part there gonna be Maleficent?"

At this question came a simple answer as she told him, "you don't need to know... yet!" She said as she smiled sinisterly with high expectations.

This baffled Pete again and it irritated him inside slightly that he was being left out of the big picture! However stopping him from asking anything further, Maleficent banged her long staff into the hard floor as she then declared, "now be on your way!" With that she added in a demanding tone, "and do not disappoint me!"

Hari hearing this command instantly acted to it as she put her hand to her chest and bowed her head as she replied, "very well."

With that she looked up again and headed towards the final white door of time that had the stained glass green image of the planet with two rings circling over it in it's arch. Looking it she then went to go and open it.

Seeing her do this, Pete then acted as he saw what Hari was doing. Quickly he went running to her as he cried out, "hey! Hey Hari wait up there! Don't go without me!"

The silent and cold servant keyblader hearing Pete, turned to him as she watched him with indifference. As he came bumbling over this time without falling over himself, he then smiled to her brightly as he told her, "now c'mon! Let's give it our all, partner!"

Seeing and hearing him say this, Hari was quiet. However she didn't make a reply to him as she simply then took the door's handles and pulled them open. There inside was a swirling vibrant green portal inside, as it turned and turned it beckoned the two of them to enter it.

Looking at it with her own cold green eyes, Hari had no hesitations whatsoever as she simply walked forwards and went to jump in. However before going into it she turned to her enormous accomplice and told him simply, "let us make haste, Pete."

With that she vanished into the swirling vortex, as she did this. Pete looking after her was always amazed to see this magical power, however quickly the clumsy cohort went to go and enter the door too. But turning around one final time he waved to Maleficent and Jona as he told them both, "see ya both soon!"

Then quickly turning back, Pete ran to the portal and with a yell of excitement he jumped straight into it! With that taking it's time travellers into it's embrace, the door then shut itself as they vanished away into the depths of time...

Seeing them go, Maleficent with a grin on her face then turned back and putting a hand to her chin she wondered aloud to herself, "now... how shall we proceed next?"

Jona hearing her was quiet, however her heart inside of her was deeply troubled... for her thoughts concentrated on both Uriax and Nozomi. For what was going to happen to them both? Trapped within that darkness?

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"RRROOOAAARRRGGGHHH!"

Seeing another one of the T-rex heartless coming his way, Mickey immediately acted as he focused with his golden keyblade and shouted out loudly, "HHHAAA!"

With that as the dinosaur went to bite at him with it's long sharp white fangs, snapping it's jaws shut! However it missed the mouse king as he jumped up and then swinging with his keyblade he cut straight through the monster making it turn into ashes in moments! Then as this occurred, quickly one of the last of the T-rex's came running. However it's target was not the small keyblader, instead-

"Alania!" He cried out loudly as the monster ran past him was heading straight for the blue haired and tanned skinned summoner.

The tough female in the meantime was concentrating hard as a glowing orange and pink stone was floating before her. As it continued to pulsate and flow with power as she held her pink summoning staff in her hands, the dinosaur was over her!

Immediately Carbuncle on her shoulder squeaked loudly desperate to get his lady's attention! However quickly hearing him, it was then that the female summoner acted as she opened her eyes and striking the stone with her staff she cried out, "VALEFOR COME NOW!"

In moments the summon came forth as it materialised from the shattered stone, beating it's butterfly like wings strongly keeping it up in the air! The sudden emergence of the creature caused a burst of power which made the T-rex heartless be thrown back!

Then as this happened, Alania ran forwards with Carbuncle travelling with her to her majestic creature and leaping upwards she caught the golden chain that was around it's neck. With it she swung herself upwards and sitting upon the creature's back she told her summon, "let's get this done!"

With that the creature roared loudly at her words and as it did, it flew forwards straight towards the T-rex! The monster getting itself back up then charged straight back towards the summoner and her beast. It turned itself quickly as it went to strike them both with its long burning tail!

However quickly both summon and girl flew out of the way of this oncoming attack! It was clear that Alania had the upper hand as she then pointed her staff forwards as she cried out to attack, "Energy Ray!" With that the laser blast rained forwards from Valefor's mouth!

BLAST!

Immediately the attack struck the T-rex! This quickly sent the monster off it's feet! Then in turn the other two monster's who were also coming in to charge in to attack from the back were struck too!

Mickey shocked saw quickly the heartless were all sent off their feet and as they were, he heard a shout from the female summoner,"your majesty! Your chance is now, strike!"

Hearing her, the mouse king then took her directive without a second thought he replied straight back while holding his golden keyblade in both his gloved hands, "right!"

With that running swiftly with agility he struck the monsters instantly one by one with each strike, the monsters were each turned to dust in moments! As this happened there was a silence in the burning and churning air.

Looking on in his rich coloured robes, Gandrake was quiet as he continued to hold the Muramasa blade in both his gloved hands. He was utterly silent as the monsters ashes danced in the heated atmosphere.

Landing back on the ground, Mickey had his keyblade still in his hand and as he did. He looked up to the Magi Metamorphosis turned samurai as he told him, "you want us to play with anymore of your pawns?"

Hearing the mouse king as he asked this and seeing the summoner looking on from above, as she continued to ride on Valefor. He finished his observations as he simply grinned and said, "no..." With that gripping the Muramasa blade with both hands he admitted as he raised the blade, "child's play is now over!" Then as his power flowed around him, both summoner and keyblader prepared themselves! As they did, Gandrake then said further, "get ready!"

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Arriving to one side within the summon zone, Vincent stopped as he rested himself against a wall. As he did this Mickey and Oralee with Cait sith on her shoulder was there too as they stood around him.

Politely the Mouse King asked the red clad gunner asked him, "so what have ya got to tell us about this person yer lookin' for Vincent?"

Hearing this question the gunner turned his face to the keyblader. As he did, his gaze was serious as he began to speak, "the one I've been searching for all this time...my love Lucretia..."

Cait sith hearing this, then told him, "yeah, we already know about that lad! But who is this lass anyway? Why did ya say she's got some connection to Bebuzzu?"

Oralee hearing her small feline companion say this, then told him annoyed, "Cait sith! Don't be rude like that! You shouldn't ask so straightforwardly! It's-"

"It's fine," Vincent said as he interrupted. Quietly seeing the girl trying to defend him, he could understand her feelings. However he knew Cait sith was right, for he too didn't like to be kept waiting when it came to receiving information.

So knowing this he continued on, "I will tell you now who she was and how I became involved in the hunt for her, through various worlds..." With that he began to tell his tale...

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Drawing his sword up towards him, it was then that quickly Gandrake began his attack! Running fast and furiously towards his two foes, the blade Muramasa began to glow in his hands! Seeing him coming, immediately Mickey cried out, "scatter!"

Nodding at his command, Alania went to do just that as she manoeuvred Valefor to fly out of the way! Then as Mickey went to run, it was at that moment Gandrake attacked as his deadly blade burned with furious lilac coloured flames! As this occurred he grinned madly as he then cried out, "Wakizashi Blade Strike!" Immediately he swung the Muramasa blade forwards and as he did, quickly a line of burning lilac energy sped forwards!

Seeing it quickly coming Mickey dodged this attack! However the attack quickly divided and became two beams! Again he dodged! Then suddenly the attack doubled again becoming four rays! The king didn't have enough time to dodge this! He was struck simultaneously in moments!

"AAAGGGHHH!"

As each blow struck him he was sent up and up! Flying on from above Alania was horrified as she cried out, "Mickey!" Even Carbuncle cried out in distress at seeing the mouse king fall finally from this awful barrage!

Watching him as he collapsed onto the ground, Alania became wide eyed. Then quickly she saw that Gandrake was now laughing! As he did he mocked the still king as he told him, " looks like you weren't ready for that blast of power, were you pipsqueak?" Then moving the Muramasa above him, he told him, "well allow me to put you out of your misery!"

Alania then seeing that he was about to drop the blade upon the defenceless keyblader, she immediately acted as she cried out outraged,"don't you dare!" With that Alania drove straight down upon Gandrake with Valefor!

As she did, Carbuncle bristled with agitation as his fur went up! Then arriving in front of the sinister samurai, Alania commanded her majestic summon, "Valefor Energy Blast!"

With that instantly, the creature acted and so swinging it's head a ring of magic appeared! As it did this quickly the energy then gathered into the ring and as it did the energy multiplied rapidly within it!

Gandrake seeing this then uttered as a grin still graced his face, looking at the summoned beast, "Ha! Trying to play tough are you?"

With that instantly the attack was unleashed! Huge white rays of power immediately raced forth and as they did quickly they went to strike him! However acting with incredible speed and agility, Gandrake escaped every single blast that came rushing forwards!

Seeing this Alania was shocked! He was able to avoid every single blow! How was that possible!? It was-

Then coming to a halt, Gandrake seeing that the barrage of attacks had ended asked, "oh? Is that all?" As he asked this question, Mickey began to stir awake and as he did the samurai asked, "I guess it's my turn huh?"

With that as he said this, Mickey opened his eyes widely however he wasn't fast enough to act! As suddenly from within the depths of his robes, quickly Gandrake brought out a set of Kunai knives and as he did in moments he threw them forwards with a swing of his right hand!

Immediately these blades raced forwards into the air and exploded as they struck Valefor's wings! Quickly the summoned beast shrieked loudly from the pain of the attack as it was sent hurtling backwards!

Seeing this happen Alania cried out in distress for her summon, "Valefor!?" However she was unable to help him, for suddenly Gandrake ran forwards and leaping into the air he immediately struck the creature over and over again with his blade!

Mickey seeing this happen was horrified! Getting up quickly he cried out, "Alania!" However it was too late for him to do anything! For as the summoner was thrown off her beast, as with one last blow from Gandrake, the summoned creature was dispatched and returned back to its stone form!

Then as he saw her falling, Mickey ran forwards and then leaping up into the air he quickly caught the summoner in his arms! Landing back on the ground with her he asked her hurriedly as Carbuncle looked over his lady worriedly, "Alania! Hey Alania!? Are ya okay? Are ya-"

Hearing him, Alania grumbled as she asked, "I'm fine! Geez!" With that she lifted herself up and as she did, she looked to the gem that had now returned to her hand. As she did she looked at it sadly as she said, "I'm sorry Valefor..." then putting it back into her blue bag, she turned the king as she told him with a smile, "thanks for the catch your majesty."

The king hearing her say this then simply smiled as he told her, "shucks it's no problem!"

"You fools don't have time to relax!" With that both summoner and keyblader looked up and as they did, they saw Gandrake floating above them!

Looking at him, quickly Mickey acted as he brought out his keyblade holding it out defencelessly before himself and Alania! As he did this he aimed it and as the keyblader did he looked at the samurai with a determined gaze! Alania too was just as determined to face him as she gripped her staff tightly. Carbuncle was just as ready as he moved himself to her shoulder once more and looked up too with the same emotions as his lady.

Grinning as he saw this, Gandrake then declared further to them both, "for things are about to get hot!" With that he started to glow with more ominous lilac flames...

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"Lucretia was a researcher in the arts of dark magic... or more specifically the study of demons..." Vincent started to explain as he gazed upon the princess, keyblader and crowned cat.

"Demons?" Oralee repeated curiously.

Vincent then did a simple nod and he continued on, "yes, she was part of a group that was researching to find a way to secure and use their powers... within human hosts."

Cait sith hearing this then said himself, "wait human hosts?" As he asked this, he immediately realised, "wait Vincent lad! Does that mean you've got that power! You've got a way to-"

"Yes," came the reply and as it did, he continued on. "I was one of the few test subjects that was successful in absorbing demonic power... however it came with a price and my body suffered many great pains."

Hearing this, Mickey was saddened as he told him, "wow... I'm so sorry to hear that there, Vincent."

Oralee was clearly saddened too as she looked at him with pure sympathy in her eyes. The red clad gunner seeing her looking at him like this was silent before he continued on, "it was terrible... however because of that, I grew closer to Lucretia as she cared for me... she became precious to me."

Everyone one then was silent as Vincent paused again, as he waited for them all to absorb the information. Then feeling that they had taken it all in, he continued on once again, "the experiments grew more and more arduous as they gathered more demons within the research facility... and then..."

Seeing him grow quiet, Oralee could see that the gunner was pained by the memory. Though she didn't want to pain him, the princess of Alexandra knew that the only way that she and the others could possibly help him was for her to ask gently, "and then?"

With that Vincent looked to them all again and as he did, that was when he said, "and then... that was when the devourer of worlds... the demon known as Bebuzzu, was unleashed!"

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As he glowed all over with that furious power. It was then that the sword Muramasa glowed ominously with those furious flames again and it did he cried out manically as it's power reached it's peak! "Zanmoto!" With that he unleashed the furious power of his attack!

SLASH!

With that a huge cutting line came forth which sliced the brown rock platform everyone was upon!

Seeing this happen, Mickey was startled as he asked, "huh? What the-"

Suddenly there was a shuddering underneath the keyblader and summoner and as it happened Alania cried, "what's happening!? What's-"

Then all at once, the part of the platform they were both upon fell away and suddenly, both keyblader and summoner were being taken by the tide of lava as it started carrying them away!

Seeing this happen, the king was shocked! However he knew quickly one thing as he held his golden keyblade tightly, "this isn't good!"

Gandrake then watching his foes floating away upon the tide of furious lava, he grinned sinisterly as he commented, "let's just see if you survive this!"

With that said he vanished away as he went to teleport to where if they lived, where they'd end up next!

Seeing him go, Volg who'd been staying back in the meantime wasn't impressed by his overall conduct in this battle. Irritated at being left behind as he continued to hold the light of Vincent's life in his wings, the small black bird said, "that brat's getting too cocky!"

With that said he summoned his own heartless that was in the shape of a Pterodactyl, getting on board of it he urged it on to fly into the air. For though he didn't like how this battle was playing out, he was still curious to see how it would end.

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Cait sith hearing this title asked, "world devourer!?"

Vincent then answered simply, "correct."

Mickey instantly wanted to know more urgently as he asked, "how did she manage to discover Bebuzzu, Vincent?! How-"

"They discovered the book he was within... and with it's power they were able to make more successful demonic merges with human hosts," Vincent interrupted as he continued to explain on. Then taking a moment of silence, he spoke on once more, "however... their souls became more and more corrupted and unbeknownst to the researchers, secretly Bebuzzu was devouring their souls."

Horrified to know this, Oralee repeated in horror, "that's terrible!"

Hearing her say this Vincent replied, "indeed... and the more devoured, the more he grew in power, until the day he broke his bonds and was unleashed!"

Mickey hearing this had to know more as he asked him, "then what happened next!?"

Hearing him Vincent answered his urgent anxious question, "he devoured the entire research facility! The entire realm of that world... I tried to get Lucretia away from the chaos, however to stop him she used a sacred sealing magic only she knew..."

As Vincent admitted this, Oralee asked him, "so she stopped Bebuzzu? She sealed him away?"

Nodding, the red clad gunner continued, "correct... however she was swallowed up and I was unable to retrieve her... and I was thrown away from that world and was sent adrift..."

"And you've been searching for her ever since...?" Mickey summed up as he looked to the tragic man and as he did, he added, "along with the book itself... that contains that monster?"

Vincent did a solemn nod and as he did, he asked the king, "so what would you say? Do you believe it to be at all possible?"

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Continuing to ride the stone platform that was hurtling within the river of lava they were in, the two desperate passengers were gripping tightly! For they were swerving and turning within the turbulent flow and one wrong move would mean the end!

Feeling the heat from the lava terrified Alania as she cried out loudly as they avoided an erupting spray, "Ah! We gotta to do something!"

Agreeing fast, Mickey replied straight back, "I know! I know Alania but we-"

Then suddenly the mouse king was interrupted, for Carbuncle was squeaking loudly as he was jumping urgently trying to get their attention! Hearing him going on like this, immediately Alania looked to him on her shoulder. As she did she asked him, "Carbuncle what's wrong? What's-"

Immediately it was then that Mickey cried out as he noticed what had distressed the small summon beast, "oh no!"

Quickly Alania looked to where he was staring at and as she did, she saw that they all were approaching a rocky edge! They were all going to fall off into a waterfall of lava!

Realising what was fast approaching, Alania's eyes widened as she then cried out in alarm as Mickey shouted out too just as loudly, "AAAGGGHH!"

Then quickly they all toppled over the edge! This was the end for them! There's was no chance! There was-

SHINE!

All of a sudden though before they could be plunged into a sea of agonising heat, all at once there was something cool that wrapped around them all!

Opening their eyes widely, immediately both Mickey and Alania saw with amazement that they were now both encapsulated within a huge shining protective diamond! Looking at it, the mouse keyblader then started to ask, "what is this?"

Hearing him ask, Alania was quiet as she looked at the see through yet reflective surface of the diamond. Then she realised, 'reflective?' With that she quickly looked up and saw what was creating this diamond as she cried out, "Carbuncle!?"

Then looking up himself, Mickey saw quickly the summon creature. Looking at it, he saw that the little beast's red gem on it's forehead was glowing brightly as it floated outside the diamond. Quickly he realised that it was him that was keeping them safe within the diamond they were in!

Gazing on with amazement both keyblader and summoner felt themselves being manoeuvred gently and quickly the both of them were lowered onto another rock platform that was below them. Silent as they were lowered back onto safe and steady ground, that now wasn't moving. Both heroes looked at the summoned creature as he arrived back down to them, removing the reflective diamond in the process.

Looking at him, Alania then whispered his name in awe, "Carbuncle..." with that the small creature squeaked happily again pleased that his summoner and friend was safe. However quickly in moments he glowed brightly and then in a flash he was returned back to his gem form again.

Catching him in her hands, Alania staring at the gem for a moment then closed her eyes as she held him close to her heart and whispered to him, "thank you... thank you, Carbuncle!"

Mickey was quiet as he gazed at this, however he couldn't help but reveal a small smile too. For with the last of the magic that was available to him, Carbuncle had used his reflective power to stop them from meeting a fiery and agonising fate.

"So? You've both survived have you?"

Immediately turning it was then that Alania and Mickey saw above them floating on high, that Gandrake had made it to them both! Quickly both summoner and keyblader were on alert!

Angered as she stared at him, Alania then told him mad, "I'm gonna get you back for this!"

Amused as he heard this, Gandrake came back onto the ground and as he did. He decided to ask her holding his sword ready in one hand, "oh? You think you have the power to, do you?"

The female summoner was about to answer straight back, however stepping before her. Mickey spoke instead, "don't pick fights with girls!"

Looking at him shocked as he said this, Alania was quiet as Mickey continued, "it's not gentlemanly!"

Surprised to hear this himself, Gandrake was quiet for a moment. Then he smirked as he asked the small mouse king, "so what're you saying? You're going to take me out alone one on one!"

Seeing he wasn't so stupid, Mickey immediately replied, "exactly!"

Alania was outraged to hear the king say this, the female summoner told him, "what're you talking about your majesty! I can't leave you to fight that psycho all by yourself! Just let me-"

Then turning looking at the summoner again, he told her with absolute seriousness in his eyes, "no! I can do this Alania! Trust me!" As he said this, the summoner then noticed the king worded silently, "Summon again!"

Astounded to see this, Alania was quiet as she saw the king turn to look back at Gandrake again and as he did he told the dark samurai, "now c'mon! I know you wanna unleash more power than you already have!" Then gripping his keyblade tightly he told him fiercely determined, "now come at me!"

Gandrake hearing him say this was quiet for a moment, however he felt a strong need to indulge him! So lifting up the Muramasa blade once more, it started to glow with those same lilac flames again. As this happened, he told the mouse King, "with pleasure!"

With that instantly the two blade users started clashing against each other! Making furious flashes in the air as they came at each other, over and over again! As he clashed against him, Mickey could see the demonic lust for power that was emanating from him. There was now no doubt in his mind, that this Bebuzzu was the same one that Vincent had been searching for! With this known to him, it made him more determined! He had to put this all to a stop quickly before Gandrake himself was devoured by this dark power!

Looking on Alania was stunned, however quickly as the fighting between the keyblader and samurai continued. She knew she had to act! For against that furious power all on his own, Mickey wouldn't be able to keep up with it for long!

So quickly remembering his instruction, her mind raced as she tried to think of a suitable summon that would be able to take out Gandrake! Then as she thought and thought to herself... an image quickly came to her mind!

Immediately going to her blue summon bag, she searched and took out a certain gem. However unlike the others it wasn't round and smooth, it was diamond shaped with hard ridges on its surface gold in colour. In her heart immediately she knew this was the right one to use!

However she also knew that it was going to take some time to summon! Also it was one of the toughest to summon! So looking to the King she thought desperately to herself, 'just please hold on your majesty!' With that she moved herself as far back as she could as she went to begin the magical ritual!

Looking on from above as Alania removed herself and Gandrake continued to clash against the mousey keyblader, Volg riding his pterodactyl heartless wondered to himself what that girl was up to?

Quickly though looking to the light that was within his wing, he knew that soon it wouldn't matter. "It looks like your time is about to run out... Vincent Valentine." For that life force that was once shining so brightly was beginning to dim and darken...