Chapter CCXXXIII: The Glorious Parade, The Encouraging Friendship And The Turning Of Tides
"Whoo..."
Sighing as he landed on the bricked floor, Pete now found himself within an alleyway of the Radiant Gardens. Looking behind himself as he obscured himself behind some tall crates and other debris of wood and trash, he saw it was safe enough now to remove his cloak of invisibility.
Doing so, it felt refreshing to be out in the open again in his own skin. Stretching out, he couldn't help but add, "Geez! Keepin' this spy act sure ain't easy on these old shoulders!
"You better not be thinking of croaking out on us you old dog!"
His ears twitching as he heard this, Pete then saw much to his dismay that it was none other than his leader of that moment, Uriax who had ridiculed him, he was fully visible now too. Annoyed in seconds, it was clear that the overweight villain was soured by the sight of the lilac coloured haired young man's appearance, so he retorted to him, "Nice ta meet ya too, ya little punk!"
It was clear that Uriax couldn't have cared less for his words. For turning his head, he then asked, "Jona are you present?"
In seconds there was a sound of swishing fabric and there revealed behind the dark mage, it was none other than the vibrant orange maned female Sphynx. Smiling she then told him, "Of course!" Then walking up to him, Jona stroked one of his shoulder blades from behind and added, "And I'm always ready to be unwrapped by you darling." With that she trailed to his cheek, caressing it gently.
Ignoring her pitiful attempt of flirtation, Uriax then uttered, "Whatever," with that he removed his being from her touch and doing so, he decided to get straight to the matter at hand and asked them, "Now, have you both found the locations of the remaining vessels?"
To which Pete then told the moody mage, "I found the so-called green one, that number eight Hari claimed him to be... he's still snoozin' away back in that old Merlin's house!" Then chuckling remembering the damage that had been done, he added, "Or I should say what's still left of it! They haven't even fixed that heap of rubble properly yet!"
"Distracted by the festivities no doubt?" Came Uriax's reply, then as it did so he also added as his arrogance became apparent, "That's what you get for sacrificing power for the benefit of common garbage!"
Jona wasn't so keen on these particular last words he'd used, but deciding to ignore her dislike she then relaid what she discovered, "...And I found the purple one, the third one, he's still hanging out with that crew of pirates."
Uriax hearing her words didn't turn to look at Jona. Instead he proceeded to speak about what he found, with a smile still on his face, "And that leaves the fifth and the seventh, along with the sixth, yellow, sky blue and pink." Pausing for a moment, he then finished saying, "They have now joined together, after the seventh proceeded to be dragged into a so-called 'tournament' the sixth joined the fools after the match had been won." With that closing his eyes, Uriax concentrated and using his magic he added, "They are now on their way to the next stage of the festivities."
Quiet as he heard this information being given to them, Pete then decided to ask his 'leader,' "So what are we supposed to be getting' up to now?" However no sooner as these words had been spoken-!
BOOM!
Startled into shock, quickly Pete turned and there he saw above them in the now darkened skies a sparkling blast of colourful fireworks had been unleashed, making the world around them light up momentarily, as it did so, Uriax continuing to look on smugly to the sky himself then said, "Well? I'd say it's time to prepare these guys a blast they won't soon forget!" With that done, he began to issue his words to his cohorts as to what they would do and how they would go about it...
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BOOM! BOOM!
BANG!
KABOOM!
"Alright! All you ladies, gents and young snots!"
Quiet, the group of hero keybladers standing with Ody and his gang along with Balthier and his group. They were listening to Cid who standing on a platform with his show of his bright vibrant fireworks going off behind him, his arms were outstretched wide as he made his announcements to the eager happy audience that was before him.
It was now late in the night and the stars were out, all of the fun activities of the day had come to an end... but now it was time for the thrills of the night! The streets were lit up by hanging fairy lights along with some street lamps that created a magical feeling all around.
Bristling with excitement himself, Sora couldn't help but say fully pumped, "Man! I can't wait to see what this carnival's got to offer us next!"
As these words came out of his mouth, Timbre couldn't help but tell him, "I'm surprised you can be anymore excited! You were practically yelling your head off when you won that trophy off of me and Ori!"
Hearing this, Nozomi couldn't help but agree as she then replied, "You got that right he was yelling, it was near enough to give me a headache!"
Ori who standing nearby was clearly not impressed as he reprimanded her saying, "You were just as loud! You dumb coal head! If you hadn't pulled that one trick with that spike boy I would have-!"
"Now! Enough of my belly achin'! Here's the parade you folks have all been waitin' for! With the best wishes given to y'all by me and the rest of the sponsors!"
With those words, Ori was distracted along with the rest of the keybladers and their friends including the audience. As then standing in line were all the members of the Restoration Committee along with the leader of the ARCS, Snow and his second in command Musashi. Pointing all their hands hands forwards, numerous white orbs ignited with magical power and suddenly they flew on high into the air!
Then as this awe inspiring sight occurred, Cid, Scrooge and Merlin released their own special orbs of golden power and in seconds as these radiating spheres collided with the white shining lights-!
SSSHHHIIINNNEEE!
Everyone had to look away for a second as then-!
"WHOO HOO!"
The light died away and there coming forwards with various enthusiastic dancers and performers, the enormous floats came, appearing out of nowhere!
"WWWOOOOWWWW!"
Immediately loud claps of cheers and celebration ignited into the air, as the most special scene of the carnival was now unfolding before everyone's eyes! There to greet everyone first upon the scene, it was none other than Juan!
Looking on, everyone was surprised to see the black Mariachi gunner upon a long and tall red like float that was shaped like an amazing race car with golden numerous electric candles lighting it up on all sides. It almost looked like a birthday cake! At the head of the car was a tall, grinning figure of a skeleton that was wearing a big sombrero on it's head, it's clawed hands and arms turned now again mechanically showing it was the driver. Along the lower sides of the float were dancing girls and guys in traditional mexican dress, as they proceeded to move rhythmically to a tune of trumpets and various stringed instruments. It was enough to make anyone want to dance!
Dajh was mesmerised along with his father Sazh, who was really impressed by the sight he was seeing! Then quickly the ace gunner, felt his son get his attention as he pointed and cried out, "Look! Dad! Dad there! It's Juan!"
Turning his eyes in the direction he was pointing to, Sazh quickly saw what was enthralling his son. There on the main platform, Sazh was grinning to his audience and dancing enthusiastically with his Axolotl flying by his side, making graceful spinning movements around his pal as he in turn aimed into the skies and-!
BOOM! BOOM!
He unleashed a couple of shots into the air that quickly exploded making golden confetti fall everywhere! Then in another second-!
KABOOM!
He unleashed one final giant burst that took on the shape of a grinning skeleton head, that then winked to the audience down below, removing a giant sombrero from it's head in greeting! At once the crowds went wild in excitement and awe!
Dumbstruck himself, Sazh couldn't think of a word to say! But Dajh himself excitedly cried out, "WHOO! That was amazing Juan!"
Grinning as though he had heard the small boy cry out, Juan looking to the audience that was below him shouted out, "Gracias! Gracias ladies and gentlemen! I'm glad my pal, Manny Calavera could make your night! Enjoy the fiestas!"
Sazh continued to remain silent as he heard this, however he noticed that Juan looked in their direction for a brief moment as his float continued to move on forwards. As it did so, the black mariachi gunner winked to him. Surprised as he did this, he was quiet as the float passed on by, however releasing a small chuckle himself, the afro green coated gunner he couldn't help but say quietly himself, "That son of a gun!"
Mickey in the distance watching on with his pals in the meantime, couldn't help but say, "Wow! That was real neat!"
Laughing as he said this, nobody could disagree with the Mouse King and smiling herself, Kairi replied, "You've got that right your majesty!"
Nozomi nodded to this herself, but before she could say another word-!
GLITTER!
Suddenly distracted by a glittering spectacle of light, Nozomi turned as did everyone else and there quickly approaching them was the second float. Everyone too was awestruck by this float, much like Juan's. However it was eye catching for a far different reason.
This float consisted of one primary thing... flowers. The one item that it's creator Hanahime specialised in selling and decorating with! The centre of the float had one enormous flower in its centre, a white lily and trailing from its sides were trailing chains of white flowers. They were like daisy chains, they connected from the ending petals of the lily and trailed down to the sides as well as to the two facing poles that were at its front.
Down below on the sides of the float were many young girls and children who were throwing out countless flowers to the audience that were around them. All of them smiling and laughing happily, as sweet music filled the air. The tunes were very much like a piece of Tchaikovsky's music, 'The Sugar Plum Fairy."
The sight was captivating and Goofy looking on, couldn't help but point to the one person who was sitting in the centre of the lily. Looking at her, he then commented in amazement, "Wow! She's real pretty!"
Donald looking on, then saw who it was that he was talking about. There sitting upon a cushion in the centre of the white lily, it was none other than Hanahime herself, dressed in a golden dress she had a basket of flowers in hand and was busy throwing various flowers here and there. She was also stopping now and again to wave to everyone happily.
Seeing her do this, Donald himself then couldn't help but admit the same thing as his bumbling pal, "Yeah, that girl sure is!" However in a smaller voice he then decided to add quietly to himself, "Though I can't ever say anythin' like that to Daisy!"
Nozomi smiling up to her friend in the meantime was smiling widely and looking to Hana, she couldn't help but say quietly, "Wow! Hana's incredible to have made this... it's like she's a real princess!"
"My Hanahime is a princess!"
Surprised looking up, Nozomi saw one character she hadn't seen in a little while, "Ruby!"
Looking down at her, the red hue coloured robin then told the surprised keyblader, "I'd like it if you didn't forget that fact!" However he then told her, biting back his critical side, "But forgetting that, I'm glad to see you there Nozomi!"
Pleased to hear this, the female keyblader then responded, "Yeah! I'm glad to see you too, Ruby!" Then as she looked to the small bird, she noticed something he was carrying. As she did so, she asked, "Is that-?"
"Yep!" The small robin replied interrupting the keyblader, with that he dropped the item he'd been carrying in his claws by it's ribbon. Seeing it fall into Nozomi's quick catching hands, he told her, "It's a present from my princess!"
Quiet as she heard this, Nozomi turned from Ruby and looked to the item she'd been given. There in her hands it was a white petalled flower. Confused as she looked to it, Nozomi then asked looking back to Ruby, "Is this a white rose?"
Giggling as he heard this, Ruby then told her, "Close, it's a Gardenia!"
Blinking as she heard this, Nozomi repeated, "A Gardenia?"
Nodding, Ruby then told her, "That's right! Hana told me she wanted tot wish you luck!"
Puzzled as she heard this, Nozomi was about to ask the red robin what he meant when-!
"What're you doing?"
It was then that a certain someone came in their direction. As he walked over looking curious, Nozomi then uttered, "Riku?"
Smiling seeing that his work was done, Ruby flew back up quickly to where his mistress was. Arriving back on the float, he landed on her outstretched right hand and with that smiling accepted a small peck of a kiss from his beloved princess as thanks.
Not seeing this, Riku looking to Nozomi then asked her, "What's that you've got in your hand?"
To which as this was put to her, Nozomi looking to the flower turned back to Riku and told him, "Um? This... it's a Gardenia, it's a present from Hana."
"She gave you a present?" Riku asked her curious.
Nodding, Nozomi then explained, "Yeah, she said it was for good luck."
As this was said, Riku didn't understand her meaning entirely and so enquired, "Good luck, with what?"
Nozomi was about to answer about her own uncertainty when-!
"RRROOOAAARRGGHH!"
Distracted both of the keybladers turned! There they saw suddenly that the next float had come about! This one was more wild in nature and was black in colour as it was draped over with a silky dark covering that shimmered from the many fairy lights illuminating it in a ring around it's centre, at its sides were various performers around it dancing with neon light sticks in their hands and others had flutes in their hands along with various other wind percussion instruments creating a grand feeling all around it.
But that wasn't the thing that was eye catching. It was the key attraction of the float! For there clawing upon the centre of the float while breathing out blue fire now and again, it was none other than the grand summon Bahamut, with it's brilliant multicoloured wings unfurled making a fearsome, amazing sight that no-one could distract their eyes from.
As her float continued to move on, Alania herself was holding onto the back of Bahamut maintaining him with her magic. As he continued to make a grand spectacle for the audience, she smiled and told him quietly, "Well done Bahamut! You're doing fantastically!"
The legendary king of the dragons roared proudly in thanks, as he proceeded to terrify and amaze the audience. Then looking below, Alania smiled gently as there leading a smaller group of summons, it was none other than Shirma who guided the unicorns, pegasi and other creatures from their summon zone, giving out small gifts as they all jingled with bells. Smiling pleased seeing this as Shirma waved up to her, Alania turned to her left shoulder and decided to ask, "You ready to make your entrance now, Carbuncle?"
As this was asked of him, the small green coloured and red gem rabbit like summon squeaked in approval. As he did, Alania moved her left arm up and told him, "Okay! Get going then!" With that, the summon raced on up and leaped high into the air!
Seeing it do this, the audience was silent as the small creature gathered power within the centre of it's red gem. Doing this, the wondrous treasure upon Carbuncle's forehead glowed vividly and brightly before-!
SHINE!
Immediately massive red stars glowed in the air! Then yellow ones! White ones and blue ones! And-!
Captivated, Sora saw along with Kairi there were countless colourful stars filling the sky! As they did so, the chosen keyblader couldn't help but say in awe, "Wow... this is incredible! This is the best thing ever! Right Kairi?"
Kairi next to him, smiled at the sight and then she smiled even more gently as she turned to look at the one who meant most to her. Moving her right hand quietly, she took his hand into hers and told him, "Yes... it really is and even more with you here, huh?"
Hearing her say this and feeling her taking ahold of his hand, Sora was quiet. But in another moment he blushed and sensing the sweet feeling that was entering the air, he replied, "...Yeah, and you." However he couldn't bring himself to say anymore as his shyness quickly overwhelmed him like his excitement had...
Nozomi in the meantime gazing upon the dazzling stars that was above them was mesmerised... she didn't know what to think or say! But then in another moment... the stars suddenly started moving and in seconds, one that was white started to head straight for her! Shocked she covered her eyes to brace for the impact, but-!
"Nozomi!"
Quickly rushing to her aid, it was none other than Riku! Holding her to himself closely, bracing for the impact of the star himself he closed his eyes! Then-!
SWOOSH!
It passed right through them both, along with other members of the surprised audience, leaving glittering stardust in their wake!
As this happened and the wind of the star ceased blowing forwards, Nozomi opened her eyes and immediately seeing and feeling Riku holding onto her tightly, she froze! As she did so, immediately she felt her heart begin to pulse strongly and her cheeks blush red... this feeling was?
Riku in the meantime, sensing the star had passed too looked up. As he did so, he saw that Carbuncle was laughing and giggling as the audience saw the stardust that was now glittering amongst themselves and the floor. As they did so, the white haired keyblader was outraged and cried out, "Hey! Don't launch your power at innocent passersby! You can't just-!"
But it was clear that Carbuncle wasn't listening to him as it flew directly to Alania and landed back on her left shoulder. As it did so and the float passed him by, Riku was annoyed and he couldn't help but say, "Honestly! What if someone got hurt from that! It wouldn't have been-!"
…
Hearing him suddenly stop in his complaints though, Nozomi became confused. As she did so, she looked to him and asked, "Riku?"
However he didn't answer her, instead he looked to one particular thing. His hand... it was holding onto hers, gently yet firmly and in turn he too was now blushing. Quickly recognising what was occurring Nozomi blushed a little more. She had to let go of him! Right there and then! But... looking to him, as the stardust continued to dance and illuminate them both, she became too enchanted to do so as she looked into his blue coloured eyes.
Then at that moment as they did this, unbeknownst to them both of them another float started to pass them. This silvery one was lit up with many spotlights and glittering decorations and onboard of it were Serah and Oralee who were singing into their microphones, dressed in their songstress outfits. The two of them sung a song of love and start light, which enchanted all the audience who were gazing on, while Cait sith boosted ratings by crying out for cheers and praises for his princess.
Riku was clearly experiencing something truly moving as the music continued and as he gazed into Nozomi's own lilac coloured eyes... this moment, it may have been from the effects of the star magic and music combined. But for some reason neither wanted to look away from the other...quietly though as she looked at him. It was finally then that at that moment. Nozomi recognised this feeling she was experiencing as she felt Riku's warm touch upon her own hand. It was-?
"Aww all starry eyed, huh?"
Quickly shattering this moment. It was none other than Ori who'd spoken up, as he did so grinning at them mockingly he asked, "You lovebirds gonna confess something here? Or ya gonna give a better show?"
As this was said, Riku quickly retorted straight back to the pink haired archer, "Shut up! This has got nothing to do with you!" With that he released Nozomi's hand, as he did so she looked shocked and quickly the feeling inside of her hurt a little as she looked saddened.
Grinning away, Ori couldn't help but mock them saying, "Sure it ain't!" Then turning he couldn't help but add throwing a paint dust ball at him, "Dumb dolt!"
"What was that!?" Riku demanded, however-!
BOOM!
Ori escaped further into the crowd as the bomb exploded, covering Riku in a layer of orange pain dust. As this occurred coughing out loudly from this unexpected prank attack, the white haired keyblader agitated went to immediately chase after him! However before doing so properly, he looked back to Nozomi who gazed at him still a little sadly.
As she did this, the white haired keyblader felt guilty slightly... and stupid with the dust covering him. But more importantly, he knew something had to be done and so he told his comrade, "Nozomi, I'll want to talk to you later alright?"
Blinking as she heard this, she asked forgetting her sadness momentarily, "Talk?"
Riku nodded and with that he told her, "Yeah... like I promised you."
As this was said, Nozomi was quiet before she realised what he meant, remembering what had happened to them back in the Pridelands... so quietly she nodded before adding, "Okay, I'll be waiting for you."
Riku then revealed a small smile, that looked a little sad somehow before he rushed off to find the culprit who ticked him off. Leaving Nozomi alone with her Gardenia in her hands, as she was left to wonder. What would be told to her?
Oralee who'd seen this entire event unfold with Cait sith in her arms now was quiet as the music was being changed and their float continued to move on forwards. However the crowned cat couldn't help but say, "Geez, those two are still as clueless as ever!" Then turning to his princess, he decided to ask her, "Right yer highness?"
The princess of Alexandra was quiet... for in her eyes, she could see more than her beloved friend and guardian. So quietly she told him, "Maybe not so much now..." For with what she knew. She was certain that Nozomi would need her more than ever now, along with one other person who'd already experienced the joys of love...in the venture which she knew was to occur next.
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"Finally!" Annoyed, Pete had been waiting for what seemed like forever for the carnival's parade end. It had gone on for just over three hours and he was tired of waiting for things to die down. As he plonked himself down on a bench that was near to him, he couldn't help but say, "If that parade had gone on any longer, I swear I would have floated away myself!"
…
Irritated by this further silence, it didn't brighten his mood in the slightest as passersby walked on not hearing his words nor seeing him, due to the invisibility cloak he was still draped in. "Pfft... I never get no respect!" He uttered.
"Of course you won't honey! Not making bad puns like that!"
Hearing this familiar amused feminine tone of voice, Pete turned and there he could see approaching him wearing the same kind of cloak as himself. It was none other than Jona.
The female Sphynx approaching Pete, then decided to ask him smiling away, "So I take it you're done with your preps for our little mission?"
As this was asked of him, Pete then responded, "Obviously! And I guess you are now too?"
Grinning further, Jona then told him, "Of course."
Sighing tiredly as he stood up from the bench, Pete then decided to ask his cohort, "So what's that smug punk doin'?"
Jona hearing him then replied casually shrugging her shoulders, "He says he's ready too, he's starting things off now." Then looking to the rising moon that was above them, the orange maned girl added, "He says he'll give us a sign when he needs us... I only hope it's sooner rather than later."
Pete staring at Jona as she looked into the air sadly with a dampened smile on her face, then decided to tell her, "Ya really shouldn't waste yer heart on a lost cause like him."
As this was said, Jona looking in his direction then told him with narrowed serious displeased eyes of her own, "Same could be said to you..." with that she looked away from him.
As this was said to him, Pete remained quiet. He wasn't stupid enough to not recognise who Jona was referring to. But at the same time, he wasn't going to give her the pleasure of a petty rebuttal. Instead he looked up to the moon himself and wondered... what was it that Uriax was going to do next?
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"Hmm..." Silent, Nozomi had a warm mug of hot chocolate in her hands, her Gardenia flower in her pocket. She was quiet as the rest of her friends and comrades sat themselves around a tall burning bonfire, all of them in the mood of celebration.
Looking up, she saw that in the distance Sora was now busy talking to Balthier and Fran with Donald and Goofy close by while their king laughed himself. It was clear they were all busy exchanging stories of their star faring adventures and various other things.
Then looking in another direction, she saw that Timbre was busy introducing himself to Saria, Araxne and Meixeng. It was clear they were a little uneasy from his 'friendliness' and Zidane wasn't helping either as he seemed to be encouraging what was occurring. Watching on, she saw that soon that Ody had stepped in to say some words along with Noel, who had Raiyana by her side and Yeul.
Looking on quiet still, Nozomi then saw Hayner and Pence along with Olette come over... then after a little bit, things calmed down until they were all laughing and fooling about as friends. Seeing this, she couldn't help but say, "I'm glad that everyone is getting along so well..."
Then thinking of the Restoration committee and the remaining ARCS who were still working away, she couldn't help but say, "I hope Squall and Snow aren't going to be too tired at the end of this and the others..." then with that thought on her mind, she wondered about Vincent. Was he having a good time too?
However thinking that, she then noticed that Ori still hadn't come back... that meant Riku was still away too. As she thought this, she wondered to herself again about what her friend was going to tell her that night... for the secret he'd kept it back from her for so long. He'd always looked so troubled about saying a word about it. Why was that? What kind of secret was it that he had to-?
"You doing alright there?"
Surprised, Nozomi looked up and there she saw looking down at her with a smile on her face. It was none other than, "Oralee?"
Nodding as she heard this, the blonde haired princess went to speak a little more but-!
"Don't ya be forgettin' me lass!"
There jumping on up from the floor, it was none other than Cait sith who sat himself upon his princess's left shoulder. As he did so, he then asked her, "Ya know me and me highness are a joint package don't ya?"
As this was said, Nozomi was quiet before she rolled her eyes and replied, "Of course you are, how could I forget!" Then looking to him, she decided to ask, "I thought you were busy talking to Jiminy about everything after the parade finished?"
Smiling as he heard this being asked of him, Cait sith then told the dark haired keyblader, "Just finished up lass!"
"Indeed," Oralee replied. With that she sat herself next to Nozomi and as she did so, she proceeded on to say, "Jiminy recorded so much, he had to use three journals!"
Shocked as she heard this, Nozomi then had to ask, "That much?!"
Cait sith in the meantime sitting himself cross legged in front of her then told her, "Of course lass! We've been on a long real journey ya know!? I think it's only obvious he had to write down that much...I'm just surprised he didn't pass seven books!"
Nozomi was silent hearing this, however before she could think of a word to reply with-!
"I was surprised too!"
Turning to her other side, Nozomi was now truly surprised! For who should appear, but the one person she wasn't suspecting to. It was none other than, "Kairi?"
The Princess Of Heart seeing that she'd got Nozomi's attention simply smiled and as she did so, she moved closer to her and sat herself beside her too. Doing so, she then said, "I didn't know how much you guys had gone through! It's incredible everything you got up to!"
As this was said, Nozomi gazed as the blue eyed girl for a moment, before she looked down to her cup again. Feeling it's warmth in her palms, she thought back on everything she and the others had been through and as she did so... a small smile appeared on her face, then moving her drink closer to her lips she finally replied, "Yeah... it was a lot." With that sipping a little more of the sweet beverage she then finished and released a small laugh as she said, "Though it didn't feel like it when you were in the fray of it!"
"Too right lass!" Cait sith cried out in agreement!
Seeing her faithful companion jump up into the air with a fist pump, Oralee smiled. Then as she did so, she turned and looking back to Nozomi. She was quiet as she considered what it was she should say... however, after a little she made up her mind after she saw Kairi give her a small nod to continue, "So? Why are you here by yourself like this Nozomi?"
Turning to her friend as this was asked of her, the dark haired keyblader uttered, "Huh?"
Seeing that she was puzzled, Oralee asked again, "Why haven't joined in with the others?" Then looking a little concerned as she gazed at her, the princess of Alexandra asked again, "Is something troubling you?"
As this was asked of her, the first thing that came to Nozomi's mind to do was to refute and deny anything of the sort, for she didn't want to worry Oralee or the new arrival to the group, Kairi. However... inside for some reason, she quickly felt that same urge fade away. She couldn't hide what she was feeling and so admitted, almost quietly, "...I guess so?"
Hearing her answer in a somewhat dejected tone, neither Oralee or Kairi said anything. Surprisingly Cait sith said nothing either as he looked up to the dark haired female keyblader.
Nozomi concentrating on her cup, stroked it gently with her thumbs as she then went on to say, "I mean, realistically... I haven't got anything to be troubled over now." With that she looked up to see all her friends again frolicking and having fun around the bonfire. As she did so, she then continued on to say, "I mean everyone's together here, everything's at peace and..." with that pause, she looked to Kairi and then said, "I managed to get you and Sora back together with Riku... like I promised I would."
As this was said, Kairi said nothing to this. However it was clear there was an air of sympathy about her as she recognised what it was that Nozomi was going through. Not noticing herself though the troubled female keyblader continued on, "...And now, the time has come for him to keep his promise to me."
"Which is what lass?" Cait sith asked her.
Hearing him ask this question, Nozomi tightened her grip a little more on her cup. As she did so, she then answered, "He's going to tell me... this important secret about me... something he just hasn't been able to all this time."
As these words were said, Oralee then asked her, "And it's scaring you?"
With that put to her, Nozomi felt a small shudder inside as she replied, "I guess so?" Then releasing a small chuckle she couldn't help but say, "I mean if it's enough to even make someone strong like Riku nervous... then what's that going to mean for me?"
With these words said. Kairi gazed at Nozomi, however smiling a little she decided to say, "Well if this secret is making you that shiver so badly, why don't you do something to prep for it?"
Pausing as she heard this, Nozomi looked in the Princess of Heart's direction and as she did so, she asked her, "Like what?"
Smiling, Kairi then told her, "Why not just tell a massive secret of your own? That way anything that's told to you afterwards won't scare you as much!"
Quiet as she heard this, Nozomi didn't understand and so had to ask, "What a secret?" Then thinking to herself quickly, she had to reply, "I don't have any secrets!"
Looking at her sceptically and teasingly, Kairi had to ask, "Oh don't you?"
"Huh?" Baffled, Nozomi didn't understand this look she was getting and so had to ask, "Why are you acting like that?"
Sighing, Cait sith then clapped his knees and said mad, "Lass quit it now will ya! It's so obvious what ya secret is, it's so easy to see it's like the sun when it's shining high in the sky!"
"Huh? What're you talking about?" Nozomi still didn't understand and was becoming more baffled by the second.
Chuckling seeing this, it was then that Oralee decided to step in and voice what it was that everyone had realised, "Nozomi, we know how you feel about Riku." To which, the lilac eyed girl looking to her friend in surprise then heard the princess of Alexandra tell her, "You're in love with him aren't you?"
Quiet for a second as this question was put to her, quickly in another moment gasping, Nozomi felt her heart race and her cheeks blush. As this occurred, she dropped her cup and doing so, it spilled on the floor but ignoring this the female keyblader covered her mouth aghast as she demanded, "Lo, lo, love!? Why!? How would you-!?"
"Because of that!" Cait sith declared with that he pointed to Nozomi and told her, "Yer reactions lass! They've been becoming more and more obvious as time's gone on... ya can't even hide it properly can ya?"
With this said to her, Nozomi was quiet. Looking down to the floor awkwardly she felt herself dying with embarrassment and shame... she knew what this feeling was now inside. But just talking about it that moment... she didn't know what to do with herself then.
Kairi seeing Nozomi react like this, couldn't help but giggle a little bit herself. As she did so, she then said, "You're almost like Sora, he behaves nearly the same way whenever we try to talk about this feeling."
Grumbling a little as she heard this, Nozomi felt like she was being teased and tuning her face away she grumbled aloud, "...I'm not Sora! And I'm not used to these emotions!" With that angered she glared at Kairi and told her, "I don't want to be teased about this! If that's all you're doing here then-!?"
"Nozomi!" Hearing her name being called, the dark haired keyblader stopped her angered words. As she did so, she saw that it was Oralee who called out to her. As she did so, the dark haired keyblader heard her friend say, "Please don't get mad, that isn't what we're here to do."
The lilac eyed girl then became quiet. As she did so, she looked uncertain as she listened on to what it was that the princess of Alexandra had to say, "...Nozomi we just want to help you through this, your emotion of love and... what it is that Riku's going to tell you."
Surprised as she heard this, Nozomi had to repeat, "Help?"
"Exactly!" Kairi said, with that she continued on to say, "That's why I made my suggestion before," then with those words said. The Princess Of Heart then decided to add, "That you should tell Riku how you feel first, that way you can cope with whatever it is he needs to tell you and not let it affect you so badly afterwards."
Really surprised that Kairi, the one person of all people she'd never expect to encourage her in this way. Nozomi was quiet...however in another moment she couldn't help but say, turning her face away from her and looking down to the floor, "...I can't do that."
Surprised as she heard this, Cait sith then had to ask her, "Huh? Why not lass? Ya should just get it over with so-!"
"Because I'm nothing special!" Nozomi cried out, with that gripping her trouser legs she proceeded on to say, "...I mean Riku's gone through so much! With Xehanort, Ansem, the darkness and with Sora! I've hardly been able to do anything for him and..." Then looking to Kairi she had to declare, almost despairingly, "I'm not a princess! I'm not like you Kairi!"
Hearing her say these words, the red haired girl lost her smile and became shocked herself. Oralee remained silent as did Cait sith beside her... as they remained this way, Nozomi could feel her emotions overwhelm herself as she continued on to say, "...I'm nothing special and as pure as you, I have darkness in me, I've felt bad feelings that I know now are jealously towards you... because you're so bright and beautiful, you can fix and do anything but I..." then shaking she continued on to say, "I'm not what he needs, I mean with all that darkness he's been though and experienced, even if I do love him... I can't do anything for him, not when I know that... he loved someone special like you."
Hearing her say these words, no-one could think of anything to say. Even Cait sith didn't say a word of teasing at that moment, for this was no time to be jovial...however after a little bit. It was then that Oralee spoke, "Do you really believe that?"
As this question was put to her, Nozomi then looking to Oralee and away from her knees asked, "What?"
Gazing at her troubled friend, Oralee then gently conveyed her own words, "Do you believe that love in that way is based only on benefit and prestige?"
Silent as she heard this, Nozomi turned her head away from Oralee. She couldn't give her a reply to that question.
However Kairi looking on, then decided to speak herself, "I'm going to tell you this Nozomi, none of that matters when it comes to the feelings of love."
Looking to her sceptically Nozomi then replied, "...I'm finding that hard to believe coming from someone you," with that looking away she added in a depressed tone, "Sorry..."
Staring at Nozomi as she said this, Kairi was quiet. However deciding to take on a more determined and serious role she asked, "Nozomi, if it's only position and benefit that are important in love... how can you explain my relationship with Sora?"
Surprised to hear this, Nozomi the repeated looking back to her, "Sora?"
"Exactly," Nodding, Kairi then proceeded on, "When I meant him so long ago, as a drifter upon the Destiny Islands he didn't present any benefit to me whatsoever," with those words looking up to the stars that were above them, Kairi recited what had happened in her past, "I was alone and raised with a family I didn't know, nor a past I could remember... I just happened to meet him one day in school with Riku."
With those words said, Nozomi remained silent as did Oralee and Cait sith who looked to the Princess Of Heart as she continued her story, "He was strange to me when I first met him, he was a real dummy, acting like a total fool most of the time. Doing his best to make me laugh and get out of my depression... he was always also so desperate to keep up with Riku and prove himself..." then revealing a smile as she looked in his direction, she admitted, "In fact it's because he never gave up and the fact he cheered me up so much, during my own dark days of unknowing... that I was able to free myself from my sadness and that was more than enough for those warm feeling to begin growing in me."
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Hearing and seeing Sora laugh out like this, Kairi only felt her heart warm and pulse even more. As it did so, she looked to Nozomi and told her, "And I can tell you those feelings have gotten stronger, with time as he's gotten stronger too," then as the dark haired keyblader continued to look at her now in awe. Kairi then added, "And just like you, Sora's not special in anyway... he's just himself and I wouldn't change him for anything and myself being a princess doesn't matter at all to him either."
Amazed to hear these words, Nozomi couldn't think of a word to say. However one person did and looking to her, Oralee reached her hand over and putting it upon her left shoulder said, "And myself being a princess I can guarantee that too, Nozomi." Then squeezing her shoulder a little she added, "I'm sure that Riku wouldn't judge you based on prestige like that and even though you don't see yourself as perfect, I find that with you around that you light up the world around you, just being your honest fun self and that's special enough."
Gazing at Oralee and then back to Kairi who smiled to her too, Nozomi couldn't believe this tremendous support that she was being given and so echoed her amazement with a soft echo of words, "Both of you..."
"And lass!" Distracted, Nozomi turned her eyes in Cait sith's direction and as she did so, she then heard the crowned cat tell her, "Just so y'know, I've been definitely noticin' that Snowball's been smilin' more than ever when yer around too, " with that he walked up to her and patted her knee and told her, "So, I reckon ya got a good chance, if you want to go for it now that is?" Then to give her a bigger boost he added, "Cause ya're me luck banshee right?"
Hearing him being encouraging, Nozomi was quietly even more stunned. But then seeing even he had her best interests at heart, the dark haired girl smiled gratefully and nodded almost feeling teary eyed. Then bringing out the Gardenia which she'd held in her pocket just a moment, looking down to her good luck charm and to her warm loving friends she said, "Guys, thank you... and I'm sorry for being defensive before, I'm just so grateful now that you all-"
PAT! PAT! PAT!
Surprised feeling a series of pats upon her back, Nozomi then saw it was none other than Kairi giving these gentle gestures to her. As she did this, Nozomi then heard the Princess Of Heart tell her, "It's okay, we all understand... I didn't take any offence at all!" though she had jokingly, "Though I could of done!"
To which, Oralee then told her too with a little laugh, "Yeah! Neither did I," then smiling more, Oralee proceeded on to say, "We all did say that we wanted to help you and I did especially considering all that you've done so far with the others... so if I can give you support like this even a little then it's all the more worth it."
Hearing this, Nozomi smiled happily and told her wiping a little tear away, "Well you've definitely done that, I mean... I haven't been able to talk about this to anyone else and-!"
"Nozomi!"
Surprised, the female keyblader suddenly turned and there behind them all it was none other than the person they had been talking about. It was Riku. He was gazing down at Nozomi with a deep seriousness in his turquoise eyes and as he did so, he told her, "Come on, we need to talk now."
Quiet as she heard this, Nozomi then watched him move away some distance. As he did so, she felt her heart race inside as she remembered what she'd just been talking about with her friends! Her cheeks quickly warmed and her heart pulsed faster. As they all did, her nervousness was becoming hugely apparent... she almost felt herself freeze in fear from these emotions, not wanting to go holding onto her Gardenia for dear life!
However, she felt something jump up onto her head. Feeling this familiar warmth, she then saw it was none other than Cait sith who told her, "Go on lass, ya can do this!"
Hearing him say this, Nozomi then said gently, "Cait sith..."
With his name spoken, the crowned cat landed back onto his princess's shoulder. As he did so, Oralee then told her, "We'll be here waiting for you, Nozomi don't worry. Just be brave!" To which Kairi nodded in agreement smiling brightly.
Pleased for this wonderful encouragement, Nozomi smiled and replied, "Thanks guys!" With that she got up, then quickly she went to go and chase after Riku in the direction he'd wandered off to. As she went she cried back, "I'll see you in a bit!"
With that the lot of them watched her go and disappear behind the corner with Riku leading her. Seeing both the keybladers go, Oralee turning from them and looking towards the fire couldn't help but sigh and say a little worriedly, "I hope she will be alright."
Kairi hearing Oralee's worry, then decided to reassure her and say, "I think it's gonna be a sure deal with those two... I mean I'd be shocked if he said no now!" For looking back to the distance she decided to add, "I mean I've never seen anyone make Riku react the way that he does now, I mean... he's so much warmer now then he used to be!"
Cait sith hearing this then decided to say jokingly, "Well he'll be more than warm when that lass says the three big words! He'll be glowing redder than a Moogle's pom pom!" Then clapping at the thought the crowned cat couldn't help but add, "Tch! I'm never gonna let that Snowball live it down! He'll be better known from now on as the-!"
"As the what?"
Stopping in shock, both girls and cat froze... for the voice that was speaking to them. Should not have been heard at that time at all!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
STEP! STEP! STEP! STEP!
Walking on and on together, further into the darkened streets of the nearly deserted town... Nozomi could feel her heart pulse. Her gaze was fixed to the floor and she was desperate to think of how she was going to phrase what it was she needed to say, holding on still to Gardenia hoping it would bless her with the luck she needed... for though she was determined, she was intensely nervous!
As she was, she felt them both turn another corner and as they did. She was desperate to keep herself focused and retain some amount of composure as she thought to herself, 'Oh c'mon! I can do this! It won't be hard to just say it! I mean Riku isn't-!"
"We're here!"
Stopping in her tracks, Nozomi looked up and there she saw that the two of them had come to a dead end, they had made it into a gated yard of some kind. Seeing this, she was quiet and feeling her heart race, she wondered what would happen now? What would-?
"You know that words need to be exchanged now don't you?" Riku asked her, his back still facing her. As it was Nozomi felt her heart pulse rapidly and as it did so, she didn't know what to do her nerves were getting the best of her and Riku clearly not realising this, continued on and said, "So, I'll begin by-"
"No wait!"
Riku didn't say another word. Nor did he turn to look in Nozomi's direction. Instead he remained motionless and unreadable.
Nozomi in the meantime gathering her courage faltered in what words it was she wanted to say to him. Feeling her heart hammering in her chest, she clenched her hands tightly around her flower even more and focusing hard, she spoke the words that finally came to her mind, "I, I know you've been meaning to tell me about this secret you have about me but... I have something I need to tell you first!" With that looking up, she felt her whole world would shatter from the enormous truth she was about to reveal, but still she pressed on. For now with her starting her words there was no way she could not finish them, "I, Riku... I've been aware for a while now but...inside my heart I!" Then finally after gulping down, she declared the words that may be the most powerful and world changing she may ever speak, "I've realised that, I like you! I'm in love with you, Riku!"
…
There was nothing, no response at all... feeling this with dread. Nozomi didn't know how to interpret this, what should she do now? What-?
"I'm glad you told me that."
Looking up quickly in amazement, Nozomi feeling her heart race then saw Riku turn around and with a smile on his own face, he told her, "I had a guess that you did."
Feeling a positive energy in the atmosphere, Nozomi smiled in relief and began to say eagerly, "Riku you-!" But suddenly she could say no more, as the world around her was quickly swallowed up by a vortex of swirling darkness and as it was, somehow she gasped as pain rapidly attacked her heart and in another moment she felt her consciousness fade.
As it did so, the figure of Riku transformed fully as he raced up to her, he quickly revealed himself to be the dark mage Uriax and in moments he caught the now helpless keyblader. Holding her motionless form in his arms, he looked down at her with cold serious eyes.
Seeing her slumber in his arms, it was hard to read what he was feeling, but there was no time to dwell on it. For in another moment, his body glowed violently with power and as it did a single fierce burst of violet coloured power flew straight into the skies above them and-!
BLAST!
It created a huge explosion that expanded throughout the skies, it was the signal! Then as he made his spell, he turned himself cradling his treasure in his arms as he faded into the swirling vortex he created. Quickly he carried Nozomi away with himself, as swarms of heartless began to appear from the pockets of deadly darkness he'd left behind. Their numerous outpouring trampled the delicate Gardenia once in Nozomi's hands, in seconds it was crumpled into oblivion as the monsters began their attack upon the peaceful celebratory town and it's inhabitants...