Chapter CCXXXXII: Yen Sid's Castle Part II
"Haa! Haa! Haa!"
Breathing in and out hard, running around the corner of the castle tower Sora was quickly making his way back to the entrance of Yen Sid's domain. As he did so, it was then one figure came to meet him through the front doors, "Sora!"
Making it to the person in question, the spiky haired keyblader asked him, "Timbre! Have you found her!?"
Immediately the pink haired Sphynx responded, "No! We've looked everywhere in the castle she could be! She's nowhere to be found!"
Upset to hear this as well as frustrated, Sora then said, "Darn it!" Then looking behind himself and above into the dark skies, he demanded to know, "Just where could she have gone!?"
Shaking his head, Timbre replied, "I dunno!" Then looking back to the doors that were behind him, he went on to say, "But Yen Sid's called all of us to come back inside..." then gripping his sharp clawed right hand tightly, he said, "I just hope we can come up with something better!"
Sora nodded and replied, "Yeah let's!" With that the two of them re-entered the castle, to see what the grand wizard wanted to do...
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"Ugh!" Shaking her head, Jona still couldn't get rid of the awful headache she was experiencing and as she stretched her back out getting down on all fours with her long tail peaking into the air, she complained, "Ow! I'm hurting so bad!"
For since she'd woken up from underneath Pete's oversized and heavy body, she'd had one of the worst cases of cramp ever, looking at her tail and it's slight limpness she went on to say, "And I've lost a little of my cute curl in my wag!"
Pete hearing her complaints standing next to her, then uttered under his breath, "As if anyone was payin' any attention to that so-called cute detail!"
Her ears perking up hearing this, Jona immediately annoyed turned to Pete and asked, "What was that?"
"Nothin'!" Came the fast response! For the last thing he wanted was to irritate the exotic Sphynx and have her sink her claws into his face.
"If you're both quite finished!"
It was then that both Jona and Pete turned their eyes in Maleficent's direction. The mistress of the Heartless had a gaze of irritation that was obviously caused by their in-attention and laid back lazy attitude. Seeing this, they remained utterly silent as to not invoke her thunderous wrath.
Seeing at last that they had become silenced, Maleficent then informed them, "I will say this now, I'm bitterly disappointed in you both... for being out manoeuvred by the King and those bothersome nuisances."
As she spoke those words, Jona then tried to calm things down as she said trying to be soothingly pleasant, "Aw, you shouldn't dwell so much on those minuscule details, my Lady!"
"Minuscule?" Maleficent repeated questioningly with her irritation clearly evident in her voice.
Nodding, Jona then replied brightly, "Exactly!"
Pete felt like things were going to end really badly if she kept on this course with the conversation as he tried to say, "Um? Jona I don't reckon ya should speak like that I mean ya-!"
"Cause afterall it was all Pete here's fault at the end!" Jona said brightly patting him on the right shoulder.
"What!?" Shocked hearing she was turning all the blame on him, Pete demanded, "Why're ya sayin' it's all my fault?!"
Looking at him with a mocking grin and a teasing gleam in her eyes, Jona went on to say, "Well who was the one who got decked first and who couldn't land one little punch on the intruders, huh?"
Really mad hearing this, Pete then told her, "Oh shut up! Ya didn't do any better! Especially against that newbie princess girl Kairi! You was just-!"
"SILENCE!"
ZZZAAAPPP!
Shocked as this blast of lightning came down from the sky, they felt the blast of thunderous electricity behind them making them quake in their boots, Jona and Pete became petrified with fear! Immediately they became as still as statues and didn't utter a word, for the next time they were sure they'd both be struck and fried!
Irritation beyond all irritation decorated Maleficent's features as she said, "This is exactly the kind of behaviour I am detesting from you both!" With that stepping forwards she pointed her long staff to them and as she eyed them threateningly, with the sphere point of her power now coming terribly close to their noses she continued on to say, "Now unless you learn to work properly in unison, I will be forced to have you both devoured by the Heartless horribly slowly..."
Gulping in fear hearing this, that was one fate neither of the villains wanted! Maleficent seeing this then asked, "Now, do I make myself clear?"
They both nodded frantically in response. As they did so, Maleficent then drew back her staff and moved to turn away from them both. However as she did this-!
FLAP! FLAP! FLAP! FLAP!
It was then descending from above, came Maleficent's most reliable sword and servant, Hari had arrived. Her cold green eyes concentrating on the witch, the long brown haired young woman said, "I have returned my lady."
A smile appearing on her face seeing her, the witch of darkness asked, "And do you bring me good news?"
With that asked of her as she landed upon the floor in a kneeling position, her wings folded themselves back into herself as she replied, "One of the Vessels has left the protective custody of Yen Sid's castle."
Curious hearing this, Maleficent then asked, "They have, have they?"
To which Hari slowly bowed her head in response.
Seeing this, Maleficent only continued to smile as she asked, "And tell me, where have they moved themselves?"
With this question asked, Hari replied, "Hades domain, the Underworld."
"The Underworld?" Maleficent asked, then as she thought to herself for a moment. She made a guess at who this particular Vessel was and as she smirked she asked, "Who has made this dreadful choice in destination?"
Hearing this question be asked, Hari responded, "The Seventh... and she is alone."
"I see," Maleficent said amused, then as she did so... she decided, "Well, she should be given a proper welcome as is to be expected of the Underworld." With that turning, she called upon her dark powers and manoeuvring her staff above herself making a terribly unsettling storm of blue lightning, she went on to say, "And with this, I will draw her into a deadly dark embrace...I am sure she will come to relish it as she relinquishes what she owes to me!"
Hearing this Pete and Jona didn't know what to say or do, but they both felt uncomfortable seeing this spell being played out in front of them both. As the storm of blue continued to dance and storm above them both, the exotic Sphynx looking around herself couldn't help but wonder? Where oh, where was her Uriax...?
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"Mmm...!" Lying curled upon a terribly cold floor, Nozomi opened her eyes slowly and uttered, "Where am I?"
…
No sound came to her ears, there was also nothing but darkness all around her. Seeing this, she moved herself up, as she did so she tried to get a better understanding of where it was she had found herself.
All around she saw dark and dank coloured stone, mists of lilac smoke and dismal grey coloured water... as she saw all this scenery. She then realised the place she had come to, standing herself up she asked, "I'm in... the Underworld?"
Then as she thought about this, she looked down below and seeing again her glowing blue keyhole upon her body. She held it with both of her hands, feeling her tears begin to brim around her eyes she asked, "That's right... this is where I wanted to come, wasn't it?"
For immediately as her realisation came, so did her guilt and sorrow... it was horrible being in this turmoil and now she was here she just wanted-!
"HISS!"
Hearing this terrible sound, Nozomi looked about herself. Then as she did, she saw from behind numerous rocks and some swirling portals of darkness, Heartless... hordes of them appearing everywhere with all their haunting glowing yellow eyes centred upon her helpless being!
Seeing the dark shadows all come crawling towards her, Nozomi was terrified! Taking cautious steps backwards as they all began to encroach upon her, she mind was blank. For what should she do? What-?
"RROOOAARRR!"
Suddenly one of the terrible monsters launched themselves at her! As they did their long claws were aimed straight for her! Nozomi seeing this with fear went to dodge! Moving fast as she ducked, she wasn't fast enough though for-!
SLASH!
"Agh!"
She was sliced into her middle! Feeling the sharp pain as she fell rolling over and over, Nozomi hurriedly lifted her hurting self up. As she did so, feeling a terrible sting from the pain she saw looking down the terrible marks that had been incurred upon her body.
Looking down at these red gashes she was silent, however turning back to look at the Heartless that were once again approaching her in high numbers, she was still. However as she saw the monsters, in her minds eyes... she saw another figure, Hari!
As she did so, remembering what it was that the servant to Maleficent had done to Oralee and also the manipulation that the evil witch had done upon the mind of her dear lost friend, Wairu. She felt something come over herself... something was burning, not just the pain of the wound. But the pain of her loss!
Feeling this, as she gazed at the monsters... her eyes narrowed with bitter ferocity as she uttered, "I won't!" Then as the one of the monsters launched themselves again to attack-!
SLICE!
She cut into the Heartless making it to turn to dust in seconds with one swift slice! As this occurred with her keyblade now in hand she then declared, "I absolutely won't ever forgive you!" With that she launched forwards and began her onslaught against the Heartless destroying any one of them that came into her path!
As she did this though, she was unaware of an eerie glowing presence that was waiting in the shadows for it's opportunity to ensnare the helpless keyblader...
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Seated upon his chair within the top most level of his castle, Yen Sid was silent in deep concentration with his hands covering his mouth, as he rested his face upon them.
Everyone who was gathered in the room were all clearly restless, wanting to do something. But this especially was true, of the one who had made the terrible discovery of the disappearance of Nozomi, Riku.
Gripping his hands tightly, he was in turmoil. For where was she? Where was Nozomi!? For he couldn't help but fret, was she safe? Why would she have left them and-!
"Hmm..."
His fretful thoughts interrupted, Riku looked up and as he did so, he saw that Yen Sid had opened his eyes and as he looked upon everyone he said, "This is a most dire situation indeed."
Annoyed as he heard this, Timbre couldn't help but say, "Tell us something we won't know!"
Immediately annoyed with him, Donald then elbowed the Sphynx telling him, "Don't do that!"
"Ow!" Feeling the pain, Timbre looking to Donald told him, "Don't do what!? Say the truth!" For looking at the aged wizard he told him, "Cause I have to! We gotta find Nozomi! If we don't she might be unlocked and-!"
"We all know that!"
Turning as he heard this cry, Timbre saw with the rest that it was Riku who had spoken up. As he did so, he became quiet as the white haired young man continued on to say, "We all know we have to hurry Timbre! That we have to find her!" Then as he clenched his fists he continued on to say, "But... what're we supposed to do!? We can't find her anywhere here... and if she's used her power, she could be anywhere upon countless worlds that we might not even be able to reach!" Then looking to him with bitter frustration he asked him again, "Now you tell me Timbre! What're we supposed to do if that;s the case!?"
With these emotional upset words put to him, Timbre was silent. However he quietly bowed his head down, looking uncomfortable and realising the magnitude that their search entailed. But this didn't stop the fact that he felt terribly helpless, but now he understood better that the others felt the same way as he did.
Seeing the uncomfortable moment of silence that had come in the room, Reeve sighed and said, "This bickering isn't going to lead us to anywhere productive."
"You got that right, Reeve! We need to do somethin' that will get us somewhere!" Cait sith said in agreement as he continued to sit upon his right shoulder. As he did so, he looked to the mighty wizard and asked him, "So Yen Sid mate, do you have anything that could help us out here?"
With this question put to him, the wizard remained silent.
Mickey now wondering the same thing as his feline comrade, he decided to ask as well, "Please Master Yen Sid, if there's anything at all you have that can aid us... it would go a long way!"
Remaining silent for a moment more as he heard this plea, it was then after another moment of deliberation that Yen Sid replied, "The location of where the Seventh Fragment could be, is numerous...out of all the Vessels it can be the most evasive to track down, especially when it is concerned with keeping its host alive."
Hearing this everyone was silent, however as these words were said it was then that Mickey realised, "That would explain how we would lose each other now and again when we travelled the worlds... the Fragment was trying to separate us from her."
"Probably," Riku replied and as he did so he went on to say, "Though I would say personally it looks like it gave up at some point, for that kind of separation wasn't even happening anymore at one stage."
As these words were said Yen Sid was silent and as he was, he made another consideration, "... That may be another reason to be concerned."
Hearing this statement everyone in the room became on edge and as they did so, Kairi voiced her own thoughts asking, "What do you mean by that, Yen Sid?"
These words spoken from the Princess of Heart, the aged wizard said, "For if the Fragment has given up on choosing a destination for it's host, or more precisely it no longer wishes to protect it... it may have taken her to somewhere of greater danger so it can simply transplant itself into a new body."
At these words, Riku was terrified and he couldn't help but utter, "No!"
Sora then spoke up and asked, "Well what can we do then!? If she's in a possible greater danger like that! What can we do to find her!?"
With these words asked, it was then that the powerful wizard said, "There may be one way to get to her... however, this is a power that can only be used once, " then looking at all the party gathered together he went on to say, "And not everyone present may use it... if you end up somewhere treacherous it may be a fact that you won't have the fighting ability to face what you come into contact with."
Quiet as this was said, Riku though now seeing that there was a small ray of hope for them then said, "Well if that's the way it is and we face something horrendous to just get Nozomi back... then I say we use it!"
Surprised to see him throw caution to the wind like this, Mickey uttered, "Riku!"
Then surprising him more, he saw the white haired young man approach Yen Sid's desk and chair as he went on to say, putting his hands upon the flat wooden working surface, "Please! Give us the key to save her!"
Hearing the imploring tone that was in Riku's voice, Yen Sid was silent. However he could see the light that shone in Riku's eyes was strong and true... there was no way he could refuse an adamant wish to save someone like this. So looking to the keyblader he told him, "Very well, I will show you the way." With that he lifted himself from his chair, then going towards a certain door he told them, "Now I suggest the one's that followed the Seventh Vessel's passage for the longest time are the ones to come now, you all will have enough will I am sure to have this endeavour seen through."
With this said, no one argued and so with that. Riku, Mickey and Cait sith jumping off of Reeve's shoulders went to follow after the wizard. However before leaving, Sora called out, "Get back here safely with her you guys!"
"That we will lad!" Cait sith called back and with that, they left with the master wizard to find the artefact that they prayed would lead them to Nozomi's location...
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"Huff! Huff! Huff!"
Breathing in and out hard, covered with slight scratches here and there with her pyjamas ripped in places. Nozomi had her hands tightly clasped around her keyblade as a small band of Heartless stood before her, the fight had been a long one but she'd managed to take out nearly the entirety of the mass of monsters.
Staring at them with her anger blocking off her sorrow ever so slightly, she hated herself for being so weak and helpless at that moment. Her troubled thoughts and emotions had distracted her throughout the fight and as they had, they had impeded her progress quite considerably.
Hating this one fact, but the monsters more especially. She rushed forwards!
"HHHAAA!"
Slicing into more and more of the monsters, as they came at her. She spoke her thoughts out, "I'm not giving this power to anyone!" With that cutting through another monster, she rolled away as another monster tried to cut into her!
Leaping into the air, she then declared, "I'm not going to give myself up to Hari! Or Maleficent! No-one!" With that she struck more monsters away that came towards her!
Doing this, unknowingly behind her the unseen presence had begun to make its move! As it did so, it encroached behind her and as Nozomi sliced more Heartless away she then said mad, "This power isn't for anyone to have! I don't need anyone anymore! I-!"
Suddenly another of the creatures came and as it tried to strike her in her abdomen where her keyhole was, her keyblade came instead upon it! Disintegrating it in seconds...finally as she continued to breathe in and out hard, there was once more only the eerie silence in the air. There was nothing now, no heartless... nobody.
Feeling this isolation around her as her anger and adrenalin pumped inside of her, it immediately began to recede. As it did, in seconds her sorrow quickly again came crashing down for she realised the terrible reality she was in, "I can't be with everyone anymore..." then collapsing onto her knees, her face was sorrowfully in her hands as she continued on to say, "I can't ever see them again, Mickey, Cait sith... I can't even be with Riku, I-!"
GLOW!
Shocked feeling a blue light envelop her, Nozomi slowly turned her head. Then as she did so, she saw a humanoid shape appear. It was glowing with a pale blue light and as it did so, a pair of arms reached out to her in a wide embracing gesture.
Confused seeing this she asked, "What's-?"
But quickly she stopped in her tracks, for the shape became more solid in its form and as it did so, it took on a feminine appearance. Looking on as it smiled to her, Nozomi began to recognise the person's image, it was one she looked at nearly every night before she went to bed. The one person who's warmth she always longed to feel again but never could... the one who had their arms opened out wide for her, welcoming her. It was none other than, "Mama...!"
For there her beloved parent was, smiling calmly and soothingly. As she did so, she gestured for her daughter to come to her. Nozomi losing her sorrow for a moment began to smile too and running to the image she cried out, "Mama!" With that she hugged the cool blue light and as she did so she uttered again, "Mama, you're here...you've come for me haven't you?"
Then the blue glowing figure hearing this only smiled more, squeezed Nozomi for a moment making her shimmer with blue light for a few moments all over, this done she finally detached herself from the keyblader. Doing this the young hurt girl looked to her quietly, in response the mother only smiled and holding her warm hand out she took Nozomi's hand and began to walk dragging her behind her.
The female keyblader didn't think to ask why her mother was there or how this even came to be. For in that moment of weakness, her mind had been wiped of all thoughts and her eyes were now glazed over. With no light of resistance shining in them, she followed the glowing blue spectre that was her mother listlessly into the darker domains of the Underworld...
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Walking with Yen Sid into another magically crafted room after going down various labyrinth like corridors, the band of heroes were confronted by a sight that was...utterly underwhelming.
For there before them all in the centre of the room that was filled with various magical items and accessories, all bundled haphazardly on boxes and shelves there was an old gold plated four poster bed.
Looking at this, Cait sith had to ask Mickey who's shoulder he was sitting upon, "Mickey mate, call me crazy but ya don't think we're gonna be usin' that bed there, do ya?"
Hearing the silly question being put to him as Yen Sid walked forwards and past them, Mickey replied, "Oh no! That'd be too absurd for even Yen Sid, I'm sure it must be one of these other treasures inside this room he intends for us to-!"
"All of you come over here to this bed!" Yen Sid declared calmly as he stood next to it.
Mickey immediately became dumbstruck by shock, while Cait sith then cried out mad, "I knew it!"
Then quietly Mickey and Riku walked over to the old piece of furniture. As they did so, annoyed Cait sith then demanded, "What do you intend for us to do!? Find her in Lullaby Land!?"
Yen Sid hearing this demand then replied, "That will not be your destination for this day no, there may come a time though when you may have to venture to that place."
As this reply was given, Cait sith became shocked himself as he asked, "That's a real location?"
However Riku not in the mood for idle chat, turned to Yen Sid as he got on the bed and asked, "Alright, what do we do? How do we find Nozomi?"
With this question put to him, Yen Sid reached into one of his deep blue cloth pockets. As he did, he then pulled out a single spherical item. Holding it in hand, he gave it to Riku.
The white haired keyblader looking at the item, saw it was a golden bed knob. Staring at it quietly, he looked to Yen Sid as he gave his explanation, "This bed is an heirloom I acquired from a witch who used to be an old apprentice of mine, this bed was one of the first transportive devices she ever created."
"Transportive device?" Mickey asked his old master.
To which Yen Sid nodded and explained, "That is correct Mickey, it is imbued with magical power to take it anywhere the holder wishes."
"And she chose a bed to use for a job like that?" Cait sith asked sceptical and curious.
"Yes, though the reasons for that I cannot say," Yen Sid replied.
Cait sith rolling his eyes then responded, "Oh I can hazard a few guesses."
Ignoring him, Riku then asked, "How do we make this bed work?"
Hearing this question, Yen Sid returned to the matter at hand and said, "Screw it into the right hand pole," immediately Riku followed this instruction and he screwed the knob in as much as he could. However stopping him from twisting it fully in, Yen Sid said, "But not to the point you can't undo it."
Riku then adjusted the knob quickly, then seeing it was ready he turned to Yen Sid again. As he did so, he was ready for his next instruction which Yen Sid gave to him, "Now you give the command, 'Bed take us to the Vessel of the Seventh Fragment, Nozomi Tao,' then after this you must tap the knob three times and give it a quarter turn to the left."
Breathing in and out, letting the information sink in Riku uttered to himself shuddering with nerves, "Left...turn it a quarter left."
Mickey seeing he was nervous at the spell but more so at the possibility of what they would find when they arrived at their destination, he put his gloved right hand gently over Riku's and told him, "It'll be alright Riku."
Hearing him say this, the white haired keyblader then told his friend, "Thank you, Mickey."
A small smile was given to him in reply. As it was, it was then Riku went to do as he was instructed, looking over the golden bed knob he commanded, "Bed take us to the Vessel of the Seventh Fragment, Nozomi Tao...our dear friend." With that he then tapped it three times though cautiously before finally giving it the quarter turn to the left.
With this done, there was silence... until suddenly glowing from the centre of the golden knob, red and yellow light began to glow from within it! As it did so, in seconds the light spread to the entire bed and it covered everyone who was on it! With this occurring the bed began to rock back and forth almost chaotically like an old motor engine that had geared itself into life!
Seeing and feeling this happen, Cait sith cried out, "Hey! Hey! Hey! What's happenin here!? What-!"
"I suggest you all hold on tight!" Yen Sid told them, as he did they all turned to face in his direction! As they all did, they heard the master wizard then tell them, "The nature of this bed can be unpredictable!"
Immediately all the keybladers hurriedly grabbed onto what bed posts they could get their hands on! While Cait sith holding onto the sheets that were under him cried out, "Ya should have told us that in the first place!" Then with that shout-!
GLITTER!
They all vanished into a burst of shining spray of glittering gold magic, as the bed went to take them to their chosen destination, leaving Yen Sid behind who silently wished them good speed on their endeavour.
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Meanwhile, deep within her castle of darkness Maleficent was maintaining her hold upon Nozomi's mind, manoeuvring the ghostly form of her mother she continued to move her forwards to one specific final location she had in mind for the helpless keyblader.
Watching on as this occurred, everyone was silent. Both Pete and Jona looked terribly uncomfortable at the event that was transpiring within the view of an observation orb, while their other comrade Hari looked on with her cold green eyes unflinchingly.
Seeing her do this and curious at what it was that their mistress had in mind, Pete walked over to his accomplice and putting his face to her right ear hiding his lips with his hand, he whispered to her, "Hari? What's Maleficent doin' there? Why don't she just take her here to us to finish?"
With that asked of her, Hari looking in Pete's direction then whispered back into his ear which he held up to her, "My Lady is taking her to the sea of lost souls."
"Sea of lost souls?" Pete repeated curiously.
Making a simple nod as this was asked, Hari then continued on to explain, "Correct, she's planning on having her end by being submerged in its waters... then after her body has met its end her spell it will entrap both her Fragment and that of the First... she wants this for it will incur the most despair and sorrow."
Nodding, Pete then said, "Oh I get it, gettin' two bird with one stone with a tragic climax!'
"Correct," then Hari spying Jona with her green eyes decided to inform Pete upon one issue that needed addressing, "And I must ask you Pete, do not speak the name of Uriax even if it is asked by Jona... do not say anything about it."
As this was said to him, Pete confused uttered, "Uriax?" But before he could ask anything more about this-!
"Mph!"
Confused by this mumble, Jona turned in Pete and Hari's direction. As she did, she saw the iron winged angel had put her right hand and finger to the overweight villain's lips silencing him. Puzzled as she saw this, the only thing she heard was Hari say, "Do not even utter it, do you understand?"
Pete not understanding the full reason for this secrecy only nodded his reply, with that he stood up properly again and watched to see how things would play out with Nozomi. Then in turn Jona did the same though she couldn't help but be suspicious. For what was it that could not even be uttered by a simpleton like Pete?
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Moving forwards being guided by the gentle hand that was her mother, Nozomi was silent. However still the same chilling happy smile graced her face, in her mind she'd been rendered into the child she was when her mother was still alive. Following after her, in her mind she asked her, "Mama? Where are we going today?"
As this was asked of her, the gentle woman looking to her daughter informed her, "I'm taking you to a very special place darling."
Curious titling her head, Nozomi asked her, "A special place?"
Nodding to her child, the woman told her, "That's right, a place where you and I can be together forever... where no-one will ever separate us again."
It was clear Nozomi in her younger state didn't quite understand what her mother meant, however as she looked to her with a bright warm smile she heard her ask, "Don't you think that's wonderful?"
With that put to her, Nozomi nodded brightly and replied, "Yeah! Wherever I am with mama it will always be wonderful!"
Hearing her say this, the mother smiled more. Then looking ahead, she saw it, the two of them had made it to their destination. Letting go of the young girl's hand for a moment, she ran a little distance away before coming to a halt before the edge of the sea of lost souls, as she did so she opened her arms and said, "Then come with me now, let's be together forever, Nozomi!"
With this asked of her, the little girl didn't see the ominous sea of green nor noticed it's eerie glow. All she could see was the figure and happy face of her mother welcoming her into another warm embrace, seeing it she had no reason to say no. So immediately she ran towards her saying, "Yes Mama!" For she was ready, ready to be wrapped in the warmth of love that she thought had been lost to her forever.
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GLOW!
"Aggh!"
SHUDDER! SHUDDER! SHUDDER!
Suddenly and at last, the bed stopped it's movements and had come to its destination! Shaking as his claws stayed firmly sunk into the fabric of the bed, Cait sith had to ask, "Have we made it yet?"
Opening one of his eyes, Mickey then looked around himself and seeing the dismal landscape of the Underworld. He confirmed the answer by saying, "Sure seems like it."
Riku who already had his eyes opened, looked about himself puzzled and as he did so, he got himself off the bed. As he did this, Cait sith couldn't help but ask, "Just where in Pete's dragon have we got to?" But then as he looked around himself for a little more he then said, "No wait... this place looks familiar! Is this-?"
"It's Hades domain," Riku answered and as he did so, he couldn't help but ask himself, "But why? Why would she come here of all-?"
"Yes Mama!"
Hearing this cry, everyone was on high alert! But reacting quickly, Riku cried out, "Nozomi!?"
Cait sith looking about cried out, "Where is that darn Banshee!? Where's-?"
Mickey then replied, "I don't know but-!"
TAP! TAP! TAP! TAP!
Suddenly hearing these running footsteps, Mickey then cried out, "Over there!" With that he and his comrades raced away from the bed and headed in the direction where they could hear the patter of bare feet on stone!
Turning a corner where they could hear the sound emanating from, they arrived to see the haunting sight that was playing out. For there, running towards an eerie blue glowing phantom that was in the shape of Maleficent's form, they saw their friend and comrade running towards her as well as the terrible turbulent green sea of the Underworld that was awaiting to give her, her demise!
Seeing this horrified, Cait sith cried, out in panic "Ya dumb lass what're ya doin'!?"
Mickey then answered, "She must be hypnotised or somethin'! We gotta act fast or-!"
"Leave Nozomi alone!"
It was then in shock, both Mickey and Cait sith saw Riku run forwards! His keyblade aimed straight ahead, he cried out enraged, "Firaga!"
BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Nozomi in the midst of her run momentarily slowed and as she did, she uttered, "Ma...ma?" For then the shape of her mother, twisted and quickly began to fizzle away into nothingness.
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"AAAGGGHHH!"
Shocked as Riku's spell came and burned her being through the mystical contact she had with the spectre, all her henchmen were shocked. Immediately Pete went to aid her cryin' out, "Maleficent!"
"You...!"
Quickly he came to a standstill though, for Maleficent enraged at what damage had been incurred on her, then cried out, "You impudent lowlife!" With that raising her staff into the air, she cried out, "I'll teach you to interfere with me!"
Seeing her become angered at having her prizes snatched just when they were in her grasp, Pete though saw this was a really bad decision! Despite his fear he went to try and stop her saying, "Maleficent think a second here! Ya can't just go zap them otherwise you might lose-!"
"Get out of my way you imbecile!"
BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
With that in seconds, Pete was struck away by her power but in her moment of distraction Maleficent had also-!
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BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Horrified, Riku, Mickey and Cait sith then saw the spell explode in it's last dying moments into a sphere of fierce electricity! This in turn caused Nozomi to be struck by its horrible paralysing powers and as she was, she was sent hurtling down head first into the abyss of lost souls!
"NOZOMI!"
Immediately running, Riku went to go and retrieve her!
Seeing what he was about to do, Mickey ran forwards crying out, "Riku don't!" With that just as his white haired comrade made it to the edge of that horrible cliff edge, he grabbed onto his legs which made him fall over his feet!
"Agh!" Feeling the pain, enraged Riku demanded, "Get off of me! I have to save her! I have to get Nozomi or-!"
"You'll just be lost forever yerself if ya do that ya dumb Snowball!"
Silenced by Cait sith's angry and upset words, Riku looked to him in terrible shock. As he was, Cait sith then had to say though clearly pain stricken, "None of us can get her out of there now." For looking over the edge he had to admit, "Not even me own powers can reach her..."
Riku hearing this felt like the world had come to a total standstill, he then uttered, "No...no!"
Mickey shook as he felt his trembling pain echo into him, he was feeling the same heart break and the overwhelming sorrow echoed everywhere as Riku screamed,
"NOZOMI!"
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"Cold...it's so cold."
Opening her eyes as she was immersed into the terrible sea of green souls, Nozomi didn't quite understand how she'd got into this situation. However, she did remember seeing one last thing before she found herself bathed in this haunting hue of emerald. The distorted figure of her mother, twisting and vanishing away before her eyes, as she remembered this she couldn't help but say sadly with a quivering pitiful smile, "So...even Mama has abandoned me, again?"
There came no audible reply to her question, instead only her terrible sadness and guilt came back to haunt her. She felt as well a great weakness overcoming her body, the effects of the accelerated ageing process of the sea was taking it's tolls on her.
Looking above to the receding light that was beginning to vanish, Nozomi somehow understood what was happening to her body. As she did, she didn't feel any will to fight it... instead all she did was utter, "I really am a cursed child, I lose everyone who's precious eventually don't I?" Then closing her eyes, she said, "I'm sorry Mama, Oralee...Wairu."
As she said this her skin began to grey and lose it's colour as wrinkles started ti set in, as they did she then said, "But now I guess, I'll vanish and come to be with you all...you won't hate me for that right?"
Again though, there came no reply but expecting as much as her clothes began to whither with her ageing skin, Nozomi then said, "But then again it wouldn't matter what anyone felt about me anyway...because I never existed in the first place, I was never meant to be born...because I'm just an empty container."
Saying those words though only made Nozomi's sadness worse and as she felt her life withering away with her now weakening body, she couldn't help but ask questions that she desperately wanted answers to, "Master...? Why did you adopt me?" Then shivering, she asked painfully, "Was it because you wanted to have the Fragment's power as well...it wasn't because you loved me? It wasn't because you wanted to live as a family with me?"
Then at that moment she felt the thread of her life begin to finally come undone. As she did so, she finally asked as her eyes began to close, "Why did I ever come into existence...?"
…
GLOW!
Suddenly though a warm light began to shine and as it did so, Nozomi didn't know if this was even real or if she was simply just wishing for it, but in another moment-!
TUG!
She felt herself being pulled into a warm embrace and as she was-!
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…
Everyone above was in the deepest throws of bitter grief, Mickey, Cait sith and Riku had all lost her. Their friend and comrade who'd been with them for so long, through so many ups, downs, battles, losses and victories. The pain was too immeasurable to be summed in simple words, instead it was displayed through their tears that fell and soaked into the dark coloured stone beneath them.
Shivering with his grief and heartbreak, Riku hated himself! He hated this weakness! Why couldn't he do anything right!? He'd let her down now... twice and he would never, never be able to-!
"Damn it!"
PUNCH!
As he performed this gesture pummelling his right fist into the floor that once held his keyblade, he couldn't help but continue on to say, "Damn it...!" For there was nothing he could do, nor the others who were feeling the same bitter frustrations and guilt. There was nothing any of them could do anymore...
GLOW!
Suddenly though all of them felt a warm radiance! Confused at this they turned and there they saw a golden light emanating from the sea of souls!
Looking at this Cait sith asked, "What's that? Am I imagin' this right now or can-?"
"I can see it," Mickey answered however he had to add, "But even I don't know what this is? It's-!"
SPLASH!
Immediately from the waters depths, two figures appeared! As they did so everyone was shocked at what they could now see, for there was-!
"Nozomi!?"
Aching, hearing her name being called the dark haired girl turned her head in the direction she could hear the voice and as she did, she asked, "Ri...ku?"
"So then...?"
Hearing this voice, Nozomi felt herself freeze. For she then suddenly realised that she was being held in someone's arms! As she did so, she saw that these arms were covered in a soft yet strong fabric, that was a shade of vibrant warm red and seeing this, she looked up to the person's face.
In turn, they were looking down at her too and as they were she heard him say, "Even after all this time, you still manage to cause trouble for yourself and others?"
Riku, Mickey and Cait sith looking on though were silent. For this person that had saved their comrade looked to be an older man, he'd looked like he'd seen his share of battles. He had a scar over his right eye, with greying dark coloured hair that was combed back. His red robes blew gently in the chilling wind that was the Underworld, as they did he created a presence that one couldn't help but be in awe at.
Cait sith overcoming his moment of wonder though couldn't help but ask, "Who the heck is that guy?!"
Nozomi though looking at the person in question didn't hear the crowned cat, however she spoke his title that meant so much to her, "Master...!" Then seeing he'd finally got her attention, he made a small nod and gave her a small smile, at this she cried out, "MASTER!" With that she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly though trembling feeling his warmth, she was overcome with tears of happiness that overflowed from her eyes.
Seeing her do this, it was then that Mickey looking on asked, "Master?" However after another small moment, he finally recognised who this person was! When he'd done his reconnaissance checking upon Sora and the others when Xemnas was still a threat, he remembered the warrior who had fought in the coliseum with them and against them. As he did, he asked, "Auron...Auron is Nozomi's master!?"
However the question of how this came to be didn't need to be answered at that moment, for the feeling of relief and happiness was overwhelming for all present. For now it was the beginnings of a rejuvenation and healing for the holder of the Seventh Fragment.