Chapter CCLXXIV: The Palace of Alexandra Final Part
Quiet as Hari's form faded away and with Pete was now in the depths of unconsciousness that was now robbing him of all his memories of her... neither knew what to do or say.
Wiping his eyes, Timbre then uttered, "I've cried way too much today, I'm a total sap!"
Shaking her head, Nozomi told him, "No you're not...cause I'm crying too."
"You're a girl that's expected," Timbre told her.
Mad Nozomi then told him, "Shut up! No it isn't!"
However it was a weak argument, neither had then energy to carry on. But the more pressing issue was one thing, "Well what do we do now?" For looking at the Fragment's that were in hand, that were the cores of her fellow Vessels hearts. She couldn't believe these glittering shards were them... they were too small to represent all of who they were.
Timbre didn't respond straight away as he looked at the Fragment's too. But after a little bit, he said, "Well there's only one person we have to stop, we gotta get rid of Xehanort!"
Nodding Nozomi replied, "Yeah you're right but..." She didn't want to say it.
"What?" Timbre asked her wanting to know what was eating her.
She struggled but then finally said it, "Well if we wanna have the power to go against him, we'll need..." With that she gestured her hand which held the floating Fragment's in her hands.
As she did this, Timbre was alarmed at this prospect. He wanted to object! But... then remembering the struggles they had facing Xehanort, he knew she was right. However he told her, "I won't like doing this."
Nozomi released a sad laugh and replied, "Yeah me either." With that she lifted hand and with that Timbre reached over to take one, it was clear which one he would choose as it orange radiance began to touch his clawed hand.
The female Keyblader remained quiet, as she thought of who she'd take. But before she could really consider-!
"Denied unfortunately!"
Shocked hearing this terrible voice, Nozomi and Timbre didn't even have the time turn to look as-!
"Flare Tornado!"
BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Nozomi and Timbre were sent off their feet and as they were, the Fragment's that were in the female Keyblader's hands fell from them!
As they impacted into the floor, thrown back by the horrible spell, they were burning despite the healing that the waters of the Myrrh tree was giving them. In agony, Nozomi lifted herself up and then saw to her horror, Xehanort had already made his way over to the Fragment's that were Oralee and Jona's, she shouted loudly, "No don't!"
But it was too late as-!
GLOW!
Her expression became filled with despair as Xehanort absorbed them both into himself! She shook terribly as the evil man then looked over to her, he started to spark all over with vibrant orange power and his right eye revealed the pink that Oralee held. He now had terrible increased strength and the ability to read people's hearts and minds!
They didn't have a chance now! If they couldn't-!
GLOW!
However another pair of glowing radiances caught her eye, a green and red couple. Hari and Kagi's Fragment's! Nozomi had to get to them! She got up painfully and rushed forwards to grab them but-!
SHINE!
Suddenly blocking her way came a glowing a yellow shield spell! It prevented Nozomi from touching them! "No!" She cried, then bringing her Keyblade forth she tried to attack it and-!
SHING! SHING! SHING!
It was no use, her blows just bounced straight off the shield! She couldn't get through at all!
"It's no use..."
Hearing this confident declaration, Nozomi could hear Xehanort approaching and as she turned around, she saw he had one of the most sinister victorious smiles she'd ever seen as he told her, "All you can do is submit!"
Nozomi felt helpless, there really was no way they could win now! They'd be-!
"HHHAAA!"
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
Suddenly a series of spears came rushing forth! As they did, Nozomi couldn't believe it! Then she turned and saw who was doing this, it was Timbre! With an angered expression on his face he told the Lord of Darkness, "I'm not giving up to you! Not ever!" With that he charged forwards!
Nozomi though panicked cried out, "Timbre don't no!"
But he wouldn't listen! He charged on ahead and calling more spears around him, he went to strike the evil man over and over! But-!
CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!
It was no use, none of his blows could get through! For each and every one was anticipated by Xehanort, who could read his every move because of the Sixth Fragment, Oralee's power!
But despite the hopelessness, Timbre cried out desperate, "I'm not giving in to you! I refuse! I'll save my sister from you! I'll get back Oralee and Reeve! I-!"
SLASH!
"Ah!"
Quickly in seconds the jewelled eye patch that had been gifted to him from his sibling so long ago was cut away from his left side. As it was, it revealed a single eye that was golden yellow, but it's pupil was not normal. It too was a Keyhole, like the princess he so adored!
He looked up to Xehanort shocked as he heard the evil man say with a smile, "It's over for you." With those words, he pointed his horrible weapon Annihilation at him and-!
GLOW!
Nozomi saw that same bright light come and in seconds it struck Timbre, entering into his eye and quickly-!
CLICK!
The terrible sound of an Unlocking came! In moments Timbre fell backwards in the waters of the Myrrh tree, his body was already beginning to break down into purple shards!
Nozomi couldn't believe it! The only other friend she had, the only other Vessel like her was now disappearing! He was-!
"Nozomi!"
Broken out of her despair before she could fully sink into it, Timbre used what strength he had and cried out, "Get them! Get their Fragments now!"
"What?" Not understanding, the female Keyblader looked where the pink haired Sphynx was pointing. As she did, it was then she saw to her amazement that the shield that Xehanort had cast around the Fragment's had disappeared! She could get them now! She didn't hesitate! She ran!
Seeing he'd been distracted by his own overconfidence, the protection had dropped! Xehanort though went to cast the shield again saying, "I don't think so!" But before he could fully concentrate-!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
Timbre had cast more of his spears at Xehanort stopping him immediately! The man retreated from this and saw the Sphynx with his disintegrating hand aimed right at him. As he did, he told him, "I don't go down without some fight in me!"
Xehanort hearing this was quiet for a moment. Then he smiled again as he remembered Terra's past words, "Adorable, I do indeed love tenacity."
Timbre shivered from the pain as he felt his body breaking down more and more! But more so, he didn't know what Xehanort would do to him! Would he-!
"I got you!" She cried, with that she held the precious Fragment's in her hands as she held them close to her heart. As she did gasping it was then she heard-!
"Urgh!"
Turning around she saw her fading friend had been grabbed by his shirt by Xehanort's terrible hand, making his form be lifted off the floor or what was left of it! As he was she cried out, "Timbre no!"
Xehanort cared not for her cry nor for the angry pained look of the Sphynx instead he told the beast boy, "But I detest losing what's mine!" With that his other free hand glowed with violent dark power and-!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
He struck straight into Timbre's middle, making him scream in pain before he threw him away into Nozomi's direction! He landed with a hard splash, as his Fragment finally left his body and came to stay within the horrible man's hand.
"Timbre! Timbre no!" Nozomi quickly ran to him and gathering him in her arms, she called out to him, "Please! Please don't go! Please!"
Despite the pain he was clearly in, the pink haired boy laughed weakly and said, "No can do...sorry."
Shaking her head, Nozomi didn't want this to be real! She didn't want this to be happening!
Timbre though told her, not wanting her to give in to despair "It's up to you Nozomi...save us all, please!"
She nodded to this desperately, her tears continuing to pour.
As he saw this Timbre then revealed one thing with the last of his strength, "I'm glad I was of use and I got to go in the arms of a pretty girl, Balthier...and the rest would be pleased with an exit...like this..."
GLOW!
He said nothing more as finally the Unlocking had taken it's toll and he was fully absorbed into the Third Fragment. That now lay within Xehanort's hand.
Nozomi hated this! She hated this empty feeling in her hands, Timbre's warmth was fading so fast! It wasn't fair! It wasn't! However looking to the two Fragment's she'd been able to retrieve, Hari and Kagi's... she knew there was no other choice. She needed their strength and power, so she put them to her heart uttering, "I'm sorry..." She then felt their radiance enter her chest...
"Ha!" In seconds, she saw visions as the two of them entered her, their memories, their emotions... everything. The power of their life was so tremendous that she shivered as now her Keyhole upon her abdomen glowed with a green and red light, along with a darker and lighter blue that was her and Wairu's power.
As she was overwhelmed by all these sensations, shaking she began to stand up as Xehanort then said with sinister glee, "And last the Seventh! You are the only one left for me to acquire!" Nozomi heard him lift up his Keyblade, Annihilation!
Though her heart was breaking inside from all the loss, her determination burned as she was going to grant Timbre's, no! Everyone's wish! She was going to save everyone! So she in turn lifted up her own Keyblade, the Knight's Seeker!
There were no more words as quickly the two of them raced at each other and-!
CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH! CLASH!
They exchanged blow after blow, racing here there and everywhere within the healing chamber of the Myrrh tree!
As they continued this exchange, Xehanort took his moment and aimed right at her and released his attack, " Flare Shot!"
Nozomi in turn aimed her own attack at him and cried out, "Blizzazeo!"
BLAST!
SHINE!
The two attacks struck each other instantly and as the intensity of their power clashed!
BOOM!
It sent them both flying back from each other from the shock of the impact!
Landing on the floor, clearly enjoying himself Xehanort told the girl, "Not bad!"
Nozomi landing near the doorway to the chamber breathed in and out hard, she didn't have time though to utter a single word as-!
"But not good enough!"
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
Immediately countless spears came rushing towards her! They looked like a horrible long dark metallic snake as they all came to rip her to pieces! Seeing this she moved fast crying out, "Hastazeo!"
With that the speed enhancing spell helped her! She then ran fast using her wings to take off and fly into the air! She had to avoid this attack at all cost! He couldn't let him hit her!
As she escaped away, Xehanort smiled and said, "This was why you were always my favourite Fragment!" With those words he then went to chase after his quarry!
"Luminous Sparkling Tornado!"
Casting her strong wind attack magic in seconds, the Spears were all thrown back! However Nozomi knew this wouldn't last long! She had to get out of that space, somewhere she'd have more room to move! Somewhere-!
BBBOOOMMM!
It was then she noticed light! Looking above it was then she saw a dazzling display of light! She was shocked as she recognised what it was, fireworks! But why? Why now of-!
"This night long ago was the celebration of the two thousand year dynasty of the kingdom..."
Remembering Reeve's words and when they had first come to the palace, Nozomi then realised, "Maybe the next part of the celebration has occurred?" However more important than that, it was then Nozomi noticed it! A hole in the glass ceiling, it must have been Timbre who'd done that! In the air she would-!
"Found you!"
Shocked Nozomi turned around and there she saw fast catching up to her, despite the aid of the upgraded Haste spell she'd used! She quickly saw the Master of Darkness manipulate his right hand and as he did,
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
More horrible spears came charging her way! She had to get out of there and fast! Making it straight under the hole, used another of her techniques, "Shimmering Sewing!" With that quickly one of the orbs above her released it's thread and she was able to pull herself up and away out of the line of attack! Quickly she was pulled up into the night sky itself where she witnessed more of the majesty of the Kingdom of Alexandra, as it's tall marble pillars and towers stretched as far as the eye could see!
BBBOOOMMM!
But she didn't get any time to truly take in the splendour even as the fireworks lit up the place with dazzling colour, as quickly coming up to chase her through that same hole again was Xehanort!
CLASH!
Again their Keyblades clashed against each other! As Nozomi kept her strength up against him, she heard the Master of Darkness tell her with a smile, "You certainly are a spritely little one aren't you?"
Nozomi didn't care for this and again, tried attack him! Pulling herself back from him, she made a fast rotation with her wings and quickly her attack upgraded as she cried out, "Glitter Spiral Kick!" With that she struck straight into Xehanort and started to retreated away from him, she needed more time to think of something!
Xehanort falling back from the attack that hit him, the evil man uttered, "Looks like this little bird has some sting in her claws!" With that he began his pursuit of her again!
Running along the rooftops, Nozomi was trying to formulate something! Anything that would give her an advantage! Even for a moment would be enough! If she could just-!
"Fly high my little birdie!" Xehanort mocked from above and Nozomi turned to look above him, she saw that he was aiming at her again and quickly he released his next attack, "Siege Flare!"
BURN! BURN! BURN! BUNR! BURN! BURN! BUNR! BURN!
With wide eyes, Nozomi quickly saw eight flaming meteors of green fire and they were aimed straight at her! It looked like flying was the only option but, no! He'd be expecting that! Instead she jumped off the edge of the tall tower she was on and started to run down the marble wall of it! The green meteors flying straight after her!
Seeing her run like this instead of fly, Xehanort was surprised for he was sure he'd have clear shot if she'd done that with his Fire Blaster. But it didn't matter, he continued the game of chase as he flew on after her!
Nozomi running on and on, felt herself begin to slow. The Haste magic was running out! This wasn't good! Then she felt-!
FLARE!
Looking behind herself she saw to her dismay and horror that the eight meteors had joined together to become one enormous hellish inferno!
Sweating not just from the heat, Nozomi cried out, "Oh why does this have to happen to me!?" She couldn't think of what to do! All she could do was run forwards! There was nowhere to go to the left or right without the threat of that thing turning to come after her!
Her mind raced! What could she do? What thing or ability would get her out of this mess! When had she-!
It was then she quickly remembered it, Treasure Planet! That gold monster! Then looking around herself, she saw to her relief what she needed! She got to work immediately as she reached her hand out!
FLARE!
Watching on as his hellish creation continued to chase her down into the depths of the Kingdom below, Xehanort couldn't help but smile. This was more fun he'd had in countless years! She was more entertaining than even Rosso was!
Then he had to stop and wonder? How could he have memory of her and the rest of these Vessels? He couldn't know the full reason why, but he simply uttered one thing, "I must be as broken as these Vessels, considering the body and being I once was cut away into pieces." But it didn't matter, soon the rest of his Fragment's would come to him and-!
"Stunning Mirror Rush!"
Quickly pulled out of his thoughts he uttered, "What?"
FLASH!
Suddenly something glowing brightly with white light came charging straight through the green inferno and as it did, it exploded from the power of that light!
KABOOM!
Xehanort couldn't believe the dazzling knight that was coming towards him! His eyes widened as he heard it say, "Take this!" With that her Keyblade glowed brightly with red light and-!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
A barrage of cuts were released on him! The pain was clear on his face as each blow was struck into him! Nozomi who continued to this, fuelled by adrenalin and the power of the protective coating the orbs gave her, demanded, "You had enough yet!?"
Nozomi wasn't expecting answer though as Xehanort said somehow in an amused tone, "Not at all!" Then-!
GRAB!
"Agh!"
Nozomi's attacks were stopped in seconds as Xehanort grabbed her by her head! His tough right hand was right upon her helmet keeping her from moving in any effective way at all!
As she thrashed around like a weak kitten held by the scruff of it's neck, Xehanort couldn't help but muse, "This is so familiar, I did this before long ago with Ventus didn't I...?"
The female Keyblader though didn't reply, instead she kept up her struggles! Grabbing at him to let go! As his squeezing was intensifying by the moment, as his strength was being fuelled by the First Fragment, Jona's power!
Xehanort though remembered one other little thing, "Though of course then I grabbed him from behind," Then moving one particular dangerous thing he finished saying, "This I find is much easier!"
It was then that Nozomi saw to her horror that Xehanort was pointing his Keyblade Annihilation straight at her! It began to glow brightly with white light, he was going to Unlock her! She had to act fast! Moving her own Keyblade she cried out loudly, "FIRAGZEO!"
KABOOM!
SMASH!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Falling back in the air, Nozomi to her horror felt her helmet had been smashed to pieces! Her eyes were no longer covered! If they weren't that would mean Xehanort would be able to read her mind! He could-!
"That was uncalled for!"
This was the first time, the first time that she heard rage in the horrible man's voice! Even this was chilling as he looked down at her from above! His hand aimed at her, he cried out his attack, "Dark Shot!"
VOOM!
Seeing this horrible power coming for her, Nozomi reacted fast and immediately started running out of the way! She had to evade! Get away from Xehanort! As she ran, she saw that her speed wasn't going to be enough! She cried out, "Shimmering Sewing!"
In seconds, the bright thread from one of the orbs quickly drew out of harms way! However she then heard, "You won't escape me!"
Turning to face him, Nozomi saw his eye glow with the Sixth Fragment's pink light! As it did, she knew that the man of Darkness had read her mind, but she didn't care for this, instead she shouted to him, "Just watch me try!" But as she ran-!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
Xehanort in response released a fiery barrage of blows! As she evaded one after the other, running along rooftops and sprinting with her wings through the air as more fireworks went off in the distance-!
BBBOOOMMM!
She couldn't help but utter, "This is so not fair!" With that as she ran on, she tried to think of something, anything that would be a good counter against all this terrible power she was being assaulted with!
BLAST! BLAST! BLAST!
But as each came, it was beginning to feel more and more hopeless for her! She just felt like she couldn't do anything! But as she thought she remembered-!
"It's up to you Nozomi...save us all, please!"
She again remembered Timbre's desperate plea, she couldn't give up! Not then! Not for them! As she raced on, she heard another-!
BLAST!
Powerful blow from Xehanort rush straight on by her, as it did she decided she couldn't run then, so aiming her Keyblade straight at him, she cried out her own attack, "Shining Star Rays!"
The comets of light immediately came forth and as they did, they aimed straight for Xehanort! But the sinister Master of Darkness simply smiled and with his own weapon-!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
He sliced into each of them before-!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
They exploded behind him! He grinned at her menacingly before he uttered, "Is that the best you have?" With that he aimed and-!
BLAST!
He unleashed another blow her way! This was a gamble and Nozomi knew it! But she had to try and so replied, "Not at all!" With that-!
STRIKE!
She struck immediately the blow that had been meant for her! It grated against her Keyblade and she thought this wouldn't work but in another second-!
SHINE!
It glowed brightly with light! In seconds, she knew this was and called out, "Glow Blow!" With that she sent the ball of light straight at Xehanort but-!
SHINE!
Xehanort called upon the powers of the Fifth Fragment, creating a shining shield of yellow light all around him and in another second-!
BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
The aftershock of the blow sent her flying backwards! Then as the power of it flowed away, Xehanort released his shield and said, "That might have actually hurt if that hit me." With a smile on his face he went to again chase after his target!
SMASH!
"Urgh!" Impacting a marble wall of another building, Nozomi uttered aching, "That really hurt!" But-!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
"Agh!"
To her horror, Nozomi was suddenly grabbed from all sides by countless dark tendrils! As she looked around herself she saw all around her there were Heartless all around her! They were crowding underneath the shadows of the tower like insects! All of them had come together to form a chain to hold down all her limbs!
The colour drained from her face seeing this and in another moment she heard-!
"Now you're mine!"
She turned and saw that it was Xehanort he was coming rushing forwards straight towards her! His Keyblade Annihilation aimed right at her! It was over! As she closed her eyes in fright-!
"Don't give up!"
Someone spoke to her! Was it one voice more? She couldn't tell but-!
GLOW!
Suddenly her entire body glowed with bright red light and in seconds-!
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
The Heartless that had all been holding her back were wiped out! Her limbs were free again! She quickly dove down straight out of the way of Xehanort's attack!
As she fled though the evil man was fast after her! She heard him cry out, "What's wrong have you got no fight left?"
Hearing this taunting, Nozomi gritted her teeth! This wasn't how she wanted things to be! But her mind was racing! What could she do now! How was she supposed to get the upper hand! How-!
Suddenly something occurred to her that she could do, as she remembered a certain trick Mickey had done when facing Hari and Jona a little while ago...maybe this could work for her too! But she needed a distraction! Someone who could-!
SHINE!
It was then she caught a glimpse of a certain multicoloured Summon Gem on her bracelet, she'd barely used it! But now it could be just the thing she needed!
"Fire Blaster!"
BLAST!
Suddenly Xehanort unleashed his attack! Making it come straight for her! She shivered from the horrible sight of the blaze coming for her!
She whispered quickly her plan to them before summoning them forth, "Yuna, Rikku, Paine! Please give me strength!" With that she turned and aimed crying out while closing her eyes, "Gullwings come forth!"
FLASH!
Stopping in his tracks, Xehanort looked on confused as he asked, "What is-!"
"You're gonna get it now pal!"
Xehanort didn't know where this voice had come from, but quickly-!
"BBBZZZTTT!"
ZZZAAAPPP!
"Agh!"
Angry he saw that from somewhere he'd been struck by powerful thunder magic which sparked with yellow stars! But he could figure out who'd done this-!
"Bully's like you need to be taught a thing or two!"
FFFWWWIIISSSHHH!
He was then hit by another blast of magic, this time it was a powerful water spell, that too came with blue sparkling stars! He turned and he was sure he caught a glimpse of something when-!
BLAST!
He himself was struck by a powerful fire spell and as he was he ached, then he finally saw who it was who'd done this! There above him with her small black wings aloft, was a small feminine figure who said with displeased, "That's how you use fire!"
Looking at her Xehanort then realised, "Fairies!" Annoyed, he uttered, "Tch! Childish tactics of course!"
"We'll show ya childish!"
It was then the spunky blonde of the group came forth and quickly was grabbed by one of the lines of her scarf by the dark coloured one, as she wanted to punch Xehanort head on! Clearly mad!
"Rikku c'mon you've gotta get a hold of yourself! You can't let this guy get the better of you now!" It was then the leader of the group came forth, dressed in colours of blue and pink with her long ponytail. Her green and blue heterochromia eyes gave Xehanort a hard glare as she went on to say, "He'll get his comeuppance! Just you wait!"
The Master of Darkness though was clearly fed up with this childish display and said, "Annoying, typical of pests!" With that he aimed and cried out, "Siege Flare!"
BURN! BURN! BURN! BUNR! BURN! BURN! BUNR! BURN!
With that eight balls of fire when speeding straight towards the Gullwings! They looked on with surprise but quickly, Yuna cried out, "Gullwings! Dodge!" With that they separated and immediately all flew out of the way of the attack!
Seeing them all flutter away like the bugs they were, Xehanort uttered, "How irritating..." Then he turned around to look about himself, however he noticed one thing... his target had vanished completely!
He couldn't feel her presence anywhere, realising this with shock. He could think one thing! "Those fairies! They must have taken her!" With that brimming with darkness he went to chase each and every one of them down!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Yuna, Rikku and Paine though having separated from each other, the balls of fire hadn't ceased coming after them! "This is bad!" Rikku uttered sweating from anxiety and the heat!
Then looking about, she saw that her fellow team members were having trouble too as they weaved in and out the place! The balls of fire refusing to give up their chase of them!
Seeing them struggle, Rikku cried out worried, "Yunie! Paine!" Then as she cried this out-!
"There you are!"
It was then Xehanort appeared right behind her and as he did, he hand aimed at her! She didn't have time to think as-!
"Fire Blazer!"
BLAST!
The attack came at her! Rikku had to think fast and quickly she did as she cried out, "Take this!"
ZZZAAAPPP!
In seconds her spell clashed with Xehanort's attack and-!
KABOOM!
"WHOA!"
The small fairy was sent spinning backwards! She was getting horribly dizzy when-!
"Rikku!?"
Quickly she was caught by a pair of strong and gentle arms she knew well, looking up she said with relief, "Wow! Thanks Yunie!"
Her fellow fairy smiled brightly, however she saw that the evil man had stepped aside and quickly the fireballs were coming straight for them and to her dread the ones that had been chasing her too was coming for her!
"This is a right mess we're in isn't it?" Paine said annoyance as she appeared to re-join her comrades. Yuna could see that sadly even her tough friend couldn't escape her deadly fireballs either!
Seeing them all coming, Yuna knew there was only one thing for it, "Gullwings! We're gonna have to do it! Our big finish!"
Hearing this though, Rikuu cried out, "But that won't help Nozomi though! If we do it now we'll-!"
"We'll be cinders!" Paine interrupted, then as she did and she saw all the fire was fast approaching, she added, "Then we won't be able to help anyone anymore!"
Hearing this, Rikku wanted to protest but she knew there was nothing else the trio could do. So quickly all three got into their formation!
FLARE!
Quickly all the firepower all joined together to become one massive comet and as it did, the three fairies unleashed their attack! Flying fast as the hellish comet came to strike them all down, the three of them separated and immediately they encased the terrible attack with their power!
The three elements they each used fired over and over the attack before finally it all glowed brightly with white power! As it all did, they all spun together in formation and in seconds the fiery blast sparkled into a huge white star and as it did, they all cried out in unison!
"Y, R, P! Gullwings Star Stage On!"
KABOOM!
Immediately the comet was destroyed and vanished away in a sparkle of white light with fading stars!
The girls were depressed as this was no help at all! Rikku looking to her comrades asked, "What do we do now?" However before anyone could answer-!
"Give me back what's mine!"
Then suddenly swooping in to attack them, with his terrible Keyblade Annihilation aimed right at them, they saw the enraged Master of Darkness was ready to wipe them out as he demanded, "Tell me where the Seventh Fragment is!?"
The girls cowered! This was it! They wouldn't be able to-!
SHINE!
Suddenly though a light shone out of nowhere! As it did, Xehanort demanded, "What is-!"
"It's Game Over for you Chump!"
With that all three fairies mocked him by showing their tongues like children! He didn't understand what was-!
"ASTRAL AERIAL SMASH!"
Gasping in pain, Xehanort was struck straight into his back! As he was his eyes widened not understanding, but there was no need for that as he was thrown into a sea of pain, as he was kicked over and over before-!
BLAST!
He was struck through his middle by a powerful beam of light! As he gasped he turned and it was then he saw who had done this to him, his target the Seventh Fragment!
However it was clear she was not finished as she flew beneath him and quickly unleashed another powerful blow,
"Blossoming Prism of Light!"
Xehanorrt was then encased within a bright glowing diamond and from within it he was struck over and over by a pulsing vibrant power that made him breathless before finally-!
SHINE!
He was struck straight through his middle! Then as the light faded quickly-!
SLASH!
He was sent plummeting down by a burning red slash from Nozomi's Keyblade and as he descended, he saw what gave his target an advantage a Door of Time that she had wished for, when he'd dropped his guard. Realising this, he couldn't help but smile with amusement but-!
"Blizzazeo!"
He was struck by a powerful ice spell that crashed straight into him and in another moment-!
SMASH!
His body straight through the glass roof of a particular building, a greenhouse. Quickly he was frozen in place by the powerful ice magic. Preventing him from moving at all...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Nozomi still above breathed in and out hard from exhilaration, as she looked to the Gullwings, she told them, "Thanks guys! You really pulled me out of a pinch there!"
Nodding, Yuna then told her, "It's okay! Just keep doing your best Nozomi!"
Rikku agreed and added enthusiastically, "Yeah punch his lights out!"
While Paine only told her one thing, "Good luck!"
The female Keyblader made a small nod in reply and quickly with that the three fairies returned to their Summon Gem form as it came to rest upon her bracelet again.
Nozomi knew there was no time to wait! So she dove straight down, as she did she made it through the broken hole Xehanort had created from his fall.
Descending down, she quickly arrived at his position and as she did she saw that her ice was fixing him in place! The damage he incurred must have left him with no strength at all. She was glad. But the brief positive emotion fled as she heard-!
"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"
His laughter filled the air, it was haunting and sent ice running through her veins. How could he laugh, how could be enjoying this when-!
She snapped running straight over, she yelled him pinning him down as she grabbed him by his neckline, "Shut up! Stop laughing!"
"How can I?" The evil man mocked, then as he did and he looked up to her, he couldn't help but say, "To think, that a mere Vessel like you would best me like this!"
Seeing him smile away like this, Nozomi then told him, "Everything that's happened here...all of it, all of it is your fault!"
Still continuing to smile, Xehanort replied, "Yes, everything was my doing!"
Nozomi couldn't stop her words she told the evil man, "If you'd never existed... if you'd never existed, then one would be suffering right now! Aqua, Terra and Ventus, back then they all would have-!"
"Yes they would have all lived," however he had to reveal one crucial detail, "But if I had never existed, neither would you now."
Nozomi shivered hearing that, for he was right. But still she pressed on not wanting him to smile like this any more, "You're-!"
"I am exactly what you imagine me to be..." He told her chillingly.
Nozomi stopped. As the horrible haunting dark monstrous image of him appeared in her mind of what she imagined. Xehanort then seeing this thought with the power of the Sixth Fragment, did but one thing. He laughed again heartlessly.
This was it. Nozomi had had enough! Getting up quickly, she called upon her Keyblade once more! As she did she was going to end this once and for all!
GLOW!
Her weapon glowed with the power of Unlocking! This was it! It was finally the end!
However Xehanort told her in a daring tone, "Go ahead and try if you can! Go on Seventh Fragment!"
Nozomi shivered! She hated doing this! But now she could save them! Timbre, Reeve, Jona and Oralee! She'd get them out of him and then-!
CREAK...!
Suddenly from behind them, a door opened and as it did, distracted Nozomi turned to look behind confused and there she saw one person she didn't expect to see there at all. It was none other than, "Riku...?"
For there indeed was the white haired Keyblader standing in the doorway, awake but silent.
Nozomi looking at him couldn't help but reveal a smile as she cried out forgetting her hatred for a brief moment, "Riku! You're okay! I'm so glad you-!"
However there was something wrong, he didn't respond to her! Then she noticed something else. He was dragging someone by a single limp arm, this person was, "Sora?"
Her eyes widened as she saw the Keyblade Master in Riku's grip. He was still caught in the sway of Maleficent's deathly slumber magic. But even he was wincing within his unconscious state. But why had Riku brought him all the way here? How did he-?
But there was no time to ask further questions as her treasured ally, pulled Sora up and then drawing out his own Keyblade, 'The Way to Dawn,' and held it up to his best friend's neck!
Seeing this, Nozomi was horrified! Quickly she got up Xehanort to run towards this to stop this from happening, she cried out panicked, "Riku don't-!"
DROP!
Riku released his hold on Sora, but in another moment-!
PIERCE!
"Agh!"
Nozomi's eyes widened in horror! As there in that moment, instead of cutting into his precious friend... Riku instead had ran straight over and stabbed the end of his Keyblade into Nozomi's abdomen! Making it enter into her Keyhole!
All she could do was gasp in pain and look down at the unbelievable sight before-!
CLICK!
That terrible sound filled the air and in another moment-!
BLAST!
She was struck with horrible dark power and thrown backwards and then-!
SHATTER!
GRAB!
"Ugh!"
She was quickly grabbed by the back of the head and as she was, she realised with terror, Xehanort had broken free from her ice! The Unlocking had already begun and she could feel her form disintegrating into pale blue shards like glass. It hurt, it was horrible as tears began to line her eyes, realising she'd failed to fulfil her promise.
Xehanort though clearly didn't care as he told her one last thing, "You truly are a pathetic soul!" Then-!
BLAST!
She was hit by the same terrible power Timbre had been struck by and quickly she was sent hurtling onto the floor. Paralysed from pain, all she could do was twitch helplessly as the Unlocking continued to eat away at her body.
Then Xehanort pleased by the sight of her pain lifted his hand and in second-!
"Urgh!"
Riku collapsed onto his knees as something dark haunting escaped from his back, a Dark Figure which had possessed his previous Vessel to enact his terrible plan, to gain the last Fragments!
As he opened his eyes, for the first time in what felt like forever. Riku was confused, looking about himself he asked, "What was I-?"
Then suddenly he saw it, the sight he never wished to see. There on the floor, in pain as her body continued to break down into light blue shards, was the one person who he came to treasure above all others in his heart.
"No!" He gasped horrified, then looking to his Keyblade that was in his hand and to Xehanort he smiled smugly. He realised then what the terrible Master of Darkness had made him do, as the Seventh Fragment came to rest in his outreached hand!
However before he could move to her, to do anything he heard her weakly call out, with all things. A relieved smile on her face as she tried to reach out to him, "Ri...ku..." However that was all she could do, as finally her body succumbed and she completely disappeared!
He couldn't believe it! He couldn't! "NOZOMI!" Running despite the curse of the Fragments trying to pull him into that accursed sleep of forgetfulness, he cried out as the other lost ones came to rest in Xehanort's hands, "NO! STOP IT! GIVE HER BACK TO ME!"
But it was too late! Xehanort absorbed all of them and in another moment-!
BLAST!
"AAAGGGHHH!"
Riku was thrown back and as he was cringing in pain as he lay upon the floor, he heard the evil man echo breathlessly in euphoria, "The Seventh's beautiful Fragment..."
The Keyblade Master willed himself to get up! To do something! Anything! But he couldn't and then-!
SHINE!
Xehanort's body glowed all over with ominous white light and as it did, Riku heard him yell, "AND AT LAST! I AM COMPLETE!"
Everything around was absorbed into blinding light and now it was no use. He couldn't fight the curse any longer, but even as his eyelids began to close. The one thing he couldn't help but reach out to, the one thing that he created as his promise to her. Was the hair clip that he had created for Nozomi and with the last of his strength, he grabbed hold of it with his right hand as everything faded away...