Chapter LIX: In the case of Baker Street part XI
Outside of the palace walls the streets were elaborated decoratively with red, blue and white coloured banners and ribbons hanging off the gates and iron rails along with the many balloons hanging around here and there.
The people of the mouse kingdom filed in cheerfully and delightfully anticipating the queen's grand announcement as they all proceeded through the rose archway.
Her majesty in the meantime within in her living quarters decorated in rich colours of turquoise and blue upon the walls along with many soft and pretty curtains of red and violet, revealing her royal status.
Inside she was preparing herself for the wonderful celebrations as she fixed her pale faded hair along with her pink veil that was fixed underneath her crown.
Dressed in her royal robes and lilac dress she gazed into the mirror delightfully, she felt satisfied that she had at last achieved the right affect that would please her joyful court.
Suddenly then her thoughts were disturbed as a hard knocking came upon her doors, the sound made her nod to the many thumps until it subsided, the effect however had made her crown and veil fall slightly out of place.
A little annoyed at this effect she quickly set things straight as she put the crown back in place as she then brushed back a few loose strands of her hair again as she then called out in her dignified tone, "what is it?"
However there was no reply from the guards as she looked at them from her seat, which she thought was strange, creasing her eyebrows curious she then decided to try again, "whom may I ask was knocking? Is there something that was needed?"
As she asked this question she then noticed that the soldiers shuffled strangely though they stood in place, this really arousing her curiosity she decided then to enquire personally, walking to the twin decorated glass doors she opened one as she asked, "is everything all right my guards?"
Outside the shadows then immediately acted as their prey came into their territory, as then before the poor sovereign could scream she was immediately ensnared as Rattigan grinned immensely with his sharp teeth as his scheme was quickly put into motion.
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Within the darkness of Maleficent's halls Hari and Pete walked out of the room where they had told her of their progress and findings, this had produced looks of both displeasure at hearing of how they had failed to find her any more of what they were seeking nor had they managed to conquer any worlds for her.
However she had been pleased with the results of the many hearts that the two of them had managed to gather together for her which had increased her numbers and powers tremendously, so she had commanded them to carry on as they had been progressing.
There had also been a new member to the group who had been introduced to them… as her apprentice.
As the two of them walked down the long hallway Pete then decided to begin a discussion with Hari about what had occurred, "well that went better then I had expected, what do ya think?"
Hearing him ask the question Hari turned her head and answered, "it was to be expected… it was simply progress for good nor worse."
Listening to this dry answer from her Pete wasn't too surprised though as it was part of her usual demeanour, so was quiet as he thought the conversation had come to an end.
However surprising him Hari added, "Though the words that were given did bring more joy to my lady then displeasure… so you are correct in regards to that."
Hearing her say this Pete was quite surprised at this positive comment from her and so couldn't help but show a small smile as he replied, "well I'm glad to know I got somethin right there huh?" Ending with a small laugh.
Despite this positive moment Hari was silent as they continued to walk down the darkened hallways, ending his laughter Pete quickly felt the silent dismal atmosphere was quickly returning once more, however he didn't want this chance to talk to end so quickly so he decided to speak up again," but ya know? It was real surprisin there to see that apprentice guy! I wasn't expectin no-one like him!"
Hearing this being spoken Hari answered looking straight onwards as they continued to walk on, "indeed… it is also surprising to see that he had made it this way."
Pete's eyes closed at that moment then opened as he looked down at her puzzled at this reply as he asked, "made it this way?... Hang on a second there, are ya sayin that ya've met him already?"
Hearing Pete's question Hari continued looking on ahead as she replied unaltered from his surprise, " yes, he was one of the first few that I met in the beginning state of my mission, I sent him flying into another world along with the other that is our current target."
Listening to this explanation Pete was still puzzled as he asked, 'why'd ya do that for? Why did ya have to send him and all them others into other worlds? Couldn't ya have just taken 'em all when ya had the chance to?"
The question asked Hari closed her eyes as she then told him, "no… the powers then at that time were not awakened, and it is only in chaos that they do… for then it is needed for survival and then they increase tenfold until they're ready to be reaped."
Hearing her answer Pete didn't know what to make of this information, but he knew then it definitely was to do with those things that she had told him she held along with the others they were after. So taking this as best as he could understand he then replied, "so… he made it here all on his own? Then that must mean that-"
Hari immediately replied, "yes, his powers have increased exponentially and due to the need to survive he was able to make it here to this castle, and since he is away from his opposite as well it has-" at this point then Hari stopped walking as a thought had then struck her mind as she opened her eyes.
Pete then suddenly halted too as he saw her stop and wondered why, he then thought it might be because of what she had mentioned so he then repeated, "opposite?"
However ignoring the question that was asked Hari looked at him with her usual cold gaze as she asked him, "Pete?"
Puzzled at her asking his name he replied though a little nervous from her serious gaze, "uh yeah?"
She then enquired, "Did you remind Rattigan of who it was we are after?"
Hearing her ask this Pete blinked puzzled but then he sighed in relief as he thought it was something worse, "course I did! No need to be worryin about it! I gave him her description and everythin!"
Listening to this answer though it seemed she wasn't satisfied as she asked, "and what description did you give?"
This question asked Pete blinked as he then was dumbfounded for a moment, what description had he given? He then said while busy trying to think, "well ya see it was like…. Um… err what was it that I said back there?" He poked his forehead his arms folded his face in hard concentration.
Gazing at him coldly Hari patiently waited for his answer.
Though his eyes were closed Pete could feel her gaze on him, which made him more anxious as he didn't want to appear stupid in front of her, wracking his brain hard trying to remember he then imagined his last conversation piece to Rattigan and then suddenly it all fell into place as he then said, "oh yeah! That's it! I told 'em that one of the guys followin Basil had a thing in 'em that he couldn't miss!" He finished as he smacked his fist onto his hand as he finally got it with delight.
Listening to Pete say this Hari blinked her eyes simply as she gazed down and said then, "I see…"
Hearing her Pete was brimming as he was smiling happily, "yeah I know it's the best explanation ever ta-"
However Hari interrupted him saying, "I am afraid that your explanation was made too open."
Blinking as he heard her say this Pete was confused as he asked, "open?"
Looking at him she told him, "it is too flawed."
Hearing her say this Pete answered her slightly outraged, "what do ya mean it's flawed! It's-"
However then he was interrupted immediately as Hari gave him a thorough explanation, "it is too flawed in the facts thus, you have not indicated it to be a female, you used the term 'guys' which would mean a male and also any of Basil's associates and hiding away a special thing in them is too ambiguous."
Gazing her as she gave him this little evaluation Pete was stopped in his tracks as he then blinked unsure, however he still tried to defend himself despite the facts against him, "but… I mean there's still no way that he'd miss her though! I mean she's way different them the others and anyone would-"
However once more she interjected, "the only reason you and the other's would see it as an anomaly is because they and we are used to the powers of the keyblades and the various other ways of the type of battle we use… however I am sure Rattigan is not… and she may not have used her power when they made their way to him… which may result badly for us."
Listening to her words further Pete was beginning to feel a sense of dread as he tried to brighten the atmosphere, "I see… well um, well I'm sure that he won't do anythin too rash cause he-"
Once more Hari interrupted, "you are forgetting Rattigan's character… he has been known to drown orphans and even have his cat eat his own henchmen if they displease him… if our target's life ends too soon, this will pose a great problem for my lady for then the treasure she carries within her will be sent flying elsewhere and it t'would takes years for it's powers to emerge again within a new vessel…"
At these words Pete then realised with horrible dread of what could really happen to him and her from his careless words as he then asked nervously, "so that means that…?"
Looking at him ever coldly Hari was not capable of malice however, "my lady will be most bitterly… not pleased…"
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Meanwhile back within the confines of Rattigan's heartless Riku was still struggling with his horribly painful heart, as the pain still hadn't ceased, he gritted his teeth as he held his chest.
Mickey at his side looked at him worried as he told him, "Riku, hang in there! I'll get us all out of this soon!"
Hearing him Riku opened one of his clenched eyes as he looked at the king as he spoke to him, Dawson next to him was also horribly worried as he told him sorrowfully, and "I'm so sorry lad… I'm sorry I can't do anything." For he had checked him over and couldn't figure out what was wrong with him either, no matter how much experience he'd had in the past none of his expertise could be of any help.
Riku mustering his strength as best he could spoke, "it's not us I'm worried about…" For then he turned his head to look out to the mouse trap that Basil and Nozomi were still strapped to.
Olivia looked out from the heartless as she pressed her hands against it's glass surface to look out towards her two friends worriedly.
Nozomi at the moment was still struggling against her bonds as the irritating singing voice still sung away from the record player showing their meagre amount of precious time left as the rope continued to stretch away.
As she struggled left and right in her ropes she looked over her shoulder to see the black straps of Cait sith's rucksack form as he was squashed underneath her, looking at him annoyed she thought to herself, 'it's times like this I wish that that stupid cat was awake!'
Ceasing her struggles for a moment trying not to panic and to save her energy she looked over to her left at the other nuisance, the still ever drained Basil.
Looking at him and then at the horrible weapons that still surrounded the two of them Nozomi then decided to speak, "Basil?"
However at her question he only moaned tiredly and miserably.
Hearing this Nozomi's annoyance slowly crept in as she asked again showing a bitter note, "Basil."
He then replied showing his grief, "oh how could I have been so blind!"
Looking at him with an odd puzzled face Nozomi then said to him, "Basil will you get it over this, we don't have time and I mean it's-"
"Rattigan's proved he's more cleverer then I… heh," Basil continued on with his little whinge as Nozomi watched his depressed face quietly as he then finished saying, "he never would have walked into an obvious trap."
Getting further irritated at his schoolboy behaviour Nozomi then spoke to him, "look will you stop it! Anyone could have walked into this smart or not! Besides that we're-"
Suddenly her attention was drawn away as she looked and saw a small miracle had occurred, the needle on the record had gotten stuck in one place stopping the music from playing onward!
Seeing this Nozomi looked on with happy relief as she turned to him again, "Basil look! The record! It's-"
However once again Basil continued on with his moaning not paying any attention what so ever, "oh it's finally happened! I've been outwitted!"
Listening to him going on Nozomi was worried for the record as any sudden sounds would set the thing off again for sure, and worried she tried as gently as she could gritting her nerves back, "Basil… we really don't have time for this…"
However still not listening, "Beaten! I've been duped! Played a fool of!" Continuing on and on in this sorry depressive state Nozomi's anger was beginning to flare more and more up, for even Wairu had never even been this bad! "Completely ridiculed! Belittled and-"
She snapped, "Oh shut up!!!"
At the sound of her loud angry burst the needle suddenly then swung back into place and even more closer to it's end then it had been as it then continued on with it's pulling of doom. Seeing this happen Nozomi bit her lips, as once again her dumb hot headedness and careless words had landed them all in disaster again.
Further annoyed then at herself and him she decided not to hold back anymore as she looked at Basil again angrily as she then gave him a telling off, " Basil now will you just pull yourself together! We're in a horrible state right now! Riku's in horrible agony over there! Dawson, Mickey and Olivia are all trapped in that heartless! And even your world's queen is in danger! And you and I are gonna die a horrible death being splatted and who else knows what!"
However her angry complaints hadn't struck anything in the useless mouse detective as he only continued to stare away into the air as he then sighed once more.
With that Nozomi finished her angry piece saying," and all you can do is lie there feeling sorry for yourself! And if you can't be bothered to save us! Then we might as well just set the trap off now and put us out of our misery!" With that she angrily turned her head away as she then finished saying, "honestly… I hate people like you!"
Looking at Nozomi for a moment pathetically Basil then looked away again as he laughed weakly, "set it off now…" as he then closed his eyes. But then suddenly as he did something clicked in the clockwork of his mind as he then opened them up wide as he repeated again with an amazed tone and look, "set… it… off…now?"
Puzzled at this change of tone Nozomi looked over at him perplexed as she then saw Basil's face become more manic and seemingly insane as he smiled mischievously making her worried stiff as he said, "yeah… yeah! Ha! Ha! Yes! We'll! We'll set the trap off now!"
As he finished in a shout Nozomi's colours fled from her body and face as she looked on with horrible worry as she then thought to herself, 'oh no… he's cracked!"
Suddenly then turning to her right she then saw that horrified that the music had finally come to an end as it then pulled the rope away then releasing the ball from it's holding spot.
Seeing that once again her stupid tongue had made more terrible trouble she then mentally kicked herself over and over as she became more and more panicked thinking, 'oh why didn't I shut up when I had the chance!'
Meanwhile next to her Basil was busy calculating something as he spoke looking all around at the devices around them and at the oncoming ball that was continuing to come ever closer and closer to them, "right angle of the trajectory, multiplied by the square root of an isosceles triangle."
Next to him scared to death Nozomi had her eyes clenched shut as she whispered over and over, "we're gonna die! We're gonna die! We're gonna die!!!"
However continuing ignoring her fear Basil continued on, " dividing, good x principle of opposing forces in motion…"
Nozomi still trapped in her own terror her eyes firmly shut then continued on as she prayed quietly wishing forgiveness for all the mischievous stuff she'd done in her life like that one occasion she'd purposely ruined Wairu's weird bitter carrot cake and so on.
Basil meanwhile continued onwards as the ball was nearly down upon them as it had reached the halfway point of its journey, "and adjusting for the difference in equilibrium!"
Meanwhile Nozomi still was in her horrible state as she whispered, "Oh man! I don't wanna die like this! I don't! I don't! I-"
However then Basil interrupted her little panicked moment, "miss Nozomi!"
Brought out of it suddenly she looked at him startled, "huh?! Wha-"
Not giving her time to question Basil got straight to the matter at hand, "now when I tell you! We must release the triggering mechanism!"
With that looking to where he was looking Nozomi then noticed the trigger herself as she saw it to be a small yellow metal square which both her hand and Basil's were resting on together which she hadn't noticed at all until that moment. She looked at it startled as she was still scared and puzzled and wanted to know how on earth this thing was going to save them at all.
However, "get ready Nozomi!" Basil spoke confidently and seriously as he looked up at the ball coming ever downwards.
Nozomi herself scared witless watched on herself for a few moments but then turned away again scared as he continued on "steady…" she clenched her eyes firmly shut as her heart raced panicked witless and terrified as she shivered horribly.
Then it came, "NOW!"
"AAAAGGGGHHHH!!!!" She screamed out as she then pulled the trigger along with Basil.
At once the lever was released and then it struck and caught the ball in its tracks making it shake from the force. As it did suddenly then the little hook on the side of the trap sprung off as it shot into the gun making it fly back, and set off making it shoot into the air.
Shocked hearing the gun bang and seeing that they were both still alive and well Nozomi watched gob smacked as then the bullet shot into the crossbow making it fire in another direction making it fly into the axe where it destroyed it's wooden handle frame in seconds, making the blade fly and twirl in the air.
Seeing the sharp enormous thing in the air Nozomi looked startled and shocked and turned to Basil who was smiling as his genius plan was being thrown into action, Nozomi then saw the axe coming straight towards them, looking horrified she shut her eyes again once more.
The axe suddenly collided into the mouse trap smashing it in half in seconds making wooden fragments go flying left and right also sending Nozomi and Basil flying as they were both set free from the horrible trap.
Stumbling back slightly on her legs again Nozomi was dumbfounded at what had occurred as she looked on wide eyed asking, "okay… what just happened there?"
Then suddenly with a huge loud crash and smash the anvil descended down making a huge hole crack in the ground as the earth shook and trembled from the impact.
Suddenly then there was a sound from beyond them as Nozomi saw that the heartless had been sent flying into the air due to the impact showing that it was incredibly light as it spun helplessly.
Looking at it and then seeing the others inside the bottle as they all flew around in it, Basil then spoke up loudly, "Now miss Nozomi!"
Hearing him Nozomi looked at him for a moment and saw him pointing, looking to where he was doing it to she then noticed that as the heartless turned over upside down revealing it's lower half was glowing turquoise blue showing it's weak spot.
Seeing this with realisation knowing what it was she had to do Nozomi's confidence flooded back as she looked at the great mouse detective as she then called back, "right!" As she finished with a firm nod.
Instantly then she called on her wings as she then flew quickly into the air running fast and furiously to the heartless as she then called on her attack, "swift star rays!!!"
With that the flying comets of light came flying out of the blade as they then struck the bottom of the heartless in seconds, then throughout it white cracks were seen it and out of it as it splintered and then suddenly then it smashed away disappearing away like glass in seconds as it's heart was sent flying into the distance.
The others then all emerged at once from within all of them startled themselves at what had just occurred to them, but then suddenly there was another horrible realisation for them all, they were now all falling high in the air!
No one was prepared to land at all! But then before anyone could panic further suddenly there was another cry, "Aero!"
With that suddenly the wind spell was cast underneath them all as it all made a cushion of air for them letting them all descend gently and quickly to the ground. Looking at them all safe and sound Nozomi smiled, but then suddenly, "HEY!!!"
Looking above herself Nozomi then suddenly saw that unfortunately that she'd missed someone and he was now flying over her, his arms waving all over the place panicked, it was old snowball.
Seeing this shocked Nozomi quickly rushed up forwards as quick as she could as she then went up to catch him, however it was rushed and done clumsily as Riku landed in her arms hard.
Clenching her teeth and eyes Nozomi cried, "oww!" As she was then sent flying to the ground herself from the sudden impact, Riku in her arms still in pain slightly looked at her shocked to see what was going on with her holding him. He didn't know whether to feel embarrassed or angry but then suddenly he looked below and saw the ground fast approaching as he then cried out, "watch it!! Watch it!!"
Nozomi hearing him annoyed was trying her best to break the fall as she forced her wings to let them land at least a little softly, quickly with one last swift beating they were on the ground with Nozomi still standing, though it was difficult for her for now with her wings now put away with the full impact of gravity now back on her, and Riku was really, really heavy.
Doing her best to hold him as she could suddenly then on her shoulder she was pulled making her open her eyes startled as Riku was as well as Basil had suddenly somehow changed back into his detective outfit and had pulled Dawson, Olivia (held in the doctor's arms) and Mickey with him as he held them all together.
Baffled Nozomi was about to ask what was going on as suddenly Basil spoke grinning, "smile everyone!" With that he looked in a certain direction as the others all looked the same way perplexed.
Looking then with all weird faces in their gathered pose they then saw the old fashioned black and white camera as it suddenly then flashed with a puff and smoke.
Basil was the only one who was smiling out of the group as everyone else just couldn't keep up with the pace of it all, then as the smoke cleared away Basil quickly stopped the pose as he let everyone's shoulders go.
"Ah that was a good moment!" Basil smiled as his usual confident ego had now been fully restored.
Seeing him like this Olivia, Mickey and Dawson were all relieved however before any words could be exchanged there was suddenly, "oomph!"
Nozomi's strength had finally given away as she collapsed onto her legs, Riku still in her arms they had now both landed on the ground uncomfortably.
One of her eyes closed Nozomi then spoke grimacing, "man… you really are heavy!"
Hearing her say this Riku looked at her feeling the pain in his heart still along with this now uncomfortable feeling, however despite all this he managed to make a small joke, "thanks for the soft landing."
Looking at him for a moment feeling that this was odd yet familiar, it then clicked in her mind, this was just like Notre Dame!
Seeing this she then grinned widely as she then got her right hand and poked him in the chest as she laughed saying, "smart alleck!"
Feeling her poke him Riku felt pain slightly from her touch but smiled all the same glad she'd got the hint, but then before anything else could be said suddenly from Nozomi's finger a yellow light began to glow, looking at this both were startled at what was going on.
Suddenly then the others gathered around them as well all incredibly surprised and curious at to what was going on, looking at what was happening Dawson asked, "I say… what's that light?"
Looking at the doctor Nozomi replied honestly, "I have absolutely no clue."
Seeing this Basil was just as curious himself as he spoke, "well I must say this is the first time I've encountered such a spectacle as this…"
Olivia looking on watched quietly curious as Mickey then walked beside her and saw the light himself and felt there was something familiar about it. Then looking more closely he then saw where Nozomi was poking Riku, on his left near his heart seeing this he then asked him, "Riku? How does it feel?"
Hearing him Riku was puzzled as he replied, "feel? What do you mean?"
Nozomi was just as confused as then she listened to Mickey continue, "Where Nozomi's touchin ya, what do ya feel there?"
Listening to this Riku hadn't noticed at all her touch and then as it was brought to his attention about her one finger he then looked at it and then suddenly realised as he then replied, "it's warm…"
Hearing him say this Nozomi repeated, "warm?"
It was then it clicked in his majesties mind as he remembered in twilight town with Cait sith and his healing light, he then said, "it's Cait sith… it must be his healing abilities noticing Riku's suffering, Nozomi put your hand on Riku's heart and then it's full affects should come through."
Nozomi hearing this explanation then said, "Cait sith's light? … um, sure okay…" with that she looked at Riku still held in her left arm, it felt weird… really weird to be doing this., along with everyone watching.
Obviously it was the same for him as well but then knocking the thought away she then released her poke and then put her hand over Riku's heart as she then closed her eyes feeling Cait sith's power flow out from her hand.
Riku shivered as he felt the warm energy inside him, he closed his eyes as he felt it entering him the horrible tearing and aching feeling was quickly quietening down minimising it drastically as he finally could rest a little more comfortably.
Nozomi felt strange herself as she felt his heart with her right hand, as she felt his beats she once again felt her heart race itself with that ever mysterious feeling, she was embarrassed with herself as she knew that if Cait sith was awake, she would never hear the end of it.
Riku then let out a relieved sigh as he felt a lot better now, though there was a slight ache it was now no longer hard to deal with. He opened his eyes at the same time as Nozomi did as they looked at each other for a moment both unsure of what to say to each other.
But then suddenly a curious innocent voice asked, "Are you all right Riku?"
It was Olivia staring at him concerned as she had a hand to her mouth in puzzlement.
Looking at her breaking the moment he replied, "uh, yeah, ha! Yeah I'm okay now Olivia, don't worry okay?"
Seeing his reassuring smile Olivia felt relief herself as she watched as Riku then got up and was now no longer in too much pain as he stretched himself as a couple of his bones clicked here and there.
Nozomi seeing him get up, was relieved herself to see that he wasn't in pain herself as she told him, "well looks like Cait sith's power did the trick huh? Glad you're better now."
Hearing her say this Riku smirked himself as he replied, "yeah it did, but it's not gonna get rid of the aches you've given me for awhile."
Looking at him Nozomi replied smiling, "sue me!"
Hearing the joke Riku shook his head as he then reached his right hand down for her to pick up, seeing it she did just that as then Riku pulled her back onto her feet.
Everyone now pleased at their progress, Basil then spoke, "now then onto the matter at hand…"
Hearing him Nozomi turned around as she let go of Riku's hand as she looked at him and then said lifting her right hand and balling it into a fist, "yeah… time to deal with Rattigan!"
