Chapter CVIII: Into the depths of Atlantis Part VIII
There was a sudden slash of movement as something shone in the red tinted light, her eyes widening at the sight Aqua quickly ducked and rolled out of the way due to her fast battle reflexes. The child was still in her arms as she continued to breathe painfully exhausted.
Quickly taking more of a protective stance, she held her keyblade out in a crouching position with her free hand keeping the child close to her, looking then at what had attacked her, she saw horrified that it was a knight like her! He was dressed in a dark orange armour with yellow linings with his brown cape tattered and ruined as his enormous keyblade stood at his side that almost smited her.
Outraged she shouted out"What do you think you're doing! Why're you attacking us? Can't you see this-" however her angry enquiry was cut short as the knight began to sway to and throw almost like a mechanical doll as he started to walk forwards.
Seeing this she was absolutely startled as she began to ask again, "what're-"
However suddenly around the knight appeared dark creatures as they emerged from pools of darkness, swaying to and throw in almost the same way as him. Their antenna swaying left and right along with those haunting yellow soulless eyes that peered at her and the child, all too willing to devour and destroy. It was the heartless.
Nozomi wincing as she was experiencing the continuation of her previous dream, she gasped a little as she gritted her teeth as she was now experiencing the battle that Aqua was now facing while also trying to protect the child she had. Grasping the blanket tightly that was covering her she turned on her side as the dream continued on in her mind her eye cap slipping off.
As she did so though there were jumps of movement as a band of masked beings darted back and forth around the camp. The masks that they wore were enormous white things with big eyes and gaping open mouths with light shining from out of them, the faces were almost ape like and were clearly designed not to frighten and intimidate but also to protect and conceal as huge mounts of fur covered the backs of the foreign investigative strangers.
Running left and right all of them crouched on all fours like animals scrounging around as they rooted through various things left and right, but then there was one figure amongst them who was both unmasked and also walking normally upon two feet.
Two small white shapes left that persons shoulders as they started to dart around and investigate around themselves, then they looked into Milo and Mickey's tent. As they did the two small white shapes jumped in and around having a look when they began to made a series of squeaking sounds indicating that they'd both found something, quickly the standing figure and the leader of the scurrying troupe made their way over to see what the two tiny scouts had found.
Gazing down at the mouse king and linguist as they continued their peaceful slumber the two of them were silent, but the leader reached down and grabbed a certain satchel that Milo had discarded to his side and quickly they took out the various pieces of paper, a hat and other various knick knacks until they took out an old black and white photograph that had Milo as a small boy with his short blonde hair and rather big glasses that framed his happy smiling face as he stood by the leg of his beloved gentle and inspiring grandfather who was dressed in his safari exploration uniform. Staring at this gentle image through the mask the leader put their hand on the photograph as though the warm happy emotions of the past would radiate and warm their own fingers.
However the standing figure seemed not to notice as they crouched down as the two white forms continued to squeak and indicated to a certain item that the king held closely to his chest, 'The Shepard's Journal' feeling that this object was important the figure gently and quietly tried to remove the piece of literature from his possession.
However in the distance suddenly there was a sound of foreign movement, sensing this in seconds the scrounging strangers immediately started to flee, the leader too also began their retreat but then turning back they saw that their standing companion had not left as they continued to try and take the book from the king.
Quickly rushing back the leader ushered them to urgently stop speaking in their foreign tongue that they needed to go, obviously the person was reluctant to, but then their two small scouts too were now were also urging them to leave and so with an annoyed sigh they ceased and quickly got up too as they ran following the leader, the two white shapes chasing after them.
Approaching seeing the encampment in the slight distance and the other party that had been following their prey Uriax and Pete stood silently, however the big lumbering cohort asked his current boss, "what do you think of them guys? Do ya think they'll get in our way?"
Hearing this question his leader simply made a small laugh like sound making him aware that it was definitely a smirk that had appeared under his mask, Uriax replied to him, "I doubt it, and even if they do make an interference," he then brought his right hand as a small yellow flame appeared over his pointed finger in moments, "I'll just have to fry them to a crisp too!"
Back in the camp Riku continued to slumber on but then he heard a slight crunch on the ground stirring him out of it, sitting up from his matt he pulled off his eye cap as he wondered what was going on when suddenly a light shone from somewhere!
Alerting him waking him up in moments he turned to see what it was and he calmed down immediately but he became puzzled as it was Milo who tiredly had got up with a torch in his hand looking drowsy, seeing him like this Riku asked him, "what's up with you Milo?"
At once the tired linguist brought out a small shovel with toilet paper on it as he then walked passed him and answered, "bathroom..."
Hearing him say this as he walked passed Riku replied, "oh?" And seeing that he'd got up for nothing he settled back down on the matt to get back to sleep. Pulling the blanket over himself he settled himself back down, but then he opened his eyes one more time tiredly. But as he did he became wide eyed in moments as there straight in front of him was Nozomi's face. She had somehow managed to roll off her own matt carrying her blanket with her and was now lying incredibly close to him.
Sitting up again in moments shocked he asked, "what the? How did you-" but then he looked back to Milo's tent where Mickey was still slumbering away quietly, seeing this silently himself he remembered the sleeping arrangements that they'd come to the day before.
"Oh... yeah I forgot, we decided on that arrangement yesterday didn't we?" Holding his head with his right hand he was thinking he was really dim for forgetting something that had been arranged just hours before, but then his gaze turned back to Nozomi again.
She quietly continued to sleep away as she held Cait sith still close to her chest like a teddy bear, her blanket had slid off her slightly revealing her chest and arms that were still dressed in her lilac and blue striped top and pink waistcoat. Looking at her she almost seemed like a cute little child.
Shaking his head a small smile on his face he was amused at this idea, for Riku knew it was far from that image on occasion when she was conscious but even then she was still adorable... 'adorable?' When did he begin to have thoughts like these?
Nozomi shuffled again slightly as she let out a simple, "mmm..." which made him look at her again, he saw then that some of her hair had fallen out of place and was making a mess slightly. Seeing this Riku was quiet again and before he knew it he had made his way over to her and brushed a simple strand away as he said, "you certainly know how to make a right mess of yourself don't you?"
But then the long hair strand he saw that he was now holding was the one that held the Cherry Blossom shaped hair clip that her master had given to her, looking at it he stroked it slightly as he asked, "you really held your master this closely to your heart didn't you?" He then wondered to himself what her master was like? Someone that she looked up to this much? But then for a father figure like that it was obviously only natural.
"And you still haven't found him yet have you? That must sadden you so greatly?" At these words Nozomi sighed again as she turned over with her face now facing upwards, seeing her like this Riku too also became depressed inside slightly.
But then he spoke aloud again quietly, "but if you really did the know the real truth of everything how would you react then?..."
For now he was thinking about the truth that Mickey already knew, having to keep it quiet for all this time had been easy to do, but now... now it was troubling to, as he thought about it once more. Pausing for a moment he let go of her hair letting it fall to the side of her face he asked further," I can assume how'd you really feel, I'm sure you'd..." he paused again unbelievably nervous inside as he continued, "you'd probably hate us... you'd never trust his majesty... or me ever again would you?" Riku then felt his emotions pulsing inside, his heart's growing emotions tremendously overtaking his rationality as he hovered over her looking down at her with a fierce intent.
He then reached his right hand down as he gently touched her cheek and stroked her warm soft skin as he continued to ask, "how would you? How would you react?" His thumb then drifted and gently rubbed her lips as they too felt soft against his touch.
Realising what he'd done he was startled for a moment stopping in his tracks but feeling them again he paused as his heart continued to race and inside the longing increased tenfold again, as he remembered those three words that had started off this whole cycle, "I love you!" Pausing as a warm soft blush appeared on his face he looked to her again. It was then he finally understood, what this trembling warm emotion truly was as he remembered various between the two of them as well as the various expressions that appeared on her face.
But... looking down at her again now at her cute sleeping face he returned his hand back to her cheek as he asked once more his strong emotions taking over once more, "how would you react... if you knew now?" Then he leaned his face down as his heart trembled at what he was about to do next.
Stopping the last blow that came at her with her keyblade Aqua looked on angered at the knight and heartless, she had been successful in dispensing a lot of damage but at the same time since she was carrying the young girl it proved impossible to evade every blow that had come her way and now she was covered in a large amount of scratches.
However she had fortunately managed to keep the girl at safe distance but now she was at her limit, she couldn't take anymore hits otherwise it would be the end of both of them!
The heartless and the knight then began to approach again, looking at them Aqua asked desperately"What should I do?..." gritting her teeth hard.
Suddenly all at once the heartless and the knight launched a synchronised attack as they all came in at once. Bracing herself for this oncoming barrage Aqua brought out her keyblade again, but suddenly, "Aqua!"
Looking up with a gasp she saw a familiar comrade she knew all too well, "Ventus!" Quickly he came flying down upon his keyblade glider and reaching out with his right hand he caught her outstretched hand with it allowing her and the child to be carried up into the air.
Looking down below all the heartless and the knight could do was stare on at them as they flew away in the distance. But as they left the knight suddenly roared loudly like a mad beast as the shadows then became formless as they all merged and joined him becoming a huge and menacing force.
Breathing a sigh of relief seeing that they were now all out of danger, Aqua then turned to the child in her arm and saw that she was now sleeping peacefully, glad that she'd been able to keep her safe she turned to Ventus as she told him, "thanks for the rescue there Ven."
Hearing her he smiled as he told her, "well you just owe me one now!"
Nodding Aqua smiled again and quickly she summoned her keyblade out as she called upon her own glider, quickly releasing her hand from Ventus she fell a small distance before landing on her own frame as she held onto it tightly with her free hand and flew alongside Ven.
It was then she turned and looked down below and saw the devastation that was being caused as their were swarms of heartless all over the world, they were like huge masses of ants that were chipping and eating their way to get to the heart of that wold. This haunted her greatly as she said sadly and horrified, "its horrible..."
Ventus then became saddened himself as he replied not wanting to see again, "I know, Xehanort's all ready caused all this chaos in the court, and now he can control the heartless! I've heard that some of the court are even beginning to join him."
Hearing him say this Aqua couldn't believe it! "You mean even the court is now-"
However she was cut off as they had now left the worlds boundaries and as they did suddenly there was a great shake and a huge bellow as they saw a horrifying huge massive black shape that took on a red eyed angered visage.
Turning then Aqua and Ventus watched as the enormous shape opened its huge sharped jaws as they enclosed and finally swallowed the whole planet in the blink of an eye, rapidly snuffed out in moments... leaving nothing but an empty dark space... another star was lost, with only one surviving child left.
Milo finally getting to an ideal concealed enough space decided to do his business as he set the shovel with toilet roll down on a rock beside him, taking his torch he put it under his chin as he began to get started.
However unbeknownst to him standing at a certain distance was a little white creature, making its observations it quickly rushed back to its master who was hiding behind another rock and whispered into their ear what it had seen.
Gaining the info that was needed a smile appeared on that person's face as they whispered, "how amusing... well, we might as well get this party started then hey?"
The little creature on their shoulder moved its head to the right curious but then smiling still the figure put a finger to their lips as they began to make a series of clicking noises upon their tongue and as they did so something began to swirl and form in the distance.
Milo relived finally zipped his trousers back up as spoke up, "well that feels better." Then as he began to move trying to get his other bits together he felt something tap him on his shoulder, not wanting to turn around due to tiredness he simply yawned stretching his arms, but once again there was another strong tap. Feeling it annoyed he thought it was Mole as he told him, "don't bother me..."
However the tapping didn't cease as it became slightly stronger, it even became painful slightly as he became annoyed more, not liking this shoving Milo turned around as he told him, "Mole I said quit it! Why're you-"
However he stopped in mid sentence as he turned his flashlight up and there standing over him looking extremely ominous and enormous was a white ape like creature that stared down at him with glowing silver eerie eyes with huge beads around its hairy neck making them seem like big white teeth.
Seeing it Milo was silent with shock as his eyes widened like saucers but suddenly before he knew it he was snatched up by that same huge hand and whisked into the air and as it finally snapped into his mind what was going on as he shouted out alarmed, "AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!"
Distracting Riku snapping him out of his little moment of tender realization he turned his head and asked, "what the-"
But suddenly at that same moment Nozomi also startled by the noise she gasped waking up, "huh wha-" startled she moved to get up hurriedly but as she did-
"Ooowwww!"
"Ooowwww!"
The two of their heads banged into each other as Nozomi's head had landed straight against Riku's making her fall back onto the floor, her hands covering her face in pain while the side of Riku's face had been hit making now a horrible ache in his cheek as he rubbed it painfully.
Nozomi then cried out, "what the heck was that! What was-" But after blinking away a few tears of pain she saw what she had slammed into, "snowball? What were you doing?"
Hearing her ask rubbing his cheek the warm feeling enveloping him fading to its usual calm level he simply replied not wanting her to know hiding his face, "none of your business."
Baffling her, not getting it at all Nozomi simply became annoyed more as he was being weird once more, but then a voice shouted out, "kidnap! I'm being kidnapped here!"
It was then that Riku and Nozomi turned as there behind them Milo was being tossed around as he was being carried away by the huge ape like creature as he looked on panicked trying to make it let go of his middle as it ran towards the bridge.
Seeing it both Nozomi and Riku forgot their little painful experience in moments as they both rushed to get up with Nozomi pulling Cait sith onto her back in his backpack mode. Finishing this they both chased after their prime ape kidnapper, shouting out worried, "Milo! Milo!"
As they ran forwards past the other tents it was then unbeknownst to them something else was beginning to stir and swirl within the encampment. Still chasing after Milo and the ape as they too made it onto the bridge Nozomi cried out, "just what is that thing! Where did it come from!"
Hearing her Riku replied just as confused, "I don't know! But whatever it is we've got to get Milo away from it!"
Nozomi nodded as they continued to run forwards but then looking behind her for a brief moment she saw something that alarmed her in moments, making it stop in her tracks. Riku looking to his side for a moment saw that she had gone from his line of vision but before he could stop himself he heard a shout of distress as Nozomi cried out, "the camp's on fire!"
Stopping him shocked Riku then turned himself and saw the devastation that was occurring as all the tents were beginning to be caught alight by yellow and red flames and as they watched then they saw dancing, slithering and clawing their way into the defenceless tents was the source of the carnage. The heartless.
These heartless though were quite a bit different to the usual ones that they had encountered before, these ones were mixed with a series of strange clown like heartless dressed in orange, red and yellow chequered diamond suits with torches in each hand as they danced almost like jesters. Then around them too were the usual shadow heartless and some ape like heartless as they ran around making chaos for the various occupants of the tents.
Seeing what was happening and the dilemma they were now in Nozomi had no idea what to do! She couldn't let the heartless devour more hearts but then she couldn't leave Milo to be kidnapped by that big ape monster! Panicked she cried out, "what do we do! How are we supposed to-"
But then Riku interrupted her as he told her, "you go back to the tents! I'll handle that thing!"
Hearing him say this Nozomi was puzzled how he'd thought up this plan so quickly and so started to protest, "what! But I can't leave you all alone to deal with that thing! It's too big and-"
However Riku quickly gave her his own fast and effective evaluation, "I can handle that old ape alone! I have more physical power than you do!" Hearing this Nozomi became annoyed but before one argumentative word could pass through her lips Riku continued, "while your specialty is in agility! You can get back there faster then I can! And they need that help and real fast! Now get going!" He ordered pointing at her.
Listening to this logic Nozomi was quiet for a moment but then digesting all this info she saw through it all and acknowledged that this was the right way to go, though she was still extremely reluctant especially with him ordering her like this, but before leaving she told him, "okay! But you just hang in there till I get back with the king!"
With that she ran back down the bridge towards the chaotic fires of the once peaceful encampment.
Riku watching her go felt bad that he had to make her go do all that alone, but he also knew that she was strong and big enough to look after herself so turning back he went back to pursue the ape creature as he spoke aloud to himself quietly calling out 'The Way To Dawn,' "you just take care of yourself too Nozomi!"
Back in the camp Mickey leaving his tent coughing like mad seeing the flames and chaos that was occurring couldn't believe it! How could things have become this chaotic in such a short period! And where'd all these heartless come from, in his arms he still carried 'The Shepard's Journal' but the true owner of the book, Milo was nowhere to be seen! Even Nozomi and Riku were gone!
Caught in his confusion for a moment he then heard their captain Helga cry out," get some water on that fire!" As she tried to get the panicked crew to deal with the chaos that was occurring.
Then behind her he suddenly saw a horde of shadows coming to devour her, reacting quickly he ran over as he cried out, "look out there captain!" Hearing him Helga turned and just before one of the shadows launched themselves to attack her Mickey quickly slashed it away in moments, making it turn into dark embers in moments. Seeing what the small mouse had done she was surprised, he had more power then she thought!
Mickey seeing that he'd cleared the deck turned to his superior as he asked her, "are ya all right there? Captain Helga?"
Hearing him ask Helga replied regaining herself, "fine! But..." It was now that he and her were surrounded and the rest of the exploration group were being restricted in their movements by the heartless as they threatened them all with their hungry claws as they were all ready to rip them all apart.
The king was cornered, he couldn't protect all of these people all on his own! There were too many heartless to deal with! What could he-"
"Swift Star Rays!" Came a loud cry and at once comets of light struck out and knocked the circle of heartless that had surrounded them off their feet and even frying some in seconds. Nozomi had arrived with the 'Starseeker' ready in her tightened gripped hands, it was definitely a familiar and reassuring face to be welcomed by.
Seeing her relieved Mickey cried out immensely glad, "Nozomi you're here!"
Hearing him Nozomi turned as she replied with a bright smile despite the chaos, "yep! Sorry I'm late Mickey!"
Smiling glad to see she could be so upbeat at that moment the king then turned his attentions back to the heartless who were once again beginning to re-spawn and gather around everyone again. Quickly into his free right hand he summoned his own golden keyblade and as he did so he told her running to her side, "let's take care of this together Nozomi!"
Nodding she responded, "right!" As she gazed at the heartless that was gathering on her side.
Seeing that the right enforcements had arrived Rourke then called out, "right men! Get yourselves all organised! We're vacating this barbecue! Now move it! Move it!" At these orders it was then that Audrey and everyone else replied, "right!" With that they all ran to get themselves organised to move out.
Rourke then called out, "Helga come on let's move it!" To which though she was silent for a moment she quickly consented as she had to help out her crew, but as she ran past her commander, he looked back to Nozomi and Mickey who were still in their defensive stances and before he left a smirk appeared across his face as he wondered if they'd really be able to win?
Meanwhile Riku had finally caught up to the ape kidnapper as it stood now in front of the foreboding entrance to the next section of the underground world, it appears to be unfazed by all this running around as it continued to hold Milo tightly in its left hairy hand.
Milo was completely uncomfortable as he was struggling against its strong grip that refused to budge even an inch, he gasped painfully as he gritted his teeth. Seeing him struggle as he came to a halt Riku called out to him, "Milo! Are you okay!"
Hearing him ask he replied in seconds, "I've been in better places in my life! Just make this thing let go of me!" With that suddenly the creature lifted both its fists up as it started to beat its chest with both hands, making Milo sick with dizziness as it suddenly roared loudly showing its sharpened white teeth, revealing that it was now prepared for battle.
Seeing it do this Riku gripped his keyblade hard as he then called out, "don't you worry! I'll have you free in no time!" With that he proceeded into battle with the enormous creature.
