Chapter CXVII: Into the depths of Atlantis Part XVII
The silence enveloped thickly upon all who were standing within the ancient throne room as they all quietly gazed upon the one who would grant them access to the ultimate treasure, 'The Heart Of Atlantis.'
Nozomi had been completely as still as a statue not moving a single inch as she continued to hold onto the Lachesis report cube, her head bowed. No one was sure if she was unconscious or not, but none dared to disturb her in case they may be attacked by the vicious electrical trap that lay underneath her.
Gazing at her it was finally someone broke the long silence that had lasted almost forever, "what do you think she's doing there?" Audrey asked clearly concerned.
However Vinny replied in his usual monotone voice, "who knows?" For there was no way he would be able to answer that question.
But unfortunately overhearing this little question Rourke became just as curious as he asked, "that's a valid point though so...," Then turning to the one who could possibly give him the answer he asked, "so tell me mister Thatch? What're your thoughts?"
Looking him annoyed Milo told him his straight and honest answer, "how would I know! I've never seen anything like this before! How can I possibly give you an answer!"
Hearing this Rourke raised his eyebrows keeping a calm face he replied, "is that so?" Then pausing he turned to two, actually make that three people who clearly would know as he asked, "well then we'll just to have to get answers from another source won't we?"
With that he walked forwards and Milo watched as his former commander made his way to Riku, Mickey and Cait sith. Watching quietly he wondered what he was going to ask of them. Rourke silently looked at the two keybladers and small cat.
Riku was kneeling now on the ground as the painful sharp pangs had returned within his heart, however since his hands were tied he couldn't hold his chest or do much of anything else. Standing beside him on both sides Cait sith and Mickey were deeply worried, however they were both still tied down as well and sadly they both couldn't do anything at all.
Looking up at him as he was going through this difficult time Cait sith spoke sadly, "lad..."
Mickey was remaining silent as he gazed at his fellow keyblader but then he heard a rather sarcastic question ask, "well looks like you're all having a cozy time aren't ya?"
Looking up surprised but then quickly becoming aggravated Mickey stared at Rourke however he remained steadfast and silent, seeing this look from the mouse warrior Rourke only smirked more as he continued, "so... what can you tell me about that girl and what she's doing?"
However Mickey said nothing, Riku in the meantime was still struggling while Cait sith then just spoke up showing his irritation, "as if ya need to know ya big lug! She's disarmin' while this poor lads hurtin'! What more do ya want?"
Hearing the rather obvious being shoved right into his face didn't please Rourke at all as he stared at the small cat for a moment annoyed bitterly before he turned and simply ignored him as he asked the one who was going to give him an answer he would ultimately prefer, "so are you going to give me an answer?"
Hearing this question being asked to him again Mickey remained silent still as he couldn't give this information he knew to an outsider like this,especially not to one so violent and selfish as this man however Rourke was not going to play civil as he said, "oh so you're not going to talk at all are ya?"
With that he suddenly grabbed Riku by his hair making him gasp even more painfully then before as once again the aggressive commander used his favourite toy to threaten as he said, "well you know that means I'm just goin' to have to play dirty!"
Seeing this happen Mickey was shocked as he cried, "Riku!"
Smiling though still as Riku continued to gasp badly the commander simply told him, "now how 'bout you enlighten me?"
The king still horrified at the pain his comrade was going through was quiet for a moment but then realising he had no choice and at the possible violence that could occur he finally relented as he bit his lower lip for a moment before finally giving the information that the commander wanted to know.
Rushing forwards Nozomi cried out angered, "Agggghhhhh!" With that she once again slammed her keyblade into her adversaries' as the two weapons gritted against each other making sparks fly left and right.
This one like the other knights that had come before this one was a difficult adversary for every move she had at her disposal this knight had matched it, her kicks, her agility and it even had some control over the orbs that surrounded them both which was even more of an aggravation than she needed!
As she was performing her blade blow she was furiously thinking to herself, 'what so I do now! What move haven't I tried yet! What can I-!" Suddenly it occurred to her! Quickly removing her left hand from her right she cried out, "Thundaga!"
In moments the furious thunder spell conducted in her hand, the knight however quickly noticed this and as it did it somersaulted out of the way of the spell as it thundered towards it aggressively charring the stained glass floor as it went.
However undeterred Nozomi wasn't going to give up! So quickly she cried out again, "Thundaga! Thundaga!" At once two more blasts of ferocious electricity thundered forwards seeking its prey, however the knight simply once again somersaulted out of the way of the first and made another fast jump avoiding the second barrage.
Angered that this hadn't worked Nozomi cried out another attack, "Firaga!" With that her explosive spell rushed forwards and struck making a huge blast echo out everywhere sending glittering splinters of glass left and right. However once again the attack hadn't worked as the knight jumped out of the way again as it launched itself into the air avoiding the fiery blast and crater the spell had made.
Seeing it fly into the air Nozomi wondered to herself worried, "that didn't work either! Its too fast! How am I supposed to get him! What can I-"
However the knight left no time for her to think as it rushed straight towards her using an orb in the air as a glowing platform making it dive fast, this in turn caused Nozomi to bring out her keyblade again allowing her to bar it from her.
Sadly though she was not prepared for what it did next as it twisted itself and performed a ferocious roundhouse kick striking Nozomi's legs unbalancing her in moments as she cried out, "agh!"
However this was only the first part of its ferocious onslaught as it then struck its keyblade forwards making a huge whirlwind of jabs striking Nozomi all over causing her to gasp and cry out and as this occurred though her armour was reducing the physical damage it didn't stop the pain spreading throughout her.
Then finishing its blows with its keyblade the knight suddenly struck her with a series of spiral kicks sending her, higher and higher into the air before finally it finished in a double kick making Nozomi crash into the stained glass pillar floor leaving a cracked line behind showing the power and ferocity of the blow.
Gasping and breathing hard feeling the aching pain and sting of the blows she suffered from Nozomi spoke aloud trying to recover herself, "man this thing is like a wasp! It's fast and stings like mad! My magic doesn't work and-"
However once again there was no real time for her to think as again the knight came rushing straight towards her as it went to strike her down right there and then with its keyblade as she lay on the cracked and damaged floor.
But she was not down and out yet! So getting up she rolled out of the way in moments and took off as she flew into the air calling her wings out allowing her to leap from orb to orb.
As she ran through the air she thought to herself, 'I got to think of a way to match him! I've got to at least exceed his speed! How can I-"
Unfortunately though the knight was quickly following suit straight behind her as it too had called upon its own wings allowing it to follow her every step as it too leaped forwards quickly letting it catch up to her!
Nozomi couldn't believe it! How could it possibly be that fast! Why did it have wings like her! But as she raced forwards trying to to keep a distance between her and it, it was no use as it was quickly coming closer and closer towards her.
It then thrust its keyblade forwards as it cast a fast and furious flurry of meteor star like fireballs that were exploding left and right all around her as she ran forwards. This attack almost mirrored her 'Swift Star Rays' attack.
Becoming almost desperate and aggravated with annoyance as the meteors exploded around her causing terror and distraction she cried out, "will you stop chasing and firing at me! Give me a chance to think!" With that she pointed her keyblade towards it as she then spun her right arm around and around in a fast circle as she cried out, "Luminous Tornado!" As she cried this out a huge glowing whirlwind of light emerged at once sending the knight flying backwards higher into the darkened air, however the knight simply turned in the air as its wings assisted it with manoeuvring allowing it to begin its pursuit once more. Nozomi knew this would happen, it had only been a delay tactic so as she raced in the air she tried hard to get her panicked together and form something more tangible to use
Thinking to herself she wondered,'what can I do! How can I stop this one! I got to do it fast I can't delay! The others are counting on me and-'
As she thought this suddenly her hand passed over a certain orb and a reaction occurred as she saw something glitter as it trailed with her as she moved, seeing this she wondered, 'this is-?'
However the knight was upon her again as it came chasing after her quickly once again, annoyed Nozomi spoke a single word, "tch!" However that glittering trail had got her curious... what was it?
After hearing what he wanted to hear Rourke was quiet at first finally releasing Riku's hair as he digested it all intellectually and then as he finished doing that he looked at the mouse king and he was astounded! Finally a question came from his lips, "You mean she's-"
Mickey nodded, "yeah, she's fightin' against the guardian of the report inside that cube... its a testin' battlefield where only one can be left standin' at the end."
Listening to this Rourke couldn't believe it! This was preposterous as he then demanded, "and how do I know that's not whole load of hog wash! Where's the evidence to suggest that she's-"
Suddenly from behind him there was an enormous gasp of pain as Nozomi had lifted her head up as an anguished expression appeared on her face as she shuddered badly and immediately as this passed she slumped down again continuing to hold onto the cube as she breathed in and out painfully.
Seeing this everyone's eyes in the room widened, Kida asked then, "what has just happened here, why did she-"
But then the Atlantian princess was cut off as suddenly Riku cried out in pain as the surging pain was becoming worse by the moment causing him to shiver viciously as he continued to kneel.
Cait sith seeing this cried out, "lad!"
Mickey's eyes widened then as well as he cried out, "Riku!"
Meixeng next to Kida hearing what had occurred turned her head in the direction where she could hear Riku's pain and turned again as she looked in the direction she heard Nozomi... she then spoke as she felt the seriousness of the atmosphere in the room, "whatever's happening here is not good! You better hurry up there Nozomi!"
Being struck down again from the air Nozomi crashed once more into the stained glass pillar's surface as she cringed painfully, she was now beginning to low run on energy some of the other little ideas she'd come up with so far hadn't landed even a decent scratch on the knight as it had continued its terrible onslaught of kicks, flaming meteors and fast stinging jabs.
Getting up painfully from the cracked and splintered glass ground Nozomi was now kneeling down, the damage was getting to her. The armour on her could only go so far in protection against fast attacks like these, for it was chipping more and more away from it. Nozomi gasping thought desperately to herself, 'what can I do? I've used practically everything I can think of!' For now she couldn't use her summon spells either since she used so much in the past magical spells she'd cast... but still that glittering from the orbs before could she-
However Nozomi was brought out from her thoughts as she felt something from above, looking up she then saw the knight again as it was now floating in the air. Its white wings were outspread and wide from its feet and in its armoured gauntlets the keyblade it was holding was now shining madly and pulsing with white light.
Looking at this with wide eyes Nozomi knew something really bad was going to happen, she had to move and get out of the way fast! Moving quickly she cried out, "oh no! Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!"
In seconds just when her feet took off and lifted her off of the ground it was then the knight launched its attack downwards in a beam of blinding light that spread and covering the entire stained glass floor. As Nozomi continued to fly up into the air she felt the hot light from underneath her and as she did she turned asking, "what is-"
Suddenly a huge sound of ringing echoed everywhere and as it did there was a huge blast from below as it filled the entire space Nozomi cried out, "aaaggggghhhh!" As she cried out from below an enormous flower like shape suddenly emerged and as it bloomed a whirlwind of star shapes emerged from its centre and started racing everywhere.
Seeing this Nozomi panicked as she cried out,"what's going on1 What-"
She was then struck badly from the racing stars as they all struck her left and right all over her body and as it did she was sent flying higher into the air. Then all at once the blooming, radiant and shining flower dissolved and faded away into particles of light in seconds.
Nozomi receiving terrible damage fell in the air almost lifeless as she felt the horrible shearing pain that had been dealt to her by the shining flower star attack, as she fell her mind was blank entirely. But then one thought came to her as she continued to fall, "I haven't got a chance... have I...?"
But as this came to her mind her hand brushed through a white glowing orb and suddenly all at once she felt herself stop falling, feeling this she opened her eyes blearily confused as she asked, "what?"
But suddenly her eyes widened as she saw a glittering thread coming out from the orb as it held her in the air as it was now attached to her left hand.
Looking at this Nozomi asked, "a thread? How can that-"
However there was no time for her to think as suddenly the knight once again came rushing straight at her and as it did Nozomi looked on shocked as she cried out, "oh not again!" With that she summoned her wings and flipped herself out of the way mere seconds before she was about to be struck from the knights keyblade.
Turning in the air she then saw that the shimmering thread was still attached to her and hadn't been released! As Nozomi saw this something clicked in her mind! If this thread worked on her, then maybe it could! Looking around herself she saw that around there were loads of orbs surrounding her and the knight... maybe, just maybe this idea might work!
Once again the knight began its pursuit of her as it beat its own wings hard and furiously, Nozomi seeing this darted out of the way! She had to evade! She had to make this plan work! Racing forwards she dodged and leaped as the knight launched more of its meteor stars at her.
Pursing her lips she made it to another orb and saw the idea worked! It was then she knew what to do! So launching herself forwards evading once more she made it to another orb! Then another and another! Racing forwards she made it to numerous orbs before finally, "right! That should do it!"
Suddenly though she felt another meteor star race past her cheek almost burning it,"Ow! That hurt I'm-"
Turning suddenly the knight had made it over to her and seeing this Nozomi's eyes widened in terror as she was struck down hard and fast as she smashed painfully into the ground again. Gasping painfully as she felt the glass splinter underneath her she looked up cringing from the aches. Looking she saw the knight was ready to perform its finishing technique as its keyblade started to shine once more with its wings wide and spread out.
However, "oh you're not finishing me off that easily!" With that she quickly got up and then aiming her keyblade using her right hand she quickly turned it in a fast circle as she cried out, "Luminous Tornado!" At once the glowing whirlwind emerged as it sent the knight flying high into the air again, however this time Nozomi reached out with her free left hand and as she did suddenly numerous glowing threads appeared from her fingertips as they connected to various orbs in the dark sky above.
At once feeling them in her hand Nozomi then pulled them all towards her as she cried out, "Shimmering Sewing1" With that her trap was activated as the orbs all gravitated down and surrounded and ensnared the knight in a glowing web net of orbs and threads stopping it from moving in its tracks!
Seeing that her idea worked Nozomi couldn't believe it! But now was the time to finish everything! Launching herself into the air she pointed her keyblade at it and cried out, "Swift Star Rays!"
With that numerous stars flew from her keyblade striking the knight all over in seconds and then covering the distance between them in moments Nozomi felt another new power grow from within her as she raised her keyblade high and straight at the knight as she shouted out loud, "Blossoming Prism Of Light!"
At once the knight was encased in a great shining diamond of white light and as it was struck all over from the pulsating force within the core the prism blossomed like a flower and a single mighty beam of light struck through the knights centre sending it flying high into the air!
Descending back down Nozomi landed on the stained glass floor once more this time gracefully as she watched the knight fall lifeless to the floor, as it clattered down it shivered violently all over before finally stopping falling apart in various pieces on the ground with a metallic clatter.
Seeing this Nozomi closed her eyes as she looked on sadly at what remained of the knight as once again a familiar blinding light engulfed everything.
CHASER PROGRAM COMPLETE
…
SIGNATURE RECOGNIZED NOW RELAYING, PROGRAM X-M 5
Anger was raging all around as everyone stared at one another with hostility, it was clear to all who were in the grand meeting hall that paranoia and suspicion were rife within all the hearts there.
The king standing regally spoke to them all remaining calm in the face of such a rage filled atmosphere, 'Now regarding the progress of the search, the worlds of the West, South West and the North West have now been struck from the search... and regarding the other designated worlds my three prime knights have-"
Suddenly there was an out cry as someone called out, "who cares what your three esteemed knights have found! We still haven't found out anything about the most prime concern! Where are the fragments?"
At once another voice concurred with this point as they called out, "exactly! They could be anywhere now and we're all left here lying in the dark!"
The king seeing this immediately knew things were getting out of control and at once he tried to bring peace back as he spoke, "that is not true! You have all been kept informed of the progress of the search! Everything is being done at the utmost haste! If you all just please have faith my forces I'm sure will-"
"Damn faith! How do we know you're telling us the full truth!" An outraged voice called out.
At once the whole room was silenced as the king became overtaken by surprise but it only took this small break of composure to completely make the unseething rage and paranoia to finally over take any reason anyone had left as the room exploded into argument.
"Yeah that's right why should we follow you in the first place!"
"Exactly! Besides that power should never have belonged to this man in the first place it should-"
"Be in someone's hands like mine who can handle it!"
With those words control finally was lost for good as the rage consumed all in the room as they all started pointing prosecuting fingers, and as angry words began to rise they were drowned out by the sounds of numerous blades clashing and slashing into one another.
Finally opening her eyes Nozomi breathless spoke, "how horrible..." and then as she said those words the cube in her hands folded in on itself finally revealing the various papers of the Lachesis report at last.
Seeing that she'd awakened filled Milo with relief as he cried out, "Nozomi! You're awake!"
Hearing him Nozomi looked to their linguist as she called out, "Milo! Are you okay?"
At once he nodded as he replied, "yeah I'm fine but-"
Suddenly though it was then Rourke made his presence known again as he grinned smugly seeing that the thing barring him from his treasure was gone as he said, "oh well look who's come back! Glad to see yer alive and kickin' again."
However all Nozomi did was look at Rourke sourly but then looking away from him she saw Riku, Cait sith and Mickey. Her eyes widened in horror in seconds as she saw Riku was now lying on the floor breathing heavily as he struggled and writhed around his hands still bound.
Seeing him like this with Mickey and Cait sith trying to attend to him Nozomi cried out horrified, "Riku!"
Rourke though completely devoid of concern walked on over as he continued to smile as he said, "well its good to see you've done your job! Now why don't you just simply stand aside and let me go and see my treasure."
Looking to him as he said this Nozomi couldn't believe he could be so heartless as to ask him something like this! At once she became defiant! "No!"
Twitching as he heard this Rourke replied, "what?"
Nozomi then answered, "I said no I'm not moving!" With that she told him, "you untie Riku, Kida and the others this minute! Otherwise I'm not moving from this spot at all no matter what you try and do to me!"
Rourke hearing this became irritated in moments for if he was not impatient at that moment he would have shot her right there and then but as he wanted that treasure and he was fed up with all this disagreeing he relented as he told her, "a simple demand like that?" With the he put his hands up as he said further, "fine then! Men!" With that at once Vinny, Mole and Cookie went to all of the group members as they all quickly took away their ropes.
Finally free Riku held his chest tight with both his hands as the pain inside him was unbelievable like it was about to be torn in two, Cait sith though being freed by Mole looked at him mad for he would have kicked him square in the face! But his bigger concern at that moment was Riku as he rushed on over to him.
Riku breathing hard still gripped his chest as he saw Cait sith making his way over to him, looking at the small cat as he continued to lay on the floor he said, "Cait sith..."
Cracking his knuckles within his paws the small creature told him as he pulled himself onto Riku's chest, "don't worry lad I'll have ya patched up in no time!" With that a sphere of glowing yellow energy appeared from within his gloves and with it he rushed up and shoved the sphere into Riku's chest.
Feeling the light inside him soothed the pain pain ever so slightly but it still hurt deeply inside somehow, seeing this occur as he continued to twitch ever so slightly Cait sith was surprised but he was not going to be thwarted so smacking his paws together be said, "all right then! Time for a big dose of two!" With that once again another sphere emerged and with it Cait sith placed this one into Riku's chest as well.
The pain dulled again more and more and was becoming easier to manage, smiling as relief came Riku began to speak, "thanks Cait sith I think I-"
However it was too soon to speak as another charge of pain surged throughout him making him cry out again as pain exploded throughout him making him grit his teeth, seeing this Nozomi became alarmed as she cried out, "Riku!"
Mickey looking on shocked couldn't understand what was happening! Why was Riku going through all this pain! Why was this only happening to him?
Cait sith seeing this could believe it! Even a second dose wasn't enough! Well then that meant only one thing! Walking up to him he put both his paws to the white keyblader's chest as he told him, "all right lad! Take this!" With that Cait sith glowed brightly yellow all over and with that as he did Riku felt this energy course throughout him making him also glow with yellow light and as he did finally the pain died away. This feeling left him breathless yet somehow also refreshed and warm all over.
Breathing peacefully then Riku felt relieved and as he did he told him, "thanks Cait sith... I feel all right now, thank you."
Cait sith hearing this removed his paws from his chest but as he did he wobbled to and throw until finally he rolled off of Riku as he lay on the floor beside him as he told him, "no probs lad! But you really are becomin' more and more tricky to deal with."
Hearing this Riku couldn't help but laugh as he said, "sorry to be such a hassle!"
Micky hearing this was relieved himself and then looking in Nozomi's direction she looked on with highly concerned eyes as she couldn't see from where she was what exactly was going on exactly, but quickly the mouse king reached his right hand up giving her the thumbs up showing her that everything was A-okay!
Putting a hand to her chest Nozomi sighed in relief as she said, "oh thank goodness!"
Meixeng listening to all this wasn't clear entirely on what was happening as she asked, "what's goin on Kida? Can you fill in the blanks for me?"
Seeing what had occurred herself Kida smiled as she told her, "the pale haired boy has been healed... he is well once more."
"Oh?" With that turning her head where she could hear the sounds of relief from she couldn't help but smile either as she replied, "well that's good then."
Milo also smiled in relief and around him even Audrey, Vinny and the others couldn't also help but feel relieved too but neither Helga nor Rourke were moved at all and the commander simply barked, "oh well how nice there, koochie coo! All right! Now let's move!" With that he clicked his fingers and at once heartless emerged, large body ones that quickly waddled over and surrounded the keybladers and princess, nobody and linguist.
Seeing this occur Nozomi shouted out mad, "what're you doing! Don't you hurt them!" With that she summoned her keyblade as she pointed at Rourke angrily.
The commander's mood now was becoming more sour by the moment and seeing someone pointing a weapon at him didn't please him in the slightest and as she did this he told her, "don't you be making threats at me! I've released them and now we're all going to see that treasure!"
Nozomi was blank for a moment as she thought 'we're all?' He was going to take them all into the crystal chamber? Why though? Why would he-
But then the answer came as Rourke pointed to her with his gun as he gave her the cold truth, "I do not want you guys rallying the troops or whatever you do! At least with my eye on you all I'll be able to guarantee some level of control." With that the heartless finally moved the group of people over and with that Milo was handed to the commander as he held the linguists right arm behind him as he pointed the gun into his back.
Seeing this Nozomi was alarmed in moments and reluctantly she moved allowing Rourke to finally stand on the platform with Milo right next to him. Then one by one, Riku with Cait sith on his shoulder, Mickey, Kida and Helga were moved onto the platform as well.
Next Meixeng moved to make her way onto the platform too however an enormous hand was put upon her shoulder stopping her from moving, feeling this she asked as she was stopped in her tracks, "all right what's the deal here?" She asked annoyed.
At once Rourke told her, "this is yer little come uppance for that little bombshell you put me through earlier!"
Realising what this meant in moments Meixeng spoke to him angrily, "so you keep me here while you have all the fun huh? Well I hope you have your bones and flesh scorched."
However Rourke was not intimidated in the least and at last he his lieutenant, the captive keybladers, Atlantian princess and linguist descended into the dark chamber where the heart of Atlantis would be waiting for them all.
As they descended though Kida couldn't help but gaze at Meixeng and then to her father who was still being cared for by Sweet... for it felt like something was going to end as she descended into the darkness.
Descending into the darkness Nozomi and the others were all silent as the platform they were all standing on was actually in fact a massive stone pillar and as they went further and further into the darkness Nozomi was reminded of the pillar she had not so long ago been fighting and standing upon.
However this place was entirely different for there was an ancient dank smell in the air, and all around them were dark grey rocks that littered everywhere left and right making the place seem more like a cavern rather then a chamber as a huge expanse of water covered the floor underneath it making it look almost like a lake. The thing though that drew everyone's attention was the thing that was in the very centre of the room, it was a circle of floating stones that each were engraved with ancient drawings of faces as they looked on with blank eyes making them almost ghostly.
In the centre of these stones there was something else but no-one though could see it too clearly for the stones blocked a clear view but from what could be seen was that it was something sphere shaped and big, that glowed with white blue light all over and in moments Nozomi knew what it was as she breathed out, "the heart of Atlantis..." Everyone was silent in awe as they gazed upon it as what could anyone say about something so ancient, mysterious and hauntingly beautiful?
Rourke though was not as taken in as the others were as he simply grinned and once more put the tooth pick to his mouth and said, "jackpot!"
This annoyed people in moments, Riku then said quietly to himself, "crude ain't he?"
To which Cait sith replied to him, "ya got that right lad!"
Kida though staring at the stones floating above them all as they circled the mysterious heart recognised those faces in moments as she breathed tears leaking from her eyes, "the kings of our past!" At once she bowed on the floor in moments as she started to whisper in her Atlantian tongue voicing her apologies to her ancestors and to the great heavens above for her and everyone's trespasses into this ancient and holy ground.
Growing worried about her in moments Mickey walked on over to her as he said, "Kida!" Her eyes widening Nozomi became just as concerned as she too quickly walked on over as she tool tried to console the Atlantian princess.
However Rourke annoyed told Milo, "Thatch tell her to wrap it up we've got a schedule to meet!"
Becoming annoyed again in moments Milo looked at him angrily and then he turned to look at Helga for she was unsure about this behaviour but in some ways she couldn't help but sympathize with the savage princesses for she felt something was deeply wrong here herself.
Walking over to her Mickey and Nozomi were both trying to soothe her as Milo heard Nozomi say, "come on Kida its okay! Your ancestors I'm sure don't hate you for this!"
Mickey nodded as he also added, "yeah that's right we've got to stay strong here and not be weak otherwise-"
However Milo interrupted them all as he put his hands to Kida's back making her jump, looking to the linguist she heard him as he apologised to her, "Kida I'm sorry."
Seeing this little interaction between them Nozomi couldn't help but smile along with Mickey as they both sensed something in the air, however Rourke though unsentimental as ever simply stared up at the grand spectacle in the air himself with dismissive eyes as the floating rocks continued to surround and hover around the crystal.
Annoyed and bored as he looked on he kicked a small pebble into the enormous pool of water that surrounded it, at once sensing a disturbance in its calm and serene waters the crystal in the centre of the room reacted as a red dangerous shining light began to shine and circle in various beams everywhere. Seeing this ominous light everyone was immediately becoming nervous, though once again Rourke was not impressed.
Annoying Cait sith the small cat spoke up as he said, "now what have ya done ya great nana!"
Everyone though more then outraged were all becoming deeply worried as something was definitely not right in this place, Nozomi spoke up, "something's really wrong here!"
Mickey nodded to that as he replied, "yeah... I think we shouldn't be staying for this..."
To which even Helga spoke up as she agreed saying, "well come on let's get this over with then!"
Milo looking to ' The Shepard's Journal' looked for any reference as to what this reaction might be as he looked through it, Riku then spoke aloud himself as he voiced his curious thoughts, "is this a warning?"
However still unmoved as ever Rourke asked Milo, "okay? Thatch what's next?"
Cait sith becoming outraged agin spoke up fed up of being ignored he said, "ya have such a one tracked mind ya daffy! Can't ya see that things all glowin' red up there! And all yer concerned about is ya own dang pockets!"
Hearing Cait sith though it was finally Rourke walked over as he finally gave him a reply, "I was not talking to you," with that he flicked Cait sith in the face making him cry out, "owww!"
Seeing him do this Mickey ran over as he said, "Cait sith! That was completely uncalled for!"
However now ignoring him Rourke turned to Milo as he asked,"now what're your thoughts Thatch?"
At once becoming annoyed and agitated with this lumbering and dull dumb gorilla of a commander he gave him a piece of his mind as he told him, "okay? There's a giant crystal hovering a hundred and fifty feet over our heads! Over a bottomless pit of water and this doesn't surprise you!"
With that an argument ensued between them both making Nozomi shake her head as she put her palm to her head and said, "this is just getting ridiculous!"
Kida gazing at the crystal felt something as though she was being called somehow and then finally as one of the spotlights flowed over her it turned from red to blue and as it did she recognised this event as her crystal floated being attracted to the source of light above she whispered, "matem..." at once her eyes began to glow with the same white light as they filled her irises and pupils entirely as she became entranced.
Hearing this word Nozomi asked, "what was that Kida?" But then as she gazed at her and saw the glowing blue spotlight that over them both she saw the princesses' eyes and as she did she asked breathless, "Kida?"
At once she began to move forwards as she went to go towards the light as she did this Nozomi became worried in moments and quickly she cried out breaking Milo and Rourke's argument in moments as she cried out, "guys! Kida! Something's up with Kida!"
At once everyone turned as they all saw her trance like state as well, they were all dumbstruck as they watched her walk to the edge of the bank. Milo became just as worried in moments as he went to grab her but sadly at that moment the commander's own questions were more important then their linguists concerns as he asked, " talk to me Thatch what's happening?"
Milo then started his explanations as best as he could understand it as he pointed to the journal, "well look all it says here is that the crystal is alive somehow? I don't know how to explain it! It's their deity! It's their power source!"
Rourke though still not getting it asked again, "speak English professor?"
Cait sith then spoke up as he said aggravated still for the little number this bully had dealt him, "ya as thick as mud ya daft! Ya want it anymore simple then that! That thing is connected to them as much as they are connected to it! They live to support and help each other grow! That's the bond they share! Did ya want me to get ya an ABC book too!"
However still not getting it... again Rourke said, "well I wanna better description then that!"
Riku at this point felt like he was dealing with a stubborn five year old as he put his hand to his forehead and shook it as Milo shouted out to him,"you know what I have a better idea! How bout you translate! And I'll wave the gun and order the heartless around huh?"
Mickey could sense things were really getting out of hand and so quickly he made his way over to them to become the peacekeeper as he said, "fella's look this is-"
Suddenly though Kida turned around as she gazed at them all with her glowing eyes as she spoke in her Atlantian tongue silencing everyone in moments as she almost seemed serene and yet alien like.
Rourke not understand a word obviously asked Milo,"what did she say?"
However Milo shook his head as he told him, "I don't know I didn't catch it."
Kida then began to walk away from them as she made her way to go to the centre of the lake of water, Nozomi running up asked whispering to their expert translator, "Milo what did she say?"
To which he told her also in a whisper, "she said, ' all will be well my friends do not be afraid."
Hearing these words Nozomi was quiet for though their royal friend had said this she couldn't help but feel a plaguing uncertainty within herself.
As everyone was transfixed as they watched the Atlantian princess gracefully step upon the surface of the water making small ripples in the dark expanse she approached getting closer and closer to the very heart that kept her world and all the things she knew alive.
Arriving underneath the floating stones she looked up as she saw the glowing bright and vibrant blue and white light that was the fiery crystal heart of Atlantis, in her eyes as she gazed up at it, it seemed to be almost like a small sun cool but yet warm in its radiance.
The crystal sensing its rightful host opened up the stones around it almost like a flower opening its petals as its searchlights all centred down on the one point she was standing upon in the darkened waters. At once as all the light came together shone through her crystal and in a flash she became breathless as she felt the crystals power making her ascend into its shining heights.
As everyone watched her floating upward they were all wide eyed and stricken with awe, for this was so haunting and yet beautiful at the same time, however in everyone's hearts who were close to the princess they all felt a deep worry inside as something was also so wrong with what was happening.
Finally reaching the very core of this mysterious and powerful heart Kida felt her entire being shining brightly as it increased more and more engulfing her whole body making her become almost like a star as it shone brighter and brighter everywhere almost blinding the ones below who continued to gaze up at her.
The stones around the crystal were spinning faster and faster as the power was fusing with mortal royal flesh and at once as the effects of were fixing in places gradually the stones around her began to spin slowly and more slowly until finally there in the centre from what all could see was a diamond figure that quickly took on the shape of a human female body.
Kida now was shining a beautiful shade of light blue shimmering with white light in her centre, she seemed to have become crystal like but yet she almost seemed to be like liquid for as she turned her hair flowed around her with little droplets flowing in and around her making her a creature now beyond mortal words.
The effect done she pulsed with the power of Atlantis as it flowed all over her letting her descend to the waters surface gracefully, she was almost like an angel and as everyone gazed at her they couldn't believe what had happened at all as they were silent with awe.
However Milo seeing her like this wanted to run to her, but Rourke stopped him in his tracks as he said with humour in his voice, "hold your horses lover boy!"
This didn't amuse anyone else though at all for as Kida stood there floating in the centre of the room they were all silent still until finally he called out to her, "Kida..."
Hearing her name the Atlantian princess opened her eyes that still shone with light of the heart of Atlantis seeing her do this, Nozomi too couldn't help but speak her name as she said, "Kida you-"
At once the glowing princess started to walk towards them all slowly and as she did the stones that had once floated for so many centuries fell into the watery depths in moments, however not a single droplet touched her as a round invisible force-field of sorts was around her and as she came to the shore once again no one knew what to say or do.
Rourke curious went to touch her, however Milo quickly told him, "no don't! Don't touch her..." To which Rourke immediately stayed his hands away from her as even he being the thug that he was knew better then to tempt fate.
Nozomi looking at her friend who had been changed so much spoke her name again with worry in her voice, "Kida..."
Hearing her voice the Atlantian princess turned to her as she stared at her for a moment making Nozomi stare back perplexed and then she spoke to her in her ancient tongue and said something that made Nozomi tremble inside for it felt not like just the voice of Kida but yet so many others of an ancient and mysterious age gone past and as she finished looking at her ever so blankly she turned away again.
Nozomi unsure then asked feeling strange inside, "Milo... what did she say?"
Knowing in moments he was breathless as well hearing this voice but even more so at the words she had said as he told her, "she said, 'seeker of the wings... beware... one day you will be betrayed."
At these words Nozomi couldn't believe it! Why would she say something like that? Who could possibly? But then looking to Riku and Mickey she saw the two of them look at her and then away with a look that was completely unreadable and yet... was it sadness? Was it guilt?... what did all of this mean and what was this ominous feeling entering her heart.
