Chapter CXXIV: The Portal Of Time And The Book Of Darkness
Return To The Radiant Gardens Part III
"Rrrrooowrggghhh!" Came a hungry groan as it floated outside of the home of Merlin the magician, as the creature gazed around it searched for something, anything that would fill this gaping hunger inside. Suddenly it noticed something glittering and it immediately it opened its mouth wide and rushed forwards, "Oouuunngggmmmpphh!" With that it began to chew away.
Quickly two small figures emerged and as they saw what the hungry thing was doing one of them whispered, "master Bebuzzu! Please that isn't-"
"Pah!" The thing then spat as it threw out the disgusting things which were in its mouth, these were revealed to be once beautiful flowers that had been standing in the pot next to them.
The two small figures looked at the hungry thing with fear as it then spoke out clearly annoyed, "pah hah! That's not what I wanted! Gross! I'm so hungry! Pah!" As it went on it continued to spit out petals that had spread about in its mouth.
The second of the voices spoke then too, "yeah I know how ya feel! I'm right hungry too! Flowers ain't never no good on the stomach!"
The first voice hearing this comment spoke then annoyed, "Peekaboo! This is not the time to be talkin' about food! Yer just gonna make him worse and you know what-"
Suddenly this voice was interrupted as then Bebuzzu sniffed loudly silencing the two small figures in moments, after this pause of deep sniffing a hungry wagging tongue escaped this hungry mouth as it spoke, "I can smell it! That delicate sweet smell of light! It's in there! And!" With that more sniffing ensued as it sensed something in the air.
Peekaboo seeing what the hungry thing was doing then asked his partner, "hey Greeble?"
Hearing him he replied, "yeah what?"
"What do ya think Bebuzzu is smellin'?" Came the question.
Greeble quiet for a moment then answered him, " I don't know! I have no expertise with this thing! It's-"
At that moment he was interrupted as Bebuzzu spoke again, "two more! Two more have come here! Ooh they're gonna be so yummy! If I just-"
Suddenly interrupting the hungry voice the door to Merlin's house was being opened and quickly seeing this Greeble and Peekaboo acted as they both simultaneously told Bebuzzu, "c'mon move hide! Hide! Snack search is over now go!"
With that squabbling ensued as the hungry thing spoke out aggravated, "no let me eat! Eat! I want to-" however it trailed away quickly into the distance and as it did Leon emerged from the door with Bonkers and Coco next to him.
Looking up to his tall human friend Bonkers told him, "well I'm gonna be back to patrolin' me and Coco will report if we spot anything suspicious!"
Nodding at this Leon replied, "yeah you do that, see you later Bonkers."
Smiling at this reply Bonkers then said, "that ya will! C'mon Coco!" With a kweh from his feathery friend both cop and chocobo ran down the street to begin their patrolling.
Leon smiled as they went but looking down he became confused as he saw the flowers in the pot next to him had been ruined! Who'd done that?
After arriving in the room in the back Merlin quickly then shut and locked the door as he directed everyone, "all right would you all please come this way."
With that everyone nodded and as they did Nozomi looked back as she wondered to herself, 'why did he lock the door?' Suddenly she bumped into Riku's back as he had stopped himself, surprising her she then stopped herself as she quickly moved around him to see as well what they were all looking at. As she moved though she quickly mouthed to Riku, 'sorry' as she stood beside him, to which he only shook his head a small smile on his face.
Looking on Nozomi then saw once more the boy who they had all seen quite a long while ago still sleeping in the quilted blankets, his long light green hair hadn't changed a bit but his expression seemed to have softened slightly and was less saddened which was a quiet relief, but still it was incredible he was still asleep after all this time!
Cait sith on Nozomi's shoulder looking at the boy spoke up, "wow that lad sure knows how to take a nap and half don't he!"
To which hearing this Nozomi responded, "yeah like certain people," as she thought about a certain someone who had a habit of taking long naps at odd occasions.
Hearing this sentence Cait sith looked at her annoyed as Nozomi returned the gesture but quickly quelling and distracting them from an upcoming argument Mickey asked the master magician, "Merlin why has this young fella been out like this? Haven't ya been able to-"
Immediately the magician interrupted him as he told him, "no I'm afraid not your majesty, I've tried practically every magical remedy that I know of but..." with that he sighed as he finished, "it's all but been fruitless."
At this Nozomi became saddened too as she looked to the slumbering boy, would he never awaken? Would he never meet them or even see Lachesis again?
Riku feeling the same asked then, "so you haven't been able to do anything for him?"
Merlin shook his head as he replied, "I'm afraid not, the only thing I have been able to do is make him comfortable, which is better than naught..."
With that silence entered the room as there seemed to be hopelessness in the air, but then Merlin spoke up again, "however there are some things that I have been able to discover about this young lad."
At this everyone looked up again as Nozomi asked," discover something? You mean you know who-"
Once again interrupting Merlin continued, "while I was searching within this hidden away library I told you all about I came upon this," with that he brought out his right hand and in a twinkle and sparkle of magic there emerged a tattered old worn green leather bound book.
Looking at this everyone was quiet but as they looked on the book was opened and within it everyone saw inside the very withered away pages with writing scattered here and there but then one particular thing stuck out.
There in the centre of the page they were gazing at there was a black and white photograph of the very boy that was in the room with them, though in the picture he was clearly a much younger a child maybe no more younger than five to six years old. As Nozomi looked at the picture she saw that he was dressed in a long white medical shirt and as she looked at him she could see there was a very sad expression on his face along with a look of fear and nervousness.
As she saw this she wondered to herself as she continued to gaze at the picture, 'why does he look so scared?'
Looking at the writing though Riku pointed out, "these pages have aged really badly Merlin?"
To which the master magician nodded as he replied, "yes indeed lad... I've tried to restore it the best I can, but even with your friend Ody's help there was only so much that I could do sadly."
Nodding at this Mickey asked him, "I see... but what were you able to find out?"
To which Merlin turned the book to himself as he said, "I shall read it to you," to which he then started to recite what was written within the aged manuscript, "subject details, name, Kagi Tomo."
Hearing the boy's name for the first time Nozomi repeated, "Kagi Tomo?" To which she turned her head to look at him once again as he continued to be unware of the conversation that was occurring.
Nodding as Nozomi repeated the boy's name Merlin continued, "Age, five years, power description and method of use."
To which hearing the beginning of this description Riku asked his eyes becoming alarmed,"power?"
Merlin simply continued,"subject's abilities seem to respond not to own accord but to the accord of others, it has been documented that when a certain criteria is met based upon another's wants, needs or simply wishes the subject is then able to summon doors."
Mickey hearing this asked, "doors?"
Merlin responded then, "correct," with that he continued, " however from experimentation and other testing it has been revealed to us that the subject need not even be conscious for this power to be used, if ones yearnings or simply wish is strong enough the power will come forth and create the door."
Listening himself as Nozomi turned Cait sith asked then, "so this lad can make doors huh? What kinda doors?" He asked.
To which Merlin continued which would answer his question, "these doors we have discovered seem to be portals into time, the passage of which depending on the wish first made will dictate where this door will lead to, it has been through experimentation that so far we have been allowed to venture into the past and even more incredibly into the future!"
At this everyone became stunned as it took a moment to settle in before Nozomi asked, "time! This boy can create doors of time!"
Nodding glad to see they understood Merlin replied, "precisely!"
Seeing he was taking it calmly Cait sith though was instantly dismissive despite the revelation as he said, "aww, Merlin mate ya can't be serious though right?" The small cat asked the magician.
Merlin then asked him, "what do you mean Cait sith?"
The small cat continued, "well it's obvious ain't it? Ya can't simply create a door to time simply out of thin air usin' somethin' as simple as a wish! I mean that's just too silly to even think about right?"
Merlin hearing this had to agree as he replied with a smile, "indeed I do agree it is quite an amusing thought but it is a real phenomenon I can assure you."
At this Riku then asked, "why would you say that?"
To which Merlin told them all, "because it's already happened here and I've seen it first hand."
Hearing this information Mickey asked him, "seen it?"
Merlin then told him, "I only just remembered sometime ago, I met this young lad a long time before when he was around about the same age in the photo here," astounded to hear this everyone listened with keen interest as Merlin continued his story," he came and spoke to me as young as he was and said that he had seen a vision of the future with which I would need something of his which would be very important."
Nozomi at this then realised as she said, "a door?"
Merlin nodded to her question as he replied, "correct and though I was as sceptical as Cait sith here, I humoured the young boy but when he summoned and gave me that door, my disbelief flew out the window and in recent times I found I did need to use it... as you might already know of your majesty."
With this information given the king was quiet when he quickly realised, "that incident where Maleficent was trying to take over the castle."
At this Merlin replied, "correct and after all those years there was no way that lad would be able to have known! So the only logical conclusion was that he was-"
"Able to see into time," Riku answered for him.
To which once more Merlin nodded and with all this info heard Nozomi looked at Kagi who was still sleeping away. She still couldn't believe it! That power would be practically limitless! Being able to travel wherever and whenever one wanted! So quickly she asked, "so he can make as many doors as much as he wants depending on a person's wish?"
To which Merlin then shook his head as he replied, "this isn't completely the case."
Curious at this Cait sith asked him, "what do ya mean there Merlin?"
At this question the master magician looked to the book again as he read aloud once more, "However upon further inspection this power is not limitless, for when one had made a wish for a door and tried to make another this proved to be futile, further more if one was not precise in his or her wishes the door would lead to a random location which would in due course proved useless... in consideration whether this specimen could be useful in the creation of the Lachesis lock we can..." with that Merlin became quiet.
Everyone then became silent too as Mickey asked, "is that the end of the information?"
Merlin then told him, "correct, so that's what little info we do know about this poor lad but more importantly because of his power three doors of time have emerged here within the Radiant Gardens."
Nozomi asked, "three doors?"
Merlin nodded once again, "yes and where they lead to I can't say but at least with him here in the back under lock and key no more doors will be summoned hopefully, but with the doors that have been summoned they have proven to be a bit of a hinderance for the upcoming carnival so-"
"You'd like us to investigate and find some way to remove them right?" Riku finished for the master magician.
Glad to see he'd caught on Merlin replied, "correct yes!" Then quickly he also added, "I do apologise though for asking this of you lads as well since you have all just arrived back here but it would be a great help to all of us, and also with doors of time we can't just let them be used by just anyone for who knows what could occur in the timeline if someone were to meddle with it."
Nodding now himself agreeing Mickey replied, "yeah I know, I agree with ya there Merlin! Somethin' needs to be done about it and we don't mind," with that he turned to the others as he asked, "right guys?"
Hearing the mouse king Nozomi shook her head as she said, "no I don't have any trouble with that! Besides time travel sounds like a whole lot of fun! It'll be awesome to see through those doors!"
"Glad to see you're so enthusiastic," Riku muttered as he was clearly annoyed.
Cait sith hearing Riku say this looked at him as he asked, "what's eatin' you up snowdrop?"
Riku continuing to look sour then as he told them, "have you guys forgotten? Sora's coming back here..."
Hearing this and then remembering his best friend that he wanted to be reunited with, Nozomi became saddened for a moment but something quickly clicked as she then said, "but it won't be a problem!"
At this Riku looked puzzled as he replied, "huh?"
Nozomi told him then, "because these are doors of time we're talking about! If we go in them and come out it'll be like nothing changed at all right?"
Riku listening to this still didn't get what she was saying as he asked, "what're you talking about?"
Realising she wasn't being precise Nozomi then said, "well what I mean is, is that when we go through the doors and come back hardly any time would have passed at all," With that she turned to the master magician as she asked, "right Mr Merlin sir?"
Hearing the question being put to him Merlin smiled as he replied, "yes indeed Nozomi my lass, I would say hardly anytime would go by at all for when Sora and his friends went through the doorI had and came back it was hardly more than ten minutes they were gone for."
At this hearing that her idea was right Nozomi smiled brightly as she turned back to Riku and said to him eagerly, "see! It'll be fine! And I'm sure Sora would wait for us in those ten minutes wouldn't he?"
Hearing her usual optimistic enthusiasm Riku stared at her bright happy smile but then he turned away again, for though he knew it to be true still...
Looking at him Nozomi was quiet, had she not said the right thing? But Mickey knowing what was wrong walked on over as he then pulled on Riku's waistcoat, as he did he spoke to him gently, "Riku... I know you've been waiting for a long time... but Sora's patient he'll wait for us even if we're not here when he arrives immediately, everyone like Merlin and Leon will be here to let him know what's going on... okay?"
At the king's words Riku looked down at him and seeing his gentle smile he felt comforted inside then looking back to Nozomi he saw her worried look and knowing he was being stubborn he looked down again as finally a small smile appeared on his face as he said, "... first we're travelling worlds and now time... this certainly is one adventure even he won't believe!"
Brightening as he said this Nozomi smiled herself relieved and then Cait sith on her shoulder spoke up finally, "that ya will lad! Now come on mates! Time to get traversin' again!"
Hearing him spur them all Nozomi laughed as she said, "okay guys let's get going!"
Merlin pleased seeing their comradely shining through smiled as he then said, "very good lads! I'll take you over to where the first door is and we can begin from there!"
Nodding at this Nozomi and the others then began to follow Merlin out towards the door but as they did once more the female keyblader looked back to Kagi who continued to slumber away and as she did her sadness for him returned and as it did she prayed internally he would awaken soon... and maybe just maybe finally they would find that person for him... Lachesis.
As Merlin opened the door and let Nozomi, Cait sith and Riku go through he thought to himself for a moment as he stroked his long beard as a thought occurred to him.
Mickey walking by him looked to the master magician and as he did he saw the thoughtful look on his face and as he did he asked him, "Merlin? Is something on your mind?"
Still scratching his beard the magician then spoke aloud, "yes... I'm fairly sure there was something else I needed to tell you but..." then shaking his head he finished saying,"oh I'm sure it'll come back to me," with that Mickey left through the open door as the magician closed it after him.
Slumbering still on the bed Kagi sighed as he spoke aloud once more,"Lachesis...please..."
Arriving outside of his house everyone began to make their way down the street but once again passing by the communicator machine Nozomi looked it and as she did she spoke up, "Mr Merlin sir?"
Now ahead of them all as he was leading the way to the first door of time the magician turned around and as he did he asked,"hm?"
Nozomi then asked him, "could I use the communicator machine? We haven't spoken to Ody in a long time and... it'd be nice to catch up for a little bit, can we?"
At this question once again Merlin smiled as he then nodded, "of course! Besides young Odyeux has also been wanting to get back in touch with you all for a long time himself."
Pleased to hear this Nozomi smiled and quickly without another word she headed to the machine and as she did Cait sith on her shoulder declared, "all right time for me to do the honours!" With that he jumped forwards as he landed on the big red button on the machines panel!
In seconds the machine buzzed and moved as it initiated it's program flowing with magical energy as well as the electricity that made it purr into life, eager as she held her hands together Nozomi spoke out, "Ody!"
Seeing her excitement Riku and Mickey also came over becoming just as happy themselves and as they watched the T.V. Screen with erratic static Cait sith said, "we're gettin' a signal!"
With that the picture came through!
The room they had seen long ago within the abandoned house of Twilight Town, was now remarkably in a much better condition with new wallpaper and even some decorations here and there but before they could gaze anymore at these little details suddenly!
"Ori!"
At once the mischievous short pink haired ponytailed nobody ran across the room carrying something in his arms grinning madly as an angry voice followed after him, "give me back that comic book!"
Quickly following after him was Hayner looking on bitterly as clearly this comic was important to him however, "I ain't givin' this back! This is a cool one!"
Annoyed Hayner demanded, "you're not even a fan of this series! Why do you-"
Ori then told him, "simple! If doin' this gets ya this agitated then its all the more I keep it!" With that he ran back towards Hayner and then with no effort whatsoever he leaped over his head with absolute ease as he started to run off again.
Aggravated Hayner gritted his teeth as he shouted out, "give me my comic!" With that the chase ensued again.
Looking at this little event Riku then said, "well... this is certainly interesting..."
Nozomi couldn't help but reply feeling awkward, "yeah..."
But then watching the T.V. Screen there came another old familiar voice, "oh guys please don't do this!"
Trying to see where this voice was coming from it was then that Nozomi's eyes lit up as she saw who it was, "Saria!"
It was definitely her, the same long brown hair and anxious face as she tried to soothe the little dispute that was occurring but Ori seeing her approach smiled widely as suddenly a new idea for a bit of trickery came, looking behind him he turned back as he said, "all right then! Catch Hayner!" With that he threw the comic towards him and as he did he jumped up high again.
Watching him as he jumped up catching his comic Hayner was confused as he asked, "what're you-"
Suddenly a loud whistle came as Ori shouted, "hey Scriptium!"
At once the living quill came around the corner curiously and as it did Ori grinned madly as he called out, "ya fav toys are here!"
At once turning back Hayner became alarmed as he saw the creature, it looked to him and immediately it became over affectionate and slithered in the air towards him, at once he moved to run to get out of the way, but then, "oww!"
Straight away just as planned he collided into Saria and then as the two of them fell to the ground at once Scriptium wrapped hersef around them both and started to hug onto the two of them like a snake as it squeezed them together!
Feeling this pressure and this usual awkwardness annoyed Hayner to no degree, for once again he'd been had.
His eyes closed as he felt Saria underneath him being squeezed into him by Scriptium, he blushed as he apologised and said, "sorry Saria...again."
The awkwardness settling on her as well Saria simply laughed weakly as she replied, "it's okay..."
Cait sith staring at this scene said aloud, "why do I get the feeling this kinda thing happens so often there."
At this no-one could give a reply but once again another voice spoke up, "oh what trouble are you causing in here this time?"
Looking then everyone saw finally the one they'd all come to contact, "Ody!" Nozomi breathed out happily!
However he hadn't heard her, his spiky blonde hair was still tied back into the two braided ponytails that he wore and his odd spectacles were also on his nose, his face though was clearly annoyed as he saw the trouble maker had been up to mischief again and seeing him he called out, "Ori!"
At once the pink haired nobody boy landed on the floor again and as he did he didn't give a care as he simply put his hands behind his head and replied, "yeah? What is it specs?"
Not pleased Ody told him, "how many times have I told you to stop causing trouble! You're inconveniencing everyone! Especially Saria! Don't you have any consideration even for your own partner!"
However Ori only shrugged as he replied, "I'm only havin' fun here! I didn't ask no one to join in! They get involved? They get involved, it ain't my problem."
At this Ody shook his head and sighed... even after being with them this long he still caused problems, arriving inside then finally was the rest of the group as a female voice asked curious, "oh is Ori being a pain again?" It was then revealed to be Olette as she walked in with Pence, Araxne and finally Meixeng with Uma and Fuma on her shoulders.
Seeing everyone arrive Riku wondered aloud as he continued to watch, "I wonder when they're all gonna realise we're here?"
However the others remained quiet as they all continued to watch on to see what would happen next?
Sighing as he heard Olette ask the question Ody replied, "yeah... he is."
Hearing that he was being inconvenienced Araxne was quiet but then she walked forwards quietly as Pence told Ody trying to reassure him, "oh don't worry about it! You don't have to feel so responsible all the time."
Glad for the reassurance Ody replied, "thanks Pence..."
Watching as she walked on over silently Ori watched as Araxne arrived in front of him, she was all still the same with her long black and vibrant pink lined hair tied back into a bun as her turquoise eyes looked at him with silent seriousness. Looking at her he asked her, "and what've you got to say?"
One word came from her mouth, "apologise."
Hearing this Ori asked, "wha?"
Then suddenly before he knew it Araxne summoned a vast amount of bandages from her sleeves as they wrapped themselves around Ori and frightening him in seconds he called out, "hey what the!-"
It was clear Araxne was angered as she now had him trapped and as she pulled him up and he was now held upside down by his feet, she then told him, "apologise! To everyone in this room! I do not like anyone causing an uproar for such an overly long period of time like this!" For this was now the so manyeth time that Ori had caused trouble.
Ori hearing this angered tone in her voice felt a chill run through him but he wasn't one to let go of his pride so he asked her mockingly though being upside down, "oh scary! Or else what're ya gonna do?"
With that seeing him being cocky at once Araxne manoeuvred her bandages and quickly they lifted Ody into the air and at once he was tied to the bottom of the chandelier, now terrified at the height he was at he heard Araxne from the bottom say, "or you will be left to hang up there all day."
With that there was then a lot of sounds of squabbling and complaints from above and though not being able to see these events Meixeng raised one of her eyebrows as she said, "hmm, seems that everyone's very excited huh?"
Then in the distance she heard the continuing purring and the struggles between Hayner and Saria as they tried to make Scriptium let go of the two of them, so hearing this she knew what she could do to stop it so whispering quickly she said, "Fuma, Uma?" Hearing their mistress the two small monkeys turned to listen to her and hearing she'd got their attention she told them both, "go and play with Scriptium."
With that they chirped happily and at once they left their lady's shoulder and quickly arrived in front of the living quill and as she continued to rub her quilled head into Hayner he complained loudly, "Scriptium get off! Come on! I-"
"Eeek! Eeek!" Hearing these little chirps Scriptium stopped and turned, there jumping up and down happily were Uma and Fuma who chatted to her revealing that they wanted to play now with her!
Seeing this Scriptium in seconds quickly released Hayner and started to chase after Uma and Fuma who were now all playing their favourite game, hide and go tag!
Sighing finally glad that he was released he got himself up as he dusted himself off his comic still in his hand as he breathed out, "finally freedom!"
Saria on the floor relieved herself replied, 'indeed! Oh Scriptium is just a little bit too loving!"
Seeing her on the floor Hayner paused for a moment before he reached his free left hand down and as he did he asked her, "hey?"
Hearing him ask Saria looked to him and seeing his hand she then heard him say, "want a hand up?"
To which for a moment she paused herself as she then nodded her head and replied, "yes... thank you." With that she was back up on her feet again.
Seeing that things were back to normal for a moment Ody was glad as he said, "well I'm glad that that's got sorted out."
Hearing him Meixeng then moved herself over to him as she hugged her arms around his shoulders as she told him, "ohh... you're too stressed Ody, want me to help you relax?"
At these words and feeling her softness Ody blushed madly red as he quickly replied, "um no I think that won't be necessary I-"
"HEY! Look over here will ya!"
Quickly turning around everyone looked in the direction of the mirror and it was then finally they all saw Nozomi, Riku, Mickey and Cait sith.
Her ears hurting from the sudden shout Nozomi looked at the small cat on her shoulder with annoyance as she said, "hey Cait sith!" With that the small cat turned as she told him, "that was really rude you didn't have to-"
"Yes I did lass! Otherwise them lot would never realise we're all standing here! This was gonna go on all night if I did nothing!" He said giving her now a telling off!
Then suddenly before anymore angry words could be exchanged suddenly,
"Everyone!"
Suddenly turning Nozomi saw along with everyone else that all the inhabitants of that abandoned house had now all gathered together in front of the mirror, they all looked on with excited and happy eyes to see them all there.
Seeing them herself Nozomi's happiness returned in seconds as she responded, "hi guys!
Riku seeing them all as well responded, "hey!"
Mickey then spoke too, "hi fella's!"
Saria seeing her old friend and the rest of them spoke out," It's so great to see you all again! How have you been?"
Nozomi smiled as she replied, "oh we're fine! We're great Saria! You all look happy yourselves!"
At this comment Saria nodded happily and interjecting herself Meixeng then spoke as she still had her arm around Odyeux as she said, "yep! We're all a big happy family here!"
Hearing this from Meixeng Riku replied to her, "well I'm glad to see you're doing so well!"
To which Meixeng replied, "oh yeah I certainly am, right honey?" She asked as she looked to Odyeux mischievously.
Ody feeling flustered at this comment laughed awkwardly as he said, "uh yeah... we're all well."
Olette looking tough had to ask, "what have you guys all been up to! Where've you been?"
With that there was a huge array of explanations and questions as everyone relayed their story.
After relaying the whole story to everyone there was silence amongst them all... Pence was then the one to say, "wow! You guys have been through a lot!"
Mickey nodded as he replied, "yeah we have! But it's been a good journey!"
Then Olette asked, "so now you guys are going to be travelling through time?"
Nozomi made a nod to this as she said, "yeah apparently, that should be something huh?"
Ody nodded at this himself as he said, "I see..." then thinking about this boy Kagi he asked them, "have you guys come across anymore Lachesis reports?"
At once remembering one of the main reasons why shed contacted Ody she told him, "oh yeah! Yeah we have!" Then turning, "Cait sith?"
Hearing his cue the small black and white cat nodded as he said, "aye lass!" With that he took the report from her and then in a sparkle of yellow light the report was teleported to Ody who caught in his hands in moments.
Holding the papers in his hands he gazed at them and quickly calling upon his own power he summoned a small quill, and with it in moments everyone watched as strings of letters came off of the pages and weaving the words like a conductor would direct a music in an opera the pages at once became clear and eligible to read as they returned to the pages. Then quickly touching his badge on his chest the pages were taken from his hands and in moments they were delivered back to their owners.
Catching the pages in her hands Nozomi looked through his work and said amazed, "wow! This is amazing as always Ody!"
Nodding as she said this he replied, "it's all right don't worry, I hope you find this report useful to you all and when you find the last two I'll deliver them straight back to you!"
Smiling glad to hear this Mickey replied, "yeah we will Ody! Thanks again!"
Shaking his head the responsible and happy writer replied, "it's no trouble but please take care in those doors all right?"
Riku hearing him say this replied, "don't you worry we will be! You guys all just look after yourselves all right?"
Saria hearing him say this replied, "yes we will, it's been wonderful to talk to you all! Let's speak again soon!"
Smiling as she said this Nozomi replied, "yeah let's!"
Hayner then said, "and watch where you're going! Don't you be as clumsy as we are!"
Cait sith then at this point retorted, "too much to hope for there lad!"
To which Nozomi looked at Cait sith annoyed but then turning around she heard another voice speak.
"Nozomi..." Looking she then saw that it was Araxne who had been mainly quiet up to this point, Nozomi became quiet herself as she heard her say,"please be safe... all of you be careful!"
Glad to see her silent caring side Nozomi nodded to her as she replied, "yeah we will don't worry Araxne, we'll see you all again real soon!"
Meixeng listening to all of this then told her, "well TTFN then! You all take care of yourselves now!"
With that as the screen was fading out as everyone spoke out, "bye!"
However in the distance Ori complained,"hey I haven't had a chance to talk! What about that carnival! Why can't we go! I want to-"
With that the picture blacked out and seeing they were all getting along so well made Nozomi really happy as she said, "aww I'm so glad they're not all lonely anymore, it's so great to see."
Nodding at this still on her shoulder Cait sith told her, "yeah, yeah, now come on we gotta get moving!"
A little annoyed at his impatience Nozomi responded, "fine, fine then!"
But as she started to move Mickey asked her, "Nozomi can I look at the report please?"
Hearing him ask for it Nozomi looked at him and then with no hesitation she replied, "sure here," with that she handed the report to the small mouse king who then started to look at the documentation with serious eyes.
Seeing them all coming happy to see they had a great conversation with their friends Merlin told them, "all right lads! This way then!"
With that they all began to follow the master magician once again.
After no more than maybe ten or possibly fifteen minutes everyone arrived in the space where the first door of time was located, looking everyone saw that it was situated in the middle of a round open cobbled area.
There were flowers decorated in a semi circle all around and where people would walk in the centre the door was causing an obstruction, so it was clear it had to be moved, carnival or not.
Looking at it, the so-called portal of time wasn't really that much to talk about, it was a white door quite tall in size and wooden in material, but if you had not known what it was you may simply believe it to be a simple stage prop perhaps?
Gazing at it as she walked around it Nozomi was curious, looking at the top of it she noticed within its stained glass window at its top was a red and golden patterned design of a roaring lion, seeing it she wondered, 'why's that on it?'
Looking at it himself Cait sith spoke up, "so this here's a door of time huh?"
Merlin nodded, "correct yes."
Echoing her own thoughts Cait sith responded, "not much to see though is it?"
Hearing the small black and white cat say this Merlin replied, "to the naked eye perhaps but I must warn you lads!" With that the lot of them listened to an explanation of being careful not to mess with the timeline or give in to temptation.
As this occurred in the background unbeknownst to them all three pairs of eyes gazed at the scene, looking at this group of people Greeble spoke, "uh? I see... so these are the new visitors we've had huh?"
Looking at them Peekaboo spoke, "they're not much to talk about! Can we go and eat now?"
Annoyed at his accomplice as he said this Greeble spoke, "are you mad1 We can't go now! We still haven't found anything to keep Bebuzzu fed! If Irma discovers-"
"They're there!"
Distracting the two arguing carers Bebuzzu licked its lips as it then said, "two delicious lights!" Putting Peekaboo and Greeble on edge suddenly Bebuzzu geared itself back as it cried out, "they're mine!"
With that it suddenly dove out of the bushes and aimed itself at its targets!
Unaware Cait sith pricked his ears as he heard something turning he asked, "what's-"
Suddenly he was smacked off of Nozomi's shoulder as she turned shocked as she cried out, "hey what the!"
Suddenly then shocking everyone entirely they all saw that Cait sith was now in the jaws of a... book?
It was a brown leather clad book with a single purple orb which made its eyes, it also had gold lining with sharp teeth designed into it! It was a creepy old thing.
Cait sith's tail and bottom were sticking out of the thing as he was twitching and turning trying to get himself out! Everyone was wide eyed at this ridiculous scene, what the heck was going on!
In the distance Peekaboo and Greeble were just at shocked at Bebuzzu's sudden impulse as they had no way to think of a coverup for this!
Meanwhile the living book himself was struggling with the so-called delicious morsel in his mouth but then as he realised what was there on his delicate tongue he cried out, "PAH!" With that he spat the scottish black and white cat out as he cried out, "yuck! Pah! Cat hairs! Pah!"
Landing on the floor his head aching and annoyed beyond all measure at this sudden attack Cait sith cried out, "What do ya think yer doin! What's the big idea! I ain't no appetiser!"
At this cry suddenly, "the laws on the case!"
Arriving from seemingly nowhere Bonkers riding on Coco pointed to the hungry tome as he told it, "Bebuzzu! Evil devourer! Escapee of the great Merlin himself! Ya under arrest!"
Perplexed by all this suddenness Riku asked, "devourer?" For he'd never seen a talking book before! Less one that could eat?
Hearing this shout Bebuzzu saw Bonkers and Coco, as he did he said, "yuck! Even more gross yucks!"
At once Bonkers cried back, "we'll show you yucks! C'mon Coco!"
"Kweh!" Came from the chocobo and at once both charged forwards towards the odd spectacle of a book.
Nozomi not getting it asked, "what is going on here?"
But suddenly, "no arrest today I'm afraid!"
Suddenly a purple smoke screen emerged from nowhere and as it did Bebuzzu got lost in it along with everyone else for no-one could see a thing!
Mickey then cried out, "hey what's happening here!"
At once the voice called out, "sorry for inconveniencing you newbies but you're not up to the standards to be devoured by my wonderful Bebuzzu."
Still confused Nozomi asked, "what! What is-"
Suddenly the purple smoke screen was removed revealing the clear and wonderful sunshine once more and looking around everyone was confused as Bonkers revealed as he cried out, "hey! Where are ya! Show us yer cowardly faces you-"
It was then not only the small bobcat cop noticed but everyone else too, there in the distance standing just some metres away, the one who'd spoken to them all now had Bebuzzu in their hands.
Looking everyone saw a young woman dressed in a trendy black vest which revealed her stomach, on her arms she wore long purple sleeves which exposed her shoulders and hands, she also wore a long decorative purple skirt which revealed her legs to be dressed in black trousers and boots.
Her hair was red in colour and pulled into two long pigtails that were spiky and almost looked leaf like, her red eyes regarded them all with cocky contempt, looking at her as she gazed at her only one word appeared in Nozomi's head-
"It's you ya witch!" Bonkers cried out angered as he saw the girl.
Hearing the annoying bobcat the girl spoke, "oh look it's the rabble, still annoying as ever aren't ya?"
Merlin finally recovering properly himself then also called out, "you young lass! I thought I hadn't seen you in a long time! You return that dangerous tome this moment!"
However unmoved by this demand Irma remarked, "what? And lose my chance to be the best sorceress in all the worlds? I don't think so old man!" With that she summoned a small glowing purple orb and as she did she then called out, "Greeble! Peekaboo!"
At once hearing their lady call out to them it was then the two carers were revealed, one was a small light blue bird with black sunglasses on his head and on his feathery chest was a trendy star badge obviously out of the two he was clearly trying to be the most cool of them as even his feathers were combed back almost like a rock and roll style hair cut.
Then there was the last one, he was plump, pink and round. On his back was a green backpack which inside could be seen bulging from its top were a whole load of lollipops and other sweet snacks, clearly this one was one for food!
Arriving by her side in moments both birds called out, "yes lady Irma!"
Glad to see them arrive she told them, "good response! Now come one! Let's make trails huh?"
However clearly distressed Merlin called out, "oh no! Don't you leave! That book is dangerous! You mustn't take that book with you!"
Riku seeing how distressed the master magician was knew that this was serious so recovering his senses before everyone else he rushed forwards to stop the young witch from escaping as he called out summoning his keyblade, "you stop right there!"
Seeing him come Irma was surprised for a moment but quickly this vanished as instead a smile decorated her features, seeing this suddenly confused Riku when-
"Agh!" He was knocked back as a blade came from nowhere as he was sent flying backwards making him land on the floor painfully.
Seeing this happen Nozomi ran forwards as she cried out, "Riku!" Making it over to him as he lay on the floor she helped him up and looking up she quickly saw who had attacked him.
There were standing two figures, the first one was the main attacker he was a tall young man with a long white coat and hood on with yellow zips decorated in a zig zag pattern, almost like lightning strikes. The coat like Irma's clothes also revealed his shoulders and the top that which underneath was a dark grey with a sharp triangle design revealing a little bit of his chest. He also wore long black trousers and around his middle were a few purple belts which almost looked like woven ropes. This all made him seem very traditional somehow even though he wore trendy belted purple boots.
He had long dark brown and cold blue eyes that stared at them all showing he was ready for battle as his long red hilted samurai sword was bare and held tightly.
Next to him looking just as battle ready was a small bird like Peekaboo and Greeble, though in colour he was black with red tinted feathers on his head, chest and tail, he had a dark purple eyepatch over his right eye and he seemed savage and pirate like as his red eye gazed at them all angrily.
Seeing she was defended well Irma spoke, "well done, Gandrake, Volg."
However the young man Gandrake said nothing as he simply kept his stance ready to strike again and Volg was the one to speak, "no problem lady Irma! Let us go now!"
Nodding Irma replied, "indeed," with that she lifted the purple glowing orb as she said, "bye bye!" With that the orb shone brightly and quickly the lot of them started to vanish but as they disappeared a hungry voice called out, "no let me eat my yummy lights! My lights! My-"
But it quickly the complaints faded away as the group vanished...
Confused by all this Nozomi asked, "um... what was that all about?"
Merlin then sighed as he said,"oh dear they got away again..."
Riku now more well recovered asked, "again?"
Mickey becoming curious asked, "who were they Merlin? And what was that talking book?"
Looking at them all Merlin told them, "that group was... they're under the direction of a young girl... who was at some point going to be my apprentice, Irma."
Nozomi hearing this asked, "Irma?"
Merlin nodded, "yes... she was very good, she has a lot of potential but sadly she wanted results too quickly too soon, she lacks a very important component when it comes to wizardry... patience."
Everyone was silent as Merlin paused again, Bonkers and Coco rode up to him as he continued as they knew what was coming next, "so when the secret library was discovered and I came across... the dark tome titled Bebuzzu she saw it as her chance to become the best magic user in all the worlds."
Bonkers and Coco then became saddened as they continued to look up to Merlin along with everyone else, "so... after I summoned Coco and Bonkers she and her partner Gandrake took the book and a few others where the other birds you saw came from."
Hearing this, this was all terrible! That girl had betrayed Merlin! How selfish did you have to be to do such a thing!
Cait sith once again as though reading Nozomi mind spoke up, "that little wench!" Shaking himself again though he asked annoyed still, "and why would she want such a messed up thing anyway! I mean a book that eats that's just stupid!"
Merlin then told Cait sith and everyone else, "that book is actually a seal that contains a powerful deity of darkness that lives to devour all sources of light."
At this everyone paused with shock but then Mickey spoke, "that's awful! Maybe we should postpone going through these doors! That sounds more-"
"Don't you worry!"
Surprising everyone they all turned to see it was Coco and Bonkers who'd spoken up, looking bold and noble on his steady steed the bobcat cop told them, "me and Coco are on top of it! And the Arcs too! We're workin' together to stop 'em!"
No one could believe they were being lectured by all people, Bonkers! But the little guy continued as he said,"so you guys deal with yer mess and we'll handle them guys, okay?"
Sceptical Cait sith walked on over to him as he asked seriously, "Bonkers mate... are ya sure ya can handle this?"
Nodding the cop cat replied, "absolutely!" Then turning down he asked, "right Coco?" To which the small chocobo kweh'd happily in agreement.
Looking back to Cait sith he told him, "see! Now you guys get a move on! We gotta get back to the chase!" With that he manoeuvred his friend chpcobo as he continued, "let's get goin' Coco!" With that at once both cop and chocobo were on the case to search for those dastardly villains.
Staring blankly as this all occurred Nozomi was quiet... things had really become interesting now.
However Cait sith satisfied spoke again, "well yer heard that copper and coco! We better get to the task at hand!"
With that though they were all still stunned and definitely unprepared... the next stage of their adventure was to begin.
