Chapter CXXVIII: Divided, The Conflict Upon The Pridelands Part IV

Pacing back and forth upon the summit of Pride Rock with deep worry and anxiety plaguing him was the king of these lush green lands, Simba. His daughter had not come back for a long while now and a feeling, a nagging horrible sensation was beginning to well up from within him.

Next to him was his father's close advisor and friend the blue hornbill Zazu who was trying to soothe the king's worry as he looked up at him smiling as he reassured, "don't worry Simba, she'll be fine!" For he then said almost jokingly, "what could happen?"

Then at that moment Simba looked back upon the lands and saw a sight that alerted him horribly in moments, in the distance just a little beyond the Pride Lands there was a tall pillar of smoke billowing out. That meant only one thing! Fire! Realising this Simba cried out, "oh no! No! Kiara!" With that he went running down the rock as he started to descend.

Zazu seeing the horror that was occurring within the Pride Lands himself became just as terrified as he hovered in the air but then he was snapped out of this state as Simba called out to him, "Zazu fly ahead!"

With that the blue bird quickly flew into the distance to assist his king and as he ascended into the distance Simba called out to the rest of his pride, "find her!" With that the rest of his lions quickly followed after him as they went to rescue the princess of the Pride Lands.

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"Oh get out of the way!" Nozomi cried mad as she quickly summoned the 'Starseeker' into her mouth and spun into the air. Them quickly she went to strike one of the salamander heartless.

However quickly the beast wheeled out of her way as she collided into the ground! Her keyblade vanishing away again Nozomi coughed as she cried out, "oh not again!" Fur just like real reptiles these ones were slippery!

Nozomi, Mickey and Riku had now proceeded into battle to dispatch these menacing beasts! But it was proving more difficult then one would assume for the environment was not suitable for battle for the more these creatures moved around the worse the fire quickly became as it started to spread around them fiercely making it difficult to breathe!

Coughing again Nozomi could feel the burning fumes in her mouth and as she did she spoke, "oh darn! We gotta go again!"

In the distance Mickey summoning his own keyblade called out to her, "use an ice spell Nozomi!" With that the salamander he was dealing with quickly sped out of the way!

Nozomi looking back cried out, "a spell?" For how was she supposed to cast one with her mouth full with the keyblade?!

Suddenly though as she said this Cait sith cried out from her back, "lass incoming!" Quickly turning Nozomi turned and suddenly a burning salamander was wheeling its way straight towards her! Seeing this shocked Nozomi didn't know what to do?! How was she supposed to cast a spell? What-

"Nozomi!" Quickly then she felt something on the cuff of her neck as sharp teeth bit into her and quickly she was whisked away as the creature blazed forwards past.

Confused at what had happened she looked up and saw with huge surprise she was being held by Kiara as she had sped to her rescue! The lioness princess seeing that they were safe again quickly lowered Nozomi as she turned to her and asked her, "are you okay?"

Silent for a moment realising a princess had just saved her Nozomi then snapped out of her moment of awe as she quickly nodded and replied, "yeah... yeah! I am thanks Kiara!"

The princess smiled glad she'd been able to help for a moment but then quickly she started coughing as the fumes were rising higher, it was getting unbearable!

Nozomi now coughing herself put a paw over her mouth as she spoke, "this is awful! What can-"

"Blizzaga!" Came a loud cry and quickly as it did a huge sparkling spell of ice emerged as it raced forwards and spread out making a hole in the huge ring of fire that had risen up!

Seeing this Nozomi was quickly silenced again, but running past quickly his keyblade in his mouth Riku quickly made it vanished away and as it did he called back, "guys come on!' With that he started to run forwards.

Seeing him go Nozomi cried out, "hey! Wait up!' With that quickly she and Kiara chased after him as Mickey too hopped forwards doing his best to try catch up to everyone.

As she moved Nozomi now ran alongside the white lion keyblader and as she did she told him, "whoa thanks there Riku! You really saved us from-"

However looking at her he told her, "this is no time for congratulations!" Nozomi quickly became quiet again as he continued, "my magic is running low! You and the king are soon going to be the only ones left who'll be able to cast spells!"

Hearing this Nozomi then quickly realised the severity of the situation and as she did she told him, "okay... Okay I know now! But how can I though? I mean how can I wield the keyblade in my mouth while casting? I-"

Suddenly though another salamander appeared in front of them and as it did Riku quickly summoned his own keyblade to his mouth again and as he did he went to strike the creature! Quickly landing a blow he made the creature fly backwards! Taking this quick break he turned and told her, "you'll have to think of something!" Then quickly the creature got back upon its claws again and as it did Riku turned as he finished, "and you've got to do it fast! Now hurry!" With that he summoned his blade as he proceeded into battle again!

As he did this Nozomi watched him fight again and she felt horrible for not being able to help, but what was she to do? What-

"Lass!" Quickly once again she was broken out of her thoughts as Cait sith told her, "attacker at nine o'clock!" Turning around Nozomi quickly saw another of the salamanders wheeling straight towards her!

Seeing it Nozomi spoke hurried, "Kiara try and get to a safe distance!"

Hearing her small stripy friend tell her this the lioness princess replied, "all right! But you be careful!"

Nodding at this in reply quickly Kiara took her exit as she ran a safe distance away and as she did Nozomi rushed forwards to face the horrible salamander as it came blazing towards her and Cait sith.

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Watching from above as the destruction was spreading everywhere as it glowed beneath their paws Zira smiled with sweet satisfaction as she spoke aloud, "the plan is in motion!"

Her stoic son sat next to her as he watched the destruction himself, he said nothing as he continued to gaze on at the blazing fire below.

Arriving then quickly Jona looked on at the events that were transpiring and as she did she said,"well looks like the fireworks are certainly lit here huh?"

Zira hearing her smiled at her, "Jona..."

Seeing that her adoptive mother was in a happy mood she replied to her, "well hello to you too!" With that she then stood next to her to observe things as well.

As she did Zira asked her, "so? What's that overweight fool doing now?"

Looking at her for a brief moment Jona then looked back again as she watched the keybladers continue to struggle, with that she answered "buildin' up reinforcements as he calls it... but then I guess I don't need ta feel ya what he means by that huh?"

Hearing her Zira simply smiled as she remembered in the past how Pete created more heartless and so simply she shook her head and replied, "no... indeed you don't."

Smiling herself with no care whatsoever Jona looked below again and watched as the dramatic events continued to unfold and as they did she spoke aloud again, "well lets see who's gonna be the shini' star at the end of this party huh?"

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"Right there lass!" Cait sith shouted out loud as he clung tightly to her fur.

Nozomi then dived straight in with her keyblade still in her mouth as she went to strike a salamander down. But the creature quickly sensing her once again bit its own tail as it quickly sped out of the way of her oncoming attack.

Crashing into the ground again with soot and dust entering her mouth and nose Nozomi spat making her keyblade vanish in moments, "yuck! Pew! Ah!" Then looking she saw the heartless again as it had now released its tail again and as it did she gazed as it with irritated eyes as it roared at her.

Angered she gritted her teeth, "gggrrrr! I'll get you!" With that she ran forwards after it as it mocked her further by wheeling away from her! As it raced away Cait sith spoke from her back, "lass just plain old smack and whack ain't gonna cut it here! This is a case for spell castin' here!"

Hearing her Nozomi told him annoyed, "I know that! I know but how can I-"

"Nozomi!"

Suddenly from behind her a familiar voice called but before she had the time to respond suddenly there was a flash of red! Then-

"Blizzara!"

With that all at once there was another flash of blue/white light and as this occurred there was suddenly a beastly shriek as the salamander that had snuck up from behind to attack her had been frozen by the great optimist of the team.

Seeing him in the air Nozomi then cried out happily, "Mickey!" But then as she looked at him she saw something else, something that was held tightly in his long tail!

With it he smashed into the heartless turning it into dust in moments! Then quickly arriving on the ground with worry Mickey hopped over to her as he asked, "Nozomi you okay? That thing didn't get ya did it?"

Breaking out of another moment of awe Nozomi shook her head as she quickly replied to the king and told him, "oh what? Yeah I'm fine your majesty! I'm-"

"Lass! Mouse cheeks!" Cait sith quickly then called them both out of their little discussion for now around them the remaining four salamanders had them surrounded!

The two keybladers with their backs to each other were silent as they saw now that the ring of fire that these monsters had created was now raised highly and wide covering a massive area leaving them, Kiara and Riku now with no way to escape!

Smoke was now also beginning to raise high which was now also making it even more difficult for them now to breathe! Things were becoming dire! What were they all supposed to do now?

Breathing hard now struggling against the smoke that was surrounding them thickly Mickey then spoke of even more bad news, "Nozomi!"

Turning to him worried she asked him, "what your majesty? What's wrong?"

With that he told her, "I've only got enough magic to cast one more spell! After that I won't have anythin' else!"

This was bad! Really, really bad! They had to do something! Thinking quickly she searched her brain for an idea! Anything at all! How could she cast a spell and wield a keyblade at the same time? How-

Then it came to her! Looking back to the king she saw his long dark tail moving again and then looking to her own tail she made it sway to and throw, could she possibly?

Silently getting anxious Cait sith watched as the salamanders were now gathering around them tightly, clearly getting ready for a huge onslaught as their red f;ames started to all join together and raise up high. Whatever was coming he did not like! For he did not want to be chargrilled! Then looking down for a moment he saw Nozomi's head was down and as he saw this he recognised a certain look in her eye as he asked, "lass have ya thought of somethin'?"

At that moment Nozomi raised her head as the idea came together and at that moment the salamanders all roared loudly as they were now all going to begin their synchronised onslaught! Quickly feeling the danger in the air she spoke quickly, "Cait sith!"

Surprising him though in a good way he asked, "what lass?!"

Nozomi then continued, "I want you to run over and get Riku back here! We're gonna need an extra pair of paws to make this thing work!"

Pausing for a moment then looking up and seeing this deadly ring of fire that was burning from the salamanders completely put the small Scottish cat on edge as he asked her appalled, "lass ya want me to run through that ring of fire!? What've-"

Focused fiercely Nozomi then told him, "you're the smallest one amongst us! You can evade them quickly! I can't send Mickey through that because I need him for my idea!" Then looking at him she told him, "Cait sith you've got to do it! Please!"

Hearing the word 'please' surprised him but then looking to the salamanders again he had a real sense of dread about this! But knowing the severity of the situation... he lamented! "All right then! Fine lass! Fine!" With that he jumped off of her head as he dug his heels into the dirt getting ready for a sprint and a half! Then looking up he could see the salamanders all growling with anticipation and before he took off he told her, "if I get me tail singed! Ya gonna get the hair pullin' of ya life lass!"

With that Cait sith ran forwards and with that the heartless all at once started breathing fire at the small cat as they each tried to grab him with their claws and spiky tails!

As he sprinted into the distance and the salamanders all piled over each other ferociously trying to get their prey as he jumped in-between them. As this occurred both tiger cub and kangaroo mouse heard him cry out, "hey! Ow! Ouch! Get off! Move it ya! AGH!" With that it quickly faded away as Cait sith made it and was now making his way towards Riku!

Seeing this done Mickey hearing that she had had an idea asked her, "what've ya thought of Nozomi?"

Looking to him for a moment and then back to the salamanders she saw that they were now all concentrating on them both again and seeing quickly that they were beginning their fiery preparations told him, "okay? This is what it is!" With that she then bent down and whispered into one of his long ears to tell him what her plan was...

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Gazing above still watching as the events continued to play out Jona had now laid herself out as the smoke continued to billow from below. She smiled as she saw the small black and white cat run across in a blazing hurry. It was also particularly funny when the tip of his tail had caught on fire! Letting out a little giggle she murmured "well now? That's what ya'd definitely call a tail blazing venture!"

Watching himself Kovu had been mainly quiet up until now but looking he saw that the striped cub and mouse creature were now surrounded by the salamanders and making this observation he spoke "well looks like those things will finish those guys off before I will."

"Indeed..." replied Zira but then everyone became quiet again as it seemed that the small black and white cat had made it to the silver coloured lion cub who had dispatched the salamander he'd been fighting against. Then as they watched them both run forwards to try and join and help their comrades they waited to see how this battle would pan out.

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Running fast chasing after Cait sith as he led the way Riku hoped that they would both make it in time! Running fast as he chased after the small cat he gritted his teeth hard as he heard the small cat call out to him, "c'mon lad! Move ya tail! We need to get 'em out of the fire and back on ta the counter!"

Riku then replied back, "I know Cait sith! I know! Now c'mon!" Chasing hard still after him and looking into the distance Riku then thought to himself, 'Nozomi! Mickey! Please be okay!"

Then as this thought came to his mind there was suddenly a huge beastly cry as a huge pillar of fire suddenly erupted into the air! Seeing the horrible fire fly up Riku became horrified as did Cait sith who cried out, "mates!"

Kiara arriving quickly becoming just as shocked herself cried out, "what's happened!? Where are the others what-"

Then the fire suddenly died away leaving nothing but fading embers falling in the air and at once there was a huge series of roars as the beasts brimmed with satisfaction!

This couldn't be true! They wouldn't be defeated by this! They shouldn't of-

"You think you got us with just that!" Suddenly looking above it was then the two lions and cat saw them in the air! For they had leaped up together using Nozomi's power as her wings were now alit and shining from her hind legs allowing them to float out of the way of the hellish eruption.

Seeing them there Kiara called out joyfully, "Mickey! Nozomi!"

Looking up at this himself Cait sith called out, "ha! Now that's how ya do it! Nice goin' lass!"

Feeling relief welling up from within him himself Riku spoke aloud, "Nozomi! Mickey!"

In the air holding onto one of Nozomi's legs Mickey asked her as he saw the heartless look at them all both amazingly shocked,"shall we get to castin' now?"

Smiling herself glad to see her idea had worked Nozomi then replied, "yeah let's!"

With that the king let go of her and then spinning in the air they both summoned their keyblades and Nozomi putting her idea further into motion tossed her keyblade down in moments and quickly her tail looped itself around its hilt and holding it tightly she spun it around as she cried out loud, "Blizzaga!"

With that the ice spell circled around and struck all the heartless in moments in an a powerful icy blast! It came at them faster than they could wheel away! Then in seconds they were all frozen stiff as they were turned into living ice sculptures!

Looking behind her Nozomi called out, "Mickey now!"

Nodding quickly impressed that her idea had worked the king replied, "okay! With that he summoned his own keyblade as he caught it too with his own tail and in seconds he spun the weapon around as well as he cast out loudly, "Thundaga!"

With that the powerful lightning spell flowed out in seconds and quickly struck all the heartless in moments creating tremendous damage in seconds!

Seeing that it had worked Mickey cried out, "that's done it Nozomi!"

Nodding quickly at this she smiled then looking down she saw the last person needed to finish the whole thing! She called out to him, "Riku!"

Seeing what both tiger and mouse had done Riku, Kiara and Cait sith had been gobsmacked but then hearing her he looked up and as he did Nozomi told him, "get them now!"

With these words he knew what to do in moments so he made his reply, "right!" Then racing forwards passing Kiara and Cait sith he charged as he shouted out madly to the heartless, "take this!" With that his keyblade was summoned in moments as he quickly slashed and sliced left and right in a matter of seconds through the last four salamanders! With that as his attack finished his keyblade vanished and in moments the heartless all dissipated and faded to dark dust as they all faded away into nothing. Thus finishing the battle! Victory was theirs!

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Seeing these turns of events that had occurred even Jona's eyebrows raised as she spoke aloud, "oh would you look at that? Looks like they've served up those slippery slugs on a platter huh?"

However not responding to the joke it was clear that Zira was not pleased by these events! For these heartless had just showed that they were still as useless as they were before! Nothing had changed and now-

Kovu however then spoke up,"true... but the danger is something they still haven't evaded."

Hearing this Zira looked back and then saw what Kovu had meant and taking account of this observation she grinned evilly again and as she did she knew it was time! "Indeed! Now the both of you! Go now!"

With that hearing her both Kovu and Jona got up in moments and as they did the earring wearing lioness spoke to her still in her amused mood, "all right mama dearest! We'll make you proud!"

Then just before the dark prince and her left Zira reminded them both, "now don't forget! Stick to the goals you have been set! Do not fail us!"

To which in reply Jona simply smiled confidently while Kovu nodded once in absolute seriousness then with that both lioness and lion left Zira as the plan was beginning to be properly to be put into motion.

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Having arrived back on the ground Mickey and Nozomi were greeted by Kiara, Riku and Cait sith by a huge wave enthusiasm which made both keybladers react with embarrassed modesty.

Cait sith on Nozomi's head now smacked her as he told her, 'but lass comin' up with an idea like that! That was total genius!"

Nozomi then replied with a slight awkward laugh, "ha, ha! Well it just came when I saw Mickey wielding his keyblade with his tail so... it's not really! It more like I was-"

Kiara though spoke, "but that was still incredible! I've never seen anyone do anything like that you guys have amazed power!"

Nozomi didn't answer to this and just blushed a little more feeling the embarrassment increase, but then she said, "yeah but you saved me too Kiara! I mean without you I might have been..." then she trailed off not knowing what to say at all.

Riku simply laughed at this reaction while Mickey then decided to say something as well on her behalf, "aww yeah! Well gosh fella's! It really wasn't anythin' at all ya know? It's just the same like-"

Mickey then stopped as he started to cough again loudly and as he did Riku quickly became worried and as he did he cried out worried, "your majesty!?"

Seeing him like this Nozomi snapped out of her little embarrassed moment as she became worried herself as she asked, "what's wrong?! Your majesty what-"

But the suddenly there was a huge sound of burning and looking around it was then she noticed that the fire was spreading and coming up everywhere!

Seeing this she was horrified and Cait sith then asked flabbergasted, "what the?! Why's that fire buildin' back up? We got rid of them heartless? Why-"

Recovering from his bout of coughing Mickey then answered the question, "the flames have spread out and around fella's! It's become a real brush fire! We gotta get out of here now! Our magic is nearly all gone and we won't be able to stop it anymore!"

Hearing this Nozomi become horribly worried as she breathed out, "oh no!"

But Kiara then decided to take the initiative as she said to them all, "well come on then!" Quickly with that she went up to Mickey and then grabbing him as he continued to struggle against the smoke she put him into her mouth as she quickly whisked him up and placed him onto her back as she then told them all, "let's get out of here everyone!"

Hearing the Pride Lands princess say this in moments Riku responded to her, "right okay!" Then turning he said, "Cait sith! Nozomi! Let's go!"

Nodding at this quickly Nozomi responded, "okay!" With that they all began to flee as various other animals did too as the fire was engulfing everything leaving the survivors to try and find away out of this hellish nightmare.