Chapter CXLV: Tea Please! And The Shining Crystal!

Return To The Radiant Gardens Part V

Nozomi was humming happily as she carried a set of stacked white chairs in her hands, while Cait sith for a change walked down by her side. She was now walking back to the area where the door of time had once stood.

For after an hour or so of getting ready, she and the others had been asked to bring out a set of fifteen white chairs which they divided by five each, then finally a few white tables. These Mickey had decided to bring himself with a little help from a good old floating spell!

As they continued to walk forwards and Mickey kept up the power of the spell, he heard the female keyblader's cheerful hums and he couldn't help but say, "wow! Ya're sure cheerful aren't ya Nozomi?"

Hearing this the small crowned cat had to also ask, "yeah lass? What's this all about with ya?"

To which finally arriving at the spot they'd needed to, Nozomi put down her set of chairs and as she did, she turned around and told the king, "well guys...! I'm mean look! Look at me!"

With that she twirled around as she was revealed to be wearing a maid's uniform just like the one that her good friend Oralee had been wearing! The same colour of gentle pink and creamy white along with the lacy underskirt, apron and frilly headdress with hearts on it!

Nozomi then finishing her little spin in her long white knee socks and warm chocolate brown shoes, told the king further,"I'm wearing a maid's outfit! I've never worn before and it's so cute too!"

At this the small feline chucked as he replied to her, "oh lass what a simpleton ya are to please!"

Mickey hearing this though and seeing how happy she was, couldn't help but smile and reply to her, "I have to agree with ya there Nozomi, yeah it is! And it sure looks great on ya too!" With that he quickly dismissed the float spell, letting the tables and chairs descend down softly onto the paved ground.

Nozomi still happy nodded as she looked at the king and told him, "thanks! Your outfit looks really good too Mickey!"

For the costume he was dressed in, was that of a navy coloured tuxedo, a red bow tie with a white shirt and cuffs along with black shoes on his feet. In this costume he looked very gentlemanly and professional at the same time.

Hearing this the king replied becoming almost bashful, "aww gee thanks!"

Cait sith nodded at this comment as he made his own reply, "yeah! Well I say we all look real good and classy!" With that he stretched his own little red tie proudly that someone had tied around his neck for him.

At this Nozomi nodded as she said, "indeed!"

However a dismal voice then spoke out as it complained, "I don't how you can be so proud about this!"

At this complaint Cait sith along with the mouse and girl turned around as they looked at the final arrival, the small cat hearing the displease in his voice asked, "what's eating you up Snowdrops?"

Setting his chairs down Riku looked at them all dressed in his own Navy tuxedo, red bow tie and black shoes replied, "what do you think?... This is just ridiculous for what we're doing! I mean this is way too over the top!"

Nozomi hearing him say this looked at him confused as she asked him, "why's that? Do you really hate being a butler that much?"

Hearing this Riku asked her, "a butler?"

She nodded as she replied, "yeah?"

Riku sighed annoyed as he told her, "Nozomi I'm not a butler!"

Confused at this she asked, "you're not?"

Seeing he had to explain didn't surprise him as he told her getting irritated, "no! I'm a waiter."

"Oh?" Came the reply, but then Nozomi had to ask, "what's the difference?"

Almost having to roll his eyes at this comment Riku went on to tell her, "a butler serves a lord or a lady in a mansion and a waiter serves food in a restaurant or cafe, it's a big difference!"

Hearing this little summary Nozomi then responded, "okay..." However, "but you're still serving! It's only different in the place isn't it?"

Quiet for a moment as he heard Nozomi say this, Riku then went on to tell her annoyed, "look I'm not getting into a debate about this! Just drop it okay?"

Nozomi at this response could not understand what was biting him as she replied, "fine geez!... " then turning her head with her arms folded, she muttered," I wasn't even trying to make an argument there!"

Seeing the silence coming between them, Mickey simply smiled on awkwardly as Cait sith spoke up shaking his gloved paws as he was symbolically washing off his hands of the whole thing, "same old! Same old!"

Then at these words suddenly a familiar voice spoke up, "ah well I see you lads have managed to get the tables and chairs here safely!"

Immediately forgetting her annoyance, Nozomi turned and saw one of the initiators of their little job, "hey Mr Merlin sir!" She spoke out happily with a wave.

Waving to her, Merlin nodded, "yes! Hello again lass!"

Then as the master magician stopped in front of them all, Cait sith asked him, "so what's on the agenda Merlin mate?"

At this question, quickly came an answer, "well first!" Then summoning his magic wand from his pocket, he spoke out some words, "Higitus Figitus zumbabazing! I want you all everything to go in your place!"

With that suddenly in the burst of a magical cloud, three white table cloths emerged and some sets of spoons, cutlery and floral decorated cups and plates. Quickly these inanimate objects floated to the tables and arranged themselves perfectly in seconds!

Amazed as they saw this feat of magic, everyone was wide eyed! Merlin was truly a master magician as he finally finished off the tables arrangements with three little bottles with water in them.

Everyone was quiet as Merlin put his wand away and as he did, he spoke once again, "ah that was well done if I do say so! Now... we wait!"

Quickly breaking out of her amazement as she heard him talk, Nozomi asked, "wait? Wait for who?"

Merlin hearing her ask, replied with a smile on his face, "our guests!"

"Guests?" Riku asked curiously.

Then suddenly at this word from around the corner a couple of female voices could be heard and hearing them, Merlin smiled as he spoke up, "ah here's a couple now!"

At the sound of the voices everyone stood quietly as they heard them approach and say,

"Hmm... I don't know about that? Maybe we should add this to the lyrics?"

"Really? I thought it would be quite nice for it to be a little more slow at this part, then it'd be a chance for the audience to really get into it you know?"

"Hmmm...okay, yeah I see what you mean! Then yeah let's-"

Suddenly the two voices stopped as they'd finished coming around the corner and saw who and what was waiting for them both.

Seeing who'd arrived Nozomi brightened more in moments as she cried out happily, "Oralee!"

At the arrival of his princess, Cait sith too immediately ran to her as he cried out, "yer highness!"

For there her friend was, dressed in her normal trendy princess attire and next to her was Snow's fiancee who they'd met briefly before, Serah!

She was wearing her long light pink hair in a side twirling pony tail at her right side, tied by a silver hair band. She was also wearing silver earrings, a silver armlet on her right side, a bracelet on her right hand. Finally a lovely silver twirled necklace design was around her neck. She also wore a white vest with black buttons in the centre along with a white long see through waist coat that revealed a red patterned skirt she had on that had black lacy frills underneath. On her legs she wore long black stockings with silver rims around the tops of them and finally on feet she wore a couple of trendy light brown and white shoes with neatly tied black laces.

Seeing her and what she was wearing, Oralee asked puzzled as her lifelong companion jumped up into her arms once more, "Nozomi? Cait sith?"

Then before she could say another word, the excited maid dressed keyblader ran to her and took her hands as she said, "it's great to see you again!"

Quiet as she heard this, Oralee then couldn't help but smile as she replied, "yes it is Nozomi!" Then as her hands were released, she had to ask her, "why're you wearing our uniform? What're you-"

Nozomi then beamed happily as she told her, "we're serving for the day! For this thing that Scrooge has got planned!'

At this info, Serah who'd been quiet then spoke after a little chuckle, "ah I see, so you're the extra hands he was talking about huh?"

Hearing the question Nozomi nodded as she replied, "yep!" Then suddenly she realised alarmed, "oh yeah! I haven't introduced myself to you yet have I! Sorry uh?..." With that stepping back for a moment she spoke, "my name's Nozomi!" Quickly saying that she made a little curtsey as she told her, "nice to meet you!"

Seeing someone so happy go lucky, Serah couldn't help but chuckle a little at this and so she responded to her, "nice to meet you! You probably know my name already, but I'll tell you anyway! I'm Serah."

Nodding as she said this Nozomi replied, "yeah that's right! I've been told you're with commander Snow right?"

Hearing the title he'd come up with for himself as the leader of his squadron, always made Serah laugh! After doing it she told her, "yeah something like that! He's always wanted to play the hero in things."

Nodding at this Nozomi replied, "yeah I can tell!"

Oralee though still felt concerned though as she spoke up and said, "Nozomi..." Silent hearing her, the keyblader looked to her friend as she heard her go on, "is it okay for you to be serving? I mean you just got back from dealing with a door of time didn't you? I mean you should be-"

At this Nozomi then put up her hand in front of her and seeing this immediately the princess of Alexandra was silenced as she was told, "don't worry yourself!"

"Huh?" She asked perplexed.

Nozomi then told her with a bright smile, "we're not overworking ourselves here! We're fully relaxed and happy to do this!"

However at this, one voice had to speak up, "some of us are!"

Annoyed at this grumpy attitude, Nozomi turned around and told him, "oh get over yourself snowball!"

At this description, Serah giggled and then turning to Oralee and seeing the troubled look that was still on her face she put a hand on her shoulder as she told her, "don't worry yourself Oralee! I can tell these guys don't mind doing this for us! Don't feel so overly responsible and worry all the time! Okay?"

However the princess spoke again, "but I-"

"Yer highness it's fine!" Cait sith spoke up as he looked at her.

Hearing him the princess looked down at her small friend and as she did, she said questioningly, "Cait Sith?"

Seeing he'd got her attention he told her further, "I've been with these dafts for ages! And I know 'em when they're reluctant! And they ain't now! They're not one's for puttin' on somethin' just for show! So just relax and let them serve ya! I know they really want to? Right Nozomi lass?" He asked turning back to her.

In moments Nozomi nodded happily as she said, "yep! Totally with eagerness!' Finishing with a peace sign.

Seeing her friend do this Oralee then after a moment smiled as she was finally reassured and so looking up to Nozomi she told her, "thank you for having us! I hope we'll be no trouble!"

To which the happy maid told her, "oh you won't be!" Then gesturing with her hands she asked them both, "now dear guests please take a seat!'

Responding to this immediately Serah told her, "will do!" Then taking the princess's hand she told her, "c'mon Oralee!"

Feeling her hand being taken Oralee responded, "okay!" With that following Nozomi the two of them were led to a couple of awaiting chairs that were drawn out by both Riku and Mickey, arriving at them they both sat themselves down.

Seeing them do this, the king then spoke up as he said, "I hope we give a good service to you girls here!"

Serah then said brightly, "I'm sure you will!"

With that to get things started, Cait sith demanded now seated on Oralee's lap, "all right then! I wanna have a big bowl of creamy milk! Cookies better be included in that!"

Hearing this, quickly Nozomi became annoyed as she complained saying, "hey! You're supposed to be workin' with us Cait sith!"

Immediately the small black and white cat retorted, "I am lass! I'm bein' ya taste tester! So c'mon snacks!"

At this Riku rolled his eyes as he thought to himself, 'oh yeah that's such a professional role!'

Seeing her companion's devilish antics Oralee then told him sternly, "Cait sith...!"

Hearing the disapproving tone in her voice, the small cat looked up to her and then said apologetically, "uh just for the minute yer highness! Ya know I uh..."

"Yo dudes what's happenin'!"

At once breaking the awkward silence two old faces popped up as the cool and laid back Musashi appeared along with his pal and commander Snow!

Seeing the two of them, immediately Mickey smiled as he greeted them as he also waved, "heya fella's!"

Seeing the small tuxedo mouse greet them, Snow smiled as a put up a single hand and said, "hey!"

Nozomi looking at Snow and Musashi asked them smiling, "hey guys! You here for Merlin's get together too!"

Musashi walking over and sitting himself at the same table as Oralee and Serah responded totally chilled, "obviously dude! We wouldn't miss this for all the worlds!" Then turning to his buddy as he continued to walk over asked him, "right Snow!"

"You got it!" Snow responded brightly and as he did he came across Riku and as he did he looked at him for a moment silently. Then the commander of the 'Arcs' simply asked him, "wow! I never thought I'd see you as a waiter! You enjoying yourself doing this?"

The white keyblader still not pleased at having to be what he was simply responded annoyed, "what does it look like?"

Snow hearing this blinked as he didn't really get it, but then Nozomi responded, "don't worry about it Mr Snow! Snowball there's just being a big grump like usual!"

Hearing this Snow looked at her for a moment and then back to Riku as he asked aloud, "Snowball..." then looking at his grumpy face for a moment he cracked up with laughter, "ha ha ha! I can totally see that fitting you!"

Riku was even more unimpressed as he simply stared with absolute irritation at Snow! His gaze could have put daggers through him! But Snow relaxed and oblivious told him, "aww well anyway! Hope you cheer up soon Snowball!" With that he patted the white keyblader's shoulder before walking over and sitting himself next to Serah.

Seeing him sit down comfortably Nozomi watched as Snow put his hand upon Serah's which made her smile gently at him as he simply continued to smile away. Anyone could see that they had a warm strong bond together.

In her mind Nozomi couldn't help but think, 'aww that's so sweet!' Then suddenly-

"No! No! No!"

Turning around instantly everyone looked to see another couple of new faces appear! One of them was obviously agitated as she had her arms folded and was looking annoyed about something, while her partner looked at her awkwardly as she was trying to comfort her.

The one with her arms folded was a girl with very warm tanned skin, her hair though was a vibrant light blue with a silver white fringe and bangs surrounding her face, her dark blue eyes showed her agitation. The clothes that she wore was that of a green shirt with a stripy red and white vest on top of it. Her folded arms also revealed her hands which had silver fingerless gloves then around her neck she had a black choker with what appeared to be a pendant, maybe a moonstone?

She was also wearing a brown belt with a blue side bag at her right side, she was also wearing a brown capris that had red ribbons at the ends. On her feet she was wearing silver sandals with golden rings in the centre of them.

This girl continued talking as she complained loudly,"it was all wrong there! I shouldn't have sent Valefor up to all the roofs to put up green for ribbons! What was I thinking!" The girl complained loudly.

Her companion then told her, "oh c'mon! Alania! It's not as bad as you think it is!"

However the girl clearly not accepting it told her, "yes it is Shirma! It is as bad as it looks!"

The girl everyone saw as Shirma was a girl with short vibrant pink hair and emerald green her, she also had pale white skin that was a huge contrast to her friend. The clothes she was wearing was that of black shirt and on top of it she wore something like a white trench coat that spread to her ankles. The coat had a hood and around it, the sleeves and the bottom of the coat were red triangle shapes, it was held in the centre by a blue gem embedded buckle in the centre of her chest.

She also had white shorts on with gold along the bottom rims of them, they were held up by a brown belt with a golden buckle in its centre. Underneath on her legs she had black tights, then finally on her feet were brown boots with big buckles on them.

Seeing them as they both continued to approach everyone could see that they had a very unique relationship! But seeing them, Nozomi decided to try and soothe things so walking over she greeted them, "uh hi guys, welcome!"

Stopping the girl Alania as she was about to say something more, she looked at Nozomi oddly obviously not expecting her. Shirma next to her though seeing the girl smiled as she bowed and greeted her, "oh hello!"

"Hi!" Nozomi responded as she put her hand up to them, as she did she quickly made her introductions, "I'm your maid serving you today! My name's Nozomi!"

Hearing this the blue haired girl asked, "Nozomi huh?" Then after a moment of studying her she responded as she forgot about her agitation for a second as she responded, "that's nice," then reaching her hand forwards she smiled as she told the girl, "my name's Alania."

Nozomi gave her a one word reply, "cool."

Then Alania removing her hand from her, introduced the girl next to her, "this is my partner! Shirma!"

With that the girl with soft pink hair reached her hand forwards and took Nozomi's extended hand too and as she did she replied to her, "nice to meet you!"

To which Nozomi simply nodded and then removing her hand, a question occurred to her, "hey are you guys part of the 'Arcs?'"

Hearing the question, Alania asked, "oh that obvious is it?"

Nozomi responded, "uh, no just curious?"

Alania then told her with a small chuckle, "well ya got it bang on! Yep we are! Me and Shirma here are in charge of doing the decorating for the carnival!"

Nozomi hearing this asked, "really?"

Shirma nodded as she told her, "yeah... though it's kinda tough tryin' ta choose the right colours for stuff at times and even what shapes look right!"

Alania hearing this nodded and quickly she remembered the green ribbon problem which made her sigh, "yeah... and I guess I'll just have to use one of my summons to remove those ribbons we put up earlier..." with that she walked forwards with Shirma next to her to quickly take a seat.

Nozomi seeing them go made her think to herself, 'they're cool I wonder-'

"Or maybe I should just have Ifrit gry them all off!" Alania spoke up as she sat herself down with a hand under her chin still pondering away annoyed.

Shirma hearing this rather extreme method had to tell her awkwardly as she laughed , "uh... Alania I think that'd be going a bit too far!"

Riku hearing this as he stood behind her chair felt really awkward now as he thought to himself quietly, 'I better make sure never to light this girl's fuse!'

Even Mickey could tell that this was maybe a little extreme to do, but he was very intrigued by the couple of names she'd said, 'Ifrit,' 'Valefor.' Those were names that he hadn't heard in a very long time time! He'd have to-

"Hanahime! Hanahime! Hanahime!" A small little voice chirped out loud.

Turning at this little voice, everyone looked to see who this new person was going to be, at once a voice responded as they rounded the corner complaining, "Ruby! How many time's do I have to tell you! Hana is enough! You don't have to-"

Then suddenly that person emerged! What everyone saw was a rather dazzling sight, she was a young girl with long curled locks of golden honey like hair with countless colourful flowers braided into it. She also had pale yet warm skin that almost seemed to radiate and her eyes were an enchanting yellow, they were almost coloured like amber!

Her dress she was wearing was a simple but yet delicate pretty design, it was creamy white in colour with little lacy frills that spilled down ending just above her knees. Her sleeves were also quite long ending at her elbows with the same soft laces. On her feet she wore brown slip on slippers and around her arm and shoulder was a brown satchel. In her hands she was carrying a bouquet of many flowers. Seeing she was being gazed at made her look back at everyone confused and bewildered herself.

Looking at her, she was really sight to see! Even Cait sith sitting on his princesses lap had to speak up, "wow! She's a real glitterin' gem and a half! Almost as pretty as a princess! Just like you yer highness!" He spoke as he looked at Oralee.

Hearing this his princess told him feeling embarrassed as her cheeks began to blush, "Cait sith please! This isn't the time for this!"

Then suddenly that little chirpy voice they had all heard before sounded as it asked, "Princess!? Someone say something about a princess!?" Everyone then saw who this little character was, it was a robin, a red coloured one which quickly landed on Hanahime's shoulder! What was more impressive though that this little bird could speak perfect understandable English!

Seeing who'd asked the question Cait sith announced proudly, "I did little birdy mate!"

At this answer in moments the little red robin then flew from Hanahime's shoulder and in seconds was fluttering in front of Cait sith as he asked him astonished, "how did you know Hanahime is a princess!?"

Hearing this Cait sith was surprised as he asked rather surprised, "how'd I know?"

The little robin nodded energetically, excited for an answer.

Cait sith then told him honestly, "well I didn't actually! I was just makin' it up on the spot! But that's a real blimey revelation ya've given me there ya know birdy mate!"

Seeing what her small companion was doing made the girl Hanahime sigh and as she did she spoke up as she told everyone there, "he means former princess! I'm not of royalty anymore!"

The little robin flying back to her looked upset as he complained, "but princess!"

Shaking her head with her eyes closed at his sad look she told him, "no! Now that's final!"

Seeing what was going on between both this robin and... former princess, Nozomi decided to try and go ease tensions so walking over she spoke as she said, "uh? Hi there Miss Hanahi-"

Hearing her full name about to be announced the girl cut her off, "Hana's enough!"

Nozomi hearing her say this apologised, "oh? Uh okay! Sorry! Um... anyway it's nice to meet you! My name's Nozomi," with that she extended her hand out to her. She was hoping that things would go a little better now.

The girl Hana seeing Nozomi extending her hand out to her looked at it and then her for a moment, until finally she reached her hand across, still holding her bouquet with her other free one said, "nice to meet you! Sorry you had to see that there!"

Seeing that the girl had calmed down a bit made Nozomi glad as she replied to her, "oh no it's okay! Um, are you an 'Arcs' member too?"

At the question the girl replied, "oh yes I am thank you! I'm the gardener here! I'm preparing all the flowers and bouquets for the carnival, I even run a small shop here!"

"Wow! Really!?" Nozomi cried out happily with amazement.

Hana smiled simply in reply.

As she did Nozomi then said, "wow! I'll have to have a look when I have a chance! Flowers are always lovely to see."

Hana hearing this nodded again as she replied, "yes indeed!" Then quickly something occurred to her as she said, "oh wait a moment!" Then reaching into her bouquet of flowers she made Nozomi look at her puzzled, but after a moment she found what she was looking for!

Walking over she then surprised Nozomi as she quickly placed something in her breast pocket, after she stepped back for a moment, the maid saw that it was a pink curled flower! It was a pretty little thing and had a sweet scent to it as she caught a whiff of it. Looking up to her, Hana was smiling as she told her, "a Sweet Pea, you have my thanks!"

After a moment of amazement Nozomi then blushed becoming embarrassed as she told her, "wow um, thanks to you too!"

In return Hana smiled a little more as she replied, "you're welcome!" Then with that she walked forwards and as she did, quickly dividing some of her flowers she placed a few in a vase upon a nearby table.

Seeing her go quickly the little red robin needed to go catchup to her and so he cried out, "wait up Hanahime!" Then seeing Nozomi looking at him, he quickly made a rushed intro, "I'm Ruby! Sorry but I gotta go catch up to her!"

Shaking her head Nozomi told the little bird, "oh no it's okay! Don't worry yourself Ruby! We'll talk later!" The little robin hearing this quickly nodded and with that he flew to his princess's side once again.

Seeing yet another member of the 'Arcs,' Riku could now see that they certainly had some unique individuals! Then looking on he saw after putting some more flowers in the vase on Oralee's and Serah's table she was now walking towards him and Mickey.

Having her chair ready, he waited for Hana to come over. As she did she looked to Riku for a moment quietly. Seeing her do this, the white haired keyblader asked her, "can I help you?"

Hana hearing this finished her observations as she turned and looked to Nozomi who was looking at them both puzzled herself, but the flower maiden could sense it! Smiling she took one particular flower out of her bouquet and quickly like Nozomi, she placed this flower in Riku's breast pocket!

A little startled at what she was doing Riku stepped back as he asked, "hey what're you-"

Then he looked and saw what flower she had placed on him, it was a white flower. It wasn't quite a rose nor was it a lily, it had a yellow centre and looking at it he wondered what it was all about as he looked back to Hana.

Seeing the confused look on his face, Hana smiled and then walking over she whispered in his ear, "a Gardenia! For good luck... with your secret love!"

Shocked someone had found him out Riku looked at her with wide eyes, however Hana simply smiled amused at his reaction, as she gently sat herself down in her seat.

As she did, Alania told her seeing what she'd done, "still up to your old tricks I see?"

Hana hearing her told her, "what tricks, I only reflect one's heart with flowers." Then after a moment something occurred to her, "oh yeah and talking about that!" With that she took out a white flower which she gave to Alania saying, "here! A violet, for your modesty!"

Taking the flowery gesture Alania smiled as she replied, "well thanks!" With that she put the flower behind her right ear.

Then turning to Shirma she told her, "here for you!" With that she passed a purple flower to her as she told her, "a geranium, for your gentility!"

Receiving it Shirma smiled as she told Hana, "thank you!" With that she held it gently in her hands, happy for the gift.

Seeing Hana sit down and put the last of her flowers in the vase on Alania's and Shirma's table and her handing out those flowers to her fellow 'Arcs', made Nozomi smile glad to meet another kind, generous person like this. As she turned around she said aloud, "wow! She was nice! I wonder who I'll-"

Then suddenly a pair of pale blue alien like eyes stared straight into her face!

Having a flower being placed now into his breast pocket, which was a bigger version of a white Daisy, Mickey looked up to Hanahime happily as he told her, "wow thanks there! Miss Hana!"

"You're very welcome, consider it as a gift for your patience!" The flower maiden told the mouse king.

Nodding as he heard this Mickey replied, "yeah I will and-"

"AAAGGGGGHHHH!"

Quickly everyone turned to see Nozomi had fallen on the floor and was staring up as well as pointing up at an odd creature floating in the air, everyone else was now staring at it too!

It was a light pink lizard creature with three frill like branches coming out of it's head on each side, they were moving almost like the fins on a fish. It was clear these branched frills were the things that were letting it float in the air!

A long single light blue fin aligned along it's back and across it's tail. It continued to simply float there with it's big light blue eyes staring down eerily at her with it's mouth gaping open and shut like a fish!

Looking at it Nozomi asked weirded out, "what?! What the heck it-"

"Poncho! Poncho!" Another voice called out, this one with a distinctive accent.

Everyone was quiet as a new person emerged rushing around the corner as he looked like he'd been in a hurry! Looking at him everyone saw an older man who looked to be in his mid twenties, he was a bit shaggy with a whiskery like beard and a moustache under his nose. He also had long dark brown hair tied up into a ponytail with a couple of long bangs over his ears. He also had warm tanned skin like Alania showing that'd he'd probably been around in the world.

The costume he was wearing was almost like a cowboy's costume as everyone could see a couple of belt gun holsters around his middle. But he was not a typical looking cowboy, the costume was black with silver lines all over it making him rather sleek, even the hat was black too. He also had a white shirt underneath with red long tie around his neck and white shoes on his feet.

Staring at him even Riku had never seen such a character as he asked, "this guy is...?"

However the man looking finally saw what he'd been searching for, "ah Poncho!" Then running over to the pink floating weird lizard, he pulled it by the tail as he immediately began telling it off, pointing an angry finger at it as it continued to look at him blankly, "how many times do I have to tell you!? Don't just float off without me! You-"

Then turning he saw Nozomi still sitting on the ground who was looking on weirdly at the two of them, as she clearly didn't understand what was going on at all!

The man though seeing her turned to the creature as he told him, "you see look! You scared another poor young señorita!"

In her mind hearing this word, Nozomi thought to herself, 'señorita?'

Then the man finished as he told the lizard, "now you better learn ta behave! Or you won't be getting' no chow from me no more!" With that nodding to the lizard hard, his annoyed look quickly changed as he went and bent down to Nozomi as he smiled and said, "my apologies to you señorita! My axolotl camarada tends to get get ahead of himself and causes mischief like this! I hope he didn't distress you too much?"

Hearing this Nozomi was quiet for a moment before she replied, "uh... well he surprised me, but... I'm okay... thanks."

"No worries!" Then he reached his hand to her as he asked her, "some assistance for you?"

At this Nozomi seeing the help offered took it as she nodded and with that she was pulled up back onto her feet. As she was now finally standing again she decided to ask, "can I ask um... who are you?"

The man hearing this question then smiled a little more as he went to answer her question, "my name señorita? It is Juan Perez! A world traveller and right now! I'm an honorary member of the 'Arcs!'"

At this Nozomi asked a little surprised, "you're a member of the 'Arcs' too?"

Juan nodded gladly at this as he replied, "oh yes! Just recently recruited! I'm responsible for tournament matches and a little sellin' on the the side! Just you wait till the actual event! It'll be a blast!"

With that he looked behind Nozomi as he saw Snow sitting at his table and as did, he saw the commander waving to him, seeing this he turned back to the maid as he told her, "you'll have to excuse me now sweet señorita! I need to have a word with my commander!" With that turning to his camarada he called him,"C'mon Poncho!" With that watching him as he went, she saw the odd flying lizard follow after him as it trailed just a little behind him still looking as strange as ever.

Looking him go, Nozomi though found him a little odd she could see that through his courtesy that me meant well and smiled as she knew he wasn't a bad guy.

Walking over to Snow's table the commander of the 'Arcs' raised his hand as he said, "yo! Juan!"

With that in response the arriving Arc clapped his hand into his as he replied, "hiya Snow amigo!"

Pleased at this Snow grinned as he asked him, "so? Did you try and get everyone else to get down here!"

At this Juan put his arms in the air as he shrugged and sighed as he said, "I tried... Sazh's a bit too busy right now with Dajh, Leon and the others too! They'd said they'd come later so... there ya got it!"

Musashi hearing this replied a little sad at the news, "aww that sucks dude!"

"I know totally!" Juan replied a little sad too, but then he added, "but hey! We're all together! So let's enjoy the fiesta together huh?"

Hearing this Serah smiled to him as she replied, "oh I'm sure we'll be doing that!"

Juan in reply nodded again happily and as he did he walked over to where, Alania, Shirma and Hana were sitting. Without any help from Mickey and Riku he simply grabbed another chair nearby, sat himself down with his legs crossed leaning back, with his arms behind his head, fully relaxed!

Seeing him come over, Alania seeing him couldn't help but joke, "happy are you?"

Waving a hand to her, he replied smiling with a wave, "of course señorita as always!" He finished with a wink.

This in turn made Alania roll her eyes as Hana next to her simply giggled, seeing the usual interaction between them.

Seeing that everyone was seated it was then that Merlin nodding said, " all right! Everyone here and accounted for good!" With that he walked a slight distance away from the seated guests, waiters and maid.

With that after a little cough he began his little speech, "all right! Members of the 'Arcs!' And our wonderful working volunteers I have the great delight in being able to-"

"Hold it!" Came an objecting voice!

At once everyone turned and saw a familiar face, as he walked over in his rich blue coat with his walking stick in hand, "yer not performin' this stunt without me present ya old coot!"

Seeing him again Nozomi smiled to him as she said, "oh hi Mr Scrooge sir!"

Hearing her the older duck turned to her as he walked over and said, "oh hi Nozomi lass!" Then looking at what she was now wearing he told her impressed, "wow! That uniform looks a treat on ya!"

Pleased to hear someone giving her a compliment Nozomi replied smiling, "thank you!"

Nodding at this Scrooge turned his attentions back to what Merlin was about to do and as he walked past the table Hana, Shirma and Juan were sitting at. Alania called to him, "hey uncle Scroogie!"

Hearing her Scrooge stopped and looked at her as he replied, "Alania lass! Ya enjoyin yerself are ya?"

To which Alania replied, "oh you bet! It's nice to have a break for a bit!" Then suddenly it occurred to her, "oh those green ribbons you got me and Shirma are no good! Ya gotta get somethin' else!"

Hearing this surprised Scrooge asked, "they don't?"

Alania shook her head as Shirma tired to also add though a little more gently, "not so well... sorry Mr Scrooge!"

With these words said from Shirma, Scrooge put a hand to his duck bill and after a moment he decided, "well we'll have ta have a sort out of that later! But right now!" With that he walked over to Merlin as finished, "we've got a magical performance that needs doin'!"

With that as he walked over to where Merlin was, Riku couldn't help but think to himself, 'uncle Scroogie?' For what connections did Alania have to Mr Scrooge?

But then finally walking over to Merlin, Scrooge standing next to him proudly told the magician,"as you were sayin'?"

To which though he was a little annoyed, Merlin coughed again as he uttered, "all right then!" With that looking at the bewildered yet curious audience that were sitting and waiting. He finally continued his previously interrupted speech," as I was saying! I have the great delight in being able to, with the request of Mr Scrooge here! To treat you all to a feat of magic that has never once been performed!"

With that suddenly he clapped his hands and as he did a big green thick bound book appeared! Then in another moment as it floated between his hands the pages of it flicked through quickly as the powers of magic began to react and move! Sending sparkles and twinkling dust left and right.

Everyone was astounded as this was going on as they heard Merlin speak up loudly, "Hockety Pockety! Wockety! Wack! odds and ends and bric a brac!"

As these magical words continued on everyone watched literally spell bound! No-one could tell what was coming! Trying to see through the enormous pulsating light that was building up, Riku asked out, "What is-!?" Then suddenly!

"Pres-ti-dig-i-ton-i-um!"

Immediately and suddenly there was a huge magical blast! In moments everyone covered their eyes as a sound of loud twinkling and ringing filled the air and as it gradually began to diminish, Cait sith on his princess's lap spoke up, "wow what a light show! Just what was-"

Then suddenly he became silent as everyone else did, as they saw what had suddenly been summoned!

Now on the square where there had once only been the laid and paved ground with the lot of them sitting at their tables. Was a big and enchanting colourful merry go round! It was white in colour with brown lines across it's roof! It also had little flags along its canopied sides which had lovely drapings and inside everyone could see many different colourful horses, inside its centre which all twirled along as it continued to move with enchanting music as it played.

Then behind them all they suddenly saw a pink building pop up with red roofs! It looked like a cafe of some sorts and it seemed to be very elegant and on the top of it, it had a decorated sign that read out, 'Tea Please!"

Looking at everything that had suddenly come forth, there was a big reaction out everyone,

"WWWWOOOOOWWW!"

"OOOOHHHH!"

Seeing what had appeared Mickey couldn't help but speak out, "wow! A real traditional merry go round! I haven't seen one of those in ages!"

Glad to see the reaction he'd been able to get, Merlin spoke up as he said, "oh yes! I was quite pleased when I found that book in the hidden library about this and also what Scrooge suggested when he read about a certain little part in it!'

Nodding at this Scrooge announced, "that's right!" Then clapping his feathery hands he called out, "front and attention lads!"

With that suddenly through the flapping doors of the cafe, emerged four creatures as they dove and slid forwards on their bellies, arriving in perfect order with black ties around their necks. Were a band of four black and white penguins with orange bills and white cloths draped over their wings!

Seeing this everyone was astounded as they all simultaneously called out and said, "at yer services Mr Scrooge!"

Seeing them everyone was amazed with wide eyes and opened mouthed as then Scrooge told them all, "welcome to the second branch of me business venture, 'Scrooge and Crumble! The fantastic magical fun experience of 'Tea Please!' Merry go round cafe!"

It took a few moments for the news to all settle in, but as it did Nozomi was the first to call out, "wow! So we're gonna be working here with a merry go round and a cafe run by penguins!?"

Seeing she'd got it, Scrooge winked to her as he replied, "aye lass! Ya got it bang on!"

At this Nozomi couldn't contain herself as she replied, "wow! This is so exciting!"

With that everyone else began to chatter amongst themselves at having seen this feat of amazing magic! Even Riku himself who'd been reluctant and disapproving of this whole thing from the start couldn't help but begin to think, 'maybe this will be fun after all?'

Pleased that his magic was a success, something else was brought to Merlin's attention as he saw something float up to him from the book, "ah yes! Now the finishing touch!" With that he lifted his right hand and as he did, a bright blue shining crystal emerged and floated from his book. Flying through the air it placed itself on the top of the merry go round and as it did he declared, "now let the fun and games begin!" With that everyone cheered as they went to do just that!

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Watching from their bush both still hidden away, both Peekaboo and Greeble had seen what they had occurred with wide eyes themselves!

Peekaboo seeing that it was a cafe that had appeared licked his hungry beak as he said, "ohhh! A cafe! I bet they'll have loads of yummy snacks! If I just sneak on over maybe I can-"

However before he could move to leave the bush, he was pulled back by his green rucksack making him fall back down as Greeble told him, "you dummy! There's somethin' way bigger here then food!"

Confused by this, the pink overweight chocobo responded with one word, "huh? What do ya mean?"

With that Greeble looked out of the bush again as he spied the glittering crystal on top of the merry go round and as he did he said with an air of cunning, "I think this is something that Miss Irma's gonna want to know about!"

With that before Peekaboo could say another word suddenly Greeble ran past him! As he did the pink chocobo called out, "hey! Greeble!"

But it was too late and not wanting to be left behind Peekaboo quickly went to follow after him as they went to return to the hiding place of their mistress... their lady Irma, the master of the dark tome Bebuzzu.

Hi everyone here's the new chapter and I just wanna say a big thank you to all those who entered my competition! Thanks so much guys! Congrats to the winners and sorry to those who didn't get through! You guys all did great entries but only three could be chosen! However do not despair! I will be hosting one last contest at the end of this second Radiant Garden visit! So stay tuned till then! Okay? ^ ^